120g in-wall build thread

[JDL]

Hello,

Am semi new and hope to make it to some future meetings. Have had a 90g setup for the past 1.5 years. Am now upgrading to a 120g in wall setup.

First, I built a stand:
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/stand1.jpg

finished stand
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/stand3.jpg

amazingly it is level
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/level.jpg


This is the room the tank will go in
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/room1.jpg

removed the carpet and am placing vinyl flooring
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/floor2.jpg

Curse you Home Depot, it is 8:50 and you close at 9:00 and I need one more box of vinyl
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/floor.jpg


I purchased a Reefkeeper lite controller
50g rubbermaid stock tank for my sump
will be using nova extrem pro lighting

any skimmer suggestions?

feel free to give criticism/suggestions

[trippkid]

Looking good so far. I know that sucks when you need something and the store is closed. Hope to see you sometime at our get togethers. I can't really call them meetings, we just normally talk about our tanks and problems and whatever else comes up. As far as skimmers go, the list is endless. What type of price range are you looking at? Personally I would look at the Warner Marine, MSX, or possibly the Vertex skimmers(definitely a little cheaper than the other two). Again that would just be my personal preference, I plan to upgrade to the WM K-2 skimmer, hopefully sometime in the near future, my second choice would be the MSX 250. Currently using a modified ASM G4-X, it is modded to be a re-circ style with two needle wheel pumps, one feeding and one mixing. I think I may try mesh modding the impellers to get some more air draw. Sorry, I tend to ramble. Hope to see you at the meetings, we'll keep them going as long as people are interested, it is nice to hang out from time to time and trade stories. The next one is Sat April 4th in York if you are interested. Have a good weekend, and I hope you can finish your flooring tomorrow. I just about have my bathroom remodeling finished, tiling this week.
Matt

[Jandree22]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14606294#post14606294 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trippkid
Hope to see you sometime at our get togethers.
x2. The more the merrier :D

That stand looks like it could hold up a Hummer or two, nice work!

[NCNBilly]

The stand looks almost identical to what I built, and yeah you can probably park a car on them. :)

[JDL]

the floor is finished
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/floor3.jpg

and molding
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/floor4.jpg

next i plan to skin the tank, have the wood already cut but the gf wants me somewhere so skinning will have to wait.

The msx 200 looks like i might have to buy it. Or maybe an Octopus DNW-200 Needlewheel Recirculating. Will keep searching used vs. new.

This in-wall setup is going to be about 10-11 inches from the viewing wall. Will need some type of molding/ledge for this.

hopefully by the end of this weekend i can have the tank skinned, possibly painted (not sure if i want to yet), and hole area either cut or drawn.

Thanks for all input.

[JDL]

2 sides of the stand skinned, not planning on skinning the other side
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/skin1.jpg

baserock
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/baserock.jpg

inside of the wall where a hole will be cut
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/insidewall.jpg

the viewing wall
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/outsidewall.jpg

the extra wide gap i have to do something to so the view will be nice
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/inout.jpg

another level check after skinning
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/level2.jpg

[CBehr]

Looking good! +1 vote for the MXS skimmers. Got a 250 a month or so back and it destroys my modded ASM G3

[JDL]

havent cut the hole in the wall yet. Last night i built the sump platform and installed a DJ power strip on the stand. I also mounted my DA Reefkeeper Lite modules on a piece of plywood. They will eventually go on the left side of the stand where it isnt skinned. Would you put them on the inside facing the sump or the outside facing the wall? The modules are the PC4 powerstrips. The head unit will go on the left leg of the stand.

pics when i get home from work

[JDL]

installed the powerstrip
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/dj.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/dj2.jpg

sump platform
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/sump.jpg


reefkeeper mounted to plywood. will go on left side of stand
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/reefkeeper.jpg

[JDL]

cords are a little messy on the reefkeeper picture but they will be clean/organized once it is moved to the new tank.

[trippkid]

Looks great so far, and compared to my jumble of wires, that is not bad at all.
Matt

[reeftard73]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14624268#post14624268 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trippkid
Looks great so far, and compared to my jumble of wires, that is not bad at all.
Matt

You need to do what I did and get a sucker, I mean friend, to wire that mess up for you.

[trippkid]

Yeah, if I could only find the time to do my own stuff, huh? Someday maybe my friends won't be so shockingly scared of electricity.
Matt

[JDL]

that wire mess is from my old tank. I just connected the reefkeeper to make sure it worked correctly so everything is just on the floor as a big mess.

once i get thenew tank setup i'll rewire it to the new stand and it will be nice and clean.

[JDL]

I drew the area to cut the hole in the wall. Kinda scared to just cut my wall apart. Anyone with experience doing this?
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/hole.jpg

[drummereef]

Looking great JDL! No worries on that wall. There's nothing that can't be fixed, right? :lol: Nah, really nothing to worry about. Just take a hammer and pop a hole in the drywall and start tearing it out. Just make sure to score the outline with a utility knife so you don't tear into the surrounding drywall. ;) Hopefully you won't find any electrical or plumbing back there. :)

[JDL]

This is where my reefkeeper will be placed. Wasnt using the 2nd pc4 so i mounted it. Will place the other modules in this area once i get the new tank setup.

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/reefkeeper2.jpg

[JDL]

the weapon of choice.... will start the hole tomorrow:
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/weapon.jpg

[ziplight4u]

JDL,

Just found this thread and wanted to tell you that things look great so far. I'm anxious to see this thread progress. Best of luck!

[2turtles]

My 2 cents is I would paint that pine under your stand around the sump using a high quality exterior paint. That stand will be there a long time and you want to protect the wood from salt and moisture. Just my opinion for what it is worth (which my wife tells me is not a lot)

[JDL]

good idea on the paint. I'll pick some up tonight and paint it.

[rguyler]

Better than paint, use a varnish. Smells for a few days but is very durable in a marine environment.

Are you comfortable modifying the framing in that wall once you cut out the studs? It's not a support wall is it? If you need some help on that part of it let us know (I've done a lot of construction on my house over the years). Looking at your stand construction I have a feeling you're pretty well set on that part of the project. :)

2turtles, sounds like we're married to the same woman. :)

[JDL]

I imagine that wall is using metal studs, like this:

http://www.renovationexperts.com/images/framing/steel-framing-wiring.jpg

the rest of the basement has those studs in them. I do not think that wall is load bearing. The basement was finished when i purchased the house. Once i cut the drywall i'll be able to see inside the wall to verify things much better.

The hardest part of this project will be framing the area for the tank between the walls.

I'm sure i'll have questions once i can get inside that wall.

thanks

[JeffBoyRD]

JDL,
I am new to Reef Central as well as Susquehanna Reef Club. Looking great so far and am excited to see how it goes. It is always awesome to see the complete work from start to finish in front of our eyes. I am looking to finish my basement this summer and part of my plans is to incorporate a tank in the corner of a wall.
Do you have a plan showing what this will look like? I was wondering what your plan is for the tank/stand and the wall and how the 3 of them will merge together.
Thanks and continue the great work.

JeffBoyRD

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14629167#post14629167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JeffBoyRD
JDL,
I am new to Reef Central as well as Susquehanna Reef Club. Looking great so far and am excited to see how it goes. It is always awesome to see the complete work from start to finish in front of our eyes. I am looking to finish my basement this summer and part of my plans is to incorporate a tank in the corner of a wall.
Do you have a plan showing what this will look like? I was wondering what your plan is for the tank/stand and the wall and how the 3 of them will merge together.
Thanks and continue the great work.

JeffBoyRD

well this project started out in a different area. I was going to place the 120 under my kitchen. It was perfect because of the rodi unit was already there and i have a sump pump in that area as well. But it was too small an area and i would have to make a wall where currently double folding closet door are located. It seemed easier and better to make a 10x12 room my entire fish room, with a small portion of the room an office area for my gf to view facebook or whatever she does in that area.

as far as how it will look from the outside room looking in? this is how i plan to do things.... taken from another build thead:

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n252/tonymayo/light019.jpg

once i cut the hole in the wall and build the framing, i'll put the tank on the stand and start the plumbing. I have a few options. I may put my msx skimmer in a 40g stock tank and run all the plumping in there, then gravity feed it out a bulkhead into the 50g rubbermaid tank. Not sure yet.

[JeffBoyRD]

Nice. Now I see that the framing of the wall will go in front of the displaying, making a sort of shelf area.

