118g Tank Project

[Ginzo]

After several months (almost a year) of planning, I've finally decided upon the specifications and designs of my future tank. This will be my second tank.

Note: I previously had a 66g Reef, that I really liked and hated at the same time, since it required a lot maintenance from my part and I didn't have all the equipement proper to running a successfull Reef. My shamefull tank finally died (litteraly) 2 years ago, when the building beside my place caught fire and my place (a small loft) was completely smoked and baked. Luckily the fire didn't spread to my place, but the tank did take a beaten...:sad2:

Anyways, I'm now ready to start my second tank. I've read pretty much everypost I could read in the large tank section of this forum and I've learnt quite a bit ! Since I'm limited in space (I live in a small 900 square feet loft), my tank won't be as big as I would have wished it to be :rolleye1: but still it should be great for the time being (can't wait to move in a house :D).

Here's a brief description of the tank I'm planning:

The tank will be made out of 1/2" Starphire glass for the front and side panels and 1/2" regular glass for the back and bottom panes. The tank has a central-external overflow. The tank will be euro-braced with 6 x 1" holes in the top for a closed-loop. There will be 2 x 1.5" holes on the back-side of the tank for the input to the closed-loop, that will be feeded by a Sequence Dart pump. The overflow has 2 x 1.5" holes that will feed the custom sump placed in the stand beneath the tank. A 4-way oceansmotions will compose the closed-loop and feed the 4 x 1" corner holes on the euro-brace. The 2 x 1" back holes on the euro-brace will be for the return from the sump. I'm keeping the 2 x 1" holes unused in the front for a possible upgrade in the future.

Please feel free to comment my plans !

<b>3D view</b>
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/tank_3d_view.jpg

<b>Top view</b>
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/tank_top_view.jpg

<b>Side view</b>
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/tank_side_view.jpg

<b>Front view</b>
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/tank_front_view.jpg

<b>ISO view</b>
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/tank_iso_view.jpg:)

[Ginzo]

For lighting, I'm planning on using 3 Nova II pendants from Giesemann.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/nova.jpg

They will be placed over the tank with the following configuration:

From left to right:

150 watts - 13k

150 watts - 14.5k

150 watts - 13k

[thrlride]

I think your plans look great and you've thought this through.

I don't believe you will need three halides though, not on a 4' tank. I would also consider 250 watt halides if your tank is 25" tall, you'll have better light penetration which will be beneficial if you decide to keep high light needing specimens in the tank.

[Ginzo]

thanks thrlride,

Currently, I already have two 150 watts pendants in my possession from my previous tank.

I'm considering adding a 3rd pendant 250 watts in the middle, like you say. I made a mistake in my 2nd post and put it in as a 150 watt pendant.

3 pendants is quite a bit, I know :D but I'm thinking of creating a sun rise and fall effect, same as the sun comes up in the east and goes down in the west.

So in the morning when the halides come on, the first halide on the right (150 watts) would come on and after a certain period of time the middle (250 watts) would fire up...you get the idea !

So I would only have 2 pendants on, the most of the time and during a short period of the day the full 3 pendants would be on, to simulate noon time !

:cool:

[kakan]

Your setup sound's nice. Are you building the tank your self or is someone building it for you? Also what kind of skimmer are you going to use?

Kakan

[Wryknow]

Congrats on the new tank! Are you planning on having a DSB or a bare-bottomed tank? It seems like the Dart is going to be creating a LOT of flow (like 20 x water volume in addition to the return?) in a 110, but I'm not an expert on the subject.

[Ginzo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6439534#post6439534 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kakan
Your setup sound's nice. Are you building the tank your self or is someone building it for you? Also what kind of skimmer are you going to use?

Kakan

The tank is going to be built by a professional, I have no experience in building tanks. I'm still negociating a price with the constructor. Should have the go next week.

For the skimmer it's going to be the H&S 150-F2001 :D

I'm also interrested in the H&S 150-F2000IA Calcium Reactor.

[Ginzo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6439969#post6439969 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Wryknow
Congrats on the new tank! Are you planning on having a DSB or a bare-bottomed tank? It seems like the Dart is going to be creating a LOT of flow (like 20 x water volume in addition to the return?) in a 110, but I'm not an expert on the subject.

I'm definitely not going with a DSB, but will instead have a small amout of "sugar sand" because I like the look of it ! :)

But, once the tank is setup I will be testing the flow to see if it's too strong. For the return pump, I'm planning on something very small, that doesn't produce much sound and doesn't use much energy.

[Ginzo]

I've been working lately on my design, just to see if everything will fit nicely together, especially the lights. My tank has been ordered ! :D

Here's some 3D views of what it should look like with the stand and canopy:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/top_bot_frames_cover_fix.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/top_bot_frames_cover_fix2.jpg

I'm also working on the design, to see how the plumbing will go. I'll update soon on that subject.

<i>Funny thing is that I seem to have crashed http://photobucket.com/
while uploading my images:

Warning: mysql_connect(): Can't create a new thread (errno 12); if you are not out of available memory, you can consult the manual for a possible OS-dependent bug in /apache/htdocs/src/connection.php on line 26
A database error has occured: </i>

:eek2:

[Ginzo]

Here's another view:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/top_bot_frames_cover_fix3.jpg

[Brad W]

How does that external overflow box work on a glass tank? Do they just cut teeth like what is done with an acrylic tank or what?

Very nice setup by the way.

[Ginzo]

No, actually you have two options, either the put a black acrylic panel in front and cut the theeths there..or you can use a fish gate that is glued. I prefer the acrylic if you can.

[Brad W]

Cool, thanks and good luck with your project.

[i2ik]

Very impressive Ginzo! Cant wait to see the progression of this project! i just turn on my Oceans Motions on my cube and let me tell you something, the flow i am having in incredible!!!! Amazing flow, i can see some nice waves. Anyways, just to tell you i am very impress with the flow i am having. I will put some pictures pretty soon on my thread in the FO section: http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=701534&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[Ginzo]

Yay ! Just wanted to share with everyone the good news that I just ordered my tank with Miracles Aquariums !

Should be arriving towards the beginning of March !

Hope to post some pics soon !

[Ginzo]

Yay ! Finally, some pics to show off ! :D

Derek from Miracles just sent me some pics of my tank in construction, it's still missing the Euro-brace, but that should be added soon.

Not sure about the white bulkheads :rolleyes: , anybody have an opinion on this ? Wondering if they should be changed to black/grey instead.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/construction-tank2.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/construction-tank1.jpg

[Ginzo]

Just got back an email from Derek (Miracles), telling me that the white bulkheads are used to hold the acrylic while the silicone is curing. They will be changed later on :lol:

:mixed:

[Ginzo]

Some more details about the tank (don't think I had previously posted them):

<b>Tank specs:</b>
49 1/2" x 22" x 25", all edges machine polished, clear silicone with no black sidings, 5/8" tempered bottom, 5/8" tempered back with 1 notch 1 1/2" x 16", 1/2" starfire front and ends, black vinyl on 3 sides to block view into external overflow from back. 1/2" tempered eurobrace all around.

<b>External overflow specs:</b>
5" x 18" x 5" x 21" high

<b>Extra:</b>
Custom 1/8" acrylic cladding over entire back panel, teeth routered where notch is located and 2 holes to match back glass.

[Ginzo]

I've also pretty much decided going with the <b>Bubble King 300 Internal</b> for my skimmer. (It's way overkill, but it's going to be worth it when I decide to upgrade to 300 gallons and more in the near future) :D

I might change my mind and go with the Deltec AP-702 in the end, but I think I might have a problem with it's dimensions...and at that price, why not get the BK !

I like the internal skimmer, since I plan on having the biggest sump I can possibly fit in my cabinet and not having to worry about the skimmer going crazy and overflowing on my floor ! :rolleyes:

Here's the kind of setup I'm looking at reproducing, nice and clean with all my equipement in the sump:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/BlackBox2.jpg

[kakan]

:eek2: Form an H&S 150-F2001 to a Bubble King 300 That's going to be one clean tank. Definitely a good idea to plan for the future.

You tank is looking great. Do you have someone building your sump and stand for you? Also I noticed in your sand plans the top opens to the front is that going to leave you enough room to access the tank?

Keep us updated.
Kakan:)

[Ginzo]

<i><b>
You tank is looking great. Do you have someone building your sump and stand for you? Also I noticed in your sand plans the top opens to the front is that going to leave you enough room to access the tank?
</i></b>

Thanks ! Actually, the stand is already built. It's sitting in my father's garage, because I don't have anymore space at my place. The stand was built by me and my father. I'll try to get some pics of the stand soon.

