PL-Reef's 30G M-Tank build.

[PL-Reef]

Time i finally do something for myself! Since we bought our house 4 months ago i have yet to set up any kind of display tank. All i have right now is 250 gallon prop system in the basement. So needless to say i'm going through tank with drawl!!!

Here's the plan.

30 gallon Finnex M-Tank

Retro T5 lighting (maybe over driven)

Deltec MCE 600/300 protein skimmer

Tunze Nano Streams

Liter Meter III for top off and dosing DYI 2 part

Custom built stand

My first thought was to go BB in this tank but i still might go with a SSB just for looks. I have room in the fuge area of the M-tank for a remote sand bed. I dont think i'll be growing any macro in there anyway.
Any one have any experience with running over driven T5s on a small tank? I was entertaining the idea of running 2 over driven T5s and 2 regular T5s. All with SLR reflectors.
Earlier today i started to build the face frame of the tank cabinet. I'm using poplar and am going to stain everything a cherry color. i'll have some pics of that soon.
So here it is my new pride and joy sitting on my door step.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0906.jpg

Questions and comments are VERY welcome! I'll be posting lots of pics durring this build.

[MADtanks]

OPEN IT!!!!!!! hahahahha

bout damn time dude :) now hurry up and build your stand/Canopy! :)

[reefman13]

now hurry up and build your stand/Canopy!:)

Yeah, I can't wait to see the way he designs this one. I had asked him to build me one because of the way he has done other stands and well.....never mind. But anyway, can't wait to see where this goes.

BTW: Great pic Mrs. PL-Reef! -like always;)

[InsaneClownFish]

Finally! :)

Who are you getting to build the stand?

As far as the T5's- go with hallide. I think a streamlined MH pendant looks cleaner, and IMHO, and from my experience, overdriven T5's can run just as warm as a single lower wattage DE MH. The difference in heat may not be as significant as you may think.

..and remember...AIO means All In One- not modify the livin be-gesuz outta it! ;)

[cato]

I remember someone wanting to "take a break" for a while not too long ago...BTW You're not on the schedule next week...hmmmmm.

[cato]

Who builds custom stands that are any good that is...;)

[InsaneClownFish]

Cato, I still haven't been able to find a quality local builder. ;)

[PL-Reef]

erickrm. LOL! i'm working on it!


InsaneClownFish. Finaly! lol your not kidding!
as far as the lights go i've done MH in the past and prefer T5s for a hand full of reasons. i also had 6 overdriven T5 on my last tank but it was alot deeper than this one.
i'm not too worried about heat just if i will bake the corals with too much light.

[PL-Reef]

you guys suck! LOL :)

Cato.. there was a time that i was going to "take a break from reef keeping" but i think that was the Crack talking. plus my good buddy talked me off that ledge.



i;ll be calling tomorrow. i hope i still can get penciled in.

[bpd964]

Nice! Finally something good to follow.. bring it on..

[MADtanks]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11164043#post11164043 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bpd964
Nice! Finally something good to follow.. bring it on..

lmao!!!

this will indeed be good thread!

[ShiftNation]

Damn I expected more out of a first post than a box on a doorstep . Break that bad boy out and give us the once over man . Did you start on the stand yet ?

[danoreef]

I coming along for the ride...

can't wait to see the progress.

[Mrs. PL-Reef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11165330#post11165330 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ShiftNation
Damn I expected more out of a first post than a box on a doorstep . Break that bad boy out and give us the once over man . Did you start on the stand yet ?

That's all my fault, haven't taken a photo of the actual tank yet... Been too busy processing some pictures of a tank for a guy from our club... I'm afraid if I don't get his photos done fast he might hit my car and punch me in the jaw! ;)

[MADtanks]

LMAO getting close to it!!!! lmao!

[mr pink floyd]

BTW: Great pic Mrs. PL-Reef! -like always

kid... its a box

[ShiftNation]

Thats not your fault that Jas cant pony up and master that camera with your help Kadian . Jas quit bieng lazy and add one more thing to your massive list of **** to do .

[MADtanks]

lmao!! It is just a box....

Dude more pics now!! Well mine first ;)

[ooja3k]

Sounds like its going to be a nice setup!

