My 29 Gallon build

[dwolson2]

So I am building a 29 Gallon Reef tank and thought I would share my build with you all.
Start off with a little history:
15+ years ago I started my first fish tank(of many). It was freshwater and filled with guppies. And was dirty all the time…
Fast forward to 3 years ago in Japan, one night my friend and I decided to take a go at saltwater. We each bought 10 gallon tanks to see what worked for each of us. Below is a picture of that tank.
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/DSCF2432.jpg

As you can see I used crushed coral, and a lot of stuff out of a fresh water tank, what you don’t see is a HOB filter for fresh water and no protein skimmer…. Lots of things died in those tanks, a lot of trial and error.
After my tank had a lot more success, I moved on to a 30 gallon HEX that I found on the side of the road(that’s how the large items were picked up for trash)
I added a VERY small canister filter and a protein skimmer that looked like the underground filters for freshwater. To say it was finicky was an understatement. I have a pic of a butterfly that was in that tank:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1000796.jpg
Decided to go home on leave and ask a “friend” to watch my tank. Came home to 3 inches of green stuff at the top of the tank and my “friend” telling me that my cat “unplugged it”…yea right… with his opposable thumbs….
I then cleaned it out and put in a dwarf lionfish, which after a few months died of lockjaw(that’s what I read somewhere… its mouth got stuck open) Decided I would never get on e of those again, since it required frequent trips to the LFS to pick up live fish for it and went back to “normal” fish.
One of the guys in the area was getting deployed followed with a PCS to another base immediately following his return, so he was giving away a bunch of things, went over with my 5 gallon bucket and here were the end results:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1050272.jpg
Sold that tank to a local guy in the shop and moved to Sunny California!
Last year after taxes, I picked up a used 72Gallon bow front (now for sale…) Came with live rock, HOB protein skimmer, yellow tang, dead coral, florescent light, sump, and a canister filter. I had that set up for the last year until December when I moved to my current house. Upon moving in/signing the lease, I was informed that I would not be able to keep my 72BF. They said that the max tank I could have was a 30 gallon with renters insurance, funny thing was, I had one, in my garage that I bought from my neighbor to use as a sump. I originally asked about the 29 because I wanted the metal halide light that came with it(bought the tank, stand, light, and some power heads for 100$) but decided to keep the 29 as a sump. So I was back in the game.
Here is the 72 when it was set up:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/3n63me3o65Y35Q15U4b1u437734c13e4418a4.jpg
A co-worker at work…lol… were talking and found out we both had SW tanks. His is much nicer..125 coral reef… and he started “mentoring” me on what I have been doing wrong. And so the build began… At the start of this my transportation tank set up with the MH fixture looked like this:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-02181612.jpg
One of my friends was deployed an lent me his 55Gal to use for the transfer, and is now the holding tank until the 29 is finished. Here is a pic of it holding the stuff for the 29:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-13182931.jpg
Now I have a plan, Here are a few renderings:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/Topoftank.jpg
Adding one hand drawn later.

Pictures of my sump, I am going to be merging 2 sumps to get a bit more volume:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-13183035.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-13192740.jpg

The second one shows that my frame is too narrow by about ¼ inch on each side.
I won’t be using the bio balls, so if anyone is local to Camarillo wants them, let me know!
This is a picture of the stand vertical.
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-13192717.jpg
Specs right now are:
Coralife 125 skimmer
Iwaki pump

There will be more to come, and this is going to be a longer work in process, I am working about 1/ 2 an hour a day on it.

[dwolson2]

Tank holes drilled:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-13183225.jpg

[Sisterlimonpot]

Looks like you have a fun project ahead of you. I see you have 4 holes drilled there, are you using the bean animal design for your overflow?

[dwolson2]

Looks like you have a fun project ahead of you. I see you have 4 holes drilled there, are you using the bean animal design for your overflow?

I don't know, what are we doing?

[dwolson2]

worked on it tonight, took the vertical stands down since they wouldn't fit my sump. I made a new base, but forgot my camera upstairs in my house. Tomorrow is womens bible study, so my wife won't be home to watch the kiddo, so I will resume Wednesday night and post what I get done.

[dwolson2]

that pump was a PITA to get to fit with the sumps!! I think I fit everything under there. I will be picking up a kregg set sometime this week/weekend, and joining the bases together.

[dwolson2]

went online found an R3 for 43 shipped to my front door in 6-9 days, once I get the kregg kit it I will be able to start assembling, although my boss said he would lend me his...until then...

[dwolson2]

I love my cell phone.... kind of running late this morning so its worse than normal. It was a really tight fit behind the pump. the vertical piece is going to be the 6 foot vertical piece that holds the top(the 1 foot piece is there for fitment check) then the sides will be closed in with a door to access the piping. I more than likely will remake the bottom piece, since its not all the way to the edge, but I just needed a piece to check for fitment issues. hopefully I won't have to sway more from the design...
http://i55.*******.com/30xfnrb.jpg

[sanchostattoos]

Looking good. Can't wait to see it complete

[dwolson2]

its going to take a bit of time, but it will be done eventually. next few nights are just going to be cutting up wood for framing. won't be able to "build" anything till the kit comes in. Will be here monday though!

