120 upgrade......

[rayn]

Well here will be I'm sure the first of many posts on this subject. I am upgrading to a 120 gal. dimensions are 60 long x 24 high x 18 wide.

I am going to build my own stand for this and make it accomodate my sump. Thinking a 2x6 frame with 2x6 supports in the middle or two equally divided out. Oak plywood on the sides and front with open back and hopefully three doors.

Currently I have a 55 almost reef, containing a couple small corals, small mushrooms, two nems, two black and white clown, small yellow tang, lawnmower blenny, coral banded shrimp, cleaner shrimp, sea hare, various snails, red leg crabs, and three emerald crabs, and a 6" black cucumber. Also at least one hitchhiking bristleworm. 65 lbs of live rock, with a 4" DSB of live sand, crushed coral, and aragonite. Sump is a 20 long with a skimmer, fuge with live rubble and cheato, and return section. I also have a 29 walmart special that I bought for a QT/HT but instead started another FOWLR. This one is bare botton with 35 lbs of seeded base rock. All that is in there are two false percs. I also have a possibilty of getting another tank of I think 30 or bigger.

Now for the questions.......for my sump, would I be able to use two tanks either plumbed together or with a overflow for my sump or should I try and utilize my 55? Are there advantages either way? The 55 is really only about four to five months old, can I just transfer my sand to the 120 and would it be enough? Currently have a aquaticlife t5 light with 4 bulbs on my 55 will this come close to lighting as I will have to hang it to make it work, or hang in a canopy, or should I try and add more? How long after I get water in the 120 till I can transfer livestock and will this cause a cycle?

If there is any other advice that anyone can give me it would be appreciated and welcome. Sure I will have plenty more question comeing so thanks in advance to all :fun4:

[rayn]

Well here is the beginning of the stand.
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=ca7e5d33.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/ca7e5d33.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
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I still need to double brace three of the legs, but ran out of 2x6. Wondering if I can use some 3/4 partical board I have for the top and bottom shelf? Oak plywood covering for the sides and front though.

[Sisterlimonpot]

wow a 5' tank, it's going to be interesting to see how you're going to finish the stand.

As for the sand it depends on if you have a deep sand bed or not, if you don't then yes you can transfer it, if it's a DSB then you're going to want to start over with new, you don't want to disturb the anoxic zone.

As for the lights, youo're going to need at least 4 more lights for the 120. and for it being a 5' tank it may be hard to find lights for it, I don't know though, I don't stay up on lighting.

you're going to have a cycle of some sort, how long it will be is anyone's guess, I wouldn't think it would last too long.

Anyway I'm subscribing because I want to watch your progress, maybe lend hand when I can.

Oh take lots of pictures!!!!!

[rayn]

Well I had to tear it apart and make it taller to accomodate my sump. Stand is now 40" tall. I also got it in the house and the tank on it even though I still need to finish the outside and bottom for the sump.

<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=e1173fe2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/e1173fe2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The window right next to it, will the light cause a problem or not? I can get blinds or a shade to help with the light, but it will shine in there pretty much all day.

[singold]

I would recommend blinds or a shade for the window. My tank sits pretty much like yours next to a window, also.

[DeepSeaHunter]

yea ur defintely going to need more light, i had a 48 inch set up on my tank and there was massive darkness on the edges, i switched to 8 60" t5's now. btw i also have a 120 long. i only have a 29gallon sump cause that was my previous tank, but i would use the 55 if i had one. you can transfer the sand, but depending on how much in the 55 i think you're still about 60 to 70 pounds short. you will have to cycle the new tank, but it will be quick, just add in some of your current filter pads in there, and rocks and it should speed it up. btw i would get 6 t5's of 60 inches, or just get 8 48" tubes to cover the dark spots.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Had to go back to the drawing board huh? looking good though. I take it by making that change you're going with the 55? So now comes the plumbing and skinning the stand. Here check out my stand build (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1648417)

Keep taking pics. ;)

[rayn]

Well here is the first true component I have purchased for this and every other future build!!!
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=70b583ab.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/70b583ab.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
BRS 5 stage plus. These guys are great. I actually got it off ebay, but from BRS and they shipped it to me in only three days!!!
Next on my list is the overflow. I did some searching and am really thinking of going with the herbie/bean silent failsafe overflow design. I also checked out the bean homepage of DIY and might just follow along with his sump design and try that. If not you will notice the FREE 29 gal sitting behind the ro/di. Not big enough in itself, but if I bulkhead it to another..........

[Sisterlimonpot]

You know I used the Bean design on a 75 and loved it. I messed up at first because I used 1" Tee's instead of 1.5" street elbows (thinking it's only a 75 so i really don't need the 1.5" plumbing). With the 1" had problems with restarting the system (I turn off all the pumps when I feed) But once I replaced everything with 1.5" it worked great. I also researched the herbie design and didn't go with it because it didn't offer the amount of safety the "Bean poles" did.

[rayn]

I started reading through the bean design and realized it was a version of the herbie design with the fail safe added. That is why I gave both credit. Any thoughts on the sump bulkhead idea? Looking this weekend for paint and a hole saw for drilling. Any recomendations?

