60g 36Lx24Wx18H brick build log (56K go home)

[ReeferMonkey]

So after sitting on some equipment and other stuff for a while, I've decided to try to build some positive pressure for this project by starting a build log. I've been wanting to upgrade to a bigger system since I moved to Dallas and brought the Minibow with me. I made a temporary step up to a 20L while I planned a 5' x 3' system. Unfortunately, the financial realities of a system that large started to set in and I put my plans off for a while.

Finding that Glass Cages had a truck coming my way in about a month, I got the ball rolling to design my new system. The tank specs were:

36L x 24W x 18H, approx. 60g
brick style, 1/2" glass
Calfo-style linear overflow

I originally wanted to go with low-iron but felt that it wouldn't have made a massive difference on a 3' tank. The upgrade was also 25% of the cost of the system, so to keep it lean I decided against it. The tank, with shipping, came to a modest total of $390.

Here is the 3d rendering I sent to Tom at Glass Cages. It later changed to remove the return line completely.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6681/65gcalfo2267fy.jpg

I got excited, made arrangements for the pick-up and unfortunately, upon my arrival at the delivery site, found my tank built incorrectly. Lisa, the delivery driver for GC, got me on the phone with Tom. My impression was that he didn't want to waste his time with a hassle and told me to just leave it. Unfortunately, their next delivery date was 6+ months away, so that wrecked my plans. I chose to take the tank home and negotiated a partial refund for the upgrades paid for but not delivered.

Here's the tank I got.
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/6629/ResizeofDSC08902.jpg
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7099/ResizeofDSC08906.jpg
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/5638/ResizeofDSC08903.jpg
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/1687/ResizeofDSC08905.jpg
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7365/ResizeofDSC08907.jpg

Not the end of the world but not exactly what I paid for. The sides were spec 3/8" trim with euro and trim. Again, not brick and not what I wanted. In speaking with Tom, he said that his crew built it incorrectly the first time, rebuilt it and then shipped the wrong aquarium. There was a truck coming through Oklahoma City, a 3 hour drive, and I opted to exchange tanks.

I took the day off of work and rode with a friend to pick up the aquarium. This time it was built correctly, but had a 1/4" wide x 1/8" deep chip on the right pane at the very top. Disappointed but not outraged, I took the tank home.

Here it is.
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6668/ResizeofDSC09189.jpg
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/313/ResizeofDSC09191.jpg
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6828/ResizeofDSC09190.jpg

[ReeferMonkey]

A local hobbyist is building my stand as we speak. It's a maple stand with simple lines and clean details. The construction is complete and we've made one round through stain selection. I'm going over to his place tomorrow to approve the final color. I still need to select some hardware as well. After that, I should have the stand by the weekend!

This was the first picture that really inspired me. Very clean, very sleek, very minimal.
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/134/standconcept2um.jpg

RRodrigues tank build also was very inspirational. This helped define the look I'm working towards.
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/9209/rrodriguesimg86647wx.jpg

I found a system for sale in Jersey that was a beautiful furniture-grade stand with clean lines. Unfortunately, the pics are on my work machine. I'll have to post them later.

Meanwhile, I've been amassing equipment.

Eheim 1262 and 3/4" sea swirl.
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8535/ResizeofDSC09197.jpg
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4855/ResizeofDSC09186.jpg

Two Via Aqua 150W heaters.
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3979/ResizeofDSC09195.jpg

This I already had, PGS Lumenarc 3 Mini, 250W ARO e-ballast and 10K CV Reeflux bulb.
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2665/ResizeofDSC09187.jpg

A local buddy of mine had 40# of nice Marshall. I'm planning on getting a little Tonga branch to use as a support system for the Marshall, keeping it up off the sandbed. I also prefer a minimal rockscape. I'm a landscape architect by trade and look forward to aquascaping the tank. I love the dimensions! :rollface:
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4624/ResizeofDSC09198.jpg
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/7789/ResizeofDSC09199.jpg

[ReeferMonkey]

I'm still a few items short. For a combo sump/fuge I plan on going with a Trigger Systems TS30BR, a 30" combo Berlin sump and refugium.
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/8196/ts30br13bc.jpg

David @ TS is an excellent craftsman and produces beautiful work with some very nice bells and whistles. I'm pushing a lot of flow through the sump, so the diffusers on the sump and refugium drains are a nice touch, as are the media baskets. Eventually I'll have David add probe holders and an effluent cup like he did for Ryan (Servo), one of my local buddies.

I'm on the fence about a skimmer. My dream skimmer is a H&S A-150 F2001, but with a price tag of $650 I don't think it will be my immediate choice as there will be other setup and equipment costs to manage. My current thought is to get a smaller Euroreef for around $200. The CS 80 is rated for a system of this size and is reasonably priced. At a later date, I can upgrade to the H&S and shuffle the ER off to my prop/quarantine tank.

Circulation is also still a big unknown. I'm a big fan of the Tunze products. I previously owned a set of 6100s but sold them off when I put off the big upgrade. Ah, hindsight.... The new Nano Streams have caught my eye but of course I'll want the $200 controllable models.... For the time being I'll use the Seio 820s from my 20L as I piece together my new circulation system.

An option I've been kicking around is to use a corner Wave2K unit opposite the Sea Swirl. Another local buddy of mine has a center unit on his 40BR SPS tank and it moves a very large amount of water. However, this system may end up being near my bed and noise is a big issue with the Wave2Ks. We'll see.

[143gadgets]

Nice setup. Can't wait for more pics!

[rbaker]

[moved]

[ReeferMonkey]

Finally, livestock.

I'm a big nut about keeping fish - while I enjoy tangs and other large fish, I feel that the native range these fish have in the wild disqualify them from being well-suited for aquarium life. Instead, I prefer to keep fish that are reef-dwellers with small territorial ranges. Of course, this is not always the case, but I do my best to match fish and aquarium.

My preliminary stocking idea is:
Dwarf Pygmy Angel, added last
Yasha Haze + Pistol pair
5-7 Redspot Cardinalfish (Apogon parvulus)

I'm quite fond of Sunburst Anthias but given their temperment and difficulty in captive care I suspect I'm going to pass. I have a dealer holding 4 Redspots for me as we speak, once I give him the word he'll send them out. The Angel is intended to be the boss of the tank, I've had one before and find them to be well-behaved and entertaining. A Midas Blenny or possibly some Firefish may make it on the list but I'm not sure. I've also considered Fairy or Flasher Wrasses, as one of my LFS gets some beautiful specimens, but the open top makes me a little hesitant.

Inverts are some of my favorite critters for the reef tank, so I suspect I'll have cleaner and peppermint shrimp as well as emerald and porcelain crabs. I love Fromia and Linkia stars but am not sure I want to keep one in a system this small.

Corals will be heavy SPS with some zoanthids, mushrooms and LPS thrown in to keep things interesting. I've got some nice zoanthids and shrooms, but unfortunately due to a number of factors have lost most of my nicest acros, including 2 year old Cali Tort and Larry Jackson Tricolor colonies, a 4" deepwater piece and a few large frag/small colonies that I've had for a while. :(

Thankfully, there are some really great folks in our local club and several have some pieces waiting in the wings. Once the tank gets up and stable, I don't think it will be a lot of effort to get it up to snuff.

[SERVO]

Scwheeeet!:D Can't wait to see you get it up and rockin.

[melev]

Very nice, Nathan. Glad you finally got the tank you ordered. :)

[albert7753]

Glad your on your way...can't wait to see it up and running. If you need any help let me know I am not that far

[schwaggs]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7542946#post7542946 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMonkey
I'm quite fond of Sunburst Anthias but given their temperment and difficulty in captive care I suspect I'm going to pass.

A very good replacement for the sunburst is the Female Lyretail Anthias Pseudanthias squampinnis Live Aquaria Link (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=54) . They are similar in color, are always swimming at the top of the tank (they don't hide like other Anthias), survive captivity very well and school together. The last cool thing about the Lyretail Anthias is that they are cheap!

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7544100#post7544100 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by schwaggs
A very good replacement for the sunburst is the Female Lyretail Anthias Pseudanthias squampinnis Live Aquaria Link (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=54) . They are similar in color, are always swimming at the top of the tank (they don't hide like other Anthias), survive captivity very well and school together. The last cool thing about the Lyretail Anthias is that they are cheap!

I'm pretty fond of Lyretails but due to a hectic schedule, I'm anxious about any anthias due to the regular feeding necessary, even if only for the first few weeks/months. That doesn't mean they're out of the running, though. :)

[mntl]

Following along.

Looks good, interested to see progress!!

Bump.

-John-

[TCU Reefer]

This is going to be a kick a$$ system! Can't wait for more updates.

[CamBarr]

sweet tank i cant wait to see a fts

[PrangeWay]

That sump is very very cool.

Are you going for more lighting besides just one lumenarc? I know it spreads the light well, but the output is still a fixed quantity.

And what program was used for the rendering?


PW

[tesfeld]

Lookin good! Time spent during the planning phase can't be beat and you will be rewarded for it. Glad glass cages got you squared away.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7545263#post7545263 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PrangeWay
That sump is very very cool.

Are you going for more lighting besides just one lumenarc? I know it spreads the light well, but the output is still a fixed quantity.

And what program was used for the rendering?


PW

For the time being, I think one 250W lamp should be enough. I don't like the shadows that it will generate but the coverage from the L3M is very good and should suffice for a while. I've got a long list of items that are more important to me than another lamp, so until those are acquired the extra lamp will have to wait.

In my 20L, I've had to pull the lamp 14"-16" up from the surface of the water (heat issues) and I was getting good growth before things started to go south. I plan on putting a shield in the L3M and lowering it to about 6"-8" from the surface, so I think that in an 18" tank that should be fine. Hopefully it will also help contain the light bleed I'm getting (my bedroom is lit up like Christmas from 2P-10P daily, admission is $1 :)

I used SketchUp for the drawing - www.sketchup.com.

[ReeferMonkey]

Getting up this morning, I was excited because I was going to go approve the stain and take some pictures of the stand at the builder's place. Unfortunately a large resort project in our office had some 11th hour changes before a Tuesday AM meeting and I became one of the people responsible for getting the work done. If everything goes to plan, I should have pics Wednesday.

[gary faulkner]

Start of a very nice tank. I'm going to be tagging along.

[Milleme]

This looks like its gonna turn out realy kool.

the only thing i would have done differently is put the the overflow on the outside.

[jman77]

Looks good ... :)

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7552442#post7552442 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Milleme
This looks like its gonna turn out realy kool.

the only thing i would have done differently is put the the overflow on the outside.

That was originally my plan, but GC wouldn't build an external overflow. If I had gone with AO, will would have definitely hooked it up (apparently they're doing a lot of them these days) but unfortunately it was not to be.