[sanchostattoos]

Patience is definitely a virtue :)

[dwolson2]

sanchos are you george? did you see Jimmy's tank? thats what I am planning on for the out side(with a few "modifications")

[dwolson2]

Ok so did a little bit again tonight. Framed up the back. Its not attached, just sitting there. There are 2 pieces that seem short, that are just there to show where the "beams" are going to be that support the tank. 2 days ago I checked ammonia on the 55(the holding tank) and it was about 75, today seemed to be around 50. here are the pics:
http://i51.*******.com/2zqsiz8.jpg
http://i52.*******.com/2zz8a6u.jpg
http://i51.*******.com/23u7bpx.jpg

[dwolson2]

the middle piece that is parallel to the ground(see first pic) is where the bottom of the tank is going to be

[dwolson2]

No progress last night, Daddy daughter date night at Chic-fil-a...

[dwolson2]

So tonights "progress"
Bought crushed shells to put into foam for the back( refer to this site to see what I mean:http://www.socalireefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17323)
http://i56.*******.com/rh4g40.jpg

Also found that I am going to make a refugium under the blue portion, well maybe, still thinking about that one.
http://i56.*******.com/w7ioav.jpg

This one gives you an idea of spacing and how the back to pieces will be that go to the hood:
http://i55.*******.com/2m68h0h.jpg

Have to notch out the pump bracket to fit the pump further towards the rear of the stand. its the only way I could put the forward 2*4 behind the 2*4's for the support of the tank. Its hard to see it, but eventually you will be able to see what I mean. anyway here is a pic of the notch and the pump tucked away in the back:
http://i53.*******.com/15exzj8.jpg
http://i51.*******.com/21m6jph.jpg

Also, I think I might ask my boss if I can borrow his kreg kit till mine gets in, since i think I am close enough to the "not having anything to cut until I check that I got the "plan" right time"

[Sisterlimonpot]

You might want to rethink that spray foam idea, given the platform that you're working with (30 gallon) it's going to look very crowded, and I'd wait to see that guys progress. It scares me to think that many harmful chemicals can leach out and kill your corals from the spray. Not to mention the detritus that will trap itself between the glass and the foam eventually raising your N and P. The shimmer effect that you hope to gain will be limited to the first couple weeks/months before algae (coralline or nuisance) takes over. To me it's way too risky.

As I mentioned before, fish will start to nip at the foam and after it passes through the digestive system, it will be floating throughout your tank.

If you're adamant about trying the back way thing, check out this thread (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1827226), looks like it starts on page 4. The one thing you have to worry about with his idea is waiting for the PH to stabilize which can take months.

Just some food for thought. I'd rather you make an educated decision rather then jumping in without all the facts.

[dwolson2]

the foam is "supposed to be" fish safe, I was only planning on putting in abour 3/4-1 inch thick. Just enough to give the back wall depth. Also I thought it might help with visual flow of the tank for the overflow... Don't know how it would effect the tank other than that. I can ask...

[Billabong]

I would listen to sister, he knows what he's talking about. With that 29 gallon you'r going to have the opposite affect. It's going to be super crowded, and make the tank much smaller looking.

But it seems that you already have your mind made up. Just be ready to tear the tank back down and scrape all that stuff off and start over.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Everybody wants their tank to stand out and be different. I think that in the reefing arena, that's hard to do. The reason why a lot of the tanks look similar is because it's a tried and trued method. There are certain things that work and there are certain things that don’t. Don't get me wrong I think the back wall sounds like a good idea and I’m sure that many would agree, but there's an underlying reason why you don't see them in many tanks. The acronym KISS is a reef keeper’s adage. Even if the foam is "fish safe" doesn't mean that they aren't going to nip at it until it's gone. With this being your first reef tank you're allowed to explore and try new things from the norm, but that becomes expensive in a hobby that is already pulling at the purse strings. That’s what makes RC such a priceless commodity, I've came up with many ideas that I've researched on RC to find out that people have already tried them and either failed miserably or the task became more work than it was worth. I spend a great deal of time reading through these forums and come across lots of mistakes as well as great ideas, the mistakes I chalk up as an inexpensive lesson learned, the good ideas I will either incorporate into my tank or pass it on to fellow reefer’s. Also, for those bad ideas I file them away and when the cycle comes back around and someone posts that they want to attempt it again I will offer up what I have read or better yet offer my first hand experience, in attempt to thwart a project that will eventually become a huge money pit. In this case I have read more negative than positive with back walls. And to incorporate this into a 30g is going to be counter intuitive to what you wish to achieve.

Like Billabong has said, it’s your tank and ultimately it’s your decision. But heed the advice and when you read through threads, take into account the level of experience and how long they have been in the hobby, I see this trend quite often, almost like the blind leading the blind. I would hitch my wagon to someone that has been around the block a time or two. JM2C

[dwolson2]

its ok...sister....lol I won't do it....lol just an idea. besides i wouldn't do it without your OK, seeing as your helping me along the way....lol just thought it looked like a good idea.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Lets see those updated pictures.

