75g Upgrade

[Lee_Bay]

Well after putting off finishing the stand all summer, a small fire under my 38 inspired me to get off my butt and finish the stand for the 75g.
Plans were to top the stand with crown molding, but my lack of ability changed the plans for me.

I decided to go with a white stain, but I don't want the stand to BE white. The picture in my head is blurry, but what I have right now appears to be close as far as color goes. I'm almost afraid to put another coat on because I don't want it to be too white, but I'll let the wife make that call when she gets home.

Enough talk. Here are some pics and I would appreciate an opinion or two. Thanks.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0556.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0557.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0558.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0559.jpg

9http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0560.jpg

[jmccown]

I think it looks outstanding so far. What are you going to do for door and side coverings?

[Lee_Bay]

Funny you sould mention that. I was just online trying to find a website I thought I had saved but can't find right now. If I find that site, I'm gonna order doors for the front and both sides. Seems like they were $12 and $14 per door. Well worth me not having to make them. I'll order unfinished oak and stain them to match the stand.

[Lee_Bay]

Found the website for the doors in case anyone is interested. I haven't used them yet, but have heard several people here on RC are happy with them.

http://www.cabinetdoorsandhardware.com/

I will post what I think of their service and quality after I receive the doors just so everyone will know.

[Lee_Bay]

Didn't get to work on the canopy or get another coat of poly on the stand yesterday. I did work on the electric a little bit, but it's not finished yet either. I won't get to work on it today either.

It's starting to look like I might not have water in the tank this week, but it's still a possibility.

Will post pics of progress when progress is made.

[Lee_Bay]

PROGRESS!!!

I finished the power/control center, got another coat of poly on the stand, and have the back of the stand cut and ready to go on.

I am uploading pics to photobucket now. Will post pics as soon as they are done.

[Lee_Bay]

Finally!!

Here is the power/control center.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0573.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0572.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0571.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0570.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0569.jpg

[Lee_Bay]

I still have to paint the control board.

p.s.- Ever feel like you are talking to yourself??

[jmccown]

LOL, yep. Dang man, it's looking good. That control board is sweet. Very clean looking.

[Lee_Bay]

Thanks!! I knew I could count on you.

By the way..... I love the new fish!!

[crabfan]

I love the control board.

If you run out of outlets on this setup, then I don't know about ya!

[James11]

Looking good, keep updates coming. It always great to see what other people are building and how they do it. Course I'm a picture junky so keep those coming too.

[Lee_Bay]

Thanks for the comments. It's always good to hear what others think about your setup. (good or bad)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10621395#post10621395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crabfan


If you run out of outlets on this setup, then I don't know about ya!

I didn't really put a lot of thought into the outlets, just knew I could get 2 4-gang boxes on there. That's 16 outlets and I think I'll be cutting it close:

1-Return Pump
2-Skimmer Pump
3,4-Power Heads
5-ATO
6,7-250W Metal Halides
8,9-2 Actinics
10-LED Night Lights
11-Fuge Light
12-Canopy Fans
13-Sump Fan(Maybe)
14-Calcium Reactor(Future)
15,16-Future expansion (Maybe more powerheads)

Yep, cutting it REAL close.
:eek1:

[coralreefer]

a small fire under my 38 inspired me to get off my butt and finish the stand for the 75g. Yipes that'll motivate ya.
Very nice work. What are you going to use for a sump?
If you run out of outlets on this setup, then I don't know about ya! Gulp, Dwight I've got 16 outlets under mine and they're all in use. Even with the halides hardwired to the basement. :D

[Lee_Bay]

Thanks Amy



Gulp, Dwight I've got 16 outlets under mine and they're all in use. Even with the halides hardwired to the basement. :D

Wow!! What other equipment do you have that I don't have listed??

[Lee_Bay]

I ran across an old Amiracle Sump. I put the dimensions into the tank calculator and it comes out to be 17.5 gallons. 24x12x14.

I guess I could throw my 38 under there if I decide I need bigger.

[coralreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10626186#post10626186 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lee_Bay
Wow!! What other equipment do you have that I don't have listed?? I was afraid you'd ask. What's really bad is I just remembered I've got 9 more outlets in the canopy.

1. Timer runs a power strip with the vhos (2 plugs).
2. Return pump
3. Closed loop
4. Canopy...3 power heads plugged in up there.
5. Power head (I think)
6. Skimmer pump
7 8. Ozone/ORP controller
9. Grounding probe
10. Fuge light
11. Heater
12 13 14 Calcium reactor
15. Tank fan
16. Covered by heater controller right now :lol:
I also have a GFO/carbon reactor I run occasionally and a ph meter that isn't hooked up.