The BK300 should be sweet ! But pricey ! :eek1:

[i2ik]

That is a SWEET tank! can't wait to see it up and running :)

[kakan]

Any updates:rollface:

[Ginzo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6861521#post6861521 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kakan
Any updates:rollface:

No new updates yet, but I should be getting my tank next week if everything goes well !

During the wait, I'm debating on the equipement I'm going to get for my tank. :D

[jman77]

That looks likes it's going to be a great setup!!! Congrats..

[Ginzo]

Well it's been a couple of weeks I haven't posted here. I was on a trip to London. Since then, I have received my tank ! Currently, it's sitting in my father's garage with the stand that we are planning on finishing in a couple of weeks. We only need to add the moldings and apply and stain the stand. It's still a couple of months before this tank get's any water in it. Still have to do the plumbing, electricity, sump work, etc.

The tank looks great ! Only, problem I see is the dimensions I had asked weren't respected exactly. For example, I asked 22" wide and it's more like 21 3/4" when I measure it. Same thing for the length and high, there seems to be a 1/4" missing. I'm not quite sure what to do about it. I haven't contacted Derek from Miracles Aquarium yet to tell him. Also, I found that there could have been a little more cleanup done for the silicone work, but maybe it's just me. Overall, the tank looks good, well built, etc. It's just the dimensions that seem a little off, when I asked for 22" wide and 49.5" long and 25" high, I was thinking I would get exactly that. It more like 21 3/4" wide and 49 1/4" long and 24 3/4" high. Is this normal ? Can anyone tell what I should do about this ? Atleast it's not bigger, because that would have been much worse, since the stand is already constructed for those exact dimensions. Also, I had asked for black bulkheads and I received 4 x 1 1/2" white bulkheads. I don't know why he would give me that, because it's going to jump to the eye with a black background.

Here's the pictures of the tank with one of the white bulkheads installed:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture001.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture002.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture003.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture004.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture005.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture006.jpg

Here's the pictures of the stand so far that I built with my father:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture007.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture008.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture009.jpg

[Ginzo]

Here's what the stand with the tank should look like in the end when all the moldings are going to be added:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/front.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/iso_view.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/side.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/top.jpg

[Ginzo]

I'm wondering should I put something underneath the tank, like foam or something on the stand ? I know you need this when it's an acrylic tank, but since mine is glass and the bottom is 3/4" tempered, do I need this or can I but it directly on the wood top of the stand ?

[Ginzo]

Anyone have any ideas how I can easily manage to lift my canopy for maintenance in the tank, feeding, etc.

Trying to figure a simple way that wouldn't require me to completely remove it for maintenance.

[Ginzo]

bump

[ReefWaters]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7233103#post7233103 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ginzo
Anyone have any ideas how I can easily manage to lift my canopy for maintenance in the tank, feeding, etc.

Trying to figure a simple way that wouldn't require me to completely remove it for maintenance.


It wouldn't be as "EASY" as you may be looking for, but you could incorporate a steel structure that connects the hood to the base and then have it lift with hydraulic or pneumatic rams! :D That would be really cool. But not easy or cheap.

It looks like you are opening it from the top? No doors on the front? I think you're not going to like that very much. You're going to want much easier access to the tank.

[varibleboy]

Ive been following your thread, is it possible to get some more information on the builiding of your stand. I love the stand you built and was hopeing to be able to build one like it. Any pictures or details would be greatly appreciated.

thanks so much!

[Ginzo]

Thanks varibleboy,

I'm actually adding the moldings to the stand, it's a slow process because I ordered custom moldings that were quite expensive :eek2: but the stand should be great once the moldings are added. I'll try and take a few pictures soon.

I'll also take some time during this week to produce some details regarding the build of the stand.

Thanks !

[ambaratur]

Did you ever hear back from the manufacturer of the tank abou the size differences between what you ordered and what you received?

Your stand looks very nice.

[Ginzo]

Yes, he is suppose to re-imburse a small amout.

[varibleboy]

thanks so much , i was told by you know who that im not allowed to get 'that monstrosity' unless i have a stand that looks like yours ! :)

[Ginzo]

Quick update, slow progress.

Working on adding the molding to the stand:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/DSCF1211.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/DSCF1210.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/DSCF1209.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/DSCF1208.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/DSCF1207.jpg

[varibleboy]

Awesome! keep up the great work.

[Ginzo]

Anybody have some ideas on how I can manage to lift my cover for maintenance without having any kind of "doors" on the canopy ?

I'm trying to figure out a solution for this.

:)

[varibleboy]

theres alot of people on here that have 'canopy lifters' for lack of a better term. most people have rigged up either a pully or counter weight system to raise and lower the canopy . Actually just yesterday i saw a thread on here where someone made an electric version using jack screws and a scooter motor.

[Ginzo]

Thanks variableboy, do you have any links to the threads relating to the "canopy lifters" ?

[varibleboy]

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=851618

there you go

[Ginzo]

Quick update ! The stand & canopy is almost done. Next weekend I'm going to sand it down and the weekend after I'm applying the stains. Should be done before the end of July ! :D Also, I want to re-inforce the interior of the stand, because the tank is heavy !! Here's some pics for your pleasure:

<b>Stand:</b>

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5069.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5070.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5071.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5072.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5073.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5074.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5059.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5060.jpg

[Ginzo]

<b>Canopy:</b>

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5066.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5075.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5076.jpg

[Ginzo]

<b>Tank:</b>

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5077.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5078.jpg

[Ginzo]

Any suggestion guys on what type of stain I should use ?

[varibleboy]

what color are you looking for?

[Michael Mota]

Any updates/pictures on the cabinet

[mg426]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet

[Ginzo]

Sorry, no new updates yet.

Things are going very slow...I should start the staining of the stand soon, because I fall on vacation in 2 weeks :)

[nvert]

Wow Ginzo! You're going to have one sweet looking tank and stand. The time and planning you've put into it so far is amazing. I'm too impulsive and too lazy to do anything so custom. Can't wait to see it wet and living!!!

Brad

[DJ88©]

[moved]

at thread starters request

[Ginzo]

Well, slow progress...but it's coming along.

Just wondering what you guys though about having a third Metal Halide pendant in the middle (see red circle):

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/top_lights.jpg

I was thinking of putting another Giesemann Nova II in the middle, but a 250 watts DE HQI 14 000k instead of a 150 watts DE HQI 13 000k like the other two side ones.

Would the 250 watts be too much for my corals ? I've heard complaints of burning ? Also, not much high inside my canopy, about 9.75 inch, so the lights will be close to the surface of the water. My tank is 25" high.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/front_door_opening_mesurement.jpg

What do you guys think, should I go with another 150 watts or go for the 250 watts ?

[Michael Mota]

I personally think you will be ok with 3- 150watt bulbs. But that just my opinion

[gws294]

Ginzo,
Just found your thread. Great woodworking. Love it!!!
A couple of questions:
Did you ever solve your hood lift problem? If so, how?
What is the graphic/CAD program you use... Looks real nice.
Thanks

Geoff

[Ginzo]

Hi gws294,

Thanks, I love the woodwork also, it's going to look great when it's completely assembled.

I haven't resolved the hood/lift problem, but I've been thinking lately about it. I'll let you know soon if I find something.

The CAD program is Microsoft Inventor. It's a great program for design! But I would go with Sketchup from Google because it's more user friendly.

Thanks again !

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8342308#post8342308 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gws294
Ginzo,
Just found your thread. Great woodworking. Love it!!!
A couple of questions:
Did you ever solve your hood lift problem? If so, how?
What is the graphic/CAD program you use... Looks real nice.
Thanks

Geoff

[HotRod68Camaro]

Awesome stand. I would like to build one that intricate some time.

Just a word of warning. You might think about taking the tank off the plastic saw horses. I know a guy that lost a brand new tank b/c one of the plastic saw horse legs gave out.

[Ginzo]

hehe..don't worry..it was only temporary ;)

[Ginzo]

Well I worked on my stand on the weekend :)

Everything is slowly fitting into place.

Here's some pictures for your pleasure (the tank was a little frosty, since it's been in the garage and it was cold in there !):

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture021.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture022.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture016.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture017.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture007-1.jpg

[Ginzo]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture003-1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture023.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture024.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture025.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture026.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture014.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture013.jpg

[Ginzo]

I think my Camera is slowly dying..it's a old Canon PowerShot 2.0 MegaPixel..sorry if the quality of the pictures aren't great ! :(

[FishyBiz]

Looks Great..... but hurry up! lol

[Ginzo]

hehe I know ! :)

But one of the key elements of this hobby, is patience !