[dwolson2]

Ok, so last night I used the kreg kit my boss lent me, and ran out of screws...lol I got the majority of it screwed together, but have one more corner to screw down. I also put a "lift" under the sump(2*4's) and found that I had a lot more room under the sump. The photo shows 2*4's over the top of the tank extending out too far, they won't be in the final top, just using scraps to try out a few scenarios. Next on my list is to go and get glass. I can work on the top until then, but I need to find a local glass cutting vendor. Here is a pic of the progress of last night.
http://i52.*******.com/30kyelg.jpg

[dwolson2]

oh and I also found out i won't have to cut the pump bracket with it lifted.

[dwolson2]

also going to add a shelf, will add more pictures once I get those parts added

[cherubfish pair]

Be sure and put teflon on the Iwaki threads. I've put teflon on mine only to find leaks to put on more teflon. ;)

[dwolson2]

lol, will, do!

[Sisterlimonpot]

Nice progress. When you lift the acrylic sumps it need to be completely supported on the bottom. What I would do is just use a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" ply wood (what ever you have access to ir can be thinner) to fit the bottom and then notch out a chunk so that the iwaki bracket can still slide under the plexi.

So the plumbing is next? that's always fun!!!

[palmer373]

missed it, are you doing the beananimal style overflow?

[dwolson2]

missed it, are you doing the beananimal style overflow?

Yup...lol was just posting it up today!
http://i55.*******.com/t89s0x.jpg

[dwolson2]

you really don't realize how bad the pictures from your cell phone are until you put it on the "big" 19" screen... lol
Here are the rest from this weekend:
http://i51.*******.com/30nkf3s.jpg

http://i53.*******.com/25k0xe0.jpg

[Sisterlimonpot]

Derrick,
take a picture of the back where the pump is sitting.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Here's a quote from Uncleof6,
"GE I Window and Door is the short cut stuff, but does not have the strength of the good stuff for one, and yes it is labeled not for aquarium use, however, too many people ignore the labels on things. The DAP "Aquarium Sealant", manufactured by Dow Corning, is the good stuff, but is inconveniently packaged rather small. CRL GE 1200, Momentive Performance Materials RTV 103 and RTV 108 (formerly GE silicones) Dow Corning 732 or 999A are the silicones of choice for serious tank building. The RTV stuff can be had from Aqueon/AGA in gun size tubes, as this is what they currently use."

For your C2C you can use GE I without any problems.

[dwolson2]

sweet thanks, as I already told you on the cell text(and people here didn't see it(or did hey...lol), didn't see it at target, and had milk(and cheese) in the cart, so I will have to pick it up tomorrow. Don't know how much progress I will get done today since I am watching the Kiddo and my wife won't be home from bible study till late.

[dwolson2]

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/Tank%20Build/2011-02-22192704.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/Tank%20Build/2011-02-22192657.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/Tank%20Build/2011-02-22192652.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/Tank%20Build/2011-02-22192648.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/Tank%20Build/2011-02-22192555.jpg

[dwolson2]

More from tonight. Got the overflow piping cut to size. so the plumbing mock up is done. also added a shelf for the Ballasts, and PSU as well as the light timers.
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-23200944.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-23200935.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-23200928.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-23200920.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-23200906.jpg

[Sisterlimonpot]

Alright, looking good, When will you glue the pipes together?

[dwolson2]

I am going to wait until the sump stand(that raises the sump to clear the pump), is finished. That way if I have to remove any thing and recut it, it will be much easier. Going to work on the sump stand tomorrow and tonight.

[Charley Diesing]

So, I've never seen this before. Why do you have 4 holes drilled opposed to just one? And theres no overflow box? couldn't that cause some problems?

[Charley Diesing]

So, I've never seen this before. Why do you have 4 holes drilled opposed to just one? And theres no overflow box? couldn't that cause some problems?

[Sisterlimonpot]

after reading your last post and looking at the pictures from another perspective, I would also lower those union connections down to where you can access them from the from of the stand. where they are now are going to make things hard to remove, if you ever need to.

[Sisterlimonpot]

so, i've never seen this before. Why do you have 4 holes drilled opposed to just one? And theres no overflow box? Couldn't that cause some problems?
dp

[Sisterlimonpot]

So, I've never seen this before. Why do you have 4 holes drilled opposed to just one? And theres no overflow box? couldn't that cause some problems?

Charley,

He's doing the beananimal design. I'm sure Derrick will explain the details and post the links, it's basically a lot quieter system and when it comes to reliability this reduces or removes any possibility of flooding due to a drain line clogging.

[dwolson2]

here is the link to the Bean animal design:
http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx

The only reason I went so high on the unions is the tank has to slide straight out because of the top(I can't lift the tank, it will hit) so I have to keep the unions high. I will still have doors on the sides, so I will still be able to access it after its enclosed.