Tagging along

[CamBarr]

i see a box wheres the tank

[PL-Reef]

OK OK OK!!! heres the tank.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0007.jpg

and the first top down shot....

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0014.jpg

[mr pink floyd]

WOWZERS! great pics!


;)




in all seriousness though, this tank is going to look sweet. are you going to name it a snob tank like you were talking about?

[MADtanks]

lovin the tank ;) wonder where you got the idea ;) hahahahahah bout time you put on another pic!

[PL-Reef]

Like i said yesterday, i started the face frame of the cabinet. i'm very fond of the Kreg Pocket hole jig. heres the jig in action.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_9995.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_9991.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_9979.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_9984.jpg

now heres the face frame completed. sometime this week i'll start building the box. now by not having to worry about having a sump i thought i would do something different. this stand will have 2 drawers under the tank and 2 raised panel door with shelves on the inside.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_9999.jpg

[PL-Reef]

do you think shes reef safe?

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0009.jpg

i just drip acclimated her and now time for lugos and interceptor treatment.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0011.jpg

[MADtanks]

seriously, i think she will be fine ;) i know it seems a lil cramped but they like to stay perched on rocks all day so you should be fine and not only that but you will have plenty of poop for the SPS!!!!!!

now tell the wife to send me my pics!! i want to update my thread ;) hahahhahahah

[danoreef]

nnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiccccccccccceeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!

[saltyfishy123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11166206#post11166206 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mr pink floyd
kid... its a box


muhahaha I love it!!

[InsaneClownFish]

Puppy police! Typically these dogs need more swimming room. Their typical range in the domesticated wild is at least a 2000 square foot domicile. Provide this specimen with lower flow, moderate light, and supplemental feedings of milk bones.

[ooja3k]

so is the total tank volume 30 gallons with that back area included??

or is it more than that???

i like the idea of the tank you have there... kinda a giant all-in-one...

did you order it custom?

[MADtanks]

its a finnex 30G m-tank it has a total water volume of 30G but when totally filled with rock and sand what not it probably has like 26G best nano tank AIO :)

[PL-Reef]

i love the fact it doesnt have curved glass like most other AIO nanos. plus i dont ever want to own an acrylic tank! i'm to heavy handed. lol i would have it all scratched up before too long.
i used to own a 24g AP. it was kind of PITA to keep the temp steady in the summer months, and the hinge on one side broke in the first week i got it. so lifting the lid sucked for the next year.

[InsaneClownFish]

I'll never go closed top again..;)

[PL-Reef]

update

alright i got to work today! i built the sides of the cabinet. now i changed my mind a bit though. in stead of using regular 3/4" ply for the sides, i built face frames to match the front and added 1/2" Baltic Beech ply on the inside. then made some trim to finish the edge.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0020.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0025.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0027.jpg

let me know whats you guys/gals think! tomorrow i'm going to start working on the dove-tail drawers.

[danoreef]

show-off

[InsaneClownFish]

The Beech looks super nice. How tall are you makin the stand?

[MADtanks]

it sux! thats all i have to say! (jealous! :( )

[PL-Reef]

thanks!
the stands going to alittle taller than the norm. 39"
the Baltic Beech is a great ply wood. at 1/2" it has 9 plys!!! very ridged.

[PL-Reef]

update!!!



sorry i'm lazy, and havent done anything in a few days!

[InsaneClownFish]

That's because you spend too much time training other carpenters and watching Manswers...;)

Figuring out how to get a happy ending at a legit massage palor is not going to get your stand built..:p

[saltman123]

Sweet looking wood work for sure!

[PL-Reef]

i got some more work done the other day on the stand. i started building the drawers too! now if only can find enough time to build the shelves and the two doors i'll be in the clear. lol

i also ordered my lights! i went with 4 over driven T5s with SLR reflectors.


here it is the new top i put on.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0061.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0059.jpg

and one of the drawers

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0057.jpg

[reefman13]

Second pics is great Mrs. PL-Reef! Love it with the all American flag in the background, and as always great pics!

PL- that is an awesome stand, looking to get something like it for my NC. And this is real inspiration.

[MADtanks]

dude, your still working on that thing!? hurry up!!!! hahahah j/k sweet dude, all we need now is to bring your litermeter over to my house so i can use it lol.... good stuff bro! almost there!

