SPS Shallow Reef Tank Build Thread

[ClownReef®]

Hey guys,

Well, after being absent from the hobby for about a year and a half..i decided it was enough! I couldnt stay away any longer..I love this hobby way too much and it was time to get back on things.

So i sat down with paper and pencil and designed this set up. Its a 30x30x15 Rimless tank; very shallow. Here are the specs:

-30x30x15 (58 gal. roughly)
-Custom made sump w/ refugium
-Sequence Snapper as a return

Lightning
-2x250w Aqua Medic Ocean Lights (Im still deciding which bulb to use).

Flow
-One Tunze 6055 w/ single controller
-Oceans Motions nozzles to direct the flow from the 2 return bulkeheads.

Filtration
-Tunze COMLINE DOC skimmer 9005
-Im going to use Dr.Mac Tonga-Nuku Fusion rock (love the shapes)

Misc.
-Custom made Ca. Reactor
-Reef Keeper 2 Aquacontroller

This setup is going to have minimal fish:

-2 Regal tangs (Paracanthurus hepatus)
-2 Onyx clowns from Rods-reef.com
-Green Mandarin Goby (Synchiropus splendidus)...WAYYY down the line

-Pair of harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta)

And its going to be full blown SPS, zoas..etc..

My tank will be ready Dec. 8th...so right now im getting everything together as long as the stand custom made. I will post pictures when i get the tank. Right now, i can only post pics of the equipment.

Enjoy,

ClownReef


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/003.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/002.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/004.jpg

[|233F gee|<]

ClownReef,
Hey great start, I am nearly in the indentical position. I have been out of the hobby roughly about a year, and I am heading back. I too have a custom rimless tank 30X30x17, starphire. I am in the process of building, cooking rocks ( my old dried out rocks plus some new LR) I can't wait to see your build, to see what i can learn, glean from someone else's process. I got my tank for the same reasons to start a very shallor reef crest.


best of luck
David

[ClownReef®]

David,

Thanks!

We're pretty excited..It should be a VERY nice project..

[mcliffy2]

Looks great...only thing I could recommend is returning the 9005 for a 9010. Its only slightly more, and can handle a lot more bioload.

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11182268#post11182268 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcliffy2
Looks great...only thing I could recommend is returning the 9005 for a 9010. Its only slightly more, and can handle a lot more bioload.

I dont see why.. My tank is only 58 gal. and the 9005 can do up to 132 gal. The 9010 does exactly the double..a slight over kill..

[VSpeck]

i agree the 9010 would be better for you. "Up to 132 gals" doesnt mean it keeps the tank clean at 132 gals.

[ClownReef®]

I never let my tank go without a water change for more than 2 weeks..so i think the 9005 can do the job. Thanks for the suggestions though :D

[Opus123]

I would agree with upgrading to the 9010. I think Roger says cut the "up to xxxgals" in half for SPS tanks.

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11182517#post11182517 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Opus123
I would agree with upgrading to the 9010. I think Roger says cut the "up to xxxgals" in half for SPS tanks.

I guess if the half rule is true..132/2 is 66..My tank is 58 ...i suppose i cleared it.

[|233F gee|<]

Their steering you in the right direction, I had my 9015 on my 55 and it doo a good job, but its not that powerful of a skimmer, but thats precisely why I love it, its a little more friendly to plankton then some others. I however am running a dual skimming setup 9010, and the 9015 on my 70g. Call it overkill, but if one is dialed in wet and the other is dry, I see it as win win.

cheers
David

[spsgtr]

the 9010 is not a great skimmer. just my 2 cents. spend your money on something more afforable and is more effective

[ClownReef®]

Im gonna try my 9005 see how it works. If i see its not keeping up..i will rethink my strategy..

About live rock.. Should i go with Dr. Mac's Tonga/Nuku Fusion rock? or try something different for the type of aquascape i want to try..

[twon8]

i see you already have the lights, but that size tank is perfect for one lumenarc reflector, you could go with one 400 or one 250 and have great lighting.

[ClownReef®]

TWON,

Well, these Aqua Medic lights are soooooo wickedly sexy..its unreal.. and the light they put out..it really impressed me!

[ClownReef®]

ok..rock anybody? ideas..input?

[mcliffy2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11182549#post11182549 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ClownReef®
I guess if the half rule is true..132/2 is 66..My tank is 58 ...i suppose i cleared it.

Here is Tunze's official rating system. IMO you fall into the SPS plus heavy bioload - 2 tangs in a 58 G is A LOT (I'll refrain from calling the tang police, but there are some that will say no tang belongs in a tank your size, I think 1 at least would be OK if you do an open aquascape). Given that its only 40% of 132 (ie reduce by 60), which is about 53g. No reason not to return the 9005 and get a 9010...plan now and save money in the long run. I know from experience, now on my second skimmer.

COMLINE DOC Skimmer
The Comline DOC Skimmer with hydrofoamer has an open water circuit which can be controlled. Apart from the air output, the flow rate of the skimmer determines the output of the DOC skimmer. In addition, due to its biotope composition, every marine aquarium has a different sensitivity with respect to the organic load. Based on a standard marine aquarium with soft corals, the data on the suitable skimmer size may differ in other biotopes. For this reason, the aquarium volumes remommended for the skimmer should be reduced in case of sensitive biotopes.

Low Sensitivity
In soft coral aquariums with long-polyp corals and anemones, for example, the share in dissolved organic matter may be higher, sometimes it may even be vital. In this type of aquarium, the recommended aquarium volume can be used without deduction.

Medium Sensitivity
A medium organic stability is usually found in mixed aquaiums inhabited with soft and stone corals (LPS). Filter-feeding animals. sponges, et cetera, are found there frequently well. For these aquariums, a reduction of about 20% of the skimming capacity is calculated. A skimmer for 1000 liters (264 gallons) should thus be used for an aquarium about 800 liters (211 gallons) which has this kind of reef design.

High Sensitivity
Aquariums with primarily small-polyp stony corals (SPS) require an especially high degree of purity. They should have no load of phosphates or nitrates worth mentioning. Good oxygen saturation and very clear water are the pre-requisites. Comline DOC skimmer is also ofter used as a "stand-alone" solution in these aquariums. This type of aquarium should be reduced by about 40% in the volume of the skimmer volume mentioned.

High Sensitivity and High Load
Hard coral aquariums with a high population of fish require an extremely high skimming capacity. The skimmer has to ensure the degree of purity for the hard corals are at an above average high fish load. if the Comline DOC skimmer has to operate as a "stand-alone" solution here, a high-performance is required. This type of aquarium should be reduced by up to 60% in volume of the skimmer volume mentioned.

