My Bigger Piece of the Reef (LotsOPics)

[jnarowe]

I got an old sump with my tank, but it wasn't really usable. That one doesn't look too bad!

[blcard]

I thought about it too late for mine but here is a water check idea,

Run your return line directly into your overflow. Fill the sump and overflow and give it a shot.

This will allow you to check the sump, drain and return lines by themselves, without having to fill the entire tank.

Once they are ok, you can move on to your closed loop.

Can't wait to see more, and of course borrow some ideas.

[Kannin]

Wow... That will save a ton of time. Thanks.

[Kannin]

The holidays are over and I still don't have water in it. I ended up getting 11 days in a row off from work... so, I thought I could get it all done. Boy, was I wrong. First of all... I had to go Christmas shopping on the 22nd & 23rd, because, you know... I didn't want to wait 'til the last minute. Then my wife started giving me the silent treatment when she caught me inside the stand installing these on Chrismas Eve...


Light test...


I didn't even bother working on it on Chrismas... Especially after the crazy looks I got the day before.

Then I got this baby installed in the laundry room...




The rest of the time was spent working on the aquascape which is working out great except for the fact that she caught me in the garage working on it on New Years Eve when I was supposed to be helping her clean the house for the party... and, I ran out of rocks. So, now I have to wait a week for another 50 lbs from Marco.

[jnarowe]

You are doing great work, even if it is under duress. Tell her you're an artist and to back off!

[Kannin]

I think she thought I was obsessed until I started taking photo op breaks in the middle of my projects. Now she thinks I'm certifiable.

[jnarowe]

All you have to do is bring her over here, and she will think you are totally normal.

[Kannin]

You never said I could bring my wife. If you divide my tank volume into yours and rould up... that means you're 5 times as nuts as me.

[rpeeples]

Originally posted by Kannin
I think she thought I was obsessed until I started taking photo op breaks in the middle of my projects. Now she thinks I'm certifiable.

LMAO.....My wife thinks the same. She would actually have to call her friends and describe the ordeal she was witnessing.

I will tag along for your journey.

[Kannin]

I've seen digital timers in some build threads. It seems like I have seen some nice, compact black ones. I don't like the limited selection at THD. Does anyone know where to find them?

[jnarowe]

Originally posted by Kannin
You never said I could bring my wife. If you divide my tank volume into yours and rould up... that means you're 5 times as nuts as me.

When you see my skimmer in person, you'll probably upgrade that to 10 x as nuts.

Why do you need a digital timer? I have had nothing but bad luck with them. Personally, I feel the Current USA Timer is the best one for reef keeping. It is simple, very reliable, and cheap. There are much better industrial ones, but for my dollar I use these.

[Kannin]

where can I get this beautiful timer?

[erics3000]

He put a linkin his post. Click where it says Current Usa Timer..

[jnarowe]

They are available from all sorts of Aquatic suppliers.

[Kannin]

Found 'em. Found some good prices on heaters and powerheads too. Thanks.

[SVTour]

Originally posted by jnarowe
When you see my skimmer in person, you'll probably upgrade that to 10 x as nuts.

Why do you need a digital timer? I have had nothing but bad luck with them. Personally, I feel the Current USA Timer is the best one for reef keeping. It is simple, very reliable, and cheap. There are much better industrial ones, but for my dollar I use these.

I'll need to try one of these...I go through the regular HD timers at the rate of 1 per year. So far, my digital timer is the only one still kicking after all these years

Great project so far Kannin I like the progress on the stand.

[jnarowe]

I just like these timers because I have had so many HD digitals and reef multi-timers go tits up on me. These ones are cheap, easy to have a spare, and I have never had one screw up. They do need to be set to the correct time after a power outage though.

[chrismhaase]

Kannin- First of all awesome work. Secondly, I am thinking of upgrading to a tank about your size and I love the depth of the tank, 30", it gives you so many aquascaping choices. Question for you, I know it is 30" deep, but
1. how far off from the wall do you have it?
2. Is anything running behind it?
3. What is the total depth from the wall to the front of the stand?

I am trying to figure out if this deep of a tank could possibly fit in my living room.

Thanks and keep the progress and pictures coming.

--Chris

[jnarowe]

I seriously question your commitment to the hobby Chris. A real reefer would just get rid of the couch.

[Harleyguy]

Who needs a living room anyway, all you need is a chair in front of your tank

[jnarowe]

Living Room:





Enjoy the warm humid air and the gentle hum of equipment...Now isn't that relaxing?

[Kannin]

I understand Chris... I know my wife would be a little upset if I just got rid of the couch! Plus... where would I watch football?

The tank is 30" front to back and the External overflows ar 5.5" I made the stand 37" front to back just to be safe... and, it will be right up against the wall. All of the plumbing runs down thru the top of the stand. A guy could cut 6 to 7 inches out of the equation by having internal overflows. Having the extra inches in the stand opens up some interesting options too. For instance... my sump is 34 inches long by 22 inches wide and I have installed it in the center area of the stand from front to back.

[mrcrab]

posted by jnarowe:

Living Room:

OMG...those can't be recent pics. You mean to tell me you've actually cleaned the acrylic?

[jnarowe]

no way. those are way old.

[mrcrab]

Originally posted by jnarowe
no way. those are way old.

better get crackin' meeting will be here before you know it and you've got A LOT of real estate to cover...or is that UNcover!