View Full Version : Siwelk's Slow but Steady 30g build - ETA 8/2008
siwelk
12/11/2007, 03:29 PM
Well, after a 4 year hiatus from my short-lived FOWLR days, I've decided to dive back into the hobby headfirst this time. I've been researching these forums as well as those over on RC for a few months now, trying to absorb all I possibly can to prepare myself for my aquatic journey thats about to take flight. I've been trying to refamiliarize myself with the various concepts and ideas that encompass all that is reefkeeping. After weeks of staying glued to my computer monitor and going over hundreds of proposals in my head, I decided to take the plunge and went to my LFS to see about a new tank. I spent a great deal of time trying to decide on which size of tank would best suit me. After all there are a lot of things that factor into choosing the most vital pice of aquatic equipment. I knew that I wanted something somewhere between "nano" and "in-wall." Something big enough to be a centerpiece display as well as easily manageable in terms of time and money (although I know money will soon be a thing of the past.) :P I really started to like the dimensions of the breeder tanks but didn't want to be just another "40 breeder." So I started looking around for a 30 breeder, after a couple unsuccessful weeks I convinced myself that I didn't want a tank that was only 12" high (I'd really like to do a triple pillar style of aquascaping). So when I wandered into my LFS during their Halloween sale I decided on a Perfecto 30g tank (36"x12"x16") and matching stand for $175. Now as excited as I am I brought the tank home and put it in my office closet to collect dust until next summer. *sigh*
I'll be moving in July and I didn't want to have to tear down a tank and move everything right away. So I chose to suffer and start piecing my system together month-to-month. Turns out this can be a lot easier on the wallet though! :happy: I also wanted to take my time and do evertying right the first time around. I should have plenty of time to research each stage of my build and hopefully, make less mistakes. Buuuut, in the meantime I started to setup a new TOm Deco 3 to appease me while I'm at my desk. And hopfully serve as a small breeding ground for some rics and shrooms that I can migrate to my new tank in time.
I realize this will be a slow-going thread buy I'd like to share my build however far my DOB is away. I also want to concentrate most of my questions, ideas, and plans in one thread to keep my information a little more organized and easier to navigate. I welcome all who wish to tag along and would be very interested in any comments/suggestions/criticisms along the way. I know I can't leave without any pics so heres a few of my tank and stand and the few pieces of equipment I've gathered thus far. I'll also list my proposed equipment and livestock, so it can be critiqued at will. Thanks! :)
Disclaimer: I am in no way a professional photographer so I aplogize for the amateur picture taking skills. I'm also using my gf's 6MP sony cybershot DSC-H2, so please forgive me.
TANK: Perfecto 30g (36"x12"x16") and matching stand. I painted the back black with Rustoleum Textured spray paint. I thought it might hold up better than regular spray paint with any plumbing or equipment brushing up against it behind the tank.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01974.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01970.jpg
Mag7 return (from the classifieds section :happy: )
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01972.jpg
ER CS5-2 (also classifieds section, on RC...still needs cleaned up a bit)
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01973.jpg
Skimmer and pump in 10g sump...will be replacing with 15H.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01971.jpg
siwelk
12/11/2007, 03:30 PM
I got bored yesterday so I went to Home Depot and got $25 of pvc pipe and fittings to try a return manifold design I had in mind. I think it turned out pretty good. It's all 3/4" piping with 1/2" reducer elbows coming off of the corners and will be fed by a Mag7. I really like how its sits. Its mostly hidden by the bracing. I will be painting the manifold black with Krylon Fusion spray paint once I decide if its going to be permanent.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01969.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01965.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01966.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01967.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01964.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01963.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01962.jpg
siwelk
12/11/2007, 03:31 PM
I think I may leave the plumbing exposed once it's painted black. I think it might give it a cool "industrial" look. Once my lights arrive Ill be swapping out the leg mounts and getting the hanging kit.
Equipment
-30g Perfecto tank (36"x12"x16")
-Black Perfecto stand
-EuroReef CS5-2 skimmer
-Mag7 return pump
-DIY 3/4" 4 output return manifold
-36" Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 6x39w fixture - should be arriving from drsfostersmith.com any day now :D
Proposed Equipment
-Lifereef 700gph overflow
-15H sump w/ chaeto
-5g RDSB bucket
-150w heater
-2x hydor koralia 3s (the new shipment in April, not taking chances with the recalled ones)
-Phosban reactor
-ATO from autotopoff.com or tunze
-2x American DJ powerstrips
-API test kits
-custom water sensor overflow with auto-pump cut-off & alarm
-refractometer
-2x 10g reservoirs for RO/DI water and saltwater storage
-reef crystals salt
Proposed Livestock
-Rock & Sand-
-30lbs mixed deco and premium corraline rock from FloridaLiveRock.com (formerly GulfView)
-10-15lb hand-picked tonga kaelini from Premium Aquatics :) (glad I'm only an hour away)
-40lbs Nature's Ocean Bio-Active Reef Sand
-CUC-
~20 blue leg hermits
~5 scarlet reef hermits
~3 halloween hermits
~10 astrea snails
~5 nassarius snails
~5 turbo snails
-Coral-
-assorted rics, zoas, and shrooms to start
-assorted softies (leathers, kenya tree, etc)
-some LPS after maybe 6 months (trumpet, candy cane, brain, bubble, frogspawn, hammer)
-SPS after a year if everything goes well (montipora, birdsnest, acropora)
-Fish & Inverts-
1- pair of black and white ocellaris (tank-raised)
1- Yashia White Ray shrimp goby & banded pistol shrimp
1- Vampire Pseudochromis
1- Dwarf Eibli Angel (maybe?)
2- Peppermint shrimp
1- Camel shrimp
2- Porcelin crabs
This is all subject to change so any advice/discussion is welcome. I often am second-guessing myself and would appreciate any input. Thanks!!
P.S.
Halloween crab pumping iron in my Deco 3 :)
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC01959.jpg
Devtech
12/11/2007, 04:40 PM
nice tank cant wait to see it once its all done, ima ctually building my tank as well!. any FTS for the Deco? and nice Halloween crab! the picture sold me i needs to go order one hehe
siwelk
12/11/2007, 05:36 PM
thanks!, ill post a FTS of my deco after i due a little algae cleaning. i really wanted the halloween crab, even though i figured he was too big for my tank. hes like a mini-bull dozer.
siwelk
12/12/2007, 03:21 PM
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthre...71#post11363871 (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=11363871#post11363871)
^ check out my new lights ;)
siwelk
12/12/2007, 03:22 PM
went to home depot today and got some more pvc fittings and some primer and cement. came home and put the tank in the tub to get a general idea of how much flow i could expect out of the mag7 driven manifold. i wanted to see if how things looked before i started cementing it together. due to the cramped space i wasnt really able to plumb it well enough to get a good idea of the flow so i guess ill just wait a while until i get more equipment so i can plumb it completely and then decide whether or not to keep the design permanently.im not really sure how you use the RC head loss calc. when implementing a manifold design. do you add up all the length of the perimeter manifold and input that for horizontal length?? im not sure but what i plugged in got me roughly 400gph. which would be about 100gph from each output. keep in mind this is not for a CL. this is just my sump return so im looking for low flow. i thought the manifold design would be a good way to allow the mag7 to run wide open, yet reduce enough flow to efficiently filter my water in my sump and RDSB. also, the manifold should allow for decent surface agitation resulting in less scum as well as good gas exchange and it allows me to introduce freshly skimmed and filtered water to all corners of the tank.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02007.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02008.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02009.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02011.jpg
btw, that union isnt permanent. that was just put there to plumb for the bathtub test. the finished design will have a ball valve before the union.
cp3823
12/12/2007, 05:47 PM
Keep the pictures coming. I'm actually coping your design but for my 20 long tank. few suggestions or ideas i'm thinking:
1. I'm using 45's in the tank instead of the 90 degree elbows that way it will hopefully give downward flow.
2. i'm using 3/4" inch return line but then the 45's are 1/2" inch.