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11185106#post11185106 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ClownReef®
ok..rock anybody? ideas..input?

Really though..anybody?

[818reefer]

can't wait to your tank. I just set up my 72gal 30x30x18 I love it the 30x30 is great. click my little red house to see my tank. I use a tunze nano 6055 w/controller good flow but I want to get 1 6025 I think it will be perfect with that.

[818reefer]

I'm sorry not the little red house my gallery.

[uhuru]

I also have a 30x30x18, love the dimensions, I'll get it setup some day...

[InsaneClownFish]

Shallow cube club here too..;)

[ClownReef®]

In the wise words of Borat:

"WOW WOW WEE WAH!"

I didnt know there were any shallow cubers!! Im really excited to see your tanks and ideas..

Best,

ClownReef

[ClownReef®]

Ok guys, you need to post pics too!!

818reefer- WOW! very nice tanks!

[michika]

Its great to see another shallow tank on the make!

[Neptune777]

What types of SPS are you looking to stock with? Can't wait to see some pics.

[ClownReef®]

Naptune,

This is going to be a prim-o SPS tank. Im gonna try to get a few signature Tyree coral.. Some designer corals.. and a bunch of Pacific Aqua farm stuff..

I really want to try some Samoensis, Efflos.. Birdnests..Stylos.. just a big fusion and explosion of color.. Im VERY excited..

Also clams..Im gonna be in the look for some amazing looking clams..

[|233F gee|<]

best of luck on the fusion, I'm going a different way on this concept. I'm glad to see other shallow reefers here, Mines again 30X30X17, and I'm going to be running a 36 8 bulb tek fixture over it, we'll see if thats overkill, but I'm excited as well. I can't wait to see your corals, hopefully we all see great colormorphing and growth in our shallow tanks.

Clownreefer, Are you going to dose or run a Calc and Kalk reactors? I am running a calc reactor and kalk topoff, as I suppose evaporation will be an issue in a shallow tank.

cheers
David

[ClownReef®]

David,

Im also very excited to see shallow reefers.. We should have a forum of our own!!

Im going to be running a Ca. Reactor and a Kalk top off..

I had good results with B-ionic in the past but believe me..it add$$$ up..

What do you guys have as far as live rock? i really liked that Tonga Nuku fusion from Dr. Mac.. Any comments/suggestions?

Best,
Diego

[ClownReef®]

Oh, and..what makes a good refractometer??? Anybody? :D

[InsaneClownFish]

ClownReef, Your wish is my command, check me out here:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1230920
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd280/insaneclownfish13/100_0928.jpg

[xtm]

That tank looks sharp!

[ClownReef®]

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!

Amazing! Keep them coming guys! :P

Ok, so the sump and stand are getting built. The stand is gonna be amazing! It has a couple of really cool features i will reveal in time..hehehe

[818]

Add me to your shallow sps club. I am building mine out of 3/8'' starphire!:D Oh and the sexy black silicone;)

36''x24''x10'' Main display


Here are my pieces.... Cant wait to see yours up and running! I'll be watching!:)

[818]

Oh great photobucket is down! :(

[trottman]

two regal tangs in a 58?

[TandN]

I agree also with the one tang (sorrry). Also the one luminarc with a 250w. The 400w suggested would be overkill. everything else sounds awesome. best of luck

[ClownReef®]

Yep, call the tang police.. ill be waiting at the door glocked..locked and ready to rock..

I ALWAYS give my fish away when they outgrow the tank..im talking about 2 2in. tangs at the most..We love baby regals..

[em805]

Your tank build sounds nice, I'm excited for you :). Here is my tank I had custom made. The dimensions are 36x36x20.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/Eliazer805/112G%20Cube/014.jpg

I would highly recommend not placing your overflow box inside the tank. The reason is not only does it take away from the space inside but, it creates shadows which in turn eliminate "real estate" space for your coral to gro later on. If I had to design mine all over the only thing I would change is having the overflow box on the outside.

You will love the shallow tank, it is soooo much easier to clean and maintain your tank! I won't ever get a deep tank. Also, IMO rimless looks very nice and being able to look down on your coral is amazing in itself.

Also, I would recommend against using only one Luminarc light (like someone else suggested), I tried using only one Luminarc in my tank and the coverage was awful, the center was well lit while the edges of the tank and upper reef were very shaded. I am now using two 250w lamps one with a 20k helios and the other with a 14k pheonix, I love it!

[chriscobb]

em805, which Lumenarc reflector were you using?

[Jester]

em805, do you have any pics of your overflow system..?? I'm about to drill my tank due to the amount of space my HOB overflow take up... Thanks

Jester

[em805]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11197324#post11197324 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chriscobb
em805, which Lumenarc reflector were you using?

I used a Luminarc III, which is what the manufacturer recomended for best light coverage in my tank using a 400w bulb.

[em805]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11197334#post11197334 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jester
em805, do you have any pics of your overflow system..?? I'm about to drill my tank due to the amount of space my HOB overflow take up... Thanks

Jester

This is my tank (naked), as you can see the overflow box is inside the tank. I recommend against doing this...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/Eliazer805/112G%20Cube/DSC01776.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/Eliazer805/112G%20Cube/DSC01795.jpg

I would highly recommend doing something similar to this instead:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r18/Eliazer805/misc/373mf.jpg

I can't say enough about not having those shadows from the overflow box inside your tank, especially with an SPS tank.

[ClownReef®]

Hey guys!

Well, its a biiit too late.. the tank has a corner overflow box already installed inside..and i already have the Aqua Medic pendats..they are amazing IMO..we'll see how they turn out to be..

[Giga]

I'm joining the shallow reef club as I'm building a tank & stand(just finished that tank stand) that is 55"x22"x12" 1/2" glass with sexy black silicone and goind to be all sps and 2 clams with about 3-5 fish(orange lined cardinals)

[em805]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11197437#post11197437 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ClownReef®
Hey guys!

Well, its a biiit too late.. the tank has a corner overflow box already installed inside..and i already have the Aqua Medic pendats..they are amazing IMO..we'll see how they turn out to be..

Sorry bout the timing :( but, I think with corner overflows you should be OK as long as they aren't the square type--convex and diagonal corners shouldn't give you trouble in the shade department. Plus I think you made the right decision using two pendants instead of one, you'll be much happier using those two aqua medic pendants! Do you know what bulb your going to be using?

[murraycamp]

Sounds good! How big is your fuge?

[michika]

Em805,

Did you have any photos of your tank with the shadows from the single luminarc reflector?

[em805]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11197643#post11197643 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michika
Em805,

Did you have any photos of your tank with the shadows from the single luminarc reflector?