Question though, especially for others that have built in wall tanks, would you or wouldn't you want access to the top of the tank from the display side? I have heard a little both ways. Of course it looks nicer, not always, without access, but it seems that you always need it for something, others have said. Thoughts? Just wondering, as I too am figuring out how I would incorporate into my room. Thanks.

[JDL]

yes a shelf area.

I have seen builds where they have a hinge opening where a canopy is usually located to get to the lights and other top area things for tanks. Since my setup is back from the wall 8-9 inches, getting to the top from the viewing room isnt really an option, and not needed since i can access the entire tank inside the fish room.


I picked up some exterior wood protection finish from HD. I'll coat the stand instead of painting it.

[turbonegro]

Hey Jdl, Welcome to the club! What are the dimensions of the room?

[volcom69]

Hey JDL im in Myerstown, in fact i moved from Palmyra so let me know if you ever need any help or anything like that im right down the road. Everything is looking good so far keep up the work. So what kind of tank is this going to be are you going to be keeping a mix of things.

[turbonegro]

Is this room going to be dedicated to your tank? If so what are your plans for water changes,frag tank,ATO system, wash sink,RO system and some type of work station for water testing and fragging? These are things you are going to want to design into your system to make your life easier.

If you have the room I would not put the sump under the tank. Your going to want easy access to all sides of the tank. Your sump is going to fill up fast with equipment like filter socks, carbon reactor, Phos reactor,skimmer,probes and nitrate reactor. Plus you can have trippkid set you up with nice receptacle board over your sump so you can control each piece of equip :)

Here is pic of my favorite tank room! This is weatherson's tank of the month April 08.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/haralambos/weathersontank.jpg

Your more than welcome to come over to my house and see my sump room. Bobby

[JDL]

Hey Jdl, Welcome to the club! What are the dimensions of the room?

the room is 10x12


Hey JDL im in Myerstown, in fact i moved from Palmyra so let me know if you ever need any help or anything like that im right down the road. Everything is looking good so far keep up the work. So what kind of tank is this going to be are you going to be keeping a mix of things.

I moved from myerstown to palmyra.

Right now i have a 90g
100lbs LR
2 toadstools
a few mushrooms
kole tang
2 false percs
sixline
2 firefish gobies
sargasm trigger
a bunch of snails/hermits

all of this is going into the 120 plus maybe a school of bangaii and 100lbs more of base rock

lighting is nova extreme pro

so yes a mix of things, mainly fish and a few softies. Then maybe i'll venture into some other types of corals.




one of my slaves staining the stand
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/stain.jpg

[reeftard73]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14633077#post14633077 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by turbonegro
Your more than welcome to come over to my house and see my sump room. Bobby

Is it really your sump room if your display tanks are in there too? :D

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14633077#post14633077 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by turbonegro
Is this room going to be dedicated to your tank? If so what are your plans for water changes,frag tank,ATO system, wash sink,RO system and some type of work station for water testing and fragging? These are things you are going to want to design into your system to make your life easier.

If you have the room I would not put the sump under the tank. Your going to want easy access to all sides of the tank. Your sump is going to fill up fast with equipment like filter socks, carbon reactor, Phos reactor,skimmer,probes and nitrate reactor. Plus you can have trippkid set you up with nice receptacle board over your sump so you can control each piece of equip :)

Here is pic of my favorite tank room! This is weatherson's tank of the month April 08.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/haralambos/weathersontank.jpg

Your more than welcome to come over to my house and see my sump room. Bobby

thanks for the suggestions, some of those i havent thought about.


Yes i probably have room to not have my sump under the tank. My RO/DI unit is in another section of the basement. I plan on running the DI line to the new room through the wall. For ATO i bought a small pump and some float valves that i can hook up to my controller.

I am more into fish than corals. At this point i doubt i'll be fragging anything.

A wash sink would be great, but sadly my sump pump is pretty far away.

[trippkid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14633077#post14633077 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by turbonegro



Here is pic of my favorite tank room!



http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa48/trippkid/IMG_2968.jpg

just part of Bobby's set up.
Matt

[turbonegro]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14633144#post14633144 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reeftard73
Is it really your sump room if your display tanks are in there too? :D

If your display tank looks like your sump then its your sump room:)

[volcom69]

Well if you do get into corals look out you will be fraggin in no time lol. Cant help you out with any softy frags, as all i have are sps lol. Lookin good man.

[JDL]

room pics to give an idea of what i have to work with:

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/room2.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/room3.jpg

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/room5.jpg

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/room4.jpg

I do plan on getting tons of softies, especially zoas.

[2turtles]

I do plan on getting tons of softies, especially zoas.

Want any mushrooms?

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14636290#post14636290 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 2turtles
Want any mushrooms?

yes some mushrooms would be great and even i cant kill them.

[svynx]

LOL, 2turtles...still trying to get rid of some. The ones that I got from you are doing great. I've even been able to frag some out.

[rguyler]

Really, you have metal studs? Is that local residential code in your area? We don't use metal in residential structures in my area, at least not normally. We use them in commercial structures though.

I worry about that laminate (at least looks like laminate) floor in your room. If it is laminate it won't likely stand up to much moisture over time.

[JDL]

the laminate should be ok. It is just a basement room with cement then the laminate.

minor issue:
There is a bleep bleep pole in this wall
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/pole.jpg

[JDL]

so should i just goto the left and patch the part where the pole is at?

[turbonegro]

That blows!!! You can probably move that support over.

[JeffBoyRD]

That looks like your best option. You appear to have enough room on the left side of the current location, looks like around 2 feet, and you have to move to the left perhaps 16 inches. This would also leave out reworking of the support pole. You would lose easy access to your cable/phone jacks. Also, not sure, but looking at your other pictures, it appears that your power outlets in the viewing room should be about where your cable/phone outlet is. You might have to work around the cable drop if the power comes down the wall from the ceiling area. How long is the wall in the viewing area? My 2 cents anyway.

[2turtles]

You have run into a major problem IMO. When you are thinking about moving structural components, you need to do your homework first. Moving the pole to one side or the other changes the stress load on the adjacent span. Plus most support poles like that are set on a foundation pad poured below the floor when the house was being built. Moving A/C and phone wires is one thing but structural components is another. Think before you leap.

[JDL]

looks like i'll be moving the tank display to the left. No way i want to move that pole. Depending on how far over, i may have to redo my cord setup as well. Maybe mount it on the wall instead of the stand.

I am hoping the cords for cable and electric are coming into the room to the right of the stand, where the switch is located. Hopefully they dropped them straight down and then ran them over from there near the bottom.

The viewing wall is harder to measure because that room is larger. And my son has his computer in the corner of that wall. I may be moving his setup as well.

I'll know tonight when i get back from TFP (using my 25% coupon for a return pump) and measure where to cut the hole. Hopefully i dont run into electric or any other obstacles. I dont need to worry about the phone/cable jack since i use wireless and dont have a lan phone line.

[svynx]

[QUOTE]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14641617#post14641617 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JDL
[B]the laminate should be ok. It is just a basement room with cement then the laminate.
QUOTE]

Take it from someone who installed laminate for a living. I went to Pergo school and became certified by them. I certainly hope you put a moisture barrier between the concrete and the laminate. I looked back at your pics and it's hard to tell. If you didn't, you will have issues. The ground moisture will penetrate the concrete and leach into the laminate. It's one of those over time problems. Just keep in mind that if you spill water, get to it soon so it doesn't get into the cracks. Secondly, how much of a gap did you put between the lam and the walls? With that much moisture coming from your tank system, that floor is going to move a lot more than in normal conditions.
Having said all this, I will say that it looks good. I'm glad you took your time and undercut your doorway. It's the only way to get that nice looking. So many people who do laminate themselves cut around the door jambs, which IMO, doesn't look good.