3. I"m going to be using a mag 5 so I dont have crazy flow
4. I'm not going to glue the 45's thats way I can direct flow when and where I need too. They pressure fit together pretty darn well.
5. Since you t'd off your manifold behind the tank what are you going to do for a overflow?
6. Have you considered using a scwd? to make flow alternate?
mikellini
12/12/2007, 06:23 PM
Very nice. The only thing I don't like is having a weir overflow as opposed to an internal one. Other than that, looking good so far!
siwelk
12/12/2007, 06:25 PM
1) i chose 90s to get more surface agitation, but 45s should get you the angled flow you want.
2) i have 3/4" return line as well, with 90 split t reducers to 1/2"
3) im going with the low flow principle too. i want to create all my flow via 2 hydor koralia 3s
4) thats a good idea, i am also doing this, though i have threaded 90s
5) Custom Lifereef with the necessary dimensions. they make custom sizes for euro-bracing and non-standard applications.
6) i had originally planned on using a scwd but once i started putting the manifold together i decided that it would just restrict too much flow. even though im going for low flow (<10x) the scwd would have made it considereably less.
good luck with your 20L. i love those tanks. they look much bigger than they actually are.
siwelk
12/14/2007, 09:00 AM
quick experiment with mounting the lights on top of the manifold.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02012.jpg
they actually sit surprisingly well. im gonna fit them with a couple zip ties for good measure. i originally wanted to hang the light but this could be an option now too.
siwelk
12/14/2007, 09:01 AM
well i have good news i suppose. ive recently been weighing the pros and cons of moving when my lease expires this summer and today ive decided that the cons have triumphed, therefore my ETA for cycling has been lifted from its previous August 2008 constraint. now i still have the $$ constraint, but it looks safe to say that we could be looking at a spring '08 blossoming reef tank. :)
the funny thing is that one of the main reasons for not moving was because i have a closet in my office that ive been wanting to use to build my tank into. its has built in shelving and the clothes hanging fixture is almost too perfect to hang my light from, also the dimensions of the closet are ideal to keep my tank and house my RO/DI water and premixed saltwater reservoirs, as well as keeping all my other equipment. once its finished the tank should appear to be built into the wall. im on my way to home depot now to start pricing all the wood and hardware to make it happen. once i get the digi camera back from my gf (who jacked it from me yesterday while i was sleeping) ill post some pics of the closet to give you guys a better idea.
cp3823
12/14/2007, 01:57 PM
looks great. I love that light.
siwelk
12/14/2007, 03:46 PM
thanks!
Felix1021
12/14/2007, 03:49 PM
tagging along
EWC88
12/14/2007, 06:41 PM
tagging along as well..looking good so far
siwelk
12/15/2007, 12:26 AM
thanks guys. im much more motivated now that ive generated a small following :)
siwelk
12/15/2007, 12:38 AM
thanks guys. im much more motivated now that ive generated a small following :)
siwelk
12/15/2007, 12:40 AM
sorry for the double post
racksteris
12/15/2007, 08:05 AM
What plans do u have for your sump.....
siwelk
12/15/2007, 09:12 AM
well, im currently trying to find out if a 15H will be big enough to house my ER CS5-2 and Mag7 retrun. with baffles in between. im hoping that i wont have problems with micro bubbles. the biggest tank i can fit for a sump in the stand i have now is a 15H. i was planning on using that as well as a 5g bucket for a RDSB. if someone can chime in and give me some advice on this, i may end up having to build a stand so i can fit a 20L or 29g for the sump.
jjdude18
12/15/2007, 10:16 AM
I'm currently running a sump approximately the same size as a 15H. with a mag7, protien skimmer, heater, and a few pieces of LR rubble, its cramped but i have no problem with micro bubbles at all.
siwelk
12/15/2007, 05:42 PM
do you have any pics of your tank/sump setup? id like to see how you are achieving this. that does sound really crowded in there. im really on the fence about just getting a 15H and calling it a day, or having to build a custom stand and closet enclosure if im going to need something larger than the 15H. Thanks
siwelk
12/15/2007, 05:42 PM
youre also the second person thats claimed to be running a skimmer and mag7 return in a 15H with no microbubble issues. im starting to think its entirely possible for me too.
siwelk
12/17/2007, 12:15 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11389661#post11389661 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjdude18
I'm currently running a sump approximately the same size as a 15H. with a mag7, protien skimmer, heater, and a few pieces of LR rubble, its cramped but i have no problem with micro bubbles at all.
are you using a sock on the drain line??
siwelk
12/17/2007, 12:30 PM
well after spending a few hours in home depot trying to figure out a cost-effective but cool way to build my tank into my closet, ive come up with a couple ideas. once i get the digi camera back this week ill post some pics so everyone can help me make a decision. the ulitmate decision really depends on wether or not i need to move from a 15H sump to a larger 20H, 20L, or 29g. if i have to get a larger one, ill be building a custom stand inside the closet and the whole thing will probably end up turning into a closet makeover never-ending and always spending DIY project. if i can keep the stand i have now and use the 15H, im looking at a rod and curtain set up that should give it a "night at the theatre" feel
scottydo
12/18/2007, 02:33 PM
Hmm, this sounds interesting.
siwelk
12/20/2007, 10:29 AM
its a go on the curtain-encased in-closet tank idea. i picked out some nice black velvet curtains and theyre off getting cut to size and finished up. once i get the digi cam back ill post some pics. i know how people hate updates without pics. ive recently been switched over to 12hr workdays, which needless to say, is detrimental to my abilty to maintain an presence on the forum.
mathias999us
12/20/2007, 12:25 PM
Nice tank siwelk. I think that skimmer's gonna treat you well on that system. I think you're going to wish you had a little more control over than manifold though. Like, split it in two with two jets on each, to leave your options open for some alternating current in the future, or (this would look ugly) some valves half-way between each of the return jets so you can control the flow to each. Looks good though, I'll follow along.
siwelk
12/20/2007, 03:13 PM
thanks mathias, i see what you mean about the manifold. im still going back and forth between about 3 different manifold configurations before i glue it all together. wish i had the digi cam so i could post a few new pics. hopefully ill get a new one for xmas so i can stop having to borrow my gf's...even though i got it for her. ive been pretty busy lately and dont have much to update other than the new curtains im putting in. i tested the curtains ability to keep the light in before i sent them off to be cut. the heavy fabric allowed very little light to escape. when i fit-tested them i really liked the look it gave. almost like an aquarium theatre. im looking forward to the final product.
i also spoke to Jeff from Lifereef about an overflow with custom dimensions to fit over my pvc plumbing on the back of the tank. he responded quickly and was great to deal with. im still trying to decide on the nano prefilter or the slimline 600gph prefilter. i know that im only looking for 300-400gph through the sump and im concerned that with the 600gph overflow i wont have enough velocity going through the U-tube to keep air bubbles from accumulationg. im also afraid that if i went with the nano (400gph) it would limit me too much in terms of flow in the future. i do like the smaller dimensions of the nano prefilter though. it takes up considerably less room inside my tank than the 600gph one. also the custom dimensions i need raise the price from $119 to $149. now i need to decide if its worth the extra 30 bucks to keep the plumbing or if i should save my $ and move the "T" down to make room for the prefilter.
lastly, ive been thinking about going with Marco rock instead of FloridaLiveRock.com. i really like the Marco rock, and i dont have to worry about pests. its also extremely porous, cheap and great looking once covered in coralline. i have an specific aquascaping in mind which consists of 3 pillars connected to each other with boomerang shaped pieces of tonga shelf, creating bridges or stairways between the pillars. im thinking about getting 25lbs of marco rock and some hand-picked kaelini shelf from PA to make the bridges and also seed the marcorock. im thinking about picking up the marcorock soon so i can get it curing and it will be ready to go in the tank with the PA kaelini to kickstart my tanks cycle.
i guess thats all for now. i promise not to update again unless i have pics.
jdpierce21
12/20/2007, 06:42 PM
Very nice start. Can't wait to see more!
mahalamata
12/20/2007, 07:13 PM
cool start mate!
you mentioned "in-wall" design for your tank.I dont know how much hhi ht be but here is what i have done with my nano.i had to have it in my room 'cos my housemates could not be convinced that a fish tank is what we NEED in the living room!!lol anyway here a few pics made they can give you ideas.any questions let me know!