[dwolson2]

So, I've never seen this before. Why do you have 4 holes drilled opposed to just one? And theres no overflow box? couldn't that cause some problems?

I have the pieces for the overflow, they are sitting on my tool box. I have to go and pick up silicone, and build it.

[dwolson2]

Also the overflow is almost a coast to coast. Its about a 3/4 coast. (like 21"'s)

[dwolson2]

I was thinking about picking up a slip to slip to put on my siphon line about 3 inches above my sump, so I can have it removable like yours siter(BTW I don't know what to refer to you since "jimmy" is not what i would call you at work...lol)

[cherubfish pair]

Will you put in chaeto to that part of your sump that has a drip-plate? That's what I have going.

[dwolson2]

Will you put in chaeto to that part of your sump that has a drip-plate? That's what I have going.

we talked about it, right now, no, but maybe eventually. also I won't be using the drip plate. Going to run a straight pipe over from the skimmer. I want to keep it as quiet as possible.

[Sisterlimonpot]

I was thinking about picking up a slip to slip to put on my siphon line about 3 inches above my sump, so I can have it removable like yours siter(BTW I don't know what to refer to you since "jimmy" is not what i would call you at work...lol)


That would be fine, glue the top portion and leave the bottom unglued so you can remove it when needed.

[cherubfish pair]

Just my opinion, I wouldn't leave anything unglued.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Good point cherubfish pair,

He's talking about the pvc on the far right of the picture. He wants to be able to remove a 12" piece down by the sump from time to time so he can quickly add and remove a filter sock when needed. if the connection would actually start to leak or come completely detached it will still be draining into the sump it just won't be submerged under the waterline anymore.

[cherubfish pair]

Okay I didn't know where the water would go once the pipe was detached. my bad

[Charley Diesing]

Thanks I'm definitely going to be reading this. Appreciate it. :D

[dwolson2]

tonight's progress
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-24203515.jpg

[dwolson2]

not a lot, but working on mounting for my metal halide, then mounting for the t5's

[dwolson2]

searched, haven't seen it in a while, but how much room is needed for the standoff's for t5? Also what is the total length with a 24"bulb with bases?

[Sisterlimonpot]

I wouldn't go any closer than 4" off the water. Mine are about 6"-8" off.

[dwolson2]

oh I meant mounting, like its a total of 24" and it takes a spot 2" wide to mount.... I am thinking about starting with one bulb, then adding a second later. the MH is bright by itself. I am going to post up some pics, have to upload them first. The photo shows a PVC pipe where the t5 is going to be.

[dwolson2]

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-26141043.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-26141134.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-26141141.jpghttp://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-26141148.jpghttp://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-26141155.jpghttp://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-26141434.jpghttp://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-26141450.jpg

This one shows the path of airflow with the case fans:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-26142614.jpg

[Sisterlimonpot]

Great progress. I see what you're saying about the light. One T5 maybe all you need.

[dwolson2]

I think I finally found a good use for cell phone cameras... this is sitting in my 55G,
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/C360_2011-02-2714-41-50.jpg

[Sisterlimonpot]

That's a pretty good pic for a cell phone.

[dwolson2]

so far all of the pics have been with my cell, and none of them are great, but this one was for some reason! lol I got home and they were closed up, added water like you told me, and still closed, once I got them in the tank, 10 min later they were opened up!

[Sisterlimonpot]

That's good to hear. next we can start adding a few LPS and see how you take care of those. Then we can jump to the SPS. My frag rack is getting pretty full. Hurry up and get some water in that tank so you can start the journey... and get these things in your tank.

[dwolson2]

lol, hopefully next weekend. I am trying, but not getting enough progress done per night....lol

I would like to wait till everything is in the 29 before putting in LPS( i think thats the plan just making sure) Just in case there are still ammonia in the sand.

[Sisterlimonpot]

exactly, we're going to wait until the 29 has water in it and at least a week goes by. definitely expect an ammonia spike, it may only last a day and be so mild you may miss it completely but there will be a small one.

keep swirling that sand to bring up any waste. How dark is your skimmate?

[dwolson2]

real nice and dark, good nasty coming out of it....lol dirty talk...

[dwolson2]

took everything apart getting ready for paint. I will end up painting the bottom shelf again, just want to make sure i get the base layer.
I only had a half can of paint, so tonight's half hour was spent making sure overspray wouldn't hit my car....
Also got the strainers made out of the elbows for the return.
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-27205158.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-27204309.jpg

[Sisterlimonpot]

I didn't know you were using rattle can to paint it. It might be a lot cheaper to get a gallon of kilz and brush it on. It's going to take a lot of spray paint to seal the wood from moisture. Kils will offer a great sealant as well as a mold resistor.

[dwolson2]

why can I not edit my post?.... I didn't hit the enter/return key in between the pictures so now you have to scroll far right to see the pictures.....

[Sisterlimonpot]

Not for me, the pictures are ascending. You only have 30 minutes to edit a post, after that time limit it's set in stone and only a mod can change it.

[dwolson2]

ok, nice to know, funny cause a lot of other forums let you do it indefinately/a very long time. You enjoying your day off?