[JDL]

Take it from someone who installed laminate for a living. I went to Pergo school and became certified by them. I certainly hope you put a moisture barrier between the concrete and the laminate. I looked back at your pics and it's hard to tell. If you didn't, you will have issues. The ground moisture will penetrate the concrete and leach into the laminate. It's one of those over time problems. Just keep in mind that if you spill water, get to it soon so it doesn't get into the cracks. Secondly, how much of a gap did you put between the lam and the walls? With that much moisture coming from your tank system, that floor is going to move a lot more than in normal conditions.
Having said all this, I will say that it looks good. I'm glad you took your time and undercut your doorway. It's the only way to get that nice looking. So many people who do laminate themselves cut around the door jambs, which IMO, doesn't look good. [/B]

i was going to just leave the floor concrete, but figured it needed something and found this laminate and thought it looked good. It also looked easy to install which it was. There is no glue on the bottom of this laminant, they connect together with overlays.

nope i didnt put any type of barrier. That room previously just had carpet in it with no barrier or padding, so i just removed it and placed the laminant. The carpet was also just laid on the floor, not put on with strips or anything.

I jammed it under the border tight, then put the quarter round border on to fill the gap.

I also bought a dehumidifier to help with any moisture issues.

I could take my losses and redo the floor if necessary since the tank isnt up yet?????

[svynx]

Since you didn't leave a gap, I'd say take it up and start over (sucks I know). Laminate expands and shrinks easily 1/4" to 1/2", which means if it doesn't have anywhere to go, it goes up and you will have a row or two that actually come off the ground. The worst I've seen was about 2" up. That and the creaking you get from the laminate rubbing the wood in the walls. Usually when I install it, I leave about 1/4" gap between the laminate and the wall. In your situation I'd leave about 3/8". One option you have is to take the baseboard off and get a saw that can cut along the edge. Idealy I'd say 3/8", but 1/4" would probably be ok if you couldn't go any bigger.
For the moisture barrier, use a sheet of plastic. If you can't find one big enough to cover the area (which includes about 2 inches up the walls...gets covered by the baseboard) then use two and tape them together with packing tape. After that comes the padding, and then finally the laminate. Since you will be using a dehumidifier, the barrier might not be as nessessary as I'm making it sound. I'm just trying to make things work in the long term plan.
The reason the carpet had no barrier was because the moisture can go through the carpet, whereas the laminate will just soak it up and expand/break down/discolor...

[JDL]

I just remembered, the flooring is vinyl. Does that make a difference?


Floor (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100609202&N=10000003+90068+4217)

[svynx]

LOL. In the years of installing floors, I've never seen that before. I'd have to actually look at it to make an educated suggestion on what to do. I read over the site you posted, and searched for more info. As far as i can tell, you shouldn't have any problems with your installation. I can't say anything for the quality of the flooring, but I can say that it seems like a good choice for your application. IMO, you have one less thing to worry about now. Hope your wall/poll issue is as easily fixed as this one was.
Joel

[JDL]

yeah i was getting worried. I knew i picked this floor for a reason:

Easy GripStrip™ installation –
Lays directly over your old floor;
no floor prep or messy glue needed!
Looks and feels like real wood… feel the knots!
Completely waterproof.
Perfect in high moisture areas… basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Warm comfort and quiet under foot.
Install an entire floor cleanly, easily in just a few hours.
25 year residential warranty.


I think i was going to install laminant then saw this floor instead.

[NCNBilly]

What's under the floor?

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14644864#post14644864 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NCNBilly
What's under the floor?

concrete
surprisingly it isnt cold walking on the floor.

[JDL]

new hole cut to the left. Wiring was done correctly by previous owner, down from the light switch and then over, not randomly in the middle of the wall.
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/hole3.jpg

still have plenty of room on the side of the tank
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/hole2.jpg

one issue, now the viewing wall is not centered, and son is going to be kicked out of his computer area
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/view.jpg


new toy, eheim 1262 for $137 out the door. Dog likes TFP smells.
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/eheim.jpg

[JDL]

I can safely just cut the metal studs?
not sure how to build my frame/molding in the hole?

any suggestions?

[JeffBoyRD]

I am no expert, even less so with metal studs. However, my .02: On the tank side, I would cut the hole all the way to the floor and build a wooden frame to go inside and support the current drywall as well as the replacement piece you may/may not put to cover up the lower half of the hole. You would also frame up the hole you want to go through to the other room for viewing the tank. That would give you a solid surface for your ledge/shelf as well as to trim around it on the viewing side. This would also give support to the drywall around the hole and frame. After framing out you could use your keyhole saw and cut out the viewing side drywall and use the framing as your guide. If width of wood is a problem with framing then installing, perhaps 2x3s could be used. I would build it on the floor and slide it up into the hole in the drywall on the tank side.
Hopefully that makes sense. What do others think?

[Elysia]

{Sorry for the totally unhelpful comment, here, but its nice to see someone else has a pooch who sniffs out things from TFP. Our four dogs go crazy trying to get into the bags whenever I come home, even if I have only bought fish stuff.}

[JDL]

I took my dog to TFP once... and only once, kids forced me.

he went to the bathroom on a bottle of something on the lower shelves near the dog crates. He tried to mark everything, i pity the person that picked up the bottle he marked.

[reeftard73]

I mark bushes and buildings after a good night of drinking. Maybe that's why my wife never takes me out anymore????

[lpkenneys]

It's all starting to make sense now "Tard"...LOL

[JDL]

new toy
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/skimmer.jpg

not sure if that is the container i will use or not. I am planning on taking off all the drywall and placing wood studs so i can frame around the tank. Hopefully i can get this done on sunday.

[trippkid]

Very nice new toy you have got there. Like I said before that would have been my first choice before the WM K-2 became a rumor(not quite production or just went into production). Good luck with it, I am anxious, as I am sure you are too, at to how it performs.
Matt

[doug6644]

No, I haven't gotten much further than buying more equipment. I have a T5 retro kit coming, should be here the early part of the week. I am actually spending all my time on the remodel in my basement. Adding another family room, which is where I am planning our in-wall. I have a "wet" room behind the family room. So I guess this is going to turn into a bigger project than I imagined, the only thing I have going for me is, my wife has seen ugly aquarium setups. So she is all game for a "wet" room. And I will have a place to hide all my purchases, and she won't know!!! I may try and get some pics rounded up of my room, half is studded in, and the ceiling is up in there. Still need to stud the other half, and finish drywall. This has gotten out of control, and I have not even began setting up the tank yet.

[JDL]

i've been busy.... kids started soccer and baseball so no tank work.

however i did mesh mod my skimmer

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/mesh1.jpg
i also broke the ceramic shaft :(

had to order a new one from marinesolutions (bought the cheaper one they make)

also found a new skimmer box instead of the round container

[chriscobb]

I take it the wall your opening isn't load bearing???? I honestly would open the wall completely in the area your working from behind and start your framing from there.......I would work the area above putting in a header and stud down from there and not put and stud work in front of the tank until your sure of it's exact placement.......I'm assuming you want the tank to sit flush with the finished wall on the viewing side?

[chriscobb]

Sorry to double post......I do have pics of my current inwall build but clueless on how to upload them.....maybe Billy will give me an idea.....

[NCNBilly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14694531#post14694531 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chriscobb
Sorry to double post......I do have pics of my current inwall build but clueless on how to upload them.....maybe Billy will give me an idea.....

Yep, all you need is a photobucket account. I'll see if I can find the detailed instuctions and PM them to you. Glad to have you back!

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14694526#post14694526 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chriscobb
I take it the wall your opening isn't load bearing???? I honestly would open the wall completely in the area your working from behind and start your framing from there.......I would work the area above putting in a header and stud down from there and not put and stud work in front of the tank until your sure of it's exact placement.......I'm assuming you want the tank to sit flush with the finished wall on the viewing side?


well the wall itself isnt load bearing, but it does have a support pole and most likely a support metal beam in that area. The drywall is just framed with flimsy metal studs (not even every 16" apart), so removing them will not impact anything.

Last night i did as you mentioned, removed the drywall from top to bottom in one section to get a better layout of my project. A header and then stud is exactly what the guys at HD mentioned to do.

no it will not sit flush with the viewing wall. It will sit back from the viewing wall like the picture at the end of page 1.

hopefully i can get the entire wall down tonight then cleanup a little. GF is getting sick of all my boxes and new tank toys sitting in the finished basement.

[chriscobb]

My wife just rolled her head when she realized that I was getting back in..........did you move close to your old place?

[chriscobb]

An important area to remember or look at when you start your framing with an inwall is to give yourself access to the tank from the front.......Honestly if you read alot of threads and such of the inwall builds 98% of people that didn't will tell you they wish they had......Just food for thought.