There's an outlet in the side of the stand too :rolleyes: Had my router plugged in there for awhile :D

[Lee_Bay]

oops. forgot

15-heater
16-grounding probe.

That leaves 14 open for the calcium reactor. Guess that darn near fills 16 sockets.

I may have to eventually combine some things. Fans can be wired together, Powerheads too. I'll be able to manage with 16 I think.

[coralreefer]

Calcium reactor needs plugs for the reactor pump and the feed pump. I've got a solenoid valve on the CO2 tank that takes up another one.

[Lee_Bay]

Then that makes 16, 17, 18. Looks like I may eventually have to add a power strip.

:blown:

Blew 16 outlets out of the water, huh

[Altpers0na-old]

will your 38 fit in it to sump? is it going to be short enough to have some working room?

[beerguy]

bump

[Lee_Bay]

I have 31" inside the stand and the 38 is 20" tall. My doors are 25" tall, so I should have room by height, just not sure I want to take up 3 feet of my 4 ft. stand with sump.

[Altpers0na-old]

3/4 is alot, if your going to put other stuff in....

i think i was talked into using a 30 for my sump, today..

[Lee_Bay]

The canopy is built, but not sanded, stained and finished. I have the lights fitted into it, but took them back out for finishing the canopy.

Here are some pics.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0574.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0575.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0576.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0579.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0580.jpg

[James11]

canopy looks awesome! Where do you have it hinged at, and what type of lights are you going to use?

[Lee_Bay]

Here are some more pics. These are of the canopy opening and opended.

Again comments are welcome.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0581.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0582.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0583.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0584.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0577.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/DSC_0578.jpg

This should allow for easy access for feeding and basic maintenance. Any arm pit deep work will probably require the canopy to come off.

[Lee_Bay]

Thanks James.

I'm gonna have 2 250W Metal halides, 2 flourescent actinics (4ft), and 2 (maybe 3) LED Lunar lights.

The MH reflectors are PFO's I think (got them used), and they hang a little lower than I thought they would. That's why the canopy will probably have to come off for any major work/ glass scraping.

[James11]

I like the piano hinge in the middle it gives the canopy a nice sleek look with no doors, plus the seams are hidden. Great job, where do ya live, you can build me a new stand when your done with that one :D :lol:

[Lee_Bay]

I live near Ashland.

I doubt you'll want me to build it for you. This has been going on all summer. Besides that, If you get up close, the details probably look like poopy.

[James11]

Thats alright, I've been talking about setting up this 40 gallon at my house that I bought over a year ago, still haven't decided if I'm going to use it or not. I may buy a new display tank and re-do the whole design. Thats how things go, can't always get the free time we want to work on things, plus it seems like when I get free time I want to relax and do nothing. Anyways from the pics everything looks good. Can't wait till you get some water in it.

[coralreefer]

Another awesome here :D
The canopy looks really good Brian.

[fishmon]

This is UBER cool my friend!! I love the way the stain turned out and can't wait to see the doors. Oh and by the way you could add another 8 outlets w/ a reefkeeper if you want???? Seriously, very nice job man, stop by my basement when you get done w/ your wiring. I could sell those stands and canopies in the store they look so professional, and thats no joke! AWESOME!!!!!!!

[Lee_Bay]

I hate plumbing!!!

[fishmon]

We need some pics of that plumbing too.

[Lee_Bay]

It won't be pretty, but I'll take pics. Tank is starting to clear a little. Got the water circulating, powerheads on, skimmer skimming (heavily), ATO hooked up to compensate for the heavy skimming. I'll take some pics tomorrow and post them.

Got the doors on tonight. Will mount the lights tomorrow and put the canopy on.

Next comes the cheap part of the hobby.... stocking the tank... lol.

[Lee_Bay]

Okay, tank was pretty clear this morning,, not crystal clear, but better than last night. I went to smooth out the sand and .... right back where I was last night. Milky water. Makes me think I should really stir the sand a lot until most of that cloud making stuff is gone.
Skimmed several gallons overnight. The ATO worked great.

Here are some pics.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank1.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank5.jpg

Here is that plumbing shot you asked for Jim.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank3.jpg

and another
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank4.jpg

Here is what was skimmed over night.. Milk it does a body good.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank2.jpg

I'm off to work on mounting the lights and fans in the canopy.

[Lee_Bay]

Oh I forgot to mention the doors. I posted the link earlier where I ordered them and said I would give them a review for anyone interested.