[SERVO]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7552729#post7552729 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMonkey
That was originally my plan, but GC wouldn't build an external overflow. If I had gone with AO, will would have definitely hooked it up (apparently they're doing a lot of them these days) but unfortunately it was not to be.

Deja Vu!!!;)

Happy Birfday Shorty:beer: :celeb2: :celeb3: :celeb1:

[ReeferMonkey]

For my birthday, my fiancee decided I needed a good skimmer and donated a generouse $225 to the cause :) Now I'm forced to make a difficult decision as to which skimmer I actually want. This is where you come in! Help out by relaying your experiences with any of the models listed below. I'm primarily interested in recirculating needlewheel skimmers for ease of use, direct overflow feed and low W consumption. I'm also VERY limited in sump space (about 9" x 15") although there will be a small amount of room in my stand that I could use.

There are two ways I can do this - I can buy one that I can afford now or I can scrimp and save for another month, possibly letting my new tank run for a while without a new skimmer. I'm not real hot about this idea, but I don't like buying equipment over and over either. I think that due to the long list of stuff I still need, I'm probably going to go with affordable now and buy premium way down the road.

That said, the contenders are:

H&S A150-F2001 $650
H&S A110-F2000 $450
Big pros here are high build quality, recirc, great pumps, great product support. Lows are high cost. The A150 is pretty much my dream skimmer for the new setup.

ER CS80 $200
Solid reputation, good skimmer. Not recirc, product support questionable.

DAS EX-1 $250ish (retail $330, but I should be getting a good deal)
Recirc, affordable, Deltec imitator, can skim like a beast. Questionable build quality and product support.

PCI RPS 2000 $280
Recirc, relatively affordable, Deltec imitator. Even more questionable build quality and product support.

I'm leaning towards the DAS EX-1 for now, with a long-term goal of acquiring the A150. Your thoughts?

[nebraskareef]

I've got a RPS-2000 and the build quality is great! Where have you heard of people with problems? The one thing I really hate is the drain on the cup. It makes it kind of a pain to remove the cup with one hand.

I'm waiting on my DAS ex-2.

Any of those choices will be good ones though.

Daniel

[disbjohn]

Can somebody point me to more info on the DAS skimmers? I can't seem to find any.

[ReeferMonkey]

http://stores.petorama.net/Categories.bok?category=Aquarium+Supplies%3APumps%2FFilters

Very little info available. Talk to Jimmy Walls of Big Fish Aquatics, he used to work for them and still reps the products. Otherwise, you can buy direct from PetORama. The Manhattan Reefs skimmer thread (which I don't have the URL for just this moment) has a bunch of pics and info.

There are some quality control issues from time to time but they license an old Deltec model and utilize OEM Aquabee pumps IIRC.

[PrangeWay]

Did you get a price on the sump? I'm poking about for possible upgrades and was a wee bit curious.

pw

[ReeferMonkey]

You can see all of David's products at www.triggersys.com - he's got several different sizes and configurations of sumps, fuges and sump+fuge. He also makes some pretty nice Beckett skimmers. Additionally, he can make just about anything custom you can imagine.

[ReeferMonkey]

I just got back from Scott Comstock's place and I must say that the stand is looking excellent. We still need to work out a few minor details (panel for mounting controller, shelf for top off) but now that I picked a stain, he should have it finished by Saturday! There may be a little bit of delay depending on how we solve the problems as they relate to the sump/skimmer/topoff solution.

Please forgive the pics, I turned the flash off for a few and they came out funky.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1999/ResizeofDSC09305.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6613/ResizeofDSC09296.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4448/ResizeofDSC09300.jpg
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8193/ResizeofDSC09299.jpg

[Airman]

Nice cabinet.

[PrangeWay]

Have him quick remake that in white melamine, than white starboard in your tank. We're talk'in sweet.

But it is very clean, though not sure how it'll look with a dark stain, should be interesting.


PW

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7616196#post7616196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PrangeWay
Have him quick remake that in white melamine, than white starboard in your tank. We're talk'in sweet.

But it is very clean, though not sure how it'll look with a dark stain, should be interesting.


PW

Ugh, the thought of cleaning a white melamine stand makes me quesy. Cat hair, salt creep, palytoxin - those things stain, man :)

Dark stain? What sort of rogue do you take me for? It's going to be a very light honey maple. I do need to pick out some nice hardware and make some final decisions vis' a vis' shelving. I'm going to try to pick up my sump tomorrow so we can shoehorn EVEN MORE STUFF underneath my tank. I've got to accomodate a future AquaController, my ballast enclosure for the L3, future Tunze hockey pucks, a future ozonizer AND a bucket for top off that's big enough to hold the Calcium thingy from Tunze.

Cripes, I need a bigger tank to put all that stuff under! :eek1:

[ReeferMonkey]

I just picked up my Trigger Systems 30" berlin sump and refugium (TS30BR). Wow. The quality that David puts into all of his projects is amazing. Here are some pics:

Whole enchilada:
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7934/ResizeofDSC09312.jpg

Fuge side:
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7541/ResizeofDSC09316.jpg

Sump inlets, media tray and rubble area:
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3773/ResizeofDSC09315.jpg

Probe holder:
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/453/ResizeofDSC09313.jpg

David drilled it for an effluent cup which I'll add later, once I get a calcium reactor and controller. I'm not sure that the DAS EX-1 will fit in the skimmer area, I need to chase that down. If it doesn't fit then I may get David to custom build me a recirc NW skimmer.

[asmujica]

Nice :thumbsup:

[melev]

David really does absolutely beautiful work. :thumbsup:

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7628961#post7628961 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
David really does absolutely beautiful work. :thumbsup:

Uh oh Marc, I'm not sure you can look at those pictures. Did you sign your non-disclosure agreement yet? :lol:

[melev]

I love looking at his stuff. ;) David makes my acrylic work look like a stupid hobbyist made it. Gotta love that CNC router of his.

[SERVO]

Updates? At least I have an excuse. Money CAN NOT be yours!!!!


Lets go.

[ReeferMonkey]

Well, money is definitely an object but time is really in shorter supply.

Of course I had to go buy the fancy high-design cabinet hardware that wasn't in stock and takes over a week to arrive. If I'm lucky, I'll have it by Friday but I really anticipate next week. Whenever it comes in, I'm going directly to Scott's (do not pass go, do not collect $200) to finish the install on the shelving and the hardware. Once that's done, we'll ferry the tank on over and I'll start plumbing it.

That's where you and Jason come in Ryan :) I have no experience with plumbing a tank, so I'm pulling out the big guns :D Again, of course, I want to use grey PVC fittings, which are around twice as expensive as the regular white stuff. Go figure. [profanity]

I've been waiting so long it won't hurt to go another week or two. My rock is super cured, got the sand, need one more bag of rougher-grade aragonite. SG100 magnets for the Seios are on the way from the group buy. Got a new bucket of salt for all that water I'll have to make. I just need the hardware and the plumbing (well, and the cabinet...) and I'll be on my way!

[143gadgets]

Updates?

[thor32766]

great looking setup!

[ReeferMonkey]

Thanks Thor!

Keep me on point Chris! My fiance' turned 30 last week, so we had a week-long celebration that ate up a lot of time in pre-planning, gift sneakiness, etc.

The stand is 90%, I'm going over either tomorrow or Thursday to put the shelving for the reservoir and aquacontroller in. Hopefully the hardware will come soon so I can get it completely finished.

The skimmer is on hold until DAS gets more of the needlewheel pumps in. Right now they're not even returning my friend's calls.

Since I'll have the stand by the weekend, I should begin plumbing either this weekend or the next. Then it's a wet test and we're in business! I'm optimistic that I'll be up by the first week in August.

[PrangeWay]

Bump.

Let's see some updates!

[ReeferMonkey]

Yeah, yeah, don't you have work to do? :)

The skimmer is apparently on it's way, so that's a plus. I was supposed to have my parents in town this weekend (precluding aquarium chores) but it looks like they're backing out, so I may shuffle on to doing plumbing (gasp!). I need to hit the hardware store and get my basics, although I'm sure it will take seven or eight trips (at least!).

[jhorricks]

That sump is sweet. Guy does very nice work.

[ReeferMonkey]

Here's some pics I took the other night. This isn't the final location for the tank; it's going to go where the 20L is for optimum viewing pleasure.

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/9052/ResizeofDSC09350.jpg
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/7545/ResizeofDSC09351.jpg

On the top left of the inside cabinet you can see the shelf for my gear. The face of the shelf was designed to hold an AquaController at a later date.
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5590/ResizeofDSC09353.jpg

Joinery detail.
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/2347/ResizeofDSC09355.jpg

All in all I'm very pleased with the stand, Scott did an excellent job. At a later date I plan on having him build some modular shelves that I'll design, but I have to pay for my aquarium first :)

Edit: Whoops! Forgot to resize the pictures. Better now.

[melev]

:thumbsup:

[SERVO]

Lookin good!

What happend to all of that uppidy hardware you wanted:D .

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7880412#post7880412 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SERVO
Lookin good!

What happend to all of that uppidy hardware you wanted:D .

Still waiting on it :mad: I ordered it over a month ago, it was supposed to be 7-10 days away :rolleyes:

Tell you the truth, the stand may look better without it.

[melev]

Currently, it looks quite european. I like it.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7880632#post7880632 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Currently, it looks quite european. I like it.

I agree. I think adding hardware is going to spoil the clean lines. Right now it speaks about simplicity of materials and the quality of form and of the finishing. I think adding hardware is going to spoil it - too much of a good thing. More stuff, no matter how nice == better.

[melev]

Did you do the finish work, or did Scott?

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7880973#post7880973 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Did you do the finish work, or did Scott?

Scott did everything, including listen to me drone on about design. He was super accomodating and I'm very pleased with the results.

So I'm a huge slacker and have put the tank off momentarily while I deal with a big crunch at work. I received the DAS skimmer, an EX-1 recirculating needlewheel. It's based on an old license of the Deltec skimmer and has an OEM Aquabee. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit in my sump so that's kind of stalled things. I may wind up getting a custom sump built so as to accomodate the skimmer but I'm not sure right now.

That said, here are some pictures of the skimmer. It seems well built; my friend who reps DAS has several of their skimmers (EX-2, BX-1, BX-2) and gets good performance out of them.

I turn to jelly for grey fittings.
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8083/ResizeofDSC09408.jpg

The cup comes off REALLY easy.
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2725/ResizeofDSC09410.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3593/ResizeofDSC09411.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9758/ResizeofDSC09415.jpg

I'm starting to acquire corals for the new tank, so I really need to get on top of things before it's way crowded.

[tigerarmy40]

any updates!?!?

[downset]

Nice everything looks quality and I like that

[ReeferMonkey]

Work has completely swamped me! I'm still dragging my feet on replacing the sump. If I can do that soon, I'll be back on track.