Also, it would help if I had a couple of million dollars to spend...hehe

[Cshradr7]

Quick question thats not related really: What program did you use to make the 3D drawings on the first page? Those are really nice

[ej1698]

Hey Ginzo,

Just chimed in on your thread....AWESOME!!! love the detail. Pending your home furnishing [color] I would go with with a nice cherry finish with like 3 to 4 coats of High gloss poly. SWEET, but that's just my opinion.

Keep up the awesome work

EJ

[Ginzo]

All the 3D drawings and CAD drawings were done with Microsoft Inventor.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8399679#post8399679 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cshradr7
Quick question thats not related really: What program did you use to make the 3D drawings on the first page? Those are really nice

[Ginzo]

Thanks ! :)

Can't wait to put the stain on !

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8400707#post8400707 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ej1698
Hey Ginzo,

Just chimed in on your thread....AWESOME!!! love the detail. Pending your home furnishing [color] I would go with with a nice cherry finish with like 3 to 4 coats of High gloss poly. SWEET, but that's just my opinion.

Keep up the awesome work

EJ

[gws294]

As a woodworker, I'd love to see some pix of your shop.

[pgammon]

Wow, I LOVE the stand!!

[Ginzo]

Well actually, it's my father's garage ! He has all the tools and we have been working on it together. We are actually thinking of maybe taking some custom orders once we get mine done !

One big difference will be that the future stands that we make will have an re-inforced aluminium frame instead of a 2 x 4 wood frame. So it's going to be solid and light ! :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8448893#post8448893 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gws294
As a woodworker, I'd love to see some pix of your shop.

[Ginzo]

Thanks !

Can't wait to show you guys the final product, with the stain and all !

I find that a nice reef should be complemented by a nice stand !

From day one, one of my priorities was to have a nice looking stand, since it's going to be a central piece of furniture in my house ! :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8449217#post8449217 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pgammon
Wow, I LOVE the stand!!

[Cshradr7]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8401720#post8401720 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ginzo
All the 3D drawings and CAD drawings were done with Microsoft Inventor.

Where would someone download such a program? I've searched all of microsofts website and download.com. thanks for your help.

[Ginzo]

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=4246282

Good luck trying to use it, it's not a simple program to use...my father has more then 10 years of experience working in CAD programs, so I've learnt quite a bit from him. :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8449964#post8449964 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cshradr7
Where would someone download such a program? I've searched all of microsofts website and download.com. thanks for your help.

[i2ik]

Ginzo! Very impressive, Love the stand and even though you are taking your time to make this tank working, i can see a lot of potentiel! Keep it up! :)

[Ginzo]

Thanks i2ik !

Sorry if I didn't buy any of your stuff..just had too many things on my hands lately.

I'm most definitely going to get a Bubble Master Skimmer..should check them out ! For the price, they are awesome !

Cya !

[i2ik]

dont worry

Yup a read/saw a lot of thread on that skimmer! Cant wait to see your project going ahead!

[Ginzo]

That's cool i2ik !

What's happening with your project ? I see your in the progress of building a 420g tank ! wow ! :)

Btw, me and my father are might start taking orders for custom stands so if ever you want a great looking stand for your 420g..let me know ! ;)

For sure, it would be made much more quickly then mine, because we were in the process of getting all the tools. :rolleyes:

[i2ik]

;) will let you know!

[Ginzo]

Hey everyone,

Well, since I'm on vacation...I've been working on my tank and stand, here's a couple of pictures for your pleasure !

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[Ginzo]

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[cdentii1]

Wow!!! and to think I thought I was decent with wood... Simply put, Amazing......

[drummereef]

Beautiful tank stand there, Ginzo. That sucker rivals anything Norm Abram builds! :D

[bpd964]

That's very nice.. Good luck with it..

[Ginzo]

Thanks everyone !

I saw a good deal on a sump today, brand new that will fit my cabinet perfectly, got a good price..atleast I think I did :rolleyes:

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[Ginzo]

Now I'm trying to decide what skimmer I will be using, since the section of my sump that is made for the skimmer has the following dimensions:

L: 9.5"
W: 8.5"
H: 15.5"

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Any recommendations ?

For now, I'm either going with the following:

1) Tunze 9010
2) Tunze 9020
3) Deltec MCE-600 (might not be strong enough)

[Ginzo]

Also, I'm trying to decide what pump to get for my return from the sump:

The section of my sump for the return pump is:

L: 10"
W: 7.5"
H: 15.5"

My overflow has a drain of 1.5"

I was tending towards the following in-sump pumps:

1) Eheim 1260
2) Mag 1200

Any recommendations ?

Thanks

[Ginzo]

Well I pretty decided to go with the following pumps:

- Eheim 1262 for my return from the sump;
- Poseidon PS4 (formely known as Velocity T4) for my closed loop that will be fitted with an OceansMotions 4-way.

This week I'm applying the final coat of Lacquer on my stand and it will be ready to ship to my place :)

[NanoGurl]

amazing is right... WOW!

[Ginzo]

Put on 2 coats of Polyuerathane on the weekend:

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The stand is really looking great now !

I also put a piece of foam under the tank:

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[Ginzo]

Also started and almost completed a good part of my plumbing. The plumbing is expensive $$$ !

But in the end, I'm pretty happy with what I got done (I might change a few things here and there):

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[guitar_lord]

Simply Impressive!
keep up the great work and thanks for sharing

[Ginzo]

Hey everyone,

Just wondering, should a Eheim 1262 be enought for my return pipe ?

My overflow drains are both 1 1/2" but the piping is only 1".

The guy at my local LFS recommended me to go with the cheaper Mag drive 12, but I think I'd rather go with an Eheim pump..since it's quality and will be durable !

What do you guys think ?

[albfelix]

go for the German one :D

[i2ik]

i would go with the Eheim and i think its also less heat in the tank.

[tristanbloor]

yeah, I would defiantly go with the eheim, in the long run you will be happy with it. quality, heat and less power consumption.

[Ginzo]

Thanks, for sure I will be going with the Eheim 1262 as my return pump !

[Ginzo]

Made the big move on the weekend:

We moved the tank and the stand from my father's garage to my loft/condo. Damn was the tank heavy ! But luckily, we made the move without too much trouble ! Here's some pictures of the stand in his final resting spot for the next 2-3 years:

Sorry for the quality of the pictures, they aren't the best. :(
I haven't mounted the canopy yet, since I still need to work on some plumbing.

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[Ginzo]

I'm currently double-checking all my plumbing so that the tank is ready for it's 1st wet test next weekend.

I did a very small wet test on the weekend:

I just filled the overflow with water to see if anything was leaking and guess what..one of my 1" inserts on my drain was leaking :(

Well, I realized that I had barely enough tighting everything..so that's why I'm double-checking everything this week.

Plumbing is hard work :rolleyes:

[i2ik]

May i ask why you did not use PVC instead of those tube and insert? I would trust more the glue than the insert only. Nonetheless its really good work you did! :)

[Ginzo]

I used the tubes and inserts for the following reasons:

1) I want everything to be as silent as possible. I have read that PVC tubes can often make a lot of sound... The tubes should be quite silent.

2) I'm planning on moving, maybe in 2-3 years, so I wanted the plumbing to be simple to take appart and redo. When I move, I can easily take off the plumbing and put it back in place once the tank has moved. All I need to take the plumbing down is a screwdriver and a little elbow grease :)

I'm just a little nervous about leaks..but I'm sure I'll be able to get rid of them..eventually hehe :)


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9046075#post9046075 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by i2ik
May i ask why you did not use PVC instead of those tube and insert? I would trust more the glue than the insert only. Nonetheless its really good work you did! :)

[clayspst]

sweet setup where did you get your sump at?

[Ginzo]

Got it from my local LFS, here in Montreal :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9046180#post9046180 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clayspst
sweet setup where did you get your sump at?

[clayspst]

ok thanks good luck with this project

[Ginzo]

Done double checking all my plumbing ! :D

Setup the two Giesemann Nova II HQI 150 watt metal halides.

I'm going to add 2 x Sunlight Supply Tek T5 Retro fit kit lights 2x39 watts with Actinic Plus and ATI Blue+ bulbs.

Here's some pictures (my camera is slowly dying!):

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[Ginzo]

Received my pumps last night ! :)

My return pump: <b>Eheim 1262</b>

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My closed-loop pump: <b>Poseidon PS4</b>

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[danskim]

Have you done a water test yet?
I think the Eheim 1262 might be a little strong for a return, and it might cause a lot of microbubbles in the display...

[Ginzo]

No water test yet,

I do have a ball valve for my return line, so I should be ok to turn it down a little ..if it's too strong.