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/mahalamata/frontview.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/mahalamata/en.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/mahalamata/opendoor.jpg
siwelk
12/21/2007, 03:05 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11428557#post11428557 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mahalamata
cool start mate!
you mentioned "in-wall" design for your tank.I dont know how much hhi ht be but here is what i have done with my nano.i had to have it in my room 'cos my housemates could not be convinced that a fish tank is what we NEED in the living room!!lol anyway here a few pics made they can give you ideas.any questions let me know!
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/mahalamata/frontview.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/mahalamata/en.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/mahalamata/opendoor.jpg
thats a nice set-up youve got going there. thats too bad you cant keep it in the living room. i actually decided to move my tank's location from my office to the living room so it could be more of a showpiece. i nixed the in-wall build idea, but ive decided to use curtains to enclose the tank and stand, making it appear to be set in the wall at least. ill be posting pics when i get it all set up, im hoping it will give the appearance of an aquarium theatre...which is what im going for. id really like to find an old antique "Now Showing..." sign to hang above the closet trim to complete the look.
siwelk
12/21/2007, 03:05 PM
something like this
http://cgi.ebay.com/NOW-SHOWING-MARQUIS-BANNER-MOVIE-POSTER-FRAME-DISPLAY_W0QQitemZ320197757599QQihZ011QQcategoryZ2321QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
siwelk
12/21/2007, 03:06 PM
or this...
http://cgi.ebay.com/i650-b-Now-Showing-Filming-Film-Movies-Neon-Light-Sign_W0QQitemZ250199188928QQihZ015QQcategoryZ50934QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
siwelk
12/21/2007, 03:07 PM
well i got the digi cam back today so ill update a few pics. nothing fancy, just to give you an idea of the tank placement. the closet i had originally planned on using was in my office and had 3 built-in shelves on the left hand side. i decided to relocate to the closet in the living area to maximize viewing. this closet does not have shelves other than the top one, so i will either be making some or putting in some sort of free-standing shelving. the closet rod i got at HD. it expands from 6' to 10'. ill be putting that up when i get my curtains back and ill update with a few pics once everything is in its final place.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02013.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02014.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02015.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02017.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02018.jpg
from the corner of the living room between the couch and loveseat for reference.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSC02016.jpg
siwelk
12/22/2007, 09:31 AM
funny story...
so i was about to call up Jeff at Lifereef yesterday to place an order on a custom slimline 600gph prefilter when i started wishing i could just get my tank drilled. when i bought the tank a couple months ago i called the manufacturer (Perfecto/Marineland) to verify which, if any, of the sides were tempered. the lady i spoke to told me that all sides were tempered and that i couldn't drill it. i assumed she knew what she was talking about even though it seemed strange, and continued on to plan my tank build under the impression that i wouldn't be able to drill it. i figured that before i ordered the Lifereef id call Marineland and ask them again about my tank. i spoke to a guy that informed me that my 30g (36"x12"x16") was, in fact, not tempered on any side. soooo, long story short i now have to redesign my plumbing and see about a glass shop to do some drilling for me. i researched about different style overflows and tried to figure out where i wanted to put the internal overflow box. at first i decided that i would put a 3 sided internal overflow in the center of the back glass, and have the tank drilled for a durso style overflow with a 1" drain and 3/4" return. i planned to run the return up over the internal overlow and use a Y loc-line fitting with nozzles to provide surface agitation. i also wanted to plumb for a closed loop as well. the idea was to be able to use the return manifold i had already made.
then i found the Herbie method thread on RC, and decided this is what im going to use. it seems that this is the best method for a silent tank with no air bubbles. i figure ill use a 1" bulkead for the main drain and a 3/4" bulkhead for the emergency drain. ill also have an CL intake drilled and plumbed from the bottom of the back glass, through the internal overflow and out to a strainer intake inside the tank.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/herbie.jpg
i wanted to keep all drilled holes within the confines of the internal overflow box. i plan to use a gate valve on the drain line to adjust the water level inside the internal overflow. the return will still be a mag7 throttled back and returned via two 1/2" PVC 90 elbows over the top of the tank. the return manifold will stay mostly as it was previously configured with the addition of 3/4" 45s off the split-T's in the corners instead of 1/2" reducing 90 elbows. id like to replace the flow of the two Koralis 3s i had planned on using, therefore id like to have a CL pump capable of pushing ~1700gph (one K3 = 850gph). i was thinking of using a mag18 to achieve this. id like to mount a stand behind the tank to hold the mag18 and plumb it up the the CL manifold with four 3/4" 45degree outputs. the CL plus the return from the sump should get me around 2000gph, or 40x turnover. this brings up a couple questions i have:
1) since both my return and CL manifold outputs are on the top of the water will there be enough flow created at the bottom of the tank? are the four 3/4" 45degree outputs going to be able to provide adequate flow in a 16" tall tank? (note: each CL output should be pushing ~ 400 gph). i want to use a CL to keep the clean look and if i have to add a PH for a dead spot it just defeats the purpose.
FWIW i plan to have a pillar style aquascape so the rockwork will be relatively open.
2) is there anything wrong with putting a ball valve on each of the sides of a "T" on the CL manifold?
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/mag18.jpg
sorry for the crappy sketches, i dont have any form of electronic artistic expression other than paint.
id like to be able to adjust the flow to each side of the CL manifold so i can get different ratios of flow per side. id like to also lower the flow a bit until i try to move on to SPS. i didnt know if there was any rule about restricting the output from a CL pump. if anyone can confirm/deny this please do.
even though i have to do some re-planning im still stoked that i can get the tank drilled and not have to mess with a HOB overflow to risk flooding. if anyone has any comments on other types of overflows please feel free to share them. i decided on the Herbie style due to its ability to make the overflow and drain whisper quiet and minimize microbubbles in the sump. everyone whos uses it says it works great. im also new to researching and implementing closed loops and manifolds so if anyone can offer any suggestions or alternatives id appreciate it. i dont have any confidence in working with acrylic so i thought about ordering a pre-made internal overflow from wetdryfilter.com
http://www.wetdryfilter.com/internal_overflow_boxes.htm
less than $100 shipped for your custom dimensions. seems kinda pricey but i dont see any good alternatives...at least locally. has anyone had any experience with these? i havent had a chance to do any reasearch on them yet. them seem to be of good quality. after i get my xmas shopping done today ill probably head over to HD to get some PVC fittings and bulkheads for the drain lines and new CL manifold. ill have to wait until after xmas to make arrangements to get my tank drilled at a local glass shop. when i inquired about possibly getting the tank drilled previously they quoted me at $10 per 1" hole. that sounds decent enough to me. ill be moving on with said plans after xmas, giving everyone time to chime in with any improvements or suggestions on my design. again, im a noob to the drilled tank scene so please forgive me for any oversights or complete ignorance. TIA.