[NCNBilly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14694961#post14694961 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chriscobb
My wife just rolled her head when she realized that I was getting back in..........did you move close to your old place?

yeah, moved about 3 blocks. I'm right off Lumber St. behind the turnpike industrial park (the masonry distributor is right behind me).

[reeftard73]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14702406#post14702406 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NCNBilly
the masonry distributor is right behind me

I have now identified the club's Portland cement connection. :)

[JDL]

no updates. Had to do other projects like installing a new front door handle.

Am trying to break in my MSX 200, but it isnt working. Cant get it to bubble at all.

[trippkid]

Do you have it in saltwater of proper SG? Sometimes there may be some junk or packing material that gets lodged in the air line, could be the silencer making the restriction?? Check the venturi area(nipple) and make sure that is clean. Also, I don't know if this is still an issue with the meshed impellers, it may be spinning the wrong way. Have you tried blowing on the air line?
Matt

[reeftard73]

Nipples and blowing???? I'm subscribing to this thread!!!

[trippkid]

Yeah, skimmers are sexy, LOL.
Matt

[lpkenneys]

what are you trying to break it in with and in?

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14709310#post14709310 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lpkenneys
what are you trying to break it in with and in?

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/skimmer.jpg

i made a batch of water for a water change DI water / correct salinity and put it in that ugly blue container. I also tried it with vinegar.

yes i checked the airline, the pump, blew it several times :smokin:

[trippkid]

Did anything happen when you blew in the air line? Like big bubbles in the skimmer, or still nothing? How much water is it sitting in, I'm assuming it is like 6-10" of water in the blue bucket. Something is blocking/restricting the air intake line anywhere from the venturi to the end of the air silencer, anything happen if you unplug the air silencer? Or, the impeller is spinning the wrong way, put the needle wheel impeller back in and see what happens. Good luck, I hope you can get it going. Can you call MarineSolutions about it, there might be something I am overlooking, it can really be only a couple of things making it do this, IMO.
Matt

[JDL]

GF and kids were MIA all weekend, i was free to work exclusively on the tank, but i have been ill the past 2 days. If my skimmer brings up as much skum as i did, things will be great.

This is all i got done this weekend, making a light case for my moonlights

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/lights.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/lights2.jpg

[JDL]

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/hole1.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/hole4.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/hole5.jpg


what does this mean? It means a friend is coming over tomorrow to fix it for me.

[JDL]

new toys!

my skimmer area
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/skimmer.jpg

new RO water container with wheels
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/brute.jpg

dual reactor from BRS
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/reactor.jpg

[turbonegro]

im liking what i see so far!

[trippkid]

Is your skimmer working now? That kink in the air line is the problem if that is how you were trying to test it out. I probably would turn the pump 180 degrees too, if you sump level is too low, it will cause it to suck air and decrease the flow of the pump feeding the skimmer,JMO. Did you get your drywall fixed or were the wires in the wall the problem? Good luck, I hope you can get it going soon.
Matt

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14744914#post14744914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trippkid
Is your skimmer working now? That kink in the air line is the problem if that is how you were trying to test it out. I probably would turn the pump 180 degrees too, if you sump level is too low, it will cause it to suck air and decrease the flow of the pump feeding the skimmer,JMO. Did you get your drywall fixed or were the wires in the wall the problem? Good luck, I hope you can get it going soon.
Matt

no i havent run the skimmer lately, will do that once i get everything setup. I just placed it in the new container(wasnt kinked in old container). That tube is a POS, i'll most likely buy a new tube before i run it again. The skimmer will sit in about 10 inches of water right now which is recommended (8-10)

No progress on the wall yet. Friend came over and told me exactly what i need to do to the wall. Now i have to decide if i want to do it or just try and find someone to do it for a small fee.

My only worry is destroying the viewing wall when i rip out the metal studs. They need to come out so i can put in wood studs. And to do this i have to shut off the electric and rewire it through the new wood studs. I dont like messing with electric.

[chriscobb]

Sawzall to cut the metal studs....electrical is easy.....have a little build party........

[JDL]

some handyman is coming to the house at 8:00am to view my wall and estimate finishing it. So i either pay someone to do it right or buy some tools and screw it up more :)


100 lbs base rock is now cycling in a 40g stock tank.
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/base2.jpg

[chriscobb]

So what did the handyman tell you??? What are the damages?

[JDL]

$120. I liked that price. He said he can do it in about 2 weeks which is fine, gives my base rock more time to cycle and me more time to figure out my ATO, sump, algae scrubber and other things i still need to build.

[turbonegro]

JDL , I can give you some live rock to seed that base rock if you need?

[JDL]

thanks for the offer. I threw in some LR rubble and some of my sand from my current tank to seed it..

I dont 'need' this base rock cycled, but i figure it wont hurt waiting for my wall to be finished.

[dalilgriffith]

Just keep moving, just keep moving.

[JDL]

finally an update:

someone coming out to finish the wall next thursday. By the end of the day, the tank will (or better) have a DI line into it filling with water.

base rock will be cycling for 3 weeks at that point.

[JDL]

Big Progress


http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/6.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/5.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/4.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/3.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/2.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/7.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/8.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/1.jpg
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/9.jpg

and a friendly visitor on my porch. He has until Friday to move or be killed. I moved him and he flew back to this same spot.
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/bat.jpg

[JDL]

and my base rock is cycled. Will be filling the tank with DI water the next 2 days.

[JDL]

15 hours of water

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/fill.jpg

still need to paint the back/sides
paint the white frame some more (the handyman cut the wrong angels so the unfinished sides are up)
do the plumbing (guess i need to do this first)
put sand in tank
put salt in tank


once plumbing is done, salinity is perfect i'll add the cycled base rock and 5 bangaii. Then add the 125lbs of rock from my current tank and those fish.

[JDL]

stocklist suggestions:

old tank has:
kole tang
red tail trigger
2 false percs
sixline
maybe 2 firefish gobies (havent seen them in weeks thanks to mr. sixline)

new tank
same as old + ???

was thinking
5 bangaii
dwarf angel


any suggestions?

[dalilgriffith]

Black Tip Reef Shark


Ok j/k

My 215 is going to have a maroon clownfish pair, a bunch of tangs, and two snowflakes eels (time will only tell how this will turn out).

[JDL]

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/plumb1.jpg
<p>
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/plumb2.jpg
<p>
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/plumb3.jpg
<p>
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/plumb4.jpg
<p>
I moved the powerstrip to the side (had some leaking issues from bulkheads :mad2: ) Hopefully i dont need a new one.

Not sure on the return plumbing yet. The eheim 1262 doesnt have the greatest connector.

[JDL]

sand is in the tank, cloudy from sand/salt
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/sand.jpg

behind the scenes
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/plumb5.jpg

[painkiller1009]

been following this thread from the start.
looks like your on the home streach keep up the good work.
seems it might be a pain to clean your skimmer cup though

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14945679#post14945679 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by painkiller1009
been following this thread from the start.
looks like your on the home streach keep up the good work.
seems it might be a pain to clean your skimmer cup though
thanks!

I tested it already. I can easily remove the reactor and then get access to the skimmer. The cup easily comes off. I can also put a collection container inside the stand and run a tube from the cup to it if needed. In the pic you can see the tube on the wood next to the skimmer area. However i did turn on the skimmer and it wasnt working as intended. I will get the pump out tomorrow night and test it.

If ever needed i will put a union on the tubing on the right side and left side, but for now i just left them alone. I do have ball valves on each side that cant be seen.

I've also tested a 'power' failure and sump easily contains any water syphoned back.

I've also removed the micro socks, didnt like them. Once the water clears i'll be able to tell if i need something for the micro bubbles, but it seems like they wont be an issue.

still debating on any sand in the sump. Not sure how to contain it to one area without any baffles.

[JDL]

oh i also lessened the noise. Went to TFP and saw how they drain water from there tanks and made a mod to my skimmer gravity feed to the sump. Basically a t so air can get in from the top. No more noise. Will post pics later.

[JDL]

Should i put my 100lbs base rock in my sump to keep the tank more open?

[chriscobb]

Following as well.

[atwinparadox2]

More rock always helps, Personally I love an open look for space for corals and fish to swim. Plus you'll get great flow. But it is strictly opinion based. Love the tank so far!! Like painkiller1009 said about the skimmer cup, did you ever think about putting it in the other tub for easier access and maintenance?