[Sisterlimonpot]

Are you going with the Bean design? If so I would definitely recommend a coast to coast (C2C) I am going to try and track down some pics of my bean animal design. I drilled the top of the tank with 5 holes, 3 were drain and 2 were returns. as for the drill bit, I was never lucky in finding anything locally, I had to order the bit off of ebay. and I always went with the threaded bulkheads just to know than they can be broken back down if I need to move the tank.

[rayn]

If you use the C2C and have two returns, that I was thinking as well, where are they placed? I like the idea of a full skim area across the back, but I was thinking about building a box leaving around two to three inches on each side for the returns. I figure the returns still have to be up higher in the tank from siphoning out in a power outage.

[Sisterlimonpot]

That is exactly what I did. It worked fine the only complaint I had was the way it looked. It would have been cleaner if it truly went coast to coast. I found the pics on my other computer so I'm uploading them now, I will post in a few.

[Sisterlimonpot]

These are the pictures of my mistake, using 1" plumbing. I don't think I took any pics of it after I changed it to 1.5". I remember I had a hard time drilling the holes bigger just because I had to go super slow, so that I didn't break the glass.


Here is the back:
<img src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_7597f43bc1cf43e59b7b221c6f90495f/adobe-px-assets/763bd412f7d8438abdda8d58e26b60a5" width="1296" height="972"/>

<img src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_7597f43bc1cf43e59b7b221c6f90495f/adobe-px-assets/2af4398dd8f941048478bb16f8d28290" width="845" height="1127"/>

The top view:
<img src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_7597f43bc1cf43e59b7b221c6f90495f/adobe-px-assets/2899add863024fa69ffff148e346de15" width="1296" height="972"/>

And from the front:
<img src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_7597f43bc1cf43e59b7b221c6f90495f/adobe-px-assets/4471dba51eda4db59a7aaac6190edfc9" width="1099" height="824"/>

If I had to do it all over again I would have made the C2C all the way across and had the returns go through the C2C (a little more work but it would have paid off in the long run. I didn't have this tank long because after I got it going I fell into a great deal on the 125 that I currently have. HTH
Jimmy

[rayn]

Great! Thanks for the pics. So the returns go through the tank, overflow, then into the display water. So I would need actualy like 7 bulkheads to keep the overflow and the return seperate.

[Sisterlimonpot]

that would be the best way to go about it, but you can get away with siliconing it through the C2C. Or afer it comes into the tank have it come up and over the C2C and you can take advantage of it being above the water line so that you can drill a small hole for a siphon break. ***Does that last suggestion make sense?*** It's hard to explain something when I can't draw pictures :D

[rayn]

Gotchya on the siphon break in the return. Only thought on that is the 90 deg bends I would have to make to go up and over the C2C. Only other way would be to leave plenty of room in the sump for return water if I couldn't drill a hole.

[trb]

Good ideas in here. When (if) I upgrade to a regular 120, I'm thinking about the same C2C style overflow. I like the idea of the returns on the ends. As for the return plumbing, you can just use some Locline from the bulkheads that runs right over the top of the overflow. If you have teeth on the overflow, you can also cut out a couple of them and then the locline will only be like 1/2 way above the water line.

[rayn]

Very true trb. I forgot about the locline.

[rayn]

Hole saw and bulkheads ordered :spin1: Hopefully get the back painted this week or next too.

[rayn]

Man over two weeks since the last update, told ya it would be slow. So no real progress on the tank itself, but I went last night and bought all the plumbing and elsectrical I would need. Eight outlets all tied into a GFCI and the pipe and fittings for teh overflow ran almost $100! I was figureing around 50, but ehh do it right now.
Looking into building the C2C, I realized I will need some acrylic that is five feet long to make it work. A full 4x8 sheet 1/4" thick is $125!!! So, can I two piece the C2C and glue it together and still have a good working overflow? I'm figureing that I will put every thing together with weld on #3or #4.

[rayn]

Someone please take a look at these measurements before I go drilling and making my tank unsafe. Tank is 60" long. 24", 30", and 36" over and 2 1/2" down from the brace would be the center of my holes, which gives me 1 1/2" from the top of the hole to the bottom of the brace.
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=0a1b5697.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/0a1b5697.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Also just for kicks, here is my 40gal breeder I'm going to use for my sump.
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=551231c0.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/551231c0.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

It's taking longer then I thought to get going, but now I have fish in QT waiting to go in. Hopefully I'll find the time this weekend to drill, paint, plumb, and setup the sump.

[rayn]

Bump for drilling holes.

[ThunderTang]

Nice, can't wait to see it filled up.

[cewoodall3]

Did you drill it?

[rayn]

Did you drill it?

Still hopeing for someone to chime in about spaceing. If nothing by this afternoon, I'll will try it tonight. Would really like someone to say this looks good though :worried:

[Sisterlimonpot]

Sorry, been offline lately, the spacing looks fine. Are you gonna add elbows for the drains? If so, make sure you can accommodate for that. You can cut notches in the elbows to set the water line, so not too much concern as to where you put the holes as long as they are an inch away from the edge of the glass (which you are). Did you drill them? Lets see some pics.

[rayn]

In the process of drilling them after work. Got stalled cause my little girl ended up in the hospital. Hope to get them done tonight.

[Palting]

I hope you daughter is OK!

[rayn]

I hope you daughter is OK!