[dwolson2]

so after talking with sister this weekend, I have decided to go with a maple shell, with waltnut trim around the doors. Also, so I have it on record what type of finish was used on those bunk beds?

[dwolson2]

what do you guys think about denitrifiers?
I was thinking about putting
something like this:
http://www.reefcentral.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1014664&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

right where the black is....
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-23200944-1.jpg

[cherubfish pair]

Why not? It looks like a lot of fun to build.

[Sisterlimonpot]

simply put, those denitrifiers are outdated, If you asked that question 3 years ago I would be saying, "go for it". They were a great solution when people were having a hard time trying to get their N03 down to get color on their corals. These days with Zeovits, carbon dosing, biopellets, and even macro algae, you don't need a denitrifier, these days they are considered too much of a hassle.

oh, how fast this hobby changes. I wonder what they will say about all the new stuff on the market today in another 3-4 years.

[dwolson2]

simply put, those denitrifiers are outdated, If you asked that question 3 years ago I would be saying, "go for it". They were a great solution when people were having a hard time trying to get their N03 down to get color on their corals. These days with Zeovits, carbon dosing, biopellets, and even macro algae, you don't need a denitrifier, these days they are considered too much of a hassle.

oh, how fast this hobby changes. I wonder what they will say about all the new stuff on the market today in another 3-4 years.

Well you know this tank pretty freaking well, since you helped design it, so what you think not needed then? Just saw it, while putzing around today and thought"hey that would be an easy add"

anyways painted the rest of the stand tonight. Had company over and sold the 72..finally...!!!...
here is tonights progress:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-28211013.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-28210956.jpg

[dwolson2]

a few spots to touch up tomorrow after I get more paint :)

[dwolson2]

3.5 cans down....lol

[Billabong]

DW,
Looking good, what are you going to use to seal the wood from water penetration?

[dwolson2]

just the paint. just ordered from BRS, T5 bulb, stand off, endcaps, lock line, hose and adapters.
Talked with sister, and to make sure there isn't an issue with noise or binding, I am going to put a reguar hose from the sump to the pump.

[Billabong]

I didn't know you were using rattle can to paint it. It might be a lot cheaper to get a gallon of kilz and brush it on. It's going to take a lot of spray paint to seal the wood from moisture. Kils will offer a great sealant as well as a mold resistor.
Is the spray paint going to keep the water from seeping in and swelling the wood?

[Sisterlimonpot]

Billy,

I agree with you to a point, spray paint is not ideal and no it wont provide a good seal, however we're talking about a 29 gallon tank. As long as derrick is careful and keep spillage to a minimum, he's not going to have any problems. There's not going to be that much evap to cause a concern.

[dwolson2]

Billy,

I agree with you to a point, spray paint is not ideal and no it wont provide a good seal, however we're talking about a 29 gallon tank. As long as derrick is careful and keep spillage to a minimum, he's not going to have any problems. There's not going to be that much evap to cause a concern.

I also have some cans of clear coat that may help the sealing, as well as actual sealant too. I may just throw a quick glob on there.... I have a spray gun that I have yet to try... who knows. I really want to get the tanks set up...... Maybe I will just be careful.... patience is my worst enemy...

[Sisterlimonpot]

How many 2X4's did you end up using? Is the stand pretty heavy?

[dwolson2]

How many 2X4's did you end up using? Is the stand pretty heavy?

actually not that bad, I tipped it up with one hand while putting the tarp under it. Caught me a little off balance, and I thought I was going to drop it on my car:eek: caught it and after that it wasn't a problem. Its bulky but I don't think its too heavy. I think I used about 6-6' and 4-8'? not sure, and there are a lot of shorter scraps on the floor. and i had scraps on the shelf I used. so I really don't know. I definately could have used 1x2's on the top, but 2x4's worked, so I guess no real complaints.

[dwolson2]

thought I would show everyone the final color combination:
The darker wood(walnut) will be the trim on the doors.
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/Solid-Walnut-Wood-Award-Plaques.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/istockphoto_3591644-maple-wood-grain-background.jpg


Also, when I do the shell, its going to be the real stuff, no veneer or stain here!

[Sisterlimonpot]

yeah, it's sacrilegious to stain maple. That's going to be a great combination.

[dwolson2]

Last night I painted the back glass and touched up the stand a bit. Here are the not so great photos...:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-02055631.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-02055647.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-02055656.jpg

And last night while it was drying:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-01205702.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-01205950.jpg

[dwolson2]

the tank is dirty on the inside, thats why the green. What is good to use to clean it so I can prep for spray paint, but won't be harmful to the fish?

[Sisterlimonpot]

use a razor blade and a water/white vinegar solution. Some people use the vinegar as a carbon source for nutrient export in their tanks so it's completely harmless and won't cause any problems.

Although, with what little you have there you can probably just use warm water ant a razor blade.

[dwolson2]

use a razor blade and a water/white vinegar solution. Some people use the vinegar as a carbon source for nutrient export in their tanks so it's completely harmless and won't cause any problems.