Unfortunatly no, I couldn't stand how dark the edges looked so I I never thought of taking pictures. Trust me though, the lighting difference using two pendants is huge. Another thing that made me not like the Luminarcs is the size of the reflector, it made regular maintenance over the tank very cumbersome.

[uhuru]

Here's mine:
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb171/icientyouth/DSC00103.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb171/icientyouth/DSC00107.jpg

Should be up and running by the end of the year, it will be lit by a sfiligoi infinity xr4 SE version

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11197500#post11197500 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by em805
Sorry bout the timing :( but, I think with corner overflows you should be OK as long as they aren't the square type--convex and diagonal corners shouldn't give you trouble in the shade department. Plus I think you made the right decision using two pendants instead of one, you'll be much happier using those two aqua medic pendants! Do you know what bulb your going to be using?

Bulbs..well, i was thinking something close to a 12K..Any suggestions?

[ClownReef®]

Any bulb suggestions?

[michika]

Try here:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/jb/index.php

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Michika!

Well, after doing some research of my own..i have decided to go with Reeflux 12K's :D

I used to have them on my previous set up (mogul) and really liked them..so..we shall give them a try..

[jjmcat]

Have you looked at the blueline 10k plus bulbs?I was going to use the reeflux 12K myself but I saw the blueline in a side by side with the reeflux.Bluelines allmost look like a 14k.

[michika]

You are welcome, and I hope the Reeflux bulbs work out for you.

[ClownReef®]

Thanks!

Well, i have usd Reeflux 12Ks in the past and really liked them..so im gonna give them another try..

[em805]

Can't go wrong with the Phoenix 14k's either :)... I get super color and excellent growth under those bulbs!

[ClownReef®]

Ok, i just bought 2x250w Reeflux 12K's :D

[ClownReef®]

My Tunze 6055 with the single controller just came in! These things are sweeeeeeettttt!

[pnguye3]

This setup looks very very promising. Keep us posted!

[InsaneClownFish]

Very nice...waitin on this one!

[ZooZ]

i got to see this...XM's are the way to go!! Check out the polls!!

[smokez01]

Cant wait to see your tank! I have a 90g BB, but absolutely love shallow and deep aquarium set ups

[salmon alley]

I'm currently planning a shallow SPS tank as well (20"). Been researching lighting and I'm wondering why not use 175w bulbs in Lumenarc reflectors? The Iwasaki 15K has very impressive PAR numbers and you save 75 w of electricity.

[ClownReef®]

Sorry for the hold up guys.. Im out of the country for thanksgiving.

Well, i went with the 12K Reeflux because ive used them before and really liked them. What im trying to figure out is how to use moonlights in a rimless tank..there arent that many options really.. what to do..what to do..:P

[SERVO]

The phoenix 14K's are also really nice and you will great really great coloration. I am running them over my frag tank and the corals look much different in there then in my main display.

From the rock perspective, I would construct my own design out of the tank and drill the rocks for acrylic pegs and then epoxy. After that I would drill 1/4 holes with a masonary drill bit to use the pegging technique. The cool thing about pegging is that you can put tabling acros out on the edge and instantly obtain a natural looking placement without messing with epoxy. It takes a little bit of time, but it well worth it! If you have a pet out break it is easy to pull your corals out of the tank to treat them.

Marco rocks are pretty cool. THey are "dead" rocks, but after a few months, and/or placing a small piece of live rock in the tank you'll have plenty of autotrophic bacteria.

[ClownReef®]

Ok, just an update.

I just got the custom made sump in! Its amazing..

Unfortunately, the space made for the skimmer is not big enough so im gonna have to set it somewhere else..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02659.jpg

[ClownReef®]

I think i made it fit PERFECTLY!

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02664.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02667.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02669.jpg

[Jester]

looks great...!!!! who built your sump...??

[ClownReef®]

A friend who also is a reefer. He has an amazing set up! One of those talented people who can build really amazing stuff.. He is also a RC member but for some reason i dont know his I.D..LOL

Ok, now i need to figure out if the return pump can be plumbed into the larger compartment on the right..

[hobogato]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11273266#post11273266 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ClownReef®
for some reason i dont know his I.D..LOL



same as it is on all the boards :) thanks for the compliment

[ClownReef®]

LOL..There he is :D

Ace, can the return be plumbed into the BIG compartment? and the smaller one be used as a fuge? (thought id ask you..haha)

[hobogato]

hmmm.. the way the baffles are oriented, no. if you need me to mod it, i probably can. ill call ya this evening to discuss it.

[ClownReef®]

Ok, we figured it out..

On to the next step..

The tank arrives dec. 8th.. So i plan on having it running before the 19th..

Im gonna go with Dr.Mac's fusion rock..

[janderson8]

The sump looks like a Marc Melev Sump

[hobogato]

yep, it is modeled after one of marc's designs.

[ClownReef®]

Yeah, a saw one of his sumps and noticed it was VERY functional so decided to do something like it..

[ClownReef®]

Update:

Just waiting for my return pump (sequence snapper)..my RO Unit and my Reef Keeper ll..:D:D:D

Next step is plumbing the tank..mixing salt..filling the tank up and get the rock from Dr. Mac... and then, just let it cycle..

[geoxman]

I would like to see the final set up. I am 36x36x10 all black acrylic tank. My 400 MH lumenarc was not enough spread so I went to two 250DE PFO pendants- it sounds similar to what you will do. I am using the helios 20k as I cant use any actinic on my set up. It sounds really cool! good luck

[SERVO]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11281024#post11281024 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by geoxman
I would like to see the final set up. I am 36x36x10 all black acrylic tank. My 400 MH lumenarc was not enough spread so I went to two 250DE PFO pendants- it sounds similar to what you will do. I am using the helios 20k as I cant use any actinic on my set up. It sounds really cool! good luck

Post a pict of your set up here. It may help him decide on what to do.:D

[MikeD]

Where are you guys getting these cool shallow tanks?! I want one! I was thinking about a 30breeder size tank but I don't like the black trim on it. I was thinking of something along the lines of 36"x 18 or 24" x 10-12"H Any ideas on the best things I can do?

Mike

[ClownReef®]

MikeD,

I got mine from glasscages.com

They are very well built tanks and they have great prices. I think they are based out of TN..

[Ewan]

Mike, I gotta say, your avatar cracks me up!

[MikeD]

I'm never going to deal with glasscages again.... I had a bad experience with them.

Mike

[ClownReef®]

Well so far so good with them, im picking it up next weekend (Dec.8th)..

[ClownReef®]

Update:

Got in contact with glass cages.. tank will be ready for pick up on sunday..so road trip to houston!

