"Rimless" 24x24x20 Reef Build

[cashman95]

Well I finally got my tank in one piece!!!! So I guess its time to get this build started!!!!

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=tank002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/tank002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

A few other goodies!!!!!<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=MSX160p.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/MSX160p.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=Picture005.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/Picture005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=Picture002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/Picture002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Tang Salad]

Very Nice!!

[cashman95]

I have been working on some sump ideas and I think this is the one I will build?!?!?! I wanted to create a sump that would fit all my needs as the tank matured. The refugium for pod growth NOT ALGEA SCRUBBING and the DSB for nitrate control. What do you guys think? Its not set in stone yet!

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=sump.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/sump.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=Picture004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/Picture004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=Picture003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/Picture003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

I bought some wood this weekend, so my stand will be an upcoming project. I will be having my sump out in the garage, and the tank on the other side of the wall which is the living room. So for the stand, I wanted something kinda like the Solana cube stand and since all filtration will be out in the garage, space is not an issue. My house is being built right now and I had them insulate the garage for me to help with temperature control.

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=stand.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/stand.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[chrismunn]

subscribed. looking forward to following along!

[cashman95]

This is my house as of two weeks ago. I am hoping to be moving in within 9 weeks!!!! I am jones'n for a reef tank!!!!!!! <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=house066.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/house066.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

I think my wife must of overheard me telling the guys how much I was spending on this tank setup

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=ChristmasinFebruaryandEasteregghunt.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/ChristmasinFebruaryandEasteregghunt.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

So I told her I would buy her a house!!!!

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=ChristmasinFebruaryandEastereggh-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/ChristmasinFebruaryandEastereggh-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

OK enough with all the humor!!!! I will post pictures once I start on the Stand.

[Moosetache]

Okay, this leads me to ask the following question:

Is there a quick explanation as to the requirements to build your own acrylic tank like you have (assuming it is acrylic)....type of silicon or glues required, and how did you get the tank drilled.

thanks

[Electrobes]

AHA I found your build, very nice! And you're making fun of me fearing my wife! (Any man would fear "the look" from his wife! :P

I Love your tank, very nice indeed! Can't wait to see the build :)

Moose: Run a search (If the reef central Gods will let you) there are a million DIY ones around, and also use Google as there is plenty of info there too. If you are confused about anything I'll try to explain it though my's english ain't so good ;)

[spleify]

I like that tank.

[soyadrink]

Great tank! do you have any more info on it? ex. what your plans in the future for it are?
Careful with the vortechs and acrylic. I know that my friend has to get another tank because the vortechs he used for his 1000g(which was made of 1" or even thicker acrylic) cracked the acrylic because it over-heated a little and over time cracks started to form.

I just wanted to let you know.

[skey44]

Lookin good Cash,

Man it took a while to get that tank in one piece. It looks great!
Really liking the equipment choices can't wait to see the house, and tank in action!

Scott

[cashman95]

Moosetache.....I did not build this tank. I had it built by Aquatic Systems Design. Scott did an awesome job on it. He polished the edges so that it has the soilid piece look, almost as if he carved out the middle. You really cant see the seams. To answer your question, yes there are certain glues and process for making items out of acrylic and you better know what your doing or you can screw up an expensive piece of acrylic!

[cashman95]

Electrobes......I share your fear of the wife as well!!!! I was just giving you heck!!!!!


Thanks Skey!!!!

[cdan]

Tang salad love your quote

[dew9000]

Any updates?

[maroun.c]

Looking nice.
I'm really interested in your sump desing, how will you run the flow from one compartiment to the other? will you have different flow rates between teh skimmer part, live rock part and DSB part? Why not go for a very deep DSB in the dsb Section as I remember there was a fuss about connecting buckets of full of sand with water flowing on the upper 2-3 inches only?
I went with a more conventional sump but I can still modify it if yo ucan explain the advantage of having a live rock refugium and s DSB refugium. One last question why not have the LR ref and the DSB part in the same section making it bigger this way, you could always elevate the rocks from teh sand to have flow, this way you'll increase your DSB surface. There is a thread going on now about the importance of refugiums maybe check it out before you finalize your sump design to decide on the size of the refug part.
I will be adding pics of my sump design and connections in my build thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1368220
so check it out in a few days.

[Jpergamo]

Tank is awsome looking with no rims! good luck.

[ConcreteReefer]

Nice setup so far..

[cashman95]

Yes I have updates...as I have built the stand this past week, and need to take pictures of it. I still have to sand and stain the stand, but I think so far it has turned out great.

I will get pictures up asap.

[cashman95]

Marounn.c

Thanks for responding in my tank build. You asked some questions about my sump, and I would like to try and answer them as best I can. I recently purchased a book that I have been kinda using as a guide for this build. Most books I have read in the past are out of date with the new concepts in this hobby. I bought the "Book of Coral Propagation" second edition by Anthony Calfo. This book is very new and Anthony Calfo is a well known aquarist that seems to be very successful with his tanks. With that said, I design the sump around his concepts. He likes DSB's, but only when run after a skimmer and in as high a water flow as possible in turns not allowing ANY detrius to settle! So I built a baffle that is after the skimmer and a LIVE ROCK refugium, hoping that any settlement would be "got" by the skimmer or at least settled in the refugium(so i can suck it out) and not in the DSB. Anthony also states that its not the surface area of a DSB that does all the denitrification, butt more so in depth of the DSB. He says that after 4-6 inches is where all this takes place. That is my reason for the 8" DSB. The narrowness of my dsb baffle and shallowness of the water will hopefully create a river effect and help keep the DSB clean.

I have never really liked Algea Refugiums due to their possible negative effects that could happen. Releasing of toxins, green water, chance of going sexual, and last but not least you have to have a very large refugium in order for an algea refugium to be benificial. Again, this is all in Antony's book, and not something I made up. I am however incorparating a Live Rock Refugium for its critter populations and more rock for filtration in my overall system.

The flow of the sump will dump into the skimmer area flow into the Live rock refugium over the DSB and into the return section. I have since modified this sump plan to not have filter socks. I think they hurt skimmer performance.

I hope I aswered any question you might have and please feel free to comment.

[cashman95]

I have been working on the stand at a friends house. I still need to make the door, and should get some time to work on it this week.

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank039.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank039.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank040.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank040.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank038.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[pgammon]

Nice stand!!

[cashman95]

Thanks pgammon, It was really easy to build! Now I got to stain it...thats the hard part!

