Streetjudge's 170 gallon build thread..sneak peek

[streetjudge79]

170 gallon, dimensions are 60x22x30. It's nearly finished being built. The back will be painted brilliant blue to match the prefilter cover box. The cabinet and canopy are nearly done,hopefully will have photos next week. The sump is a 40 gallon breeder with a g2 series skimmer and a refugium. I'll have the big vortech pump on there for circulation. Lighting will be 3 x 250 watt MH with 2 96 watt actinics. Here's a few sneak peeks with the proud papa.
Rick Ruiz from Aquariumart in Miami is doing the entire build.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/stevesnewtank.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/stevesnewtank4.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/stevesnewtank2.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/stevesnewtank3.jpg

[streetjudge79]

Ok guys, update time. Rick arrived yesterday with my baby. Here's some shots of it being set up.
The rock I had from BRS. Used most of this as the foundation.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium15.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium14.jpg


The Live Rock from Rick
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium12.jpg
The Canopy having the lighting installed, 3 250 watt MH 15k bulbs and 2- 96 watt PC actinics. The exhaust fan was placed on top of the canopy so it cannot be seen. There is also an exhaust fan being placed at the back of the stand to draw out more unwanted heat since I'm not using a chiller.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium11.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium10.jpg
40 gallon breeder for the sump with the G2 Protein skimmer,25 watt UV going in, Titanium heater with separate remote control for it.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium9.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium8.jpg
The return
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium7.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium6.jpg

[streetjudge79]

The master at work!
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium16.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium3.jpg

The finished aquascape, tons of ledges,caves,etc.. Rick did an amazing job with this.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium2.jpg
The finished product.It has 2 returns and a vortech so the flow should be great. The vortech battery backup was also installed yesterday under the cabinet. I have a water line running from my kitchen where the R.O. was installed, around the bottom of my baseboards and into the sump for the ATO. No more manual top offs!! I'll post more photos soon of it being filled and the halides on. My wife thinks I'm nuts for staying up most of last night staring at an empty tank..lol.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium1.jpg

[brians4671]

far cry from a 37g. loving the woodwork. safe to say you will be attending the next frag swap huh. ive been in that store a couple times and Rick seems like a standup kinda guy.

[streetjudge79]

Rick's the best. One of the most honest guys I've met.

[Husky_1]

Very nice...What do you plan on keeping in the tank? SPS/LPS?

[streetjudge79]

Mixed reef. Little bit of everything . And as far as fish, I plan on mostly tangs,a moorish idol or 2 and a red sea Regal angel.

[drpo21]

beatiful tank and stand!

hmm, i wonder if the g2 will be enough for your size tank. I have a g2 on my 112 and honestly, I hate it, it just doesn't perform the way i want it to. I looking into getting an octo/msx extreme. you'll notice the underpower of the sedra 3500 pump. but other than that, very nice. Love'n the rock work, your fish will have a blast swimming in there.

[ReefWreak]

Very nice setup for sure! I can't wait to see this thing full!

Only suggestion is 1. as mentioned before, the skimmer will be a bit undersized, especially with a bioload you mentioned you want to keep above. 2. would be those bioballs in the sump. I know they quiet the water down and aerate the water, but they'll collect crap from the display when the water pours down, and they'll act as nitrate factories because they're opened to so much oxygenated water. I would remove the ones in front and the ones in back as well, before you have to start dealing with high nitrates.

Otherwise this is definitely coming up to be a fantastic setup. ATO, vortech, lots of light... Should be exciting :)

[gasman059]

Well buddy its up congrats!

[streetjudge79]

Some more pics with the lights on...also the plumbing was completed today. Only thing left to do is install the ATO pump and a few small things.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium18.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium19.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium20.jpg

[streetjudge79]

The plumbing,vortech backup battery,Heater controller,vortech controller,etc. Nice and neat!

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium21.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium22.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium23.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium24.jpg

[streetjudge79]

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium17.jpg

[Reefbox]

Nice setup. I really like the aquascaping.

Is the aquascaping siliconed together or held together by anything? Could you get some close ups of the rockwork?

Thanks

[streetjudge79]

Nothing is holding them together, but it is VERY secure. Rick really knows what he's doing to avoid collapses.He tests the rocks before final placement to see if they will move. I'll shoot more pics of it Sunday for you. Right now the rock is all covered with wet newspaper until it's filled up.