[mr pink floyd]

excuse me SIR, sorry if i missed it, but what are you going to do for staining it?

thanks SIR



















happy now?

[ShiftNation]

Lookin good man . Get that **** done .

[MADtanks]

lol "sir" better watch out or you will be banned from CTARS ;) hahahhahahahah

[PL-Reef]

i have no friggen time right now to work on it! trust me i want too!!!


LOL! mike, i thinking some kind of light cherry color.

[danoreef]

wow!!! really nice woodworking.

[PL-Reef]

does anyone else run over driven T5s on nanos?

[asmodeus]

Jas that stand looks really good

[MADtanks]

meh its over rated ;) lol... j/k lets just hope your corals dont melt away hahah if so it will be an easy fix ;) sell the ballast and get 2 new HO ballast ;)

[REEF-DADDY]

nice bro!

[MN. Reef crzy]

nice work and good looking setup!

[ctreefer]

Dude, how did I miss the start of this build? Nice job Jas. Looking really good.

BTW, I run overdriven T5's (3) on my 29 and am quite happy with them (depending on the bulbs used.)

[PL-Reef]

thanks guys!

Vince- what ballast and bulb combo are you using?

Richie- your just saying that cause you got yourself a SWEET T5 fixture!! :)

[MADtanks]

na i think your corals will be fine and once they are acclimated they will love it more than just HO.... oh yea and if you got URI bulbs good for you! they are the ones that are designed to run with icecap 660 besides that they only make the best phosphorus to burn on bulbs ;)

[adunne]

tagging along here - question if you guys dont mind.. what exactly does overdriving T5's mean? Kind of like over clocking your graphics card or processor (im a gaming nerd!!!)

how is this accomplished? putting a larger ballest on fewer bulbs?

[adunne]

btw
<------------Jealous

looks great!!!!

[MADtanks]

adunne, over driving bulbs is basically like when you over clock a VC, but in order to OD a bulb you need an IceCap ballast, and basically what it will do is bring it from for example a 24w to 40w, a 54w to 80w..... it will give you a lot more par!! but can be hazardous to sofites lol... ie. melt!! hahah

[adunne]

so if you have say a icecap 660 running does it automatically overdrive the bulbs? or are there mods or somthing you must do.

sorry for the highjack pl-reef

[MADtanks]

no mods, just slap and icecap 660 to run 4 bulbs :)

now back to thread ;) hahah

[ctreefer]

Jas, I'm using an Icecap 430 ballast and 2 geissman actinic + and one geissman aquablue.

Rich, are the URI's really supposed to run on Icecaps? I bought one of the super actinics when they first came out because I had loved them when I ran VHO. The bulb lasted literally about 1 month before there was nothing of value coming out of the bulb lightwise. I asked the guys at that time and if I recall I got a response that it might have been a cracked bulb or something, but they didn't seem to really care and I haven't bought one since.

Do you run them?

[PL-Reef]

i'm starting to think that i'll be better off running 3 bulbs (overdriven ) on a IC 430 and 2 more bulbs on a Work-Horse. 5 total. this way i can have the dusk and dawn effect. just a thought. :)

[PL-Reef]

adunne- thanks!

[ctreefer]

Jas, I wouldnt recommend running 3 bulbs on the 430. Icecap says the 430's will only power 2 bulbs no matter what length. I posed the question to them a couple years ago and they said to try it at the time but now they don't advise it. They say I'm lucky and probably have a really well built ballast. Sometimes when I have bulbs that burn out very praturely I think it might be because of the ballast. I asked icecap about this a few days ago and they didn't respond. I'm guessing they won't discuss because they don't want people trying it.

[PL-Reef]

LOL thanks Vince. for some reason i thought i could run 3 bulbs on a 430. i still would like to have a 5 bulb set up.

[ctreefer]

5 bulbs would be killer light! what are the dimensions of that tank? I think you'll be surprised by the output of the 24's if you haven't run them yet. When overdriven they produce more watts per inch than either the 36, 48 or 60 watt T5's. If I recall they are running close to 50 watts per bulb or almost twice the output per inch of one normally driven 48" T5 bulb.