Although, with what little you have there you can probably just use warm water ant a razor blade.

Ok will do. I need to prep it for the overflow. Also I was thinking.... I might just tape off the edges of the overflow glass, paint it, remove the tape, assemble the 3 pieces, re tape, paint, remove tape, then insert into the tank, go back and touch up where needed. Then I could put a very thick layer of paint on there, and lay it flat so there won't be runs. I figure a little more of a headache, but the paint will last longer that way.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Here's what I propose: before assembly, paint only one side of each piece of glass (the side that's going to be facing the inside), tape all the way around the glass so that only the one side gets paint. let it dry and then use the silicone to adhere the pieces together (at 90 degree angles) inside the tank, ensuring that you get good adhesion inside and outside of the C2C, paying careful attention to the outside as that has to look cosmetically pleasing to the eye.

[dwolson2]

Here's what I propose: before assembly, paint only one side of each piece of glass (the side that's going to be facing the inside), tape all the way around the glass so that only the one side gets paint. let it dry and then use the silicone to adhere the pieces together (at 90 degree angles) inside the tank, ensuring that you get good adhesion inside and outside of the C2C, paying careful attention to the outside as that has to look cosmetically pleasing to the eye.

sounds good, and what I think I planned...

[dwolson2]

no progress last night, picked up my sister in laws from the airport. Although I did pick up a part for my car last night!

[dwolson2]

Got a descent amount of process done last night. Drilled the bulkhead to merge the two sumps(I have another 2" bulkhead to add too once it comes in tonight or tomorrow) I also made a shelf for the sumps too:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-03222352.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-03222401.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-03222142.jpg


Also, I made a shelf for an ATO. I haven't made/bought an ATO yet, its in the works, but not a high priority right now. Also, The shelf is high enough that I can slide out both sumps out from the front if needed(pictured)
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-03222153.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-03222258.jpg


Also, I even had enough time to paint it too! lol
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-03222705-1.jpg

And Lastly, when I ran to the airport, I got a part for my car on the way(thanks to shady crew on another site!)
The piece is installed now, but there was a huge hole in the bumper, the replaced piece is outlined in red:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-03163240.jpg

[dwolson2]

Going at lunch to pick up vinegar, a GFCI outlet and some scrubbies. Got to get this thing cleaned up.... Its getting so close to being finished, I can almost taste it... That is till I start the shell. I really want to get this thing cycling!

[ange062]

Awesome looking project. Can't wait to see the water/rock when you get done with the stand.

[Scott B]

I must have misunderstood you, did you say you are painting the inside and the outside of the glass. If so, why the inside??

[dwolson2]

I must have misunderstood you, did you say you are painting the inside and the outside of the glass. If so, why the inside??

only the inside of the overflow. outside of the back, inside of the overflow so it won't show the plumbing.

[chevmaro]

I would cut out the centerpiece on the front of the canopy. You want it easy to replace a light bulb or put your hands in the tank. I would also reconsider the shelf on top of the sump for the same reason. What are you going to put there anyways?

[dwolson2]

This is a VERY rough aqua scape drawing of what I hope to end up with.
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/Aquascaping.jpg

[dwolson2]

I would cut out the centerpiece on the front of the canopy. You want it easy to replace a light bulb or put your hands in the tank. I would also reconsider the shelf on top of the sump for the same reason. What are you going to put there anyways?

The reason for the centerpiece is going to be mounting for the shell. the shell will have 2 doors on top in the front. I know its going to be a PITA to get in there, but I am going after apperance over functionality(yes, I know I shouldn't, but I am a bit stubborn) Also, I am planning on putting a door on one side if not both, makinging it easier to get into the top.

The shelf above the sump is for an ATO, I would like it in another location, but I don't have a lot of room to work with. Also, Its probably going to be a 2.5-5 gal glass tank so I will need a bit of room. I am trying to make it a system I can leave for a week without touching Eventually I hope to put a dosing pump, so if I ask someone to watch the tank, they just need to feed the fish. I really wish I could have gotten a larger tank, but housing won't let me go any bigger. If I ever get stationed over seas again, its a lot easier to fit a 30~inch tank than a 4+' tank in some of those houses.

I think one of the hardest things is going to be the filter sock, but I am putting a door on the side to get to that.

When its said and done, most tasks should be ok to get in a adjust, but things like light changes and aquascapeing are going to be a PITA. I also intend on buying/building a step stool. its one of the next things on my list(which seems to grow daily with this build)

[dwolson2]

OK so I keep on saying shell and people may not understand what I am talking about,
Well here is sisterliminpots:
he started with this:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2099094X4_Stand-med.jpg

then made this:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2099091_side_panel_on-med.jpg

And the final product was this:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/ee4d1efd3b69402c92e42b850999a55c.jpg

These photos are sisters so hopefully he won't mind me showing his beautiful work.

My color scheme will be a bit different, but the same general idea as his(I got the idea from him)

[Sisterlimonpot]

I would cut out the centerpiece on the front of the canopy. You want it easy to replace a light bulb or put your hands in the tank. I would also reconsider the shelf on top of the sump for the same reason. What are you going to put there anyways?