Deb91
12/22/2007, 01:14 PM
siwelk, hello I found you by accident late night when I posted a question about the nova extreme pro. Someone gave me a link about how the Grim Reefer was going to check them out. I can't wait for the results, keeping my fingers crossed. They look nice. also I looked at the signs you listed. I like the idea how the neon would look againist the black velvet. Did you see the fish one? They make loads of them,17 pages.I didn't go threw them all yet.Will be tagging along also I love tank builds in progress as well as the pictures lol who dosen't ? Best of luck to you. Happy Holidays!!!!!!! :)
siwelk
12/22/2007, 01:48 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11439348#post11439348 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Deb91
siwelk, hello I found you by accident late night when I posted a question about the nova extreme pro. Someone gave me a link about how the Grim Reefer was going to check them out. I can't wait for the results, keeping my fingers crossed. They look nice. also I looked at the signs you listed. I like the idea how the neon would look againist the black velvet. Did you see the fish one? They make loads of them,17 pages.I didn't go threw them all yet.Will be tagging along also I love tank builds in progress as well as the pictures lol who dosen't ? Best of luck to you. Happy Holidays!!!!!!! :)
hi deb,
im also patiently waiting for the results from the Nova Extreme Pro testing. id like to see if i made a good investment or not. i havent looked at all the signs yet, i just looked at the ones that pulled up in my search for "now showing." ill have to check out some others, i think a neon sign might be a good contrast against the black curtains. thanks for tagging along, the more the merrier. i hoping more people will chime in and give me some pointers and advice. id rather not go at this alone and make avoidable mistakes. :)
Happy Holidays to you too btw.
siwelk
12/27/2007, 09:15 AM
Happy belated Holidays everyone,
Havent had much time to update lately, due to the holidays and all. Not too much progress to speak of, however, Santa turned out to be a lot more generous with me than i had anticipated. Consequently, I am expecting a rather large delivery from both DrsFosterSmith.com and MarineDepot.com after the New Year.
Heres a list of the equipment/supplies that made it on my wish list:
2 - Hydor Koralia 3
1 - API Master Saltwater Test Kit
1 - API Master Reef Test Kit
1 - TLF Phosban reactor w/ PhosBan media
1 - 150W Stealth heater
1 - MJ1200
1 - MJ400
1 - 160gal bucket Reef Crystals salt mix
1 - Chemi-Pure (1pk)
1 - MagFloat (small)
2 - 1" double-threaded bulkhead fittings
1 - 10' 3/4" ID vinyl tubing
everything minus the plumbing supplies were on sale. got the K3s from marinedepot.com for 20% off. also got most of the stuff from the Drs. from their 25% off sale. i also picked up the rest of my plumbing supples from HD. as soon as my bulkheads come in im going to a local glass shop to get it drilled. which brings up a question i have about hole placement. (quoted from a post on RC)
"i have a 30g that i would like to get drilled for a herbie style overflow. my tank is only 12'' deep. i know theres a general rule to keep the diameter of your hole away from the edge of the glass but if i do this for a 1'' bulkhead (1.75'' hole) then my internal overflow box will have to be almost 5'' deep, which is nearly half my tanks depth. would it be ok to drill the holes 1.25'' from the edge instead? this would allow me to use a 4'' deep overflow. also, could i place the two holes the same distance apart from one another? im taking the tank to be drilled next week so any quick help would be appreciated. thanks!"
if anyone has any input on this i would appreciate it ^
im also looking at ordering a 25# box of Marco Rock once i get all my equipment together. i had originally thought that it would be almost spring before i got my tank cycling. due to the unexpected gifting this christmas (as well as selling my xbox 360 :( ), i was able to move the date up a bit :D
lastly, even though i wont be adding my substrate until after my tank has cycled, i began looking at the caribsea ocean direct and natures ocean bio-active live sand. im currently using 5lbs of caribsea ocean direct in my tom deco 3 and i was thinking about using that for my 30g.
40lbs of the caribsea is only $35, whereas the natures ocean is $25 per 20lbs. (drsfostersmith.com) im not sure which grade of the caribsea OD the Drs. carry, the Caribsea website lists a oolitic grade and an original grade. i want the original grade, and im hoping this is what the Drs. carry. I also really like the look of the black sand, even though ive heard of it looking dirty and dingy. Im hoping a good sand-sifting crew and good flow would minimize this. up until recenly i was only aware of the black tahitian moon sand (which is silica based im told, so no good for my sand-sifters) and Seachem's gray coast calcite. neither of these really appealed to me. sooo, i was looking on Natures Oceans website at the live sand and found out that they had a live "black beach" sand available. well i did a quick search and couldnt find anyone who carried it so i called Ocean Direct or "WorldWide Imports" and they referred me to their New York distributor, Royal Pet Supplies. i spoke to someone who then gave me a couple names of their frequent retailers and told me to contact them about special ordering the black beach sand. Premium Aquatics was one of the names on the list so i guess ill contact them to see if this order can be arranged and get some price quotes. i really like the look of the black sand, im just hoping i can keep it clean. otherwise i think ill go with Caribseas OD in the original grade.
well thats it for now, next update will have pics i promise. if anyone has any suggestions or comments about the holes i need drilled or the substrate selection feel free...and for those of you following closely i have nixed the CL plans. i didnt get any feedback on my ideas and i decided that a CL was just a little more "involved" than id like to get at this point. so i switched back to my original idea of 2 K3s for flow.
peace up, A-town down
-kyle
sjm1978
12/27/2007, 12:25 PM
heres a good place for overflows http://www.reefmania.net/products-overflows.php and its alot cheaper than wetdryfilter.com
siwelk
12/27/2007, 02:38 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11464952#post11464952 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sjm1978
heres a good place for overflows http://www.reefmania.net/products-overflows.php and its alot cheaper than wetdryfilter.com
awesome, thanks for the link. the wetdryfilter.com overflows seemed overpriced. i would order one from reefmania, but ive since decided to go the DIY route after i called my local plastics place and placed an order for 3 pieces of black acrylic. total cost was just under $18. i still have to get a tube of weld-on though.
im going this route so i can go with a "toothless" overflow for better surface skimming. its cheaper and easier to DIY than one with teeth and its a more efficient skimmer. maybe i can check with reefmania and see if they can just make me one without teeth, im not sure how confident i am in my acrylic welding abilities.
siwelk
12/30/2007, 03:17 PM
hello?
is there anybody in there?
just nod if you can hear me.
is there anyone home?
Sure without teeth is an option.
mathias999us
12/31/2007, 10:44 AM
Come on, now
I hear you're feeling down
Well I can ease your pain
Get you on your feet again
The downside with a toothless overflow is that your critters are more likely to find their way into the overflow. Anticipate this and take appropriate measures (like, strainers, maybe some eggcrate, etc).
Seriously, try your hand with welding acrylic - you've got time. It's pretty easy if you are patient. The most important thing is to have really smooth, flat cuts, so access to a table saw with a blade that has a high tooth count is really helpful. Go get some 1/4" thick scrap and some weldon to practice with.
siwelk
12/31/2007, 11:59 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11490679#post11490679 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mathias999us
Come on, now
I hear you're feeling down
Well I can ease your pain
Get you on your feet again
The downside with a toothless overflow is that your critters are more likely to find their way into the overflow. Anticipate this and take appropriate measures (like, strainers, maybe some eggcrate, etc).
Seriously, try your hand with welding acrylic - you've got time. It's pretty easy if you are patient. The most important thing is to have really smooth, flat cuts, so access to a table saw with a blade that has a high tooth count is really helpful. Go get some 1/4" thick scrap and some weldon to practice with.
now thats what im talking about! way to be a team player :)
i had already planned on fitting the opening of the overflow with some eggcrate, resting on a ledge so that it is removable for maitenance of the drains. i suppose i should just do the acrylic myself. it would be a lot cheaper. i would be having the acrylic cut to size from a local plastics company. i just want to be sure im capable of welding it together, at 90 degree angles, even from top to bottom. thats my only concern. ill probably just give it a go. even if i totally screw it up im only out 20 bucks, and i could still buy the acrylic and try it again before i spent more than it would cost to have it done for me. thanks for the input mathias.
mahalamata
12/31/2007, 02:31 PM
making the overflow yourself should be easy!if you are worried about getting the angles right maybe you could build a little jig to guide you;thats what i used and i think i got pretty straight corners!
good luck
and
Happy New Year!!
siwelk
01/04/2008, 08:47 AM
First real update in about a week. i got my order from marinedepot.com yesterday. waited on the UPS man for what seemed like forever (out for delivery 6:30am, received 6:30pm). not a whole lot but some basic essentials.