[PL-Reef]

24x16x18

maybe two 430 would be cool. just so i can have dusk and dawn. either way this is going to be one bright little tank!!!

[ShiftNation]

Jas I think your crazy with this overdriven idea . I think you will get great growth and color with regular driven bulbs , plus you wont have to replace them as often . Not to mention the heat issue . Temp flux might just drive you nuts this winter on that little puppy . As far as I know the jury still isnt in on whether all you do is change color temp when you overdrive instead of pushin out more PAR . BTW stand looks frickin immaculate , sweet work as always .

[MADtanks]

i tried to tell him earl just HO but he wants VHO DAMN IT! hahah i thought you could run 3 HO with 430? this is what i would do... run 2 VHO on the 430 and then 3 HO on 430... :) like this...

1 actinic plus HO
2 URI Aquasun Over Driven!
3 ATI Pro color HO
4 URI 12k Over Driven!
5 URI Super Actinic HO

it does not have to be that bulb combo but that should give you the growth rates big time! with supliments from all actinic spectrum! from blue-purple and on the others from green-yellow-red!! so you will have a full spectrum setup :) this is the bulbs combo i would liek to try out :) when you get your bulbs if you want to come to my crib and play around with bulb combos you can :) besides that i have to order pro color bulbs if you want we can order 2 so you can have one as well incase you like the look..... in any case hurry up!! hahah the finnex cube is catching up with CTARS! lol i have had several other members ask about them already.... guess we wont be the only ones after all....

[PL-Reef]

Haters! go bright or go home!!!!

i'm not too worried about heat. the canopy i'm building is going to be vented via 2 Ice Cap fans.
i loved the over driven T5s i had on my 75g. the growth and color was sweet. thats why i'm pushing for them again.


ROCK'N M-TANKS!!! :)

[pnguye3]

looking good so far. can't wait to see the rest of the tank build

[cato]

Jas I wouldn't overdrive any of the actinic bulbs. They burn up waaaay too fast IME. Overdrive the others but run a Triad ballast for the actinic bulbs. ReefGeek has them. BTW...WHERE"S THE WATER???!!! C'mon boy, get the lead out would ya. Geeesh. :rolleyes:

[MADtanks]

Cato thats my whole idea ;) OD the day lights and just run the actinics on HO ballast.... seriously JAS CMON!!!! lol...

[conorwynne]

Handy being a Finnish carpenter eh?

Lovely work so far. Tagging along...

[cwilson]

you know, all of you people with somewhat 'related' careers is total BS ;)

all i can do is make soon-to-be designs in autocad :lol:

[PL-Reef]

conorwynne --- i love working as a finish carpenter! it deffentaly has it perks. :)


cwilson --- LOL :) hey i wish i knew how to design on programs like autocad. all i use is pencil, paper and a ruler for my drawing and blue prints.

[cato]

Bout time you decide to post to your own thread. :D

Water???

[reefman13]

Any updates? Hows that stand looking......oh wait I can answer that.....awesome :)

[PL-Reef]

i post here all the time! :) i haven't done anything to the stand all weekend. i've been too busy making money to pay my chiropractor! lol :) J/K scott.

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11301067#post11301067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PL-Reef
i post here all the time! :) i haven't done anything to the stand all weekend. i've been too busy making money to pay my chiropractor! lol :) J/K scott.

Will work for frags. :D

[reefman13]

Well, hurry up and get better!!!! Some of us (I think just me) are very pushy when it comes to pic updates!!!:D

Nah. j/king man, hope everything goes well, and we will see some new pics in the near future (:D)...

[cato]

Well...been a whole day! Any water yet??:rolleye1:

[PL-Reef]

no water yet! :(
although i did order a 2x 24w Triad ballast today. i'm going to run my actinics on that ballast and over drive 2 other bulbs on a IC 430 that my chiro is holding on to. :) i have all weekend to get this stand done and stained.

[MADtanks]

yea hurry up!! im getting ready to break my tank down adn u still have not set yours up! hahah j/k

[PL-Reef]

UPDATE!!!!


if theres one thing i hate building is raised panel doors!!! :mad2: what a PITA!!! there one of those things that if you dont do them every day you get rusty quick. heres a shot of the routers set up and the doors still in the clamps. i've yet to route the edges of the doors i'll prolly do that tomorrow.


