My 180 4sided viewable in-wall build

[Hookup]

Well folks, the first "real" step has been taken. The tank has been ordered. It will be here in 4-6 weeks. It's a 180gallon tank, 4 sides will be viewable, and 4 sides are starfire. The starfire was an expensive option given it's all 4 sides, but the overall tank was much cheaper than I assumed so it nett'ed out well for me.

So, why did I want to change out my tank. I'm just cresting the one year mark with the corner tank that I've setup. And honestly, it's doing very well. I've had ups and downs with the tank, and with the equipment over the past year, learned a tonne from many, many people on this forum/club and from others as well as reading obsessive amounts of information. However, that still doesn't answer the question of "why upgrade?".

Well the simple reason is I do not like my aquascaping, and the stand/canopy is the wrong color to go with my family room. I would love to make up loads of technical reasons that make sense to everyone, but there you have it, i'm shallow and want things to look just right.

The 92gallon corner tank I have right now is actually thriving again, and I see the grow-out potential in the tank. It's heading in good directions. However, the form rock-walls I built are not my thing, they have to go... but I used an entire tube of sillycone to stick them to the glass... likely not going to come off without a major fight... They were only put on there because I did not want to try to maintain the clean-zen look in a corner tank, figureing it would require some advanced yoga skills to keep it clean.

Additional factors would be that the aquascaping itself is very open, but no where near "zen bonsai" that I wish to have. In all my research and reading, the tanks I'm drawn to have vast open spaces with full mature colonies grown out bursting with color. I just cannot achieve that look in my current system. Additionally, there are some fish that I would like to have in the tank which are unreasonable in a 90gallon system. I'm not saying which ones are for sure, as at this time there are no "for sure" fish... but there are many that I really like.

So a little about the new tank. First, the 4 sided viewable concept might have perked some interest. It's defiantly going to present several challenges. The main reason is that this tank will be a room divider of sorts. It will be in the wall, kind of, between my dinning room and my family room. Imagine looking into my dining room and instead of a hutch on the wall you'll see a fish tank. All 180 glorious gallons of it... but instead of it being pushed up against the wall, the wall will have a hole in it allowing the room on the other side a view of the fish tank as well. So from the Family room, there'll be a flush wall-mounted/trimmed 180 gallon tank.

For many reasons I did not want the tank to be "built in"... but rather to look like it's on a stand, and as such, look like it's easily removable from the house. I'm always thinking resale value, cause you never know... not that we're planning on selling ever...

Now, to create the zen look and feel, I needed to find a way to handle the flow and plumbing without having any of it visible what so ever. The end product *must* look like a tank of coral, rock, sand and fish... that's it, that's all. I've done some research on overflow systems and have found a system to create a durso style drain without an overflow box. (more on that as that part of the project evolves). I've also got designs on a closed loop system, in fact the tank will come with 2 input holes and 4 output holes for a closed loop system, likely driven by a hammerhead pump (gold series for quite operation).

Additionally, the rock itself in the display will be 80% DIY rock. Of course the return lines and drain lines, as well as the closed loop system will be completely hidden in DIY rock, however even the rock structures themselves will be created from DIY rock. This gives me the control to ensure that no "extra's" get into the system. The rock I have now is covered in great hitchhikers...but they are getting in the way of stuff I actually want to grow. I've complained about the GSP and Zoa's before and this time I will not be bothered by them again. The existing rock will go into my sump as the fuge is being removed from the system, gaining a 40gallon tank of space that I can pack the rock into.

I'm pretty sure next week I'll open the wall and start the stand build, with photos. I want to get some sketchup drawings done of the stand, tank, overflows and what-not drawn up, but honestly that program frustrates me so do not hold you're breath. I'll be posting a bunch of photos as this build goes forward, but for now I figured I'd just formally let the cat out of the bag.

As always, thanks for reading
-Tim

[Hookup]

Some more details on the tank. The tank will have black sillycone and eurobracing. I hope to maintain the minimalistic look. I will be creating "netting" out of some pond cover materials and acrylic which will fasten to the eurobracing to stop fish from jumping. I have not yet located the materials but there are many threads about specific materials that work. As mentioned there will be 9 holes drilled for 1.5" bulkheads in the bottom pane of glass, which will be tempered for safety. I have not yet determined the exact placement of the holes, however, I'm fairly sure they will be bascially around the 4 corners. Two holes for the closed loop input are also a bit of a mystery at this point. I'm thinking of having them towards the center, but I do also know that I do not want any corals growing dead center, so no rock in the center to hide those inputs... I'll have drawn up some diagrams of possible rock work layout and posted them below as a way to help with placement of the holes.

The lighting for this tank will be driven from a 10bulb T5 fixture from ATI. The ATI Powermodule has active cooling on each pair of bulbs which creates the right conditions for the bulbs to output their spectrum for the longest period, at least thats what I keep reading. The fixture will be 5 feet and suspended over the tank, centered. I didn't feel there was a need to cover the entire 6 feet (72") of the tank with direct lighting and the streamlined look is better maintained with the slightly smaller fixture. The down side to this fixture is the bulbs. Not so much the direct cost, but the availability of 60" bulbs. It's limited. Very limited. And from what I am told, shipping will not insure bulbs of that length. Trips to Toronto (5hrs away) are required now, twice a year to get replacement bulbs... oh and whatever else might be awesome...

The tank stand itself is going to be very minimalistic and simple. Nothing fancy, but clean simple lines. The stand will be only used for display. What I mean is the sump is already in the basement, and I will just tie into that system. The closed loop will also get driven down into the basement because even though the pump is a gold-series, I want the system to be dead silent. So I'll mount the closed loop pump on the underside of the floor from some hangers that minimize noise through vibration but keep the pump relatively close to minimize pressure. (Closed loops do not suffer the same type of head pressure as return pumps, but still).

The sump will remain mostly as-is... with the removal of the fuge being the only major change. I'll be finding a spot to crate a frag-rack in the sump as well, but in all likely hood that will take months before i bother with it... with the new system, i'm hoping to achieve large colonies for the look. I will post a write up on the existing sump in this thread soon so everyone has an idea of what is keeping the display on life support.

I hope that gives you some more information, and honestly, writing it down helps solidify some of the concepts in my mind as well.

Thanks for reading
-Tim

[Hookup]

Ok, so here is the first diagram of the rock-work that should help place the holes in the tank. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be... However what I also realized is that if I'm not exactly correct, I can add an elbow here or there to move things around... but the down side with that is 1.5" plumbing is very large... moving an intake a few inches can be very bulky... something that goes against the zen/minimalist look.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/holes.jpg

[Husky_1]

Hey Hookup,
It looks like you are putting a ton of thought into this tank. I think it will be absolutely wonderful when you are done.

Are you at all concerned with the integrity of the bulkheads that will be needed on the bottom of the tank. In a standard overflow, if things go wrong, you only have to worry about a couple gallons of water, but in your situation, it may be the entire tank's volume of water that is at risk. I know I am probably a bit paranoid when it comes to planning for these types of disasters, but I was curious as to what your plans for failure will be?

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing pics as the build progresses.

[meredith1985]

This looks like an incredible idea! I love the thought of not being able to see those ugly pipes and tubes! I can't wait to see how you pull this off! I'm tagging along for sure!

[GlassReef]

This will definitely be worth following! I really like what you have written, so far, about the aesthetics of the tank.

I'm subscribed ...

[Ed Reef]

This will be a great tank build IMO

[LUVSPS]

Excited to follow along on this one!

[Mayesj101]

Subsribed.

[Hookup]

The holes have been determined.. I just need to re-draw the diagram and send it in Tuesday. Oh and I added 4 more holes bringing the total number of holes in the bottom of the tank to 13... Yep, that's Swiss cheese for sure...

The reason is, I want to have 6 closed loop outputs and 4 closed loop in puts. The current plan only calls for 4 outputs / 2 inputs... The main reason is I need to think way, way, way down the road say in 3-4 years when the corals have grown into their max size (after that fragging takes care of things)... Anyhow, the flow required at that time might be significant because of dense corals, so with 6 outputs and 4 inputs, I could run two pumps, say gold series darts @4200gph each, and get upwards of 8000gph flow in 180gallon system... then, if really needed, I can put in gold series hammerheads @6200gph each, and move up to 12,000gph in the system for circulation..

Each of the CL outputs will be divided into two 3/4" pipes that will delivery flow in to directions. Additionally for the first while, a 4-way OceansMotions will be used to create random flow on four of the 6 outputs. (I reserve the right to change that plan). I need to contact them (OceansMotions) and have a discussion or three, maybe even go visit them.. Toronto is only 5hrs away.

I'll post a new drawing as soon as I can. The demolition will not start until after I get the fireplace ripped out, and stone put on the wall, the fire place raised 6inches high and re-connected etc... It'd be nice to assume I can get that project done for the end of next week... Then the week after, or possibly the one after that, start ripping up walls and building stands.

[waynem]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15652149#post15652149 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Hookup
The holes have been determined.. I just need to re-draw the diagram and send it in Tuesday. Oh and I added 4 more holes bringing the total number of holes in the bottom of the tank to 13... Yep, that's Swiss cheese for sure...



13 ...that is a lot of holes, glad your not superstitious ;)

[Hookup]

LOL, i never noticed.... I had a really crazy day at work and it's not over yet.. I've not been able to update the diagram and get it sent out to the builder. I hate delays, even when I am the cause.

[Hookup]

Good news! The tank has been finalized. As above, the deposit was given some time ago (two weeks almost now) but the builder, Miracle Tanks in Toronto, needed to know where to drill the holes... all 13 of them...

The image and instructions below was sent to them today meaning that we should be on-track for a delivery date of around end of October.

The Stand will begin construction in a few weeks as there is no need to open up the wall too early.

I think that we (my LFS and I) have come up with some creative solutions for the aquascaping process. Possiblly done before by someone somewhere, because nothings really new anymore, but it should make a drop-fit aquascape...

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/holes-1.jpg

[Lightsluvr]

Holey moley!!! :D :D

Thatsa lotta holes! I was worried about the 7 holes in my tank's underbelly... :eek:

Th eright side looks like it will be "quiet"...

