(First Reef Tank Ever) **** 600gal Display **** 1300gal System

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=10500825#post10500825

[cbui2]

yes 1.5 on each side with durso

[mcrist]

Congratulations on the split…

[TandN]

Yes Congrats :)

[cbui2]

thanks it took awhile:D

[kamico]

Can someone explain what a "frag tank" is?

[ReefingBuddha]

congrats... I'm glad I could be here for this historic occasion.

[mcrist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10501092#post10501092 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kamico
Can someone explain what a "frag tank" is?
A “frag tank” is just another tank to hold any corals that you are currently propagating from your main display.

[kamico]

oh that makes sense! thanks! Barts system is finally making alot of sence to me... i been following all his plumming lines and have gotten confused many times... now i get it

[gig]

wooooooooooooooooo! split baby! :)

[cbui2]

i get confused myself looking at it :D if you stared at it long enough you will pass out :lol:

[token]

Grats on the split in a truly inspirational thread!

[chris wright]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10501469#post10501469 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by token
Grats on the split in a truly inspirational thread!

I'll second that. Well done mate :)

Cheers

Chris

[mrcrab]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10504942#post10504942 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chris wright
I'll second that. Well done mate :)

Cheers

Chris

Must be time for a VB! :beer: Your shout.

[NexDog]

I've looked at your plumbing pictures many times and I still can't understand any of it. I would love to understand how your sump works but without labelling the returns on teh side and flow direction etc I'm just lost. For instance you have Return to Frag or something labellined on the top. Not sure if that's supposed to be return from frag as surely water isn't coming out the top but flowing into it etc.

If you could take some time to explain it I'd really appreciate it, You said before you were having issues with microbubbles, has that worked itself out?

[Island1Day]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10501175#post10501175 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcrist
A “frag tank” is just another tank to hold any corals that you are currently propagating from your main display.


So no pics bart? Or your frag/sump tank is not up and running yet?

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10505961#post10505961 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NexDog
I've looked at your plumbing pictures many times and I still can't understand any of it. I would love to understand how your sump works but without labelling the returns on the side and flow direction etc I'm just lost. For instance you have Return to Frag or something labellined on the top. Not sure if that's supposed to be return from frag as surely water isn't coming out the top but flowing into it etc.

If you could take some time to explain it I'd really appreciate it, You said before you were having issues with microbubbles, has that worked itself out?

sorry but i don't understand too :D here's some modify pics. hope this helps and remember don't stared at it too long :lol: to solve microbubbles problem i will be adding baffles in the sump, this will be done next week when vacation is over :D

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/8-8.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/8-8a.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/8-8b.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/4-24.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/4-15.jpg

[TandN]

lol thats just insane

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10507814#post10507814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tanya72806
lol thats just insane

I was just thinking it was pretty impressive for a guy that never ran a reef tank before.

What do the three pipes flowing down into the middle of the sump do? And is that a drip tray area, or just a sponge to stop microbubbles?

[kamico]

ok, idoit question of the day folks! what is a "fuge" and what is it used for? and last stupid question, how do you mix the salt with the continious water change stump? if its coming from the RO? what does "BB" stand for?

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10508060#post10508060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kamico
ok, idoit question of the day folks! what is a "fuge" and what is it used for? and last stupid question, how do you mix the salt with the continious water change stump? if its coming from the RO? what does "BB" stand for?

We use a lot of acronyms in this hobby when typing online.

BB - bare bottom, as in no sand
fuge - a refugium, a section that allows pods of all kinds to breed with no predation that would consume them.

More here:
http://reefcentral.com/modules.php?s=&name=Encyclopedia&op=terms&eid=2&ltr=all

[pcostanzo]

Bart, I never get tired of looking at those pictures. They absolutely kill me. I started my plumbing today after seeing those again.

[kamico]

Thanks soooo much thats exactly what i needed!

[jnarowe]

I love it when someone else makes me look sane. :D

[new_world_disor]

that hurts my head !!! gd work mate !! impressive

[erics3000]

Bart.....No exspense sparred Bart ...an absolute dream project...Incredible setup..I cant wait to see your tank in 1 year....Keep posting..

[new_world_disor]

well. im preety new to marine tanks. and ive had a look on about 20 different forums from around the world. and i have to say. this has impressed me the most. its AMAZING. everything is so clean and neatly done. dread to think of the cost... i was happy just upgrading to a 36gallon tank :P haha. i hope to get sumthing similar to ur set-up in 2 years when i open my own hotel/sports b&b thing. all i can say is WELL DONE. amazing !!

ad

[NexDog]

Okay, saved the pics for when I have a spare week to study. :p

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10507814#post10507814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tanya72806
lol thats just insane

:dance: :lmao:

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10507984#post10507984 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
I was just thinking it was pretty impressive for a guy that never ran a reef tank before.

What do the three pipes flowing down into the middle of the sump do? And is that a drip tray area, or just a sponge to stop microbubbles?

:D all those lonely nights working till 5am all by myself. i do sit back and think about all the time i glue every little pc of fitting, cut to fit pvc and etc. how i managed to get this far. oh don't forget Marc that this is my first display ever, i have never even owned a 5gal freshwater tank before in my life. the pic you see here without the cabinets was taken few months ago, not a recent pic. 2 1.5" are overflows from main display and 1 1.5" in the rear is from frag display. yes thats drip tray area which will be modified soon to hold filter material and foam pads came from manufacture but i will not be using them. baffles will be built very soon to stop microbubbles issues.

i will make this very clear to all that is viewing my thread. MY FIRST REEF TANK EVER. there i said it whew....:lol: i know what i did is crazy, but if you ask around for help, study on numerous website, threads all through the night. this will be become a reality. i think the easy part is over for me and now entering the hardest part of reef keeping, making sure all livestock are in great condition, learning the entire ecosystem and maintaining water parameters at all times. IMO this is the most challenged part of any reef keeping.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10509204#post10509204 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
I love it when someone else makes me look sane. :D

:D how are you able to read this while being retarded at the same time :lol: ? :D :D :D J/K to all except for Jonathan

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10510265#post10510265 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by erics3000
Bart.....No exspense sparred Bart ...an absolute dream project...Incredible setup..I cant wait to see your tank in 1 year....Keep posting..

thanks, :lol: FEMA is still handing out checks til this day :lol: i will see you in a year and dont forget to bring :beer: .

[chris wright]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10505225#post10505225 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mrcrab
Must be time for a VB! :beer: Your shout.

:lol: I think I've even got as few in the fridge. I've enjoyed a few whilst reading through this thread :D

Might just be time for another ;)

Cheers

Chris

[AJT]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10509204#post10509204 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
I love it when someone else makes me look sane. :D

I was thinking the same thing!

Nice Set UP

[ReefingBuddha]

I want one... congrats bart... great setup, inspiring.

[jnarowe]

See the thing is Bart, when I look around my tank room, I can't remember building any of it. I know I did it, and I know everyone around me thought I was nuts. But I did it to get control of my brain back. The whole process helped me in dealing with dexterity, reading, logic, risk, driving, math....etc. And I seriously don't remember any of it. That's why I like to go back and look at pics of the construction process.

[psusocr]

no offense but how much do you think you pay in elctric and water a month if you dont mind me asking?

[psusocr]

no offense but how much do you think you pay in elctric and water a month if you dont mind me asking?

[cbui2]

no problem, monthly electric bills is less then $350, water for month $40

[mcrist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10516316#post10516316 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
no problem, monthly electric bills is less then $350, water for month $40
My water bill is about the same but I start to cry when my electric bill is over $200. :eek:

[Goodwin9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10516316#post10516316 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
no problem, monthly electric bills is less then $350, water for month $40 Your lucky, your total electric doesn't cover one week of mine. Do you have a cold spell going on down there?