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0083.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0078.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0080.jpg

let me know what ya think. :)

[MADtanks]

mine look better ;) then again you did do them hahahaha

j/k man bout time u updated lol.... i cant wait to see the finished product!!!

[PL-Reef]

LOL!!! Ya me too!

theres still alot of work to do on this bad boy. i'm taking my time and doing things right.

[danoreef]

nice job

[danoreef]

nice job

[ctreefer]

Those friggin bits/cutters scare the hell out of me. How many passes do you have to make for each edge of the panel? One of these days I'll have to trade in my old Makita plunge router with 1/4 inch shank for a kick butt router like what you have there.

Enough talking about these pretty doors! Bring on the water! :)

[PL-Reef]

hahaha. they suck! the 2 smaller bits are not bad. maybe 3 or 4 passes. but the big panel knife is hell to run. it took me a hour to route all 4 panels. i have 6 or so routers. one of my favorite tools. (minus my flashlight) LOL!

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11365724#post11365724 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PL-Reef
theres still alot of work to do on this bad boy. i'm taking my time...

Yeah, I'll say. I'll bet you there's no water in it till next year!

[MADtanks]

lol i will break down my tank and setup another b4 he sets his up ;) hahah j/k

[PL-Reef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11370707#post11370707 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chirocato
Yeah, I'll say. I'll bet you there's no water in it till next year!


i bet your right!:rolleyes:


my retro lights are in but i'm too busy to go pick them up. :(

[cato]

Send the wife.

[cato]

Well...? Been 3 days now. C'mon where's the updates???

This guy is sooo sloooow.

Jas, just thought I'd tell you I named a snail after you, but I'm already thinkin of changing his name cause he's a TURBO snail. ;)

[mr pink floyd]

http://www.stageleft.info/blog-images/kelso_burn.gif

[PL-Reef]

big update!!!!!


nothing! big fat nothing!






but what i do need is a T5 ballast that will run 3 24w bulbs. anyone????

[cato]

:p Come and get it!!!!!!!

[Tank Predator]

LOOKING GOOD SO FAR

[MADtanks]

lol let me take a look at how my aquactinics is setup! :)

[MADtanks]

i only have 2 ballast in my TX5 fixture, and running 5 bulbs looks like they are workhorse ballast. but i only looked through the fan so cant really see the name of the ballast but they look like the workhorse.

Edit:
Alright i did a quick search, look into the workhorse 5 ballast it will run 2to4 bulbs 24w :)

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11390363#post11390363 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PL-Reef
but what i do need is a T5 ballast that will run 3 24w bulbs. anyone????

Duh. I have the IC430 for you. Or do you need one that doesn't overdrive? Triads @ ReefGeek.

[fishieness]

i want one :(
looking good man. I'll be setting up my next tank next weekend. So ill be seeing you soon :)

[PL-Reef]

Rich--- thanks for the info.

Scott--- the IC430 from you will be for the 2 over-driven bulbs, but i also need one to run 3 more bulbs. (not over-driven)
i already have a Triad ballast, but it will only run 2 24w T5s.

Fishie--- get a move on! i told you you would be back. :)

[racksteris]

stand looking good so far.

[bigfruits]

looking nice. i was thinking about getting one of these aquariums. where did you find one without the skimmer and lights? i can only find combos.
do you know what the display dimensions are?

thanks
-z

[PL-Reef]

thanks guys!

bigfruits--- call Scott at aquarium specialty. he'll hook you up.

[MADtanks]

main display is about 24X13ishmaybe 14X17? something like that.... i cant remember but i know the rear compartment is like 4" def call scott he is a good guy. Good luck.

Hey VP! did you finish yet!? hahah

[PL-Reef]

i'm working on hanging the doors right now! :)

[MADtanks]

sweet! you comming up to the meeting?

[PL-Reef]

what meeting? its been cancelled due to the storm.

[MADtanks]

oh crap serious!?? hahah good thing i checked again lol... i was getting ready to go hahah.... coo coo thanks. Now back to topic!!!! lol where is the tank with water!!