I've spent too much money to quit now! :)

[SaveOurReefs]

That tank looks awsome, I have been wanting to get a trimless tank as well, but no body wants to buy my 58 on dfwmas! lol, oh well guess I am stuck with it. Keep us posted with pictures!

[blstravler]

I have the same skimmer running on my 180 that is well stocked with sps and fish, and it kicks butt. On a weekly basis I have to cleane it to get out all of the nasty brown gooky nasty crap.

And the cost savings in comparison to Deltec is amazing.


Excellent choice!!

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8145704#post8145704 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by blstravler
I have the same skimmer running on my 180 that is well stocked with sps and fish, and it kicks butt. On a weekly basis I have to cleane it to get out all of the nasty brown gooky nasty crap.

And the cost savings in comparison to Deltec is amazing.


Excellent choice!!

Somehow I missed this comment. That is awesome! If you're running it on a 180 and it's doing a great job I should be set!

I got my replacement sump last week but had obligations over the weekend that kept me from working on it. Sadly, I have more pending obligations but am going to try to get it plumbed in the next 7-10 days, as that's the only real obstacle I have to getting the tank up at the moment.

[Monti]

Can't wait to see this thing up and running... great choices on stand and sump BTW, David and Scott do awesome work! I love that sump design.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8328997#post8328997 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Monti
Can't wait to see this thing up and running... great choices on stand and sump BTW, David and Scott do awesome work! I love that sump design.

Me neither Monti! I've spent way too much time, energy and money on this project for it to drag on much longer. I just came back from Elliott's, where I picked up four 1" unions and a reducer bushing for my return line (1" pump to 3/4" SS). They were out of sch. 80 bulkheads, unfortunately, so I'm going to try and find some more elsewhere. In all likelihood, I'll end up at the Fish Gallery... unless someone else knows of a location in central Dallas that has sch 80 bulkheads?

BTW Monti, what's your DFWMAS user ID?

[Monti]

Monti:D I don't think I've ever posted there though... more of lurker! Make sure ya call FG about the sched. 80 bulkheads before ya go. They don't always have them but probably a better shot than anywhere else.

[PrangeWay]

*bump*

Slacker. Work more important than reefs? Where are your priorities?!

PW

[143gadgets]

^ I agree!!! Where are the updatse?

[ReeferMonkey]

I'm sitting for 2 of the 5 sections of the Landscape Architecture Registration Exam on Monday and Tuesday. After the test, I have a lot of projects that go live again, including the aquarium. I'm hoping to make major headway the following weekend.

I swear! :)

[ReeferMonkey]

Finally, some progress!

In the spirit of the New Year, my fiance' and I rearranged our home a little bit and the tank has now moved to a position of prominence in our living area. Once it's up, the tank will be visible from everywhere but our partitioned bedroom. I'll be able to watch the tank while washing dishes! :)

I spent part of the last two days getting the plumbing worked out. I'm one trip to Home Depot away from having all the components I need (minus 1" wyes, oh well) to wet test.

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/4844/resizeofdsc00260sg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

So far, everything is just dry fitted together to get an idea on pipe lengths and to help me figure out what I'm missing. A buddy is going to swing by early this week and give me the once over and then it's off to the races! Hopefully I'll have water in it by the weekend.

In the meantime, I've been reading Calfo + Fenner's Reef Invertebrates, which is a great book! In the spirit of research and planning, I intend to come up with an ideal stocking list that works best for the environment I'm creating. I'm not going to get too firmly entrenched in any stocking ideas until I get everything working. I'd like to have a nice mix of corals - I have a new love of scolymias - but it will really be determined by how the flow works in the tank. If I have some spots where the flow is a little lower then I will definitely fill them up with softies and LPS.

More to come!

[SERVO]

Yay! Hoooray for new years resolutions! I thought that you may have sold all of your stuff. JustKidding!:D

To refresh your memory for aquascaping, first post on page 14

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=667312&perpage=25&pagenumber=14

[ReeferMonkey]

Yeah, I haven't forgotten about that one! It's saved on my HDD :)

I was looking at the current TOTM and feel like I'm wasting so much space in my sump :( The trim on the top is nice but it makes for lots of wasted space.

[crrichey]

Awesome stand! I'm not impressed by classcage's aquariums. They are built like a tank but are ugly as sin!

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8924674#post8924674 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChinChek787
Awesome stand! I'm not impressed by classcage's aquariums. They are built like a tank but are ugly as sin!

I agree. If I had the money I would have had Aquarium Obsessed build the tank, but it was $350 vs. $1200. If I move one day and have more disposable income I may be tempted to step it up but until then....

After seeing Naka's tank (http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=8947082#post8947082) I'd be tempted to have Aquarium Environments build one but the acrylic bottom makes me anxious.

[naka]

Very nice Nathan. I'm sure it's going to look super clean. Architecture an design background, this tank is look very unique. Keep the pics coming.

James

[LePep]

What type of tubing is that? It looks flexible.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8948315#post8948315 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LePep
What type of tubing is that? It looks flexible.

1" clear PVC spa-flex, available at your local plumbing or pool supply store. HD/Lowe's/etc. may carry it as well.

[LePep]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8948352#post8948352 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMonkey
1" clear PVC spa-flex, available at your local plumbing or pool supply store. HD/Lowe's/etc. may carry it as well.

Thanks!

[chem-e]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8922704#post8922704 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMonkey


http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/4844/resizeofdsc00260sg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



I just finished reading your thread and I have to say, that's one nice tank you've got there. Can't wait to see what you do with it?

One question I have is - Are you missing a valve on the return line of the skimmer?

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8950578#post8950578 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chem-e
I just finished reading your thread and I have to say, that's one nice tank you've got there. Can't wait to see what you do with it?

One question I have is - Are you missing a valve on the return line of the skimmer?

Does the return need a valve? This is a pretty elementary question but I've never had an in-sump skimmer before - what does it control?

The drain into the skimmer isn't plumbed either. My skimmer is a 3/4" input and my drain lines are all 1", so I need to pick up some 3/4" spa-flex and the associated plumbing before I'm ready to go.

[alex93se]

Since it's a recirculating skimmer, the water height in the skimmer is controlled by the feed pump or drain, not necessarily the return. Still, having a gate valve on the return is always a good idea to fine tune the skimmer. BTW, great setup and keep the pictures coming!

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8952853#post8952853 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alex93se
Since it's a recirculating skimmer, the water height in the skimmer is controlled by the feed pump or drain, not necessarily the return. Still, having a gate valve on the return is always a good idea to fine tune the skimmer. BTW, great setup and keep the pictures coming!

I'll add a gate valve to my grocery list then :) Work, the gym and jiu jitsu have been eating up my time so I haven't made it to the store yet. I'm hoping I can go tomorrow and plumb on Saturday or Sunday, presuming I don't have to spend time at the office.

[PrangeWay]

There is a good chance (assuming the bulk of that return for the skimmer came with it) that's it's a wedge pipe (like an H&S) so you won't need a valve... I'd run it to test first and to see.

And real progress! I'm impressed. When you acutally get it up and runnng sometime in 08, remind me and I"ll let you pick out some corals to get frags of.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8953635#post8953635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PrangeWay
And real progress! I'm impressed. When you acutally get it up and runnng sometime in 08, remind me and I"ll let you pick out some corals to get frags of.

Ow, it hurts! ;)

[prance1520]

Great work!

We need to start a braceless tank club! Naka for president! I'm not really a big GC fan, but in all reality, no one will be looking at your seams when you've got an amazing ecosystem living inside of it. Its just a glass box :p, and everyone knows its whats inside the box that matters.

Great choices on equiptment. That sump is wonderful. Can't wait to see the aquascaping you come up with. One of my favorite parts of aquarium design. And your into architecture too boot, I can't wait. I'll be following closely, good luck!

PS - Do you have any pictures of your tank that your cat isn't in? What a sap for the camera, geeze.

Matt

[cpreefguy]

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[ReeferMonkey]

The weather in Dallas has been pretty ugly all weekend so I spent some time working on the tank. Everything is plumbed, I'm now waiting for the tank to fill. My RODI gets a pretty low flow being on the 3rd floor of a building, so I've been augmenting with distilled to combat my impatience. I've been a little worried about the build and seals of the tank, so I've been looking at it pretty closely and it seems good so far.

Once it fills it's time to wet test!

[ReeferMonkey]

I decided to give my overflow a little test by adding the last bucket to the tank and letting the water drain to the sump and got an unpleasant surprise - leaking bulkheads. Not that big of a deal, they're not siliconed so I tightened them up and everything was golden.

As I'm testing the bulkheads I notice that there are at least a few leaks in my flex PVC line :( I was worried about this as the flex tube didn't fit snugly into the unions and ball valves.

I've got to let everything dry from the bulkhead leaks before I isolate the leaks in the flex PVC. Once I figure out where the leaks are, do I have any options besides buying new fittings and re-creating the whole line? Although it would make things easier, I doubt that the smart thing to do would be slathering more solvent on there.

Advice?

[db_triggerfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9067921#post9067921 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMonkey
I decided to give my overflow a little test by adding the last bucket to the tank and letting the water drain to the sump and got an unpleasant surprise - leaking bulkheads. Not that big of a deal, they're not siliconed so I tightened them up and everything was golden.

As I'm testing the bulkheads I notice that there are at least a few leaks in my flex PVC line :( I was worried about this as the flex tube didn't fit snugly into the unions and ball valves.

I've got to let everything dry from the bulkhead leaks before I isolate the leaks in the flex PVC. Once I figure out where the leaks are, do I have any options besides buying new fittings and re-creating the whole line? Although it would make things easier, I doubt that the smart thing to do would be slathering more solvent on there.

Advice?

Tagging along and learning, planning a new 75g thanks for posting i am new to pvc lines and sump. Can't wait to see your tank running.

[melev]

Nathan,

If you used plumbing designed for waste lines (such as a wye fitting), the sockets aren't deep enough to get a good bonding seal. The kind Home Depot and Lowes sell is 1/2" deep vs the ones you can buy online that have a 1" depth. Those get good connections.

I cut SpaFlex tubing on my compound miter saw to get a very straight clean cut. I use the two part PVC cleaner and cement, making sure to 'paint' both surfaces to cover the full 1" all the way around the outside as well as the area of the inside of the fitting so that they are no bare spots. Press the plumbing into the fitting, and twist 1/8" to get a good seal. Hold tightly for about 10 to 20 seconds, then run your finger along the seam to wipe away excess solvent and create a smooth fillet. This avoids pinhole leaks.

You may be able to reuse parts of what you've created, but if you have a spot you doubt now, fix it so that you feel confident about its longevity.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9068694#post9068694 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
A very thorough answer

Thank you Marc. Does Savko carry the 1" deep fittings?