2x Hydor Koralia 3s
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0020.jpg
mounted in-tank just to get an idea of size
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0012.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0013.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0014.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0016.jpg
pair of 1" bulkheads
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0023.jpg
now that i have my bulkheads i can take some final measurements so i can get my tank drilled next week. im going to go with two 1.75" holes for the herbie style overflow. then i plan on getting some black acrylic cut from a local platsics co. to make my internal overflow.
initial impression of the koralias were somewhat mixed. the pump is a little bit larger than i had anticipated but it has a good design. i may have to re-think my aquascape to compensate for the size of the powerheads but they should blend in ok. im also hoping that two K3s isnt too much flow for my tank. i know its generally a good idea to always go with a little bit more than what you think youre going to need, and from reading reviews it seemed as though the K1s and K2s were slighly overrated in terms of flow. the K2 and K3 were the same size and i figured that i should just go with the K3s even if it was a bit of overkill. two K3s + mag7 return = 2000gph in a 30g tank...just under 70x. :blush: im hoping the wider flow will still allow me to keep softies and LPS with this much turnover. im patiently awaiting a koralia controller that will give some more flexibility. the suction cup magnets are nice and provide a strong hold for the pump. so far they seem to be a pretty good powerhead, especially for the price.
lastly, i called Marc and ordered some nice marco rock last week. 25lbs of the signature fiji. Marc was a real nice guy to do business with and called me within 5 mintues of sending him an e-mail. he picked out some specific sizes that i was looking for and i cant wait to see what i end up with. took a few days before it got shipped out, but thats understandable for the holidays. it should arrive early next week. ill definately be posting some pics when it gets here.
if anyone has a pair of K3s in a 40g or under, hows that working out for you?
Deb91
01/05/2008, 12:54 PM
Wow those do look huge in there !That does sound like over kill to me also.Why don't you post that question in the newbie forum? I bet you are dying for the live rock to come. Thats when I think the fun really starts when you spend hours looking for little critters and other good stuff that hichiked on your live rock! Meanwhile your friends and family are going to think you are a mental case lol! Who nows maybe we all are!
mathias999us
01/05/2008, 01:03 PM
Wow, you're really moving along there - ordered rock already. Maybe I missed it, but I thought you weren't going to set this up and running until next summer after you moved or something.
Looks good though. I've got close to 60x turnover in my new tank I'm cycling right now, and I have similar hopes for livestock also. I'll let you know how it goes...
siwelk
01/05/2008, 04:47 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11527387#post11527387 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Deb91
Wow those do look huge in there !That does sound like over kill to me also.Why don't you post that question in the newbie forum? I bet you are dying for the live rock to come. Thats when I think the fun really starts when you spend hours looking for little critters and other good stuff that hichiked on your live rock! Meanwhile your friends and family are going to think you are a mental case lol! Who nows maybe we all are!
thanks Deb. the rock is actually a dry base rock.
www.marcorocks.com
i plan on curing it in a 20g trashcan until i get the rest of my build finished. ill probably seed the dry rock with some fully cured Kaelini from Premium Aquatics.
siwelk
01/05/2008, 04:50 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11527437#post11527437 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mathias999us
Wow, you're really moving along there - ordered rock already. Maybe I missed it, but I thought you weren't going to set this up and running until next summer after you moved or something.
Looks good though. I've got close to 60x turnover in my new tank I'm cycling right now, and I have similar hopes for livestock also. I'll let you know how it goes...
yeah about a month ago it was decided that the moving plans were bunk. which is nice really because it allows me to speed my build up a bit and use the closet that i was wanting to convert to a mini-fish room. im curious to see how the flow works for you once you start stocking. im kind of starting to wish i went with a pair of tunze 6025s instead.
siwelk
01/08/2008, 05:26 PM
my Marco rock arrived today. waaaay better than i had even expected. the sizes were perfect and the amount of rock you get is amazing. easily 2x as much weight vs. wet live rock. this is the coolest looking rock ive ever seen. i cant wait to see it covered in coralline. anyways, here are a some pics.
unpacking...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0024.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0031.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0033.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0034.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0035.jpg
unboxed...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0036.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0037.jpg
siwelk
01/08/2008, 05:28 PM
hardly any rubble due to shipping...and even UPS!
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0038.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0039.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0040.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0041.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0042.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0043.jpg
siwelk
01/08/2008, 05:31 PM
quick aquascaping, just to see how 25lbs of dry fills up the 30g
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0044.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0045.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0049.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0050.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0051.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0052.jpg
siwelk
01/08/2008, 05:33 PM
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0053.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0054.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0055.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0056.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0057.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0058.jpg
as soon as i get my order from the Drs. ill have the rest of what i need to get my rock curing. i also need to head over to HD and pick up a 20g trashcan. once the marco rock is fully cured i plan to seed it with some Kaelini from Premium Aquatics, then let all the rock cycle once more in-tank. i think ive actually got too much rock, i was going for a more open aquascaping. oh well.
siwelk
01/10/2008, 11:10 AM
got my black velvet cutains in today for some final measurements and adjustments. they should be finished and up hopefully by next week. at least that way i can finaly cover up that closet a little bit. next update will have pics.
EWC88
01/10/2008, 01:48 PM
Coming along good siwelk, keep us updated when you can!
siwelk
01/15/2008, 10:43 PM
you know when you first get your rock, and you get all excited and toss it in your tank just to see what kind of scapes you can come up with? then you find one you really like but then you cry because you know you have to tear it down and clean and cure the rock first...yeah. :(
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0062.jpg
siwelk
01/15/2008, 10:43 PM
nothing much to update, save for a few more essentials.
refractometer courtesy of FateX9 (NR) - thank you for the smooth transaction
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0073.jpg
fuge lamp and GFCI
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0077.jpg
20g rubbermaid trashcan for curing marco rocks and future pre-mixed saltwater storage
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0080.jpg
marco rock waiting on acid bath
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0081.jpg
sorry for the mostly boring updates. hopefully ill have my tank drilled by the end of next week. im still debating on which method of drain pipe i want to use so ive been holding off on getting the tank drilled. im pretty set on the herbie style unless anyone can convince me otherwise. once i get drilled ill update with some step-by-step details of the herbie style construction and internal overflow build. thanks to those of you still tagging along.
mathias999us
01/16/2008, 06:52 AM
Cool, that's the same refractometer I have. Just make SURE you calibrate it against a refractive index standard. The prism isn't perfect, so you want to to be completely accurate at 1.026 (or whatever SPG you wish to keep). When I calibrated mine using Randy Holme's refractive index standard, then RO/DI water would show like 1.006, so calibrating with RO/DI is NOT sufficient. Otherwise, great unit.
siwelk
01/27/2008, 03:18 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11611596#post11611596 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mathias999us
Cool, that's the same refractometer I have. Just make SURE you calibrate it against a refractive index standard. The prism isn't perfect, so you want to to be completely accurate at 1.026 (or whatever SPG you wish to keep). When I calibrated mine using Randy Holme's refractive index standard, then RO/DI water would show like 1.006, so calibrating with RO/DI is NOT sufficient. Otherwise, great unit.
thanks mathias, i plan on getting some calibration fluid from MD or someplace in order to keep it as accurate as possible.
siwelk
01/27/2008, 03:24 PM
anyone care to see how we do an acid bath in a 700sq/ft apartment??? :lol:
from this...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0095.jpg
to this...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0100.jpg
heres a couple pics of the assembly of the center overflow, toothless style
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0085.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0087.jpg
the most use ive gotten out of my CCNA and NET+ books so far ;)
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0086.jpg
siwelk
01/27/2008, 03:30 PM
assembled and siliconed in place
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0096.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0097.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0098.jpg
wrap n craft top-off reservoir, thanks to melev
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0099.jpg
siwelk
01/27/2008, 03:32 PM
some pics of the flow of the pair of K3s during the leak test
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0088.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0089.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0090.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0091.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0092.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0093.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0094.jpg
JAHGYDI
01/27/2008, 05:09 PM
HURRY UP ALREADY I GUARRANTEED YOU END UP GROWING OUT OF THAT TANK FASTER THAN IT TOOK YOU TO SET UP
siwelk
01/27/2008, 05:39 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11700966#post11700966 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JAHGYDI
HURRY UP ALREADY I GUARRANTEED YOU END UP GROWING OUT OF THAT TANK FASTER THAN IT TOOK YOU TO SET UP
haha, you dont have to yell :p
i certainly hope not. then id have to upgrade to the Oceanic 58g Tech Tank i want when i outgrow this.