[cato]

Man, what's going on??? No updates in over a week. I bet if Jas spent more time working on getting his tank running and less time surfin RC we'd see some WATER by now. :)

[Mrs. PL-Reef]

I just want to let everyone know that I have taken new pictures of the progress, but my lazy husband has yet to post them, not that it matters because most of you have seen the work in person at this point... :)

Scott, just let me know when your corals color back up and I'll come over for some photos.

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11605264#post11605264 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mrs. PL-Reef
I just want to let everyone know that I have taken new pictures of the progress, but my lazy husband has yet to post them, not that it matters because most of you have seen the work in person at this point... :)

Scott, just let me know when your corals color back up and I'll come over for some photos.

Yes I saw the set up Sun and it looks awesome. Thanks Kadian. They are coloring up nicely so far. A bit more time and all should be good. Another month or 2 will prob do it. :D

[PL-Reef]

alright i'm the biggest slacker ever! but i do have some progress to show.


towers going up.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0178.jpg


http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0189.jpg


installing the trinket shelves.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_0747.jpg

i still have two more shelves to go and install the drawer slides. at this point i just want to get this friggin stand done!!!



and NO Scott....... NO water yet

[MADtanks]

sweet bro i was wondering when these were going to come! lol... good job homie!

[andiruleu]

Wow, that baby's coming along very nicely!

[Mojo Jojo]

Like how the stand is coming out... any pic updates :)

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12011447#post12011447 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PL-Reef

and NO Scott....... NO water yet

:hmm3: btw is that shelf crooked?

[PL-Reef]

no but the pipe clamp is.

[KC29Reef]

any updates on your progress?

[MADtanks]

there should be some new stuff soon :)!!!

[PL-Reef]

I finally muckled down and got some work done. The stand construction is 100% so far I have two coats of a light cherry stain and one coat of poly. Took me and hour and a half for one coat of poly so at 6 coats this things gonna take me a little while LOL I should have some pics up soon to show this bad boy off! :) Can't wait to start getting the tank set up.

[PL-Reef]

all i have to do is put on the door hardware and the trim to hide the black tank trim. her she is! let me know what you all think.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1190.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1195.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1197.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1199.jpg

[d9sccr]

nice

[ooja3k]

You made that all yourself???

Extremely impressive!!

[PL-Reef]

ya it took me a while but finally done! :) i'm really happy with it. now its time for water!!!

[ooja3k]

Like budweiser???

lol

[PL-Reef]

absolutely! how'd you guess? :)

[MADtanks]

guess what is on its way ;) i will give you a clue..... It gives bling bling to aquariums :) woot!

[InsaneClownFish]

ugh...it looks like a damn confessional!

:) Looks awesome....truly great craftsmanship...love the in wall/furniture/kinda bookshelf feel.

Good luck!

[dalilgriffith]

I think it would look even better with a bow front tank.

[cato]

Water?? Oh, and the drawer doors would look better if they had raised panels. IMO :D :beer: Nice Foto's though. :)

[EWC88]

VERY VERY NICE@!!!

[coraldiva]

Wow, I like it!! I can't wait till she's filled up. :)

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12293415#post12293415 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cato
Water?? Oh, and the drawer doors would look better if they had raised panels. IMO :D :beer: Nice Foto's though. :)

Thought for sure I'd get a response on this one. :lol: Just bustin ya bro. Friggin sweet job. Now put some H2O in that badboy! :D

[Eklikewhoa]

Awesome looking build!

[MADtanks]

well umm in case he didnt tell anyone i actually built the stand!!






















ok not really but i wish ;)

[PL-Reef]

LOL!
Funny thing is I really don't like the doors. They look a little plain Jane. We'll see I might do something a little more creative with them....

Cato--- when you stopping over for a cold one?

I'm going to put the stand in the living room Saturday morning. I'll post up some pics them.

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12300583#post12300583 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PL-Reef

Cato--- when you stopping over for a cold one?



Ha, soon. Def soon. Isn't there a lounge at the conference hotel? ;)

[PL-Reef]

YA BUDDY! :beer:


i just installed the T5s! 2 on a Triad ballast and 2 on a Ice Cap. tomorrow i'll get the fans put in.