[agoutihead]

What made you go with 20" instead of 24" in height?

What exact model of light do you have?

Can you post some pics?

How much did the tank itself cost you to have built?

[cashman95]

agoutihead, I went with the 20" tall 1. because I dont like a real cube look. To symetrical for me, where as the 24x24x20 is more pleasing to the eye, at least to me.

2. I decided to go with a 150 watt HQI instead of the 250 watt version. This way I can still keep SPS and not worry about them getting enough light form a 24" tank. To me a 45 gallon tank is going to be hard enough to keep cool, and a 250watt halide would just make that more of a challange. So I tried to plan ahead from the beginning and take ALL factors into consideration.

3. Hopefully by using the 150 watt halide I can keep the powerbill to a minimum and still get all the light a 20" tank needs!


I have the Giesemann Infiniti 24" 150 watt halide with 4 T-5 HO lamps. It came with a Marine bulb and 4 Actinic+ bulbs. I have only fired it up to make sure it works, so I dont know if I will like the bulb combo yet.

I dont have any pictures of the light. I packed it up in storage when I moved and never got a chance to take pictures other than of the box. My avatar is what it looks like though!

The tank cost me 280.00 and around 100.00 to get it shipped. My builder used mostly scrap from bigger tank builds to build mine, that way it would cost a lot less. I had to wait until he had enough scrap(fall off) to finish my tank, but I was in no hurry to get it. HE did and AWESOME job....BTW

[agoutihead]

Are there any moon lights on that light?

What is the thickness on the acylic do you know?

It does look good and im pretty impressed by your work on that stand too!

I want to have a stand like the solarna as well, but i need to fit a small fuge underneath.

What size drain do you have and how many returns? (i assume the returns come back up through the overflow?)

[cashman95]

I think I am going to go with this color stain. I like how it is dark, with a small hint of red. I think it will look good.

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank041.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank041.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

I have taken out the filter socks in this sump design and expanded the return section. I read where filter socks hurt the efficency of your skimmer, so I would rather have the extra room anyway.

What are your thought?<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

I have started staining the cabinet!

Now I need to start planning a cabinet that will hold the sump and all other components. This cabinet will be in the garage, and I am debating wether to make it a workbench style or a tall cabinet for everything tank related(RO/DI, Top Off and Water Change Tank..etc)

Would it be easier to maintain tank temp with a large cabinet or a small one out in the garage? I am going to insulate the cabinet with foam, and my sump will have an open top. The garage is insulated as well, but I have a feeling the garage will not be as temp friendly as the house.

[spleify]

I dig that stand man!! I like the simplicity of it. That color stain is gonna look sweet. I wish that color would go in our house, as I would have done mine that color too.
I can't wait to see this thing come together.
I like the idea of a workbench style, you can never have to much work top area.

Spleify

[cashman95]

spleify....Thanks!!!!!!

[cashman95]

I finally moved into my new house and after a week of putting up blinds, putting down hardwoodfloors, and many trips to Lowes...I got my tank in to the living room!http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank007.jpg

[Overland04]

What a beautiful setup. It seems like your the type thats going to keep this really nice and neat. I cant wait to see your progress!

BTW where is the sump going to fit? From your dimensions it doesn't look like its going to fit under the stand.

[cham]

Great looking tank!!!

You and I are building very similar set ups.

Here is mine http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1414891


I should have my stand by this weekend.

[cashman95]

After putting down over 800 sq ft of hardwoods, this tank build should be a walk in the park! I still have to paint my down stairs, which will happen this weekend, then I can start the build!

I cant wait to get back on this build!http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank010.jpg

[cashman95]

Dont forget.....my sump will be on the other side of the wall which is the climate controlled garage!!!!!(well kinda..I had the builder insulate my garage, and I am going to have a small fan blowing from behind the stand into the garage cabinet that holds my sump. The fan will be on a controller and I think I might double wall my cabinet with a small amout of insulation or foam between the panels to help slow down temp differences) Today my garage only got up to 79.5 degress so thats not to bad in my opinion. I still have to build a cabinet in the garage and a sump from acrylic, but I have all items needed, so its just time that will be the issue!

[adtravels]

Nice project, apart from the vortech, which you may find a little loud (I do), what other circulation do you plan?
Also I would omit he sump dsb and a sandbed in tank if you plan it so you can get the most out of the vortech, I have now removed all sand from my system and have a fuge with cheato, teh sand has been nothing but a pita.

[cashman95]

Thanks adtravels, but sand is a must for me. I really beleive in a DSB if you do it right! I have sold my vortech, due to the fact it was to loud for me, and bought two tunze nano's. I will mod them and get the flow rate on up there. Besides the two nano's, which after modded put out about 1000 gph each I will be using a panworld 40 pump, so not to much more than 2500 gph. which if I do my math correctly should be around 60x.

[cham]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12861496#post12861496 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cashman95
Thanks adtravels, but sand is a must for me. I really beleive in a DSB if you do it right! I have sold my vortech, due to the fact it was to loud for me, and bought two tunze nano's. I will mod them and get the flow rate on up there. Besides the two nano's, which after modded put out about 1000 gph each I will be using a panworld 40 pump, so not to much more than 2500 gph. which if I do my math correctly should be around 60x.

Thats about right. The people at my LFS think I'm crazy but I want 2400 gph in my tank.

I opted to go with a Reeflo Snapper instead of powerheads but I LOVE the idea of that much flow in my tank.

My old tank was a 110g with 5500gph.

[cashman95]

I love my fixture!!!!!!

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank005.jpg

[cashman95]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank001.jpg

This one gives you a perspective of the tanks size.
24x24x20

[cham]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12861567#post12861567 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cashman95
I love my fixture!!!!!!

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank005.jpg

Wow, that fixture is top notch!!!!

I'm jealous

[cashman95]

Thanks Cham, I cant wait to see the fixture suspened over my tank! I am curious to see how the bulb combo will look as well.

[mr294]

The stand came out beautifully, nicely done!

[cashman95]

Thanks mr294.....I ended up painting it with Behr exterior paint. The stain did not turn out so well, and my wife had to approve of the finish before it could come in! I chose a DARK Brown, almost black color. The color turned out really nice in my opinion!

Thanks Again

[GSMguy]

are you worried the fixture will melt the acrylic?

[Tang Salad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12861567#post12861567 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cashman95
I love my fixture!!!!!!