[Purple Haze]

Is there some sort of show in Houston soon?

[ClownReef®]

No clue, they are just dropping off my tank there.. Im really excited, gonna do all the plumbing sunday and monday..:D Ill post pics..

[Chrisrush]

Clown,
My sump will be on your truck, don't mistake mine for yours. I pick mine up on Sun the 9th.

[ClownReef®]

Well...after waiting for an extra hour..and talking to the RUDEST old man over the phone..MY TANK IS HERE!.. Here are some pics, just got it out of the car.. Its a bit dirty..lol..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02742.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02744.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02743.jpg

[MikeD]

Glad you got the tank? Who was the rudest man? The delivery guy?

[ClownReef®]

Nah, some old guy over the phone..it went something like this..:

-Dialing phone..

Old guy-.."Hello.."

Me- "Hi..good morning..where am i calling?"

Old guy-.."What do you mean when are you calling"

Me- "No sir..Where am i calling.."

Old man- "You dialed..you tell me!!"

Me-" Is this glass cages?"

Old man- "Yes it is..but we dont answer on sundays!!"

Me- "Was that too hard?"

Me (****ed off) -Anyways, could i please have the driver's phone number? ive been waiting for an extra 45 minutes here.."

Old man- "Dont ever call a sunday again..nobody answers. Anyways.. its xxx-xxx-xxxx..and let me tell you someth"...CLICK!..I hung up..lol!"

Anyways, i finally got it 45 minutes after the time they told me to show up..

Well..off to do plumbing!!

Will post pics soon!

[King-Kong]

Now that's customer service!

Er, wait, I mean..

[MikeD]

Those were probably the same idots I dealt with though... except they didn't even give me a chance to pick up the tank! That was my bad experience with them in a nutshell as I stated above. 4 days after I paid for the tank they called me and said that I ask dumb questions over email and that my tank was too hard to build... they then refunded my money. I was pretty much left in shock.

[chriscobb]

It's obvious who you called on the phone.....The owner.....

[ReeferMonkey]

I'm proud to say I pioneered the rimless tanks with GC. It took them two builds to get it right (yeah guys don't worry about using those CAD drawings and 3d models I sent :rolleyes: ) but it's solid as hell. My build thread is tied to the little red house if you're interested.

I did sand and a single CVR 10K in a L3 mini but will be going BB and all-T5 in the near future.

[ClownReef®]

SWEEEEET setup REEFERMONKEY!!!!!

I cant wait to get mine full of water..LOL

[ReeferMonkey]

Thanks man! :D

[trueblackpercula]

I got my cube from glasscages also yup they are rud thats for sure. check my gallery for my tank build it may help 30x30x31
Michael

[ClownReef®]

VERY nice coral TRUEBLACKPERCULA!!

Ok, so i got in my return in the mail today (Courtesy of my gorgeous girlfriend Krystynn as a xmas present!)..this thing is pretty cool. Ive always been a fan of Sequence pumps. I like the fact that the snapper can be tweaked down. Anyways, things are coming along quite smoothly..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02746.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02745.jpg

[Chrisrush]

Got my sump on Sunday. The delivery truck was actual an hr early, so I had to miss the last 10 min of the cowboys game.

Your tank looks good. I was a little surprised to see the small lip around the perimeter of the tank. Even with 3/8" glass, I'm surprised that it is needed.

[gkimble]

I just ordered a 40 gallon rimless tank from glass cages. They were 45 minutes late as well. Tank is in great shape though. I will also be posting a build thread on the 22nd of December.

Are you going to get a calcium reactor?

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11362004#post11362004 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gkimble
I just ordered a 40 gallon rimless tank from glass cages. They were 45 minutes late as well. Tank is in great shape though. I will also be posting a build thread on the 22nd of December.

Are you going to get a calcium reactor?

Yes, its going to be a custom made reactor..

[gkimble]

Yeah I think I am going to go with the aqua designs reactor
http://www.aquaticsystemsdesign.com...?model=carxnano
it is rated for 75 gallons.
or
The Schuran JetStream Pico

I can't decide when to get the reactor. Right now I have 1 large crocrea clam, 1 small crocrea clam, and about 10 1.5" mixed sps frags (Acros, birdnest, digitalia, caps,monti) I have to add calcium to my 72 gallon like once a week. So the calcium demand is low. Supply is high. But that should all change when I move my clams and my sps over to my 40 gallon.
I just would like a system that I can leave for 4 to 5 days and not worry that the calcium will get to low.
When are you going to add your calcium reactor?

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11362559#post11362559 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gkimble

When are you going to add your calcium reactor?


Right now im focused on getting it all plumbed.. filling it up with water..and cycling it..I wont be adding any fish until mid jan. or early feb...i wont be adding any coral for a while. I want to get all the equipment first (i.e reactor..gauges..CO2 tank..etc)..

[michika]

Any more photos of your progress?

[Giga]

good stuff. Looks good because i'm doing almost the same thing, my tank is 27.5"x23"x12" little smaller but I'm going to have two of these tank side by side. one reef and one planted FW

[Chibils]

Looking good. As far as rock goes, I would avoid the Tonga Nuku. I got it alongside 10# of Fiji from Dr. Mac, and while the shapes are nice and it was some good looking rock, it's very dense. If I had to do it again, I would go Fiji or Marshall Island. Plus Fiji is cheaper. :)

[trueblackpercula]

talking about live rock I got most of mine from here........http://www.saltycritter.com/liverock.htm
Ipicked up the Uaniva Live Rock and man is it nice.

Michael

[ClownReef®]

WOW! their Uaniva looks amazing. Im SOLD! Im gonna get some 50 lbs. first..then see if i need more.

[ClownReef®]

Well, i hooked up the Oceans Motions nozzles.. weee!..LOL..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02749.jpg

[melev]

So, what is left to do? ;)

Fill 'er up!

[michika]

Sweet!

[143gadgets]

Awesome Setup! I love shallow tanks. Here is a pic of mine.

It's made of 1.25" "Bank Grade" cast acrylic. (It's guaranteed BLULLETPROOF!)
30x30x20

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a290/143gadgets/CRL_5246.jpg

[ClownReef®]

NICE!!

I was impressed with the size of my 30x3015.. Its quite spacious!! Especially with the corner overflow..it looks pretty sick.

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11367604#post11367604 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
So, what is left to do? ;)

Fill 'er up!

Haha! Well im waiting for the stand..it should be done this friday..and then i need to plumb it..which reminds me.. can i spray paint PVC???..haha

[Chibils]

You can use Krylon Fusion on it. Bonds to it, so you won't have anything leaching into the tank.