[melev]

Yes, they are one that does. AquaticEco.com does as well.

[SERVO]

Nathan,

The key is the cut. Don't use those stupid PVC cutting shears, they deform the "tube" creating an oval deformity that will create problems. This is a huge issue for hard PVC, but "possibly" for soft hose????

;)

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9072395#post9072395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SERVO
Nathan,

The key is the cut. Don't use those stupid PVC cutting shears, they deform the "tube" creating an oval deformity that will create problems. This is a huge issue for hard PVC, but "possibly" for soft hose????

;)

You lost me with your last sentence - it would seem rigid PVC pipe would have less issues than flex PVC. Basically, no matter what, I should be cutting with a saw then?

I think I may just hard plumb the damn thing, it will look a whole lot neater and the reduction in flow from the bends and such may work out in my favor.

[melev]

The cuts should be very straight as well, rather than an angled cut that looks like a tailpipe exhaust tube. ;)

[SERVO]

It is an issue of compliance. The soft tissue "could" return to its normal shape before you glue it, but because hard PVC is ridgid, there isn't the rebound potential. Antecdotally, I have noticed more leaks when the cuts are not clean and strait.

[uchiha]

bump any updates? this tank is amazing! lets see it with some water :)

[ReeferMonkey]

I re-plumbed the whole system last night and despite my 8 or 10 trips to buy plumbing supplies, I'm short a few pieces. Hopefully work won't prevent me from going to Elliott's Hardware on my lunch break today. Updates to follow!

[GuySmilie]

Nathan, I was following along with your build in the Calfo overflow thread and wondered how it was coming along. So I tracked you down here.

I was impressed by the dimensions of your overflow setup in the custom tank that you had built, because it is close to the dimensions of my Oceanic, that I'm getting ready to set up.

What I was wondering is if you had ever put any water in it yet and tested the overflow out. And if you would have done anything different.

Also, what size did you wind up using for the overflow bulkheads? Thanks and I'll be tagging along.
Guy

[RoGeTa]

I recently drove 3 hours down to Arlingotn to pick up a tank from Glass Cages. It isn't the prettiest tank but it is built like a tank lol. I had a misunderstanding with them as well. But, all is not lost. I still like the tank.

I love your tank and stand! It is a great project, best of luck!

[ReeferMonkey]

My system is up and running but needs a good bit more work. It's got about 45# of Marshall and 5# of Tonga in it and I'd like to add another 15-20# of nice Tonga branch to stabilize my rock structure on. I've got a big flat table piece that screws up everything, so I'll probably sell it locally.

While I have a reefscape to play with, I'm thinking about taking some photos and writing a little article about aquascaping. My time is pretty short right now so we'll see.

More photos to come!


Guy,
I have two 1" external overflows running probably 500 gph from an Eheim 1262 with about 5' of head pressure. I'm not getting a good seal on the pump so I think I can get better. What I really need is a loc-line fitting for my 1" Sea Swirl return, but that's not really related to your problem.

If you go with the external overflow you will have to put air holes in the drain lines! I didn't drill before setting mine up and it pulled a massive amount of air. I've never plumbed a tank before either, I stumbled a few times along the way and spent more than I should have. Live and learn!

Rogeta,
Sorry to hear you didn't get what you asked for. To be honest, I don't really notice the chip in the glass or the low workmanship when viewing the tank from more than 18" away, which is most often.

[GuySmilie]

I understand what you're saying, but I'm not sure what your final configuration looks like on the overflow box. Maybe you could snap a few close-up pix of the overflow plumbing details, when you get the time. I'd greatly appreciate it.

Just think of the mistakes as education. Did you ever go to school and receive an education for free?? Nope! Consider the mistakes as your tuition :)

Thanks and best of luck with your new tank. I'll likely chime in every now and then.
Guy

[USC-fan]

How are you liking this skimmer? I was looking into getting one for my 90gal tank i'm setting up.

[ReeferMonkey]

The build is solid and the price was good. It's still breaking in right now and my bio-load is non-existant, so I can't speak to the performance. As things progress, I'll be sure to post about it.

[ReeferMonkey]

Last night I added two 50# bags of Southdown and have been trying to mitigate the resulting sandstorm all day. I've dialed my skimmer to wet skim and have emptied the cup at least 15 times since I woke up. Things are sloooooowly clearing up. Tomorrow I'm going to try to pick up some live sand and chaeto from some local reefers provided the tank has cleared up enough.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3388/ResizeofDSC00488.th.jpg (http://img255.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ResizeofDSC00488.jpg)

[reefinmike]

nice tank

god i hate glass cages, im supprised they did your overflow like that. they really went out of their way with their GREAT customer service. im just kidding of course.


my tank i got from them sparatically broke at 4 in the morning...

[ReeferMonkey]

Slowly clearing up after reaquascaping.....

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/5663/resizeofdsc00507xe7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[tigerarmy40]

did you do anything to clean the southdown before putting in the tank? I have heard that it is pretty dirty when it comes out of the bag...

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9340757#post9340757 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tigerarmy40
did you do anything to clean the southdown before putting in the tank? I have heard that it is pretty dirty when it comes out of the bag...

I did not. It would have probably saved me some trouble if I had done that beforehand.

[PrangeWay]

Looking good!

I like how you can tell exactly where the seaswirl rotates by the sand depressions.

If you keep this up I'll have to take back my 08 jokes!

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9368823#post9368823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PrangeWay
Looking good!

I like how you can tell exactly where the seaswirl rotates by the sand depressions.

If you keep this up I'll have to take back my 08 jokes!

Yeah, the SS is giving me a bit of a headache. The Eheim 1262 is probably pushing around 600-700gph through the 3/4" return line. My (2) 1" drains are almost maxxed out always and the sand just will not stay in the front middle or back right of the tank. :(

I'd like to add a Vortec too :eek: I really love the look and life of the sand but I might have to go BB/rubble just to make the flow work like I want. My last ditch effort would be to change nozzles on the Sea Swirl (maybe to a single nozzle, maybe two 2 1/2" nozzles, I dunno) to see if that calms things down. Unfortunately, I think a Vortec will blow all that sand around as well.

I've also considered downsizing the 1262 to a 1260, which would dramatically reduce the flow, but that won't matter if I add a Vortec.

Also, as a result of not rinsing my sand, I get dust storms every time the DSB is disturbed. I think I'm going to have to buy a cannister filter and run it with filter floss while I repeatedly stir up the sand bed to pull out that fine particulate matter. My concern is that disturbances to the sand bed down the road will kick up massive dust storms and result in bad news for my SPS.

Advice? :confused:

[PrangeWay]

I might try the 1260, that's what I use as a return and it'll still give you over 400gph flow. The vortec won't disturb your sandbed if you mount it mid-tank or so, the flow is alot more dispersed. My LPS tank has a Seio 1100 runnig that doesn't move argamax sand, so you're definetly safe with a vortec (as long as you don't mount it to low).

The current problem is 700gph through a 3/4" nozze is pushing out a tight column of water at like 9 ft/s. The scour velocity of #4 (about 4.75mm or 1/8 or so sand) sand is 5 ft/s. So even a bigger "reef substrate" would blow around as is. A 1260 should slow that down to something just under 5, which means a cheap bag of larger reef sand over the top and you'd be good to go.

btw you can't tell I'm doing a channel design currently huh? Sediment movement baby!


PW

[ReeferMonkey]

You rock! I'm going to have to buy you a beer one of these days.

[Zoos]

Bumptidy bump, how about some new pics? also how is that DAS working out for you?

[ReeferMonkey]

The skimmer is doing great! It didn't take too long to tune in and despite my low bio-load (non existant, really) it is pulling out some funk.

I'll post pics soon.

[DrBegalke]

any pic of the fuge part of that sump in action? i'm curious how far the water falls into the skimmer section? does it create a lot of splashing/salt spray?

thanks!

[ReeferMonkey]

The flow through the fuge is pretty low. I'll try to take some photos of the guts of the tank today when I come home for lunch.

[ReeferMonkey]

More or less front shot - no lights yet so there is some glare. :/
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/1103/ResizeofDSC00509.jpg

Left side
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/3488/ResizeofDSC00513.jpg

Right side
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/7928/ResizeofDSC00522.jpg

Skimmer cup after about 3 days with no bio-load
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/7372/ResizeofDSC00525.jpg

Overflow from fuge - ignore the sand gunk I have yet to clean up :roll:
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/8527/ResizeofDSC00523.jpg

Side view to fuge - there are two different types of chaeto in there, the dense/dark kind and the lighter, more open kind. The lighter matrix seems to be a better performer.
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/6767/ResizeofDSC00530.jpg

[SERVO]

So when are you going to aquascape? LOL


Put some Kalkwasser in that puppy! Kalkwasser does a body good!:D


How many coral frags are you planning on putting in there? I assume you have an end product in mind and are planning for growth to fill in the spaces.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9618930#post9618930 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SERVO
So when are you going to aquascape? LOL


Put some Kalkwasser in that puppy! Kalkwasser does a body good!:D


How many coral frags are you planning on putting in there? I assume you have an end product in mind and are planning for growth to fill in the spaces.

Right now I'm dosing amino acids and two part and getting some decent coralline growth. I'm going to transfer over most of the acros in the 20L and then selectively add a variety of other things. I'm still toying with the overall growth I'm going for, it's something I need to put soume more thought into.

[Zoos]

I think the rocks look nice how they are right now, i am building a 40x26x20H and I like the less is more look. what are your plans as far as lighting?

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9625013#post9625013 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Zoos
I think the rocks look nice how they are right now, i am building a 40x26x20H and I like the less is more look. what are your plans as far as lighting?

It took about 5 tries to get the aquascaping right but I'm pretty satisfied with what I have. I LOVE the Marshall Island rock, it is very light and has tons of caves. The Tonga is not quite as nice but it serves its purpose.

I've debated the lighting thing back and forth the last few weeks. My current tank, a 20L, has a Lumenarc Mini from PGS, electronic ballast (IceCap 250w with an ARO 250w backup) and a 10K Reeflux lamp - it is WAY overkill for the tank. The distribution on the Mini is great but not suited for the 20L - there is a lot of light thrown on the floor. To make this worse, the 250w heats up the tank so badly (82F daytime typically) that the fixture has to be hung several inches higher than I would like. The fixture is in my bedroom and it bathes the whole room in the cool white of the halide - this is something I'd like to change.

My future plans involve a prop system of some sort but with so many different gadgets to buy for this system, I don't see a new prop tank anywhere on the horizon. With that in mind, I need a lighting solution that works better for the tank and for the space. The hanging pendant will be fine in the corner where the 60g is but it's too visible in the location the 20L is in.