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank005.jpg
Nice! You're going to love it. :cool:
Here's mine:
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/3456/p3060004bkv4.jpg

I've been playing with bulb combinations for the last few months. My current favorite is 2 Pure Actinic in the front and 2 Actinic+ in the back, so they're switched seperately, and I switched the Marine MH (250W) out for a Coral. All those are the Giesemann names for the bulbs.

To further extoll the Infinity's virtues...I've been planning to change how it's hung. I want to make the wires go to pulleys on the ceiling and then over and down to a counterweight. Then I could raise and lower it smoothly with one hand and it would stay at any height. Ya follow that? :lol:

Anyway, you have a sweet setup there. Now get 'er filled! :bum:

[Shawn D]

thats gorgeous will be an awesome tank for sure

[agoutihead]

Tang Salad - Do you have any ideas on materials or designs for this pulley/counter weight system?

i'd assume it would be fairly easy to hook up.

[Tang Salad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12871743#post12871743 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by agoutihead
Tang Salad - Do you have any ideas on materials or designs for this pulley/counter weight system?

I'm still looking for good pulleys to do this. I want pulleys that mount flush to a flat surface, and not the kind that are meant to be hung. So far, all the local HD/Lowes have is the hanging kind. But I'm open to ideas...

[ojafri]

Have you completed your sump build out ? A picture will help as I am myself trying to build a new sump.

[cashman95]

CSM Guy,
WHAT?


Tang salad,
I Follow ya! How much brigher is the marine over the coral bulb? What about color?

Shawn D,
Thanks Man!

ojafri,
I have not started my sump. The acrylic is at a friends house, and getting it to my house is going to be a task! I asked him to bring it over, but we'll just have to see how long that is going to take!!!!! We both went in together and bought two sheets of it. He is not in to tanks anymore, so....If I had a truck I would go and get it myself!

[cashman95]

Alright guys, I need some help. FIRST OFF-I will have shallow sand bed in the display, no if's and's or but's! I just like the looks of it!

My corals will consist of Mainly SPS on the top of the rock, with some LPS(very little) and a few patches of zoa's. Thats the plan.....

With that said I need some help planning a sump setup.

Should I have a refugium?

If a refugium, then should it have a DSB?

What about Live rock in the refugium?

How big should my refugium be?

I would like to keep a mandarin and some other critter eating fish, so I know the impotance of a refugium, but do I need macro algea, or just a refuge zone? I dont plan on having very many fish since my tank is only about 45 gallons.

Again my main focus is SPS, as it seems to create the most challange, in turn keeping me intrested in this hobby!

I just want to do it right the first time, and since my sump and all equipment will be in the garage, space is not really an issue.

[Shawn D]

With that small of a tank and wanting a mandarin you will definitely need a refugium, I would do small rock rubble and then cheato and not do a DSB unless you run into nitrate problems later on. I would do as big of a fuge as possible since you cant have too many pods.

[cham]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12879918#post12879918 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cashman95
Alright guys, I need some help. FIRST OFF-I will have shallow sand bed in the display, no if's and's or but's! I just like the looks of it!

My corals will consist of Mainly SPS on the top of the rock, with some LPS(very little) and a few patches of zoa's. Thats the plan.....

With that said I need some help planning a sump setup.

Should I have a refugium?

If a refugium, then should it have a DSB?

What about Live rock in the refugium?

How big should my refugium be?

I would like to keep a mandarin and some other critter eating fish, so I know the impotance of a refugium, but do I need macro algea, or just a refuge zone? I dont plan on having very many fish since my tank is only about 45 gallons.

Again my main focus is SPS, as it seems to create the most challange, in turn keeping me intrested in this hobby!

I just want to do it right the first time, and since my sump and all equipment will be in the garage, space is not really an issue.

Thats exactly what I'm doing.

Mostly SPS in my 40g cube with maybe a couple LPS or something.
I'm doing a remote fuge with DSB and cheato.

[cham]

Alright cashman.

Are we long lost twins??!?!?!

We are building almost identical custom tanks and I see now that our birthdays are 3 days apart. I was born Sept 22 1977.


MY LONG LOST BROTHER!!!!!!!!


Respect your elder

[cashman95]

Elder maybe, but not as good looking!!!!


cham, are you putting the DSB and cheato in the same tank?

I have seen so many great SPS tanks without fuge's...thats why I ask?!?!? It seems like if you try to keep the fish load low, have a good skimmer, and do frequent water changes...a fuge is just more of a hassle than a help....(having to clean the cheato, hoping that the DSB doesnt accumulate detritus, etc.) The only good thing that I can see that one might get from a fuge under these circumstances is pod population.

What is everyone else's thoughts on that?

[cham]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12881920#post12881920 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cashman95
Elder maybe, but not as good looking!!!!


cham, are you putting the DSB and cheato in the same tank?

I have seen so many great SPS tanks without fuge's...thats why I ask?!?!? It seems like if you try to keep the fish load low, have a good skimmer, and do frequent water changes...a fuge is just more of a hassle than a help....(having to clean the cheato, hoping that the DSB doesnt accumulate detritus, etc.) The only good thing that I can see that one might get from a fuge under these circumstances is pod population.

What is everyone else's thoughts on that?

My fuge is secondary filtration. My rock and massive skimmer are on the front lines. I'm going to occasionally trim my cheato and thats it. If it accumulates a bunch of detritus thats fine by me.

Yes, my cheato and DSB will be in the tank under my stand. I've had a bit much to drink tonight so I won't be plumbing it but you'll see some plumbing pics soon.

[[17]shawn[17]]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12861605#post12861605 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cashman95
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank001.jpg

This one gives you a perspective of the tanks size.
24x24x20

nice tank and light have you thought about hanging it ?

[cashman95]

Yes I will be hanging it, but probably not from the ceiling. I am going to come up with some sort of pole that is bent over the tank, and painted rustic bronze to match my home decore. I would like to use a 3/4" pipe so I can run the electrical wire thru it. I plan on mounting the pole to the back of the tank stand....Thats the plan!

[Tang Salad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12875055#post12875055 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cashman95

Tang salad,
I Follow ya! How much brigher is the marine over the coral bulb? What about color?