[ClownReef®]

Awesome, thanks Chibilis..!

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11368534#post11368534 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 143gadgets
Awesome Setup! I love shallow tanks. Here is a pic of mine.

It's made of 1.25" "Bank Grade" cast acrylic. (It's guaranteed BLULLETPROOF!)
30x30x20

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a290/143gadgets/CRL_5246.jpg

When I first saw that, I thought it was a cute little clam tank on an acrylic stand. How cool would that be?! :lol:

Did you make it yourself?

[jay24k]

Wow 1.25" for that size lol. Looking forward to this build. I'm building me a 3'x3'x12" prop tank. Well it is already built but getting all the equipment in.

[cpreefguy]

Update this baby on MAAST!!!

[143gadgets]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11370631#post11370631 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
When I first saw that, I thought it was a cute little clam tank on an acrylic stand. How cool would that be?! :lol:

Did you make it yourself?

LOL!!! Naw it was custom built.

[143gadgets]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11371788#post11371788 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jay24k
Wow 1.25" for that size lol. Looking forward to this build. I'm building me a 3'x3'x12" prop tank. Well it is already built but getting all the equipment in.

Thanks! Sounds awesome! Is it gonna be rimless?

[143gadgets]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11368984#post11368984 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ClownReef®
NICE!!

I was impressed with the size of my 30x3015.. Its quite spacious!! Especially with the corner overflow..it looks pretty sick.

Thanks! I know what you mean. When I saw it I couldn't believe how much bigger it looks versus my old 24"x24"

[ClownReef®]

Yeah, its a VERY nice size..Im VERY pleased with it.. Just waiting on the stand..

[ClownReef®]

Well the stand is here..!!!!! :D

[hobogato]

you big tease! show us a pic!!

[mikee68]

Yeah, more pics. Looks this going to be a great set-up.

[Tajjo]

Looks sweet

[143gadgets]

Yeah!!! Where's the pics!

[ClownReef®]

Putting the finishing touches :D.. Will post pics soon..

[|233F gee|<]

Hey man nice work so far, I can totally relate with the shock, my shallow 17 is very spacious as well, and I love the ability to now to do top down shots with my NIKON D40X.:smokin: hehe

I never really had a problem with Glasscages, they were a bit slow on the build time, but honestly my tank is made very very well. Solid construction and well siliconed seams, I did however trim my seams of any excess silicone, was a bit hair raising as I thought I might have cut too much off, but its holding water just fine.


I have been building my tank for the last 4 months, staining, sanding, painting, epoxying, etc... Now I am under the stand doing all the electrical work, and plumbing is done, water is flowing and the refugium despite a minor leake ( even though I leak tested) is now ok ( thank god for weldon 16)

I didn't mean to hijack your thread, I truly apologize.

I just think we are on the same path here, sadly the corals and paired clowns I purchase got sent to my old address by ( i wont name the supplier) because they were too lazy to read my order and my new address... :rolleye1:

I'm going to go species specific when it comes to SPS. sans an anenmone for my clowns.

well cheers man keep the pics comming!
David

[makoJ]

Where are pic's man!! lol can't wait to see it

[jay24k]

IF you can't post pics, I'm gonna report this thread to the mods as a thread without pics! :)

[tcmfish]

lets see those pics

and makoJ any updates on your tank?

[ClownReef®]

David,

Thanks man..I completely love this project!!

CooterJ,

Hey brotha!.. Im off to Lowes..ugh..plumbing wont be fun!!!..Ill post some pics as soon as i get back..

[makoJ]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11396467#post11396467 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tcmfish
lets see those pics

and makoJ any updates on your tank?

Tanks doing really good I will be posting a big update in January as it will be 1 year old then

[tcmfish]

awesome i read your thread the other day and noticed you haven't updated in a while but had been posting so i was wondering how it was doing glad to hear everything is good and look forward to pics

[Reefaquariumnut]

any pics?

[Reefaquariumnut]

any pics?

[ClownReef®]

Ok guys..sorry for the wait.. the weather wasn't cooperating and my stand wouldn't dry.

By popular demand..here is the stand and a couple sump pics.. STILL in the process of putting everything together. The stand was built by the great peeps at SAwoodworks.com (AMAZING STUFF!)..

The stand is a nice espresso dark brown to match the rest of our furniture.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02759.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02758.jpg


Check out the hardware! The stand was inspired by the Elos stands.. My girlfriend and i have very modern/minimalist furniture..so the stand was built exactly around those styles.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02760.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02761.jpg

These are a couple of pics of the inside of the stand. You can see the sump (perfectly built by my good friend HOBOGATO..he builds simply amazing stuff).. As you can see, the stand has a shelf. I will use it to put equipment and test kits and such. My Ca. reactor might end up there.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02763.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02764.jpg

Anyways guys, i will be plumbing the rest of the stuff tomorrow..will post pics accordingly. Sorry for the delay! Comments are welcome :)

Best,

ClownReef

[cpreefguy]

Lookin great! I love the stand, very Euro/clean!

[melev]

:thumbsup:

Too bad the inside wasn't painted or sealed against moisture. Of course, you still have time to do that yourself. :)

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11407570#post11407570 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
:thumbsup:

Too bad the inside wasn't painted or sealed against moisture. Of course, you still have time to do that yourself. :)

Marc,

Hey! I just put the sump inside for the pic. I still have to work on the inside.. its gonna be all water proof..haha.. :P

Thanks Sean..thats the look i was going for.. I think it came out REALLY good..

[melev]

That's good to know. When it comes to cabinet finishing, it is always easiest if the painter (or stainer) does it all at once because they have the gear out and it doesn't take long. For you to paint the inside well will take several hours, especially if you do a couple of coats.

Versus their shooting it with a clear sealer varnish, which takes 10 minutes tops. ;)

[Chrisrush]

Looks good Clown. You are about a day behind my setup. I have all the stuff inside my house and the plumbing is finished, but I'm waiting to drop another cat3 line behind the tank and I'll be all set to start filling it with ro/di water.

[makoJ]

stand is looking good man! very clean looking

[ZooZ]

love the colour and handles on the stand. Looks crisp

[michika]

I have the same hardware on my tank stand, very similar colors too. I think your stand looks great!

[mikee68]

Clown,

Tanks looking good. Quick question how far out or how long are those oceans motion omni-flex's sticking out on your tank? Do they take up alot of space?

[ClownReef®]

Mikee,

The nozzles come out 4 in. They dont take any space at all really.

Ok, so the plumbing is all done. After 10 trips to Lowes and lots of patience.. its finally done. Here are some pictures of the process. Next, im gonna water test it in a few days once all the silicone dries and all. Tomorrow in hanging the lights from the ceiling..I was thinking im gonna hang them about 6 in. off the water surface..Any opinions?