I've been intrigued by T5s for some time and have seen some good results on these forums, so I think I'm going to give them a shot. Unfortunately no one of repute makes a 30" T5 fixture so I'm going to have a canopy built for the 20L and will start with a Tek retro kit.

In two weeks time I'll transfer the corals over to the 60g. Not everything is going over, so I must have some sort of lighting situation worked out for the 20L by then.

edit:
I also thought about the "Stealth" Lumenarc but it's actually uglier than the regular L3 in my opinion. I'd sooner spray paint the shell of the L3 matte black rather than buy the Stealth one.

[ReeferMonkey]

No headway on the lighting situation but a local LFS owner went to LA to stock up for his anniversary sale and brought me back 7 Redspot Cardinalfish, Apogon parvulus! Only 6 made it through the shipment but they are acclimated and hanging out in the tank.

The first one went into a holding pattern and as soon as the second one hit the water, he swam right to his buddy and swam side by side :) As each additional fish was added they joined the little shoal, it was so freaking cool. If these guys do well in the next few weeks I will probably add another 6-10.

I'll post pics when I've got more than a free minute.

[143gadgets]

Pics, Pics, Pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


PLEASE!!!!!!!

[Zoos]

Any updates?

[ReeferMonkey]

After about 5 days I'm down to one fish. They were all eating happily but disappeared one by one. I added a mated pair of skunk cleaners as well. I plan on ordering a fixture this week and trying to move over the halide and the corals in about 10-12 days.

[ReeferMonkey]

OK, so I'm a bit of a slacker with the updates.

Big news, I just switched the light over. The L3 Mini is throwing a great spread but unfortunately there is some glare when you sit and watch TV. Also, my e-ballast is f'ing with my cable, I need to figure out how to mitigate that.

I'm acclimating some corals as we speak and will move most of my big SPS tomorrow. I should have a Vortech and battery backup by the end of next week but will use the Seio 820s in the interim.

A Chalk Basslet and two large Skunk Cleaner shrimp are now keeping the lone Red Spot Cardinal company. Everyone is eating very heartily 1X-2X daily. I love the Cardinal but feel quite bad about only 1 of 7 surviving. He does look SUPER cool under the halide though :/ I would like a few more, honestly, but my conscience will wrestle with it. There will be some more additions - I'm definitely going to have a wrasse - either 6 Line, 4 Line or Pink Stripe aka Cryptic - as well as an Atlantic Cherub angel (C. argi). My clean up crew should be here this week as well.

Not a lot of pics, but something to tide you over :) More when there is livestock.

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8854/resizeofdsc00685hl7.jpg
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8709/resizeofdsc00687ym8.jpg

[melev]

Did you get your Mini from acropora.net? I'm considering them myself now.

The one thing I don't like about the rear tank overflow is that silicone line. I saw it on Keith's tank and now on yours. If it was possible to hide that, I'd be in love with it. Maybe a black piece of acrylic across the back, inside the tank?

Looking forward to finally seeing this tank stocked! :)

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9789730#post9789730 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Did you get your Mini from acropora.net? I'm considering them myself now.

The one thing I don't like about the rear tank overflow is that silicone line. I saw it on Keith's tank and now on yours. If it was possible to hide that, I'd be in love with it. Maybe a black piece of acrylic across the back, inside the tank?

Looking forward to finally seeing this tank stocked! :)

I got my Mini direct from Pacific Garden Supply along with an ARO e-ballast and and IceCap e-ballast. They wired them and put them in enclosures for a small charge. I'm not really hot on doing my own electrical work so it was worth it for me.

Yeah, the line is a bit aggravating but it's way worse in pictures than it is in person. The next time around I might do something like Edward's tank but that's a long way off :)

[drummereef]

ReeferMonkey - What bulb/ballast are you using with your L3 mini? :)

[cpreefguy]

How tall is your stand? Are you happy with the height of it?

[ReeferMonkey]

Drummereef,

I've got a 250W Coralvue Reeflux 10K on an e-ballast. I've got both an ARO and an IceCap.

CPReefguy,

The stand is 42" to the lip around the tank - the tank itself sits at 40". If it were a bit lower it might be a tad easier to look in but I love having the room in the stand for future equipment expansion.

[PrangeWay]

Looking good there, though I wish the SLS pendants where a bit prettier, we'll have to call your tank "modern industrial".

Your cardinal adventure has just about tempted me in getting some to add to my LPS tank, it just has a lone firefish right now in 60+ gallons, we'll see.

And you're only going to have sand on one side of the tank when the vortec goes in. I sent one of my tunze's in for service and with only 1 going (w/o 2nd to balance the flow) I de-sanded a 1/4 of my tank, fixed now, but just one Vortec, and all that oolithic...


PW

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9791522#post9791522 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PrangeWay
Looking good there, though I wish the SLS pendants where a bit prettier, we'll have to call your tank "modern industrial".

Yeah, the L3 is a little raw but have you seen the so-called Stealth version? Big and ugly and boxy. I'm digging it more than I thought I would. The next step is to get the SLS New Wave T5 fixture, which is a very industrial-looking horticultural T5, for the 20L. THAT fixture will be uber-funky.

Your cardinal adventure has just about tempted me in getting some to add to my LPS tank, it just has a lone firefish right now in 60+ gallons, we'll see.

Be prepared for high costs and heavy losses. The one that is remaining looks incredible under the Reeflux though! Most expensive fish I've ever bought. :eek:

And you're only going to have sand on one side of the tank when the vortec goes in. I sent one of my tunze's in for service and with only 1 going (w/o 2nd to balance the flow) I de-sanded a 1/4 of my tank, fixed now, but just one Vortec, and all that oolithic...

LALALA I can't hear you LALALA :D I'm prepared to dial it down pretty hard, we'll see :)

[ReeferMonkey]

I found places for most of the corals I placed in the tank in the last few days. Most everything is out of the 20L except for a few pieces overgrown with macro, too big or attached to something. Lots of room for more corals - I just have to decide what I want, although I'm leaning towards heavy SPS. My vortech will be here this weekend, so that should be fun.

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4194/ResizeofDSC00838.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/5596/ResizeofDSC00803.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4105/ResizeofDSC00831.jpg

Pygmy angel, added last Friday although I did not quarantine him :rolleyes:
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4459/ResizeofDSC00808.jpg

Chalk Basslet
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/2581/ResizeofDSC00810.jpg

Red Spot Cardinal.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3381/ResizeofDSC00818.jpg

[ReeferMonkey]

Random colony.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/8756/ResizeofDSC00824.jpg

A few days of skimmate.
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1654/ResizeofDSC00843.jpg

The 20L, now with a 4x24W Sun Wave horticultural T5 fixture from Specialty Lighting. This thing was a steal!
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/481/ResizeofDSC00844.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3943/ResizeofDSC00847.jpg

[TCU Reefer]

Finally an update!

Looks good Nathan. You'll love the VorTech. It's going to be spitting so much current that you might have to consider BB again. :) That cardinal is pretty dope. Too bad none of the others survived.

Definitely have room for a lot more corals....SPS, that is. :)

[costa13]

Looks great! Love the modern look.

[sbwood007]

Nice tank! Great design! Goes great with your home.

Stephen

[melev]

:thumbsup: Glad to see it up and running with rock and real live corals. :p

[ccorpse27]

What did you mean that the tank "wasn't a brick" like you wanted in your first post?

[ReeferMonkey]

Thanks guys! Most everything is browned out from a minor incident in the 20L but some pieces are already showing color in the tips again.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9859036#post9859036 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ccorpse27
What did you mean that the tank "wasn't a brick" like you wanted in your first post?

If you look at the first tank they built me (1st post?), it had eurobracing and was not as designed. The tank I'm running now was their second attempt at building it and is what I designed.

[SERVO]

Nice,

Next time I have dinner over your house, I won't be able to get the image of your skimmate collection on your counter. UGHHHHH

Looking good. That big brown coral on the left side of your tank is a blue milli right?

I like the "finished" product! I might just have to set up a second tank:D

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9859957#post9859957 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SERVO
That big brown coral on the left side of your tank is a blue milli right?


It's a green mille. The blue one is on the other side of that rock, but it's mostly brown right now as well :(

[SERVO]

All you need is a couple of weeks with those lights and good parameters. You have a reactor right?

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9860456#post9860456 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SERVO
All you need is a couple of weeks with those lights and good parameters. You have a reactor right?

Not yet, still dosing 2 part.

My next purchases will be:

Accessory cabinet
Osmolator + calciumat
Reactor (ATI? Trigger? Schuran?)
WavySea

I fall in and out of love with the hobby, I'm going to try to not break the bank on new stuff in the coming months. We'll see how that goes :)

[melev]

The Trigger System's Ca Reactor would be good, plus you have local support. I really like my Lifereef Ca Reactor, but he's in CA (I think).

[Zoos]

Tank looks great, and that cardinal is awesome, do they come from japan?

[ccorpse27]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9859308#post9859308 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMonkey
Thanks guys! Most everything is browned out from a minor incident in the 20L but some pieces are already showing color in the tips again.



If you look at the first tank they built me (1st post?), it had eurobracing and was not as designed. The tank I'm running now was their second attempt at building it and is what I designed.

Yah I saw that. Just not sure what you mean by brick. No big deal, just wondering. I have a glass cages tank too but in acrylic and it's been great. Not the prettiest thing in the world but gets the job done.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9862044#post9862044 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
The Trigger System's Ca Reactor would be good, plus you have local support. I really like my Lifereef Ca Reactor, but he's in CA (I think).

David has been good to me so far so it's a strong possibility. His prices are also competitive and that's really what will drive the final decision.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9863270#post9863270 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ccorpse27
Yah I saw that. Just not sure what you mean by brick. No big deal, just wondering. I have a glass cages tank too but in acrylic and it's been great. Not the prettiest thing in the world but gets the job done.

Brick was the term used (by Oceanic, I believe) when they were overbuilding the sides of the tank and going rimless. It's a bit archaic now :)

I have mixed feelings about GC. They were cheap, much cheaper than their competitors, but the quality is lacking. I may do a custom prop tank and I'm afraid it will probably be from them unless I can find a local who builds cheap :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9863218#post9863218 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Zoos
Tank looks great, and that cardinal is awesome, do they come from japan?

A. parvulus is distributed around Japan, Indonesia and Australia - a Fishbase map can be found here (http://fishbase.sinica.edu.tw/Map/detail/PointMap_new.php?dsource=darwin_all&SpecID=xxx&tbl=&Spname=Apogon%20parvulus&f_stockdefs=Western+Pacific%3A++Japan+and+the+Philippines.%3Cbr%3E+%3Ca+href%3Djavascript%3Ahistory. go%28-2%29%3E+-Back+to+previous+page-+%3C%2Fa%3E%3C%2Ffont%3E&loc_url=fishbase.sinica.edu.tw&cache=0). They are super cool but unfortunately ship very poorly. If they make it through shipping they are supposed to be as tough as nails. Mine is always out searching for food in the water column. Sometimes at night he'll find a cave but usually the corner of the tank is just fine for him.