I agree with chevmaro, that stand was given to me and instead of building my own I worked with what I had. You can tell in the first picture that I removed one of the center posts to accommodate the sump. what I wish I did was remove the other as well and devise another way to support the tank in the front. The reason being is that when I open my doors I see the 4X4 stud. You could have left the center support out and when you skinned it (depending on the style of door closure your going for) you could've incorporated it or left it completely out. When I first saw the picture I questioned the purpose of that piece of wood, but I left it alone knowing that you have a plan and know what your end result will look like.

[Sisterlimonpot]

These photos are sisters so hopefully he won't mind me showing his beautiful work.
Just that first pic with the bioballs, just to clarify, I only had the bioballs in the sump in an effort to transfer bacteria to the new tank (the tank in the picture) once I was assured that there wasn't going to be a cycle and my LR assumed the bioload I removed the balls. ;)

Oh and that it's sacrilegious to show picture of a tank that isn't a nano in the nano forum..


tsst tsst tsst....
<img src="http://www.reefcentral.com/images/chimp_shaking_head.gif"/>

[dwolson2]

Oh I forgot, one of the reasons I put it there is I ran out of wood and didn't have a piece long enough....lol If you look closely there are 2 pieces on either side

[dwolson2]

So I am working on uploading the pictures from today. Kind of ****ed, since i worked all day. Got the overflow made, all the plumbing run, picked up wiring... All to find the merged sump leaks!!!!
Also cut my hand a bunch of times! resorted to the duct tape band aid.

[dwolson2]

also, the pump seems to be perfect for this set up. It flows perfectly without the return(pump to tank) restricted at all.I was worried that it might be too much flow, but seems nice. Also I was able to run the tank for about 15 before shutting it down( it leaked right away from the sump) and there were no other leaks. After close examination I found that the whole I drilled was too big for the 1" sump. I didn't have it perfectly center so it leaked. I added silicon(for plastic) and centered it, so hopefully no more leaks. also it says to sure it takes 12 hours. so tomorrow, I will check it again, just it by itself. If all is good, then I will set it all back up again. If not, I am not sure what I am going to do....

[Sisterlimonpot]

Interesting, hopefully the globbed silicone will be the fix.

[dwolson2]

Yea I will check it out once my wife is done getting ready, anyways here are the pictures from yesterday:
Two sumps, after the first leak, before the second leak and before I resealed them:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05110432.jpg

Overflow waiting for silicone:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05110440.jpg

Line lock, drilled holes too in case power goes out:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05110450.jpg

All the piping painted and lined up... prior to gluing piping:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05131331.jpg

The first "leak" fix, I found out the 1" that wasn't supposed to leak was the one that leaked!
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05131342.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05131351.jpg

Overflow setting up(with silicone)
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05131408.jpg

While the overflow was setting up, I started gluing up the piping. I pulled and pulled to get one pipe apart, and ended up cutting myself on the edge of the pipe! No paper cut... it was a PVC cut! Here is the "duct tape band aid"
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05151052.jpg

and the other hand about half done with gluing of piping. When I was finished it was about twice as bad:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05151110.jpg

[dwolson2]

The overflow getting glued into the tank:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05151118.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05151127.jpg

While that was drying, I went and worked more on gluing the piping, here is the glue I used. I would definately buy this stuff again, only one thing to apply, and it was really really easy, plus every place I used it was a nice strong and more importantly sealed joint:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05151145.jpg

and all the pipes drying(takes about 10 seconds of firm pressure to set, then don't disturb for 10 minutes, and you can pressure test in an hour:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05151152.jpg

Here is the tank drying with paint in the overflow. I decided to just install it before painting in the end...lol
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05154932.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05154939.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05154942.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05154953.jpg

Here I am filling it up. The clamp is to keep the hose in place.
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05172734.jpg

[dwolson2]

And the pipes in the back installed:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05172803.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05172814.jpg

and finished from the front:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-05172829.jpg

So I am going to play with the return. Its almost impossible to hook up the return pump. So, I think I am going to run to the store and pick up some tubing and adapters to make it more flexible.

[dwolson2]

Its up without least(at least initially)!!!!!

[dwolson2]

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-06174819.jpg

[Billabong]

why didn't you paint the glass before you siliconed it? now that you see the silicone from the outside, I bet you regret it.

If you painted it first you wouldn't have seen the ugly silicone job

It seems like your starting to rush.

[Sisterlimonpot]

I was thinking about what you said yesterday about using pumps for your waterchanges, if you put a tee before the ball valve on the return pipe and add another ball valve with a hose quick disconnect you can use your iwaki to pump the old water from the sump. that way you don't have to designate another pump solely for that.

[dwolson2]

I was thinking about what you said yesterday about using pumps for your waterchanges, if you put a tee before the ball valve on the return pipe and add another ball valve with a hose quick disconnect you can use your iwaki to pump the old water from the sump. that way you don't have to designate another pump solely for that.

