AndyReef's 110g Reef Build

[AndyReef]

I've been moving around from apartment to apartment a lot in the past few years, I know what you are thinking, and no I am not running from the IRS. Its been a while since I have had a tank; that's about to change. My wife let me buy a 110 gallon tank on my birthday. I'd like any input, design tips, or even criticism from anybody willing to help out.

Here is the plan thus far:

I am building a 110 gallon system using a Marineland/Perfecto reef ready glass tank. I planning a substrate free system but I haven't completely made up my mind. I am going to be using DIY rock as a base with live rock to seed. I am planning on housing primarily SPS and clams, with some LPS, and softies as well.

I built a sump this weekend using an Aqueon 40 gallon breeder. I drilled a hole for the return pump and put in some 0.25" glass dividers. Currently it has a section for my skimmer and a section that could be used as a refugium, but the refugium section might just be a reservoir for now.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/71437Sump.jpg

I have a new Vertex 280 skimmer, which is a needle wheel-type skimmer.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/585/71437Skimmer.jpg

I also have two Pan-World 50PX-X pumps, one for return and one for closed loop.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/71437pumps.jpg

I am probably going to get some sort of dual 250 Watt HQI fixture but haven't decided on one yet.

I still need to choose an RO/DI system, and a calcium reactor. I also need to decide if I am going to drill the 110 for the closed loop or just go over the top.

Any suggestions, ideas, comments, stock tips or anything else would be great.

[AndyReef]

For my sump I started with an Aqueon (formerly All-Glass) 40 gallon breeder. I drilled a hole for the 1" bulkhead in the return section. I used a 1 3/4" diamond hole saw on a drill guide with a cordless drill. A little plumbers putty for a reservoir and some water plus a little patience is all it takes. I hadn't drilled a hole like this for a few years and my pressure wasn't perfect throughout the drilling so the edges are a little ragged, but it is certainly usable, just a couple little knicks in the edge.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/sumpbuild2.jpg

To put in the dividers I used painters masking tape to keep the silicone edges nice and straight. I had the guy at the local hardware store cut some 0.25" glass for the dividers. I used a square to place the tape.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/sumpbuild3.jpg

The tallest section could be used as a refugium in the future. If I do use it as a refugium it will need to have another small piece of glass placed in front of the first baffle as a substrate fence. The second section is for the skimmer. I made a platform for this section using some PVC legs and eggcrate. The extra sections of PVC under the upper baffles was just to keep it from sliding while the silicone hardened.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/sumpbuild5.jpg

[Electrobes]

This is looking like a very thought out, well done start. My only worry/question is whether you water tested the sump?

I went through 3 Aqueon 40Br tanks before I found one that didn't leak! I don't want to scare you, but just passing my experience.

Looking forward to more!

[AndyReef]

I did water test it today. The tank and each compartment were water tight. Then I filled it to the top and let it sit for a few hours. That's a valid concern. I have had pretty good experience with AGA and Aqueon in the past. I wonder why you had so much trouble finding a sealed tank. Were they used or new?

[AndyReef]

Here are some pics from the water test. You can really tell how the patio is graded for drainage if you look at the water line.


http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/watertest1.jpg

Full
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/watertest4.jpg

[knucklehead562]

how much did that tank run you?

[Electrobes]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14857319#post14857319 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AndyReef
I did water test it today. The tank and each compartment were water tight. Then I filled it to the top and let it sit for a few hours. That's a valid concern. I have had pretty good experience with AGA and Aqueon in the past. I wonder why you had so much trouble finding a sealed tank. Were they used or new?

All three aqueons were new, unfortunately.

I really like how clean the sump is with the silicone work. Loks really nice! :)

[AndyReef]

Thanks. How does one get to be so lucky to be a house husband?

[Electrobes]

By marrying a doctor :lol:

[spleify]

Looks like some good clean work so far. Can't wait to see it come together!

[gradth]

Very nice sump. cant wait to see the tank.

[AndyReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14870748#post14870748 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Electrobes
By marrying a doctor :lol:

But I am married to a doctor!

[Electrobes]

:lol: I hadn't noticed you are a surgery resident, my wife is a family medicine resident. I know my wife's schedule is kibbles next to what your schedule must be life.. not to mention your wife too!

Thankfully this is my wife's last year coming up, but she got chief resident so I still don't get to see her.. even if her official schedule has laxed! ;)

I also hadn't noticed till now you're in Florida. We're from West Palm Beach. :)

[AndyReef]

I had the afternoon free today so I decided to spend it with my new friend Ken. He's the electrician I found on Google. With a little problem solving and a very interesting conversation with my wife, we managed to install a new GFI outlet on a dedicated 20 amp circuit in my living room. During the course of our adventure, we found a very large area of wasted space under the stairs near my entryway that is going to become a sweet new storage area once I get the time to put in some drywall and some hardwood flooring.