Tagging along to watch it go together.

LL

[Hookup]

I will admit that Miracles said yes to 9 holes, not 13... so we'll see what they say at this point... maybe they will have to up the glass thickness or who knows... I cannot see why it would be a problem, but then again, I do not make tanks for a living... so until the experts, who will warranty the tank, reply... i'm just going to ignore the potential issue and live in ignorance and bliss... which btw, is an awesome place to call home.

[Ed Reef]

13 holes for a 180-g. What base thickness are you going with?? Seems a lot of holes IMO....

Alternatively maybe can run some of the CL along the base of the tank and use a SSB to cover the PVC plumbing as this way you will have less hole.

[Hookup]

Admittedly, 13 holes is, a few.. :)

What is a SSB?

[Ed Reef]

SSB = Single Sand Bed

[Lightsluvr]

Here is another option for a closed loop if you don't want too many holes in your tank bottom.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1423726&perpage=25&pagenumber=6

Paul is President of COMAS and a frequent contributor to Reefkeeping Magazine. I have seen his finished closed loop in operation...it really gets the flow going in his 600G tank!

Just another option for you...

LL

[edandsandy]

This is going to be an interesting build.
Tagging along.

[Hookup]

@Lightsluvr; thanks for that link... It's an interesting "low hole" option. I'm waiting for feedback from the builder before changing the design, if they are willing to warranty the 13hole crazynes, then I'm charging ahead... if not, now I've got some excellent options.

The diagram I posted above is missleading. Each of the closed loops returns is a candidate for being split, and in all honestly, they all likely will be thus giving me 12 points of flow from the 6 holes.. that decision will be made during the aquascaping/DIY rock phase... Each of the CL returns will be controlled with a valve, though I assume that is standard practice. I will also be looking at an Oceans Motions unit for part of the CL, but that's somewhat un-related...

At this time, I do think that I will just go ahead with 2 closed loop pumps right from the start. Two gold-series darts will be used because they are a bit more energy efficent when compared to their non-gold series counterparts. Additionally, they provide extra punch in the flow department, however for a while, this will not be required because of the open concept and smaller corals...

My personal feeling on flow, in a reef system, and SPS system more specifically, is that it's not about GPH or turnover, but about quality of water movement when it comes to refreshing the micro-thin layer of 'bonded water' on the corals and ensuring suspension for as much waste materail as possible. So i'm more than confident that my first design would be sufficent, for a long time to come.. but I've seen so many tanks with corals grown in, nice and thick, so looking down the road, I've got to try to predict where the dense spots will occur, and be ready with flow today...

This part I'm finding already is very limiiting... in a "normal tank" you can just add a pump wherever you need, or tweak some plumbing, etc, etc... this tank will never have a visible piece of plumbing in it, (to the best of my abilities), so I really have to envision the 3 or 4 year "grown out" end-state of the tank and be ready to manage it between day 0 and year 4... I figure by the time year 4 is here, the corals will be pretty much grown in as much as I want, and i'll be into a frag-fest to keep things running..

@Ed Reef; At this point my sand bed depth is TBD, though thanks for the new term..:)

I'm completely torn on the fish side of this build. From my laymans artistic eye, I feel that there are only one of two ways to stock the tank with fish. Either have one OMG show piece, say a pair of crosshatch triggers, OR, have a teeming mass of the same fish.. say 10 yellow tangs and 30 green chromis...

In either secnario, there would obviously be many other fish in the system, but the idea is that from 20 feet away, either design has something that draws the viewer to the "tank". Either the size and splendor of a single fish, or the mass of similar/same color... once the Viewer is "hooked" their eyes woudl then begin to explore the tank and that's where all the blennies, gobies, inverts, mandrin, etc, etc, come into play... the viewer keeps returing to the main image (OMG show piece or mass of similarity) but then reverts to the little details... over and over... creating a "discovery experience".. (OK, i know, i think way,way to much about this stuff... I've even tried to balance the rest of the decore in my house using basic fung shui... but everyone needs an obsession... and I hate the work involed in stalking people... :) )

So, back to why the sand bed is not determined... of all the fish decisions i've yet to make, leopard wrasses are always at the top of my wish list... wrasses in general are required... also I want to get about 5-8 yellow-headded jawfish... all requiring 3" of sand... a bit more than the SSB and not nearly a DSB...

I do not like deep sand beds... or beds over 1"... this is not from personal experience, but from what I've read... however, I do like wrasses and jawfish, and gobies, etc...

Anyhow, that's Future Tim's problem... so he can deal with it later...

Thanks for reading,
Tim

[sean_954]

mmmm 13 holes , mmm .............i'll have to stay tuned to build .

[sean_954]

mhhh 13 holes , mhhh .............i'll have to stay tuned to build .

[Hookup]

I did some updates to my diagram for flow... to ensure that I had enough of the design worked out. On paper, the tank builder has given the thumbs up to the holes and placement. They are laying it out on a sheet of glass to "visualize" the final product before saying no problems.

One other "major" change is at this point, i'm planning on driving each of the two closed loop systems using a gold series dart, but also from a single 1.5" input drain as opposed to having 2 x 1.5" drains connecting to the pump... I believe there is enough pressure fromthe tank, sitting 10feet above the pumps, that the 1.5" line will never go dry, and I will use a ball or gate valve on the return line from each closed loop to "slightly" throttle back the return flow, thus ensuring that the pump will never run out of supply water.

This now means that each CL has 4 outputs to play with.

CL1 is for mass flow... It is on 100% of the time and keeps the water moving in a circular pattern around the long-end of the tank... The two Closed Loop inputs (shown in light blue (Cyan for some))... are also drawing in, 4300gph each, at the left side of the tank... assisting in the mass-flow direction... water pulled out of that side, must be replaced... so there's 8600gph of downward flow in that section... Smiley nice thing about that kind of flow is, its not very focused... and with the hole placement i've shown, and possible splitting of the lines inside the rockwork, it should work out quite nicely to "suck" water down that side... while the green lines, push water across the bottom and back across the top..

CL2 is for turbid flow... It uses an oceans motions device to create that randomness in the flow patterns which will keep detritius suspended until the mass-flow loop (CL1) can carry it to the drain lines. I have so many ideas for how to make these happen, including vertical spray bars inside of the rockwork... it's just too hard to show on this rendering.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Untitled-1-1.jpg

[Hookup]

Just keeping this thread, and my build alive. There has not been any actual progress mainly because it's hurry up and wait for the tank. I expect that the tank is about 4 weeks from delivery (optimistically).

I'm going to start building the stand soon and have not decided on the finished product. I know that it will minic LastLights stand (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1560337) because it is truly what I want, in fact I think you'll see a bunch of similarities as time goes bye.
http://www.fishbrains.net/images/build/tiled3.jpg

One idea that I have is to copy the window treatement from my diningroom onto the stand itself. We just re-did the room, mostly, and the window treatment was something my wife and I DIY'd in a day trying to get a modern/clean look to that room. I like the idea of keeping the fish-tank stand along the same lines. In fact, I ensured that the horizontal line in the window treatement is the same level as the top of the aquarium stand when complete so it will line-up nicely either way. Here are some photos of my dining room to give you an idea what I'm considering for my stand treatment.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/SandysHouse-5.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/SandysHouse-6.jpg

At any case, the stand will be a simply 2x4 frame skinned out in ply.

Just wanted to let everyone know this was not dead, I'm just in the "dead zone" waiting for the next steps.

As always, thanks for reading,
Tim

[Ed Reef]

We are all eagerly awaiting your progress here...

[Hookup]

Great news! I heard that the tank will be finished this coming Friday!

13 holes in the tank, finished on friday the 13th.. whooooo... creepy...

This weekend I will re-enforce the floor with some jackposts and 2x6's and draw up the exact specs for the stand. I am debating on using 2" box steel for the stand mainly because it will take up slightly less space under the stand, and with all the plumbing that needs to be done, every inch might help.

I've got some of the plumbing and pumps etc at the LFS waiting pickup (and probably payment) so things are about to drive forward now... finally...

[seashark]

Sounds good this goona be gteat thread, tagging along

[Hookup]

Major problem avoided!

I was working out the tank stand design today. Getting down to measurements, details, getting ready to order the steel (1.5" box steel) for the inside frame... anyhow... I realized that I cannot build the stand until after I get the tank into my house. I do not know where the holes are... not exactly... I sent my diagrams to the builder and said "you know, the holes should be around there... ish.."

I could have had a cross-member in the stand too close, or even over a hole!

The down-side is now I have to wait... The up side is the tank should be shipped this week, and arrive by the weekend... I'm going to open-up the wall later in the week, and get the floor re-enforced so I'm as ready as I can be to rock'n-roll...

I feel my tank-building-spider sense tingling... ;)

I also picked up new corals... a plating version of a super-man monti, some purple/blue staghorn (aust.) and a new acan piece to get into the collection I have... dark green with neon green eyes... maybe I'll do up some photos for ya all to look at something on this "build" thread.

[JeanDorais]

Well, you were always great at waiting...and waiting some more :) Really looking forward to seeing this build as it moves forward and perhaps in person too (hint, hint).

J

[Wilberheim]

That is ganna be one nice setup once its all said and done! Tagging along.

[amj991]

ill be tagging along

[love83blue]

can't wait to see it finished.

[Ed Reef]

Any updates Tim??

[Hookup]

Yes! The tank has arrived. (cheers, applaus, yeah, drinks all around)...

But there were issues with the tank. (sigh, aaahhh, booo)... I'm working with the builder to resolve the issues. Right now, we haven't had flexible and open conversations, though I'm sure we will.

I am missing one hole in the tank. There are 12, not 13. This was an oops on the tank builders part, they agree and have proposed an option to deal with it.

Also, the eurobracing is out of regular glass, not starfire. I did not specify, therefore I can admit this is no ones fault/my fault completely. The green/blue line around the top of the tank bothers me and I need to find a resoulution to that problem before proceeding.

I'm quite sure that the builder and I can come to an agreement, their customer service reputation is excellent.

I did not post this eariler because in no way do I want to imply that the builder has done anything wrong, nor do I want to turn this build thread into a rant on this, or any other tank builders. I am highly confident that the builder and I will reach an amicable resolution to these minor issues....