To tell the truth, these 2 bulbs are pretty darn similar. The Marine is only slightly brighter, but this comes at a cost of leaning more towards yellow-white than blue-white. The Coral is extremely white, with just tinges of blue. You can compare the spectrographs on G'mann's website. ;)

As for the refugium question, I think you should skip it. Don't get me wrong, I've used and loved them in the past on larger tanks, but for a smaller SPS system like we both have, there are better/easier options, like GFO or even a probiotic system.

I've been using the Polyp Labs system since I started this tank in March. It's basically a carbon-dosing system, with additional bacterial supplements and AAs. Think of it as simplified Zeovit, on par with Prodibio. These are great for non-refugium systems, and particularly for coloring up SPS. And very economical to run on small tanks.

FWIW I'm an extremely skeptical person by nature, and always thought these probiotic products stunk a little of snake oil. Having used PL for a few months now, I'm totally convinced it works.

And more pictures please! I'm looking forward to see how you hang the light. :)

[cashman95]

Tang Salad, thanks for the input. I think I will build my sump without a refugium, and since my sump cabinet can be up to 8 feet long and 30" deep, I can always add a refugium later. That will probably depend on my inhabitants. I really want to do a SPS dominant tank, and after reading many books(Book of Coral Propagation, Reef Inverts, and others by Anthony Calfo) I cant see the reason for needing one on a SPS low fish bioload system.

The cons seem to out way the pro's on this system. Please understand this is just my opinion and I dont want to start an argument.

[cashman95]

DAMN...how long has that Spell Check button been there? I suck at spelking. The fact that my computer is on the floor doesn't help my typing any either. We still have a lot of furniture to buy!

Alright ....My wife and I painted the downstairs yesterday, so I can finally be excused to get some fish tank work done!!!!!!
If only I had the acrylic here with me!

[cashman95]

This is my freshly painted living room and my cabinet in the garage layout. The cabinet in the garage will also serve as a work bench having a counter top as a surface. OHH I could even put in a sink...HHHmmmm

Hey, gotta wash out that skimmer cup right?


Everyone is going to have to be patient though cause this build will go slow. I have to juggle being a dad, husband, and a blue collar worker (and Im not just talking around the house)!

I think I will start plumbing my tank thru the wall next. That way I can see where my sump will need to be placed.

Then I will start my cabinet in the garage......

Stay tuned!<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank028.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank026.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cham]

Looking great man!

I love that new MSX Skimmer. I was three seconds away from placing my preorder for the 200 before I got my hands on my Deltec.

Did you get the 200?

[cashman95]

Cham,

I have the MSX 160. I feel sure that the 160 will handle a 40 ish gallon bioload...dont you? I had a octopus 150 on my 75 gallon and it seemed to do a good job......this MSX is supposed to be twice the skimmer as my old octopus 150. When I first started this tank build, I was planning on having the sump under the tank inside the stand, so the MSX 160 seemed like a wise space conscious choice. If it doesn't do what I need it to, I will upgrade. We will just have to find out?!?!??!?!

[cham]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12889484#post12889484 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cashman95
Cham,

I have the MSX 160. I feel sure that the 160 will handle a 40 ish gallon bioload...dont you? I had a octopus 150 on my 75 gallon and it seemed to do a good job......this MSX is supposed to be twice the skimmer as my old octopus 150. When I first started this tank build, I was planning on having the sump under the tank inside the stand, so the MSX 160 seemed like a wise space conscious choice. If it doesn't do what I need it to, I will upgrade. We will just have to find out?!?!??!?!

No I totally agree. It will be plenty enough skimmer. I was going to order the 160 till I saw the 200 was only $40 more. I have plenty of room and for $40 it would have been a cheap upgrade.


Your tank is looking great!

[cham]

Oh, and I just put my live rock in my tank :P

[Xavier613]

Looks like its going to be an exceptional tank! perhaps future NOTM?!

[reefkoi]

Nice looking build so far, somebody asked the thickness of the acrylic but I didn't see where you mentioned that?
I kinda did something similiar hanging my light above my 10 gallon rimless: http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/reefkoi/nanolight-1.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/reefkoi/gc7.jpg

It's a hollowed out piece of aluminum with the cord passing through it to the backside of the wall, it could be done in your case, you'd just have to fish the wires down the backside of the wall then out a junction box or drilled switchplate.
Maybe it will give you some ideas

Sorry the pics dont show detail, but theres a small 1/2" tube on the backside holding it up and keeping the wires invisible.

[cashman95]

Cham, saw the rock!!!!! Very Very Jealous!

Xavier613, I would love to have ntom one day!!!!!!!

reefkoi, I like what you did with the light fixture, and I didnt think about having a box in the wall with the wires run into it and then out into the garage....HHHmmmmmmm......Thanks

[cashman95]

I had a little time this week to build my sump. Here are some pictures.

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank034.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank034.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

Here it is!!!!<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank035.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank035.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

Maybe I should explain it.......The intake has 2 bulkheads coming from the tank's overflow. This chamber will also house the MSX160 skimmer. The slots in this chamber keep a constant water level of 10". This skimmer chamber overflows into the bublle trap area and then to the return chamber. There is also a small Refugium in the front of this sump. It has a water volume of 8 gallons. This refugium chamber overflows into the bubble trap area and then on to the return section. The return pump will supply my refugium at a very slow rate.

Alright next will be the cabinet in the garage!!!!!

[ServantSoldier]

How does the water get to the fuge section? Great job on a clean build!

[cashman95]

The return pump will supply my refugium at a very slow rate via a 3/4" bulkhead that I havent picked up yet.

Thanks

[CKreef]

Well I am bulding a similar tank. 24X24X24 MSX 160 skimmer. What size is your sump? I built a 20x20x16 to fit under my stand

[cashman95]

The sump is 30x16x15". The sump was really easy to build. My router made me look good though!

[cashman95]

Well my good friend had to take down his frag system, so I had to get all my rock and ETC out of his way. Oh and I got all his frags!!!!! WHOOO HOOO

[cashman95]

I have all my Live rock in this Brute Can and all the frags on plugs on top. Threw together a sump and hung my light over the can.

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank039-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank039-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

The flash washed out most of the color....but you get the idea.


<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank049.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank049.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


He had a temp spike(in the 90's) and we lost some of the SPS and others turned brown, but most of the smaller frags where not harmed. Unfortunatly my friend was already on the verge of getting out of the hobby, and this sealed the deal! His loss my gain!

[cashman95]

Well at least I have pics, Right?<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=lights002-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/lights002-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Moonstream]

thats a lot of frags! LOL. I cant wait to see this tank all setup! it looks like its going to be awsome!