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10515663#post10515663 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
See the thing is Bart, when I look around my tank room, I can't remember building any of it. I know I did it, and I know everyone around me thought I was nuts. But I did it to get control of my brain back. The whole process helped me in dealing with dexterity, reading, logic, risk, driving, math....etc. And I seriously don't remember any of it. That's why I like to go back and look at pics of the construction process.

this have been fun since the beginning of my build, this new hobby is a lot better then working on my cars and :lol: yes i still do get excited from time to time looking into other livestock :D . i know for sure when looking back at my thread, how fast i did all that work in such little time was kind of crazy. thats including graveyard shifts :rollface:

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10515663#post10515663 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
See the thing is Bart, when I look around my tank room, I can't remember building any of it. I know I did it, and I know everyone around me thought I was nuts. But I did it to get control of my brain back. The whole process helped me in dealing with dexterity, reading, logic, risk, driving, math....etc. And I seriously don't remember any of it. That's why I like to go back and look at pics of the construction process.

this have been fun since the beginning of my build, this new hobby is a lot better then working on my cars and :lol: yes i still do get excited from time to time looking into other livestock :D . i know for sure when looking back at my thread, how fast i did all that work in such little time was kind of crazy. thats including graveyard shifts :rollface:

[jnarowe]

Bart, you want to get excited about coral livestock, you got to come out to Portland. There's a shop there called Upscales that is literally head and shoulders above anything I have seen so far on the Left Coast.

[xinumaster]

Bart, you should print that pictures with the labels and stick it next to your tank and one at your work. Just incase you are not home and you need to instruct your wife to turn off certain valve you can just ask you wife to look at the picture. It is good also for you to remember which pipe is which incase you got lost. :D

[pcostanzo]

I remember the 1st summer I had my tank running, my pool and heater and my AC. I got a $700 electric bill one month. I almost pooped myself. Now its still almost $400 but Connecticut has raised rates big time.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10516743#post10516743 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xinumaster
Bart, you should print that pictures with the labels and stick it next to your tank and one at your work. Just incase you are not home and you need to instruct your wife to turn off certain valve you can just ask you wife to look at the picture. It is good also for you to remember which pipe is which incase you got lost. :D

thanks Perry, i have a good bit labeled and numbered. its a good thing that my wife really care about my dogs and fishes if not i will be cleaning up their mess everyday. since the entire project was done by me, i can tell my wife exactly where everything is at over the phone.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10516633#post10516633 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Bart, you want to get excited about coral livestock, you got to come out to Portland. There's a shop there called Upscales that is literally head and shoulders above anything I have seen so far on the Left Coast.

that would be nice, also if i can visit Steve setup i will definitely make that trip one day :D. we have a nice selection, but i will be making a trip to Houston soon.

[ChrisKil]

Wow! That is one heck of a first tank. Do you have a website for your tank? Your red house takes one back to this thread?

[kamico]

Any new pics and/or livestock Bart?

[PhantomLoneWolf]

That pumping is insane. Amazing

[cbui2]

ChrisKil - no website yet maybe in the near future

kamico - pics will coming soon as i am setting up my fuge and waiting for some acrylic. adding baffles into sump for microbubbles issue along with new design filter floss tray.

PhantomLoneWolf - til this day i still shake my head telling myself why did i get involved :D .

[kamico]

Awesome Bart! I love following this thread!

[pookstreet]

Just hoping on this runaway freight train. Man, I think I need that chiller, only if electricity isn't so freaking expensive out here in CA. I bought a used Deltec Eco Cooler that only uses 2 20 watt fans. Talk about worlds apart :lol:

[cbui2]

yeah Kenny, cost of CA living is about 3 times more then us.

[pookstreet]

No kidding. It sure feels like way more than 3 times though. I think my wife is going to have a cow at the electric bill once the 300 is up and running at full speed.

[ReefDoctorMicromussas]

As always looking really nice Bart and congrats on the split... Sorry that I am late LOL Ya know earlier you and Johnathan had mentioned not even remembering building the systems... LOL I know just what you mean.. I look at mine and must remind myself that yes somehow I really DID build it.. Its almost like it was built on autopilot.

We both finished about the same time... I have about 23 years of experience with various tanks and you have almost none... I have already:

Overdosed my system (phyto, trace, plus)
Had an Algea outbreak as a result
Had troubles getting my Ca+ as high as I wanted
Still have PH issues


As minor as each of my hurdels are with your 0 experience you have had such minimal problems that I am simply amazed... it says alot for you LOL or alot agaist me :( OK so here is the question BART..

What do you think has been your 1 Greatest mistake/learning experience from all of this?

Mine? I would have placed my closed loopdrains inside of my overflows instead within the main tank...

[griss]

Should be fixed now guys.

[46bfinGA]

Mine? I would have placed my closed loopdrains inside of my overflows instead within the main tank... [/B]

How would that affect your drains to your sump and the amount of flow to your CL? Im not sure how that is feasable?Im interested in this because Im about to drill the holes for my closed loop on my 500.Using a Dart and an OM4way of course.

Also how do you guys feel about using one 2" drain VS. two for a closed loop? Do I really need the second one for redundancy?

[jnarowe]

I would give your CL pump way more flow than it needs. As the tank matures, stuff grows in the pipes, the strainers get coraline algae on them and can clog. What happens if a fish dies and gets sucked over the strainer? Less holes is better, but you have to be careful about having enough flow too.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10572974#post10572974 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by griss
Should be fixed now guys.

thanks George

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10573223#post10573223 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 46bfinGA
How would that affect your drains to your sump and the amount of flow to your CL? Im not sure how that is feasable?Im interested in this because Im about to drill the holes for my closed loop on my 500.Using a Dart and an OM4way of course.

Also how do you guys feel about using one 2" drain VS. two for a closed loop? Do I really need the second one for redundancy?

not catching what you mean for CL? intake ?

why not have redundancy drains for each overflow box, one higher then the others instead of one 2" have 2 1.5" that way if one fail, you can still sleep better at night. now if both fails you will have a problem :D

[cbui2]

thanks Doc, yeah you don't get out much. 23 yrs, but what did you do all that time 22 yrs 11 months :lol: IMO maybe the main reason probably is the salt i used. 460Ca, 1.026SG, 9.6alk, 1360mag and 8.4PH at 76deg water temp same results every time i mixed the batch without any buffer and the only element i have is baking soda and the box hasn't been opened yet.

sorry to hear that your issues is getting out of hand. maybe try the yellow pages for a shrink random pick of course, if no one answer then PM me and i will try my best to consult any further issues you're dealing with :lol: .

well you cant say i have minimal problems, lost some fishes due to ich and my prize fishes too. running 3600G phosban will keep checking to see when exhausted, carbon bi-weekly and weekly water change for the first 6 months, so that all my water parameters will be stable then i will gradually set up my continuous water change about 10gal daily. does this sound about right? if this doesn't work out, i will be giving up this hobby then going back to the basic Bowling :lmao:

starting off with such a small display, should have turn my entire garage into an ocean, removed the roof top and go scuba diving everyday :lolspin: oh don't forget the sump and fuge, entire backyard.... maybe i will try this next time.

coming soon IIRC
2nd REEF TANK EVER ***THE GULF OF BUI*** 150,000gal system

[lavith]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10516316#post10516316 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
no problem, monthly electric bills is less then $350, water for month $40

no kidding, only $350US monthly? I just paid almot $600CAD for last month and a half and i have nothing like your system.

[Jar*Head]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10507799#post10507799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
sorry but i don't understand too :D here's some modify pics. hope this helps and remember don't stared at it too long :lol: to solve microbubbles problem i will be adding baffles in the sump, this will be done next week when vacation is over :D

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/8-8.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/8-8a.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/8-8b.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/4-24.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/4-15.jpg


Bro, are you some kind of plumber freak? OMG, look like home depot plumbing section. :D . But look very nice tho...

[jnarowe]

yup, Bart is special all right! :)

[ZOAKEEPER]

A licensed contractor would be scratching his head. And then just leave. lol

[20 20]

Russian space station comes to mind...:p

[Jar*Head]

You better not ask the wife to shutdown the valve for you cuz she is going to slap you silly by the time you get home. I only have 3 ball valve in my system and i have to use 3 different colors.