This tank is going to run for a number of years, lets hope 20+... and a delay of a few more weeks, though frustrating, is very minor in the grand scheme of things.

On the ++ side, I have the exact dimensions and will start the stand build, wall rip-down as soon as I can... It's hunting season in my area, and I'm a big White-Tail deer hunter / goose & duck hunter... so fitting in all my hobbies has been time consuming. (my wife still needs me to take out the garbage that I said I'd do two days ago... i'm going to get it for that... )

[Hookup]

Update: Several emails have been exchanged between myself and the manufacture. There has been movement on both our parts to try to find a solution that we are both comfortable with, though none has been reached. As of right now, I'm not accepting delivery of the tank, which is more of an issue for the LFS who I ordered it thru than for the manufacture, however in the end, it's an issue for me as well because the show cannot exactly go on...

Flexibility is the key to conflict resolution... breath-in, breath-out...

[Hookup]

THE ATI POWERMOUDLE ARRIVED! In all of it's 60 inches of GLORY and SEXYNESS. Here are some photos!

The box in my living room when it arrived... a big sucker for sure.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-1.jpg

Nice packing materials... This sucker was bomb-proof... I love quality packing, it usually means the MFG cares about their products.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-3.jpg

Pat & Trina (owners/operators of www.ottawainverts.com) Checking out the glory...
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-2.jpg

Do you see this thing... frigg'n awesomeness.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-7.jpg

Now that's some reflector-awesome... (All we did is pull the plexi out of the way, I didn't want to peel it until the day it's used.)
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-6.jpg

The final installation place... IMO it looks pretty darn good there... no?
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-8.jpg

The goofy little plug that runs the fans in the module... IMO this could be higher quality... it works, looks solid, but has no SEXY what so ever.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-4.jpg


Now that is something to talk about, amiright?

[Hookup]

TIME FOR SOME UPDATES!

A HOLE WAS BORN!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-1-1.jpg

FIRST JOB, MOVE THOSE SWITCHES
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-2-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-3-1.jpg

FOR REFERENCE on RE-WIRING
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-4-1.jpg

SWITCHES ALL MOVED, EVERYTHING WORKS
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-7-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-6-1.jpg

NOW OPEN THAT HOLE UP!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-9-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-10.jpg

[Hookup]

AND CLEAN UP THE MESS! (LOL)
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-12.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-11.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-13.jpg

BUILD OUT THAT STAND (FRAME)
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-16.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-15.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-14.jpg

[Hookup]

Tomorrows project will be to work on skinn'ing the tank-stand. I believe I have the parts I need but home Depot is open so I should be good either way.

The tank should be moved onto the stand next week/weekend and I will start the plumbing "trees" that will get covered in DIY cement right after.

Thanks for reading!

[Hookup]

Today I completed the stand... only 1" too wide... so these are the before I fix it photos... ARGH! Yes, frustrated.. but it's not going to be that big of a deal to take the 1" out of the stand... and it'll look better, and I can use the extra space in my dining room.

Here are some photos.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-2.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-4.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-7.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-6.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-5.jpg

[mranthonymb]

amazing how much though has gone into this build.... def following its progress

[Hookup]

Thank you. It's been a lot of planning, but even with the best-laid plans i know that there will be lots of interesting deviations along the way.

This week I should be focusing on the return/overflow prototypes, testing how "silent" I can get them.

[Last Version]

Awesome tank setup!! nice

[DolphinLVR]

Wow! just found this build and I must say that your thought and all into this plan is incredible! I am looking forward to following your progress.

[Hookup]

Thank you all for the comments. It's been a very long road so far, but things are moving forward again and I am very pleased with how things look so far.

-Tim

[Seanile]

its gunna to look awesome

[Hookup]

its gunna to look awesome

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to getting this done, but do not want to start rushing now... Slow and steady, or just slow and planned wins the race.

[dipan]

Wow, that's already looking great in that space ....

[Hookup]

Silent Overflows!


Well I spent some of the evening re-doing the stand to the correct size. That is done now and i'm ready for the tank. I'm hoping that i'll get people coordinated for a move as soon as tomorrow evening and have the tank on the stand at that time.

The rest of the evening I worked on the silent overflow, and it is silent! SUCCESS.

First, the parts list

4" to 2" reducer
2" to 1.5" reducer
1.5" PCV pipe - 3-4 inches
3" PVC cap

Tools

Dremel tool /w sander
Drill
Saw

Now keep in mind this is NOT the final version. The final version will be sexy and look pretty.. this was a proof of concept version, a hack-job, to ensure that it would work in principal before I started to make it pretty.

Here are the PVC parts
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-1.jpg

The first job is to sand out the 2" to 1.5" reducer so that the 1.5" tube can fit in either end of it.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-2-1.jpg

Once that is complete, attach the 1.5" length of pipe to the reducer. As shown, you'll need some holes or cuts in this pipe. The depth of these cuts cannot be bigger than the depth of the 3" end-cap. Be wary of what can get into the holes, and what can clog the holes. IMO more is better as you'll control volume with the return pump and close one of the two drain lines with a ball-valve later so more holes will give you extra flow when a snail gets into this system.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-4-1.jpg

Insert the 2" to 1.5" reducer into the 4" to 2" reducer. Of course, if you can find a 4" to 1.5" directly then adapt (and PM me with where you got it). It should look as follows.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-5-1.jpg

Drill a small hole in the top center of the 3" cap. I started with 1/16 inch and will go up from there as I adjust. the 1/16th worked, but wasn't letting enough air in. Place (and in the end product glue) the 3" cap over the cut 1.5" pipe. This forms a durso overflow but does it in a circular pattern.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-6-1.jpg

The height of the internal 1.5" pipe was cut so that the 3" cap was about 1/8 inch below the overflow line. I did this for astetics, and btw, I do not want to glue the 1.5" pipe into the bottom of the overflow... i want to be able to take it out, throw it in the dishwasher, and put in a second one... this makes mainteance on these a frig'n joke... cost of building a second internal overflow is about $4.50... so I will have a third one built so each month I can change out one for a clean one, throw one into the dishwasher and do nothing with the other one. (sorry this is on its side)
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-7-1.jpg


Thanks to everyone who's tagging along and reading. It's a real pleasure knowing you have an audience.

BTW this design is NOT mine, not at all. I've no idea who first did this so I'm not able to give credit, sorry and thank you to the unknown designer.

[Lightsluvr]

TIME FOR SOME UPDATES!

A HOLE WAS BORN!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-1-1.jpg

FIRST JOB, MOVE THOSE SWITCHES
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-2-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-3-1.jpg

FOR REFERENCE on RE-WIRING
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-4-1.jpg

SWITCHES ALL MOVED, EVERYTHING WORKS
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-7-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-6-1.jpg

NOW OPEN THAT HOLE UP!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-9-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/ATIPowermodule-10.jpg

I LOVE Demo! :dance:

LL

[Titeo]

Keep the pictures coming

[ibjhb]

Keep the pictures coming

Agreed! Looking good so far!

[jjk_reef00]

Wow this is amazing, and inspirational for all of those who don't have fish rooms. I just love tanks viewable from 4 sides! Great looking stand, I can't wait to see it up and running!

[leslie hempel]

keep the pics rolling..

[All__talk]

Looks like a great build and I have a feeling everything is going to be top shelf.

I know you put a lot of thinking into the flow of your tank and I'm wondering if you can point me to any good articles on the subject. I’m planning a large tank build and am leaning toward a Gyre / laminar set up, with a false back wall.

This article has reinforced the idea http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/1/aafeature

Anyway, I’ll be tagging along with your build.

Gary

[Adam76]

great build hope tp see more progress soon

[Hookup]

Yes, I read everything I could on flow, I've spoken to a few experts, self-proclaimed, public aquarium builders/maintainers, business who setup and manage peoples tanks, and many hobbyists. Flow is about as slippery as an eel to get information on that is solid and defensible.

What I have concluded is that flow is needed for two reasons, and any method you chose that accomplishes those two elements will work.
1) providing food and removing waste from corals
2) keeping detritus suspended until it can be removed

There are three schools of thought about flow, each has their diehards.
1) Wave-Motion
2) Chaotic/Random
3) Gyre/Laminar.

Wave-Motion - The people I spoke to were mostly biologists who continually quoted the ocean as the baseline. Obviously there is a natural approach to using wave like motion in our systems for flow. The wave motion on the reef keeps a nice supply of nutrients coming and going from our coral buddies. However in the aquarium the waves are not the same as they are in the wild. The question becomes, do we think we are sloshing the same water back-and-fourth over the corals, thus negating the reason for flow, or do we think wave motion does replicate the natural process closely. This is where the debate lies. For me, I'm a believer in the wave motions but didn't want to have water sloshing because I do not like the look at the surface-line, nor did I want to build a stand capable of handling waves.

Chaotic/Random - There is a lot of discussion about this type of flow because it is the most common in reef-systems. The theory here, as best as I understand it, is that don't bother trying to do anything fancy in your tank, just make it random and let it work it self out. I have to say, this practice, as much as it isn't scientific, is successful in every case that I saw it applied. It just feels yucky because it's not planed, or measured and certainly does not replicate the reef we commonly think of. In the case of Reason for FLow, this is the best method for keeping detritus suspended, and does an un-planned job at keeping corals fed and waste removed.... with the ability to move or adjust a powerhead compensations can be made based upon coral growth and placement... in closed-loop systems it's a bit harder to adjust down the road.

Gyre/Laminar - As you found, there are many articles about this style of flow including the setup you are considering. Basically, in my opinion, this is one of the better systems for our tanks because it is constantly supplying new water and removing waste water from our corals in one giant rolling effect. The down side is it doesn't work well to keep detritus suspended. The up-side is that it drives any suspended detritus to the overflows where it can be cleaned. It's kind of a catch-22 with this one.


In the end, I have actually gone back to random flow for this system. Partially because of the hick-up with the wrong number of holes based upon my plan, but also because it felt like I was over-thinking the flow problem. So many tanks have been amazingly successful with simple random flow patterns from a variety of powerheads I felt confident going back to that solution.