[MVlk]

Build is looking good. You and I have similar issues and design, but you went a different route on some... I like seeing different approaches as the verdict is not back on mine yet. ;)

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14948227#post14948227 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atwinparadox2
More rock always helps, Personally I love an open look for space for corals and fish to swim. Plus you'll get great flow. But it is strictly opinion based. Love the tank so far!! Like painkiller1009 said about the skimmer cup, did you ever think about putting it in the other tub for easier access and maintenance?

as of now, i have 100lbs base that is cycled, and 120lbs in my 90g that i will move to the 120. I may just put the rock from the 90 in the 120 dt and the 100 base in the sump.

I thought about the skimmer in the rubbermaid, but they work better with constant water level so where it is at will have the most constant level.


Build is looking good. You and I have similar issues and design, but you went a different route on some... I like seeing different approaches as the verdict is not back on mine yet.
I know, i am still debating on half my ideas. Easy to change it now with only water/sand in the tank. Soon as i add the fish, changing will get harder.

I will be adding an algae scrubber to one of my drains.

[MVlk]

I'd recommend the skimmer tub in the sump design I am using. It allows me to keep the skimmer level constant and the elbows for the drain allow me to adjust the that level up or down easily. Also, being in the sump reduces the chances of any flooding if something goes wrong. The Rubbermaid, even with the skimmer tub in them, offer plenty of space.

Just my two cents. Oh, the scrubber is number 43 on my list of things I'd like to do. :)

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14948795#post14948795 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MVlk
I'd recommend the skimmer tub in the sump design I am using. It allows me to keep the skimmer level constant and the elbows for the drain allow me to adjust the that level up or down easily. Also, being in the sump reduces the chances of any flooding if something goes wrong. The Rubbermaid, even with the skimmer tub in them, offer plenty of space.

Just my two cents. Oh, the scrubber is number 43 on my list of things I'd like to do. :)

i was going to use your exact design, but since i have the 50g and not the 100g stock tank it didnt fit so well. I was also going to lay the 50g where the toughbox is at so i would have a very short return putting the eheim kind of where the skimmer sits, but that didnt work out either.

I can still change things by turning off the ehaim and then draining the water in the sump into a side container. But the current setup seems ok for now, unless someone can show me a better setup? Which i am all for improvements. :beer:

[MVlk]

Ahhh... did not pickup on the fact it is a 50 gallon Rubbermaid. Of course there is an easy solution... swap it for the larger one. :) I had to ditch my original 100 and bought a 150... Eventually I'll probably want big of course. ;) Bigger is always better right?

[chriscobb]

Hey JDL....where'd you pick the 50 gallon rubbermaid up from?

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14949253#post14949253 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chriscobb
Hey JDL....where'd you pick the 50 gallon rubbermaid up from?

tractorsupply on rt 22, $67

[chriscobb]

Ahhhh thanks...just down the road from me.....will check it out.

[JDL]

I put some sand in a container in the sump and some macro in it to see how it would tumble...may need a k1 for it
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/sandsump.jpg

got the skimmer cup out easily (had to make sure from the suggestions)
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/skimmercup.jpg

[painkiller1009]

even if you have the skimmate go to a seprate container you still have to clean the neck of the skimmer so often.
not saying your design wont work just might be more of a pain later down the road.

[MVlk]

After the first week I setup my new MSX 250, I decided to hook up the discharge to a 5 gallon bucket. Woke up the next morning to a spill on the floor of about a gallon... I do not recommend hooking it up to anything but a drain until you have it dialed in and know how it will react in different situations.

[JDL]

anything but a drain
This is my only regret of my build....no drain, and i couldnt run a pipe through my walls to the sump pump. I may look into builing one up into the ceiling and across to the sump pump. This will make my water changes easier as well.

got my skimmer working last night, wow this skimmer is awesome.

Water was also very clear this morning. Tonight i am going to finish my algae scrubber and put my base rock in the tank (some in tank, some in sump).

also going to treasures from the sea to see if they have any bangaii available.

[MVlk]

Be sure to take some good shots of the scrubber when you build it. :)

[JDL]

added the base to the tank
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/baseintank.jpg

added the base to the sump
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/baseinsump.jpg

still have 120lbs in my 90g to transfer over. Planning on making a cave in from /on top of the base.


algae scrubber build delayed... i ordered a different screen instead of a tank divider.

[arctictwist]

Looking good JDL...subscribed!

[JDL]

new pets
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/bangaii.jpg

[JeffBoyRD]

Did they come from Treasures from the Sea? They look great. I have always liked Bangaiis. Plan to have at least one when I setup my new tank. Great thread also, have been following it and I am in the planning stages for an inwall as well. Glad to see you got through the hole in the wall. Pun intended.

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14967635#post14967635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JeffBoyRD
Did they come from Treasures from the Sea? They look great. I have always liked Bangaiis. Plan to have at least one when I setup my new tank. Great thread also, have been following it and I am in the planning stages for an inwall as well. Glad to see you got through the hole in the wall. Pun intended.

Thanks

yes i got them from treasures from the sea, $20 each. She had 7 of them but 3 were held for someone else so i picked up the other 4. They are great so far in the tank. They want to eat, but spit out some flake food i tried.

Hopefully my sixline leaves them alone when i transfer it to the 120.

Eventually i'll put a mag float on the front of the tank to clean the sand/rock film on it.

[MVlk]

Are those tank raised? I have heard the ones not captive bred can be hard to keep long.

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14968093#post14968093 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MVlk
Are those tank raised? I have heard the ones not captive bred can be hard to keep long.

unfortunately they are not captive bred, however they are super active and not shy. They looked too nice in the store and seem very healthy so i had to get them.

Hopefully they last awhile, I like the look of bangaii.

Also hope my screen for my scrubber shows up today so i can finish building that.

[JeffBoyRD]

The Royal Gramma I received from Monk was doing the same thing with the pellets and flakes I feed my other fish. Would try to eat them then spit them out. After a couple of days I tried frozen formula 1 cubes. It devours that, so I feed a half a cube a day or so so that he/she gets to eat. Haven't had any luck with any other foods. Keep trying. They are beautiful fish. (In other words, I am jealous).:cool:

[JeffBoyRD]

Any good sales going on at Treasures from the Sea?

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14968529#post14968529 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JeffBoyRD
Any good sales going on at Treasures from the Sea?

some of there prices are great, while others are horrible (flame angel for $70 for example)

I was specifically looking for bangaii so i didnt notice much of the other stock. However they have a few sixlines that were nice and fat and a ton of pj's

[JDL]

made a big order from reefs2go.com for tons of inverts (great prices). My cleanup crew is going to be all crabs, no snails except for the ones in my current tank.

why no snails? faith that my algae scrubber will do its job. Plus i have about 40 turbo snails in my current tank that will transfer.

[JDL]

my order from reefs2go.com arrived. WOW this place is cheap and has great looking inverts. Some of them were smaller/larger then expected however well worth the price.

My 120 is now crawling with activity, will transfer the other tank this weekend.

[JDL]

Moved some rock, added fighting conch and some hermits

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/progress1.jpg

added more rock and my 2 false percs and red tail trigger (he is still hiding in the rocks)
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/progress2.jpg

Not sure i like the aquascaping, but am not finished yet

[volcom69]

Looks really good what are you going for when it comes to aquascaping, a full look or a more open look. If you want a more open look then you can do two islands, thats what i did with my new tank and couldnt be happier with it, its open in the middle for my clams and lps or whatever i have and the two islands on the side. If you are going for a full look then i would leave it how it is.
Did your Bangii start to eat yet, i had one that would eat nothing but Mysis shirmp, and thats it just to let you know. Great job so far, what are you putting in there a mix of corals or just one kind.

[Jandree22]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14983261#post14983261 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by volcom69
If you want a more open look then you can do two islands, thats what i did with my new tank and couldnt be happier with it x2. I personally find the open space seems to clear a freeway for the tang to dart through and around.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/jandree22/75g%20Reef/DSC_0808.jpg

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14983261#post14983261 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by volcom69
Looks really good what are you going for when it comes to aquascaping, a full look or a more open look. If you want a more open look then you can do two islands, thats what i did with my new tank and couldnt be happier with it, its open in the middle for my clams and lps or whatever i have and the two islands on the side. If you are going for a full look then i would leave it how it is.
Did your Bangii start to eat yet, i had one that would eat nothing but Mysis shirmp, and thats it just to let you know. Great job so far, what are you putting in there a mix of corals or just one kind.

what i ended up doing is keeping what i have and then slope it upward to the right. I have a long tunnel the fish use and they seem to love it, this is why i didnt make 2 islands.