I was completely surprised at the quality of the doors. Definitely exceeded my expectations. Delivery was quick too. I WILL buy doors from these people again.

Here is a pic. I'll post more later.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank5.jpg

[Altpers0na-old]

you stink

[Lee_Bay]

Okay. Lights are in canopy, canopy is on.

WHEW!!!!!

I'm glad the construction is over.

pics to come.

[billsreef]

Test.

[saycheessee]

Oh WOW!! That looks wonderful!! Let's see it with the lights on... Can't wait! Do you build for anyone else??

[Lee_Bay]

Okay I have some more pics and the thread un-locked-up for the third time.

Here is the tank with canopy with all lights on.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank19.jpg

With Actinic only

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank17.jpg

Canopy shot

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank16.jpg

Control Panel with ballasts mounted

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank14.jpg

[Lee_Bay]

More random shots, Canopy open, lights on/off, different lights.....

Just random stuff.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank6.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank8.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank9.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank12.jpg

Here are the LED moon lights.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank11.jpg

[Lee_Bay]

I've got 47 lbs. of live rock in there now. Some of the rock from my 38 will get transferred to the 75, but not much of it. The 38 has LOTS of mushrooms and LOTS of Kenya tree. I don't think I want either in the 75 as I plan for it to be a SPS dominant tank.

I'll post more pics when I get more rock in the tank.

[Lee_Bay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10694239#post10694239 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saycheessee
Oh WOW!! That looks wonderful!! Let's see it with the lights on... Can't wait! Do you build for anyone else??

Thanks for the kind words. I don't think I could build for anyone else. I have enough trouble doing it for myself.

[Lee_Bay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10687387#post10687387 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Altpers0na
you stink

I didn't see this earlier. I guess we posted at about the same time.

and Thanks!!!:D

[James11]

Lee_Bay, where did you get your sand and what kind did you go with?
What kind of mushrooms do you have?

[Lee_Bay]

I got my sand @ Berts here in ashland. Fiji Pink is what it is.

The mushrooms are blue. Blue watermelons I think is what they are called.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/Reef_Tank/DSC_0120.jpg

They are scattered from one end of the 38 to the other. This is an older picture, but may give you an idea.

[James11]

Would you be willing to frag out a couple of those?

[jmccown]

WOW, haven't checked this in a while. Marvelous. This is just awesome. I love the setup.

[Lee_Bay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10705044#post10705044 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by James11
Would you be willing to frag out a couple of those?

I can probably hook you up with a rock (maybe 2) covered in them if you want.

[Lee_Bay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10706683#post10706683 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmccown
WOW, haven't checked this in a while. Marvelous. This is just awesome. I love the setup.

It's no 380 in wall or anything, but thanks. I appreciate that.

Love your tanks. By the way, how is the new queen doing?

[jmccown]

Oh, she's doing great Lee. Thanks for asking. She eats anything that hits the water, lol.

[Lee_Bay]

Water params all look good. Trites and Trates are already 0.

Now the fun begins. Added 4 Blue-Green Chromis, 2 Bangai Cardinals from the 38, a mixture of snails and hermits.

Started transferring corals which are already showing polyp extension.

So far so good.

[Lee_Bay]

I have some softies from the 38 that are not going to the 75. Anyone interested let me know and we'll work something out. I have the Blue Watermelon Shrooms, some Xenia, and some Kenya Tree. Also some of the rock will not make the trip due to the above mentioned softies.

[James11]

Sounds good Lee_Bay, I sent ya a PM. Good to hear that the transfer is going good. Waiting on some pics :)

[Lee_Bay]

My camera is on loan right now so it'll be a day or two before I get to take more pics.

Oh wait. My daughter has a kodak I could take some pics with this evening. I'll take some and post tonight if I get a chance.

[jmccown]

I'd like to add some softies to my big tank. Do you have any FREE stuff, lol?

[Lee_Bay]

Man I miss my camera.

[Lee_Bay]

Got the camera back.

Here are some full tank shots
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank22.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank22.jpg

[Lee_Bay]

I need more rock, but it'll have to wait for a week or two.

Here are some shots of some of my frags. Can't wait for them to grow up.

This isn't as green as the mother colony, I'm hoping the better lighting in the 75 will bring it around.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank36.jpg

Still need to mount this orange cap.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank35.jpg

Purple Tort. I am surprised the camera doesn't show the colors as vibrant as they are.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank34.jpg

Some kind of potato chip thingy.
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank32.jpg

Yellow scroll
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank31.jpg

[Lee_Bay]

cucumber
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank30.jpg

serpent star
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank29.jpg

clam
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank28.jpg

some encrusting yellow sps
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank27.jpg

This acro is REALLY BRIGHT GREEN
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank26.jpg

pink birdsnest
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank24.jpg

More

rose acro of some type
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank25.jpg

crayola coral??
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p187/salyersfam/tank23.jpg

[Lee_Bay]

Well that'll probably be all for a while. Got to wait and let the funds regrow (kinda like I fragged my savings account :))

Let me know what you think.