[Hookup]

great build hope tp see more progress soon

Thanks. I've been struggling with getting the rockwork done.... I'll post-up some progress photos this weekend. It's slow going at this point...

Glad to see everyone following along... Thanks for reading!

[All__talk]

Thanks for your synopsis, I agree that simple and proven is often the best way to go.

One reason the gyre/laminar setup keeps creeping into my thoughts is, for me, the overall presentation and visual impact is one of the best parts of a reef tank and I think a gyre flow tank will allow me to hide virtually all equipment from view. Don’t get me wrong, I love the inner workings of a reef tank system, I am an engineer and like nothing better than to tweak and fiddle with technology. But I don’t believe in displaying the gear for its own sake, I’ll let the critters be that star of the show. I think your planed rock work will have the same effect in hiding most of the gear.

Gary

[Hookup]

Thanks Gary and yes, we share the same ideas about astetics of aquascaping... I think ghe gyre flow system is a pretty cool looking setup, though i also think it takes up a lot of in-tank space... something that is pretty valuable.... I havent seen a build using a Gyre, only articles and photos... If you go that direction, let me know so I can see the build... I'd be very interested.

[Hookup]

Picture day!

Here's the tank, on the stand (version 2 of the stand) the day it came in from the cold.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-2-2.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-1-2.jpg

Here's the tank stand, version 3.0 (haha.. yeah i know.. )
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-3-2.jpg

Template for the top of the stand to match the holes in the tank.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-5-2.jpg

Obligatory kids in the tank shots... ;)
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-6-2.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-7-2.jpg

Plumbing parts. This is about 25% of the plumbing, the other parts are coming in.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-10.jpg

[Hookup]

Rocks, a sampling of what Marco Rock looks like. Its pretty dense, but I really like the look.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-11.jpg

Some of the plumbing and rock work in-tank.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-9.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-8.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/stand-12.jpg

Today's goal, and tomorrows, and so on, and so on, is to cover more pipes with rock... then add rocks where i need to finish the scaping...

[Sisterlimonpot]

Ahh progress, I like. What did you use to glue all the rock around the plumbing?

[coraltastic]

looking great more pics more pics.

[DwightKeenan]

Well thought out and planned.

Will be watching and "borrowing" ideas for my own build. :)

[Hookup]

Ahh progress, I like. What did you use to glue all the rock around the plumbing?

The product is from Two Little Fishies called the AquaStick Epoxy Putty. This stuff is gold... Mix it for about 2min... you'll feel it go "gooy"... use it fast, within 2 min after that it's set-up hard... I love it...

So far, I've used about 8 tubes of it... which is re-donk-u-lus in cost... but I like the result so do not tell my wife what its costing...


I did make much more progress tonight, but i'm tired, it's late, been bent over the tank nearly all day working on the rock-work and i'm too tired to take photos and post tonight... look fwd to an update tomorrow.

[Sisterlimonpot]

once you give your back a break pictures please :D

[Hookup]

I cannot believe that it's been over 2 months with very little progress, until last weekend. I do wonder if anyone is even following along any more on one of RC's longest builds to date. lol

The weekend past was a full-focus tank weekend and some significant progress has been made!

The rock work is finished, other than a few bit's and pieces that my wife wants to add which will get added tonight. I would never do that rock work again. The structure is awesome, for my tastes, but level of effort was painful. A good 40hours of work has gone into the aquascaping, and that's just the labour parts. I've no idea how much was spent planning, discussing, modeling, re-modeling etc... Never again.

The plumbing under the tank is at 50% and the rest is waiting on assembly which I can do in about 2 hours. I've mocked up the two closed loops and all the bits and pieces fit nicely I just need to glue it up, and cut some final lengths. It turned out pretty clean for all that is going on in the very small space.

I've made sure that the two CL pumps are easily removed from the stand for maintenance and that the CL ball valves are also easily accessed for tuning the flows. I'll finish this off tonight and start filling the tank with RO/DI water. I'm also going to rinse and add the substrate to the tank. Likely tonight, at the latest tomorrow.

I did a wet test with about 10 inches of water, and had no issues with any plumbing so far. Even the bulk-heads held up first time, which was a nice suprise.

I have a few more photos to post, but honestly i'm driving to get this running by the weekend so photos and posts are taking a back-seat. I've asked for a dozen yellow-headed jaw fish to be ordered on this weeks order for the tank so things need to be ready by Saturday.

[spieg]

Keep at it! If it makes you feel any better, technically my build started in the summer of `06!

[kyle1284]

this is a pretty sweet set up!!! lookin good so far! where did you get the t-5 set up and how much was it?

[Hookup]

Wow, I have to get some more photos up.. things have progressed.

[Hookup]

The rock work has been completed
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/rockwork-2.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/rockwork-6.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/rockwork-8.jpg

The Plumbing has been completed (first version)
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures009_1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures008_1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures007_1.jpg

[Hookup]

Water has been added!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures010_1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures011_1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures012_1.jpg


Live stock has been transferred
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures013_1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures014_1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures020_1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Pictures017_1.jpg

[Hookup]

Things have settled down
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/IMG_4206.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/IMG_4208.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/IMG_4207.jpg

But I still have to put the walls back together!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/IMG_4211.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/IMG_4210.jpg

[Hookup]

TO DO:

The CL pumps and implementation are not ideal. They are noisy... too noisy for me. I swapped pumps with Gold series pumps and it helped, a bit... but not enough. There are two suspect issues that are going to be addressed;
1) too many bends used for the input - this is causing restriction on the input of the pump causing it to work harder and make more noise.
2) hard-pvc used on the input - this is transferring vibration all over the place... bad stuff

Solution; replace hard-pvc with too many turns with SPAFLEX. Solve both problems with on fix. Also sound-proofing will be added to the tank-stand to help further.

Fix drywall! this has got to be done cause it's been months of living with a huge hole in the wall.

Figure out the "wall side" canopy. I want to have access to the tank from all-sides, but on the "wall side (sunflower pic)" I do not want it to look like there is access. I'm thinking of covering the entire wall in wood, and one of the wood panels can either swing up, or be removable.


In the basement, i'm swapping my MR-4 with an Orca Pro II for lower maintenance. Its, IMO, not as good of a skimmer, but still very over-rated (1200g rating) for my 340gallon system, and maintenance is better for me.

I'm heading to MACNA this year, hoping to learn more about biopellets first hand and maybe swap from Ultalith to pellets.

[Poriferan]

Just tuned in to this thread and I really like the open rock scapeing.

[Hookup]

Just tuned in to this thread and I really like the open rock scapeing.

Thanks!

This build is all about form and function, with form leading the way.

I've got a lot of work left to do, but I'm enjoying it.

[palmer373]

dang amazing, subscribed. is that 2 achilles i see? maybe some stocking lists are in order? sorry for all the questions but im known for them. also did you cement the pvc used in the return? maybe i could do something like this with my 55.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Very nice build so far. Just a few finishing touches on the walls and it'll be fabulous!!

[Sisterlimonpot]

Man things realliy picked up over the last couple days. I really like the aquascaping as well, I can't wait to see the coral grown out on it. Keep the pictures coming.

[1lucky1]

Nice work!

[Hookup]

dang amazing, subscribed. is that 2 achilles i see? maybe some stocking lists are in order? sorry for all the questions but im known for them. also did you cement the pvc used in the return? maybe i could do something like this with my 55.

Thank you palmer373 for the encouraging words.

There is only one Achillies tang... He's ( she's?) doing well but always shown signs of ick.. Eating well but is definitely the hardest fish I have.

I'll do a few posts on the fish in the system with photos.


As for the pipes, there are a few photos of the assembly of Marco rock hunks, bits and pieces using epoxy and tie wraps. I'm torn on if it was a good process... It's a good end result! But very labour intensive.

The number one challenge was the rock work. Above all it was the most difficult. Being the tank is only 25.75" wide and viewable from both sides, it's like trying to aquascape in a 13" wide tank, twice... And going all the way to the top...

[Hookup]

Very nice build so far. Just a few finishing touches on the walls and it'll be fabulous!!

Thanksfor the words!

My wife shares your thoughts! She wants this 9 month project to end sooner than later.

[Hookup]

Man things realliy picked up over the last couple days. I really like the aquascaping as well, I can't wait to see the coral grown out on it. Keep the pictures coming.

I am quite happy with the look of the rock work myself. There are things I would do differently, but not so much that a restart is required...

I'm currently growing in the lower layers of the tank first... To give them a head start compared to the upper tower pieces which will block some light.

Thanks again for your support!

[Hookup]

Nice work!

Glad to have you along 1lucky1.:wavehand:

[Hookup]

Disaster?

I am angry and frustrated... I'm angrated!

I've been loosing little gobies for the past few weeks... Add a few and withing a few weeks they are gone.

Turns out it's the intakes pulling 6000+ gph from gold series hammerheads in one input will pretty much kill any small fish... Found a few today...

I've got to find a solution... Tonight I started to mod the intake vent.. I think I found that by opening it up.. And down sizing to a gold series dart... 4200gph... My problem is solved ... Maybe....


Arghhhhor!!!

[Hookup]

And to top it off, we need a REmedy developer in Edmonton or western Canada... Now hiring!

[Bax]

Looking great!

[beex215]

that was a quick transfer to the new tank. hope everything comes out ok

[yardboy]

I was searching for inwall treatment when I happened upon this thread. It is looking real good.
When mounting a tank inwall, it seems there are two methods. One involves the tank sitting flush with the outside wall, resulting in a window effect inside. the other method, which I see you going to use, involves having the tank flush with the inside wall. The concern I have with this is that the top front of the tank will be covered with the wall, and any framing treatment you give the wall will be exposed to the top of the tank and potentially deteriorate. What material will you use to frame around the opening of the wall, and how will you protect from deterioration of the framing? hopefully you understand what I mean. I think the tank flush with the viewing side will look much better, but increases exposure of the wall to salt water.
Thanks for any suggestions as I want to do an inwall but am hung up on what I see as a potential problem.

Alas, I looked more carefully at your pictures and realized you are going to have the top of the tank accessible from the front, resulting in a sort of canopy wall. This should minimize any splash or salt creep coming in contact with the wall. That is probably the best arrangement to make all around. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

[small alien]

Thanks!