[gypsyboy38]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12889859#post12889859 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefkoi
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b46/reefkoi/gc7.jpg



I don't want to derail your thread, but this tank was awesome! I love yours too cashman, you just need to float it on the wall:cool:

[cashman95]

Ya I think mine might end up being a bit heavy for the floating thing........

[cashman95]

The past couple of days I had some time to install the bulkheads, plumb the tank out into the garage, bring home a cabinet, and get it set in place. I am going to leak test my sump tonight, and install it in my cabinet if it checks out!!!!! It shouldn't take to long to plumb the hoses to the sump and make up a return manifold.


Some pics of the progress! If I can get all this done by this weekend.....We might just have a tank running?!?!?!?!?<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank052.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank054.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

Got the sump in, Panworld pump installed, Drains plumbed!!!!

I have to finish the return plumbing manifold, make a trip for sand, salt, and a pex pipe adapter for my DI unit then hopefully I can finally start filling the tank up!!!!!!

A progress picture.....<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank056.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[vetdog]

looking great! Thinking about a cube myself

[skey44]

still looking like a great build. can't wait to see all those frags get colored up!

[cashman95]

Alright guys....The tank is flowing!!!!!

I have sand, water, and pumps turned on!!!!

I will post pics later!!

My Blueline pump is HOT.....is that normal for these pumps?

[cashman95]

Sorry for the fuzzy shots, the batteries in my camera are dead and the flash doesnt like to work when they are that low!

Its ALIVE...Its ALLLIVE!!!!!!!!!

Finally after months of planning and building, I have plugged in the pumps and we have have flow! I have much more to do, but at least this tank can start to get some age on it! I will be putting in some live rock this week, and then maybe my one and only fish that has also been waiting on me to set this tank up!!!! My Four Line Wrasse is probably tired of swimming around in a Brute trash can with NO windows to look out of!!!

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank062.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank062.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank060.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank060.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[skey44]

very nicely done. external pumps put off more heat on the dry side than submersibles, but it should not be burning hot.

[cashman95]

Thanks Scott...Guess you will start seeing me now that I am back in the game!

[cham]

Like the transparent fish!

[cashman95]

Cham...they are very expensive.....probably due to the "hard to catch" factor!

[skey44]

i'm pretty sure cash is holding out on showing us some new goodies he got. other than those invisible fish ~!

[crvz]

Great looking setup... are you worried at all about temperature control with the sump in the garage? You may have mentioned something about that, but I didnt catch it if so.

[cashman95]

skey44, well maybe a few goodies.....

crvz, I am going to see how much temp fluctuation I get, then yes I may invest in a chiller. I had my gargae insulated when they built the house, but that wont help as much when I start parking in the garage. I am just going to play it by ear!

[cashman95]

Here are the updates!!!!


Look Ma...No Wires!!!

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank069.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank069.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank070.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank070.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

Ok lets see how I did that......

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank072.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank072.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank073.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank073.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

I cant wait for them to start coloring up!

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[cashman95]

I took my Geisemann fixture apart and installed a couple of moonlight led's. Had the moonlight wires routed with the fixture wires...out of site, out of mind!

[agoutihead]

that looks unreal.

Your tank inspired me alot, I had a stand built exactly like yours, but put a piece of frosted glass in and some different hardware.

Ill post pics later

But for now I am using just a 26 bow until I can afford the cube, I'm going with the same dimensions also. I'd prefer 24" high, but apparently the 1" acrylic I plan on getting will even bow if I dont put a euro brace, and im kinda going for an open top, but still may consider it.

I have a 24" 250W coralife unit with pcs and moon lights.

I really like the fixture you have, but it doesnt have moon lights, and well, I have to have all three stages.

But wow do I like the new setup you did. Its the best way to deal with the wires I suppose.

What did you do just cut them down and put the original plugs on, or a new plug?

[cashman95]

Thanks agoutihead,

My fixture does have moonlights...now..... and yes I did cut down the T-5 power wire and reattach it, but the HQI has a plug on it that can be taken apart and then put back together.

As for the 24" high, I dont think you can really even tell its 20" instead. BUT a Rimless tank comes with its downfalls! 1ST being that fish can AND WILL jump out!!!! Lost my 4 line wrasse already! 2ND you have to go thicker and thicker on the acrylic, the bigger the tank.

Thanks Again!

[agoutihead]

How did you add moon lights to it?

yeah wrasses will jump. :)

I've got a pretty air tight fish list for non jumpers.

Yeah I am going to go with 1" acrylic regardless because it just looks unreal.

[cashman95]

I just opened up the fixture, drilled two holes, and siliconed two blue led's into it.....Looks like it is factory built.

1" acrylic huh.....

[scaryperson27]

Your tank looks great! where did you get the light from

[cashman95]

I think I ordered the light from marinedepot. Its the Infiniti by Giesemann

[agoutihead]

hmm. what did you do then drill a hole out for the wire to plug in?

How much was that light?

yeah 1"... i found someone who can build me a 1" tank for basically about the same price as say 1/2, so I might as well do it. :)

[cashman95]

I used one of the wire outs that came with the fixture, just ran it beside the power wire for the t-5's.

The fixture was about 850.00 and worth every penny!

I personally dont like thick window panes. I would rather have thin glass so that it looks as if there is no glass wall at all...just water in the shape of a cube... and as for as that perfect cube(24x24x24)... I dont think you will like it as much when you add water. See the water makes the tank look shallow from front to back, and when you add a height that is identical to the depth(which looks less than 24" with water) you get a TALL looking tank that is not cubish at all......does that make since. With a height that is couple inches less than the depth, it will look like a cube after water is added. Just my two cents!

Oh and 1" acrylic corners(where they piece the front to the side) are going to look HUGE!

[skey44]

looking really clean! can't wait to see some color come back, and some coral grow in. sweet build, now just to exercise some patience. what kinda fish you thinking about putting in it? sucks about the wrasse

[cashman95]

well I want a mated pair of yashi gobies with a pistol shrimp, and a black cap basslet,...so far! I really dont want to many "big" fish, just more on the rare'r side.....Have you guys got an order of fish in yet?

[agoutihead]

I see what you mean about the height, I am going to have a 4" or so back chamber also... so that is going to affect things.

I dont have any fish in my tank yet, its just had water in it for a week.