Yes thank you, doing better. Went to the doc Friday thinking she had a cold, then got sent to the ER with bronchitis/pneumonia. Turned out to be bronchialitis. She is home, but nebulizer every six hours. :eek2:


Well tonight I got some progress made finally

Drilled
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and painted
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=0be38e62.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/0be38e62.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=f5d6145b.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/f5d6145b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

hopefully tomorrow I can start plumbing. Which brings me to a question I have thanks to Petco. 120g display, should I use a 40b or a regular 55 for the sump? Either are available, just which would serve the purpose better?

[Sisterlimonpot]

Well the obvious answer is the 55, "the solution to pollution is dilution" but certain variables may make the decision for you. Like, can you fit the 55 in the stand? Is one tank taller then the other? If so can you easily remove your skimmer and other large equipment for periodic cleaning while in the stand? And if you have enough room in the stand for storage of any other dry goods, cleaning supplies etc? If the answer is yes then go for it. If not the 40 may be your alternative.

[Palting]

You, Rayn, my friend, are a terrible, terrible, terrible influence. I am headed to Petco to buy a 55 gal for QT. I've decided to use my 14gal Biocube as a refugium instead. Just terrible ;)

[rayn]

Yes the 55 will fit so ill use it. I was hoping that was the answer I would get. 40 will be used elsewhere.
Careful palting, buying tanks get addicting. I got lucky and found the 40b but then got a new 55 just cause. I really like the dollar a gallon sale.

[trb]

I really like the dollar a gallon sale.

Ditto! I just wish they had it for larger tanks! LOL! Even at $2 a gallon would be great. I almost got a new 120 gal AGA tank from a local aquarium store/servicing company for $240 a few weeks ago, but I didn't have the extra $$$ at the time they had them on clearance.

Tank progress looks good! I wouldn't think there would be a problem making the overflow with two pieces glued together. I'm planning to make a new sump out of scrap pieces just to save costs, and will probably end up piecing part of it together, using black acrylic for my integrated ATO reservoir and clear or white for the rest of it. Luckily I can get 1'x4' scrap pieces for like $5 each from a local place. As long as the ends are flat and square, you should be OK, and quite a few dollars richer.

[rayn]

Tank is back up on the stand with the 55 underneath. I have to add some extra bracing for the 55 as it just sits on the outer right bottom and the center bottom brace. Gonna try and get some of the electrical and plumbing done yet tonight, but who knows.

<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=64d6f40f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/64d6f40f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


palting, you get your tank? Terrible or not, I love being a influence :spin3:

[Sisterlimonpot]

Yeah, that fits nicely in there. While working on your electrical make sure you change that receptacle behind the tank to a GFCI. Trust me it's easier to do it now rather than when you have water in the tank.

I just set my 125 back up and forgot to put that in there. now I have to work around the sump. I though that I could find a receptacle in front of the circuit and add it there but it looks like the one behind the tank is the first one in the circuit. *sigh* you live you learn... ;)

[rayn]

Already bought and ready to change. Bought two double gang boxes for outlets in the stand that will come from that outlet.

[rayn]

Mocking up the overflows...they have to have the slats cut in them yet. The far bulkhead is a return and there is one on the other side. They will both be plumbed back through the C2C
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I am wondering though, how low to place the C2C. I was thinking about a inch below the top of the bracing. Or am I thinking wrong. Would a half inch be better. I really don't want to see the top of the water line if at all possible.

[Sisterlimonpot]

I am wondering though, how low to place the C2C. I was thinking about a inch below the top of the bracing. Or am I thinking wrong. Would a half inch be better. I really don't want to see the top of the water line if at all possible.

That is a tricky thing to do because the water pumps GPH has a lot to do with it. IIRC I put it right at the lower portion of the plastic frame that way I couldn't see it at all and of course the water level (when running) was slightly higher than the line.

[rayn]

So right at the bottom of the plastic brace, sounds good. I'm wondering to I one big pump or two smaller pumps for the return would be better? Wouldn't two kinda be a failsafe if one quit?

[rayn]

<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=d5541e4d.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/d5541e4d.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

working on the C2C tonight. I used the tinted acrylic to help hide it a little. Now to I join the two halve together and then seal it to the tank? I tried epoxy on the two halves, but it just broke apart when I tried to move it. Also there is a small bow to it, so I need to either take care of that or use something that will seal small gaps to the tank.

[rayn]

And here it is........
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=3f8d9d26.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/3f8d9d26.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
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Building the baffles for the sump tonight, then plumbing, then WATER!!!

[Palting]

looking good! Looking forward to your sump build next!

Yeah, did get a 55 gal due to your influence :).

[rayn]

Okay give me some ideas on spaces in the sump. The 55 is 48" long and 12" wide. I was thinking about skimmer, fuge, return again. Skimmer about 12x12 area and the return 12x12 area leaving 24x12 area for a good fuge. Possibly a DSB with some critters in it eventually and cheato or something.

[rayn]

Here is my newest addition that came tonight. Dual 250 watt MH lights that I got from berkelyfishboi.
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I also have been working on the base rock, got 54 lbs of it already. Then I have 80 lbs of argonite sand and another 40 lbs of play sand to mix in. Working on the plumbing tonight, and hopefully between tonight and tomorrow night I can get it ready to run. Work has gone gangbusters, no time for the fun stuff.

[Sisterlimonpot]

coming together nicely, can't wait to see some water in it.