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/aquascaping.jpg

Plus that is what the GF said she wanted me to do and anything that gets her involved in the tank is :beer:

Yes the bangaii are eating. 2 of them seem to be pairing, and fighting with the other 2 that seem to have gone solo. Not sure if the one is going to make it, but all of them are eating well. They are spitting everything out but the mysis but since the other fish are eating the pellets/flakes, am hoping it forces them to eat other foods.

night shot
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/night.jpg

reefkeeper lite
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/rklite.jpg

the rest of the LR in the sump. I moved the chaeto to where the water flows in so now it tumbles
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/sump2.jpg

[volcom69]

Nice have the RK2 on my tank and love it, so im sure the lite will be just as good. As far as the Bangii goes, like i said mine ate nothing but mysis i tried pellets and flakes but he never ate any of it, however i also have a pajama cardnial, and all he will eat is pellets, and wont even touch the mysis. So i feed a mixure now and just mix it all together and feed it that way. The rock work looks nice and if the GF likes it then it must be good.

[JDL]

anyone know a good way to clean all the sand dust from the bottom of my rubbermaid stock tank?

[dalilgriffith]

Yours should be easy, move everything to a sep container for temporary housing and dump the rest of the contents out. Mine just plumb sucks.

[stephenrsaiz]

shop vac

[dalilgriffith]

will that be enough to pick that water up with out killing it?

[JDL]

Display shot
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/dt.jpg

my rodi getting nice and dirty
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/rodi.jpg

arrow crab
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/arrow.jpg

bangaii paired up
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/bangaiipair.jpg

red tail trigger
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/trigger.jpg

coral beauty and kole tang
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/cb.jpg

sixline
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/sixline.jpg

[trippkid]

Looks great so far, keep up the good job. Did you ever figure out what was wrong when you were having problems with your new skimmer? Good luck, I hope the rest of your build goes well.
Matt

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15001037#post15001037 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trippkid
Looks great so far, keep up the good job. Did you ever figure out what was wrong when you were having problems with your new skimmer? Good luck, I hope the rest of your build goes well.
Matt

yes, i had the pipes setup incorrectly. Soon as i set it up the right way it worked instantly.

thanks

[stephenrsaiz]

Looks nice.

[JeffBoyRD]

Once again, looking nice. How's the trigger been? Any concerns with the other fish? Where did you get him/her at?

On a side note, anyone else have experience with any types of triggers in their tanks they could share?

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15002165#post15002165 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JeffBoyRD
Once again, looking nice. How's the trigger been? Any concerns with the other fish? Where did you get him/her at?

On a side note, anyone else have experience with any types of triggers in their tanks they could share?

Triggers are my favorite type of fish. I used to have aggressive tanks with clown trigger and burso and picasso. When i decided to go semi reef, i knew these fish wouldnt be able to be in the tank so i searched for reef safe triggers.

I ended up with a sargassum trigger, and glad i got one. She (sadly i have a female, not as colorful) never bothers any fish or invert. This type of trigger sits in the water column waiting for food. Even when i put in food and all the fish go into a feeding frenzy, the trigger never attacks any of them or the inverts. I purchased it at blue zoo about a year ago. Kind of expensive. It is one of the few reef safe triggers.

[JDL]

my new office.

i get to work from home for 2 days/week so i had to make a new office area. Moved my desk in front of the tank and put the monitor on the wall.....

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/pc1.jpg

[arctictwist]

I hope you dont NEED to concentrate on work while your at that desk!

[atwinparadox2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15043063#post15043063 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by arctictwist
I hope you dont NEED to concentrate on work while your at that desk!

+1 to that, good luck getting anything done with that in front of your desk. You will spend your 'working' hours deciding what you can tweak in the tank, and where to put frags or more livestock. Great Job so far!

[JDL]

lights are off until 3:30pm so i should be good...until then.

GF is complaining the fish room stinking like 'fish'. Any suggestions? I seem to be missing any type of exhaust/ceiling fan in the room.

[volcom69]

Stinking like fish hmmmmm.... Its a fish room what should it smell like lol lol. Not really sure what to tell you there unless you put an exhaust fan in the room, but even then not sure how much that will help. Maybe you can put some of those glad "plug ins" somewhere if you have an outlet somewhere lol.

Anyways hows the tank coming along, are you getting any algea outbreaks or anything at all. From the pics the tank is looking really good.

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15054573#post15054573 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by volcom69
Stinking like fish hmmmmm.... Its a fish room what should it smell like lol lol. Not really sure what to tell you there unless you put an exhaust fan in the room, but even then not sure how much that will help. Maybe you can put some of those glad "plug ins" somewhere if you have an outlet somewhere lol.

Anyways hows the tank coming along, are you getting any algea outbreaks or anything at all. From the pics the tank is looking really good.

i am starting to get a little bit of brown algae on my base rock and sand, but other then that all is well. Wasnt sure what i would get since i swithced everything from my 90g to the 120g.

I actaully saw my cleaner shrimp today, he was MIA for a few. Having this much rock my inverts have too many places to hide.

i got my pH monitor working and noticed it was at 7.88. I've been adding a buffer and now have it at 8.2

[JDL]

I finally built my Algae Scrubber. May need to tweak some things

easy disconnect
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/scrubber1.jpg

finished in sump
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/scrubberfinished.jpg

some skimate, too wet
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/simmate.jpg

[Jandree22]

JDL, I'm loving that office setup... very sweet. I like how you have the tank set back in the wall a few inches too, really nice.

[trippkid]

Hey, sorry I forgot your name already from yesterday, I am bad at that at first. Anyway, glad you made it to Pat's and it was nice to meet you finally. The build is going great so far for you. Let us know how the "scrubber" works out. To be honest, I have been thinking of incorporating one in the new setup I have planned, still on the fence on that one, but easy enough to add whenever. My tank seemed to do the best when I had all kinds of nasty, nuisance type algae growing all in my refugium, it kept it out of the display, then I started cleaning it out of the "fuge" and some of it ended up in the DT, which I am still fighting in spots. Good luck, I hope it continues to go well for you, let us know if you need some help or advice. Again, it was good to meet you yesterday.
Matt

[JDL]

thanks guys. It was nice meeting everyone as well, even steven. While viewing Patricks tank i now realize i need some color in my tank.



My tank seemed to do the best when I had all kinds of nasty, nuisance type algae growing all in my refugium, it kept it out of the display, then I started cleaning it out of the "fuge" and some of it ended up in the DT, which I am still fighting in spots.
yep this is exactly what a scrubber is supposed to do. grow nasty algae on the screen so it stays out of your DT. I figure it was easy to build. If it works great, if not i can easily remove it.

The only thing that scares me is the lights connected to the sump. They can easily fall in, however i zip tied them and they seam very steady now. I also added some pvc bars across in case they do fall they hit the pvc and not the water.

I now have to build my ATO, hopefully sometime today i can get that done.

Jim

[Jandree22]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15072254#post15072254 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JDL
The only thing that scares me is the lights connected to the sump. They can easily fall in...
In this hobby, GFCI's are you best friend. :)

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15072871#post15072871 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jandree22
In this hobby, GFCI's are you best friend. :)

yep, have a GFCI outlet for the tank.

added 2nd light to scrubber
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/scrubberfinished2.jpg

[lpkenneys]

Looking good...soon you'll be able to sit back and enjoy your hard work I cant wait to see how the scrubber works out... maybe you can show the rest of us how to make one at the next meeting... :-)

[dalilgriffith]

what bulbs work for refugium algae ?

[Jandree22]

Lowes have CFL lamps that are "daylight"... I THINK they're 6500k. They'll do.

[JDL]

some updates.

finished my ATO
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/atofloat.jpg

algae screen getting some algae finally and none on my glass :thumbsup:
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/ats1.jpg

and a great new thing, a float in my skimmer to turn off when tripped connected to my RKL controller. Tested and works great.
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/skimmerfloat.jpg

[JDL]

my massive coral collection
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/frogspawn.jpg

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/zoa.jpg

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/toad.jpg

[JDL]

minor update: purchased new bulbs for my T5 NEP

ATI Blue Plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

will place them 1 day at a time and update with some new pics.