JAHGYDI
01/27/2008, 08:29 PM
IM VERY IMPATIENT
ficklefins
01/27/2008, 08:42 PM
Lewis,
The similarities between our tank builds is pretty cool. I normally go on the nano forum to try and find some inspiration but rarely find anyone else using a 30g Breeder style tank. I will be following your build closely and thanks for posting.
Luciano
siwelk
01/27/2008, 09:34 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11702725#post11702725 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ficklefins
Lewis,
The similarities between our tank builds is pretty cool. I normally go on the nano forum to try and find some inspiration but rarely find anyone else using a 30g Breeder style tank. I will be following your build closely and thanks for posting.
Luciano
thanks Luciano. my tank isnt actually an AGA 30g breeder, but a Perfecto 30g. the dimensions are 36"x12"x16", whereas the breeder is 36"x18"x12" i believe. i originally wanted the breeder but i thought the 12" height wouldnt be enough, even though the width allows for a lot of aquascaping options. nevertheless they are similar and im interested in your build as well. do you have a link to a build thread??
cabbage0709
01/27/2008, 09:57 PM
Looking good so far! I plan to set up a tank like this once i move at the end of this school year. I like your IU rug btw, go hoosiers!
siwelk
01/27/2008, 11:15 PM
thanks. hoosiers all the way. that connecticut game sucked though.
siwelk
02/06/2008, 03:55 PM
well i decided that the ER CS5-2 was taking up too much space in my sump (and probably overkill), so i sold it and im looking to replace it with a Tunze 9002. ive PM'ed a member on here and RC about one but so far i havent heard anything back. if anyone has a line on a new Tunze 9002 someone is getting rid of please let me know. thanks.
things have been a little slow lately. basically due to forgetting my car insurance was due this month and Valentine's Day. <_<...finances have taken a plunge. been puttin in some OT this week so i should have some more progress in the weeks to come. thanks to those 3 of you still tuning in :P
pics with next update, i promise.
church
siwelk
02/12/2008, 02:53 PM
got my tax return directly deposited at 8am this morning.
spent $500 in 2 hours.
sweet.
:)
siwelk
02/12/2008, 02:54 PM
Order List from the Drs.
Item # Description Price Qty Extended
CD-117449 Chemi-Pure (1-pk) $5.49 x 1 = $5.49
CD-907026 Saltwater Master Liquid Test Kit $14.39 x 1 = $14.39
CD-517501 Maxi-Jet Powerhead/Pump Model 400 (106 gph) $11.19 x 1 = $11.19
CD-517540 Maxi-Jet Powerhead/Pump Model 1200 (295 gph) $17.19 x 1 = $17.19
CD-16882 Reef Crystals Reef Salt (160 gallon mix) $31.99 x 1 = $31.99
CD-18469 Replacement Foam Discs for PhosBan Reactor 150 (2-pk) $2.79 x 1 = $2.79
CD-18715 Visi-Therm Stealth Heater (250 watts) $18.69 x 1 = $18.69
CD-29682 40 lbs $34.99 x 1 = $34.99
CD-33416 Extension Kit $2.99 x 1 = $2.99
CD-33044 3" x 2-1/2" Brine Shrimp $1.29 x 1 = $1.29
Subtotal = $141.00
Standard (Within 7 Business Days) = $13.99
TOTAL = $154.99
Order List from Marine Depot
SKU
Description Qty Unit Price Price
PD02415 Prodibio BIO CLEAN for Saltwater - 6 Vials
Review this product 1 $16.79 $16.79
FT8652 Suction Screen 1 inch MPT x 6.5 inch Long
Review this product 1 $11.99 $11.99
FT8651 Suction Screen 1 inch MPT x 3.5 inch Long
Review this product 1 $9.49 $9.49
KM1675 Kent Marine Float Valve Only, Black ABS
Review this product 1 $17.99 $17.99
AM1437 American Marine Pinpoint Salinity Calibration Fluid
Review this product 1 $4.99 $4.99
TZ5311 Tunze Nano DOC Protein Skimmer 9002
Review this product 1 $152.01 $152.01
TL4311 Two Little Fishies Phosban Reactor 150
Review this product 1 $31.49 $31.49
TL4111 Two Little Fishies Phosban Phosphate Removal Media 150 g
Review this product 1 $11.99 $11.99
Shipping Method: Ground $1.05
Payment Method: Credit Cards
Sub-Total: $256.74
Shipping: $1.05
Tax: $0.00
Total: $257.79
Also picked up a gate valve and some flex. pvc from Savko
2 Current USA dual outlet timers
1/4" John Guest bulkhead for ATO reservoir
some vinyl tubing
extension cords
buckets
and finally placed an order with CJerome(NR) for a nimble super magnet cleaner
me = stoked
Chondro
02/12/2008, 03:03 PM
Wow, that was a quick $500.00.
It is amazing how quickly the small things add up.
siwelk
02/12/2008, 03:19 PM
i know. i had my list all ready to go, just waitin on that tax check. :p
i did realize though, when reviewing my order, that i accidentally selected a 250w heater instead of the 150w one i intended. hmmm.
siwelk
02/14/2008, 03:54 PM
been visited by the UPS guy 3 days in a row now. i can tell were going to continue to be on a first name basis :P
a few more boring updates, but progress nonetheless.
power supply. sacrificed the swtiches on the American DJ for the additional 2 outlets on this one from HD.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0103.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0104.jpg
current timers and Y-splitter so my lights only utilize one outlet
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0105.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0109.jpg
gate valve and 5' of 1" flex pvc from Savko
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0108.jpg
4-drawer cart from HD for supplies and ATO reservoir stand (gravity feed)
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0107.jpg
the BEFORE shot of what im makin for my sweetheart for dinner.
8 oz filet mignon & rock lobster tails
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0110.jpg
:)
mathias999us
02/14/2008, 07:35 PM
Mmmmm, yummy. How did it turn out?
This is the funnest part of a tank setup, getting all of the stuff in the mail!!! Enjoy it, I'm excited for you. Looks like it's coming along great!
Maybe I missed it, what's your salt mix outlet for? Automated water changes? You have a fan outlet, are you going to run a fan 24x7?
siwelk
02/14/2008, 07:42 PM
be jealous...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0111.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0112.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0113.jpg
if this doesnt get me any play tonight, nothing will ;)
mathias999us
02/14/2008, 07:47 PM
HAHAHA Siwlek's wife/girl - give him whatever he asks for tonight!!!
LOL, the baked potatos with the sour cream was the "icing on the cake".
Surf 'n turf is about as good as you can treat a girl for a special day. ;)
siwelk
02/14/2008, 09:19 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11850446#post11850446 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mathias999us
Mmmmm, yummy. How did it turn out?
This is the funnest part of a tank setup, getting all of the stuff in the mail!!! Enjoy it, I'm excited for you. Looks like it's coming along great!