[rayn]

You can't, I can't. Got going last night on the plumbing, primed my pieces, layed them all out, the preceded to glue about three of them wrong. Live and learn, now I need a new street elbow, everything else is still usable.

[rayn]

Finally, finally, finally got the plumbing done. All PVC even though it was a PITA to do some of the connections. Now to clean the tank, push it back against the wall, and fill with water :bounce3::bounce2::bounce1:

<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=30e6a9d5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/30e6a9d5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
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[rayn]

Finally filling it up. Overnight last night, overnight again tonight, then I went and bought 20 gal from the LFS.
Here is the light set up and running.
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=481f3ff3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/481f3ff3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Eggcrate on the bottom for the base rock.
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=14a7d62c.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/14a7d62c.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
My 4' 12 outlet powerstrip I picked up, plugged into a GFCI.
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=d7b147fc.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/d7b147fc.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Base rock set down.
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Added the 80lbs of aragonite reef sand. Can out to roughly 2" across the bottom.
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=bac03e91.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/bac03e91.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
After all that water I'm still only this full :eek:
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=853fa266.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/853fa266.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Palting]

That substrate looks more than 2" , Rayn.

Where the heck did you get a 4' powerstrip??

[rayn]

In the pic the sand is stirred up somewhat. By tape measure give or take a little two inches. I can double check, but that's what I measured. Powerstrip I got at menards in the electrical section.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Man, makes me wish I can build another tank, I really miss that part of the hobby. Rayn, you have displayed great patience, keep it up!!!

[rayn]

Day 3 of fill up, and I made it to the LFS for 20 gallons again tonight, oh and lights are only on when I take pics I don't need any algea yet.
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=4a4c972a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/4a4c972a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Thanks sisterlimonpot. I have always wanted one of those really clean nice saltwater tanks, hope I can make it with this one.
Looking through the other threads I came upon something I totally forgot about........heaters! I got two marineland heaters tonight rated for 90 gal tanks. Hope they are worth it.

[beex215]

looking great so far

[Sisterlimonpot]

Looking through the other threads I came upon something I totally forgot about........heaters! I got two marineland heaters tonight rated for 90 gal tanks. Hope they are worth it.

It's always better to split the total wattage into 2 heaters. that way if 1 malfunctions it's not going to overheat the tank. so in essence 2 heaters each rated for 60 gallons is ideal.

I remember filling my 125, IIRC it took about 4 or 5 days to get it filled.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Hey, I was going through some old pics and found a few of the 75g I made with the bean design. Looks almost exactly the same as your set up:

<img src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_7597f43bc1cf43e59b7b221c6f90495f/adobe-px-assets/2af4398dd8f941048478bb16f8d28290" width="845" height="1127"/>

if you recall, right afterwords I had to change to street elbows.

<img src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_7597f43bc1cf43e59b7b221c6f90495f/adobe-px-assets/763bd412f7d8438abdda8d58e26b60a5" width="1296" height="972"/>

<img src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_7597f43bc1cf43e59b7b221c6f90495f/adobe-px-assets/2899add863024fa69ffff148e346de15" width="1296" height="972"/>

<img src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_7597f43bc1cf43e59b7b221c6f90495f/adobe-px-assets/4471dba51eda4db59a7aaac6190edfc9" width="1099" height="824"/>

[rayn]

Looks about the same. The only difference I see is you had a valve on the emergency line it looks like. Looking back through the bean design build thread I noticed that some were putting the emergency line straight into the return section of the sump, I decided to go that route too. I believe that is something happens, then the emergency is straight into the return and won't let your pumps run dry.

I have to agree with the build being a fun part too. Don't know what is more fun, getting everything ready and put together, or having something running and full of life.

[Sisterlimonpot]

It's a toss up, I almost think that building is more fun. because once a tank gets on cruise control there's not much but routine maintenance.

I never had to restrict the flow of that emergency line and you're right there shouldn't be one on there but I just added it because I bought it.

[rayn]

Maintenance sure, but unless it is full and a few years old there are still corals to add.

[Palting]

Looking good, Rayn. Looks like it will be right on time for fish from QT :) !

[Sisterlimonpot]

Maintenance sure, but unless it is full and a few years old there are still corals to add.
;)

[rayn]

Just a small update. 34 lbs of rock added tonight and almost full. Still looking for that big center piece though.

[Sisterlimonpot]

You have to post pics when you make a claim like that.... :D

[rayn]

Just added another 55 lbs of live rock this time. Got it for about two bucks a pound. One big 25 lbs piece an two 15 lbs pieces. It is full finally, just have to fine tune the water levels to tonight. Ill get pics up then too.

[rayn]

Here is the pic as promised. The smaller soft ball sized rock I got last night. The three bigger pieces are the ones I got today. Still havn't adjusted the water flow totally yet though.


<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=d09e103f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/d09e103f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[rayn]

The complete running system!!!!!!!

<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=2e5fe3eb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2e5fe3eb.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

My drain is a little louder then I thought. Not the overflow, but the water going to the return from the sump area. Gonna have to fix it with another baffle or something. But whatever, it is running and cycle has begun!

[SaltSolutions1]

Following along. Great job so far. Updates?

[Sisterlimonpot]

I like the aquascape especially the shelf on the right.