[jnarowe]

I guess I would whip out the old Brother P-Touch and label it all, plus put arrows on everything! :D

[cbui2]

most of them are labeled as I explain to my wife occasionally how the system functions and operates? and she reply what is this round thing, orange handle, and that huge cylinder plastic :D there are so much plumbing that I cant even remember what I did and where they go :lol: .

Jonathan - yes i'm still special :cool:

20 20 - please forward my thread to nasa :p

ZOAKEEPER - the superintendent for subdivision already stop by and told me you did more plumbing then my contractors on site :D

lavith - hopefully the prices stays that way

REEFER714 - i had wipe out home depot and lowe's during my build :lol:

[erics3000]

Bart I think you wiped out the plumbing suppliers to your towns home depots for a little.

Can you give us a little tease of some new pics of your reworked sump filters etc. Maybe some new shoots of your display. The suspense is killing me. I was so addicted to this thread with the pics now I am acting like I am having withdrawls. ahhaahahahhha

[ReefingBuddha]

any updates?

[Walter Costa]

I've might have missed again, but what are you using for chiller pump?

[i2ik]

Bart... you got to like the smell of the glue with all those plumbing :D

[pcostanzo]

Ya Bart. Don't leave us hanging like this. Lets have an update.

[Conceyted]

Wow, I had no clue something like this was going on in the city I live in. Awesome job. Give us some updates.

[mikekman]

Has Cbui filled the tank with water and corals yet?

[erics3000]

It has been full for some time now. He was working on some top secret stuff.

Everyone needs a break now and then. He did a great deal of work in a short time. Hopefully he will give us an update soon.

[Sparkss]

I lost track of this thread back before the split nad caught back up since the split. Did you ever add the group of anthias Bart ? I ask because we are considering adding 10 bartletts to our little 380g reef :)

[Elliott]

I'm seriously dizzy looking at that plumbing :thumbsup:

[SaltwaterChris]

WOW! I can't even imagine what you have done it's awesome.One question can I move in the fish room?(I don't eat much)congrats on all the sucess with your tank .NEED MORE PIC PLEASE:D :D

[Rickyrooz1]

Any new pics?

[asnatlas]

Does anyone have any info on Bart ??

[tcmfish]

It would be nice to see what ever came of his first tank...

[Rickyrooz1]

I'm bummed he hasn't posted anything in awhile.

[huge1day]

He has posted results on our la reef club. Not sure if I can post a link or not. I know he had some problems with ick and most of the aquarium contents died. I think he started again.

You can find our club, or get me permission to post a link.

[jnarowe]

why can't you post a link?

[huge1day]

Not sure if I was supposed to post a link to another site? Here it is: http://www.lareefclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5552&start=345

If for whatever reason I am not supposed to Mods please delete my post.

It seems that Bart got frustrated. Hopefully the second start will be better and he will be back here on RC.

Bart if for any reason you don't want this here, please let me know and I will delete...

[jnarowe]

Well, you have to log in on that site to use it. Can you not give us down and dirty summary? We are very eager to see what's up and maybe we can help him out. Or perhaps he took some guff on RC and decided to move on. His system was indeed very ambitious for a first timer, as was mine, so i can relate to the trials and tribulations he has had.

[huge1day]

ok if all of you is really interested what happened to my main display...
heres how it went down fom the start when display was done

1. tons of livestocks and corals were purchased
2. had ich outbreak so few of my prize fishes had died
3. few days after green acro had RTN after few weeks in display so i panic and removed all of corals and brought them to ____
3. remaining corals that was alive were given to my friend
4. drain the main display, frag and sump completely and removed whatever fish i could save and then start all over again
5. fuge has been setup for about a month now and will be tied into main system in a few weeks
6. calcium reactor will be plumb in next, then 2nd fuge. making sure i dial the reactor in correctly for couple months before any corals are introduced
7. i will be adding more flow soon as vortech come out with 1" adapter, since 2 CL OM 4-way w/sequence 6000 wasnt enough

thanks guys for all your comments


This is a quote from Bart's post on Oct 25th. I edited a couple of lines about where he took some of his corals so I don't start any discussions here...

[jnarowe]

Well, as we all know, this is just simple newbie issues. Hopefully he has enough support close to him that his spirits will rebound. He definitely has a knack for it, and just rushed stocking the tank. But if I were him, I wouldn't hold my breath for a 1" version of the Vortech.

I have had equally horrific dealings with an LFS so I can empathize with his feelings on that subject.

[Grevious]

Sorry to hear about the complications Bart.

This has been an indredible set-up from the get-go! Look foward to seeing the rebound....

[chris wright]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11180367#post11180367 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Grevious
Sorry to hear about the complications Bart.

This has been an indredible set-up from the get-go! Look foward to seeing the rebound....

My sentiments exactly.

Chris

[Reefaquariumnut]

Sucks...Did he shut down his system completely?

[swimboy123]

Any new updates? Bart, hope everything is moving along smoothly for you.

[cbui2]

Sorry, but I will no longer have updates and as for the main display with all the equipments have been completely removed and will be sold in pieces. If anyone is interested please PM me for details. Reef keeping is just too hard and I decided to quit.

[jnarowe]

damn dude, that is a bummer.

[ycnibrc]

wow such a nice tank....and equipment and plumbing. Well it's hard to own a big reef tank since bigger tank have bigger problem. Good luck with your sale.

[Reefaquariumnut]

Bart - could u pm me a list of the available equipment...I am interested.

[ceramik]

i like to chime in here. bart just kidding about quiting. if the house went up in flames, he will just start over again. quiting is not an option u fall, u get up and try again.right bart??

[erics3000]

oh that was a good one..Except he probally had to delete his mail box was full of pm,s...Give us a break and give us some pics...Please...at leat for christmas...

[Reefaquariumnut]

Hmmmmm...I doubt he is kidding.

[twelvejewelz]

no updates ?are u really quitting??

[jmchzn]

I JUST STARTED READING THIS THREAD FROM THE BEGINNING. I have been rivited for the past few hours. Missed the ball dropping and everything. Then I get here...quitting?? No way. I am speechless. I can't believe it. OMG You guys who have been in this thread from the beginning can't you help Bart? I feel so let down now. This is a joke right?

[erics3000]

It looks like he is out for good.

I did the same (on a far smaller setuo)a few years back. My tank was lokking ok bought a bunch of fish than got ich and lost almost everything. I almost quit. It really hurt. Then I tried it again and a year or 2 later found RC.

[Reefaquariumnut]

Why is it so hard to believe??? Why are you so let down?? This was basically like dating a super model as your first girlfriend...Stuff happens. Give him time...Time heals all wounds.

[reefkoi]

I can understand him wanting to quit but wish he'd re-consider.
I had a 180 reef for around 12+ years before I dove into a 600 of the same size as Barts.
I had a ton of problems with stuff when I started up the 600, even with all my past experience! I was really bummed and it was either throw in the towel or figure it out.
I too added all my corals and fish way way too fast.
I had the "it's a huge tank I can add more than a smaller tank" mentality and had many problems, Ich being one of them.

I had to throw about $7,000 more into it to upgrade the already brand new equipment to better stuff.

That and a ton of patience, several months later it all came around and looks pretty dang nice now.

It was an Ich infested slime/snot algae infested brown coral, yellowy water mess!

He has skills to say the least when it comes to building, I think Barts tank and equipment is much nicer than mine, that's not the problem though its the livestock which is so delicate it seems.

Anyway, I hope you have support of reefers in your area that can talk you into sticking it out, it's not the end of the world though it can be turned around if you really want it.

Chris

[kcress]

I suspect he's a bit like me.. The real challenge is setting up. I like the design, the selection of products, the assembly, and troubleshooting. Once it's all running... It's just a nice moving picture in the living room.