Maybe I missed it, what's your salt mix outlet for? Automated water changes? You have a fan outlet, are you going to run a fan 24x7?
thanks mathias, the dinner was almost as good as desert. :p
getting packages every day is the best part of the setup. its like perpetual christmas or something. the salt mix outlet will have a extension cord plugged into it to supply power to the heater and MJ1200 in the 20g rubbermaid trashcan. that way i can just plug/unplug that and have my salt mixing mini-operation take place. i also left a spot for a fan just in case the area behind the curtains traps a lot of heat. ill probably run the fan on a timer if this is the case so it will be on at the same time the lights are.
sooo close to cycling now. :rollface:
Towsley
02/15/2008, 02:47 PM
that belkin outlet did you get that at HD thats cool never seen that type, also where did you get the timers at and the splitter those timers take up to much space on a power strip.
siwelk
02/15/2008, 06:21 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11856613#post11856613 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Towsley
that belkin outlet did you get that at HD thats cool never seen that type, also where did you get the timers at and the splitter those timers take up to much space on a power strip.
yeah, i got it at HD. it was 24.95 i believe, and it has a 15' cord so that was nice. i ordered the timers from Aloha Aquariums
http://www.aloha-aquariums.com/servlet/the-424/Current-USA-DUAL-OUTLET/Detail
the funny thing was that when i received them, they had shipped from Premium Aquatics. im not really sure how that works but whatever. :confused:
the "Y" splitter i found at CableOrganizer.com
http://cableorganizer.com/power-strip-liberator/
they are called power-stip-liberators and come in a few different models. i had originally found them on ebay and then followed a link to their site. they were cheap and shipping was very fast.
siwelk
02/15/2008, 07:44 PM
Doctors, Foster/Smith give me the news
I've got a bad case of reefin blues
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0115.jpg
Edit: on a side note, can anyone recommend a good source for bonsai tree care? im thinking once i transer my Deco 3 to my 30g the spot it used to occupy on my desk would be a good place for a juniper bonsai tree. TIA.
siwelk
02/20/2008, 10:44 AM
a little more progress...
got my last order of dry goods in from MD the other day.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0123.jpg
mounted powerstrip
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0124.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0125.jpg
baffles in sump with hole drilled for float valve
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0126.jpg
a mess...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0127.jpg
filling the sump with equipment
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0128.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0129.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0130.jpg
the magnet mount on the Tunze 9002 is awesome. it really helps get good placement for the operating depth requirements without having to fashion an eggcrate stand. i got the tank back from the glass shop yesterday, and installed the bulkheads. i found a minor leak in my internal overflow so i patched that with some silicone last night and im hoping i get a good seal now so i can plumb the rest of the tank tonight and run a plumbing leak test tomorrow. i should also get my black curtains back today, so if i can get everything organized later i may have a 'reef theatre' teaser pic. stay tuned...
mathias999us
02/20/2008, 10:47 AM
You're really planning this out and getting some nice equipment - this tank is going to be really nice! Great work.
siwelk
02/20/2008, 10:54 AM
thanks, im trying to avoid as many "oh man, i should have done that instead" and "i wish i would have went with this one" thoughts as possible. i see a lot of people rush into this hobby without any planning and it usually ends up biting them in the rear. i have no problem with going slow, saving the $$ to buy quality equipment, and planning each stage of my build.
it does require a tremendous amount of patience though, of which im wearing awfully thin. i want water already!!! :p
Ocean In A Box
02/21/2008, 10:57 PM
SWEEET! I'm hooked, and will be watching this progress... nice so far!
siwelk
02/22/2008, 08:27 AM
Thanks OIAB. I'm glad people have taken an interest in my build despite its lower budget when compared to a lot of members custom builds. I really enjoy following your thread as well. I wish I had room for a bar next to my tank
Maybe ill just get a kegerator and call it a day
:p
Ocean In A Box
02/22/2008, 08:25 PM
Who the heck cares about budget being lower?
Not me...
siwelk
02/23/2008, 08:42 AM
update
things are moving right along. got all of my plumbing finished yesterday, and picked up 40g of RO from my LFS. the only problem im having now is a small leak where the hole in my sump for the float valve is located. during the initial leak test it was fine, but now i cant seem to get it sealed. i guess ill try some silicone grease or something. also i need to do some fine tuning on the herbie overflow to quiet it down.
to the pics...
herbie style overflow construction
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0133.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0134.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0135.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0136.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0137.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0138.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0139.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0144.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0148.jpg
siwelk
02/23/2008, 08:42 AM
return manifold
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0131.jpg
ATO reservoir
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0140.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0142.jpg
plumbing
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0145.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0147.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0154.jpg
sump plubmed
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0153.jpg
filling with water/plumbing leak testing
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0156.jpg
Coming together
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0150.jpg
mathias999us
02/23/2008, 08:54 AM
Very nice indeed. A bit crowded in there with plumbing, but, you've got a lot of functionality there in a small space, so that's probably unavoidable.
One of the pics made it look like the plumbing will make it difficult to get to your power center. But then in another pic it looks like you're keeping the whole tank and stand about a foot out from the wall?
The return manifold is slick - I like the pair of 45's near the top in the back, to space it away from the tank back for the union and ball valve. Good job.
mathias999us
02/23/2008, 08:57 AM
One other thing, it may not be too late, but you might consider putting some ball/gate valves between the return jets in your return manifold, so you can adjust the flow to each individual jet. Or, put flow adjusters on each return jet. You'll be glad to have the control over your flow later.
siwelk
02/23/2008, 09:12 AM
yeah, it is crowded, but i could only fit a 15H under the stand so it was a necessary evil that ive come to grips with. the stand is just over a foot from the wall, theres actually more room back there than it seems.
ive already glued the pvc together, so it is too late :p
but i understand where youre coming from. i had considered doing this earlier, but since im not really getting much flow from the manifold anyway (using it mostly to restrict flow through the sump) i figured it would be useless really to regulate the flow to different outlets. i dont know if i explained that correctly, but i had decided not to use additional ball valves for what i figured to be good reasons.
siwelk
02/25/2008, 02:37 AM
UPDATE
emptied the tank so i could do some initial aquascaping with the marco rock. ive always liked the look of pillars and i wanted to try to do 3 pillar-style rock formations. let me know how you think it turned out. i still have to find some placed to add about 10-15lbs of "seed" rock.
some arrangements i was working on outside of the tank
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0168.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0164.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0167.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0165.jpg
turned out a little differently once i got it in the tank. i like it so far i think. any comments/suggestions?
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0169.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0170.jpg
Edit: wow, i cant take a level picture for anything.
siwelk
03/09/2008, 04:44 PM
heres a few pics of the cloudyness. enjoy.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0194.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0192.jpg
flash...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0193.jpg
siwelk
03/09/2008, 04:45 PM
clearing up nicely...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0195.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0197.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0198.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0200.jpg
siwelk
03/09/2008, 04:45 PM
a few pics of the seed rock i got from my LFS
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0206.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0207.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0208.jpg
doubt this little shroom guy will make it
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0209.jpg
siwelk
03/09/2008, 04:52 PM
Cycling update
params
temp: 80F
salinity: 1.022
PH: 8.0
amm: .25
nitrite: .25
nitrate: 0
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0210.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0211.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0212.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0213.jpg
i added the marco rock on 2/25, and the 3lbs of seed live rock on 2/29. i need to bring my salinity up but im currently having a small leaking issue with the JACO fitting for my ATO. im also probably going to need to replace my K3s with a pair of K2s due to the crazy amount of flow im getting. they create so much water movement that its shoving water over my internal overflow and making a slight splashing sound. id really like to wait and get a pair of the new koralia 2s and the hydor wavemaker. if they are available soon, i will have two K3s on the market. any takers?
Edit: also added an additional 3lbs seed rock today.