[rayn]

That was one that I intentionally planned to move. But it is growing on me sitting there so I'll probably leave it now. It has a small arch under it that is hard to see in the pic too. I'm thinking some low light shrooms would do good under there.

[James404]

looks good so far rayn, one thing I noticed was you said you purchased two marineland heaters, are these the stealths? If so I would be careful with those, they have been known to crack at the seam on them and have exploded quite a few tanks on here and I mean literally broken glass. Marineland has even paid for peoples losses including livestock. I have them myself but now I only use one in my salt mixing bucket. Not trying to scare you just a warning about them.

[rayn]

The heaters are the visitherm style. I seen they have the visitherm stealth too, but I don't have the stealth version.

[Palting]

I actually like that shelf/overhang. As you said, great for shading lowlight livestock from the MH, and great platform for light hungry ones. How are you keeping it from toppling over?

[rayn]

Balance ;) and a few pieces strategicallly placed underneath. I've hit it a couple times moving things around in there and it hasn't moved yet. If I have to in the future I will tie it down somehow.

[chubby hugs]

Love that shelf on the right. Wish I had something that sweet looking in my aquascape. I wouldn't change it. Looking great so far!

[Canadian Reefer]

Balance ;) and a few pieces strategicallly placed underneath. I've hit it a couple times moving things around in there and it hasn't moved yet. If I have to in the future I will tie it down somehow.

If you feel you will ever have to glue your rocks together now would be the time to do it. Not after its done cycling and full of corals IMHO.

Nice build BTW its going to look great!

[rayn]

Three little shrimpies floating around :)

[Sisterlimonpot]

The cycle has started!!!

[Palting]

I suggest putting the shrimp is a net or basket. This will keep the shrimp or their remnants from getting sucked into the drains and into your sump.

[Sisterlimonpot]

That's true, I put 2 shrimp in mine and after about 4 days it sort of fell apart, which made it hard to get out when I was the cycle was over. So some sort of basket is a good idea.

[rayn]

Good thought on the basket. The last time I did the shrimp cycle it just disovled from the inside out and I still had the outer skin looking like a cloudy whole shrimp. Just tested ammonia after putting the shrimp in last night and got .25 already.

[rayn]

Ammonia at 1.0 how high do I let it go before removing fish? Maybe 2.0?

[Palting]

I would just let it all dissolve. That's what I did. And kept doing, and doing......

[rayn]

Yeah I was just wondering. And to clarify my last post was supposed to read 'how high to I let it go before removing shrimp' not fish like it says.

[Palting]

Weird thing was, after at least a 6 cocktail shrimp over 8 weeks, my ammonia when I finally decided to test it was 0 and the nitrate was 0.25. Made a live rock being a nitrate reducer believer out of me.

[Sisterlimonpot]

I think that I let mune get up to 1.0 before I removed the shrimp, I only put 2 fish in to start so there was no reason to let it get too high just to have the majority of that bacteria to die off. However for a more robust system the more fish you can add right away (after the ammonia gets down to 0)

[rayn]

I've got three waiting now with one more planned. Blue tang, rabbitfish and a pair of skunk clowns, that I only have one of yet. Not sure about total fish yet as I'm after a larger coral tank then fish. I have the 55 for fewer corals and more active fish.

[cirionrc]

Why would the sunlight from the window cause a problem? Just curious

[rayn]

The sunlight will allow excess algea growth in the tank. More maintenance more headache.

[rayn]

What the?! I put three shrimp in three days ago and they are still disolving. Tested ammonia tonight along with trite and trate. Ammonia dropped from 1.0 down to .25, trite shows 0 and trate is between 10 adn 20 ppm. What gives? I thought ammonia would still be steady if not going up, trites would just be showing, and trates not there yet. Am I still working on the cycle or did it go really fast?

I ask cause when I did the 55 it took longer before I saw trates.

[Palting]

LOL! Just count your lucky stars. You have a busy bacteria population actively eating and multiplying. Looks like you are headed for an early cycle completion. Seeing the diatom bloom yet?

[rayn]

No diatom bloom yet. The last ~50 lbs of LR may have helped me out I guess. Crap, not ready to think about a CUC yet, gotta do my research as to how much and what I want in there. Granted nothing will go till the ammonia does it 0 so I guess I still have some time.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Huh, So the live rock you added was "live"? Nitrites aren't a big deal to salt water inhabitants so, I would do the same thing and once the ammonia drops start stocking. I've had a nitrite test kit that was funky, I would test and get 0 an d then immediately after test again and get an accurate result???? (An API test kit)

[rayn]

Well I'm going to watch and be careful here. I gotta trust the test kit, but this seems way fast to me. Ill check it again tonight and post my findings.

[Palting]

From the start-up of my two tanks, I've found that keeping an eye on the series of blooms is a good way to confirm the tests. I had an early diatom bloom, quickly replaced by green stuff. Diatom bloom coincided with the ammonia and trites going to almost zero, and the trates started to come down when the green stuff started to replace the brown stuff. That's when I got aggressive with water changes on the first tank.

[rayn]

Green algea has been there on some rock since almost day one. I also have some nice coraline growing on some of the live rock, which also surprises me.

[Palting]

Hey, 1 more post and you'll be up to 1,000!

I don't mean the green algae that came with the rock. I mean NEW green algae that replaces the NEW diatoms.