But I have done and tried every fish out there and realize if the fish is bigger than your pinky, it should be in a 6-8 foot tank to be as healthy as possible.

Just my opinion.

So for my fish list anything less than your pinky would be...

I'm going for as super community as possible too...

Royal Gramma
Percula
Black Percula
Neon goby
green clown goby
yellow clown goby
court jesters goby
perhaps a yellow watchman and a gold neon
Mandarine goby

I think that is about it.

All of these fish are smaller than your pinky, USUAULLY not known to be jumpers, all super community, cheap and easy to care for.

They arent rare, but all have great color.

[skey44]

tuesday. i do have a black cap basslet right now. i love the yahia's

[JOSHUAB]

Sweet!!!

[cashman95]

Starting to get some good color!!!!! and Growth!!!!!

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=IMG_2771.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_2771.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[JRF]

Hey, very nice tank!!

[IridescentLily]

Your work for getting the cord out of the way sooo paid off.
It's perfect looking.
Thanks, because of you I will have it no other way now when I do commence to putting together a reef tank. :)

[cashman95]

Thanks for the compliments....BTW the Giesemann Infiniti light fixture is up for sale in the Buy/Sale forum!!!!

[ron69]

Nice! Mind if I ask why the light change?

[cashman95]

Wanted to see if I could get better growth with 400 watts!

[Coyle]

Cashman, really nice looking setup. If you don't mind my asking, what is the name of the color that you painted the stand? Thanks :)

[cashman95]

Its a Ralph Lauren paint color, I just had Home Depot color match it to Exterior Enamel. As for the actual color....I really cant remember.

Brian

[Coyle]

I am doing a rimless cube too :). Thanks, that helps, I am looking to paint the stand a similar shade.

[edwar050]

Beautiful rimless and love the idea with the paint color, looks like wood and is pretty hard to tell the difference. What size acrylic did they use for the build? Ironically I am looking at the same dimensions and wanted to go with starphire but you swayed me onto acrylic due to the ease of expandability and modification 'and cheaper cost than a 4 sided starphire tank'.

[Coyle]

Cashman, one more question, how thick is the acrylic on your tank?

[cashman95]

edwar050, THANKS!!!!!!

The acrylic Colye is 3/4" thick. It had to be that thick in order to be rimless.

If I had to do it again, I would DEFINITELY go glass!!!!! Starfire for sure!!!!!!! The acrylic is just too thick in my opinion, but the worst thing is it scratches easy, and cleaning the class can be a challenge in order to be careful enough not to scratch it.

Just imagine every other day cleaning the glass by hand.........
Magnetic floating algae cleaners are horrible on acrylic!!!!!!! So I have been cutting up clean wash cloths into 8 pieces and using it to clean the glass. SUCKS!!!!!!

Hope I persuaded you into rethinking glass.

The BEST thing about acrylic is the clarity. NO COLOR DISTORTION!!!! I think Starfire would be good enough for me though, especially being easier to clean!

[Coyle]

Cashman, do you have any bowing issues?

[cashman95]

Not that I have noticed????!!!!

Well I just looked and yes...ever so slight bow......scary!!!!

I wonder how much bow it can take?

[cashman95]

Enjoy.......http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3007.jpg

[Coyle]

Cash, looks good. I hope you don't have any issues with the 3/4", but thats why I asked. I was told there would be "micro"-bowing if 3/4" was used.

If you had it to do again, would you go with the same height? I am trying to decide between doing around 20" or dropping down to 14-16" to really get that "look down" view

[cashman95]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_2985.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_2986.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_2991.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_2992.jpg

[cashman95]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_2999.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3000.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3004.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3009.jpg

[cashman95]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_2987.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_2989.jpg

[cashman95]

Just had to post a pic of my Girl and me!!!!


http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_2980.jpg

[cashman95]

I just added another 4 line Wrasse, so I am going to be making a net for the top. I dont want him to jump out!

[DML08]

sweet build.. very clean and great planing!..

[cashman95]

Thanks.....Now its just a waiting game. Hopefully with 400 watts it wont take to long to grow out!

[Wind]

Tagging.. Hows that flam angel treating u.

[CamBarr]

wow amazing post some pics in the modern reef aquarium thread
: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1472817

Hows the flame doing??? nipping at anything?

[cashman95]

Thanks All

No nipping from the flame....I have had him for about two months now....so far so good!

[skey44]

looks great!

I think some form of carbon, bac, aa, and food dosing could go a long way in your tank, but it looks awesome already!

[spleify]

Looking Great!!

Keep up the good work.

Spleify

[cashman95]

Thanks again!!!!

[cashman95]

Picture with new Radium bulb!<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=IMG_3082.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3082.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[spsfreak]

Lookin good man.

[plyle02]

Beautiful setup, your corals look sweet!

[cashman95]

Thanks!!!! I cant beleive how fast the corals are coloring up from a bulb change!

[chem-e]

Sweet tank Cashman. Do you think the lights change made that much of a difference? I was really interested in getting an Infiniti fixture too, so that's why I'm curious.

[cashman95]

The infiniti 150 watt HQI was just not enough light in my opinion! Even with it being a 10k and 4 t-5's. A 250 watt version would probably be ok with the right bulb choice!

I love the 400 watt setup, and would not ever do anything less...just my opinion! Growth and color...best of both worlds with no supplemental lighting required!

[cet98]

hey cashman95, did you ever sell the 150W Infiniti? PLMK

[cashman95]

These corals are really coloring up under the Radium 20k!

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/ps12.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/ps11.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/ps9.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/ps8-1.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/ps2.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/ps1.jpg

[skey44]

the radium bulb seems to be doing the trick.

[cham]

Great looking colors!!!

[cashman95]

I am really happy with the bulb ballast combo!
Radium 20k 400w Lumatek ballast

[ricefootball]

How has your sump in the garage gone? I'm doing the same thing in Austin Tx. Probably similar climate. I'm curious about your experience. I do have a chiller I will hook up so summer shouldn't be a problem so much. Kinda worried about the nights like tonight when it's 35 degrees outside.

[cashman95]

You shouldnt have a problem especially if you have a chiller. I am going to buy one before the summer gets here as well. Now that I have a 400 watt MH, the temp might try and climb on a HOT day.
The only problem I have had with heat issues is after pulling my car in the garage after an outing. That combined with a hot day has led to high temps around 85 degrees(in the garage) until the car cools off......?