[Altpers0na-old]

you know your lfs has a new shipment or rock in....:rollface:

[beerguy]

...

[Lee_Bay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10756480#post10756480 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Altpers0na
you know your lfs has a new shipment of rock in....:rollface:

I saw that. Would love to have some of it, it looks great. But like I said, my savings account is seriously fragged right now. Need to let it regrow a little befor fragging it again.

I put about 20 more snails and 12 blue leg hermits in there last night along with the cuke and the serpent star. I'm hoping they will keep the sandbed clean and sparkling!!:D

[Altpers0na-old]

grr typo

[mhurley]

.

[Lee_Bay]

I fixed your typo in the quote for you.

[Lee_Bay]

Everything seems to be doing well. I'll get the first water change out of the way tomorrow.

[James11]

any updates

[Lee_Bay]

I'm afraid to say things are going good. I'm satisfied. Skimmer is skimming a lot more than I expected it to be. I don't think my bioload is all that high, but maybe it'll settle out a little.

Temperature was getting a little higher than I would like, so I went to wal-mart and bought a clip on fan to blow across the sump. that seemed to help a lot. I'm probably gonna get a temperature controller to turn the fans on or off based on the water temp. (I may build a controller instead of buy... Pretty simple circuit, and I have relays left over from my ATO build.

Got some new frags too. I'll post pics in a day or two.

Thanks for asking.

James11, you've got a PM.

[Altpers0na]

be afraid, be very afraid,

o ya, ima break ur thread. :)

[Lee_Bay]

What happened to wwwavatar???

[Lee_Bay]

and how come you didn't break the thread as altpersona???

[Altpers0na]

they became one

i think what happened is, altp was removed... and www was renamed and the post count modified... and viola no breaky the threads...

[beerguy]

:thumbsup:

I still can't see what was wrong with the old profile....but at least this one works now.

[James11]

How are things going? GOt anythihng new in there yet?

[Lee_Bay]

Two months into it and things are still okay..... except for the calcium levels. Even with water changes, I can't keep the ca level up and I can tell by looking at the corals. Not that they don't look healthy, they just don't look happy. Colors aren't as bright, no signs of new growth in that last couple of weeks.

And so the money pit gets deeper. A calcium reactor is in my near future.

As for anything new, I added a blue spot jawfish. An absolutely beautiful fish that I only saw for 2 days until it found a better hiding spot. Haven't seen it since, but I keep seeing new holes dug in the sand under the rock so I know he's there. At least he was cheap ($150.00):eek1:

I'd post a pic, but I can't find him. look him up though, he's cool.

[Altpers0na]

i still think tums will do the trick... or a cuttle bone... or raw reactor media in the sump under a skimmer driven water fall...

my calcium levels are great w/ a cuttle bone, but admittedly thats w/ our birds...

[coralreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11036067#post11036067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lee_Bay
Two months into it and things are still okay..... except for the calcium levels. Even with water changes, I can't keep the ca level up and I can tell by looking at the corals. Not that they don't look healthy, they just don't look happy. Colors aren't as bright, no signs of new growth in that last couple of weeks.
Water changes aren't a great way to keep up with your calcium demand but what salt are you using? IO is low in calcium to begin with usually around 360-380. RC somewhere around 420. Oceanic runs 500+ but then you'll have problems with low alk :lol:

You could dose a 2 part supplement for now. I used the DIY version before I got the ca reactor. Still use it on the nanos.
i still think tums will do the trick... or a cuttle bone... or raw reactor media in the sump under a skimmer driven water fall... Baking soda and driveway de-icer work fine :D

[Altpers0na]

somehow im more comfortable w/ tums than i am with driveway deicer...

[coralreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11044090#post11044090 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Altpers0na
somehow im more comfortable w/ tums than i am with driveway deicer...
LOL there was a time I would have agreed with you. A few years ago Randy Holmes-Farley tested several different brands of de-icer to prove they weren't reef safe since some folks were using it. He was very surprised to find a few that were fine to use. Of course many were not. He also found dowflake/pealadow was equal to if not slightly better than many commercial hobby products. There are very few "experts" I trust in this hobby but Randy is one.