[rayn]

I was going to make my 1000 post something meaning and witty, but I guess ill use it here instead. The algea is new, my rock was clean besides coraline on it when I got it. Seems to be growing slowly too, but I'm not currently running my lights and all the tank get now is indirect sun light, I figure that is the cause.

[Sisterlimonpot]

ahh, if you had coralline on the rock, more chances then not it was live, and any cycle you witnessed was quick. I'm surprised you saw ammonia get that high.

[rayn]

My guess on the ammonia is the three shrimp I left in there. Only 50 pounds of LR, while the rest was all dry base rock. Then new sand that was dry. I figure that the shrimp caused it.
I put some stability in per directions and took the shrimp out. Ammonia 0, trite 0, trate 10-20. Dosed again last night and had trates at 5-10. Also noticed this morning that some of my very clean white rock had turned light brown. Diatoms here I come.

[rayn]

and they are in.....
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=1c82cc7b.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/1c82cc7b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
blue tang, skunk clown, and rabbitfish.

[knight2255]

Nicely done!

I just bought a 120g tank with the same dimensions and was thinking of just copycatting what you've done so far.

Couple questions:
What are these called?(yellow arrow)http://i35.*******.com/4pumhu.jpg
- Why did you only use 1 valve instead of 3?
- What size/make pumps are you using?
- Where did you get the tinted acrylic pieces?
- Did you use bulkheads on the return for the overflow and tank?
- Can you provide a list of the plumbing parts?
- You painted the inside back of the aquarium, right? What paint did you use, does it matter?
- Any tips?

[jeff@zina.com]

What are these called?(yellow arrow)

Unions. Available at any hardware/plumbing/Home Depot/Lowe's/etc. Allow you to break the system apart without a saw. :)

Jeff

[chubby hugs]

Rayn- you need to update your signature. 120 is no longer cycling! Congrats

[rayn]

knight2255, thanks. I would recommend you read http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1541946
This is the style overflow I put on my tank. So much good info in this thread I couldn't even begin to summarize.

I only used one drain valve cause that is really all that is needed. The main drain is the only one here that I need to control. The secondary drain should make noise and needs to flow full force to make that noise, same with the third 'emergency' drain.

Currently for pumps I am running two. One a mag 5 that I got used, but works great. Second is a Rio 2500 that also T's off and feeds my refuge area in the sump. Maybe someday I'll go with one big pump to handle it all, but for now all seems to work good.

The tinted acrylic I got at menards where they have all the other acrylic. The 90 degree bend I put in I did with a blow torch and folded it around my outside stairs and then ran the hose over it to cool it and hold in that position. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the two pieces I had to use to complete the C2C. However, it wasn't enough of a complaint to warrant the 125 bucks for a sheet big enough to do it in a single piece.

Bulkheads were used everywhere PVC was ran so yes. Total bulkheads in my system are 7. Five in the glass and two in the overflow.

As far as a parts list, for what? Overflow, beananimal supplied that in the overflow thread. As for the overflow pvc, you'll have to measure your tank and buy accordingly.

I painted the OUTSIDE back glass. DO NOT paint the inside. Lots of folks on here used krylon. I used what I had around and it was rustoleum. I used a foam roller that I got from menards for about five bucks with a little tray. If your tank is empty and you can get it outside you can spray it too, just tape off real well.

Tips, hmmmm. Patience. Check out for used anything. MH lights I got for less then half price compared to new, pump too. Only item I cautious about getting used is the skimmer. For the price I'm gonna spend new or used I want to make sure it works. New guranteed, used you have to hope. Use the biggest sump you can. I have a 55 under mine, still wish I could have gone bigger, but no more room. I don't have it, but probably will soon, get a auto top off. I go through about 3 gallons in two days with the heat we have been getting. My guess is run a GFO reactor. I have one lined up ready to go, just gotta do it. QUARENTINE!!!!!! No matter what! My other tank is a 55 that went great for about 5 months till ich came in. Now I have to QT the fish in there and let it go fallow to get rid of the ich. Nothing will touch my 120 without QT.

Hope that helps, anything else just ask. :bounce1:

[rayn]

Rayn- you need to update your signature. 120 is no longer cycling! Congrats

Caught me, done.

[rayn]

So just a quicky update. So far all is good. Everyone is happy and swimming around getting used to their new home. The blue tang found her hiding spot in the LR and goes there to sleep, while the skunk clown scared the crap outta me this morning sleeping. I happened to run across a thread in the anemone and clownfish section talking about clowns sleeping on their side. Found mine like that this morning. Thought crap at first, then remembered that thread. All is good tonight though and he is swimming and eating well.

[ramtmac]

Wow looks awesome Rayn. Any new updates. Im finishing up the set up of my new 125 from my 55. I feel like a copy cat upgrading same time you do except yours is alot nicer than mine

[knight2255]

Would a mag 12 pump be adequate for a 120g display and 45g sump? I will probably use a mag 5 for the skimmer.

[rayn]

Not sure what the mag 12 gph is. I would think it would be okay. Are you planning to T it off and run two different return lines? I went with two seperate pumps to safeguard against one going bad. Also I have the second rated a little higher on gph to help run water to my fuge.