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02764.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02765.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02766.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02767.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02769.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02773.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02774.jpg

[cpreefguy]

About time for pics! lol
looking good, now fill er up!

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Sean..i think it came out preeeetty good.. :D

I dont have my RO unit yet.. but im gonna fill it with tap water and let it run!.. hopefully no leaks.. crossing my fingers, hoping everything goes smoothly..

[ClownReef®]

how far should i hang my lights off the waters surface??

[melev]

I can't remember what kind of lights they are. MH are 9 to 12" off the water. T5s & VHO are 4" off the water.

[ClownReef®]

They are 250w Aqua Medic Ocean Light pendants.. I was thinking about maybe 6 or 7 inches...Any suggestions?

[melev]

9 to 12" off the water for MH bulbs.

[ClownReef®]

9 it is! Thanks Marc!!!

[ZooZ]

make a system where you can raise it or lower it if needed. That way you can lower it if your water temp is alright and if its too high you can raise. Another advantage with this system is if you ever need to stick your hand in the display, which is pretty much every 30 minutes for most folks who are contantly tweaking things, you wont need to worry about getting burned from the lights. Tanks is coming along very nice! All the best with the water test!!

[jay24k]

Also depends on the par. I have mine 6" off of the water. But next time, I'd think I might go like 9". The main reason is working room and not being able to take pictures.

[SERVO]

I have mine 3-4 inches off the water. The closer the bulbs are, the better my coloration is. The problem is, I use a Reeflux/Luminarc set up and the bulbs are very intense out of the box, while they dull out really quick after about 4 months. Thats when the lights get closer to the water.

I measured the Quantum Flux and out of the box the readings are in the 800's at the surface of the water and 8 months later they are 400:mad:

[ZooZ]

what K were the bulbs...20K's lose their PAR faster ive heard compared to a lower K

[ClownReef®]

Reeflux 12K...

[suppressivefire]

de bulbs right? nice setup!
also i would get a check valve above the pump.

[makoJ]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11452823#post11452823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by suppressivefire
de bulbs right? nice setup!
also i would get a check valve above the pump.

I would second that I forgot to tell you to get one of those this is the one I use:
http://www.marinedepot.com/IMD/250/FT9188/FT9188_99.jpg

more info here (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~check%20valve~action~view~idProduct~FT9188~idCategory~FIFTVLTC~category~True_U nion_Swing_Check_Valve___2_inch_Slip_x_2_inch_Slip_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Plumbing_Parts_Valves _True_Union_Swing_Check~vendor~.html)

[ClownReef®]

Thanks guys!

Already has one..just a different one :)

Im just waiting to go back into town to leak test it..

[sin05_omar]

Very detailed Planning.! Great Thread

[Corndork2]

Lookin great so far! Great choice on the lighting. I definatley support the Reeflux 12k's, they should look amazing. Are you going to use any supplimental lighting with your MH? Sorry you probabaly already answered the question. Best wishes!

[ClownReef®]

Thanks guys!

Corndork2,

Well, its kinda tough to add any suppl. lighting since they are pendants..i wish i could :P

Sorry i havent updated. Im out of town due to the holidays and family. Once i get back into town ill wrap it up..

Thanks! :D

[trueblackpercula]

You should coat the inside of the cabinet with a sealer to prevent the wood from swelling from all the moister.

Michael

[ClownReef®]

uh oh..too late..ill buy the spray version :P

[ClownReef®]

I should be back into town tomorrow the 1st (Happy New Year Everybody!). I just picked up a Tunze 6025 for extra flow!

Next thing to do as soon as i get back is water test it and hang the lights. If everything runs smoothly (crossing fingers) it will be ready to filled up with salt water..

[ClownReef®]

UPDATE: Ive decided to go with Helios bulbs instead..gonna give them a try.

Does anybody have an opinion on them?

[ClownReef®]

UPDATE: Minor set back.. Did leak test...and i have 3 small leaks.. I emptied the tank..and gonna silicone the joins where it leaks from.. VERY minor leaks, i should be able to fix them. Here are a few pics of the water test.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02841.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02843.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02845.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02846.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02847.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02848.jpghttp://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02849.jpg

[Jason McK]

Oh man, that's too bad. just read the whole thread. Good luck sealing it up.

WOW the water level is scary, or is that just tricking my eyes

J

[melev]

That water level is VERY high - it won't take much of anything to splash over the rim. And that includes flow, a fish swimming too quickly near the surface, or even using a cleaning magnet.

Where were the leaks specifically?

It looks like there are slits in the overflow, but the water flow was greater than what they could handle. Is that correct?

[rutz81]

I am gonna be joing your shallow reef club today.... I am picking my tank up from some Repltile show in White PLains,NY from Glasscages. It is a 24x24x16 Starphire Rimless. Your tank looks great, I can't wait to get mine started.

[jay24k]

I'm thinking he had the drain closed to find any leaks so it filled all the way up. Either way that over flow is really high. If hair algae or anything stops them up, what a mess. :)

[ClownReef®]

Hey guys..

Well, that was before i closed a valve to cut down on the pump (Sequence Snapper). Then, by doing that the water level came down to where i was comfortable. Those pics were taken when the pump was working on full blast..

The leaks are VEEEERY minimal. like a drop every 10 seconds. Two are in the Y where the return separates and another one on one of the elbows of a returning bulkhead. So im gonna use PVC cement and silicone to fix them. Going to probably do it on all of the unions just to be safe. Everything else is in perfect condition.

I will post some pics of the next water testing...

[melev]

Thank goodness. I thought you meant the tank had some minor leaks. Plumbing is always easy to fix.

[ClownReef®]

Marc,

Hehehe...well, my reaction to a tank leak would have been WAAAAY more dramatic..haha

Thanks, im just waiting for the plumbing to dry and then ill fix it.

[Purple Haze]

That sucks. A new tank that leaks.

Hope you get it taken care of.

[ZooZ]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11528783#post11528783 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Purple Haze
That sucks. A new tank that leaks.

Hope you get it taken care of.

Its not the tank thats leaking, Its the plumbing

[ClownReef®]

Yeah it was just the plumbing.. i would have ****ed myself if it was the tank..LOL

[Jester]

I thought you seemed a little calm to have new tank that was leaking... good to hear it was just the plumbing... can't wait to see the tank stocked...

[ClownReef®]

Jester,


LOL..yeah, i would have freaked out if it was the tank.

Im gonna make a stop at Lowes today, im gonna re-do that part of the plumbing instead of just patching it... Will keep you posted.