I insulated my garage when I had the house built, so that helps keep the temp stable, hardly ever gets below 65 degrees on cold nights. I also cover the sump cabinet with a blanket to keep the heaters from running all night on a cold evening.

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=IMG_3253.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3253.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=IMG_3256.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3256.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=IMG_3258.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3258.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[ricefootball]

thanks! You have a nice setup in the garage. Since you seem to be willing to share your experience, is there any way you could break down the major parts of your setup with photo's and describe how you have it set up? Your RO/DI system for example. How's it hooked up to your water supply, and what does it feed?

Sorry if I'm asking for to much. I'm a "step by step" visual guy. :)

Thanks

[cashman95]

The general basis for this thread is to explain how and why I did what I did. Go back and read the entire thread if you want a break down.

To answer your question about the RO/DI system: Its not an RO, its only a DI. I dont need an RO system because the water coming out of my tap is already around 20 ppm TDS. Thats very low, so the DI is all I need. Since the TDS is very low my DI doesnt exhaust very quickly, hence not needing the RO to clean it before the DI.

I use the DI water to make all my top off water, and water changes. A 7 gallon blue jug is connected to a float valve for all my top off water. Usually I have to refill it once a week, and if the float valve were to get stuck open, its only a couple of gallons added slowly via gravity feed, so a hyposalinity occasion wont take place.

Hope this helps!

[ricefootball]

It does help, thanks. I have read the entire thread actually and may have forgotten some stuff. That's a lot of reading.

So I take it that your DI water isn't automatically hooked up to the tank. I'm wondering how to get the water into the garage in the first place, my closest connection is on the wall outside the garage. So, was just thinking about how you had it hooked into your water supply, if you had it connected automatically to your sump etc. Looks like you feed the blue jug.

What did you learn about putting the sump in the garage in terms of the hookups. Would you run your hoses differently (angles to keep from bending it, tricks etc) , your electrical differently?

You've done a great job on the thread. It's exactly what i'd like to do, and I'm just thinking about details and trying to learn from your mistakes.

[ricefootball]

It does help, thanks. I have read the entire thread actually and may have forgotten some stuff. That's a lot of reading.

So I take it that your DI water isn't automatically hooked up to the tank. I'm wondering how to get the water into the garage in the first place, my closest connection is on the wall outside the garage. So, was just thinking about how you had it hooked into your water supply, if you had it connected automatically to your sump etc. Looks like you feed the blue jug.

What did you learn about putting the sump in the garage in terms of the hookups. Would you run your hoses differently (angles to keep from bending it, tricks etc) , your electrical differently?

You've done a great job on the thread. It's exactly what i'd like to do, and I'm just thinking about details and trying to learn from your mistakes.

[cashman95]

The only thing that I wish I would have done from the beggining is two have had 2 seperate circuts coming from the breaker box instead of one. That way if one was to trip the GFI breaker for any false reason, I could have a heater on another circut. The good thing is that my tanks tunze are on a seperate circut(inside the house)so if I did loose power for some GFI reason, the tunze still circulate the tank.

Maybe incorporate a water/salt mixing tank inside the stand.....for quick water changes......all hoses seem to flexing nicely......

[cashman95]

I recently installed my dosing pumps to automate my 2 Part System. They are controlled by my ReefKeeper2. Both dosing pumps dose around 1.3 ml a minute, so I have my Reefkeeper setup to turn on twice a day for 15 minutes each. 40 ml a day of ESV 2 part!

This is one of the more exciting features I have put on my tank! I love automation!

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=IMG_3266.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3266.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[ricefootball]

that is sweet!

[cashman95]

Thanks, I had to talk myself into spending the money, but I am glad I did!

[GoblinFish]

Where did you buy those dosing pumps from?
Since i am real lazy when it comes to maintenance my next tank will be as automated as possible!

[cashman95]

Bulk Reef Supply "Drew's Dosing Pumps"

[DML08]

how long does small bottle of 2 part last you?

[cashman95]

A small bottle of two part probably last about 2 weeks. I am only using the small bottle as a temporary container. I ordered some 1 gal clear containers from Bulk Reef Supply, they currently hold my two part.

I have a lot of SPS and the 400 watt Radium keeps them growing at a speedy rate, sucking up the 2 part.

Oh and I buy ESV by the gallon jugs! Cheaper that way!

[cashman95]

These are the jugs I ordered:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/images/thin-jug-A.gif

[DML08]

Nice!... I really dig ya sump man.. kinda curious on how water flows trough it though... I have to redo my sump and your layout gave me some good ideas!... Way to go!...

[InsaneClownFish]

Your setup is really "smart." This is very similar to my old acrylic cube. Yours is coming along beautifully- continued success. The Radium shots are just stunning.

[ricefootball]

Couple of more specifics. How did you arrange getting everything through your garage wall? What would you do differently there if you could? I'm trying to think about how to make it neat, how to insulate it well so you don't have air flow back and forth.

Next question is which "on off" switches do you have with the tank, vs. with the sump. It looks like all your on/off's are out with the sump. I'm wondering if some would be better off by the tank itself.

Thanks!

[cashman95]

Ricefootball,

There are only five items that pass through the garage wall:

3-1" hoses for the two drains and 1 return.
1-wire from the ballast to the LumenBright fixture inside holding
the 400watt halide.
1-wire for the ReefKeeper2 which is mounted on the inside wall
of the house next to the tank.

90% of all electrical components(Heaters/Fans/Doser/Lights/etc)are connected to the reefkeeper which is inside and out(as seen in pictures). Only two things are connected to the switch box(skimmer/return pump). The two nano 6025's are connected to an electrical receptecal behind my tank stand.(they are on there own circut.

I have no problems with anything I have done thus far!!!!! I have been doing tanks for over 10 years and took a great amount of time to plan this system out. Obviously some things you cant predict and must make changes or upgrades as you go.

Hope this helps.

[cashman95]

InsaneClownFish....thanks for the comments!!!!! Your original tank inspired this one......thanks again!

[cashman95]

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=FishTank035-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/FishTank035-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


DML08,
This is a poor representation of how my sump flows.

1. Water from the tank enters the sump here.
2. Skimmer is located in this area. Same area as
where raw tank water enters. Has a constant water
height of 9" giving my skimmer more stability.
3.Water then passes through the teeth and into the bubble
trap area where I usually have some carbon floating
in a bag.
4.This area is the return area,where I have my Panworld
return pump bulkheaded into the side of the tank. This area
also has a float valve for all my top off water.
5.This is a bulkhead(not shown) for my refugium area. The water
is supplied via my panworld pump with a ball valve for flow
control.
6. This is my 10gallon refugium area that overflows thru the teeth
and back into the bubble trap area in to the return area and
back to the tank.

