Thanks for the nice comments, guys.  I hope to really concentrate on the tank now that all the remodel work is done.  I am hoping to finally add more  livestock, move the corals down and improve all the support equipment.  I can't wait to start the next phase.  Well, actually I guess I did as there were two new corals added very recently

I too have not been a fan of softie tanks but yours is really pretty! Funny, my ro is set up the same way as yours and my poor husband has to carry 5 gallon buckets up and down the stairs!

You could save a little cash on the sump lighting if you wanted. I have mine on a reverse period like yours, but I run a clip on shop light with a spiral bulb on it. I can look at the brand and spectrum if you're interested. It never gets hot (which is a plus in the summer) and is very energy efficient. Chaeto grows like mad under it too.b

This is my attempt to use a photo and the paint program to think out my plan for the tower of tanks I am hoping for.  I am hoping this will simplfy my water changing challenges.  I would really love to hear any thoughts you have about how to improve the set up.

That is one sweet setup.

Victoria, I can't read the print on the front of your tanks. My bifocals simply are not working that well.

RJ,

It says "ATO" on the middle tank and "New Water Mixing" on the bottom tank.  Time for new bifocals?

Fish Tales  

Fish Tales said :

RJ,

It says "ATO" on the middle tank and "New Water Mixing" on the bottom tank.  Time for new bifocals?

Fish Tales  

ps...Thanks for the LARGE Font...

SORRY ABOUT THAT.  When I shrunk that picture the words rather disappeared, didn't they?  BUT what about the set up, do you think the tower is a bad idea?  I kind of think I want the water to flow to the sump for a water changes just by gravity, opening a valve to drain the new water into the sump.  I always run into trouble plugging in the pump, and holding the hose to fill the tank.  Water usually ends up where it shouldn't be.  But I also want a refugium to drain water by gravity.  I am going to end up with tanks above my eye balls.  Maybe I should have put the sump lower....Duh.  It is really tough being a genius.  I need to find more threads/pictures of remote set ups.

Victoria, I like the idea. I've wanted to make my water changes easier some how.

Here's a thought from your new saltwater why couldn't you add a pump and hard plumb it to your sump. Then wire it to a switch to simply turn on and off, you could use a simple power strip for that purpose.

I have some small tanks just slightly above eye level. I don't like it because I have to stand and crane my neck to watch the fish, but other than that it's fine. I use a step ladder for maintenance, that's not a pain, I keep it right there for when I need it.

I have a Rubbermaid type stock tub in another room that I use for water changes. I have a submersible pump with a nice long hose and a U fitting that hooks over the edge of the aquarium. The pump is plugged into a remote controlled outlet made for outside lights. I got it at Lowes. I love it, it works great.  I only get spills if I zone out while the tank is filling.

A remote controlled outlet!  That is freaking brilliant!  I never even knew they had stuff like that.  I am going to get one.  Thank you for the idea.

schambers said :

I have some small tanks just slightly above eye level. I don't like it because I have to stand and crane my neck to watch the fish, but other than that it's fine. I use a step ladder for maintenance, that's not a pain, I keep it right there for when I need it.

I have a Rubbermaid type stock tub in another room that I use for water changes. I have a submersible pump with a nice long hose and a U fitting that hooks over the edge of the aquarium. The pump is plugged into a remote controlled outlet made for outside lights. I got it at Lowes. I love it, it works great.  I only get spills if I zone out while the tank is filling.

I was telling my husband about your suggestion, and as it turns out he just bought some of these remote controlled plug/outlets on clearance from LOWES.  He says he was going to use them for the crazy Christmas light display he is planning for next year.  I am going to give it a go.  I think it will solve part of my water change issues.  Thanks a lot for the suggestion!

Sweet! You'll love it.

I hope this doesn't gag anyone...but first I HAVE TO SAY HOW AWSOME MY HUSBAND IS!!!! HE DID ALL OF THIS FOR ME...I JUST LOVE THAT GUY!

We rearranged the remote sump, re-plumbed the drain, and return lines (twice, because I turned on the pumps early, and we had a couple leaks.  I can not believe I am not buried in the bank yard) centralized all the water change equipment, made space for the QT, refugium, and ATO.  We are a little closer to putting the refugium in line. 

FULL VIEW SHOT

 By adding on this little shelf for the pump, and scooching the sump over,  we are able to place the QT, and refugium on the same bench we built for the sump.  Nothing will be too tall for me to work with.  So excited. Because we did not build the tower for the tanks, husband surprised me with the nice Rubbermaid can with rollers for the water change, and the awsome utility sink in the basement.  I am going to use the remote plug for filling the tank, as previously suggested.

THE PUMP SHELF

This will be the refugium, raised up a few inches on a block of wood, so that it can drain by gravity.  The QT will be the 15 gallon tank, set right infront of 30 gallon. 

Please note the incredible gaget;  the hook, for hose storage.  Why didn't I do this sooner?

THE HOSE HOOK

He even hung the RO filter.

Looking good victoria.  Looks nice and clean down there.  If your anything like me...which I doubt, it wont stay that way very long haha. seeing your posts makes me want to take some pictures and give a full run down of my set up and everything i've been doing and had to deal with.  Keep it up!

Drew thanks, so nice of you.   Looking forward to your updates.  Hey all, I was goofing around with the water change set up, and I am in love.  Filling the 32 gallon container?  a breeze.  Emptying the 30 gallon tank? a breeze.  Doing small water change from sump? a breeze.  Water changes from the display tank will still be a challenge, and need a foot stool.  But that siphoning from the dispay tank is not where I get spray up the nose, knock my glasses off my face or squirt water all over the floor.  I can't wait to do a real water change tonight or tomorrow.  What a geek, I know....

When I see set ups like this it makes me wish I had a basement. Your hubby is definitely a keeper. Looking good.  

Very nice improvement to your system you have there!  Thanks for the update, we'll look forward to thenext one!

Thanks for the kind words, guys.  The positive attitudes, encouragement, and great people are what make this club so rewarding.  Hopefully the next pictures will be of a thriving and growing aquarium. 

Just wanted to share with everyone that we are going to create a fishroom in the basement! I am so excited!  A fishroom!  My husband and oldest son think we are turning the basement into a teenager hangout, and so need to isolate the fishgeek stuff from the living space.  They don't know it is all a covert action planned to get a fishroom!  I will need to condense most of  the fishstuff to a tower like orginally planned as I am losing floor space but now I will have wall space to mount "stuff" to.  I'll post updates as we go along.