[volcom69]

Interesting combo of T5 let me know how it looks if it looks like a 14k bulb or what it looks like. The combo i have on my tank now is like the radium bulbs.

What ATO is that you put on.

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15239595#post15239595 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by volcom69
Interesting combo of T5 let me know how it looks if it looks like a 14k bulb or what it looks like. The combo i have on my tank now is like the radium bulbs.

What ATO is that you put on.

ok i couldnt wait so i put all the bulbs in at once.

here is a pichttp://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/newbulbs.jpg

corals seem to really like it, my toadstools are really extended.


My ATO is super simple.
1. aqualifter pump
2. ifloat switch from aquahub.com
3. float sensor from digital aquatics
4. 20g brute trash can for ATO container

connected the float and pump to my reefkeeper lite. Soon as the float switch trips my pump turns off. Soon as it trips the other way pump turns on. I constantly have the same water level.

It is kinda blue, but not too blue. I jut have to figure out which 2 bulbs for my dusk/dawn to use.

coraline starting to grow on my base rock already.

[volcom69]

I use the blue blus as my dusk/dawn light, but you have an actinic so i would probably throw that in there with the dusk/dawn. Looks good, i just ordered some new bulbs for mine im going to try some aquascience bulbs out and see if they are any good.

[JDL]

Minor update: scrubber seems to be working great. No algae at all in my tank. I dont even get any on my glass.

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/scrubber3.jpg

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/scrubber4.jpg

[MVlk]

Those are pretty good results! Have you had to scrape any yet?

Now I have to figure out how to do the same. Almost seems too easy to not do.

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15335252#post15335252 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MVlk
Those are pretty good results! Have you had to scrape any yet?

Now I have to figure out how to do the same. Almost seems too easy to not do.

no i havent had to scrape any yet. This is the first week i am getting any green algae. I think because i basically have a new tank and was running GFO and chaeto, i didnt have much nitrates/phosphates so it is slow to get turf unlike tanks that have tons of nitrate/phosphate already in them.

my chaeto was growing like crazy, but has slowed down now that the screen is growing algae. I also removed the GFO.

a scrubber is super simple to build, and you can easily build one on your setup. All i did was use one of my overflows and put a union and ballvalve for easy cleaning.

[Jandree22]

I'm sceptical on the effectiveness of these setups, but that doesn't mean I'm disputing them, either. I found a VERY long writeup at Saltwaterfish.com so I'll have to read through that when I have an hour or so.

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=330606

I might dabble with one of these setups myself if I'm convinced through that article and your experiences. thanks

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15335296#post15335296 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jandree22
I'm sceptical on the effectiveness of these setups, but that doesn't mean I'm disputing them, either. I found a VERY long writeup at Saltwaterfish.com so I'll have to read through that when I have an hour or so.

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=330606

I might dabble with one of these setups myself if I'm convinced through that article and your experiences. thanks


I would skip swf.com because of the retarded linking rules. The same article is on many other sites and all the links included.

All i know is it cant hurt to have a turf scrubber. If it works.... great, if it doesnt then i didnt waste any money.

I can say i have no algae on my glass ever and my tank is clean. Is it from the scrubber or i just havent hit that point yet?

[Jandree22]

10-4 on the linky police.

True dat, seems harmless enough. My setup would require some replumbing so it's more of a "look before you leap" concern for me. I'm definately interested in following your progress with it.

[CBehr]

I built mine a couple weeks after JDL. I have cleaned it three times and am just starting to get green algae. I unfortunately DO have some nussiance alage in my prop tank despite running GFO/GAC and a oversized skimmer. I'm anxious and hopefull the scubber will work as well as what I've read.

I must say in the 3 weeks of running it the algae on my front glass has cut down a little already.

[JDL]

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/aa.jpg

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/aa2.jpg
before cleaning

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/clean.jpg

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/clean2.jpg
after cleaning

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/scrubberlight.jpg
light


algae is getting much thicker and green. Very similar to GHA.
I also cant find one of my bangaii, only see 3 in the tank. There hasnt been any fighting or anything. However one bangaii always hid in the corner and that is the one missing.

[JDL]

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/ft271909.jpg

FTS 7/19/09
just did a water change so a little dusty/cloudy

[MVlk]

Coming along nicely. :)

[JeffBoyRD]

Hey JDL, looking good. I would like to raise the question of the color temp of your bulb. Apparently stuff is growing on your scrubber. However, would the algae grow better under a 6k-7k bulb? I know that works better for plant growth. Just a question.

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15381876#post15381876 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JeffBoyRD
Hey JDL, looking good. I would like to raise the question of the color temp of your bulb. Apparently stuff is growing on your scrubber. However, would the algae grow better under a 6k-7k bulb? I know that works better for plant growth. Just a question.

alot of discussion on bulbs at algaescrubber forums. the best CFL bulbs were found to be 2700k. I originally had a 5100k bulb on the scurbber and just changed last week to the 2700k. I now have better growth. Is it because of the bulb or just because it is later in the game and the screen gets more algae each week?

still no algae on my glass or anywhere in my DT.

[atwinparadox2]

JDL, I scanned through your thread quick and tried to find out where you picked up the algae scrubber screen, but could not find it. Can you enlighten me please. Also if it's not too much trouble where did you get the info for the scrubber setup? I am looking to set something like this up and it would help greatly. Thanks in advance!

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15382992#post15382992 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atwinparadox2
JDL, I scanned through your thread quick and tried to find out where you picked up the algae scrubber screen, but could not find it. Can you enlighten me please. Also if it's not too much trouble where did you get the info for the scrubber setup? I am looking to set something like this up and it would help greatly. Thanks in advance!

light
http://www.planetbulbstore.com/r40-23-27k.html

screen
http://www.everythingplasticcanvas.com/pc-20049-260-plastic-canvas-7-mesh-12-x-18.aspx

information
santa montica
http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=mega+powerful+nitrate
algaescrubber net

santa montica sells a screen which may work better, he has info on his site.

[atwinparadox2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15383120#post15383120 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JDL
light
http://www.planetbulbstore.com/r40-23-27k.html

screen
http://www.everythingplasticcanvas.com/pc-20049-260-plastic-canvas-7-mesh-12-x-18.aspx

information
santa montica
http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=mega+powerful+nitrate
algaescrubber net

santa montica sells a screen which may work better, he has info on his site.

thanks for the info!

[JeffBoyRD]

You can get the "plastic canvas" locally from places like "Michael's" or "So-Fro Fabrics". I got similar stuff there for a needle-wheel mod for my skimmer pump.

[atwinparadox2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15383428#post15383428 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JeffBoyRD
You can get the "plastic canvas" locally from places like "Michael's" or "So-Fro Fabrics". I got similar stuff there for a needle-wheel mod for my skimmer pump.

thanks, once i got a good look at what it was i knew i could get it locally, thanks for the advise though!

[trippkid]

Coming along very nicely so far. Looks like more corals are needed in there though. Have a good one, let me know if you need a couple of frags(I have SPS, not so much of anything else).
Matt

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15384154#post15384154 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trippkid
Coming along very nicely so far. Looks like more corals are needed in there though. Have a good one, let me know if you need a couple of frags(I have SPS, not so much of anything else).
Matt

yep, my tank is on the boring side right now. I'll be searching for some new corals soon, but not sure which ones. Most likely some LPS since i havent killed any of them yet. I have one SPS but it isnt doing what it should be doing, most likely from my ignorance on placement.

[volcom69]

What kind of flow do you have in the tank, are those the controlable koralas. Tank is looking good.

[stephenrsaiz]

I don't really want to be the one to say this, but your Kole Tang looks under nourished.

[lpkenneys]

And Trust Me! Steve no's what a malnourished Kole Tang looks like :-)

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15386123#post15386123 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stephenrsaiz
I don't really want to be the one to say this, but your Kole Tang looks under nourished.

how can you tell that from that horrible pic? I'll try and get a good pic of it tonight.


flow.... eheim 1262 return. 2 kor #3's
in the sump i have a k2
no they arent attached to my controller, on 24/7

[JDL]

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/kole1.jpg
pic doesnt show it but yellow fins and yellow tail with blue stripes

[volcom69]

He was joking.....i think.