This build is all about form and function, with form leading the way.

I've got a lot of work left to do, but I'm enjoying it.

Cool set-up. Isn't function supposed to lead the way? :hmm5:

[Hookup]

It would have made this build soooooo much easier if function was the lead....

but it is not... form must dominate all decisions. That said, it has to be a viable environment, so that keeps the other side in check.

Faced with two options, I chose the one that maximizes form....

thanks very much for looking!

[small alien]

Well, good for you. I hope your function follows your form into a very lovely tank. Cheers.

[Lyfey]

wow awesome build! subscribed!

-Chris

[Hookup]

Two updates!

One deserves photos, so the new skimmer will have to wait before being discussed..

The second, we are booked for MACNA 2010! Who else will be there? I'd like to meet as many people as possible! Let me know if you are going to be there! If so, I'm going to help out friends of mine in the reef wholesale on the vender floor when I'm not in many of the seminars!

Who's going! Who wants to grab a coffee or a drink?

[Hookup]

Back from MACNA... Good times...

The new skimmer is assembled and waiting installation... Photos to follow


The entire display will be torn apart and redone. The plu,bing will be redone to fix several issues with the current scape... This is painful, but required.

Live and learn.

Thanks for reading

[Sisterlimonpot]

Oh no. what kind of plumbing issues? and did you get anything nice from MACNA?, Did any body reveal some shocking news or come out with the latest and greatest gismo? I heard that EcoTech revealed there MP60.

[Hookup]

This was my first MACNA.

I found the corals good, but nothing that blew my mind... Was hoping for some $1000+ corals etc..

The MP60 was ther in person and bucking huge waves in a big 100gal+ tank... Huge waves.... Very impressive power and all around looks like it's true to the legacy thus far.


The tear down is due to the cl inputs drawing 6500gph on a single 4" input is killing critters... I need to fix that, and the fix, to do it right, is to start over...

[Hookup]

This build is not dead. :) Just slow.

The tank has been torn down completely and being rebuilt. I have a good photo-log of the tear-down and rebuild progress that I will post up soon. Photos say more than words after all.

I'm pleased so far, but the real work is getting the aquascaping just right.... and as we know there is no such thing... so i'm shooting for just-right-enough.

Stay tuned.. should be done next week.

[adddo]

Looking forward to see it!

[Sisterlimonpot]

So wait, didn't you have water and livestock in the tank? what happened?

[ashkan@ashkan.b]

Nice build looking forward to the finished product

[Rickyrooz1]

Updates?

[Acronic]

If it were up to him he would be in build limbo for the rest of his life. Thankfully his better half demands order in the living quarters.

[palmer373]

maybe i can get a 1000g tank up and running with frags grown to colonies before you can get your plumbing done ;) take your time, its worth it in the long run.

[Hookup]

There has been great progress... I have put in about 60hrs and taken many photos... I'm waiting till it's complete to post.... :)

The tank is empty, livestock is on my floor in a 120g I bought... Water changes are keeping it alive...

The walls are mostly repaired... Will be done this weekend...

The tank is clean..

The new plumbing is complete... Including a pretty cool video of the flow testing we did with frozen corn.. :)

The plumbing is currently on the wood platform and three rounds of cement have been applied, probably three more are required before I'm happy...

I've got some travel for the next week or so that is causing a huge delay... I need about three days more to complete... It will take 12 calendar days to get those three....

I am VERY happy... And please take time to check out www.reefwholesale.com who is a sponsor here and also responsible for the awesomeness of the rebuild. Their work and experience made this better than I could ever do.

[ojafri]

Would love to see the flow test video !

[Hookup]

me too. I haven't pulled it off camera yet... I hope it is as goods the real thing.

[Lyfey]

Awesome build! Subscribed.

-Chris

[mrmikeasaurus]

this is one killer inwall.. never thought about doing it this way.. tagging along for sure

[Hookup]

Awesome build! Subscribed.

-Chris

Thank you. :wavehand:

[Hookup]

this is one killer inwall.. never thought about doing it this way.. tagging along for sure

It was something that I had never seen before either, however I'm very confident it has been done 1000 times before.

I can say that the hidden plumbing and holes in the bottom of the tank was far more ambitious than I had ever imagined.

Thanks for joining the build...

[geaux xman]

build is looking good!

is that 72x24x24?

[Hookup]

Almost, When I custom ordered I found I could squeeze an extra 1.75inches in width... So it is a 72 long by 24 high by 25.75 wide... Just to be different..

[Hookup]

Folks here is a major update. I have a few photos (64) to post.... so buckle up and here we goooooo...
There are 65 photos and one video. Sorry, Pat (Redbelly) has the video on his camera, so it cannot be posted... I can show bags of corn.

Might as well get started.

The emptying of the display into a 120gallon that lived on the floor for the 5 weeks.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-2.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-3.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-4.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-5.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-6.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-7.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-8.jpg

[Hookup]

Dis-assembly of the old plumbing that was the root of the problem.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-9.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-10.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-11.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-12.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-13.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-14.jpg

[Hookup]

The "problem area" under the display where a new hole needs to go... the freezer needs to move and the air exchanger needs to be re-located... (sorry for the rotated photo)

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-15.jpg

A hole will appear here... 14" by 4" The largest "standard" floor vent cover size available...
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-16.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-17.jpg


And some plumbing parts... this accounted for about 25% of the parts purchased and about 40% of the parts used... I have an amazing collection of 1" - 0.5" fittings left over (for sale too btw).
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-18.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-19.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-21.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-22.jpg

[Hookup]

installation of the closed loop pumps under the floor to hide the noise (insulation still needs to be added to get even lower noise levels, but this isn't bad.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-20.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-23.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-24.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-25.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-26.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-27.jpg

[Hookup]

The tank gets some drywall and clean up on this side (dining room)

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-28.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-29.jpg



Now the fun can begin... internal flow/plumbing. Getting this done was no easy ticket. Having loads of parts on-hand was the key to creativity IMO... being able to reach for just about any part and fitting worked very well... in the end I'd say this took upwards of 16 hours to get completed.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-30.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-31.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-32.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-33.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-34.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-35.jpg

[Hookup]

This is under the tank, it's upside down (sorry)
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-36.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-37.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-38.jpg

Flow lines were drawn and alignment lines were added so that we could glue things into the correct final positions.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-39.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-40.jpg

[Hookup]

The Closed Loop input screens were created by gluing two screens together and cutting a hole in the top of one (or bottom depending on your point of view) so that it could thread onto a fitting.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-41.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-42.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-43.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-44.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-45.jpg

[Hookup]

Some more photos of the plumbing.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-46.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-47.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-48.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-49.jpg

Random
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-50.jpg

More plumbing
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-51.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-52.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-53.jpg

[Hookup]

Some more photos of the plumbing.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-46.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-47.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-48.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-49.jpg

Random
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-50.jpg

More plumbing
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-51.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-52.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-53.jpg

[Hookup]

As you can see we are filling the tank to do a series of flow tests. The goal was to ensure that once we encased the pipes in cement that the flow was already "ideal" or as close as possible. So we filled er up and turned on the closed loop pumps.... Now all that was needed was a way to see the flow...

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-54.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-55.jpg

Yes, frozen corn. Almost nutrally boyant, but slight tendancy to sink... So in goes a bag and on go the pumps... and we are in a corn-storm!

(VIDEO OF THIS CORN-AWESOME AS SOON AS I CAN GET THEM OFF MY BUDDIES VIDEO CAMERA)

[Hookup]

now that the plumbing is all tuned out the entire pipe works are transfered to a board with matched holes to the bottom of the tank so that it could be worked on safely...

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-56.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-57.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-58.jpg


Cement is added over a period of about 4 weeks. This is the only photo of the process. Mainly because it was a mess and I was just getting the job done... this was getting old and I wanted to power thru...
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-59.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-60.jpg

[Hookup]

And the final product... these 4 taken tonight.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-61.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-62.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-63.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-64.jpg

[funnyguyMI]

The results look great! Congrats..! :)

What did you cover the PVC fittings with? "Great Stuff"

[doork]

I have been checking the large reef tank section everyday to finally see your update...genius! I love the plumbing!

[Hookup]

The results look great! Congrats..! :)

What did you cover the PVC fittings with? "Great Stuff"

Thanks the project isn't over but the epic battle seems to be.

The pipes are coated with cement. EMACO s88ci to be specific.

Thanks for staying tuned to such a LONG build.

[Hookup]

I have been checking the large reef tank section everyday to finally see your update...genius! I love the plumbing!

Thanks very much for the compliment! This project was a huge team effort and it's not over yet. The sump in the basement is not connected as of yet, that is tomorrow nights project... But this is a major milestone.

So glad to have the support of forum-friends around the world. It means a lot to me and my family to know so many of you have taken an interest in our project.

[Bax]

That's a pretty cool plumbing concept!

[Hookup]

That's a pretty cool plumbing concept!

Thanks Bax, so far it is working out very well. I'm driving the two CL's with gold series hammerheads from reeflo. They work but are very noisey regardless of mfg specifications and three different installations. So now they reside under the floor in the basement on a raised shelf.

The sand blowing is about the only issue at this time, which was solved pretty easily through using epoxy putty (two-little-fishes) to redirect the out puts and dialing back the flow's....

I used a cement mixer to clean the substrate.... It's clean... as in I had a MAG 12 pumping water into the tank with the nozzle in the substrate... minimal dust cloud (could still see thru the tank)... once the substrate matures a bit it shoiuld harden up and the flow can be increased again... though it's about 40x turnover now... and good movement is seen in all corners.

[Hookup]

Here are some updated photos for those who asked.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-1-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-2-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-2-2.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-2-3.jpg

A tail-spot that happened by my lens
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-2-4.jpg

[doork]

Simply beautiful. I may have missed this, but what's the overall plan coral wise?

[vulteiv1]

Wow, this thing is incredible. The rock work is not only beautiful, but useful. Great job!!!!

[dave.m]

Did you choose to leave off the screens on the CL inputs when you added the cement? I can't make them out in the final rockscape. Could you perhaps take a closer photo to show what you did?