[MR PALM BEACH]

Looking good and excellent job on the aquascaping. One thing to think about and IMO I would trade the bio balls and filter floss In for 2 large filter socks. The one thing that really comes to mind Is Its not going to trap alot of misc garbage coming down, and next I could see the excess garbage overflowing back into the skimmer chamber leading you to be constantly cleaning out the skimmer pump and It may not be able to run at Its best. Just somthing to give thought to, anyways looks like your ready to fill her up, well good luck with the build, going to tag along.

[rocknreef]

streetjudge79


I hope you are not just relying on that check valve to keep your sump from overflowing in a power outage.

Did you add some siphon break holes in your main return?

I had a check valve on my old system without any siphon break holes and it failed only to have water overflow my sump.


Just a heads up

Scott


Oh BTW your tank looks great

Looking forward to more pics once it is stocked

[jejton]

Really nice work but I would caution plumbing your RO directly into the sump, even with a float valve. If the valve fails you can dilute your water and flood your floor before catching it.

[streetjudge79]

Well, I have no other option regarding plumbing the RO into the sump and Rick has 17 years experience doing this for a living so I trust his expertise.What would you suggest? I have no room for a top off tank anywhere, this was my only option. As far as the check valve, the sump is big enough to where it won't overflow. The return nozzles will be placed close to the top of the water line so not much will drain down into the sump. It's a 40 gallon sump so there is plenty of room in there. It might fill up 3/4 of the way and that's it, so not really a concern there.

[PaulieWalnuts]

looks verrrrryyyy niiiiiiceeee....only think is i would not use the bio balls...hear lots of bad things about them....maybe some rubble or something...but love the set up and the lights look cool how they are facing out...and the vortech is nice...you have me thinking of putting mine on the back wall.

[streetjudge79]

I'm probably sticking with the bio balls, I've never had an issue with them over the years with other tanks. I keep on top of the filter floss cleaning, every few days. So I won't let it build up gunk.
Rubble does exactly the same thing as bioballs so exchanging them is not making any difference. Rock Rubble also catches detritis and such.

[streetjudge79]

Hey does anyone here have experience with the vortech battery backups? I can't find the instructions and there is two ports, one for 12 volt and one for 24 volt... Anyone know about that?

[chernandez88]

Nice pics. Did you get to see me 375G that was next to yours :). Thats my big boy to bad it doesn't fit in my house and I have to sell it. Oh well. Rick did my rockwell and it came out great. Guys is pretty cool and confident on what he does. I had my tank for 6 months full of corals and not one rock moves from where he placed them.

[illal]

looks very good... loving the rock work but i have to agree with what was already mention on the skimmer being undersized and the bio balls being a bad idea

[streetjudge79]

Well, we'll just see how the skimmer handles it. I can always change it out later if need be.

[Surferlopez]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13741963#post13741963 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rocknreef
streetjudge79


I hope you are not just relying on that check valve to keep your sump from overflowing in a power outage.

Did you add some siphon break holes in your main return?

I had a check valve on my old system without any siphon break holes and it failed only to have water overflow my sump.


Just a heads up

Scott


Oh BTW your tank looks great

Looking forward to more pics once it is stocked


http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium22.jpg



I hope this isn't one of the Lowe's or Home Depot Check Valves, those tend to use a metal spring instead of a rubber flapper...the metal spring can eventually corrode and not only leach out metal into the aquarium water but also makes the check valve fail a lot faster....
just a heads up...

Danny

[PaulieWalnuts]

great looking again but i noticed you do not have a union on you pumps...a ballvalve but what will you do if you need to clean them or something....again it looks nice and clean though.

[streetjudge79]

Rick suggested not to use a Union, they just take up uneccessary space and it's just another thing to worry about leaking.He's doing all the monthly maintenance on it for me so if there is a problem , he will take care of it. I brought up all these points and he assured me there will be no problems.

[AquamanE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13742333#post13742333 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by streetjudge79
Hey does anyone here have experience with the vortech battery backups? I can't find the instructions and there is two ports, one for 12 volt and one for 24 volt... Anyone know about that?

The battery backup should have three ports. if you look on the front of the battery pack it is labelled. 2 say power out, 1 says power in. The power in goes to the AC adapter, the power out goes to your propeller pump driver. The battery pack can supply 2 pumps hence the 2 power outs.