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:09 PM
Cycling shots, mostly for me...since everyone thinks i suck at reefing and doesnt want to be my friend.
seed rock
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0215.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0218.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0216.jpg
FTS
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0217.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0214.jpg
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:10 PM
i am proud to announce that due to maxium surface movement, i am seeing shimmer lines from the T5s.
score!
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:11 PM
UPDATE
I added 10lb additional seed rock on 3/16. I also began supplementing the cycle with Prodibio BIO CLEAN (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~SearchStr~~action~view~idProduct~PD02415~idCategory~FIADAOMB~category~Prodibio_BIO_CLEAN _for_Saltwater___6_Vials_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Additives_All_In_One_Multiple_Bottles~vendor~.h tml).
heres a few pics of the new seed rock and aquascape. im not sure im feelin the new larger piece in the upper right corner. im thinking about breaking it into 2-3 smaller pieces. what do you guys think?
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0220.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0222.jpg
FTS
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0219.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0223.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0221.jpg
Edit: i know the glass is dirty. im waiting on my nimble super magnet to arrive so i can get a good cleaning.
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:12 PM
water params as of yesterday
temp: 80F
salinity: 1.025
PH: 8.0
amm: .0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 5-10
i also fired up the 9002 yesterday to see if i can get nitrates down to 0. so far im really impressed with the Tunzes performance. i had it dialed in very quickly and its already produced a good amount of nasty skimmate. ill post some pics after its ran for 24 hours.
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:13 PM
had a busy weekend so i didnt get to snap any pics of the 9002 until today. this is after 72hrs of skimming.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0227.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0228.jpg
this is my first skimmer but im pretty sure ive got it dialed in. i expect it to be more effective once its out of its "break-in" period.
my nimble super that arrived friday. AMAZING piece of equipment. if you dont have one, get one.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0226.jpg
looks like this little shroom will live on to fight another day, hes beginning to look healtier every day.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0229.jpg
FTS w/ actinics only & flash on
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0225.jpg
melanotaenia
04/04/2008, 02:13 PM
looking good so far
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:13 PM
Cycling FTS
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0243.jpg
the nimble super is righteous.
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:14 PM
i want...
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Di....cfm?pCatId=355 (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=355)
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:15 PM
i know i know, you dont make impulse purchases right? well...so i paid for a yashia goby/tiger pistol pair at my LFS last week. the yashia was the last of five gobies they got in about 6 weeks ago. they had also just gotten a few tiger pistols in their last order. so i made my deposit and expected to return in 2-3 weeks to pick them up. well i went in today to get my CUC and they were wanting to redo the aquascape of the tank that the yashia was in and since they had to net him once already, if i would take the yashia today theyd throw in some mysis. well i know that in reefing FREE = GOOD so i figured what the hell. my levels are in check and things have been running smoothly, the pistol would help keep the sandbed clean. these are the things i make up in my head when trying to justify my dumb decisions.
ANYWAYS, im a n00b so what.
the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, so yeah. i did it.
heres a vid of my new tiger pistol shrimp Dozer, making his new home in my tank.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/th_DSCN0244.jpg (http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/?action=view¤t=DSCN0244.flv)
Edit: yeah i know its shaky.
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:16 PM
looks like mr. miyagi finally came out
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/th_DSCN0245.jpg (http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/?action=view¤t=DSCN0245.flv)
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:17 PM
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0250.jpg
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:18 PM
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0263.jpg
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:19 PM
well my yashia decided to carpet surf during the night.
:(
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:20 PM
well the day started of sh!tty due to the loss of my yashia goby to carpet surfing earlier this morning. so now im working on an eggcrate or net top to cover my tank before i add another fish. the good news is i got my black curtains back today and i got a chance to put them up. i havent got them exactly fit yet, but heres a few teaser pics of my "Reef Theatre."
Enjoy.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0271.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0272.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0274.jpg
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x111/siwelk/DSCN0273.jpg
i plan to add this sign in the space above the curtains for authenticity :)
http://cgi.ebay.com/NOW-SHOWING-MARQUIS-BA...1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/NOW-SHOWING-MARQUIS-BANNER-MOVIE-POSTER-FRAME-DISPLAY_W0QQitemZ320233729662QQihZ011QQcategoryZ2321QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:21 PM
Anyone have any suggestions on how to make a cover for my tank? I was thinking maybe just acrylic but I'm worried about heat issues. I have some eggcrate left over I may try that.
well i went to my LFS today to get some RO. they actually had another yashia hangin around but i resisted the urge to buy him. ive got to come up with some sort of top first. im also thinking of going with a stonogobiops dracula this time around.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemD...&ddid=35553 (http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+3&ddid=35553)
i did pick up a frag of 2 polyps of dragon eye zoas for $8. ill try to post a pic soon.
melanotaenia
04/04/2008, 02:26 PM
the eggcrate is good to use because it will not cause as much of a heat issue.
The dracula gobies are awesome, but pricey; I would probably wait until your tank has established more before adding those gobies to your tank; they are also jumpers, and that would be one expensive piece of jerky on the floor!
siwelk
04/04/2008, 02:38 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12255322#post12255322 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melanotaenia
the eggcrate is good to use because it will not cause as much of a heat issue.
The dracula gobies are awesome, but pricey; I would probably wait until your tank has established more before adding those gobies to your tank; they are also jumpers, and that would be one expensive piece of jerky on the floor!
i was thinking eggcrate too, i was just unsure of its effectivness given the holes are larger than small gobies.
youre right, ill probably wait a little while before adding another fish. especially ones that are prone to suicide. :mad:
racksteris
04/04/2008, 02:56 PM
Sorry to hear about your yashia goby, My tank is also open and I have lost A Pacific Blue Tang & Ocellaris Clownfish. I was able to save one of my Anthias and my Fire Goby twice. I was thinking of covering the top with plexiglass. Do you think its a good idea to use plexiglass?
siwelk
04/04/2008, 03:04 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12255568#post12255568 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by racksteris
Sorry to hear about your yashia goby, My tank is also open and I have lost A Pacific Blue Tang & Ocellaris Clownfish. I was able to save one of my Anthias and my Fire Goby twice. I was thinking of covering the top with plexiglass. Do you think its a good idea to use plexiglass?
thanks.
the only concerns i have about that are heat and gas exchange. id like to use something a little better than eggcrate though.
melanotaenia
04/04/2008, 04:04 PM
if you have T5 or PC plexi may be OK, but with halides, it will trap light and cause tremendous heating issues
siwelk
04/04/2008, 04:12 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12256086#post12256086 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melanotaenia
if you have T5 or PC plexi may be OK, but with halides, it will trap light and cause tremendous heating issues
i might try to get some plexi cut to size and see if that raises my temp. any.
nbku3vm
04/04/2008, 04:12 PM
First off, The tank is coming along AWESOME!!! I have a 20high and I used plexi for a lid. I'm only using PC that are about 6 inches from the water surface so the heat is not a real issue. I took a large drill bit and drilled tons of holes all over the top.
siwelk
04/04/2008, 04:17 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12256145#post12256145 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nbku3vm
First off, The tank is coming along AWESOME!!! I have a 20high and I used plexi for a lid. I'm only using PC that are about 6 inches from the water surface so the heat is not a real issue. I took a large drill bit and drilled tons of holes all over the top.
thanks. thats cool, i was thinking about drilling holes too. i might head to Lowe's tomorrow and get some plexi. what thickness did you use? 1/8th?
yaitisme
04/29/2008, 10:13 AM
Very nice setup. I too am looking at up-sizing from a 10 gallon nano to a 30 gallon drilled tank.
I may have missed this, but what size holes/bulkheads did you use?
What was your hole spacing (from each other and the side of the tank?
The close spacing concerns me, as I have a bad habit of bumping things. I may use a second piece of glass, siliconed to the bottom, to reinforce this area.
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