Also, my overflow has 2 x 1.5" drains..so that should really be enough to feed the pump.

I really hope their won't be any microbubbles..but I think with the flexible hose..it should help a little.

Anyways, can't wait to do the wet test ! :D

[i2ik]

Good stuff! I dont think the 1262 will be too strong, at 900GPH, it should lose some with the elbow and height so you will get around 650-700GPH which IMO is perfect for your tank size.

[Ginzo]

Spent most of the afternoon setting up my pumps and the plumbing required. Plumbing is really a pain, it was hard as hell to get the flexible blue hose on the 1" fittings. A little olive oil and a lot of elbow grease did the trick ! :D But man are my arms aching ! :hmm3: I think it's time to head back to the gym and build some muscles ! :hammer:

I sure do hope there's no leaks !

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[Ginzo]

Only thing remaining to complete the plumbing is the following:

- Adding 2 x 1.5" Durso standpipes
- Adding a Oceansmotions Super Squirt Compact to my closed loop

I was thinking of ordering the Durso standpipes pre-made from the following site, since the price is not bad:

http://www.dursostandpipes.com/

It's only 19.95$ for a 1.5" durso-standpipe all assembled. Not bad, I'm sure it would cost me twice as much to buy the material to make them myself (not counting the time also to assemble them).

What do you guys think ?

[Ginzo]

bump :D

[Ginzo]

Well, just ordered the following items:

- OceansMotions SuperSquirt Compact (with drum version 3).
- 6 x 1" Omni Flex Nozzles (Slip socket, version B - 2 sections)
- 2 x 1.5" Durso Standpipes 19" height, threaded from Richard Durso himself ! :)

Well, hope to be getting all this stuff this week, so that I can start my water test next weekend.

[wintercool97]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9097439#post9097439 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ginzo
Well, just ordered the following items:

- OceansMotions SuperSquirt Compact (with drum version 3).
- 6 x 1" Omni Flex Nozzles (Slip socket, version B - 2 sections)
- 2 x 1.5" Durso Standpipes 19" height, threaded from Richard Durso himself ! :)

Well, hope to be getting all this stuff this week, so that I can start my water test next weekend.


Boy me too!! I am love'n your setup! :inlove:

I am in the research stage of building an 120g and this thread has been so great in helping answer some of my questions. Love pictures, helps so much. Right now plumbing is my hardest decisions. Sorry I don't have any insightful thoughts. :lol: Keep up the good work:thumbsup:

[Ginzo]

Thanks !

I'm trying to keep everything as simple as possible so that maintenance is dummy proof afterwards :)

[Ginzo]

Well, Paul from Oceansmotions called me up today to verify a couple of things regarding my order and in the end he convinced me to change my order from a SuperSquirt compact to a 4-way, since I will be getting a much better output with the 4-way and the construction and quality of the 4-way is much better ! (Great customer service !)

So with a 114$ bucks more, I'm getting a OceansMotions 4-way. :D

Man is this hobby ever expensive ! :eek1:

[Ginzo]

Hurray, I received my OceansMotions 4-way with my 1" Omni-Flex Nozzles. Here's a couple of pictures for your pleasure:

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[Ginzo]

I've also decided to redo all my plumbing :rolleyes: in Sch40 gray PVC. I don't quite like the look of the tubing I currently have and it reduces the place I have under my stand. It's a big waste, for all the plumbing I currently have..but it's going to be worth it in the long run !

[Ginzo]

Installed my Ocean-Motions 4-way and my Omni-Flex Nozzles today and proceeded with my first water test !

Here's some pictures:

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[Ginzo]

I have one small leak on one of my fittings, that I will replace this week ! Other than that, everything looks good !

Should be receiving my two Durso-Standpipes tomorrow (I hope) !

If everything goes well, I might not change my plumbing to Sch40 PVC, since it would require a lot of work..and all this plumbing so far has been a big PITA ! Really !

[wintercool97]

Looks great! Thank goodness that all this work pays off :)

[Ginzo]

Received my two Durso Standpipes today, from Richard Durso himself !

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Great product, for sure I could have assembled them myself for cheaper, but heh :D

Even came with instructions ! Durso Standpipes for dummies ! lol

Only thing that sucks now, is that I will have to completely drain my tank in order to install them. :rolleyes:

Oh well, it's just one more step...

[Ginzo]

Woohoo !

I installed my Durso Standpipes on the weekend and replaced my piece the was leaking and filled the tank completely (with tap water).

I'm really happy, because so far, no leaks ! And the great news is that my system is dead silent !!! :D Really, when all the doors are closed and the hood closed, I can barely hear anything ! The only thing I hear, is a small hum coming from the Eheim pump..but it's barely noticable after a while !

Also, I tested power outages and everything works fine for that !

Here's some pics:

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[BigBadBlenny]

have you had a heat issue witht the poseidon pump? i used a PS2 on my tank and it kept my water at 81 with no heater. with my room temp in the low 70's

[Ginzo]

Don't know yet, I don't even have a thermometer yet lol !

I'm not really worried about heating, since it's really cold most of the year here in Quebec. For cooling, I plan on getting some fans to regulate the temperature.

[Ginzo]

Here's some pics of my overflox box. I need to keep the water quite high in order for the overflow to be "dead silent". What I most likely will do, once I get my Aquatronica controller, is install 1 or 2 water level sensors inside the Overflox box, that will cut the power to my return pump if ever the water level got up to the maximum level.

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[i2ik]

Ginzo! Great to see some update! Everything is coming along great!

IS the noise from your overflow is coming from the fall of the water? If so, would it be better just to make the standpipe a bit longer so the fall wont be as high?

[Ginzo]

Hey i2ik,

Thanks, everything is coming along nicely ! The dripping sound is caused by the fact that my standpipes are shorter. I did order them shorter, because Miracle had provided me with an acrylic cover that goes over the overflox box. I should have got them a little longer, but by closing my ball valves for my drain to 1/4 I can manage to get the overflow box almost dead silent. The ball valve for my Eheim pump is almost completly open, so I'm pushing around 600-700gph in my sump. I would just add a sensor to the top of my overflow box, to shutoff my return pump in case the water ever went to far up (just for added safety).

Also, I placed my Eheim pump in the middle section of my sump, because when it was in the right section of the sump, too much micro-bubbles were getting into the tank, because of the waterfall on the pump. ADS should maybe redesign there sump to avoid this. By putting my Eheim pump in the middle section, this gave me a good idea. I would now use the right section of the sump for TOP-OFF. I would fill the right section, maybe can contain 6-8 gallons (not sure) of RO/DI and I will be able to TOP-OFF the middle section of the sump with that water :)

What do you think of that idea ?

Also, I'm trying to decide between the Aquatronica controller and the Profilux controller. I don't think I have much space left for a Calcium reactor (also I find them really expensive), so I would like to go with a dosing pump and dose Randy's two part additif everyday. The Aquatronica provides a great dosing pump and all the functionnalities I need. The Profilux looks great also..but doesn't have the dosing pumps :(

What's your suggestion ?

Also, what do you suggest for RO/DI system ?

Thanks,
Ginzo

[i2ik]

Ginzo

Either you go with the sensor that will shut down your return pump, or you can seach for some coupling of 1 1/4" that will let you raise your overflow by maybe half an inch so you would have still 1.5" in your overflow and reduce the noise a little bit. That would cost you like 2$ CDN for that modification and you would have to cut your standpipe overflow to install the coupling. Quite easy and cheap.

For your sump, you can ask ADS about it, maybe he could make something for you on that. If you still want to used that compartment for the return pump, one way to fix the bubbles problem would be to add 2 more baffles. Also, quite easy, you can do it by yourself. Make the seperations look like the one you got just after your return from the tank. That way, there wont be any bubbles create by the fall and you will be able to used the other part for a refugium or even a "QT tank" if you dont want any refugium in there.

[i2ik]

Also for the RO/DI system, there is a lot on the market and its hard to tell, but i had use in the past 2 aquasafe and did not like them much for the reason that after 7-8 months, it would start producing less and less to about 25-30G a day instead of 50-55. Now i am having a seachem 200GPD Pinnacle Ro/DI system, its very expensive tho and you could probably find something just as good for your tank at less expensive. I got mine on an Ontario Forum which i could get it at a very good price.

Spectrapure is a really good brand. Also heard about Purely H20 but my friend have one and he is having the same problem as my aquasafe before, but the built quality is quite good on it!