[kwl1763]

Glasscages is fine if your willing to put up with the misbuilds, delays, and poor quality!

I love the final look though. Quite nice. I think if I setup a prop tank it will be rimless like that!

[GraviT]

Looking good man! What kind of wood did Scott use to build the stand? I STILL need to build a canopy for my 120 and the dark finish oak stand looks horrible in the new house...so I'm thinking of building new furniture for the tank.

To top it off, the aquascaping links in the thread are sick and now I want to empty my reef and start again. I suppose the dinoflaggelate infestation I'm fighting doesn't help. I'm about |-this-| close to cooking the rocks, scrapping the sand and trying again.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9869946#post9869946 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GraviT
Looking good man! What kind of wood did Scott use to build the stand? I STILL need to build a canopy for my 120 and the dark finish oak stand looks horrible in the new house...so I'm thinking of building new furniture for the tank.

To top it off, the aquascaping links in the thread are sick and now I want to empty my reef and start again. I suppose the dinoflaggelate infestation I'm fighting doesn't help. I'm about |-this-| close to cooking the rocks, scrapping the sand and trying again.

STILL?? :eek: Come on Kev! :) The stand is a pine frame skinned in maple with a honey stain.

I'm not sure I would go back and cook the rocks again unless they were massively overgrown with macro or something similar. Maybe a few days of dunking/swishing and scrubbing with a toothbrush but probably not the long-term cooking. Have you tried ozone or kalk to help with the dino?

[GraviT]

Hey..at least I set the thing up!!! I am getting tired of seeing the canopy from my 55 on top though! :p

Yeah, I drip kalk 24x7 and have been through 2 3-day periods of no light and several days of using a kalk slurry to push the pH above 8.4 (talk about wreaking havoc on the pumps), yet the stuff still keeps coming back. I'm beginning to think that the Pavestone in the tank has become a nutrient sink and I'm fighting a losing battle.

[melev]

Hey Kevin, nice avatar. ;)

I'm surprised the 3 days of darkness didn't solve the problem. You must have a skimmer that isn't working as efficiently as it could. When did you clean it last?

[GraviT]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9872532#post9872532 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Hey Kevin, nice avatar. ;)

I'm surprised the 3 days of darkness didn't solve the problem. You must have a skimmer that isn't working as efficiently as it could. When did you clean it last?

Heh, thanks...it's always been my avatar here! I'm still running the Lifereef VS2-24 w/ Mazzei injector (rated for 250 gallons)and I clean the cup and neck every other day. The body has stayed nice and clean as it gets very little light where it sits. I suppose I could give the impeller on my Mag 9.5 another cleaning, but it's only been about a month since the last time.

[makoJ]

nice tank, I'm taggin along on this one!
keep the pictures coming

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9882589#post9882589 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by makoJ
nice tank, I'm taggin along on this one!
keep the pictures coming

Thanks! I need to make a run down to ATX/SATX check out some of the MAASTards tanks and bring back some frags :) H-Town would be another good stop, I could drool over James/Naka and Edward/Invincible's systems.

There will be more pix coming, I get my Vortech and battery backup today and may pick some stuff up at a shop. I'm also going to visit a buddy of mine to watch the UFC fight and he has been holding a few things for me although I have to treat for RB :hmm3:

One thing I'll have to come to terms with is the hot spot under my single halide. I'm not really keen on having to bullseye my light-demanding acros in the center of the tank but may not have any other choice. I'd also like to incorporate some LPS and softies into the mix as well for the benefits of my fiance and visitors who don't appreciate colored sticks :) We'll see how it goes.

[makoJ]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9882669#post9882669 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMonkey
Thanks! I need to make a run down to ATX/SATX check out some of the MAASTards tanks and bring back some frags :) H-Town would be another good stop, I could drool over James/Naka and Edward/Invincible's systems.

There will be more pix coming, I get my Vortech and battery backup today and may pick some stuff up at a shop. I'm also going to visit a buddy of mine to watch the UFC fight and he has been holding a few things for me although I have to treat for RB :hmm3:

One thing I'll have to come to terms with is the hot spot under my single halide. I'm not really keen on having to bullseye my light-demanding acros in the center of the tank but may not have any other choice. I'd also like to incorporate some LPS and softies into the mix as well for the benefits of my fiance and visitors who don't appreciate colored sticks :) We'll see how it goes.

This summer I was hoping to swing by Dallas and H-town and see some tanks and your welcome anytime you can make it down.

My wife is a fan of LPS and not so much on the colored sticks lol so I have a lot of LPS in the tank.

oh and we will be watch UFC also:D

[saltpeter]

I noticed you have Tonga branch in your fuge . I'd add that to the main and get porous base for the fuge or sump . Branch isn't good for filtration but great for show ! Great build,love the photos.Keep on reefin.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9883339#post9883339 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltpeter
I noticed you have Tonga branch in your fuge . I'd add that to the main and get porous base for the fuge or sump . Branch isn't good for filtration but great for show ! Great build,love the photos.Keep on reefin.

Yeah, I just picked up a small piece of LR and am going to do some reconfiguring in the back. It's not going to be visible from teh front but it will give me more mounting room in the high-light spot for acros.

Just picked up the Vortech, unfortunately plans for the evening will delay the setup until tomorrow.

[SERVO]

Hey Nathan

Brad Ward has been growing the Palau Green Sinularia for eons. You might want to talk to him.


I'm down for a trip like the one you talk about above! You and I need a senseless 3-4 hour drive to look at glass boxes.;)

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9888678#post9888678 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SERVO
You and I need a senseless 3-4 hour drive to look at glass boxes.;)

It's not like we've ever done it before :rollface:

[ReeferMonkey]

Yesterday I made a long run about town picking up my Vortech, some supplements, a little LR, a yellow sea cucumber and some pink ricordea. I spent the better part of this morning fiddling with the tank before Sunday chores commenced. The Vortech was unpacked, inpsected and installed. I got a little frustrated wrestling with one of the rubber pegs in the standoff bending at an odd angle but eventually worked out the problem. The MP-40 is a lot larger than I realized it would be but it moves an incredible amount of water. I estimate it's turned down to 40%-50% of it's full power.

Good things come in small, heavy packages.
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4392/ResizeofDSC00852.jpg

Well packaged pump.
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/5835/ResizeofDSC00854.jpg

12oz. can for scale
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6215/ResizeofDSC00856.jpg

The BB is a brick, it weighs 13.5#.
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6159/ResizeofDSC00872.jpg

Of course, once the pump was installed it was time to reaquascape based on the new flow pattern. I don't think it's quite right yet but almost.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6035/ResizeofDSC00885.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7053/ResizeofDSC00875.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4048/ResizeofDSC00878.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7836/ResizeofDSC00883.jpg

Updated shot of the guts. Note I have not mounted the Vortech controller or the battery backup. Also, if I ever have money burning a hole in my pocket I'd like to replumb the whole area in grey or black flex PVC.
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/8905/ResizeofDSC00890.jpg

[naka]

Nice clean setup Nathan! You should run the vortech power line horizontally along the top towards the back using 2 stickers. I can show you how I did mine if you want.

You're welcome to stop by my house for some frags when you're in town. Keep up the good work.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9889693#post9889693 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by naka
Nice clean setup Nathan! You should run the vortech power line horizontally along the top towards the back using 2 stickers. I can show you how I did mine if you want.

You're welcome to stop by my house for some frags when you're in town. Keep up the good work.

Thank you for the compliments, your setup has really been inspirational. :)

I'm still mulling over the final location for the pump - it may go a tad bit higher and a little further back. I got excited earlier and attached it on my first try at placement and had to scrape it off - only two tabs left now. Once I nail the position then I'm going to run the line horizontally.

I would really enjoy a trip to Houston, it's been quite some time. I'm going to have to make it happen before too long.

[GSMguy]

great looking tank reefermonkey i like it very much : )

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9889902#post9889902 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
great looking tank reefermonkey i like it very much : )

Thanks man, yours is also looking pretty sharp! Do you have a build thread going anywhere? I only saw the pics in the 3' tank thread.

[DaveG99]

where is the 3' tank thread?

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9892013#post9892013 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DaveG99
where is the 3' tank thread?

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1113786

Tank looking better with some stuff in it? :)

[tigerarmy40]

so othre then you sea swirl, what do you have for returns and how much flow are you putting through your sump? even before you added the new vrtechs there was a lot of surface movement and I am wondering how you concealed the returns so well?can you take more pics of the overflow and returns?

[ReeferMonkey]

Aside from the (temporary) Seio that was a placeholder for the Vortech, the only flow on the tank was the Eheim 1260 on the 3/4" sea swirl. The nozzle is aimed straight out, as pointing too high pushed almost all the water into the overflow and pointing too low scoured out all the sand.

I'm a little frustrated with the Vortech, as now my sump/skimmer/fuge surges every 10-15 seconds. My skimmer is constantly overflowing. I'm not sure if the Vortech is a good choice for a tank this size or maybe I've just got it turned up too high. :/

[tigerarmy40]

when you say surge you mean that it is rushing water down into the sump causing everything to go out of wack or are you talking power surge? like it may need its own outlet?

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9922331#post9922331 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tigerarmy40
when you say surge you mean that it is rushing water down into the sump causing everything to go out of wack or are you talking power surge? like it may need its own outlet?

Water flow not electricity. Something is happening with the cycle of the sea swirl and the flow pattern of the Vortech; when they hit a certain couple of spots, a larger surge of water goes over the overflow and disrupts my drainage, sending bubbles into my sump, fuge and skimmer. My skimmer has overflowed on me everyday for since Saturday.

I may try to lower the Vortech since it's only 4"-6" below the surface - the impact on my Calfo overflow may be too great. But if it goes lower I get sand problems :mad2: I don't want to go BB but it may be the best solution for this problem. As I only have two sources of flow, I want to maximize each one as best I can.

[tigerarmy40]

what if you tried the vortech on the opposite sideof the tank? that way the sea swirl is further away?

[ReeferMonkey]

Since our last episode, my sandstorm has continued and my hands in the tank don't help much. I've managed to re-tune my skimmer and got it back under control, although I disabled my Sea Swirl to prevent the surge. I'm having a weird issue with the chaeto in my fuge - parts of it seem to be decaying or thinning out. I'm not sure if photoperiod is the issue but I would prefer a reverse daylight schedule anyway.