[Mojo Jojo]

Lets see this tank filled :thumbsup:

[cato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12310978#post12310978 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mojo Jojo
Lets see this tank filled :thumbsup:

Yeah, what Mojo said^^^^^^^^^^^^^! :rollface:

[adunne]

PL - what skimmer did you decide to use? I know in ur first post it was a 600 or 300. was the decision made? What did you get?

[PL-Reef]

I think I'll be using the Deltec MCE 600. Not really sure yet.

PROGRESS UPDATE!

All lights and ballasts installed.

Ice Cap fan and bracket installed.

15amp GFCI wired into fuse box.

Tomorrow I'll be running the tubing from the Liter Meter III up threw the floor and into the wall for auto top off.

So it looks like the tank will be finally be filled Sunday!!!

[PL-Reef]

WATER!!!!!!!

I just got done filling the tank up. :) I'll get some photos up soon. :)

[ooja3k]

Lets see this bad boy!

[PL-Reef]

here you go!

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1364.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1373.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1381.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1387.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1388.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1390.jpg

[InsaneClownFish]

Wow that looks serious from the front....nicely done.

[PL-Reef]

I really want to keep the rock work down to a minimum. There's about 10 to 15 lbs total in here now. I'm not to sure if I like the aqua scape yet though. I think I'll pull the small rock out in the front.

So...... What do you all think???

[fishkid6692]

looks great!

[MADtanks]

only 3 years later and its finally done!!! WOOT hahahahhahahahahah j/k pretty sweet dude congrats!!

you are going to have to make a stand for my 24X24X12 shallow reef ;)

[PL-Reef]

LOL! :) hell, i just happy its done. its going to be awhile before i add any corals though. i want to give it time to cycle.

[ShiftNation]

All I can say is the pics still dont do that stand justice. Congrats Jas I cant wait to see it stocked.

[ShiftNation]

Hey wheres your chinese finger trap? You still gonna use it?

[PL-Reef]

earl, i'll swing by some time in the next week or so to pick them up from you.

[eaglesrx]

Wow, this tank looks great so far!! Can't believe that's only 30g!!!!

[PL-Reef]

LOL! :rolleyes: Thanks. I just threw in a few zoas. I know I should wait, but i couldn't resist. :spin1: Tomorrow I'm going to seed the sand bed with some LS from my frag tank.

[ooja3k]

Did the rock come from an established tank?? If not, your going to have a cycle to deal with...

[PL-Reef]

the rock came from my frag tank that has been running for 3 years or so. the sand is new about 1.25".

[Aquatox]

what the hell is this thing, doesn't seem worth the work, maybe if your a little girl more water please that will make you cool.

[PL-Reef]

Chuck, your a tool.

[MADtanks]

lmao!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA chuck that was a good one!

[cato]

Sweet QT setup! Where's your main display???

[d9sccr]

lmao

[ooja3k]

hahaah

[zachluhrs]

Looks good dude, reef on!

[PL-Reef]

Here's a photo of it all cleared up, I think I'm gonna raise up the height on the rock by 3''-4'' on the right and lower the height of the rock on the left by a few inches.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1393-1.jpg

[MADtanks]

ummmm gay.... dude stop playing and show the real tank already!!!













































lmao hahha j/k freaking sweet dude, i miss my finex now... you are making me want to build a lookalike!!!

[PL-Reef]

I threw a couple of zoas in there it was too barin and white for me. I also purchased a bi-colored blenny. He seems to be happy in his new home!

[Reefman79]

This hobby just keeps getting better & better when seeing builds like this (Great work man) you should be proud...

[ShiftNation]

Jas you need to post a pic looking from the top of the canopy. It looks real nice jutting out from the shadow boxes and really shows off the way the tank ties into the stand seamlessly. Hey and some more pics of your detail work to!

[stevenvalys]

I thought it was done! All I see is Zoas............ I thought you were better than that

[eaglesrx]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12398144#post12398144 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PL-Reef
Here's a photo of it all cleared up, I think I'm gonna raise up the height on the rock by 3''-4'' on the right and lower the height of the rock on the left by a few inches.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1393-1.jpg

Hmm, i've seen better setups. You should give that setup to me. haha!! jk! This setup is amazing!! I haven't seen a nano tank with a great stand like yours in a long time. Can't wait until you start putting your crazy corals in there!!