[Ginzo]

hehe, since I'm tired of plumbing, I think adding the water sensor will be less work ! :) Anyways, for sure I will be adding at least two water sensors, because I want to avoid at all cost a flood in my appartement ;)

I'm not planning on having a refugium or a QT tank. The only thing I'm planning on adding to my sump, is the following:

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/details/supplies.php?product_ID=tf-reactor3

Other than that, I will also add one or two Tunze 9010 skimmers.

So the right compartement, I will be able to use as RO/DI reservoir.

In the past, I never had a QT tank, since all my fishes I purchased from Octopus on Papineau (2-3 minutes from my place) and I never experienced an outbreak or anything. I know I should be shot on site for doing this..but I never had any problems in the past :)

Ginzo

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9249968#post9249968 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by i2ik
Ginzo

Either you go with the sensor that will shut down your return pump, or you can seach for some coupling of 1 1/4" that will let you raise your overflow by maybe half an inch so you would have still 1.5" in your overflow and reduce the noise a little bit. That would cost you like 2$ CDN for that modification and you would have to cut your standpipe overflow to install the coupling. Quite easy and cheap.

For your sump, you can ask ADS about it, maybe he could make something for you on that. If you still want to used that compartment for the return pump, one way to fix the bubbles problem would be to add 2 more baffles. Also, quite easy, you can do it by yourself. Make the seperations look like the one you got just after your return from the tank. That way, there wont be any bubbles create by the fall and you will be able to used the other part for a refugium or even a "QT tank" if you dont want any refugium in there.

[Ginzo]

Wow, can't wait to see pics of your tank and equipement..any pics yet ?

I'm planning a 60"x30"x25" tank + stand with my father, that I will put up for sale after it's completed :)

Here's a preview:

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Tank_60x30.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

It's going to be an incredible setup, with a beautiful stand to go with it. Planning on a completely open top tank with a Sch40 PVC bottom for maximum strength.

If you know anybody that's interrested, let me know ;)

Ginzo



<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9250013#post9250013 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by i2ik
Also for the RO/DI system, there is a lot on the market and its hard to tell, but i had use in the past 2 aquasafe and did not like them much for the reason that after 7-8 months, it would start producing less and less to about 25-30G a day instead of 50-55. Now i am having a seachem 200GPD Pinnacle Ro/DI system, its very expensive tho and you could probably find something just as good for your tank at less expensive. I got mine on an Ontario Forum which i could get it at a very good price.

Spectrapure is a really good brand. Also heard about Purely H20 but my friend have one and he is having the same problem as my aquasafe before, but the built quality is quite good on it!

[BigBadBlenny]

hey giz, how did u find the service and product from miracles aquariums? can u pm me with the price you payed for the tank if you dont want to post it? i am looking myself and was looking into tenacore or miracles. i would rather go the route you did considering they are canadian.

[Ginzo]

PM you BigBadBlenny,

Service and product from Miracles was great !

I would do business with them again !

Ginzo

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9250521#post9250521 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BigBadBlenny
hey giz, how did u find the service and product from miracles aquariums? can u pm me with the price you payed for the tank if you dont want to post it? i am looking myself and was looking into tenacore or miracles. i would rather go the route you did considering they are canadian.

[Ginzo]

Small but big update :)

I finally decided to GO with the Profilux II Plus controller.
Look's like a great controller of very high quality.

So I'm officially on the waiting list, order placed :)
Should arrive anytime in March, hopefully !

Also, I should be getting two Sunlight Supply TEK T5 Retro-fit 2 x 39Watts very soon, with the following bulbs (see below):

So my light setup should look something like this over the tank:

1- UVL Super Blue Actinics - 39 watts
2- AquaScience Blue 22k - 39 watts

MH 13k MegaChrome 150 watts - MH 13k MegaChrome 150 watts

3- AquaScience Blue 22k - 39 watts
4- UVL Super Blue Actinics - 39 watts

(The Metal Halide bulbs are Giesemann 13K MegaChrome bulbs, DE HQI).

Can't wait to see how it looks ! :D

[Ginzo]

I was lucky this morning, just when I was leaving for work, the FedEx guy arrived with my T5 bulbs :)

I must say that ReefPerfection did a great job on the packaging !

Here they are:

AquaScience Blue 22k
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture005-5.jpg

UVL SuperActinics
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture006-4.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture007-6.jpg

The AquaScience bulbs seem of much better quality then the UVL bulbs and the diameter seems bigger on the AquaScience bulbs (I haven't measured them yet), but maybe it's just me :rolleyes:

Can't wait to receive my T5 fixtures to test them out ! :D

[Ginzo]

I was lucky this morning, just when I was leaving for work, the FedEx guy arrived with my T5 bulbs :)

I must say that ReefPerfection did a great job on the packaging !

Here they are:

AquaScience Blue 22k
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture005-5.jpg

UVL SuperActinics
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture006-4.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture007-6.jpg

The AquaScience bulbs seem of much better quality then the UVL bulbs and the diameter seems bigger on the AquaScience bulbs (I haven't measured them yet), but maybe it's just me :rolleyes:

Can't wait to receive my T5 fixtures to fire them up ! :D

[Ginzo]

grrr double post ! :mad2:

[Ginzo]

Just checked the status of my order, for the Profilux II Controller and my TEK T5 ReadyFit kits, and they have arrived at the UPS center :dance:

It's a good thing tomorrow I'm on vacation :smokin:

Hopefully, the UPS guy will be here tomorrow bright and early, to deliver my stuff and not late and when I'm out of the house (his usual delivery time) :hammer:

[Ginzo]

Woohoo ! The UPS guy just delivered my stuff !

Here's some pics:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture009-3.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture012-3.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture014-3.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture015-2.jpg

[Ginzo]

Here's with the switch on ! Man they are bright, I still see points (in my eyes, because they are sooo bright !):

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture018-2.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture021-2.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture022-2.jpg

[Ginzo]

Overall, seems like a great quality product (for the price) !

Might try and set them up in my canopy on the weekend :)

[Ginzo]

I haven't opened my Profilux II controller box yet, damn the box is big...I was kind of waiting for a small ordinary box ! :)

My only hope is they screwed up and sent me the full package (with Wireless option included) instead of the basic package ! hehe :D

Pictures to follow ! :lol:

[Holmez221b]

They look good!!! How much were they, how long?? Are they actinics??

[Holmez221b]

They look good!!! How much were they, how long?? Are they actinics??

[Ginzo]

Thanks !

The T5 bulbs are the following:

2 x UVL Super Blue Actinics - 39 watts
2 x AquaScience Blue 22k - 39 watts

The T5 kits, are the following:

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/details/l-fl-retro2.php?product_ID=sl-t5rf3602

[Ginzo]

Here's 2 pictures of the Profilux II controller kit:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture004-6.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture006-5.jpg

I'll be playing more with it on the weekend !

[hatfielj]

Your set up is looking nice! I just set up a 120 gal too, but I think you've out done me! http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1069321

[Ginzo]

Wow nice setup !

I love your water reservoir !

What kind of skimmer is that, it looks like an H&S ?

I've been planning my tank for the past 2 years and really taking my time to set it up (sometimes I would just like to spend 5k right now and get everything setup at once..hehe).

Next purchases will be my RO/DI: SpectraPure MaxCap 90gpd and also my skimmer.

Not sure what skimmer I'm gonna get but for sure it's gonna go in the sump. The footprint I have left for my skimmer is the following:

14" x 9.5"

Height: 26.5"

I was looking at the Deltec APF600, since it's pretty much the only one that will fit and is currently available.

There's the FaunaMarin JetSkim 1 or the ATI Bubble Master 150 or 200 also, but who knows when they will be available !

Thanks,
Ginzo

[Ginzo]

I installed my T5 lights this weekend in my canopy, quite simple to install.

Here's a pic of what it looks like with all the lights turned on (my camera is an old 2.0 Mega-pixel, so you can't really see the difference in the spectrum of each bulb):

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture027-1.jpg

On the left and right sides are the Fauna Marin Blue 22k bulbs and in the middle are the UVL SuperActinic bulbs.

[Ginzo]

Whoa ! Good thing I double checked all my Profilux II equipement today, I had forgotten the S1S4 Western socket cable in my box, that I had put out for recycling ! :rolleyes:

Luckly the recycling truck hadn't passed yet !

Woo ! :eek1:

[Brandan]

So judging by the Autodesk Inventor software that you use, and by the Scale that is used in the picture with the overflow, I'm assuming you are an engineer. . . .lol, what type of engineering are you in if you are btw? Amazing tank setup. I wish I could afford something of this degree when I get out of college. I'm going to school to be an ME right now.

[Ginzo]

I'm in software enginering..currently working in the Web/J2EE domain :)

[Brandan]

I just now noticed that it says that on your "occupation" section, lol

[Ginzo]

Hehe yeah !