[rayn]

Wow looks awesome Rayn. Any new updates. Im finishing up the set up of my new 125 from my 55. I feel like a copy cat upgrading same time you do except yours is alot nicer than mine

If I remember correctly we both started 55's about the same time too. Only update right now is the other fish and corals I have in QT. Black yellowtail blenny and powder brown tang. Then clove polyps a leather disc type coral.
Working on getting my fuge running. Bought sand for the DSB tonight and am going to steal about half the cheato from my 55 and place it in there. I'll get pics later, hopefully tonight.

[rayn]

Here as promised
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=ac629ab6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/ac629ab6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
it cleared up quicker then I thought it would, wish I could say the same for my DT :sad2:
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=021b6d57.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/021b6d57.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[rayn]

Finally hooked up my GFO reactor. About half full of GFO then left the other half of the tube empty to let the GFO tumble.
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=bcc3528f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/bcc3528f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Palting]

Looks like a BRS Deluxe. Looks good! Is it at the skimmer side, or at the fuge side of the sump?

[rayn]

It is on the skimmer side. Wasn't sure if that was best, but in the end that is where it would fit. It is actually outside the sump, just plumbed into it.

[rayn]

Well here is a update for you. I ended up getting ich in my system and had to take the fish out. Then the very next day my 55 started to leak, so all that had to quickly be transferred to the 120. Then I got a little coral happy and have pics of them too. Skimmer should be here friday, I got a warner marine k2. I'll post pics when it comes.
Full shot
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_205959.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_205959.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
sun coral
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_210144.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_210144.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
hammer and frogspawn I believe
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_210008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_210008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
leather that is a little ticked cause I was in the tank
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_210027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_210027.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
small candy cane
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_210046.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_210046.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
another leather
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_210153.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_210153.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
something I can't remember, but the shroom hitchhiker behind
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_211541.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_211541.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[rayn]

Then the new ones I just got today from austin aqua farms.
acans
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_210116.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_210116.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
zoas
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_210148.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_210148.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
palys
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100914_210203.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100914_210203.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


There are also two RBTA in there, but they are hard to get good shots of. Maybe later.

[Palting]

Looking good!!

[Sisterlimonpot]

quite an assortment. Where are able to get the 55 fixed?

[ocfishaddicts]

have you thought about putting in a refrigium in your sump? also, i have seen a larger sump with a frag grow compartment in it with lighting thought that was pretty cool use of space vs. cluttering up the big tank with small frags... we upgraded our 90 gal to a 125 gal and did a lot of research as well. one thing i would have done differently was to have all the electrical more organized at the plug if possible --- we had an electrician come out to ensure the circuit could handle all the new equipment (2 18 mag drive pumps (husband didn't want any powerheads/wires showing in the tank - had to get a larger overflow box to handle the flow), g4 skimmer, refrigium, led lighting, chiller, etc.). once he upgraded it, we backed the tank up and plugged in only one surge suppresser into the wall and didn't use the second plug available --- rrrrrrrr.... of course, now everything is setup and we can't get to it and have surge supressers plugged into each other... other cool item was to have a light on teh underside of the tank/cabinet ceiling. this is nice to be able to see for clean-up etc. you can also use those free standing tap lights from any hardware stores.

good luck with your tank and keep doing your research. it will be worth it =)

[rayn]

quite an assortment. Where are able to get the 55 fixed?

Assortment, yeah. I am probably done or close to it. I haven't had time to play with the 55 yet. Son as I can I hope to put the fish in QT.

have you thought about putting in a refrigium in your sump? also, i have seen a larger sumvp with a frag grow compartment in it with lighting thought that was pretty cool use of space vs. cluttering up the big tank with small frags... we upgraded our 90 gal to a 125 gal and did a lot of research as well. one thing i would have done differently was to have all the electrical more organized at the plug if possible --- we had an electrician come out to ensure the circuit could handle all the new equipment (2 18 mag drive pumps (husband didn't want any powerheads/wires showing in the tank - had to get a larger overflow box to handle the flow), g4 skimmer, refrigium, led lighting, chiller, etc.). once he upgraded it, we backed the tank up and plugged in only one surge suppresser into the wall and didn't use the second plug available --- rrrrrrrr.... of course, now everything is setup and we can't get to it and have surge supressers plugged into each other... other cool item was to have a light on teh underside of the tank/cabinet ceiling. this is nice to be able to see for clean-up etc. you can also use those free standing tap lights from any hardware stores.

good luck with your tank and keep doing your research. it will be worth it =)

I have a fuge in my sump and my fuge light illuminates the bottom quite well.

[rayn]

Skimmer I ordered came today. I got a nice deal off of e55MD. A Warner Marine K2. Not set up yet though as my skimmer section IS TOO SMALL!!!! :( Two options. I have a spare 55 sitting out in the garage that I could make into another sump with a smaller return area and bigger skimmer area. I would be moving the fuge with a DSB though.
Second, set up a 29 behind the current 55 sump and somehow plumb it to the 55 sump and knock out the current baffle between the skimmer and return area.

Best bet here?

edit: Third option, cut out the baffle betweent the skimmer and return section and have just one big skimmer/return area.

[rayn]

<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100929_203151.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100929_203151.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100929_203159.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100929_203159.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/?action=view&current=IMG_20100929_203208.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/IMG_20100929_203208.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Very tight squeeze in the sump, but it is in. I had to knock out the baffle between the skimmer and return section, but I'll replace it when I can move some pipes around. Probably next water change day when I have it shut down anyway.