Here are some pictures.

This is my new GFI outlet.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/gfi.jpg

Here is the only section that had to be placed in conduit, we managed to snake the rest of it through the walls. Also to the right you can see the hole we cut into the drywall under the stairs. Maybe someday I will post pictures of that space and its transformation into a new closet.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/conduit.jpg

You probably can't tell, but there is a dedicated breaker switch in my breaker box for the 20 amp circuit that my aquarium will be on.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/20amps.jpg

GFI outlets are pretty important since our hobby is basically just asking to electrify some salt water. Also, 20 amps is most likely overkill but gives me room to do whatever I will need to do. As a rule of thumb, a household circuit can typically handle a continuous load of 80% of the rating on the circuit. So in this case I can run a 15 amp load continuously.

[AndyReef]

I just realized the poor quality of my camera. I'll have to start using my other one.

[AndyReef]

I did a little work over the weekend. I started working on a stand. Here are some pictures.


I'd love to hear suggestions on how I should go about skinning it. I tend to like more modern styles of furniture.

Wait for it . . .
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/cutwood.jpg

There it is.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/stand.jpg

[AndyReef]

Any suggestions?

[AndyReef]

I decided it was time to water test the main tank this weekend and test fit it on the stand.
I let the water sit in there for 48 hours, no drips!

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/watertest.jpg.

[Tangweed]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14908381#post14908381 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AndyReef
I had the afternoon free today so I decided to spend it with my new friend Ken. He's the electrician I found on Google. With a little problem solving and a very interesting conversation with my wife, we managed to install a new GFI outlet on a dedicated 20 amp circuit in my living room. During the course of our adventure, we found a very large area of wasted space under the stairs near my entryway that is going to become a sweet new storage area once I get the time to put in some drywall and some hardwood flooring.

Here are some pictures.

This is my new GFI outlet.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/gfi.jpg

Here is the only section that had to be placed in conduit, we managed to snake the rest of it through the walls. Also to the right you can see the hole we cut into the drywall under the stairs. Maybe someday I will post pictures of that space and its transformation into a new closet.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/conduit.jpg

You probably can't tell, but there is a dedicated breaker switch in my breaker box for the 20 amp circuit that my aquarium will be on.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/20amps.jpg

GFI outlets are pretty important since our hobby is basically just asking to electrify some salt water. Also, 20 amps is most likely overkill but gives me room to do whatever I will need to do. As a rule of thumb, a household circuit can typically handle a continuous load of 80% of the rating on the circuit. So in this case I can run a 15 amp load continuously.

Tagging along:) My buddy did the samething 6 months ago when we finished my basement. He's an electrician of course.

[AndyReef]

I made some rocks with oystershell and white portland a few months ago. It air cured for about 2 months and it has been curing in fresh water with daily changes for about 6 weeks. The pH of the water read 8.2 today after a 24 hour soak. They aren't the prettiest rocks, but they will certainly get the job done, I'll post some pics later.

[imcosmokramer]

looking forward to seeing the rocks you made.

[reidcrandall]

Looking good. What kind of surgeon are you going to be?

[AndyReef]

General surgery for now, haven't decided on fellowship yet, but I am leaning toward transplant. What kind of medical sales do you do?

[AndyReef]

I started buildling a cabinet for the sump today, will post pictures soon.

[AndyReef]

As promised here are some pictures of the sump cabinet. I don't have the luxury of having a room that I can devote to all my reef equipment so I had to be somewhat creative in hiding all the gadgets. Creating this cabinet frees up my main display stand for even more equipment and lets me have a much larger sump and skimmer.

Still needs handles and needs to be finished.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/sumpstand1.jpg

From the side.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/sumpstand2.jpg

From the back.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/sumpstand3.jpg

Here is the inside.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/sumpstand5.jpg

I also have some DIY rock curing. Here are most of them. They are 4 parts oystershell, and 1 part white portland cement with just enough water to hold them together. They are very pourous, pretty strong, and pretty light.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/reefcrete.jpg

I need to build the shell for the main stand and put on a canopy. I will probably start on that sometime in June.

[inktomi]

I'm looking forward to seeing how these rocks look a few months after you put them in the tank. I always hate spending so much money on... rock.. but I don't trust myself to make them myself heh

[AndyReef]

True, you save some money with homemade rock, but they are definitely more labor intensive with water changes while curing. They are more fun, in my opinion, because you can watch them become populated with coralline, and other critters. I suppose it adds a little bit more control as well in what gets introduced to your tank. (Just a little more control) I have definitely introduced some unwanteds in the past with just the seed rock.