[lpkenneys]

Yeah, he was. Picture your tang if he had eaten a golf ball, thats what Steve's kole tang looks like. :-)

[JDL]

anyone need some chaeto? I have a ton of it, am planning to get rid of it and just run the scrubber.

[JeffBoyRD]

I could use some in my sump, if you have some and are going to be at the next meeting. I had some in my main tank for a little while, I don't know why, but when I got a Yellow Tang in there, he ate most of it in a couple of days.

[turbonegro]

I will also take some at the next meeting.

[03LightningSVT]

I could use a small sandwich bag size portion. Let me know if you want to get rid of a little before the next meeting.

[JDL]

ok, you can all have chaeto. It is filled with tons of wonderful bugs too. I might be at the next meeting, missed the last few because i was powerwashing my house (and the gf was diagnosed with cancer, all is going well).

will update my scrubber pics soon, it is finally growing the strands of algae as advertised.

[JeffBoyRD]

How are those cardinals doing?

[JDL]

How are those cardinals doing?

one disappeared but the other 3 are doing great. The one that is MIA was always hiding from the beginning.

[JDL]

power went out last night (storm) from about 1am to 4:30am. Hopefully nothing bad happened/happens.

i checked my sump and it held all the water that back siphoned. I never really tested this, but glad it works.

[03LightningSVT]

Every system is different but you should be fine, I've already lost power for 5-6 hours because someone hit a telephone pole about 1/2 mile from my house. I really considered a gas powered back up generator after that but never followed through with it.

[Jandree22]

one handy little thing that I personally haven't gotten, yet, is a backup battery airpump to at least keep all your critters breathing, and pH raised in the event of a long outage. it kicks on automatically in the event of an outage, but it's up to you whether or not you want the airline tube/airstone always in your display.

TFP has them for $20 http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10437/product.web

glad your sump did its job :D

[JDL]

minor update. Scrubber doing great, will post pics later. My tank has some strange cob webs in it, long white webs and water is cloudy. Did a 25g water change.

anyone ever have cobwebs in there tank before?

[03LightningSVT]

Sounds like a bacteria issue, do you dose vodka, sugar or vinegar?

[cakemanPA]

I used to get the "cob web" stuff all over the place. Mine turned out be several vermetid snails. I took care of them with some thick kalk paste and have been cobweb free since.

[03LightningSVT]

Yea, could also be vermetids, but I've never seen them make the water cloudy. Vermetids anchor themselves, and the webs they create will originate from the base location and this is were you want to apply the thick kalk paste.

JDL - Post a clear photo of the cob webs and surrounding area.

[JDL]

the good news is they are gone today, water is perfect. 3 day cob webs... will get pics next time if there is a next time.

[JDL]

updated scrubber pics:

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/s1.JPG

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/s2.JPG




and a horrible full tank shot.. too much flash. I need some work on my photo skills

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/fts1.JPG

[JDL]

small update:

MIA: coral beauty
MIA: 3 shrimp

[cakemanPA]

I have had several fish go MIA over the years. I hate when that happens.

[JeffBoyRD]

Bump. How are things going JDL?

[JDL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15715186#post15715186 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JeffBoyRD
Bump. How are things going JDL?

non eventful which is good. Since wife got cancer i havent had much time to do anything with the tank so it is just running without issue.

i still need to test my ca/mg/alk and setup a kalk drip. I also need to rough up another scrubber screen. The one i use is too smooth and not allowing the algae to grow as it should. My chaeto is growing like a weed instead of my scrubber screen.


I may add another fish since i lost the cb and my shrimp. Thinking of a foxface.

I am also going to install a vent system in the fishroom similar to a bathroom vent to get the moisture out of the room.

[JeffBoyRD]

Wow, sorry to hear about your wife. How is she/you doing?

[JDL]

minor update:

and then there were 2. Lost a bangaii last night. Found him stuck on my overflow drain. The 2 that remain look great and hang out together.

I redid my scrubber and then instantly grew GHA in my main tank. Now that the scrubber is working again, it seems to be going away. I removed my scrubber screen to make it rougher, and this caused all the algae to die off of it, so it was like starting over. I have some photos of the GHA growing in my tank and will take more pics and post them when the scrubber removes them. One thing i can say about the scrubber is once the GHA started, it didnt overtake my tank once the scrubber started to grow algae again. Now i can test the claims of them removing GHA from the main display.

Once GHA is gone and i build a sink in the fish room, i'll think of adding some inverts and fish to the display

[JeffBoyRD]

Sorry to hear about the Bangaii. I love those fish. You've had them for awhile. Can't wait to hear how the scrubber proves out.

[JeffBoyRD]

Hey JDL, forgot to ask, do you use a separate light/placement for the chaeto?

[JDL]

Hey JDL, forgot to ask, do you use a separate light/placement for the chaeto?

no, the chaeto uses the same light as my scrubber.
http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/s1.JPG
right hand side is my chaeto

I just threw away a TON of chaeto because it grew very fast when my scrubber was redone.

[JDL]

minor update:

Wife cancer = gone, so i may have time to mess with the tank.

all fish are doing well. The bangaii are finally eating pellets (changed brands and they like this new stuff). My pH seems low, most likely from not doing a water change in many months.

Redid the scrubber again, this time using 2 screens together. It is growing algae fast, and will hopefully remove the GHA that still lingers in my tank.

my one lonely frogspawn is doing well.

After christmas once i get my pH settled I may get some shrimp and some corals to liven up the aquarium.

I have pics of the current GHA issue, and the redoing of the scrubber. However they are still on my camera. Will post when i get time to transfer them.

[JDL]

updated pics

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/blenny2010.jpg
minor Algae issue, hopefully blenny and scrubber will resolve

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/scrubber2010.jpg
changed the flow of the scrubber (more flow = better growth)

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/nemo2010.jpg
stupid nemo not in anem

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/bubble.jpg
empty anem

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/bangaii2010.jpg
2 bangaii still alive

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/conch2010.jpg
fighting conch moving around

http://www.abacasalon.com/FishRoom/arrow2010.jpg
This arrow is now dead. I am convinced it is my sixline.

[JeffBoyRD]

Missed your prior post. Great news concerning your wife, awesome.
Thanks for the updates. I have a six line as well. When I added 2 shrimp, it would not allow them out of the rock. After a week, I didn't see them again.

[JeffBoyRD]

Hey, if you ever need to get rid of some more chaeto, please let me know. Thanks.

[JDL]

Hey, if you ever need to get rid of some more chaeto, please let me know. Thanks.

if you need some, come and get it. I need to remove some of it anyway so now is a good time.

[Tonynlo]

How effective is the fuge in your sump? The picture may be deceiving to my eye but, it looks like water will just flow through ultimately making your entire return section a large refugium with very little contents. Is that basket a specific brand? I only ask because that looks like it is a very simple design and I plan do do something similar.

[JDL]

How effective is the fuge in your sump? The picture may be deceiving to my eye but, it looks like water will just flow through ultimately making your entire return section a large refugium with very little contents. Is that basket a specific brand? I only ask because that looks like it is a very simple design and I plan do do something similar.

I have 2 sections. The first section holds my skimmer, and one of the overflows from the tank goes into this section. I bought this section at lowes. It is a rough box, 27 gallons. It then flows from there into the main sump.

The main sump is a rubbermaid stock tank, 50g. I bought this at tractor supply. It gets overflow from the skimmer section and the other overflow from the tank that feeds my scrubber. I have live rock in the sump and a korilla 2 for some water movement. I have the heaters in there, a pH probe, and my reactor pumps (carbon / gfo)

I removed the basket with the sand and replaced it with a scrubber. Page 7/8 should show how the sump is put together. I can take different pictures if you want.

As far as it being a fuge, it does a good job. I slowly made changes and now that i have the scrubber working as it should, my chaeto is growing less (as expected and wanted), my GHA in my tank is slowly going away and no new stuff is growing. About once/week i have to clean the front of my glass because algae grows on the scrubber and not the system.

Everntually i may get a 100g stock tank, but for now the 50g is working.

[ganjero]

Its looking good. I was reading about the algae scrubber and I wanted to know if you needed to seed it when you first set it up? or if it will eventually starts growing algae?

[JDL]

Its looking good. I was reading about the algae scrubber and I wanted to know if you needed to seed it when you first set it up? or if it will eventually starts growing algae?

It just starts growing algae. However you can buy screens that are seeded if you dont want to wait.