[streetjudge79]

Ok thanks, I got it running but now it only flashes green and works at the minimum speed. I can't get it to go into the different modes. UGHHH! Nothing can ever be easy, can it?
As far as the check valve, it definitely is NOT the one with the metal spring, this one is the right one.

[AquamanE]

It will only be in green, and 1/2 speed when its on battery power. Eco has a very inmormative forum here on reef centrasl in the vendor section. They provide QA thru that forum and are very quick to respond, but they also have all manuals and instructions right there.

As far as check valves, i boufght the clear one WITH the union valves and it still is not a complete seal, it only slows it down when the pump is off so dont swaet it.

[AquamanE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13739564#post13739564 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by streetjudge79
The plumbing,vortech backup battery,Heater controller,vortech controller,etc. Nice and neat!

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium21.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium22.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium23.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium24.jpg

What is that black thing tee'd from your pump, heat comtroller? what is that for??

[WHITETIP]

Very nice rock setup

[streetjudge79]

That's the UV sterilizer.

[streetjudge79]

Well it's up and running, starting the cycle.. using Green Chromis and a pair of tank raised Perculas.. I also found a use for some of my excess Xenia from my smaller tank, going to do an experiment and see if this stuff survives a cycle. I also took down the Vortech, sending it back to ecotech for repairs, I learned a valuable lesson, always buy NEW! Don't go cheap like me and buy used equipment from someone you don't know.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium1.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium2.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium4.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium5.jpg

[streetjudge79]

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium6.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium7.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium8.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium9.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium10.jpg

[streetjudge79]

And my Refugium.. already has some copapods. Any suggestions on what else can go in there? This is my first time ever doing a fuge.


http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/newaquarium11.jpg

[PaulieWalnuts]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13755441#post13755441 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by streetjudge79
Rick suggested not to use a Union, they just take up uneccessary space and it's just another thing to worry about leaking.He's doing all the monthly maintenance on it for me so if there is a problem , he will take care of it. I brought up all these points and he assured me there will be no problems.

of cool well good deal then i have to do it lol so i use them thats all can't wait to see more!

[gasman059]

Well good job. As far as the float valve just change it every 6 months or so and u should be ok. I've used that system many times w/o issues but yes there's that possibility of the above mentioned problem 4 SURE.

As far as the union valves for me they are a must but then again I do all of my maintenance so its important for me to exchange pumps and so forth w/o major issues.

.

[Elan L.]

may i ask where you bought the chromis? I want to get some this weekend

[streetjudge79]

Some came from Rick , some came from Fish Collection on 163rd st.
Manny, Rick's on top of this tank more than me, lol... I'm sure he will handle any hitches that might come up.

[A.T.T.R]

IM WORRIED about that center light.

a lil to close to the wood brace for my taste...

also id go with a better reflector anyways. but i guess you couldent fit it

[streetjudge79]

? What wood brace? Not sure what you are talking about. The fuge? It's just a PC light with a glass top. Nothing to worry about.
If you are talking about the halides up top, there is no wood brace and the reflectors are more than fine, there is SO much light in this tank.

[Surferlopez]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13775742#post13775742 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by streetjudge79
? What wood brace? Not sure what you are talking about. The fuge? It's just a PC light with a glass top. Nothing to worry about.
If you are talking about the halides up top, there is no wood brace and the reflectors are more than fine, there is SO much light in this tank.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13775203#post13775203 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by A.T.T.R
IM WORRIED about that center light.

a lil to close to the wood brace for my taste...

also id go with a better reflector anyways. but i guess you couldent fit it

I think he is referring to this picture in your photobucket...

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium11.jpg

looks like that wood brace is way too close for comfort to that center mh bulb...

also, center halide over center glass brace...careful that the brace doesnt get too hot from the bulb and water splashes up on it...if glass is not tempered, it might shatter...

center glass brace
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium7.jpg

halide over glass brace
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/aquarium8.jpg

[streetjudge79]

Not sure what the problem is with the center wood brace? The bulb is several inches away from it. In the photo it looks closer I guess. This guy's been buiding canopys this way for 17 years, he never had a problem doing it that way. As far as the glass brace, it does warm up a little but it's 1/2 inch glass. It shouldn't shatter.

