mikeymik'd

Has anybody found this in Canada?

1" flows 600 gph, way to small. You would need 2 x 1.5 for 2700gph. I would strongly recommend upgrading your sump size. 70 gal, probably running at half full only equals 35 gallons. Also you are gonna have issues with overflowing your sump when you lose power.

Any updates? Pics of it with growth?

Plastic gutter guard will work.

What lights did you use? What type of screen did you use?

Call your local pool supply companies, Master Pools in Calgary carries it so I am assuming that a similar one in Edmonton would.

Would check out this thread, seems to have worked for him... http://bcaquaria.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16899

The holes work until they get plugged. Your best bet is to make proper overflows.

100% both your input (ie Overflow) and return will drain your tank in a power outage. If for some freak instance it does not, it will overflow your tank once the power comes back on. As previously mentioned, check out the MFK DIY section, in the stickies there is a thread on PVC overflow. There are also several other threads on sump building, to ensure you have it setup properly. I have made a couple of each and once you understand them they are really easy....

Sorry if I missed it but what was your solution to the "poo issue"? And of course did it work?

Looking for an inexpensive source for a 1" PVC Gate Valve (not a Ball Valve), preferably in the Calgary area, although I do regularly travel to Red Deer and Edmonton. This is what i am looking for:

Would strongly suggest MFK, lots of DIY sump threads. MFK

Thanks.....but I am out of town for over a week so that is why I wanted a scanned copy.

Anyone have a copy of the Big Als flyer for Calgary that they could scan and PM to me? TIA

Should have known the grand "Poo" bah would know how to keep the "poo" suspended!

I think the output would be the issue (other than the sand chewing up the impellers). I dont run sand in my tanks nor do I run powerheads so maybe someone who does can chime in. What about a PVC U tube that runs to the bottom? I was thinking maybe using a power head to power it but that could be a disaster waiting to happen.....

Now I know you already have your overflow installed and tank running but the easiest way in a drilled is a double walled overflow. One side (of the 2 that are in the water) has 2 walls with slits at the bottom to suck "poo"" in then up and over a lowered (lower than the other top filtration side) inner wall. I suppose you could retrofit without need of silicone, just not sure how right now. Easiest is a few powerheads to keep water moving, but you might have issues with sand being disturbed. PS Awesome setup

Cheapest and most efficient is a DIY w/d.

It is an awesome looking stand. I do have a couple of questions... What holds the false front in place. If you inverted the stand, using the current bottom as the top, do you think you can make it wider (say for a 4ft tank) without adding supports. Thanks!

The funny thing is I have done that some people like them some dont...depending on who you talk too. I have been also told to run a fluval fx5 as a sump is a top skimmer and most droppings and such doesnt float. Thanks for your opinion though. Using the DIY PVC overflow you can actually have it pull water from the bottom of the tank.

Just wondering how you made out on your move?