Little update, seems like theirs gonna be some ATI BubbleMaster skimmers arriving in the next weeks. For sure, if there's one available I'll be getting one. Most likely the BM 200 or if I'm lucky and my sump will permit it, the BM 250.

Ginzo

[Ginzo]

Haven't updated in a while..thing are slow...

I'm basically waiting to order my skimmer, most likely will get the new BubbleMaster 160 when it's out. Also, I'll be getting the Deltec KM500 KalkReactor to sustain my calcium levels and once my tank is really matured I'll get the Deltec PF509 calcium reactor.

Other then that, I'm trying to figure a way I can place my Profilux controller and power bars outside of my cabinet without it showing. I might get a small bench from ikea, that I would place beside my stand and that would hold all my Profilux stuff.

Can't wait to get water in my tank...but I know it's not for now :)

[Ginzo]

I'm changing jobs, so I haven't had much time to play around lately...

But, I finally got around to setting up my Profilux II controller. It's now sitting on top of my hood. I like it there, because gives me full view on what's happening and I can control it (press on buttons, etc), without having to open my hood or cabinet. I'm going to add a wireless card to it soon, so that I can set it up with my Wireless router and have easy access at work. So far, it's only controlling my lights..but since I don't have any water in my tank yet, it's pretty much useless :)

I really like the Profilux II controller and it was cheaper then the Aquatronica controller. But, I think the Aquatronica might have an avantage over the Profilux for it's ease of use..and the software that comes with it.

Next step is to setup the probes (I be getting probe holders soon) since I don't really like the ones that came with the Profilux.

I'm waiting to order my Bubble Master 160 skimmer + Deltec PF-501 calcium reactor to fire up my tank :) ..err to water up my tank I mean hehe :)

Pictures will follow soon ! :)

[Ginzo]

Since I will be using a Tunze osmolator for my topoff, I had a space float switch from the Profilux package. I decided to use it in order to prevent an overflow in my overflow box :)

The idea, is if the water get's to high in my overflow box, the float switch will be activated and it will turn off my return pump for a period of 10 seconds. I might change this and permanently close the pump, until reactivation if the float switch is activated.

Here's a picture of the setup:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture031-1.jpg

I have a phobia of water overflowing in my loft, so this will give me some rest :)

Here's a picture (not of good quality) of where my Profilux controller is situated on the top of my hood:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture036.jpg

The profilux controller is getting cooler by the day, as I get to learn exactly how it works and everything ! Can't wait to get my wireless card for the controller, so that I can controll it from work !

:D

[costa13]

Hurry up and get this bad boy filled. LOL Looks good. How hard is to program the profilux controller? Would it be hard for someone who is not a computer engineer?

[Ginzo]

Thanks !

You can't believe how I'm dying to fill this bad boy up :)

But, I'd rather be patient and get the proper equipement before filling it up ;)

Actually, the Profilux II controller looks complicated at first, I read the manual maybe 3-4 times before understanding anything hehe..

But it's actually not very complicated, once you hook it up to the PC Software that permits you to control it. I do think the interface could be a little better done, but it's not bad and the main thing is that it works ! :)

Also, the Profilux team seams committed to regular firmware updates and software updates, so they are heading in the right direction.

P.S.: I haven't actually done any programming on the controller, everything I've done so far, has been setup via the PC software that comes with it.

[Proline]

Ginzo
Things are looking great bud,keep up the good work

[Ginzo]

Thanks Proline :)

[Ginzo]

Wow it's been quite a while I haven't updated here !

Actually, got a new job..and I have been working 50-60 hour weeks since the past two months :(

Well, the good news is with all the money :D I have been making with those extra hours, I have just bought myself a few goodies:

- Tunze Osmolator
- 2 x 150 Watt Ebo-Jagger heaters

I wanted to order two Vortech pumps, but looks like they are backordered :(

Also, I'll be ordering my RO/DI tomorrow ... so I can get this freaking tank filled with water :eek1:

My goal is to have my tank running before end of summer :)

[Ginzo]

Just ordered my RO/DI system. Decided to go with the best I could find:

The SpectraPure MaxCap RO/DI:

http://www.spectrapure.com/St_MaxCap-RO-DI.htm

Also, I ordered a ICECAP Vortech pump. My plan, is to get two more (if I'm happy with the quality). I'll have atleast one of them on a battery backup, just in case power failure.

I'm trilled ! Can't wait to fill the tank.

:)

[Ginzo]

One small step for reefers, but one big step for me:

The salt !!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5807.jpg

I payed big bucks to get this high quality salt shipped to my place (really it travelled accross all Canada). I sure do hope I have good results with it :)

I also installed my Tunze Osmolator, so gone are the days where I will have to worry about replacing my evaporated water:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5811.jpg

So other things I have received are:

Kent Tongs, Kent Scraper and Hammerhead cleaning magnet.

They aren't worthy enought for a pic :)

[BigBadBlenny]

ello Ginz. long time no see 8). just re- went through your thread. things are really coming along. i just ordered the same controller. just the basic one for now. i will add other stuff as i need it.

[Ginzo]

Thanks BigBad :)

I should be receiving my Vortech Pump today and I will be getting 2 pieces of grey PVC sheets (that have been custom cut for me) that I will place on the bottom of my tank. Since I'm going barebottom, I wanted some extra protection for the bottom glass.

The only thing remaining is to receive my SpectraPure MaxCap RO/DI. Got an email telling me they were out of stock and my order should be completed next Tuesday. So I'm hoping to receive the RO/DI before Thursday so that I can start filling up my tank.

Next big purchase will be the BubbleKing Mini 160 skimmer. I was going to go with the BubbleMaster 160 skimmer, but since BubbleKing has lowered there prices and they are best of quality...I'm gonna go with them.

Well, that's all for now folks :)

[Ginzo]

Receiving my 2 PVC sheets:

.250 THICK GREY PVC SHEET - 22.125 x 16.25 @+/- 0.062

They fit perfectly in my tank.

The bottom pane of my tank is tempered glass, but I wanted some extra protection just in case I let a rock slip or something :)

Also, the coraline algae will be able to grow on the PVC sheets, so it should be quite nice :)

I really need to get myself a new camera, because my old Canon 2.0 megapixel is really producing bad pictures :(

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5817.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5820.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5826.jpg

[AdamT]

Absolutely stunning. I have been thinking about building a proper stand like this for some time. It would be a really fun, but time consuming, project. Fantastic job. Nicest stand I have ever seen.

[COreef8]

This project looks incredible. Your attention to detail and high quality construction is easily recognized. Congratulatoins and keep up the great work.

[Ginzo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10426146#post10426146 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AdamT
Absolutely stunning. I have been thinking about building a proper stand like this for some time. It would be a really fun, but time consuming, project. Fantastic job. Nicest stand I have ever seen.

Wow thanks !

It's been a wonderfull project since day one, I've learned alot about woodworking and plumbing :)

Glad you like it ! :)

[Ginzo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10426666#post10426666 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by COreef8
This project looks incredible. Your attention to detail and high quality construction is easily recognized. Congratulatoins and keep up the great work.

hehehe..incredible feedback :D

[Ginzo]

I received my Vortech MP40 pump yesterday. Played a little with it and frankly I'm not impressed ! :(

I'm not saying it's a bad product, I'm sure it easily delivers on performance. But I find the plastic casing is not the best of quality (for what I payed) and I had a hard time opening the damn thing. I just didn't have a good feeling about it. So I went to one of my local LFS and managed to exchange it for a Schuran Pico calcium reactor with the media :) It's seems like a great skimmer, quality wise. So I'm happy about that.

Next step, was to get more flow, since the Vortech Pump is out of the question. So I went to another LFS and purchased two Tunze 6101 Streams. Brand new of the market, and overall I'm very happy with them (quality wise). I haven't turned them on yet, since no water still..but the quality is definitely better then the Vortech from what I've seen.

So I'm pretty sure I'll have enough flow with my closed-loop and 2 x 6101 Streams :)
Just need to order another Tunze connection cable for my Profilux and get them hooked up on the Profilux.

I'll try to post pictures later this weekend, if my camera still works ! :)

[Ginzo]

Bad news, is my SpectraPure MaxCAP RO/DI won't be here until mid-end next week :(

Wonder if there's a rent-a-rodi for a day of two, location place :)

[Proline]

Ginzo
Things are looking great ,the tank looks amazing ,Derek & Crew really know their stuff ,I am waiting on my tank from him as well which is a 50x30x28H Trimles Starphire.
I guess the BK price reduction was perfect Timing for your project ,You will love that Skimmer .
Btw ,where about are you located? I was wondering why you had to get the salt shipped to where you are!!!Must have been Pricey
Regards
Jason

[Ginzo]

Hey Jason !