I suspect that is his case and when the s l o w husbandry comes to the fore and then you get dumped on your butt... A whole lotta of the fun jets out the window and it shifts to 'work'. Work that you pay a lot to do..

That's my theory anyway.

I wish him the best and hope that he can take the fun of the mechanical creation with him and not remember this as some abject failure, as the set up, most certainly wasn't.

[Otty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11405799#post11405799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
Sorry, but I will no longer have updates and as for the main display with all the equipments have been completely removed and will be sold in pieces. If anyone is interested please PM me for details. Reef keeping is just too hard and I decided to quit.
That's what happens when people try to rush this hobby. They seem to think it just a piece of furniture and start throwing money at it. Its an eco-system for God's sake.

The only thing that happens fast in this hobby is trouble! Then they sell it all!

Hope this is a wake up call for all you impatience people out there. It can and will happen again if you don't slow down.

[42un81]

Did he say there was an issue with his system, he could be breaking it down for personal reasons.

[dsandfort]

Bart worked hard on his system. He decided to quit. I say leave him alone. 8 post Otty, impatience or not, let's not judge the guy.

[jnarowe]

believe me, I understand. So many reasons why a person would take a system down. It happens every day. My tank is like a full-time job.

[Von_Rahvin]

a shame the hardware work was impressive.

some people are more into the problem solving of the hardware than the animal husbandry part of the deal.

[Nanook]

test

[ReefDoctorMicromussas]

When Bart first contacted me about his build being parralell to mine AND the fact that it was his first I was amazed... No actually jealous with no experience at all he was moving soo much faster than I was, he had such great engineering skills... here was a guy with NO experience moving along much more efficiently than I was with over 25yrs of tanks :( to see this is sadly vindicating and shines a light of emphasis on patience... These tanks are not just decoration but entire ecosystems, it is not about just taking money and building an awesome system.

I will miss Bart I think he was a great guy.. BUT I also feel a loss for an entire world of life that was lost :( I would bet cash that if he had started with a 55gallon softie tank he would still be with us

[jnarowe]

I agree and disagree...I started with a 1000g display system and out of ALL the reef keepers I know, I have had the least amount of loss. I attribute that to water volume BTW.

But I do agree, that throwing money at a project in no way will overcome lack of knowledge. I have seen it happen so many times in the boating business.

[rEd86]

Yes, but as many of us know, you can't rush things in this hobby or else you are likely to have a big loss. I don't think the size of the tank can make up for patience. (although it does give you a little more cushion for those mistakes)

I would agree that a smaller tank would mean the cost of the loss and replacing everything would not have been as traumatic, so one is likely to stick with it. (and learn something valuable along the way)

You could also argue that what got Bart excited about this hobby was the big build and a smaller tank would not have cut it for him.

Lot's to learn and consider from his loss. Hopefully others reading this thread will realize it can happen to any of us if we're not careful.

--Ed

[ReefDoctorMicromussas]

BTW as always I love your tank jnarowe

[jnarowe]

:lol: Thanks! No one has seen it in a long time...you wouldn't believe the coraline problem I am having. It's so think I can't scrape it off.

BTW, I spent some time on your site recently and you have some really sweet stuff. Unfortunately i am fairly convinced that I can't keep micros.

[ReefDoctorMicromussas]

WOW sounds like high calcium? I keep mine about 450

Thank You

[jnarowe]

nope. 420 ppm on the Ca and 9.0 on alk. maybe the lamps. I really don't know.

[Harleyguy]

Man what a bummer I feel like I just watched a great movie with a terrible ending...Bummer man

[MonkeeFish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11583757#post11583757 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Harleyguy
Man what a bummer I feel like I just watched a great movie with a terrible ending...Bummer man

i wouldn't say a terrible ending as it just might be one of those mysterious ending where u can't predict what will happen next. Who knows maybe there will be sequel where the tank will not be lost or maybe he will come back later with more patience and knowledge and another giant tank is reborn. Don't despair my reef keeping friends as i have gone through about 3 trials with reef keeping already.

[boozeman]

why hasn't this thread been closed by now ? :rolleyes:

[Goodwin9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11585091#post11585091 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by boozeman
why hasn't this thread been closed by now ? :rolleyes: Why close the thread, there is a wealth of information in here for people just starting in this hobby. Read from the start to the end, people should be able to pick out information to help build their systems and learn from any of the mistakes that Bart might have made along the way....

[jnarowe]

Hey Chuck, have you seen my new bubble counter?? :D

[erics3000]

Goodwin has a good point.

[billyr98]

closing the thread, doesn't mean you can't take information from it, it just means no one will make judgement calls on Bart..

[FFrankie]

I agree. The guy tried and did an incredible job building this system. When it came down to the husbandry he found out it was not for him. This thread should be closed because he won't be answering any questions anymore. No reason to turn it into a "why Bart quit thread".
It's a great referral thread though for another outstanding tank build.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11405799#post11405799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
Sorry, but I will no longer have updates and as for the main display with all the equipments have been completely removed and will be sold in pieces. If anyone is interested please PM me for details. Reef keeping is just too hard and I decided to quit.


I am so sorry guys and gurls, but I totally forgot I posted this and was supposed to be a prank :D. hope ya can forgive me all

after all that hard work and dedication I could never see myself tearing down the system which i had never begun to enjoy in the first place. heres what been done for the past 4 months

1. 125gal weekly water changes
2. remove and replace top layer sand bed weekly
3. clean & remove detritus for sump monthly
4. clean & remove detritus for 1st fuge tank monthly (no sand bed)
5. no cleaning require for 2ng fuge tank since snails and crabs are taking care of most of the work for me w/5" sand bed. just mag float to keep front glass clean
6. clean & remove detritus for frag tank monthly
7. finish lighting rack, added 8 36" & 3 72" VHO's super actinic w/ 9 PFO moonlights, 3 Reef Optix V Reflectors w/400w PFO Ballast and 3 separate circuits feed the light rack
8. clean skimmer pumps every 3 months, neck every 3 days. i really need to get the SCH.

just about caught up in work and reef keeping so I will be able to make more time on the forum with current updates.

[ReefDoctorMicromussas]

Bart... 8-) always the jokester

should not hurt our hearts like that

[jnarowe]

wow man...all that time. glad to see you are still in the game. how about a picture to prove it??? :D :D :D

[wigo]

Good for you. A lot of people were worried.

[Jar*Head]

Welcome back Bart.... You have such amazing setup. It would hurt to see you give up that easy

[cbui2]

ok i have some pics saved few months backs, but
took me awhile to learn how to post pics again:D

here are the VHO's brackets that was mounted onto .5" x 1" white pine strips. 6 pc's were made to hold a total 11 bulbs. 1/4" bolts were used to hold them in place of aluminum light rack since wood screws was not reliable.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-17.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-17a.jpg

[rEd86]

Glad to hear you are still in the hobby. I'm looking forward to seeing some new pictures!

--Ed

[cbui2]

ok got some more pics, i'm getting better at this now:D
all lights are mounted then electrical wiring was done.
commercial velcro was used to hold 9 PFO moonlights in place.
question on the 3 icecap 660 looking at how they were installed will i need to installed the heat sink that comes with them where i have them mounted at?

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-22.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-22a.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-22b.jpg

[jnarowe]

No reason not to install the heat sinks. The wood will not absorb or wick away much heat so those ballasts are going to get very hot, especially mounted so close to the halides.

[FFrankie]

Thats not funny Bart! LOL! I am glad your still in the game. Troop onward man!

[Grevious]

Good to see you back!!!! Such a well thought out aquarium should never be torn down. :D

[billyr98]

Glad you are still around.. i didn't want to be the only one with a 1.5hp Chiller! ;)

[20 20]

A joke? A JOKE!? A day or two of suspense would be a joke! All this time? CRUEL!!! Simply CRUEL!!!:p

[Goodwin9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11660471#post11660471 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
I am so sorry guys and gurls, but I totally forgot I posted this and was supposed to be a prank :D. hope ya can forgive me all

I can't imagine your thoughts that went behind your "prank". If it was meant to be a joke, I would imagine that most people viewing this forum wouldn't consider it to be funny.