[AndyReef]

I did some more work on the stand today, and started on the canopy too.

I used pine 1x4s and birch plywood, the same as on the sump cabinet.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/sandccut.jpg

Biscuits and a plate joiner were used to put the wood together to make the frames.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/joint1.jpg

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/joint2.jpg

I put grooves into the interior of the frames for the plywood for the doors.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/grooves.jpg

Here are the sides and back before the plywood was placed.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/frames.jpg

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/backframe.jpg

I'll post pictures of the canopy soon.

[AndyReef]

Here are some updates on my progress. Still using the cell phone camera, will have to find the real camera soon.

Here is the stand before finishing.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/fullstand.jpg

Here is a close up of the canopy before finishing, it has a 270 degree euro hinge on the front.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/canopy.jpg

I have a piece of plywood with cork on surface next to the floor so I can level the tank with shims without damaging the floor. Also, you can see the cat door on the wall that will allow the plumbing to go to the sump in the garage.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/corkboard.jpg

I painted the frame with one step epoxy to seal it from the moisture.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/standframe.jpg

Here is a shot of the full stand in the room. I hear that my wife is going to paint the room a different color rather than green. Guess that means I get to move the whole thing again, including the 250 pound tank. Yipee!
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/fts.jpg

[AndyReef]

Here is a shot of the inside with the shell over the stand. Everything is coated with the one step epoxy.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/standopen.jpg

My wife graciously holding the canopy open for a photo. I am planning on putting a spring hinge in to hold the lid up.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/canopy-1.jpg

[AndyReef]

Haven't updated in a while. Since last time, I received my ReefKeeper Elite V2 system with the ALC and NET modules. I ordered some parts for my LED array that I am building, and I have ordered my Spectrapure RO/DI system. I will post some pictures when there is something picture worthy to place.

I would like some opinions on water flow.

Should I build a closed loop or should I go with some of the Vortech pumps?

[AndyReef]

Also, if I do go with the Vortechs, how many should I put in?

[Stanley-Reefer]

pretty nice!

Might I suggest a piece of dark auto tint on the corner where the overflow is since it faces the room?

[fish2009]

Wow. great progress and your postings are awsome. I think building out a system is the most fun of this whole hobby. My only suggestion (and what I will do with my next build is to build the stand with the ability to easily remove the sump for cleaning or maintanence. My design will probably be with some type of removable panel on one side or enough room to easily remove it from the front without having to twist and turn the sump to remove it. Great work!!!

[AndyReef]

I actually built a second cabinet for the sump that resides in the garage. I didn't want to deal with the lack of head space in the stand. I started on some plumbing projects today. As far as the overflow compartment goes, I may go ahead with the auto tint idea. I did however paint the overflows black with some Plasti-Dip since that picture was taken. I will post some pictures of the sump cabinet later. I'm also building a rock rack that should be done in the near future.

[AndyReef]

Time for some photo updates.

This is the stand without its shell. The blue paint is a marine epoxy.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/NakedStand.jpg

I have decided to do a substrate free tank and built a rock rack to get good flow under the rockwork.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/RockRack.jpg

I didn't want to see any of the plumbing behind the tank so I built a rear box to hide all the plumbing and wiring.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/Backbox.jpg

There are brackets inside for the return line.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/Backpipeframe.jpg

Here is how it sits behind the tank.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/Backinplace.jpg

This is the front shell. It is bolted directly to the frame.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/Frontshell.jpg

This is the inside of the canopy with the LED heatsink in place.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/LEDheatsink.jpg

All together.
http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/Standtogether.jpg

[AndyReef]

Next time I will put up some update photos of the cabinet in the garage that houses the skimmer, RO/DI and the ReefKeeper.

[Henryreef]

I can't wait to see the LEDs on the tank, its going look great! :thubsup:

[AndyReef]

Important update coming today.

[wesley6610]

AndyReef, looking good and do you know how many LED's and if you will be using optics or not? That seems like a pretty deep tank and I think that 40 degree optics should be highly considered if you are keeping any kind of light hungry corals.

[AndyReef]

I have 96 Crees and yes, I will be using 40 degree optics. I have some pictures on my camera to post, just need to find the USB cable to upload them. Hopefully later today.

[AndyReef]

Before I add the optics, I am trying to figure out how to moisture proof the LED arrays.

[tangtang clown]

Lookin good so far, I just finished my stand and I will be drilling my DT for a closed loop. Keep up the nice work.