Thx,

Dave.M

[Hookup]

Simply beautiful. I may have missed this, but what's the overall plan coral wise?

Thank you...

My plan is SPS... I have many that are in friends tanks waiting for this to settle down...should have them back next week...

I want to focus on millipora and montipora (caps and digitata). They have some great colors and grow fast, easy to keep, etc...

I find that many corals and fish are overlooked because they are cheap or common or both... I have a few rare pieces but find color and shape to be my drivers and milli's and monti's are great!

[Hookup]

Wow, this thing is incredible. The rock work is not only beautiful, but useful. Great job!!!!

Thank you very much. This design was the height of my abilities to have form lead function... But not to sacrifice on function... I'm very pleased with the results.

[Hookup]

Did you choose to leave off the screens on the CL inputs when you added the cement? I can't make them out in the final rockscape. Could you perhaps take a closer photo to show what you did?

Thx,

Dave.M

That's great! They are hidden! They did come off during the cement process and are on threaded 1.5" fittings so they can be removed and serviced. The rock work was done to hide them from sight and though there are some spots we could have done better, they are hidden quite well. Let me go pull a camera out and see what I can do for photos...

Tim

[Hookup]

Dave.M
Here are some shots of the CL input-lines (feeding the CL pumps).

In this shot there are 3 of the 4 black strainers visible.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-4-1.jpg

Here is a closer shot of the two on the right-side
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-3-1.jpg

And a real-close-up of the one in the middle on its own.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-2-5.jpg

A view from the other-side of the overflows.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-5-1.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-1-2.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-6-1.jpg


The fourth overflow is on the far left (just visible above). Here is a shot of it and how it is hidden from the {cherry wood} side.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/HOOKUP-7-1.jpg

[asacopoo]

looks super clean and sleek i like it alot

[brian15876]

looks good, like the demo pics

[dave.m]

Thx muchly. That's exactly how I was thinking I would do it, too.

Dave.M

[GlassReef]

Ingenious concept and beautifully realized!!! Really incredible. I especially like the view from the livingroom (?) side. I love the clean modern look - very classy!

The cement work is second to none. You actually managed to NOT overdo it - not easy on a project like this.

Congratulations on a job - much more than - well done.

[austin93]

Like the others, I am very impressed with this project. Its nice to see that there are more than just a few of us who end up doing things multiple times just trying to achieve perfection. I really like the 2 sided setup you have. It is like having 2 tanks. Great work and I am excited to see more updates.

[Hookup]

looks super clean and sleek i like it alot

Thanks, many corals are being returned tonight... Photos to follow, though they are all colored down...

[Hookup]

looks good, like the demo pics

Thanks, but after a year... I like the walls again.. :)

[Hookup]

Thx muchly. That's exactly how I was thinking I would do it, too.

Dave.M

Good stuff... If I can help any more when you get building, let me know...

[Hookup]

Ingenious concept and beautifully realized!!! Really incredible. I especially like the view from the livingroom (?) side. I love the clean modern look - very classy!

The cement work is second to none. You actually managed to NOT overdo it - not easy on a project like this.

Congratulations on a job - much more than - well done.

Thanks Tom. Very much.

In doing the cement rock work I kept one key phrase in mind at all times... Do not build rock that looks like coral.. Coral will look like coral much better.. This resulted several times in taking off built up pieces of rock work...

I am very happy with the end result and the beginning of the SPS population...

[Hookup]

Like the others, I am very impressed with this project. Its nice to see that there are more than just a few of us who end up doing things multiple times just trying to achieve perfection. I really like the 2 sided setup you have. It is like having 2 tanks. Great work and I am excited to see more updates.

Thanks Austin93,
It is like having two tanks in many ways... Tonight I was putting some of my SPS back into the tank and we had to run around to all sides for placement.. Kind of fun really...

The one thing with "two sides" is that in a 25.75" wide tank is that at times it is really two thin 13" tanks... Very hard to scape in that shallow of a setup... I would strongly advise anyone doing a two side viewable like this to squeeze each and every inch of width into the tank... 36" wide would be the dream...

[Lightsluvr]

Wow! I'm glad you sent me a PM. This is an example of truly trend-setting plumbing and aquascaping. Congratulations!

LL

[Korrine]

I love love it!!! I hope to one day have a grand tank similar to yours! It's an inspiration :inlove:

[ironwill723]

Can you tell me more about the cherry wood panels and the metal strips that run in between? Are those suspended ceiling tile track?

[ktg113]

Going to be doing about the same project shortly joining for ideas

[Hookup]

Wow! I'm glad you sent me a PM. This is an example of truly trend-setting plumbing and aquascaping. Congratulations!

LL

Thanks Lightsluvr very much for the complements. Your system is nothing to shake a stick at.

Glad to have your thoughts always.

[Hookup]

I love love it!!! I hope to one day have a grand tank similar to yours! It's an inspiration :inlove:

Thanks Korrine for the wonderful comment, you are too generous. My setup really is an idea of forcing form to lead without compromising function. My local tank builder/system advisor (www.ReefWholesale.com) was driven nuts several times by my design demands. In the end, which is really just the beginning, I'm very happy.

[Hookup]

Can you tell me more about the cherry wood panels and the metal strips that run in between? Are those suspended ceiling tile track?

I did not take any photos of this process, I am very sorry. I will try to describe.

the drywall was removed to just studs. I measured to the bottom of the tank from the floor and cut plywood panels out using a skill saw and a straight edge guide. I then used wood glue and finishing nails (air nailer) to attach the pieces to the studs.

The wood is cherry plywood. It was expensive when compared to other plywoods, but it matched my furniture well.

We finished the wood with Danish tung oil (fruit wood) and antique gel finish.

The lines are a product from HomeDepot. I believe they are for transitions on floorings or for tile baseboards. Not sure, but they are cheap and come in 8foot lengths.

I used cleat silicone to attach the metal strips.

Cutting slowly and carefully made all the difference for the wood.

I hope that helps.

[Hookup]

Going to be doing about the same project shortly joining for ideas

Good luck. There were some surprises along the way, but it really was a bucket of fun and I hope you enjoy your build as much as I did.

LMK if you have questions.

[ironwill723]

I did not take any photos of this process, I am very sorry. I will try to describe.

the drywall was removed to just studs. I measured to the bottom of the tank from the floor and cut plywood panels out using a skill saw and a straight edge guide. I then used wood glue and finishing nails (air nailer) to attach the pieces to the studs.

The wood is cherry plywood. It was expensive when compared to other plywoods, but it matched my furniture well.

We finished the wood with Danish tung oil (fruit wood) and antique gel finish.

The lines are a product from HomeDepot. I believe they are for transitions on floorings or for tile baseboards. Not sure, but they are cheap and come in 8foot lengths.

I used cleat silicone to attach the metal strips.

Cutting slowly and carefully made all the difference for the wood.

I hope that helps.

Thank you very much. I figured the cherry was plywood, I just wasn't sure about the metal edging. Happen to have any metal left over that you could snap a picture of so I know what to look for? Is it shaped like a T or more flat or square? Thanks for the help. :beer:

[Ken Sellick]

I really like your acquascaping it has a Zen like quality that should look really amazing after the corals have grown in. Did you mix shells in with the cement when covering the pipes? Can you show a close up of the finished overflows and where did you find the screens for the closed loop. Thank you for sharing this truly inspiring setup.

[Jacob Sellers]

I am considering a similar overflow design for my tank. The problem I envision is leveling the two overflow cups to make sure they are both draining properly and a similar rate. How did you level your overflows? Thanks.

[Hookup]

Thank you very much. I figured the cherry was plywood, I just wasn't sure about the metal edging. Happen to have any metal left over that you could snap a picture of so I know what to look for? Is it shaped like a T or more flat or square? Thanks for the help. :beer:

I've searched all over for a piece or two to show you a close up. No dice. I looked all over the home depot website for a link, again no dice.

They are not Tee shaped they are L shaped. There are corners that are big L and the pieces in the wood on the main wall are still L shaped but the one side is very small. In the two home depots here they are in the back of the store in an special rack from the mfg. They are located in/near the wood trim section thought I think they are caps for tile baseboards.

Next time im in HD I'll see if I can grab the mfg name for you.

[ironwill723]

That would be great...thanks.

[Hookup]

I really like your acquascaping it has a Zen like quality that should look really amazing after the corals have grown in. Did you mix shells in with the cement when covering the pipes? Can you show a close up of the finished overflows and where did you find the screens for the closed loop. Thank you for sharing this truly inspiring setup.

Hey Ken,
I did the cement several ways but what worked best was simply mixing aragonite sand and the cement together in equal parts. I did ad shells into the cement structures but this was done by placing a shell on the dry cement and glueing it into place with more cement.

The overflows are described on page five, post 122 (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18020112&postcount=122).

They were ordered from flex PVC on line and glued and modified as described. Worked well for only a few min of dremel work. Here is the link to the screens (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18020112&postcount=122), you need two to make one

Tim

[Hookup]

I am considering a similar overflow design for my tank. The problem I envision is leveling the two overflow cups to make sure they are both draining properly and a similar rate. How did you level your overflows? Thanks.

This wasnt nearly as hard as I thought it would be. It came down to math. I had to do it twice, and both times it worked like a charm bringing the water level exactly where I wanted it. I used a target height of 3/8lower than the internal height.

Build up your internal overflow as desired but stop when you are about to put the overflow parts on. Measure up the remaining distance and assemble your overflow. Cut to length, leaving room for the joint. Draw a line, or mark the pipe where you will be joining at the right height so you don't push the final joint in too far and go lower than you want.

I realize that in text this maybe difficult, let me know and I'll see what I can do to clarify.

[1lucky1]

Congrats on a beautiful tank

you wife must really have a lot of patients, or like the hobby

[Hookup]

Congrats on a beautiful tank

you wife must really have a lot of patients, or like the hobby

I have the worlds best wife for sure... and this is my 3rd so I know from experience.. (oh wait, that's not good...)