I picked up some corals at our local MAS meeting and from a friend in the area, including a few acros, some zoanthids and a Palau sinularia. So far the Palau isn't particularly colorful but the tank it was coming from had some issues, so I'm hoping it will improve. Most (I know, I know) of the acros were treated simultaneously with fluke tabs (1/4 tablet per 2.5g) and Interceptor (approx 8x dosage) for 20 minutes before being acclimated into my systems.

My camera's white balance is off, so these pics are slightly duller than in person.

FTS:
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/5676/ResizeofDSC00942.jpg

Isometrics
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7065/ResizeofDSC00910.jpg
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9034/ResizeofDSC00913.jpg

Left side:
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/1161/ResizeofDSC00914.jpg

Tyree tenius, recovering from the meltdown in the 20L
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/9259/ResizeofDSC00919.jpg

Crayola Table, from a much larger colony that was fragged to spread around to friends.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/6238/ResizeofDSC00927.jpg

[ReeferMonkey]

I've been scraping my glass every other day but mostly for sand buildup; algae comes and goes. I'm scaling back the size and frequency of my feedings as I begin to dose small amounts of Pappone after lights out, preceded by amino acids.

What is everyone using to measure their pappone servings?

More eye candy:

Red table with blue tort beyond.
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6237/ResizeofDSC00924.jpg

Acropora lokani
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8674/ResizeofDSC00921.jpg

A friend was incredulous that I was going to put GSP in the tank, but I've isolated it to a small outcropping and will keep it pruned as necessary. Green slimer above.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/791/ResizeofDSC00935.jpg

Ryan's Green Mille and ORA Blue mille, hoping to see some color improvements.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5550/ResizeofDSC00937.jpg

Tenius colony
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7990/ResizeofDSC00929.jpg

Pinkish palys and orange florida rics.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2070/ResizeofDSC00933.jpg

Purple and green blastos.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4830/ResizeofDSC00940.jpg

Palau Sinularia, supposedly now extinct in the wild. Slightly greener in person but not much. Hope to see improvement.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4042/ResizeofDSC00932.jpg

[TCU Reefer]

Looks good Nathan. Your tank will be rockin in no time.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9936650#post9936650 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TCU Reefer
Looks good Nathan. Your tank will be rockin in no time.

Thanks for the frags! It was nice seeing your tank on Saturday.

The hardest part is knowing when to say when with livestock. It's getting to the point where I'm going to only add some small frags - hopefully a few LE acros, maybe a funky softy of some sort and some zoanthids and then just let everything fill in.

I have to recant on my position with the Cardinals - I think I may try to bring in another batch at some point. I'm also on the lookout for a small CBB that's eating in the LFS. Fish Gallery had a nice one but he kept spitting out his food, so I couldn't do it in good conscience. Maybe a few more inverts, like a Fromia sp. star and some porcelain crabs and things will be pretty much full up.

[SERVO]

A friend was incredulous that I was going to put GSP in the tank, but I've isolated it to a small outcropping and will keep it pruned as necessary. Green slimer above.




:D

[tangalone]

I must admit, I too was skeptical about you putting the GSP in your very manicured tank, but it does add a sense of movement that was lacking with all of the sps. It looks good already, nice and open. ;)

Lindsey

[ReeferMonkey]

Thanks Lindsey :) Nice to see you on RC!

[Bayou]

Nathan-

To measure the pappone - Pick up a meat injector at your local grocery. Most have marks on the sides to let you know how much you have picked up into the injector.

I like to lay out a length of Glad Press n Seal and put the measured feeding amounts on the sheet like cookie dough on a baking sheet. Then cover w/ another layer of press n seal. Once you the individual feedings sealed you can cut with sissors, place in a freezer bag and take out 1 pack each feeding. Makes it easy.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9964200#post9964200 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bayou
Nathan-

To measure the pappone - Pick up a meat injector at your local grocery. Most have marks on the sides to let you know how much you have picked up into the injector.

I like to lay out a length of Glad Press n Seal and put the measured feeding amounts on the sheet like cookie dough on a baking sheet. Then cover w/ another layer of press n seal. Once you the individual feedings sealed you can cut with sissors, place in a freezer bag and take out 1 pack each feeding. Makes it easy.

Good idea about the portions James, I think I will try that!

[nickiwit]

Your set up looks great. I especially like the sump.

How about adding a possum wrasse. I don't think they are as likely to jump as some other wrasses.

[tigerarmy40]

do you think yoiu are going to have problems with fish in your overflow?

I am actually ordering a tank much like yours only 36x24x24 from visio, I used your 3d rendering but adjusted the depth and added holes for a closed loop. (thanks) so I am thinking that I want to use black acrylic for the overflow and add the teeth so I can cover the overflow and still get water through...what do you think? any issues yet?

[DaveG99]

How much is the tank running you tigerarmy? I am in the market for a tank with similar dimensions. Also is yours going to be rimless?

[tigerarmy40]

pm sent dave

[ReeferMonkey]

No problems with fish and the overflow, although I'm going to get an acrylic shield because the paint inside the overflow is flaking. Glad my drawings came in handy :)

[kysard1]

trying to figure out the price for your tank. On glasscages website they list this 60W as $225. Did they charge $165 for the overflow?

[DaveG99]

I think the extra charge is the fact that it is rimless. Here is a quote I got for the same style overflow and also rimless but only 18" deep instead of the 24" Nathan has..

36 x 18 x 17 tall rimless glass aquarium 1/2" glass $160.00

Horizontal overflow and 2 holes $ 120.00

Pick up in Dallas $60.00

[ReeferMonkey]

That is correct - there was a bump for the 1/2" sides and bottom and then a bump for the overflow. Shipping was an additional $60.

[gsoaxionsk8]

Thanks for all the help Reefer, youve been great. I cant wait to see more pics! always a pleasure to follow nice tank builds.

[ReeferMonkey]

Just a quick update! I've continued to rearrange things, this time being smart enough to glue down corals that I don't want moving. Last night I picked up some frags from a friend and they've been added to quarantine following an aggressive treatment for red bugs and AEFW. He gave me a bunch of frags from my old Larry Jackson Tricolor colony, A. walinda (sp?), A. chesterfieldensis and something else I can't remember.

The white balance on my camera sucks so bad I just took FTS from various angles.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/4601/ResizeofDSC01421.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/986/ResizeofDSC01424.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/1153/ResizeofDSC01427.jpg

[TCU Reefer]

Looks good Nathan. It's going to look awesome when everything grows out.

[Milleme]

YOur tank is looking sick bro, I love it!

[bimmerzs]

Nathan,

Gotta stop by a see the tank now that it's up and running....don't you have some zoa's or something to entice me into driving down there. :lol: Looking good!

Cheers!

[ThomasinKind]

I love this tank. Your aquascape is one of my favs on here. Keep the updates coming. I really would like to see how this tank progresses.
-T

[ReeferMonkey]

Hehe I never got any emails showing posts and was feeling unloved :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10159932#post10159932 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TCU Reefer
Looks good Nathan. It's going to look awesome when everything grows out.

Thanks Steve! The frags you gave me are doing great. The green table is turning blue under the CVR 10ks, which I guess I will be OK with :) That slimer frag you gave me has sprouted 10+ growing tips! The lokani is also doing good - it's super blue tips, very light tan body and white polyps.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10161365#post10161365 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Milleme
YOur tank is looking sick bro, I love it!

Thanks man! The hardest part is waiting. I'm slowly but surely running out of room for corals but there are quite a few more fish and inverts I'd like to try. Project Reef mentioned instances of hobbyists captive-breeding the Red Spots (mouthbrooders!) so I may go for a few more of those.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10161573#post10161573 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bimmerzs
Nathan,

Gotta stop by a see the tank now that it's up and running....don't you have some zoa's or something to entice me into driving down there. :lol: Looking good!

Cheers!

You know you're always welcome! I'm a little low on zoanthids right now but I have quite a few acros if you're interested.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10189798#post10189798 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ThomasinKind
I love this tank. Your aquascape is one of my favs on here. Keep the updates coming. I really would like to see how this tank progresses.
-T

Thank you! I'm trying to resist the urge to continually tinker with it. I've been browsing Extreme Corals, which is local to me, looking for a few choice LPS (symphillias, scolymias, etc.) to fill in the ground and help the transition from the rock to the sand bed be smoother.

House music eh? What labels/djs do you listen to? I'm bumping Dirty Bird like MAD right now, they just put new mixes up on their website! Claude von Stroke and the Martin Brothers are the jam.

[tigerarmy40]

hey nathan is there any way you can take some pics of your plumbing for me? Im intereted in what you did inside the overflow as well ats the standpipes in the back! basically I just like seeing pics of your setup...

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10189993#post10189993 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tigerarmy40
hey nathan is there any way you can take some pics of your plumbing for me? Im intereted in what you did inside the overflow as well ats the standpipes in the back! basically I just like seeing pics of your setup...

Sure! I'll snap some this weekend and illustrate for you. Plumbing is one thing I will DEFINITELY redo on the next go-round. Have you ordered the tank yet? I think the next time the linear overflow will be wider and the skimmer and fuge will be fed independently rather than Y'd from the main sump drains. Doing it that way would allow for a MUCH finer control of the water that goes through the sump and the fuge, which I'm currently having fits with.

Shoot me a PM if I haven't posted by noon Sunday :)

[tigerarmy40]

the tank has been ordered! I went with acrylic overflow with teeth. I also added a few holes for the closed loop.In the overflow i added a third hole in the for a return! its going to be drilled throught the acrylic so it just pumps out right at the surface!!! Im super stoked on it and cant wait to pick it up!!! One thing I am finding out now that I am shopping for equipment is that I am pretty limited on space when it comes to skimmer selection and room for a fuge!in addition to the sump I have to pack a dart and om4way under the tank and possibly later on add a ca reactor!?!? I dont know how its all going to come together to be honest!

[ReeferMonkey]

My final setup will necessitate a secondary equipment cabinet to hold the kalk reactor, calcium reactor and all my electronics. My topoff reservoir will be 48Lx4Wx16H and will fit between the cabinetry and the walls.

[somethinfishier]

Any update? I really like your tank by the way.

[crrichey]

Awesome progress! The only think I could possibly say is to raise the lighting a few inches to get an even spread.

[ReeferMonkey]

As soon as I can get the tank cleaned up and presentable I'll take some more progress pics! I'm trying to do as little as possible to the tank and so far things are doing well.

[easye123]

lookin good nathan!! can wait to see ur updates!!

[ReeferMonkey]

Update!

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/3720/ResizeofDSC01696.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/8649/ResizeofDSC01702.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/6206/ResizeofDSC01700.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/6783/ResizeofDSC01698.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/6367/ResizeofDSC01715.jpg

[ReeferMonkey]

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/2832/ResizeofDSC01714.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/7050/ResizeofDSC01711.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/8870/ResizeofDSC01708.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/738/ResizeofDSC01703.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/9070/ResizeofDSC01704.jpg
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/9596/ResizeofDSC01721.jpg

[easye123]

did you get the icey blue tip stag from Robert out in fort worth? looks eaxactly like the piece i just got from him.. that blue is insane!!!