[wesley6610]

I'm not sure if I would really want to take the chance to find out how "moisture" proof they are after all of the soldering that you did for 96 stars. However, the optics seem more important for penetration than protection. I am almost finish with my two 36 LED's arrays and will simply raise them higher off the water level to prevent splashing, salt creep and burning the corals.

[Oldude]

Looks great. How tall is that tank and will LED's give enough depth penetration for sps?

[scrapING]

awsome set up

[AndyReef]

Wesley: I like the raising it higher method. I have plenty of room in my hood and with the optics I will want it up a little bit just to decrease the spotlighting effects. As far as the moisture goes, I was thinking of getting a sheet of acrylic and drilling holes so that the optics protrude but the wiring will be behind a splash guard.

Oldude: Tank is 30" deep. I am not sure about the light penetration at the moment. I am waiting for my optics to arrive, and I am going to be doing some PAR measurements.

scrapING: Thanks!

[AndyReef]

Here are my lights.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt36/aprockies/Aquarium/Lights.jpg

Also, filled the tanks with RO/DI over the past 2 days and added the salt tonight. I should be starting a cycle and adding some seed rock pretty soon.

[tangtang clown]

Did you DIY your LEDs? How many watts?

[wesley6610]

AndyReef, that is a beautiful array and I can't wait to see what your corals look like under it in the coming weeks/months. I too am thinking of adding an acrylic shield to prevent moisture once my canopy is done being built. I think that 1/4" should be sturdy enough to span the distance without buckling over time, but not too thick to cut down on light penetration.

[AndyReef]

tangtang: Yes they are DIY. I used 96 Crees; 48 Q5s and 48 royal blues. I am driving them with 8 Meanwell Eln 60-48-D constant current drivers. The Crees can be driven at 1000mA. I don't have them running at that current at the moment because I am working on improving the cooling system (adding some more fans and drilling some holes in the canopy). So right now they are each running at 40 watts for a total of 320 watts. Once I have them at full strength, they will be 48 watts each for a total of 384. I am not really sure that total watts means as much with LEDs as it does with MH. I will post pictures with PAR levels once the optics are in place. Also, I left some spaces on the heatsink to place more/brighter LEDs in the future if I need to grow.

[wesley6610]

Sounds good to me. I have my meanwell's pushing 12 LED's per string at 700mA for both Q5's and Royal Blues. Good thinking about leaving space for other LED's in the future, but I look at this build as my tester and my next will consist of more effects like dimming, cpu controlled sunrise/sunset and weather (cloud cover) if the equipment is available and reasonably priced.

[enamdjd]

Great job!

[AndyReef]

Wesley: The MeanWell drivers that I am using are the D model which means that they have 0-10v dimming. I am using my RKE with the ALC module to do dimming. Since I have the whites and blues on separate dimming channels I am able to alter the color temperature and do fairly decent sunrise/sunset effects. I haven't spent too much time with the ALC to see if there are any decent lunar cycle controls but I will likely work on that in the future. I too will likely upgrade in the future when brighter/more efficient LEDs hit the market.

[bobbyrocco]

Hey Andy Great build so far!
Can you maybe post some pictures or explain how you hooked up the meanwells to your RKE. I am in the process of doing the same thing right now with 12 Meanwell 60-48D's. Six for blue and six for white. Also how many power cords did you use? Keep up the good work. Thanks

[AndyReef]

Its been a while since I updated. There is water in the tank now, it has been cycled for about 3 weeks now. I have adjusted the calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity up to the levels I want and I am starting to see some coralline patches forming on the DIY rock. I added about 15 pounds of Fiji and Vanuatu rock to get the whole thing going.

Early on in the cycling I had a major outbreak of bryopsis. I ended up turning up the skimmer, covering the whole tank with a dark sheet for about a week with the lights off, added about 20 snails and pulled off every piece that I could see/reach. When I pulled the sheet off there was just a little very yellow residual bryopsis. I restarted the lights and added a rabbitfish for good measure and added a few more snails. I let it go for a few days with no intervention and the rabbitfish and snails pretty much eradicated what was left. I should also mention that I boosted my magnesium up to about 1400 and boosted the pH up to about 8.3.

By the way, I personally don't think that the magnesium had much to do with it since I wasn't using Kent tech M which has really been the only reproducible bryopsis control with mag that I know of. However, I didn't want to leave any stone unturned in terms of getting rid of that vile stuff. Also, I should mention that I have used this method of lights out, increased skimming and boosting pH to get rid of bryopsis in another tank. Which means that I have reproduced the result 2 times now.

I will post some pictures when I get a chance.