She very much enjoys the result and knows quite a bit about the hobby at this point. Though she does not often get her hands wet, she certainly participates... especially when it comes to picking out fish and corals.. ;)

haha

[edandsandy]

Your 3rd tank or wife??????
:lol:

[edandsandy]

Your 3rd tank or wife??????
:lol:

[Sisterlimonpot]

My wife USE to do that, but now, she just glances at it every now and then. Keep her involved....

[Ketchup]

Nice "aquascape" with the pipes! :)

[Ken Sellick]

when will the circulation 'corn' test video be here

[Hookup]

Your 3rd tank or wife??????
:lol:

Lol. Both actually!

[Hookup]

My wife USE to do that, but now, she just glances at it every now and then. Keep her involved....

You know it... Years and years to come and I need her as a partner... $770/ two month electric bill... Ouch. She rolled her eyes..

[Hookup]

Nice "aquascape" with the pipes! :)

So nice of you to say... It really worked out well for what I wanted.

[Hookup]

when will the circulation 'corn' test video be here

I had forgotten about this.. Been so busy at work.. I'm going to bug the guy that took the video... Thanks for the reminder. :)

[Ken Sellick]

Hows the Tank progressing?

[Hookup]

Here are some updates. It has been a while. Things are going ok, but i'm having problems getting my Mg down... It's my own fault setting the dosing pump incorrectly. Currently at 1560ppm. Ca - 400 and Alk at 7.6, pH 8.13, sg 1.025.

Colors are ok, improving a bit, but not where they should be. Staying on my 50g/week changes has helped, but I am at a loss for color problems... Poker-star monti is all but dead, others seem ok.... the pursuit continues.. ;)


http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Hookup110410-1.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Hookup110410-2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Hookup110410-3.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Hookup110410-4.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Hookup110410-1-2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Hookup110410-5.jpg

[Sisterlimonpot]

Mg that high shouldn't affect the corals, the only thing it may affect is the fish but I doubt it's high enough to matter. Ca is a little low, but I'm sure you're aware of that.

Are you dosing anything else to enhance coral color? I've been using Lugol's iodine for about 3 months now and it has enhanced colors dramatically.

There's a thread in the SPS forum that breaks it down let me find it for you..

[Sisterlimonpot]

here you go 4th post (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1906920).
Hope that helps
Jimmy

[Hookup]

Thanks for the link... It's great

[~sp0ok~]

nice work on the tank

[Hookup]

Well, it has been a while. I'm have a good time trying to get growth and color but success eludes me for now.

I just glued a few more pieces tonight and will update with some photos tomorrow.

Some new fish as well including a Hawaiian Flame Wrasse which I think is spectacular!

Thanks for looking!

[Hookup]

Update photos! Sorry it has been a while... but here are some photos of the system!

Dining room side
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TankShots1of6.jpg

Family room side
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TankShots2of6.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TankShots3of6.jpg

Right Side
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TankShots4of6.jpg

Left Side wide
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TankShots5of6.jpg

Left Side tight
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TankShots6of6.jpg


I hope you enjoy!


LOL I didn't realize I left the water-mark on when I was helping ReefWholesale take photos of their new corals... sorry.. :)

[reeflover7826]

Very beautiful... what is your bulb combo? and did you cure your rock before you put in tank?

[Hookup]

Very beautiful... what is your bulb combo? and did you cure your rock before you put in tank?

Thanks very much for the compliment, i'm having some issues coloring up corals and some growth issues as well, but i'm getting control.

I'm currently running the following;
1 - ATI Aquablue Special
4 - ATI Blue Plus
3 - ATI Actinic
2 - ATI Purple Plus


The rock is actually cement! It's all DIY that covers all of the plumbing... Back a few pages, 5 and 6, have some photos of the plumbing that is hidden under that concrete.

[Rybren]

Tim,

Wow! That tank is really looking good.

Sorry to hear about your troubles with some of the corals, but to be honest, you'd never know it by looking at the pictures.

Maybe you need to tie me up a bunch of your special flies as a distraction :mixed:

[Hookup]

Thanks Ryben. Water levels are a bit high with all the rain so i'm afraid to go out wading for a bit... though looking at the blue-tang i've thought of casting to my tank more than once.. ;)

[javsku]

That is an awesome tank. I love how the overflows and returns are hidden. I would like to do a design similar to yours when I upgrade in a couple of years.

[Hookup]

That is an awesome tank. I love how the overflows and returns are hidden. I would like to do a design similar to yours when I upgrade in a couple of years.

Thanks! I just borrowed the ideas from others.. nothing really original with my setup, but i'm really, really happy with it.

[Hookup]

So more photos;

New Coral added... has so much potential when it colors up it scares me...
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps24of29.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps23of29.jpg

Another new coral
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps22of29.jpg

Some of my fav's
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps12of29.jpg
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps11of29.jpg

[Hookup]

nice tank

Hey thanks! I'm really pleased.

[doork]

Still one of my favorite tanks on this forum, when I upgrade to a bigger tank, this is exactly how I hope mine turns out. Great job!

[Hookup]

Still one of my favorite tanks on this forum, when I upgrade to a bigger tank, this is exactly how I hope mine turns out. Great job!

Wow Doork, thats an overwhelming compliment with so many excellent tanks on the forum. Thank you so much.

[dave.m]

Just a question about your structures climbing up out of the tank like that: do you have any issues with salt creep above the water line, and if so, how are you dealing with it?

Thx,

Dave.M

[Hookup]

Just a question about your structures climbing up out of the tank like that: do you have any issues with salt creep above the water line, and if so, how are you dealing with it?

Thx,

Dave.M

Dave,
No issues with salt creep on those pillars... they are the overflows so in the same way your coast-to-coast or other styles do not get creep, these don't either...

now that said... :)

The overflows have the water level about 1/8th of an inch too high... the water line touches the euro-bracing when the flow is on... when there is no flow, it doesn't touch... it's that close...

Anyhow, there are two euro bracing sections that do get salt-creep continually. takes about 8-10 days before it's to a point that I have to clear it for fear of salt-dropping back into the tank and burning corals... but it is a PITA.

:)

[dave.m]

but it is a PITA
Yes, that unleavened bread will get you every time. ;)

Dave.M

[Reffer831]

Well done!!! I love how you did the over flows...you have some great building skills.

[Bax]

Your design is really turning into a great presentation!

It already looks really great. But, once you get some grow out happening, this is going to be an awesome display!!!

Nice work!

[Hookup]

Well done!!! I love how you did the over flows...you have some great building skills.

thank you very much! I learned it all from other build threads and some local knowledge. I really could never have pulled it off without so much help...

[Hookup]

Your design is really turning into a great presentation!

It already looks really great. But, once you get some grow out happening, this is going to be an awesome display!!!

Nice work!

This is really the challange isn't it... controlling, shaping the grow-out... I do not want to lose the open feeling of the tank, but I do want it to grow out... should be fun to find the balance...

Thanks for looking

[Hookup]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps28of29.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps27of29.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps9of29.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps14of29.jpg

My wife found this for $50!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps19of29.jpg

Orange tipped Elegance Coral...
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps20of29.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/CloseUps13of29.jpg

[Shtefan]

You have wonderful pictures!:thumbsup:

[Hookup]

first, thanks Shtefan for the complement. There is a "how to take aquarium photos" thread, part 1 and 2, in the photography forum here on RC and it REALLY helped me a lot.

Second.. Update time!
I've been concerned about the dosing setup in my system. I think I mentioned it before but in redoing my sump I wanted to drop several of the power-heads that were feeding reactors and skimmer and what not and use some of the "over power" that was coming from my return pump to feed these... might as well get the electrical bill down a bit eh?

So as it turns out, that part of the plan worked very well! However, the coral nutrients/amino acids and what not, which are being dosed into the sump are now being fed back into the display, AND back to the skimmer, reactors etc... basically reducing their effectiveness.

I picked up another 4-pump dosing pump for my GHL (bringing the total to 12now) and I plan to put it under the display and and dose directly into the display...

The Challange: For those following, you know me... you know that Form leads Function.. so i need to find a way to run 6 dosing lines (yes, more on that later) from under the tank, into the tank over the euro-bracing and not have it look like a pile of wires/tubes... that would be tragic given everything else is hidden...

The Plan: I cannot call it a solution until I try it... but from old photos on this thread, I can see the stud-work in the walls.. :) I think i can open up a wall without crazy work/fixes, and get all of the lines hidden inside the wall... then they can come out at the top of the tank, from the broad-side of the 2x4 stud and feed quitely into the top corner of the tank ...

I'm not sure I can get to this project this weekend, but it is my goal. I'll up some photos of the project... which will include (for now), 6 dosing lines in the wall and 1 GHL pump 25feet away from the head-unit, some kind of rack/stand to make it look pro..

[dave.m]

Would you not achieve the same effect by running the dosing lines into the pump return area of your sump? That would save you running lines from the doser up to the tank.

Dave.M

[Hookup]

Would you not achieve the same effect by running the dosing lines into the pump return area of your sump? That would save you running lines from the doser up to the tank.

Dave.M

That's basically what I have setup Dave. The issue is that the return pump itself, the return line actually, is split. the "right side" goes to the display and the "left side" goes back to the sump. I've setup a manifold on the left-side return-line that feeds the skimmer, the carbon reactor, the phosban reactor and the UV steralizer.

So, without flow meters and assuming all things equal... 50% of the water goes out the right-side and goes to the display and 50% goes back to the sump, directly into the skimmer,reactors etc...

The baling method dosing is fine to stay in the pump because it is un-affected by this setup...

but the Amino-Acids as an example are readily skimmed out...

[Sisterlimonpot]

This is just me spit balling here, I haven't put much thought into it. However, what about teeing the 6 small lines from the doser right into the return plumbing (only)? That way 100% of everything that is being dosed is going into the tank first.

[Sisterlimonpot]

BTW, awesome pics. I need to read through those photo threads again.

[dave.m]

That's basically what I have setup Dave. The issue is that the return pump itself, the return line actually, is split.
D'uh! Sorry, I didn't appreciate that bit. Okay, so what if you took all your Balling lines and sent them to one small pseudo-sump with its own small return pump so that only one return line to the tank would be necessary. I don't know what the feed rate is so that might not be practical. Same with Sisterlimonpot's suggestion. The rate of return from each line would determine the doability.