[Elliott]

billyr98, got your back, I have a 1.5 hp chiller! :)

cbui2, good to see your return :D

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11661478#post11661478 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Goodwin9
I can't imagine your thoughts that went behind your "prank". If it was meant to be a joke, I would imagine that most people viewing this forum wouldn't consider it to be funny.

yeah i know it was bad thing to do, but i promised i wont do it again.. please forgive me :D . yes it was frustrating after all that had happened to my display, but more husbandry work needed to be done to ensure all the safety of the new livestock and i had totally forgot about the prank...sorry again guys and girls

[cbui2]

heres how the vho's look likes with all of them installed.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-18a.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-18.jpg

3 Reef Optix V Sun System w/ 400w PFO ballast 20k Radium will powered the front of the main display & currently 3 400w reeflux 12k for the rear on LA3

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-17b.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-17c.jpg

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11660542#post11660542 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefDoctorMicromussas
Bart... 8-) always the jokester

should not hurt our hearts like that

sorry Doc. especially you

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11660588#post11660588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
wow man...all that time. glad to see you are still in the game. how about a picture to prove it??? :D :D :D

hehe J ur still a trip and it would take me forever 2 catch up ur thread since i been gone for few months. so just go ahead and fill me in what i been missing :D .

i only have one pic for u. hope u like it?
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/12-17f.jpg

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11660607#post11660607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wigo
Good for you. A lot of people were worried.

sorry

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11660761#post11660761 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jar*Head
Welcome back Bart.... You have such amazing setup. It would hurt to see you give up that easy

thanks

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11660919#post11660919 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rEd86
Glad to hear you are still in the hobby. I'm looking forward to seeing some new pictures!

--Ed

thanks, i will be taking more photos later on tonight

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11661186#post11661186 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FFrankie
Thats not funny Bart! LOL! I am glad your still in the game. Troop onward man!

sorry i know i made a mistake, but i am allow a few of them since im a newbie :D

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11661286#post11661286 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Grevious
Good to see you back!!!! Such a well thought out aquarium should never be torn down. :D

thanks, yeah i would never tear it down only if im upgrading

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11661331#post11661331 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by billyr98
Glad you are still around.. i didn't want to be the only one with a 1.5hp Chiller! ;)

thanks, still have the chiller also hows ur new setup doing?

[jnarowe]

nice pic of sun coral but that proves what?? :lol: So, the big question everyone without a brain injury is afraid tro ask is:

What the Hell Happened?

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11661372#post11661372 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 20 20
A joke? A JOKE!? A day or two of suspense would be a joke! All this time? CRUEL!!! Simply CRUEL!!!:p

sorry but i totally forgot about it until i sign back on and actually went through the thread.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11661538#post11661538 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Elliott
billyr98, got your back, I have a 1.5 hp chiller! :)

cbui2, good to see your return :D

thanks, join the 1.5hp club :D

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11662158#post11662158 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
nice pic of sun coral but that proves what?? :lol: So, the big question everyone without a brain injury is afraid tro ask is:

What the Hell Happened?

it proves that i have been feeding it everyday :D .

long story but leaving work now but will answer that later :) .

[i2ik]

Glad you are back Bart! I could not believe it when i saw what you wrote! Always impress by how your setup is... still having a hard time believing this is your first setup! :)

[Rickyrooz1]

So you never had an ich problem? Did you face any problems since you've started the tank? Lets see a full tank shot!

[Rickyrooz1]

Also how do you forget about Reef Central? It's the biggest reef forum on the net.

[Goodwin9]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11405799#post11405799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
Sorry, but I will no longer have updates and as for the main display with all the equipments have been completely removed and will be sold in pieces. If anyone is interested please PM me for details. Reef keeping is just too hard and I decided to quit. What did you tell the people who sent you PM's regarding all of your equipment?

[gsxunv04]

ill take the full tank shot,but i want a full setup shot, lets get FTS of your DT, frag tank, and also your fuge and such...

[erics3000]

In the back of my mind I was hoping it was a joke.. Glad to have you have back... I figured since no reply to PM's about equipment..

[jnarowe]

Maybe THIS is a joke?

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11665797#post11665797 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by i2ik
Glad you are back Bart! I could not believe it when i saw what you wrote! Always impress by how your setup is... still having a hard time believing this is your first setup! :)

thanks, sorry again for the prank which i had totally forgot posting that after going back thoroughly into the thread. yes this is my very first fish tank ever, not even a 5gal display.

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11668601#post11668601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Maybe THIS is a joke?

Good point. How would you suggest he prove that the tank isn't really broken down? Maybe a new photo of the tank with the front page of USA Today or some other national paper in the shot? :) (although with Photoshop, that's not even a guarantee!)

I guess only time will tell.

--Ed

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11666582#post11666582 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rickyrooz1
So you never had an ich problem? Did you face any problems since you've started the tank? Lets see a full tank shot!

yes i did had ich outbreak back in sep, which i drain the entire system (about 1000gal) completely then removed whatever livestock i can saved, QT for 6 weeks using hyposalinity treatment then enter them back into main display.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11666589#post11666589 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rickyrooz1
Also how do you forget about Reef Central? It's the biggest reef forum on the net.

well with 1 wife, 4 kids and 1300gal plus 135gal QT and all the other equipments to maintain you will have no time left over in a day.

[jnarowe]

and that's a fact! :D

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11666734#post11666734 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Goodwin9
What did you tell the people who sent you PM's regarding all of your equipment?

i had answer some of pm's in the beginning, but stop after few days and started concentrating on the system and getting it back in shape.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11668112#post11668112 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by erics3000
In the back of my mind I was hoping it was a joke.. Glad to have you have back... I figured since no reply to PM's about equipment..

thanks, yeah i was about to completely call it quits when i had emptied the entire system and decided to keep it after all. that was not a joke after i drain the display.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11668601#post11668601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Maybe THIS is a joke?

not this time J :D

[jnarowe]

I am going to have to drain mine too so I'll feel much of the same pain this year as well.

[cbui2]

i really didn't realize how much work it was keeping everything alive and well in the beginning, not to mention the maintenance making sure that all is clean since i didn't want the entire fish room to be cluttered in anyway. draining the entire system was probably the best thing i did which also woke me up telling me that i needed to pay more attention to the system rather then just looking at it and taking pics to show everyone. yes i admit that the speed of putting this system together was fine, but when it came time to stocking the display was where i mess up, way too many fish at one time which causes them to fight and mixing the aggressive with peaceful didn't help either. for the past 4 months water parameters has been stable and everything has been doing very well.

[jnarowe]

I added most of my fish at one time too, and because of that I had no QT because mine was too small. I had one issue with a couple of Yellow Eye Koles because I had ordered 3 but one was DOA. The more agressive one beat the other one nearly to death. Other than that, there were no problems. I think I added about 30 fish at one time, but I had let the tank cycle and stabilize with a school of chromis for months prior.

[cbui2]

that was my problem, fish was added then added one after another without waiting for the water chemistry to catch up. what a big lesson to learn and expensive one too?

[jnarowe]

yup. I got away with it because of my inclination to keep the bio-load low. That and the water volume saved me more than once.

[Harleyguy]

Great to have you back. Lets see that FTS.