[jay24k]

If it is on the drain, patching is just fine. But if it is easy and cheap enough to fix, one less thing to worry.

[ClownReef®]

Jay24k,

I decided to take that part of the plumbing off and fixing it. :)

Here are some pics:

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02959.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02961.jpg

I also took apart the elbows from the returning bulkheads because the bulkheads weren't standard 1 1/2 in. .. So first i had to buy all these adapters and extra parts that would keep the tank like 8 inches from the wall to make the bulkheads fit into the elbow. Now i decided to silicone the bulkheads straight into the 1 1/2 elbows. They were off by an 8th of an inch or so.. Im sure the silicone will keep them in place and sealed off.

BEFORE
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02772-1.jpg

AFTER
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02962.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02963.jpg

[ZooZ]

that should fix'r up!

[Jester]

I just had some crazy bulkhead sizes on my new drilled tank too... Not sure what to do... Mine are some weird size in between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2"... Hmmmmm...

[ClownReef®]

JESTER,

I just siliconed the crap out of them. They wouldn't fit on standard PVC unions...weird weird sizes. Should i do an extra coat of silicone tomorrow?

I put some inside the bulkheads and elbows and covered them in the outside too. How long should i let them dry before i leak test again??

Thanks everybody!

[ZooZ]

let it dry for 24hrs

[melev]

It may work, but I wouldn't sleep well knowing it was done like that.

Are the bulkheads threaded inside the <u>outer</u> section? If they are slip (smooth), I would simply glue in a Street Elbow. It'll look great.

The only drawback is if you ever have to take it out, you'll have to remove the bulkhead as well and replace it.

[ClownReef®]

Marc,

The bulkheads are threaded in the outside to screw inside a threaded elbow..but the measures aren't compatible. I made sure there was PLENTY of silicone inside and out.

Well, the tank wont have to be taken apart unless i move. I dont have any plans to do so any time soon...

Maybe ill do another light coat of silicone tomorrow.. I just want it to be as secure as possible. I guess we wont know until i do the leak test..hmpf!

[melev]

Get new bulkheads that are threaded/slip at your LFS. Odds are they will let you trade them since they are brand new and simply wrong.

Your set up is so pretty, why let something like this muck it up?

[rutz81]

I agree wtth Marc. On my tank the bulkheads were threaded inside and out side. I tried doing the same thing as you until I realized that they are meant to have the pipe go inside the bulkhead, not outside. That may mean having to re-plumb that closed loop down to 1" or whatever the inside diameter is, but, I think it'll be worth it not having to worry about the silicone failing.

Dave

[Jester]

Both my bulkheads were threaded on the outside and slip on the inside... My return fit perfectly with standard PVC sizes, but the drain was the weird one.... I can slip a standard fitting inside, but the outside threaded side is odd... I'm going to look for a new bulkhead this afternoon, but if not I'll be glueing a slip fitting inside jsut to be safe.... I'd be worried with the silicone to be honest with you. I always seem to have everything go wrong that could go wrong. If you feel like the pipe is supported well and there's no movement at all, you may be ok... jsut be careful not to hit it and cause the silicone hold to weaken over time...

[melev]

The outside threads of a bulkhead do not match plumbing threads. It is only there for the nut to screw on. I do know some fittings in the electrical department may fit them, but all plumbing should be connected to the internal portion of the bulkheads.

When designing a system, you three possible bulkhead choices:

1) Slip / Slip
2) Female Pipe Threads / Slip
3) Slip / Female Pipe Threads

My preference is #2 in most cases, and #1 as a back up. I never use #3.

[NuclearReefs]

I would put new Bulks in it as well.. To much planning for something like that to ponder your mind when your away from the house for any length of time. nice job. How much room do you have from top of the tank to the notches in the overflow? you might be able to take a hand held router and make those slits a little deeper to cover your patooey.... :lolspin:

[reefarchitect]

Not to beat a dead horse, but I will share my personal experience. I had a similar issue with some drains in a previous tank setup. I had purchased the system used and the previous owner had drilled/plumbed it. There was some silicone in a similar fashion as yours with a larger elbow siliconed over the threads of the bilkhead. My thought was "there wont be any pressure on a drain, I'm sure it will be fine"

Wrong... A few weeks after I set up the tank, I noticed tons of salt creep forming in that area and down the back of the tank. Upon closer inspection, the carpet behind the tank was wet. It was slowly leaking.

Worst part of the story is that I had to tear the tank down just to get it away from the wall to allow for the repar. When I redid it, I used a street el (sp?) and never had another issue.

Sorry for the long post but I hope it helps.

[ClownReef®]

Hey guys!

Thank you so much for the concern but it looks EXTREMELY solid. I really dont think any water is going to leak. I think i did a tremendous job, with the help of a master plumber..in siliconing those unions. I can dare to say its safe.

Anyways, here are some updated pics before i do the leak test. im waiting on my python to come in the mail. I returned the $60 one i got at petco.. EXPENSIVE BASTIDS!!

Oh, and a little surprise.. a Reef Keeper ll AWESOMELY installed :D!

Hope you all like.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/1-1.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/2.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/3.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/4.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/5.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/6.jpg

Sorry..i cant seem to stop snapping pics. Now, to hang the lights :D

[melev]

Are you going to put a background on the back so you don't see the plumbing?

[ClownReef®]

Yeah, a white background..:D Makes it look clean. Im not a fan of coralline algae on the glass..hehe

[Jester]

white background..?!?!? I should have held out to see that before I painted my tank... I bet thats going to look awesome...!!!!!

[theclearblue]

I'll be interested to see what a white background looks like. I can't recall ever having seen one.

[rutz81]

I am in between colors for my background, too. I was thinking a dark blue, but, defintely post a pic when you have the white done. Sounds like an interesting idea.

[ClownReef®]

Well, leak test 2 and everything went PERFECT!! Now waiting for my RO unit..

Here are a few pics.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02987.jpg

I can tweak tge water level..im still deciding how far from the edge i want it..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02981.jpg

[fishfanatic06]

You will have to keep the back of your tank meticulously clean if you go with a white background. Any tiny speck of algae is going to show. I would go with dark blue or black if I were you.

[melev]

You're going to have to start taking pictures with a flash if you want them to be in focus. Or get the lights on over the tank to light your subject. ;)

It looks too full again. :lol: Holy cow.

[ClownReef®]

I keep the glass in my tanks ALWAYS free of coralline algae.

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11559359#post11559359 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
You're going to have to start taking pictures with a flash if you want them to be in focus. Or get the lights on over the tank to light your subject. ;)

It looks too full again. :lol: Holy cow.