Yup, Derek sure does know how to make great tanks !
My next tank is going to be an open top tank, without any canopy. But that's in a couple of years only hehe :)

I'm located in Montreal ! I got the salt from JL, they charged about 32$ for shipping :(
Any ideas where I could get the salt from here in Quebec ?

Yep, sure I'm happy about the BK skimmer reducing price and everything. I haven't ordered one yet, I've asked JF at ReefConcept to order one and I purchase it :)

You guys at Proline are doing great job, distributing good quality products ! Any way, I can deal with you guys directly :D

[Ginzo]

Added some VanTech Stealth fans inside my canopy, to reduce the heat and evaporation. Had to splice them with two panasonic power adapters:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5829.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5828.jpg

Should I leave my fans on 24/7 ?

Here some pics of the Tunze 6101 (2 of them):

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5830.jpg

Here's a pic of my Schuran Pico calcium reactor:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5831.jpg

[Brandan]

I would run the fan off one of timers that controls a lights. I have mine of a light that way it cools during the day, and then shuts off at night so it cuts down on evaporation. If you are pushing air over the water all night, you are going to lose a lot of water. I only have a 55gal with a 20 gal sump, and have to add about 5 gallons total throughout the week.

[Ginzo]

Cool ! :D

Finally received my RO/DI, quite happy with it (very good quality). I'm currently filling up my tank :)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5834.jpg

[Proline]

Nice Unit Ginzo
Where did that come from?j/k
Stephen from Reefsolution told me he is going to bring in the TM salt after summer ,so a couple of more water changes & you will get it in your area.
The way you are going you are going to be on the top of my list of tank to see in montreal soon.
We will be ther in Oct. to visit the LFS & if you are going to MACNA please stop by to say HI
Shane & I will both be there as well as Matthias(GHL) &Klaus(Royal-exclusive)& maybe a couple of other guys from Germany as well.
It will be good to see you there.
Regards
Jason

[Ginzo]

Thanks Proline :)

Seriously, I got it from MOPS, but I guess it came from you guys ;)

I'm really happy with it ! For sure, if you guys are in Montreal, send me a PM and I would be happy to show you guys around.

Talked with JF at ReefConcept and I was surprised, he told me you guys weren't going to hold the BubbleKing skimmers ? He's got 2 on order (BK160)..and I should be getting one :)

Chris

[Proline]

Wow
Well then ,JF must know something Klaus & I don't know.;) ;)
Maybe he is talking Bubble Master ,which that be wrong too.
In any case enjoy your project things are looking Great ,hopefully we see you there ,Have you been to WF lately ,I heard they have done some changes ,ofcourse we saw the store last feb.
Have a good long weekend :D

[lavith]

It's nice to see another Canadian reefer on RC. Great setup and all the plans on CAD though it looks like SolidWorks to me. By any chance, can you show me the photo how you attach the light fixtures to the canopy? In the 3D CAD plan, you show the use of aircraft cable to hold the fixutres.

[Ginzo]

Thanks Lavith !

Cheers to another fellow Canadian reefer :)

I think this picture pretty much explains everything:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/Picture026-2.jpg

The halides are suspended to a small wood "beam". The T5 are directly screwed in the top of my canopy.

Hope that helps ! :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10479457#post10479457 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lavith
It's nice to see another Canadian reefer on RC. Great setup and all the plans on CAD though it looks like SolidWorks to me. By any chance, can you show me the photo how you attach the light fixtures to the canopy? In the 3D CAD plan, you show the use of aircraft cable to hold the fixutres.

[Ginzo]

My tank has officially started to cycle a couple of minutes ago !!!

After a week of adding salt, measuring my salinity and pH and ensuring that everything was set on my Profilux controller, I decided tonight was the time to start the cycle.

So, I went to my local LFS and purchased 13lbs of the best quality live rock. For sure I got screwed on the price, since the guy was charging 15$ / lbs. :rolleyes: But hey, my motto is get screwed a little, screw a little :) hehe I also, feel confident that the rock has been completly cycled, since it's been at the LFS for months now..since almost half a year :) I must be the only crazy enough person, to purchase it :)

Anyways, it's just to start the cycle in my tank. I'm suppose to get so more live rock from my brother in law on the weekend. I might go searching for other sources of live rock. I like my rock to be small with lot of coraline algae on it. This rock, is very small and light weight.

I also reserved two true percula clown, that really looked in great shape.
When do you guys think I could add them to my tank, in a couple of days ?

Here's some pics (sorry for the low quality, my camera sucks big time!)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5844.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5845.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5846.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5847.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5848.jpg

[Ginzo]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5842.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5843.jpg

[dogstar74]

Super nice set up. Almost perfect! Wonderful patience. I worry about that dowel light support. I bet that it will bend with heat and steam. And if it bends enough, then the ends will come out of the holders on the ends. Maybe a galvanized steel pipe would be better. Or aluminum conduit.

Also You may want to trim off that extra cable from the lights just to keep the rust down, and they really aren't ever going to be used as indicated again. So no reason to keep them tied up nice like that. Just cut em out.

Your stand is stunning. You picked a great color. Truely Unique!

[Ginzo]

Almost perfect ! hehe :)

For sure, there's a lot of things I want to fix..but that will be for when I move (in 1-2 years). For instance, I want to redo all the plumbing in PVC.

It's noted, I will try and replace the light support, by something in metal or aluminium. I would be surprised if it bended (because it's covered in water proof stain), but just for safety measure :)

Thanks for the tips !

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10571496#post10571496 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dogstar74
Super nice set up. Almost perfect! Wonderful patience. I worry about that dowel light support. I bet that it will bend with heat and steam. And if it bends enough, then the ends will come out of the holders on the ends. Maybe a galvanized steel pipe would be better. Or aluminum conduit.

Also You may want to trim off that extra cable from the lights just to keep the rust down, and they really aren't ever going to be used as indicated again. So no reason to keep them tied up nice like that. Just cut em out.

Your stand is stunning. You picked a great color. Truely Unique!

[lavith]

Chris, it does helps. I use the pendants as well. Made by PFO. I am making some sort of hang over bracket for aluminum L shape beam (from canadian tire) and hope that it doesn't bow due to weight of fixtures.

I really like the gadget you have. :-D

[Ginzo]

Thanks Lavith ! :)

Happy it helped you !

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10577249#post10577249 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lavith
Chris, it does helps. I use the pendants as well. Made by PFO. I am making some sort of hang over bracket for aluminum L shape beam (from canadian tire) and hope that it doesn't bow due to weight of fixtures.

I really like the gadget you have. :-D

[Ginzo]

Water parameters this morning:

Temp: 80.8F
pH: 8.0
Salinity: 1.026

I need to get some Salifert test kits ! :)

[lavith]

Be caution about Salifer as some have problem with few batches.

[SDguy]

Simply awesome setup! Glad you have planned so well/thoroughly. Took me 1.5 years from time I bought the tank to fillingwith water due to planning :)

[Ginzo]

Thanks everyone ! It's really encouraging all the great comments ! :)

I received 16lbs of tonga Nui live rock this afternoon from my brother in law.

At this point, I really need to receive my skimmer soon. Since it will help to cure my live rock. Hopefully, my LFS should be receiving my Bubble King mini 160 this week. I will also need to get more live rock. I really like the Figi premium live rock, with all it's purple coraline algae :)

What should I get other then the Salifert test kits ? I was told that they were pretty much the standard on the market ?

[Ginzo]

My tank has been running very well now for a couple of days, I haven't needed to touch anything (except for small refills of my RO/DI container) ! So I'm pretty happy about that, because on my previous tank, it was constant maintenance headache ! Now, with my Profilux, everything is taken care of :)

Only problem I have been having, is maintaining correctly the temperature of my tank. My nominal value would be 78-80F. But so far, my tank has been running from 82F (during the night) to up to 84-85F during the day. Also, since my Profilux automatically shutdown the MH if the temperature get's too high, well my Metal Halides haven't been on too much lately.

So to fix that problem, I've managed to purchase from "eBay" ;) the following Chiller:


Peltech Ocean Geotronic Thermotronic Reversible Conditioner model 400

Here's a description:

Rated for up to 106g
Super Quiet 27db
20" x 6" x 8"
300w
20lbs
Come complete with Digital Temp Controller
Simple to Install
Can be mounted Horizontial, Vertical, or even upside down

OCEAN GEOtronic, the most innovative solution for thermoregulating your aquarium, all year round. The thermotronic technology allows the continuous, constant, and smooth thermoregulation of your aquarium, without any thermal shocks.
OCEAN GEOtronic models do not have any annoying vibrations and do not use gas.
There are no moving parts to wear out on the inside, adn all the models are made of corrosion resistant materials and they do not require specific maintance
Easy to install, completely automatic and verversible, OCEAN GEOtronic heats and cools either salt and freshwater.