[cbui2]

thanks, coming soon

[melev]

http://melevsreef.com/g/wakeme.jpg

[cbui2]

:D thanks Marc. ok i just finally finished adding baffles in the sump to stop microbubbles problems i been having. not to mention after removing the filter pads in the middle of sump i found my diadema pseudochromis :lol: which have been MIA for 3 weeks and luckily for me he was still alive. 150gal water change and shop vac sump. few things i will be changing on the entire sump designs which if i had known what i knew today would make my job a lot easier. next in line i will plumb one of my overflow directly to the skimmer for now until i can sell my deltec and ask spazz to make me a real monster :) then both overflows can be plumb into skimmer. 2 waveboxes have been installed few weeks back and looking for 2 more 6201's w/7095 since i taught the 2 CL was enough yeah right, then i will add 2 more down the line as more corals are introduced. my 150 gal 1st fuge is growing like weeds currently 2 120watts 6100k spiral bulbs lights w/reflector but still need to finished that by placing more lights since the fuge is fairly large 48"x30"x24". some fishes are in qt for about 2 months now and probably introduced them in another month since i learn my lesson :D. my foxface is still releasing some white mucus from his top and bottom dorsals and hanging in the colt coral most of the time.

[wigo]

A picture or 2 would certainly make people want to read this thread again.
I am starting to think this thread should be closed.
Bart,
not to pester you too much but people ahve been asking for a picture and you certainly have had time to take a picture between all your posting on this site. To keep up with the expectations that you have put forth, you might want to put a picture up or people will quit taking you seriously.
After the joke and then coming back, you certainly owe it to your readers.

[reefkoi]

Awesome...........sounds like you are on the right track now, funny I have the same size 600 myself and started off with 1 dart and 1 hammerhead for flow! Now I have 2 hammers on 2 closed loops, 1 dart on the return, 4 tunze 6200's and i'm installing 2 waveboxes today in fact.
The waveboxes are going to be very interesting, I'm scared to get them running and lose all my water lol
are yours running with water right now? or did you just install them?
I'd love any tips on the wavebox since UPS is bringing me 2 of them today to install on one end of the tank.
C

[erics3000]

Funny MARC>>>> hehehe

Hey Bart... When you get some time can you give us the run down on your new sump design. I changed mine all around and putt all my equipment in the garage instead of under the stand. Since I changed my original plans things aren’t setup to there best. I want to change my fuge and put it along my sump. 1 less pump and all my return water will go through my fuge first before my sump. Same deal with direct feed for my skimmer when I get time to make a decent one or buy one. I have been thinking of using my 150 for the fuge instead of the 75 and buying a 150 Rubbermaid to put along side the 150 fuge. I like the extra water capacity but if you want to dose anything it all adds up..Oh well.. ,Look forward to your update and pics.

[mcliffy2]

Just came to check out your thread as I've appreciated your advice on mine. Glad you decided to keep going, Im looking forward to seeing it redone. As to pics, RC is not job, its for fun and learning, take your time, the tank is first priority, get it right then post some pics... and Im guessing many reefers have gone through the frustration you did. :)

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11714233#post11714233 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefkoi
Awesome...........sounds like you are on the right track now, funny I have the same size 600 myself and started off with 1 dart and 1 hammerhead for flow! Now I have 2 hammers on 2 closed loops, 1 dart on the return, 4 tunze 6200's and i'm installing 2 waveboxes today in fact.
The waveboxes are going to be very interesting, I'm scared to get them running and lose all my water lol
are yours running with water right now? or did you just install them?
I'd love any tips on the wavebox since UPS is bringing me 2 of them today to install on one end of the tank.
C

:D thanks, i started with 4 4300gph and 2 CL 6000gph on OM-4way and still not enough flow. as of now my water level is 2" below eurobrace letting me to fully blast both waveboxes, but eventually i will have to extend the overflow boxes so more water will enter not creating any splash noises. some tips i have is to set both waveboxes at lowest point for pulse and motor then gradually work your way up the waves, this way the waves can keep up with each other making sure you staggered both boxes so they don't pump at the same time. you will get a very large wave, but this will varies with different tanks since my rock stacks are toward the rear and all my returns creates a circular motion. both waveboxes are mounted toward the front of display which is an eye sore, hopefully i can build something in the near future. i am so tired working through the night getting thing done. up till 7am this morning and no coffee or sugar can help me now only :beer:

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11714079#post11714079 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wigo
A picture or 2 would certainly make people want to read this thread again.
I am starting to think this thread should be closed.
Bart,
not to pester you too much but people have been asking for a picture and you certainly have had time to take a picture between all your posting on this site. To keep up with the expectations that you have put forth, you might want to put a picture up or people will quit taking you seriously.
After the joke and then coming back, you certainly owe it to your readers.

sorry but if you want to closed the thread guess you have to ask the moderator. i don't have any time to take pics, but if you want pics i should have tons of pics from the beginning of the build. i will take some pics soon when i get a chance.

[wigo]

I understand, there are just a lot of people who would love to see your work. Your work has been incredible. I do not mean to insult you at all. We are just curious. I know you are working hard. There have just been a ton of requests for more pictures.

We would just like to see the tank. Consider it a learning experience for all of us.
But alas you are busy. Sorry for bugging you.

[jnarowe]

so Bart, is your tank built strong enough for waves? Roger @ Tunze recommends that tanks be built out of one size pane larger than standard to deal with the extra force.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11714629#post11714629 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by erics3000
Funny MARC>>>> hehehe

Hey Bart... When you get some time can you give us the run down on your new sump design. I changed mine all around and putt all my equipment in the garage instead of under the stand. Since I changed my original plans things aren’t setup to there best. I want to change my fuge and put it along my sump. 1 less pump and all my return water will go through my fuge first before my sump. Same deal with direct feed for my skimmer when I get time to make a decent one or buy one. I have been thinking of using my 150 for the fuge instead of the 75 and buying a 150 Rubbermaid to put along side the 150 fuge. I like the extra water capacity but if you want to dose anything it all adds up..Oh well.. ,Look forward to your update and pics.

sure Eric, all i did for now was added 3 baffles to stop microbubbles. if i had to redo it all again, i would use the main display overflow to feed everything including skimmer and media that way by the time water passes through all the filtration, filter water will flow back into main sump keeping it crystal clear. IMO the more water volume is always better, pics are coming soon. it add up once you ordered 300gal+ :D

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11716106#post11716106 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
so Bart, is your tank built strong enough for waves? Roger @ Tunze recommends that tanks be built out of one size pane larger than standard to deal with the extra force.

of course not, current tank 1" sides, 6" eurobrace aorund permiter with 2 12" crossbraces and 3/4" bottom. it needed to be at least 1.25" thick but please keep your finger cross for me. he told me that i will lose about 15% life of the display or get stronger braces. hopefully the current eurobraces will hold up.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11716100#post11716100 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wigo
I understand, there are just a lot of people who would love to see your work. Your work has been incredible. I do not mean to insult you at all. We are just curious. I know you are working hard. There have just been a ton of requests for more pictures.

We would just like to see the tank. Consider it a learning experience for all of us.
But alas you are busy. Sorry for bugging you.


thanks, not at all. no insult taking as i was answering any questions as they come.

[jnarowe]

well, tough to determine a percent of life eh? But if you have enough flow, you could de-tune the wave boxes so they don't create waves right? That wold just leave you with efficient powerfull flow don't you think? You don't have to have waves.

[cbui2]

most definitely, the wavebox are there just for a little more extra current. i used CL toward the rear to blow behind the rocks and dead spots at the bottom to keep detritus from building up and front CL are pointing straight toward the overflow boxes. all the returns are pointed to the right of the display creating counter clockwise movement. i think just 2 more 6201's will do the job

[tankguy001]

This was incredible , I could never imagine setting up something like this. My hats off to you

[FuzzyZipperbaum]

WOW.... just finished this monster thread, the highs...the lows... the rebirth...

cbui2: I'm glad you were joking cause you would have come home from work and I would have been inside your tank resetting it up... "don't mind me Mr Cbui2...., I'll be done in a few days!"
:p

Anyway, I will be starting my 500g in a few months so this was a great read.....

[mflamb]

Yo Bart,
What LFS do you deal with in NO?

[46bfinGA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11716874#post11716874 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
well, tough to determine a percent of life eh? But if you have enough flow, you could de-tune the wave boxes so they don't create waves right? That wold just leave you with efficient powerfull flow don't you think? You don't have to have waves.