[A.T.T.R]

sorry i thought you were using bigger bulbs
its hard to judge size in pictures.
the reflectors looked like the type that baraly made it to the end of the bulb but that isnt the case ( didnt see the photo of the bulbs in place)

as for the glass brace. i doubt it would shatter but the thickness of it would have almost nothing to do with that

also about the reflectors
why go with more light just to make up for a sub par reflector?
just think if you went with somthing better you could use the same bulb but get massive part in the tank


and btw who is "this guy" plenty of people have been in this hobby for 20+ years but are still extreamly wrong about most things.


anyways to sum up
now that i see the bulbs in place. no worrys of fire
also the bulbs appear to be far enough away from the glass not to cause probloms

[A.T.T.R]

oh btw
i would keep the day light cycle to a minimum and run a large amount of GFO just so you can bypass teh initial algae phase that is a PITA

[edandsandy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13738271#post13738271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefWreak
Very nice setup for sure! I can't wait to see this thing full!

Only suggestion is 1. as mentioned before, the skimmer will be a bit undersized, especially with a bioload you mentioned you want to keep above. 2. would be those bioballs in the sump. I know they quiet the water down and aerate the water, but they'll collect crap from the display when the water pours down, and they'll act as nitrate factories because they're opened to so much oxygenated water. I would remove the ones in front and the ones in back as well, before you have to start dealing with high nitrates.

Otherwise this is definitely coming up to be a fantastic setup. ATO, vortech, lots of light... Should be exciting :)

I agree, take the bio-balls out and use socks.

[streetjudge79]

Well, everyone has different opinions on how things should be done. It's hard to know who is right, so I guess I'll learn by trial and error until I figure things out . I only keep the halides on about 6 hours a day and the actinics about 8 hours.
Forgive my ignorance but what is "GFO"?

[gasman059]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13779400#post13779400 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by streetjudge79
Well, everyone has different opinions on how things should be done. It's hard to know who is right, so I guess I'll learn by trial and error until I figure things out . I only keep the halides on about 6 hours a day and the actinics about 8 hours.
Forgive my ignorance but what is "GFO"?
Judge theres no issues with them lights trust me. And take things with a grain of salt since everybody is an "expert" LOL

GFO- granular ferric oxide = rowaphos etc..

The fact that u are using spider reflectors means nothing since we've used them in this hobby longer that half of the people that comment about them have been alive. Yes there's way better reflectors but the application in that tank will not allow them for space issues.

There's absolutely no problem with them lights and the reflectors they fit the bill for that particular tank.
The glass THERE'S NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!


Yes there's tons of ways to setup and aquarium but for the purpose and place IMHO its been done right.

As time goes by u will realize that perhaps u could have done this and that different , but them again I'm on my lets see uuum 10-12 tank and still would have change some things.

I think I finally did a tank with 90% of what i wanted. So don't sweat it and enjoy your tank.
;)

[AquamanE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13779835#post13779835 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gasman059
Judge theres no issues with them lights trust me. And take things with a grain of salt since everybody is an "expert" LOL

GFO- granular ferric oxide = rowaphos etc..

The fact that u are using spider reflectors means nothing since we've used them in this hobby longer that half of the people that comment about them have been alive. Yes there's way better reflectors but the application in that tank will not allow them for space issues.

There's absolutely no problem with them lights and the reflectors they fit the bill for that particular tank.
The glass THERE'S NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!


Yes there's tons of ways to setup and aquarium but for the purpose and place IMHO its been done right.

As time goes by u will realize that perhaps u could have done this and that different , but them again I'm on my lets see uuum 10-12 tank and still would have change some things.

I think I finally did a tank with 90% of what i wanted. So don't sweat it and enjoy your tank.
;)

I agree with Manny- There is many ways to set up a reef. You could sit here and listen to a thousand opinions. If it works for you then its the BEST method. If u read the so called experts, Moe, Sprung, Calfo, Borneman, Fenner, in the old days Thiel, and Goeman,they all have/had there ways..... If it works for you Wonderful!!!

Nice tank, nice set up you have there. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!:p :p

BTW- If you every stop me out on the road...im the little short guy in the maroon BMW. :lol:

[streetjudge79]

LOL.... I'll keep my eye out for short guys in Maroon Bmw's then..

[streetjudge79]

Update pics... the tank cycled fairly quick so I started transferring the corals and a few fish from my 29 gallon BC. I also added two really nice clarkii clowns, about 3-4 inches in length.


http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/nt8.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/nt7.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/nt6.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm204/streetjudge79/nt5.jpg

[AquamanE]

very nice. Congrats.

[chernandez88]

Congrats...Looks awesome.

[sean_954]

Looking good........coming along well !

[xXReefXx]

nice rock set-up!!