Hehehe..well, i just need to hang the lights..its gonna be time consuming..

I can regulate the water level, and im keeping it about half an inch from the surface.. I dont like tanks where you have a big water mark.. :D

[melev]

The problem you may encounter with an elevated water level (higher than the overflow box) is that some of the surface may not be skimmed. You'll see an oily slick on one end. When it has to go through the teeth, it seems to suck the surface in better.

[NuclearReefs]

My Current tank that is running has a Bare Bottom with it Painted White on the underside. This allows light to reflect off the glass back up . Now i see why I should have done that to the back . Only problem is that I have a hang on refugium until i get my 125 Setup .. waiting on my Sump now " Biting nails ready for water "

[ClownReef®]

Ok guys, white background installed. Tunzes fired up..Reef Keeper ll up and running. The tank is gonna run for a few days as a trial period. I finally tweaked the pump so i can have a good water level. Im working on hanging the lights tomorrow.. its been WAAY too much for today :

Moral of the day..

May all your leaks be slow and easy to fix!

Tunze Control Center :P
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02990.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02993.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02992.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC02997.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Lookin' good Diego!

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Sean..its been fun putting it together.. Cant wait to stock it with fish and coral..

[makoJ]

Looking nice man can't wait to see it!

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Brian!!!

Believe it or not..i cant seem to work the single controller..LOL

[Jason McK]

Looks Great. What Lights are you using?

Can't wait for the pics

J

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Jason!

I'm using two 250w Aqua Medic Ocean lights with 12K Helios.. :D..Im gonna try to hang the lights today..

[Purple Haze]

I'll be interested in seeing what the Helios look like.

Looks like you've got the flow covered ;)

[ClownReef®]

Yeah, i love those Tunze Nanostreams.. Its a 6055 and a 6025 (Im gonna mod the 6025 :D)..

[melev]

I like it. Looks like you are making good progress. :)

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Marc..coming for you it means A LOT!!!!

My Helios are on their way!! Got them from Reefermadness..

[cpreefguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11567816#post11567816 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ClownReef®
Yeah, i love those Tunze Nanostreams.. Its a 6055 and a 6025 (Im gonna mod the 6025 :D)..
I just modded my 6025 and I cant believe I waited so long to do so. I think the original flow is 625gph, and Im guessing a modded one moves around 1000gph
I forgot to add that your Tunze's look pretty cool how theyre set up :D

[ClownReef®]

Thanks Sean!

How did you do it man??.. what do i need to do it??

Thanks!

[ClownReef®]

Ok, just modded my 6025 (In case you wanna do it here (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1890178) is the link..I used pliers..LOL)..and HOLY CRAP! it pushes just as much water as my 6055..LOL..here is a video..

6055 on the left...6025 on the right..

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/th_MOV02998.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/?action=view&current=MOV02998.flv)

[cpreefguy]

that is the same link I used, crazy how much more it flows just by cutting that part out. I also noticed that no pump was more quiet after modding it

[ClownReef®]

It is a HUGE difference..It took me 2 minutes and some pliers and it came out really clean.

[Jester]

I guess I'll have to wait till my 6025s get here, but all those mod thread pics look really confusing... i think its becasue everything is black plastic... makes it hard to tell whats going on...

[rutz81]

What do you think about modding the 6055's??

[ClownReef®]

Rutz,

I dont know man.. has anybody done it??.. I havent even opened it so see what it looks like.. Id give it a shot but..they are kinda pricey..LOL..So i want to make sure i dont screw it up..

[ClownReef®]

I tried switching the case from the 6055 to the 6025 and they don't match.. different clips.

If anybody mods a 6055, let me know how that works out..

[rutz81]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11575819#post11575819 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ClownReef®
I tried switching the case from the 6055 to the 6025 and they don't match.. different clips.

If anybody mods a 6055, let me know how that works out..

same here

[ClownReef®]

Hmmm..Reefer Madness hasnt sent a confirmation email or anything..ive emailed them multiple times..nothing.. weird..

[Chrisrush]

I've modded both my 6025s and 6055s. Same thing, both a lot more flow. They have the same parts, but the housing is a little different. The housing is only $12, so if you screw it up, it shouldn't be a big deal. I also heard that Tunze will warranty any pump, even if it is modded.

[ClownReef®]

Thanks CHRIS! Ill give it a shot tomorrow.. Ill post some pics..

[ClownReef®]

Chris,

Do you have your 6055 on a controller?.. Will it work differently modded on a controller?

[rutz81]

I modded my 6055's. I didn't notice a huge difference like others have stated. Maybe I didn't do something right, but, it seems like it was pretty self explanitory. I just removed the bottom portion of the inner "tube" inside the housing.

[Jester]

Do you notice the nanostreams front plastic shroud barely stays on..?? I have two 6025s and both of them seem like they wouldnt stay on tight... maybe once there in the tank and a little funk grows on there they'll fit better... heheheee

[ClownReef®]

Ok, so i modded my 6055 and HOLY SHIRT!!! WAAAAY more flow than before..glad i did it!

Here are a few pictures..step by step how i do the modding..LOL

1- Pliers and the casing..thats all i use..
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC03007.jpg

2-Grab one corner of the part to be removed and start twisting slowly breaking it off the casing..
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC03008.jpg

3-Keep twisting!
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC03012.jpg

4-It should be peeling off right at the edge.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC03013.jpg

5-Voila! you're done!
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/Reef69/DSC03014.jpg

Easy..clean job.

[ClownReef®]

Just got an email from Reefer Madness..they are out of bulbs..

Who else sells helios??

[Purple Haze]

Check with Frag Farmer. com

[ClownReef®]

Is a 1000w heater an over kill? or it wont hurt?

[rutz81]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11608084#post11608084 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ClownReef®
Is a 1000w heater an over kill? or it wont hurt?

For teh money it costs for a 100W, you might as well get 2 smaller ones and have a backup in case one fails.

[ClownReef®]

Well, this heater is in new condition and VERY cheap..Im not gonna be paying BRAND NEW price (what it originally costs). If its a steal..will it be ok?

[rutz81]

I'm sure it wouldn't hurt, just overkill, IMO. But, if it's reall cheap, why not.

[melev]

Tank size x (3w per gallon) divided by (2 heaters). That is what you want.

[ClownReef®]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11608661#post11608661 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Tank size x (3w per gallon) divided by (2 heaters). That is what you want.

Marc,

I just want to dedicate 1 outlet of my RK ll to a heater...so im guessing ill go with that 1000w..its CHEAP! :D

[melev]

How many gallons is that tank again?

What makes you think the RK2 can handle that much wattage?