I hope this explains it better.
Thanks for the great comments!
Brian

[cashman95]

Sanded and Painted to meet Wife's Spec's!

<a href="http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/?action=view&current=IMG_3268.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/75galreef/IMG_3268.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[scuba namena]

looks great

[DML08]

Nice man.. gotta keep the wife happy!... your sump is very clean and well thought out!... do you T off your overflow drain to get water to ya fuge?...

[cashman95]

DML08, No I T off my return pump to supply my fuge. I wanted as clean of water as I could get....

[cashman95]

Thanks again for the comments!!!

[Kigs]

Wow, the tank looks fantastic! I think you should paint the electrical outlet yellow as well to camouflage it more.

[cashman95]

Kigs, I am in the process of making a hanging canopy so that I can fit the Lumenbright reflector and 2 VHO actinics in it. I will probably be patching the wall outlet and/or relocating it, but I will keep the idea of painting it in mind! Thanks for the heads up!!

[Moondog123]

sweet tank cashman

[Moondog123]

nice sump

[ricefootball]

cash, I don't recall seeing a response to the question about describing your drain system. It was a term that I'm not familiar with but you said you had to do it to make you wife happy and create a totally silent drain system from the main tank. Thanks much!

[ricefootball]

I just remembered it was "gate valve" which you said was really silent. I've ordered my tank but need to figure out the drain system. Since my tank is the same size as yours I'd much rather learn from the master! :)

Thanks

[cashman95]

ricefootball, try this link. This is the exact way I did mine. I thought it seemed a bit dangerous at first, but that was about 3 years ago and a couple tanks back.....has work perfect everytime!

Dont be afraid.......just do it!!!!!LOL


http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=344892&highlight=silent+drain

BTW, I used 1" pvc and a 1-1/4" gate valve(not a ball valve-to hard to fine tune). I think I got the gate valve from BulkReefSupply.

[cashman95]

Moondog123, !!!!!!!!!THANKS!!!!!!!!!

I will try and get some pics up soon......I promise!

I have been slowly raising my ALK from a average reading of 6.7 dkh to about 9dkh over the course of two weeks! I am noticing an improvment in SPS colors!!!! Darker/Richer eye candy!!!!! I basically just added more time to my dosing pump for part A and maybe a little bit of reefbuilder for the boost!!! The SPS is really growing out nicely and in turn DRINKING two part like its top off water!!!! A calcium reactor could be in my future......

anyone intrested in almost brand new dosing pumps!?!?!?!??!

[Moondog123]

do you like you reefkeeper i was thinking about getting one?

[cashman95]

Yes, the ReefKeeper has been a NICE addition! It gives you a bit more peace of mind, with the temp controller,PH controller and ability to shut off your light if the tank reaches to high of a temp!

I would recommend it for sure!

[ricefootball]

OK Cashman, upon your request I've started a build thread, that may take me a year to complete! I did this just so you'll know all those questions weren't just because I had nothing else to do. :)

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1567759

[ricefootball]

cash,

Getting into the nitty gritty of piecing this thing together. With our "gate valve approach", is there any problem if you buy a primary system pump that is bigger than your sysem needs? So you'd have to constrain the pump down somewhat?

I know this sytem actually constrains the drain, but what if the pump is say 1200 gph after all head loss and you only wanted 900 gph of flow?

[ricefootball]

cash,

in setting up the electrical, question for you. If you're putting together the plugs in your system, which pieces would you put on GFCI and which pieces would you put on a constant line plug? I'm trying to figure out that, and also which items to plug into the profilux 6 plug unit so that they can be controlled by the computer.

Any thoughts you have would really be appreciated. I'm trying to do something here I've never done and I know I'm going to miss something obvious.

Max

[cashman95]

Max, My whole tank is on GFI circuits, but only items that come in contact with water would really benefit from a GFI.(pumps, heaters,etc) Lights could be used on a seperate circuit as unless they fell in the tank, you really dont get any protection on them.

[ricefootball]

do you turn off your main pump when you feed? If so, what happens to your water? Are you able to keep it from filling the sump?

[cashman95]

no I do not turn off my MAIN pump, only my Tunze powerheads when I feed. I decided from the beginning that a small return pump would not only do the job of returning the water from the sump at a slow rate, but would also allow me to keep it running during feeding.....

A slow return pump (5x hour) is all I beleive you need for a reef tank. Let your powerheads, closed loop handle all your flow. Besides, a skimmer only circulates a small amount of water at a time, so a huge return pump would just be sending more unskimmed water back to the display.......wasteful if you ask me!

Everyone has an opinion though.......

[bebereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14611911#post14611911 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cashman95
no I do not turn off my MAIN pump, only my Tunze powerheads when I feed. I decided from the beginning that a small return pump would not only do the job of returning the water from the sump at a slow rate, but would also allow me to keep it running during feeding.....

A slow return pump (5x hour) is all I beleive you need for a reef tank. Let your powerheads, closed loop handle all your flow. Besides, a skimmer only circulates a small amount of water at a time, so a huge return pump would just be sending more unskimmed water back to the display.......wasteful if you ask me!

Everyone has an opinion though.......



This is how i do it too!:cool:

[mixer911]

Cashman95 A slow return pump (5x hour) is all I beleive you need for a reef tank. Let your powerheads, closed loop handle all your flow. Besides, a skimmer only circulates a small amount of water at a time, so a huge return pump would just be sending more unskimmed water back to the display.......wasteful if you ask me!

Agreed! now with the advent of powerheads and vortech devices, we do not need lots of flow rushing through the sump... just more micro bubbles created, and as you said, skimmer is more efficient.

[upsetter]

Great job cashman!!! Anymore updates? Still like the bulb ballast combo? Ever build the hanging canopy?

[skey44]

Hey Brian,

Thanks for the reply on the "other" forum. I can't wait to see your newest iteration of this tank. Those frags you traded to OF sold like hotcakes... whenever you start having frags of the new stuff or the old be sure to hit me up. I am opening the store on May 1 (i already have some handpicked lps, and sps I have been collecting over the past couple of years that I am going to be fragging and selling!) Let's see a current pic!

Cheers,
Scott