Thats the plan with my waveboxes on my 600. Have all the benefits of the flow without pulsing them to were they would produce waves on the surface. No worries about the waves reducing the life of the tank.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11753884#post11753884 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tankguy001
This was incredible , I could never imagine setting up something like this. My hats off to you

thanks, i didn't either. last new year eve my friends and i went shopping for a display, seen a 380 that was nice but starting thinking where i was going to put it when i get home. there were a few places in the house, but then i started to think about the garage that's when i decided to go bigger :D and apparently got out of hand.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11757015#post11757015 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FuzzyZipperbaum
WOW.... just finished this monster thread, the highs...the lows... the rebirth...

cbui2: I'm glad you were joking cause you would have come home from work and I would have been inside your tank resetting it up... "don't mind me Mr Cbui2...., I'll be done in a few days!"
:p

Anyway, I will be starting my 500g in a few months so this was a great read.....


welcome Fuzzy, do you have a link to your thread?

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11757036#post11757036 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mflamb
Yo Bart,
What LFS do you deal with in NO?

well we don't have that many at all. as of now Rick's Reef, had bad experience with Coral Connection, but majority of my livestock and corals are ordered though wholesale.

[cbui2]

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/1-29a.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/1-29b.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/1-29c.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/1-29d.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/1-29e.jpg

[cbui2]

i wanted to change my sump design,

1. 1st overflow direct feed to skimmer can handle 800gph
2. 2nd overflow into 1st fuge in water tower
3. frag overflow into 1st fuge in water tower

what will be the best way coming into the fuge, water tower w/LR or fliter floss tray?

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/4-24aa.jpg

[tbone28]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11761735#post11761735 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2


http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/4-24aa.jpg

Hey Bart, what are those chinese characters you drew on the right side of your pic?:D

[melev]

I don't understand the question, esp. based upon the images posted right above the drawing. In that set, water and cheato is in place. In the drawing, it is empty.

Are you keeping the foam block sponge? Is the skimmer staying external and if so, where is it draining into? Where is the return pump in that sump? Do you want the macro algae in the zone where it says "water tower"?

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11761965#post11761965 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tbone28
Hey Bart, what are those chinese characters you drew on the right side of your pic?:D

it says HELP ME PLEASE :D

[ycnibrc]

hey bart do you raise rau muong in your sump??hahaha

BTW if you ask me I will never put any kind of algea in my tank. Since they can go crazy and hurt you more than help you even with cheato.

And how many over flow do you have?
#1 go to skimmer
#2 go to water tower

what is with the 3. frag overflow into 1st fuge in water tower?

I like to keep my sump clean so I would go with floss or filter sock. LR will have some type of debris and some time it can get to your return pump and cause problem.

[cbui2]

Marc that's just a pic i had awhile back when it was empty from the beginning of build.
1. no black sponge-middle is empty
2. skimmer external
3. currently cheato in 1st fuge about 100gal worth

this is the best i can do :D, not the best at sketchup :(

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/currentsump.jpg

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11764285#post11764285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ycnibrc
hey bart do you raise rau muong in your sump??hahaha

BTW if you ask me I will never put any kind of algea in my tank. Since they can go crazy and hurt you more than help you even with cheato.

And how many over flow do you have?
#1 go to skimmer
#2 go to water tower

what is with the 3. frag overflow into 1st fuge in water tower?

I like to keep my sump clean so I would go with floss or filter sock. LR will have some type of debris and some time it can get to your return pump and cause problem.

its cheaper to raise rau then going to supermarket, need to saved money for nori :D .

here's an old pic

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s259/cbui2/8-8.jpg

[ReefingBuddha]

holy crap dude... I guess I kinda forgot what you did back there... once again still very impressive especially for your first tank.

BTW I never asked before, why did you plumb the returns with3 90's and then down? This some plumbing trick I am unaware of?

[Harleyguy]

Every time I see that picture I get high just thinking about the glue fumes... LOL

[cbui2]

Tom, the 3 90s is above the main display water line for siphon break. i dont even know what i am doing with all those equipment i have :D .

Harley i was high for few weeks, thats when i needed a break.

[jnarowe]

did you drill them to create a siphon break? I don't understand how they would break a siphon unless you are letting air into them.

I was so stoned from the fumes when I painted my tank room with bilge paint I only used 1/3 of a gallon on the second coat.

[ycnibrc]

only Jonathan, Melev and Hahnmeister can figure this thing out. We are not qualify.

[jnarowe]

I don't know about that. I always try to simplify things and Bart's got a whole lot of pipe on that system. My whole return system is run off of just one pump.

[melev]

I can't make sense of it either. I tried to understand the sketch, but without the key card and launch codes, I don't see how I could help. ;)

[tbone28]

Answer to the 90-degree bends is SIMPLE!!

Bart needed an excuse to sniff some more of that glue :D

[jnarowe]

Dude, that's so not right! But funny nonetheless. :lol:

[tbone28]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11771196#post11771196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Dude, that's so not right! But funny nonetheless. :lol:

hehe. Sorry, Bart. Couldn't resist! :)

[94ls-sie47]

SOME DAY i shall have some setup just as crazy as this 1...

nice work..

[quiksilver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11766161#post11766161 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
Tom, the 3 90s is above the main display water line for siphon break. i dont even know what i am doing with all those equipment i have :D .

Harley i was high for few weeks, thats when i needed a break.

The way you have those "anti-siphon" 90s will never work the way you have them. The water will siphon up past the water line in your tank and over those 90s no problem.

In order to have proper "anti-siphon" make the exact thing with the 3 90's you have, but inside the tank. Then drill 2 anti-siphon holes under neath the 90's above the water line in your tank.

Great thought, but right now those "anti-siphons" on your 1st return, 2nd fuge return, and chiller return are just restricting your flow. Just a heads up.

Bart I love your setup so much. I keep oogling. Lemme try and look at your other plumbing and help.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11767506#post11767506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
did you drill them to create a siphon break? I don't understand how they would break a siphon unless you are letting air into them.

I was so stoned from the fumes when I painted my tank room with bilge paint I only used 1/3 of a gallon on the second coat.

holes were drilled on each return top of loc line which is about 1" below water line to create siphon break.

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11768934#post11768934 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ycnibrc
only Jonathan, Melev and Hahnmeister can figure this thing out. We are not qualify.

im not either, just started to glue a few pieces and end up with HD combine w/Lowes and some ace hardware in my garage :D

[jnarowe]

hmmmmm...interesting. If you wnet with an open overflow this wouldn't be an issue, but I am concerned about this. Did you test it and find that it works correctly? If you have a successful test, then no worries! :d

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11770480#post11770480 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tbone28
Answer to the 90-degree bends is SIMPLE!!

Bart needed an excuse to sniff some more of that glue :D

no problem, due to pvc cememt part of my brain suffered from any sense of humor long time ago :D

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11779249#post11779249 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cbui2
holes were drilled on each return top of loc line which is about 1" below water line to create siphon break.

If you did that, then the elbows on the outside of the tank are unnecessary.

[cbui2]

yeah J, in the beginning of the build when the entire display was setup for a month with out any livestock all was check to ensure no flooding, power failure to each pump, back pressure, overflow and etc. even if i cut the power off completely to the entire system i have enough sump water volume to cover it. there are so many different things i can do to better to this system if i had known a little more before building it, besides 3 months of reading and lil reef knowledge :)

[cbui2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11779860#post11779860 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
If you did that, then the elbows on the outside of the tank are unnecessary.

found that out 2 months later

[jnarowe]

You're doing just fine IMO. Don't get discouraged. If you have the funds to maintain the system, then get back at it. I had to drain my system and did so without removing the livestock to effect a repair. If I can do it, so can you.

Do you have a mentor? This is key in my situation and I think that if you don't, that would be a good step. Find an accomplished reefer close enough that you can meet in person on occassion. And of course, watch out for posers. Make sure you visit their system and make an educated determination as to their value as a mentor.