Great work! Keep us updated!

[PL-Reef]

LOL! :) Thanks guys!

Today I did my first water change in the new tank. 10 gallons. So far everything looks good. The Blenny is swimming out in the open more and more. :fish1: He's got the whole place to himself for the time being...... I'd like to put in some kind of Goby next. Maybe a Rainford or a Neon. We'll see.

Its taking a lot out of me not to fill the tank up with corals right now. I want to make sure I don't rush stocking. Trust me, I want to..... ;) Today I put in two small Aussie Acan Lord frags. So that will be it for corals for another week or so.

[ooja3k]

has your cycle completed yet?? seems like your going awfully fast...

[PL-Reef]

Define fast. Four small hardy corals and one fish in a week. I didn't add any rock that has even seen light in over a year but in my frag system for a few years. Sand was all new and pre rinsed, no live sand added yet. In he first few days I started to get some diatoms but seem to be clearing out fast.
So yes, I'm prolly moving a little fast. :) But my cycle seems to be minor, compared to systems I set up in the past.

[MADtanks]

what da? go to work foo!! hahaha

[PL-Reef]

No workie today. I accidentally stabbed myself pulling out some carpet with a razor knife in the side of the knee over the weekend. The bone is bruised up pretty bad and i'm having trouble walking. So I'm taking an extra day to recoup before i get back to work. LOL.

[MADtanks]

dude ouch!!!!

yea i busted my knee this weekend with my sons quad in our trails lol....??? crzy i can barely walk myself. Hope you aint mess anything up too bad.

[PL-Reef]

LOL! I opted not to get stitches or staples because the doc said I would tear them out because of where they are. He ended up putting on fabric sutures instead. Its not a huge cut. Its just really deep. Oh well.....

[MADtanks]

good times i guess... hahahhah

[PL-Reef]

Quick change of plans. I'm taking out the Ice Cap ballast and going to use a another Triad ballast instead. I should have listened to everyone before about over driving the lights. :)

[MADtanks]

lmao.... its ok man, i forgive you :) just hand over the icecap now for my soon to be setup at home ;) hahahah

[InsaneClownFish]

Jas is probably the only guy I know who can start a conversation, "So I ended up stabbing myself in the knee..." :) ouch!

Damn man...hope it heals soon,,,you're gimpy enough! :p

[PL-Reef]

LOL! Thanks bud! Its more annoying than anything else.

I should have some more pics up tomorrow.

[stevenvalys]

pics of the tank or your knee? Show us some blood from all that hard work you sometimes do!

[PL-Reef]

Here's a couple shots my wife took.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1516.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1524_filtered.jpg

The Blenny has taken well to his new home. He's an eating machine!

[MADtanks]

ummmmmmmmmm n-v. hail the master of macro!!!! K-D-N!!!!

[TheSaltwaterGuy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12436561#post12436561 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PL-Reef
Here's a couple shots my wife took.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1516.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1524_filtered.jpg

The Blenny has taken well to his new home. He's an eating machine!

Wow, beautiful pics. Has your wife ever considered photography?

[PL-Reef]

LOL! She has been into photography for a few years now. She loves it as much as I love Reef Keeping! :)

[ShiftNation]

Great blenny macro.

[AVALover5498]

Gorgous tank dude, I can't wait to see this progress. It's going to be great!

-Chris-:)

[PL-Reef]

Thanks Chris and Earl!

[PL-Reef]

Up date!
Unfortunately I don't have the extra cash for the Deltec skimmer right now, so I picked up a used Aqua Remora with a Mag3 pump for now. It seems to be working pretty well. Also I swapped out the Ice Cap ballast for a Triade. The over-driven bulbs were just too much for the tank.

Heres a new full tanks shot.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/kdncarroll/IMG_1719.jpg

[ooja3k]

Softie tank huh???

Wheres the SPS at?? :)

[PL-Reef]

All in due time.... and a better skimmer.LOL

[MADtanks]

ACAN MADNESS!!!!! sweet bro! now come get your fuge ;)

[InsaneClownFish]

Looks like a mini Ric tank!

Nice acans