[Palting]

Looks good to me, Rayn!

[muttley000]

Hey Rayn, hadn't checked out your thread in a while and got caught up today. everything looks great. I sold a tank this size about 8 years ago because it wouldn't work with a remodel, man do I miss it. Keep us posted! Also now that its been a couple weeks how is your Austin Aqua Farms stuff doing? Would you recommend them?

[rayn]

I was worried about the acans earlier, and posted a question about them, but they are good. I would use them again though. Packed well, ice pack, and double bagged.
I really like the size of the 120, but the set up costs are what kills. I'm just glad I was able to find good deals on used equipment and good sellers.

[Palting]

I've lost track. What fish are in the 125 now?

[rayn]

Hey now. The 120 has clowns, rabbit, angel, chromis. 55 has clown and blenny. Tang is in the 29. Hopefully I can get through this hiccup and be back on track shortly.

[Palting]

I have no doubt you'll get through this, Rayn. Just keeping tabs, and wishing you well, is all :).

[rayn]

Yeah, sometimes it bums me out though. All the money, time, and energy seems wasted when you still get a sick fish. Almost makes the no QT guys justified.

On a positive note, the tang is looking better and I haven't seen anything on the rest of my fish. Still thinking I should pull them and let the tank run fallow though, just to make sure.

[rayn]

Well as Palting stated on his build thread 'it isn't a true build thread without the problems listed too'. So I have to tell mine.

Skimmer started skimming a little wet and filled the collection cup up a little over half. Went to clean it out last night, but doooooooohhhhh. The cup is about a quarter inch to tall to come out without being tipped almost sideways. Guess where all the skim water went.

Now I have to figure out a solution.

[rayn]

Long time no update. Tank is doing okay, but now battling HA as is the norm it seems. I have added to the fish list with a sailfin and a couple other small ones. I tried a couple sps and failed miserably on those and am waiting till I get all parameters in check before I add anything else. All are within in range except nitrate with are in the 40 range and phosphate in the .18 range. Gfo and vodka dosing are working on those as well as water changes.
I have added a tunze ato and a jbj titanium heater with controller so those help too.

[rayn]

Figured I would throw some pics up as well
fts
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/101_0267.jpg
left
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/101_0268.jpg
right
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/101_0269.jpg
side
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/101_0270.jpg
sun coral
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/101_0274.jpg
groups shot
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/101_0277.jpg
file fish
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/101_0280.jpg
rescued sailfin
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/101_0271.jpg

I have also added a oceanic quadro timer and two evo 1400. I am planning on adding either two more 1400 or two 1250, not sure yet.

[thebkramer]

Looking very NICE!! :thumbsup:
LOVE the sun coral.. and that is one awesome filefish!! ;)

Gotta LOVE the Hiccups!!! :deadhorse::headwalls:
Glad to see you updating again too!! I know how you were feeling!! :worried:
I'm sure you'll have that algae cleared up in no time!!

did I miss the post on the rescued Sailfin?? what happened? hows it doing??

[rayn]

Thanks!
No I just sneaked the sailfin in a while back. Went out to the fish store and saw him in their holding tank, they are what 20 gallon at most?! He was just hanging there pointed down not really doing much. Someone had brought him back cause he outgrew their tank. They had a price of 90 on him and the guy I always talk to pointed him out. Told me he was stressing and would probably not make it long in their tank. I said no cause if he was stressed and lift die I wasn't shellingout the 90 bucks. He made a call and told me 40, so I took it. This guy is like 6 inches long, eats like a pig, no diseases that I have ever seen. Moved in and made friends with the rabbitfish and has been great ever since.
It is funny now, I go out and see 2 inch ones for 50 bucks and I know what I got mine for.
Sailfin will probably force me into another upgrade, but that is now in the works anyway. ;)

[rayn]

Time for a update as I had to redo my lighting system. I had the system for about a year now and figured it was time for bulbs. I ordered new 14k aquamaxx bulbs. Did nothing for a change in the color spectrum. So I figured the ballasts might be going. Sure enough they were starting to burn and get hot. Even started to discolor some.
So I bought one new lumetek ballast and replaced both the bulb and ballast. Wow the difference was huge. So I bought the second ballast and replaced the bulb and light there too.

original
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-06-18_17-18-20_74.jpg
ballast
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-06-21_10-02-35_668.jpg
replaced one
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-07-18_22-20-11_530.jpg
replaced both
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-07-25_20-47-05_894.jpg

[rayn]

Well I managed to ignore this thread again.

Fish are all still going, but I did sump the filefish as it picked on some acans. I have added about eight new frags acans, hammer, and a couple sps to try. Currently carbon dosing with vodka too, up to 4.5 ml a day and beginning to see results. Nitrate have dropped, but not steadily yet to eliminate the hair algea. I'll try and post pics later.

Forgot to mention I started brs two part as well. Huge noticeable difference. Should have done it sooner.

[rayn]

So here are the pics I promised

http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-11-09_15-55-14_669.jpg
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-11-09_15-55-38_76.jpg
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-11-09_15-55-44_700.jpg
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-11-01_19-37-21_882.jpg
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-11-01_19-37-29_937.jpg
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-11-01_19-37-44_742.jpg
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-10-17_21-50-22_324.jpg
http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr321/dougcobb/2011-11-06_15-29-39_404.jpg