I have one of the best as mine, and you should have one too. Don't be intimidated by your own actions and don't get discouraged by mistakes. Until about 15 years ago, no one thought corals could be kept in the common home aquarium.

Do some tank tours. I had to buy some equipment blind because no one in my area had decent systems. For instance, I had to buy the AquaController basically sight unseen, and was surprised that at the price point, it could only handle one tank. Since then Curt has developed add-ons so it's not really an issue any more.

Had I seen more systems before I built mine (other than online) I might have made a few different choices, but on the whole I did very well. Everything works and the tweaks I have had to do have been relatively minor. One such interesting issue is kalk stirrers.

I had done a lot of reading about them and had come to the conclusion that a magnetic bar stirrer was the best design. Simply put, it is a closed environment so there is no air pocket at the top like in the Deltec unit. But after having used a good quality magnetic stirrer and seeing the Deltec one operating in person, I feel I made the wrong decision.

The Deltec has an air pocket at the top, but apparently that really isn't as big of a problem as stated in so many articles and posts I have read. But the big benefit is that the Deltec constantly stirs at an extremely slow rate and therefore provides excellent disolution while maintaining an absolutely clear effluent.

So, mine stirs fine, but must get up to speed to break the kalk mud, and at that speed clouds the chamber, or at least the bottom half, which in turn could inject kalk fines into my system. So the short of it (NOT!) is that I have to have my doser on a timer so that it doesn't dose during or for the hour after a stir cycle.

Lesson learned, but had I discussed this in more detail with a QUALIFIED mentor, I would have purchased the Deltec instead.

[ycnibrc]

Hey Bart I'm not good at all at set up and plumbing but if you need help on corals and how to keep them alive LMK I can help you in that area since I have a green thump.....:-)

[cbui2]

thanks, im not discouraged at all. draining the system was probably the best thing i did.

your my mentor for now :D , there are a lot of reefers here, but i don't know any of them. im all alone for now

some mistakes were made but benjamins and lil reefkeeping skills solve the problems :(

as of now, no controllers will be installed. still trying to keep it as simple as possible, but little late for that now.

currently dosing randy's two part for now. just didn't want to fool with deltec calcium reactor and kalk stirrer as i am happy with my water parameters being stable for 4 months now. they are still sitting in the closet.

salinity 1.025 - 1.026
nitrate 0
phosphate 0
mag 1325 - 1375
temp 79-80
ph 8.3 - 8.4
alk 9 - 10
calcium 420 - 440

[cbui2]

Anthony, i will let you know definitely on the SPS. i have a large shipment of SPS coming in tomorrow and will have them in QT for about week or two.

[jnarowe]

Join a local aquarium club and maybe you can meet a few good people.

[ycnibrc]

hey Bart fire up the Cal reactor and set it at CO2=80 bpm

effluent drip 240 drop per minute. Since right now you don't have any corals in the tank so don't worry about killing anything. But atleast get your main tank ready fro those frags. Keep testing the ALk and Cal every other day and see if it's stable.

Your goal is CAL 400 or above ALK 9 or above,MAG 1300.

I run my Cal at 450 and ALk is at 10 to 11 and MAG at 1350. For a large system like your's you have to utilize the CAL reactor since you already bought it.

monitor your PH if it's drop down below 7.9 in the day time fire up your kalk reactor for top off.

[Jar*Head]

Anthony, the deltec Ca reactor tuning is a little diff then your Ca reactor. Bart, make sure you go into the deltec link and upload the user manual and installation instruction on Deltec Ca reactor. Don't listen to some schmuck who has no clue about that type of Ca Reactor :D. J/k Anthony :) peace

If you need any help, PM me.....

[ycnibrc]

I shut up now the Deltech guru is here.

[tbone28]

you crack me up, Anthony! :lol:

[cbui2]

Anthony, i have been collecting corals and fish for quite some time now, all those lights wasn't installed to light up my living room :D. don't be to hard on him Sensei, as he was trying to show me the way. Jar*Head is not only the deltec guru, tunze technical support, but chinese super wave motion developer too :lol: . yes i have read the deltec manuals plenty of time along with the kalk stirrer too.

here's what i been currently dosing to achieve water parameters with LM3

1. 8oz daily randy's 2 part (1250g w/5gal RO)
2. 20oz daily (6lbs epsom salt w/5gal RO)
3. 15oz daily (12 teaspoon seachem reef builder w/5gal RO)
4. 150gal water change every 3 weeks for now

the main reason why i didn't setup calcium reactor and kalk yet b/c i been able to manage my water parameters consistently with simple methods, and by changing to the reactor will require more work that i am not capable of not just yet. not only that i have to keep monitoring ph level since it will drop or raise according to everyone's thread i have been searching through. plus with the corals i have didn't want to take a chance. if the display was empty i would have done this, but since i was moving so fast in the beginning i didn't bother with it.

[tbone28]

Hey Bart, give the calcium reactor a try. You won't regret it! I was dosing B-Ionic daily for many months, and just got tired of it. I set up the reactor, and life is rosy now. My pH hasn't dropped, as happens to many people. There are a few things you can do to minimize a pH drop. You can drip the effluent into your skimmer's pump, drip the effluent into a collection cup with an airstone, or drip into your refugium first, which is what I'm doing. You basically want to give the CO2 some time to blow off before it gets back to your return pump.

[jnarowe]

or run kalk and not worry about pH.

[tbone28]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11784473#post11784473 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
or run kalk and not worry about pH.

Jonathan, you just want him to hard-plumb his kalk reactor for some glue-sniffin, don't cha? :D

[cbui2]

if i can find a way just to set the calcium reactor without having to drip kalk then i be a happy camper. no more pvc cement since i plumb the reactor awhile back already for 1/4" tubing. dripping into fuge would be nice since i do have med. flow and its 150gal.

heres what i have purchased from the beginning of build,
Deltec PF1001 w/90 lbs RowaLith C+ media
20lbs CO2 tank
purchase Milwaukee CO2 regulator, but return it since i didn't like the way it was manufacture
didn't purchase controller yet

[Jar*Head]

Bart, you will need the pH controller (prefer pintpoint pH controller) for your deltec PF1001.
1. Fill the reactor with Rowalith C+ (half full), i notice some having problem with the eheim 1260 being not strong enough to stir the media.

2. Set your effluent rate at broken stream

3. Set your bubble rate starting at 60-90bpm

4. Set your pH controller at 6.5 (off) - 6.7 (on) test your alk and Ca every day at the SAME TIME.

If your alk decrease, increase the bubble count and lower the pH in side the reactor. If the Alk increase, drop your bubble count or crank up the pH inside the chamber.

Once you get the Alk and Ca stable for at least couple days then your Ca reactor tuned in. If not, keep on playing with it till it stable.

Your Kalk Stir is very beneficial if you use it properly. I would use the Litermeter III to dose couple gal of Kalk at night during the light out period to stable the pH. You don't have to use your Kalk stirrer as the main source of your topoff. Unless your demand is high.

[mcliffy2]

man, i want to help out, but my mind is just not processing your plumbing :) I'll try to sit down this weekend with a fresh mind and take a look at it....

[Jar*Head]

It would take a Submarine engineer to figure out Bart's plumbing :D. But it look darn good and organize tho

[tbone28]

Bart, I like the pinpoint pH controller, too. My pH is still stable at 8.2 dripping effluent into my fuge. I hope it stays stable because I don't have room under my stand for a kalk reactor!

JarHead - why do you recommend turning the controller on at 6.7 and off at 6.5? Is that because of the Rowalith? Mine's on at 6.8, off at 6.7 for Gen-X media

[Jar*Head]

tbone, 6.5-6.7 is pretty much standard since his tank has lots of water volume, lower pH help melting the media quicker. but he can always start at 6.7-6.8 and work his way to lower.

Gen-x media normally require lower pH to melt. Are you using the coarse or fine media?

[Jar*Head]

If your pH every drop due the Ca reactor, you can drip the effluent into a cup with airstone in it and it will help......