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10386572#post10386572 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by easye123
did you get the icey blue tip stag from Robert out in fort worth? looks eaxactly like the piece i just got from him.. that blue is insane!!!

I picked the blue stag up from a guy in FW who was getting out of hobby six or nine months ago, don't think there is a connection to Rob. The only piece I have from him is the cranberry table that decided it really wants to be white with a hint of blue.

[kysard1]

Really nice tank dimension, There is no wasted light on a tank with this shape, I also like their 36x24x25 95Gallon.

[tigerarmy40]

how is the light coverage in the tank? have you thought about adding a second halide or some actinic supplimentation? its hrad to tell for sure but the outer corners look darker in the pics...are you getting the growth or color out on the edges that you are in the center?

[easye123]

Hey if u ever wanna trade frags lets do it ..

check out my little red house and go to the last page of my thread.. youull see some pics.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10386765#post10386765 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tigerarmy40
how is the light coverage in the tank? have you thought about adding a second halide or some actinic supplimentation? its hrad to tell for sure but the outer corners look darker in the pics...are you getting the growth or color out on the edges that you are in the center?

The light coverage on the edges is not sufficient for my taste. I'm probably going to build a canopy and hang another L3 Mini and some T5 actinics. Even the zoanthids on the edge are growing a bit slow.

The outer corners are darker and I don't get the coloration I would like from the acros on the perimeter. That said, once I get the second lamp up I can probably raise the canopy a little further since the center is pretty hot. I'm also considering a go at the 12K reeflux next time around.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10386810#post10386810 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by easye123
Hey if u ever wanna trade frags lets do it ..

check out my little red house and go to the last page of my thread.. youull see some pics.

I might be interested in a frag of the PM-lookalike, what are you looking for? I saw that you treated with Interceptor, are you now RB-free?

[easye123]

ya its been a week now and still havent seen one. i didnt have very many in the first place but i still treated the whole tank.

pm me on dfwmas and well talk about trading(i can break off a piece of that pM look a like fairly easy.


take it easy man

[Reef Man]

Nice project.

Can you tell me the size between the border of the tank and the border of the overflow to let the water go in to the overflow box?

How many GPH are you pushing from the sump to the tank?

Thanks.

[ReeferMonkey]

The return pum is an Eheim 1260 @ ~5' of head, so probably around 350gph on the return line. There is a 1/2" gap from the rim of the aquarium to the top of the overflow.

[Reef Man]

It means something like 1.2cm?

WOW !!
I supose you need more !

[ReeferMonkey]

Correction, the gap is about 1" = 2.5cm. I tend to get a little splash, so I would really recommend about 1.5" (3.75cm) or maybe as much as 2" (5cm). If I did the tank over I would add from 4" to 6" of height.

[Reef Man]

Is it possible for you to publish a close up of the overflow to see this issue graphically?

Thanks

[kysard1]

If I did the tank over I would add from 4" to 6" of height. [/B]



Glass Cages sells a 36x24x25 as a standard size.

[ReeferMonkey]

I'll try to post some this weekend, there are pics of the raw overflow in the OP.

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10386765#post10386765 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tigerarmy40
how is the light coverage in the tank? have you thought about adding a second halide or some actinic supplimentation? its hrad to tell for sure but the outer corners look darker in the pics...are you getting the growth or color out on the edges that you are in the center?


If he rised that pendant up 4"-8" he would spill out beyond the front and back panes. they spread 30" x 30" unbelievably and 36" x 36" pretty well.

[TCU Reefer]

Looks real good Nathan. That slimer's about to take off! It's going to have a great growth pattern.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10428458#post10428458 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TCU Reefer
Looks real good Nathan. That slimer's about to take off! It's going to have a great growth pattern.

Thanks Stever! That slimer is going to get so big that I'm trying to plan that whole area of the tank around it, which is proving to be a challenge.

[ReeferMonkey]

My latest addition:
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/1994/resizeofdsc01747ev0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

My lone Redspot Cardinal up and vanished on me this past week so I had to do something to add more life to the tank. I remembered a few folks here on RC talking about the schooling nature of the slightly larger Ptereoletris zebra (Zebra Dart Goby) and had considered them before. They're not as colorful as their cousin the Firefish but also not as aggressive. Apparently they also form groups for life!

Right now they're very skittish but seem to be acclimating well to tank life. They ate well earlier today and are getting along with the Angel and the Basslet. Here's hoping they don't jump!

[Snook65]

Tank is looking great. Enjoyed reading your complete build thread today.

[ReeferMonkey]

Thanks Snook!

[somethinfishier]

How is your 20 doing?

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10481960#post10481960 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by somethinfishier
How is your 20 doing?

Meh. It really needs a skimmer but I'm kind of loathe to spend money on the system right now. My frags are doing ok but the SPS are not seeing a lot of growth.

Truth be told the only WCs I have done for the last few months have been 5g changes to the 20g in lieu of skimming. I'd like to actually upgrade the whole system but I can't do anything cheap and the ROI would be so far away....

[ReeferMonkey]

Sadly I'm down to 2 Zebra Dart Gobies :( One decided to go carpet surfing during the night. If these guys don't make it I suppose it's Glass Cardinals for me.

[tigerarmy40]

dont mean to hijack the threqad at all but since your tank inspired mine I thought Id throw up a pic of the outcome!!! thanks again!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a207/tigerarmy40/IMG_0030.jpg

[ReeferMonkey]

Very nice! Looks pretty close to how i would have revised mine.

[Henry22]

How are the dart gobies?

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10550627#post10550627 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Henry22
How are the dart gobies?

The second one jumped. The third one, depressed and lonely, tried to follow suit. Fortunately, one of my cats has taken it upon herself to be guardian of the aquarium. As soon as the fish hit the floor she started crying like crazy. After 30 seconds or so I went to see what her problem was and saw the fish flopping around. He looked rough going back in the tank but the next day he was swimming around and eating.

As long as my aquarium remains open top, I don't anticipate that I will buy dart gobies in the future nor can I recommend them to someone with a similar condition. Super cool fish but, like their cousin the Firefish, notorious escape artists.

[melev]

Nathan, even clownfish jump. I've had wrasses, amphiron, and tangs all jump. What about a very adorable dwarf lionfish? :)

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10551489#post10551489 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Nathan, even clownfish jump. I've had wrasses, amphiron, and tangs all jump. What about a very adorable dwarf lionfish? :)

I actually like dwarf lions but 1. my hands are frequently in the tank and 2. the possibility of eating my other fish rules them out. A pair of neon gobies and glass cardinals are my next choices.

[melev]

I didn't realize you had a few small fish in there, but I was staring at your avatar. ;) Have you seen Stan's tiny lionfish? Man I'd love to have that little guy right here on my desk.

If you had cooler water, I'd suggest those adorable catalina gobies even though I don't know if they are known jumpers.

The green clown goby is a nice choice that doesn't seem to do the same damage to SPS that their yellow cousins cause.

[tigerarmy40]

I have both in my 15g and the yellow is def a nipper, the green is a saint and has never jumped!!!

[PhilliePhil]

just a newbie and fellow Dfwmas'er here, your tank does look awesome!

I am really wanting to upgrade to a 60-75g and I like the looks of yours a lot.

And I had never heard of glass cages before this thread (I never look at the local links) so I may give them a shot. 300-400 for a rimless, new, custom tank is hard to beat.

Great looking tank and an even better build thread.

[ReeferMonkey]

It's been a while, so enjoy a bunch of images! I'm suffering from a moderate outbreak of cyano right now - I actually started doing water changes (I know, I know :rolleyes: ) and intend to add a Tunze nanostream (either a 6025 or a 6045) in the back under the overflow blowing stage left to try to mitigate the problem.

Since the last update, I moved a few pieces around and got a BEAUTIFUL showpiece Lobophyllia from a local hobbyist who was moving out of the country. It really adds some punch to the tank! I've got a small green open brain sitting at Extreme Corals waiting for me to swing by (it's been there for a while, I keep forgetting :rolleyes:).

Now for the good stuff! Please excuse the frags on the sand bed spoiling my pictures, I need to get them out of there.
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3677/ResizeofDSC01784.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/126/ResizeofDSC01780.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4259/ResizeofDSC01783.jpg
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http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/940/ResizeofDSC01804.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3766/ResizeofDSC01791.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5924/ResizeofDSC01797.jpg

[ReeferMonkey]

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3738/ResizeofDSC01801.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/281/ResizeofDSC01794.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1408/ResizeofDSC01789.jpg

I also took some top down shots:
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/96/ResizeofDSC01808.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6973/ResizeofDSC01833.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7831/ResizeofDSC01831.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5490/ResizeofDSC01838.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7721/ResizeofDSC01809.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4407/ResizeofDSC01827.jpg

[ReeferMonkey]

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5010/ResizeofDSC01844.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/50/ResizeofDSC01829.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7275/ResizeofDSC01815.jpg

[revenant]

great pics!! nice SPS you have there!

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10918372#post10918372 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by revenant
great pics!! nice SPS you have there!

Thanks man!

[Chrisrush]

Looks good Nathan. You think about moving that clam out from behind that rock to near the front?

I need to stop over soon. Maybe next weekend if you are around and after I pick up my tank.

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10918403#post10918403 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Chrisrush
Looks good Nathan. You think about moving that clam out from behind that rock to near the front?

I need to stop over soon. Maybe next weekend if you are around and after I pick up my tank.

I've had that clam in about 5 different places and it always moved around, turned itself on its side or did something that hacked me off. Since I put it there it behaves itself. It's pretty large and ruins the composition/won't fit where I want it. It was actually a rescue from a crashed tank; it was completely browned out but is sloooooooooooowly regaining color.

I think next weekend will work for me, just give me a ring and we'll figure it out, it just depends on when, not if, I have to go into the office.

[gary faulkner]

What is the dark blue fish?
Possibly
cherub Angel?

[ReeferMonkey]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10918432#post10918432 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gary faulkner
What is the dark blue fish?
Possibly
cherub Angel?

You got it! Centropyge argi, one of my favorite fish for small tanks. Model citizen with SPS, LPS and clams in my experience. I feed the tank 3-4X weekly to deter nipping and he cruises around picking at the rocks all day.

[Chrisrush]

Sounds good Nathan. I have class on Sat., so I'll probably pick up my tank on Sun.

At least that clam is happy now.

Any luck on finding some glass cardinals?

[melev]

I always like seeing updates. I was just over in your neck of the woods a couple of hours ago, and wondered where you lived to see your tank finally. I was at Commerce & 75/45.