Dave.M

[d3hree]

I am interested in this too, I have always set up a return pump to feed as much equipment as possible via a manifold. However I have never dosed automatically as you are currently, although I had planned to and auto dose into the return section for the aminos and foods to be flooded into the display. I havent given a moments thought to how un-effective that may be. By the time the aminos or foods hit the tank they will have passed through several pieces of equipment ( not the skimmer) that could well reduce the effectiveness of what I am dosing.

Can I ask if your thoughts on the lack of effectiveness are assumptions?..have you managed to quantify anything? What in your opinion was the biggest factor in the loss of effectiveness?...the skimmer?

If it is the skimmer would it be easier to alter where that picks up from rather than altering the dosing system?...ie can you gravity feed it and have it dump into the return section and continue to dose as you are?

very interested in the outcome on this, thanks for sharing. Awesome tank!

[Sisterlimonpot]

On most amino suppliments it's recommended to shut the skimmer and bypass any other filtration to allow maximum absorbtion by the corals.
I have a bubble magus automatic dosing system but I dose slinks and iodine manually for this reason, that way I can shut off all filtration for 20 minutesh after dosing.

[Hookup]

I added some non-photosynthetic gorgs and a fan to the display... I'm manually dosing foods, but the auto dosing should be installed over the weekend... Once I get them settled ill add some photos... The saga continues... Yeah!

[Hookup]

some photos of new things.. ;)

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/hookup-1-3.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/hookup-3-2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/hookup-2-6.jpg

[Hookup]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/hookup-4-2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/hookup-5-2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/hookup-7-2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/hookup-6-2.jpg

[Hookup]

Dosing pump relocation was a complete success! I'm very pleased with the result... Will snap photos and post shortly.

Really happy!!!

[Sisterlimonpot]

Dosing pump relocation was a complete success! I'm very pleased with the result... Will snap photos and post shortly.

Really happy!!!

Can't wait to see how you tackled it.

[Acronic]

lookin good buddy. i see you are leaning towards the dark side. Looking forward to more photos of your non-photos ;)

[Michael B]

What an awesome tank & sensational photography (please post more when you can?)

[Hookup]

Can't wait to see how you tackled it.

I am a bad thread posting guy... :(

I will post the setup details this week.

[Hookup]

lookin good buddy. i see you are leaning towards the dark side. Looking forward to more photos of your non-photos ;)

Thanks! The NPS are cool... But I'm not doing well with them yet... Hopefully I can get the magic working... Consistent dosing is helping though

[Hookup]

What an awesome tank & sensational photography (please post more when you can?)

Thanks! I will get some more photos and keep the thread alive. Maybe some sump-room shots, though it is messy... A video might work...

[Rickyrooz1]

Updates?

[Hookup]

Well it has been a horribly long time since the last update. I was able to solve the dosing was to add a third dosing pump (GHL) to the overall setup and move two of them (8 individual pumps) up under the tank.

I made a shelf, and ran the tubing under and out the side of the tank and up into the display. I hid the tubes using home-sterio wire hiding trim... i got mine at canadian tire, but it's available all over the place..

Here are some photos.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Dosing-1.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Dosing-2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Dosing-3.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Dosing-4.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Dosing-5.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/Dosing-6.jpg

To keep things nice and neat at the display I used a small piece of acrylic and put some holes in a nice pattern that would line up with the mesh cover. Then using some stiff plastic tubing (sold at a local pet-store chain) i was able to have the dosing delivered neat-and-tidy to the tank.

I'm pleased enough with the solution, though I do think I need to add a light box to the top of the tank, to stop the UV from attacking the contents in the tubing.

[Hookup]

I had added several NPS species to the system and have been dosing faunamarin NPS foods...

The corkscrew gorgs are doing great. No issues.

The purple and yellow sea-fan is gone. :( I'm very sad to see that go. It was doing very-very well and we went away for a week and when I came back it was covered in algae... I've no idea why. The dosing was working, things were looking really-really good... but after two weeks it was just done so I pulled it.

The purple and orange gorgs also had to go... the purple just got worse and worse from day one... and the orange never put a polyp out... eventually just got pulled.

I'm not sure why, other than food volumes need to be higher... but i'm nervous about adding more to the display.... i'll try again at a future date.

[Hookup]

I added some final fish. It's sad to see the final fish go into the system. If there are no future losses i believe I am at my maximum limit.

I added 6 "undefined" Anthias. (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2056904)

I really like these fish and love the movement they add to the system.

So far the system is holding stable at 0.3ppm Phosphate and 2-3ppm nitrate. My goal is to keep these stable and / or lower slightly. I've not been good at pre-rinsing my frozen food... - having a huge watervolume makes me a bit lazy - well, it's now happening each and every time to see what impact that will have, if any.

[dave.m]

Perhaps the way to go with NPS is to get them feeding in QT so you know you will have at least a chance before putting them into your main DT (?).

Dave.M

[Hookup]

Never heard o QT'ing NPS (non photosynthetic corals). Is that common practice?

[dave.m]

I don't know. It's just a suggestion. But it would let you know if the gorg or whatever is going to make it before committing it to the display tank.

Dave.M

[Hookup]

I don't know. It's just a suggestion. But it would let you know if the gorg or whatever is going to make it before committing it to the display tank.

Dave.M

True, true... :)

I will quest for another sea fan like I had... And try again. It lasted since the photos, so about 2monsths... But I'll wait till it matches with a time period where I don't travel for a week...



I'm currently on a coral quest... Looking for some super corals for the tank... I've got too much rock and not enuf coral...


And I have an LED project I'm starting soon as well... ATI + ReefBrights... Modification / Retrofit / SexyHacks. Photos for sure on that build....

[Acronic]

updated FTS....pretty please :)

[Crazy_Beaver]

Great job!!!!!

[Hookup]

Update:
I'm not dead, just feel like it. Traveling less, but i have a serious case of summer tank syndrome... so no photos at this time...

Got some new corals in that i'm pretty happy with.. a yellow milli and a pink/red one... Bali stuff...

But with a 10 day trip up north shipping off in 4 days, right now i'm all about fitting as many water changes into the time I have left... It's my coral-safty system... do 3 or 4 50gal changes the week before I leave for a week and everything works good... Less baby-sitter training that way also.. ;)

Anyhow, the winter-fish-tank season is right around the corner... i'm sure things will look better then...

BTW, check out Blue Eco (Ecco?) pumps... I think i'm going to replace my two CL pumps with two of these bad-boys... drop that $400/month hydro bill.

[WhiteShark1]

Hey how are you (and your fish) liking that automatic feeder?

[Hookup]

Hey how are you (and your fish) liking that automatic feeder?

The pellet autofeeder is ok. It is very basic and only doses in one of three modes, once a day, 2x a day or 3x a day. All lag-intervals based upon when you set it to start. But it works and the fish eat.

The particle feeding works great via the dosing pump.

I shut it down.

:)

Ok, it works very very well, but i think the food solutions need to be suspended better via some auto-stirring device, and they NEED to be refrigerated. I am looking for a VERY small fridge to hackup and put under my tank. I haven't put the effort into this yet, it's a winter project. I have sourced some reasonably priced magnetic stirring devices. One that is air-powered (I haven't ordered but it is cheap) and one that is battery that I have and it works, but about $80 vs $40... so i'm not sure yet.

I think that either a fridge for boats (marine fridges often open from the top like a chest freezer but are very compact, even at 18"x18") or a portable 12v cooler designed to plug into your car and keep your beer cold when camping might be the right solution. Mini-Bar fridges are too big in general, though I did find a "specality" coke-o-cola ( or is it coke-a-cola?) anyhow, one of those that holds like 6 cans and sits on your desk at work ...

Anyhow, i need to keep the multiple suspended dosing foods stirred and cold. Fridge and magnetic stirring seems to be the best, and I've yet to really get into that problem.

PS: bubbling air seems to make things more like a skimmer, even with really big bubbles... so i'm not a fan of that right now.

[leslie hempel]

lovley..

[Hookup]

How about a few update photos...

NAW... those are borring.... so some PREVIEW PHOTOS?

Much better... A new modification is being done to the setup.. this is the tested results...
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TheNextPhase-2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TheNextPhase-3.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TheNextPhase-4.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TheNextPhase-5.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn192/hegira_hal/TheNextPhase-6.jpg

[Rybren]

Those are great shots Tim. The corals look like they're in fantastic shape.

Where's the FTS??

[Sisterlimonpot]

Yeah, I really like those shots... I'm a bit jealous!!

[Hookup]

Thanks! I'm adding "photoshop" to my tank! More to follow on how.

Ps those are real colors... Not fakes.

[Cheebs]

Aweosme! Lots more tank pron here then a certain local reef club, they may get jealous ;)

[Hookup]

Lol. Maybe? haha

[SeabassSA]

Great overflow design, no problems with inverts etc getting stuck in the overflow. How did you come up with you overflow idea?
Coralscape is fantastic.

[Hookup]

The overflows are not my idea. :)

Like everything it's a borrowed idea from the good folks of reefcentral.

I don't have any issues with inverts after the first year. The flow can easily go down one of the two overflows so if something happens, it's got a backup overflow.

The basic design was to just have rocks and corals, no visible equipment. And I'm very happy with the results. As it is growing in more and more the better it looks.

Thanks for your kind words

[Rybren]

Still waiting for those new FTS

(tapping foot impatiently...)

[jdm18honda]

what kind of modification are you doing

[edigi05]

I think you have put more planning into this tank than i have ever seen. Should be worth it. Good luck. Will follow along

[Hookup]

what kind of modification are you doing

It involves ripping into my 10bulb 60" ATI powermodule and hacking it up... then ripping apart some custom-ordered REEFBRITE LED strips...

ducktape may be used... but I will stay away from Popsicle sticks...

[Hookup]

Still waiting for those new FTS

(tapping foot impatiently...)

Sure bud, harass me on two forums... LOL.

Merry Christmas Pal.. I hope it's a good one for you and your loved ones.

[Rybren]

:beer:

Merry Christmas to you too. Hope that Santa brings you some cool goodies.