[AdamT]

For instance, I want to redo all the plumbing in PVC.

Why? What don't you like about the flexible plumbing. Seemed like a good idea.

[Ginzo]

Actually, I like the flexible plumbing. It's just that it looks a little messy and since I'm a perfectionist well, I would feel better if it was in PVC and looked better :)

[Ginzo]

Since I'm going to be moving next year (buying a house) I'm already planning (not a new tank) but the modifications I can make to my current tank. Here's what I've planned so far:

[list=1]
Redo all plumbing in cleaner Sch80 grey PVC
Replace Velocity T4 pump by Red Dragon m3 pump
[/list=1]

Currently, I've turned off my Velocity T4 pump since it really does heat-up the tank.

[Ginzo]

I might also add a 100 micron filter sock to my sump (that I will replace every 3-4 days.

[Ginzo]

Here's a couple of pics I took tonight while cleaning my Peltech Oceans 400 chiller :)

Hoping to hook it up this week:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5863.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5860.jpg

[Ginzo]

Good news !

Should be receiving my Bubble King mini 160 tomorrow ! Can't wait !

[Ginzo]

Good news
Received my Salifest test kits and here's the results:

pH: 8.0
Calcium: 380
Salinity: 35 ppm or 1.026
Phosphates: 0
Nitrates: 0.1 - 0.2
Alk: 11.2

I'm happy about those results.

Bad news
Got my replacement bulbs for my Giesemann Nova II metal halide lamps. Seems like one of my electronic ballast is dead, because it shutdowns after 10 minutes. Talked with Phil Gilbert of Giesemann and say he thinks it's dead and he would have to replace it with a Icecap electronic ballast. He's in Italy and will be back in 1 week.
:(

Other then that, my Bubble King mini 160 didn't arrive yesterday, should arrive at the latest friday. So hoping to get that running + my chiller before the weekend.

[Ginzo]

Here's my BK Mini 160:

Picture quality isn't that great, my camera sucks, but just wanted to say that the quality of construction of this skimmer is amazing !

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5878.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5880.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5882.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5884.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5891.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5887.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5895.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5898.jpg

[Ginzo]

Mothership has landed in the sump (around 6.75" - 7" of water depth)

2 minutes after starting

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5900.jpg

5 minutes..already some earl grey tea :)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5902.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5911.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5909.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5919.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5918.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5915.jpg

[Ginzo]

Emptying of the collection cup after 4h of skimming

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5924.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5926.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5927.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5929.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5930.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5932.jpg

[cdentii1]

WOW!!!! that's impressive, the skimate looks a little watery is that how Bubble-Kings skim or does it just need some tuning? Post some more pics after the break-in period thanks.

[Ginzo]

Thanks !

It's a little watery because the water level in the skimmer was too high. Now I set it a little lower, I'm getting dryer skimmate, but it's still a little wet. Might lower it a little more in the next couple of days. For sure I'll post more pics :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10722567#post10722567 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cdentii1
WOW!!!! that's impressive, the skimate looks a little watery is that how Bubble-Kings skim or does it just need some tuning? Post some more pics after the break-in period thanks.

[Ginzo]

Got around to installing my chiller on the weekend. Seems to be working fine. Does make some noise when all the fans are ON. Hoping thing will be more calm once the temperature is right.

Report later.

[Darkstar04]

I am subscribing to this thread, and I will be watching your amazing build. Maybe you can teach ME some patience!

[Ginzo]

Thanks DarkStar !

I knew that if I was patient, it would pay off in the end ! :)

[Ginzo]

Here's some pics with 1 set of Actinics on:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5992.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5955.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_5984.jpg

I should be getting more LR soon !

[Ginzo]

Time for an update ! :)

Today, I did my first water change (around 25g). Hope this well help fight my hair algae problem. The tank was completly invaded with hair algae..I added aroud 40 Astrea snails and they did a really good job of cleaning the front part of my tank. They have slowly started to work on the back part of the tank. Hopefully they will get to my rocks soon enough. I think it's the fact that I hadn't done any water changes and I don't have enough LR that it's causing the hair algae. With luck, it will dissapear soon.

On another note, I'm planning on selling my tank soon..since I'm moving next spring/summer in a house. I know I won't get a good price on most of what I payed, but I'm hoping to make an honest sell. With luck, it would be great if someone was interrested in the whole setup..but I figure that's almost impossible. So I'm going to try and sell the tank + stand and sump with plumbing first and then sell most of the goodies that go with it.

With a new house, this means a bigger tank. Not much bigger, because I don't want to go too big..but maybe a 180g 60x30x24. I really like the Elos system, but Proline is still working out the process for importing them here in Canada. That sucks, because it's a really nice system. I'm also interrested by the Blue series from AO (Aquarium Obsessed), since this way I can build a complete (super looking) wood frame to go around it. I like the Elos stands, but they are pretty basic stands if you get down to the details. One thing's for sure, I'm going with a rimless tank, since I want it to have very easy access for maintenance. The Euro-bracing is great..for plumbing..but not for access to the tank. My next tank, will also have very minimal plumbing. :)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1432.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1442.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1443.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1444.jpg

[Ginzo]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1452.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1453.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1459.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1457.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1449.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Daguwan/IMG_1455.jpg

[Ginzo]

One thing, I looove my Geotronix Chiller..it's the best thing ever ! It's pretty much set and forget chiller/heather. Requires no maintenance ! It's pretty much silent, with the exception of the fans...that are not silent, but it's nothing too bothering. But it does a great job keeping my temp at the set point. I close it during the night, so that the fans don't bother my sleep :)

The BubbleKing Mini 160 is my next best buddie..skims great..need to empty it every 2-3 days. It's virtually silent. Only downside, is it's not maintenance free. You need to get it alot of attention in order to obtain the max performance. For sure you can leave it on for a week without touching it, but then you won't obtain it's max performance. This skimmer requires a daily maintenance (5 minutes max).

My next skimmer, will be an external skimmer..since it will require less maintenance :)

[Ginzo]

One thing I love about my tank + setup, is that it's dead silent !! Except when the chiller is on, then it's like having a PC on (you know ..the PC fans make a little noise). But at night, when the chiller is off..it's dead silent. My bed is situated 4-5 feet from my tank and I have no problem sleeping and I'm a very light sleeper..wake up at the smallest noice. That was one of my main concerns when building this tank and I'm very happy to finally say it's better then I expected ! :)

[Ginzo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10972089#post10972089 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ginzo
I'm a very light sleeper..wake up at the smallest noice.

It's my ninja skillz :D

[Ginzo]

Since it's now 2008, it's time for an update ! :)

Actually, it might be my last in this thread. I'm moving into my new house towards the end of February 2008, so basically, I have been running my tank for the past couple of months in minimal state (not adding anything). Since I have much more space in my new house, I tried to sell my tank and stand in order to upgrade to a bigger tank ! :D But to my surprise, after 2-3 months on the market, nobody was taking and my price was really low..really ! :rolleyes:

Anyways, since I didn't have any success, I've decided to keep my tank and do a couple of upgrades:

1) Redo all my plumbing in Sch 80 and include True Union ball valves (my plumbing should arrive this friday).

2) Remove my closed-loop (in order to reduce the required plumbing). Also, since I have 2 x 6101 Tunzes, I don't feel the need of the closed-loop. I might add a 3rd tunze to my tank at some point if I find the flow insufficient.

3) Remove the canopy from my setup. I'm doing this, because I love the look of the rimless tanks. I love the look of an open top tank and it's ease of access (for maintenance, etc). I like having a euro-brace around my tank, because I can then avoid water splashes, etc.

4) With the canopy gone, this means I need new lights. I've been debating several lights now, for the past months and my final choice is the ATI 8x54w Powermodule fixture from ReefGeek. I love it's Apple-ish look and the great output it provides. Also, I like the price tag.

5) Adding Zeovit to the equation. I'm getting a GroTech Zeovit reactor and will be starting the Zeovit method once my tank is moved.

That's pretty much it, for all of my upgrades !

Hope everything goes well during the move !

[Ginzo]

Oh...forgot a small upgrade:

6) Will be adding a sandbed to my reef. I couldn't take it anymore, having a barebottom tank is great and all..but not having any sand in my tank was driving me crazy :D