Thats a good idea, but I just finished plumbing everything...lol I wired everything up, have a short somewhere, so to get this thing in the house, going to just use the surge protector for a bit...

[dwolson2]

why didn't you paint the glass before you siliconed it? now that you see the silicone from the outside, I bet you regret it.

If you painted it first you wouldn't have seen the ugly silicone job

It seems like your starting to rush.

I siliconed it from inside and oustide. I don't regret doing it, just wish I had the knowledge and experience of how to silcone. Also, I forgot to account for thickness of the glass in the measurements, so the glass wasn't perfectly flush on the ends...

I do feel like I am starting to rush, however, I am going to spend about an hour trouble shooting the electrical(tripped a circuit last night) and if i can't/don't figure it out, just going to use a powerstrip/surge protector. That way I can sit back and try again later, after the tank is set up. Other than that, Its ready to go(even if parts of it are ugly...) The shell I am going to take months on, so I won't feel rushed and can put put a more quality product. Also, I have more experience in woodworking than tank building...

[saltjohnswharf]

Quick question for ya:

In your original post, fifth picture, is that metal halide fixture a Hamilton Bimini? I am considering one myself but have not found many people using them.

[Zoa Robber22]

very nice...where did you get the filter setup from?

[dwolson2]

Quick question for ya:

In your original post, fifth picture, is that metal halide fixture a Hamilton Bimini? I am considering one myself but have not found many people using them.

I don't know, I will look for any marking on it when I get home. I bought it used from my old neighbor(saw his torn down SW tank in his garage and offered him 100$ for tank, stand,pumps, and MH light... and got it!)

I do really like it though. Not much experience with metal halides though, so I have nothing to compare it to.

[dwolson2]

very nice...where did you get the filter setup from?

If you are refferring to the sump, its two amiracle sumps joined together. One was out of my old tank(the 72) and the other was sisters(who sold it to me for a very nice price(thank You!)

I would NEVER, ABSOLUTELY NEVER reccomend anyone merging two sumps together,it was a headache! It set me back like a day and a half waiting for it to dry just to find out it didn't seal. I ended up covering both sides of the bulkhead with silicone just to get a good seal, then let it bake in the sun all afternoon. Not leaks all last night or this morning. I do however like the 4 chamber design, and will be putting the outlet to the skimmer into the upper right corner that will be my refugium.

[dwolson2]

so I officially have the coolest mom ever, She bought me a RODI as an early birthday present!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[saltjohnswharf]

LOL Only a reefer calls a RODI a cool present!

[dwolson2]

ok so here is the plan,
Tomorrow; troubleshoot the wiring
Thursday wire up the t5 and the case fans
Friday/Saturday bring the tank and stand inside and set up/aquascape it!

[dwolson2]

LOL Only a reefer calls a RODI a cool present!

lol, well it is!

[saltjohnswharf]

lol, well it is!

Damn right it is! Have fun setting up.

[dwolson2]

I have been going back and forth on the the end design of the aquascape, I thought of making it look almost like a torii gate, so it would cover the overflow, but, with corals, I don't know how good that would be... I have 3 large long rocks and a lot of assorted rocks. Any ideas,
Here is a photo with the rock I have:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-02-13182931.jpg

Also, its going to be too much for the tank, so some rock is going into the fuge

[dwolson2]

last night I grabbed my multimeter, and troubleshot the wiring, Took apart the junction of the 3 boxes and went down to 2 without the switch, got everything work(on the 2 boxes) so recap... 6 outlets up top for powerheads and lighting, 2 at the bottom for skimmper and heater. Also going to plug my pump straigt to the outlet(the cord is long enough to reach the source outlet) Everything will be GFCI protected with the exception of the main pump(heard horror stories of the GFCI tripping and loosing everything because of no flow)

[dwolson2]

RODI to be here tuesday!!!!!

[dwolson2]

Here are the photos from tonight.
2 are without anything covering the top, then I temporarily put a cloth over it to see what it would look like without light shining through the top:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/DSCF9718.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/DSCF9719.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/DSCF9720.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/DSCF9721.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/DSCF9722.jpg


The T-5 is all set up and I think its going to work well as a morning and evening light.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Now what? move it in the house and add the water?

[saltjohnswharf]

How high is the light off the water surface? Looks kinda high. I do like the lines of the system. Once panels are in to block some of that light it should look awesome.

[dwolson2]

Now what? move it in the house and add the water?

Yup, tonight/tomorrow going to put it in the house

How high is the light off the water surface? Looks kinda high. I do like the lines of the system. Once panels are in to block some of that light it should look awesome.

Its about 10~ inches off the water. It is adjustable so I can change it as needed.

I forgot to take a picture of just the T5, these pics are with the MH and the T5 on.
Also sometime today I will add pictures of the LED case fans I added. They give a very nice lunar lighting. Checked them out las night and this morning. Tried to take pictures but they cam out black. Its just right, bright enough to see shapes and some things, but not bright enough to really be considered a lit tank.

[dwolson2]

Here are the photos of the side of the stand, the upper porttion:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-11_055915.jpg
And the fans from the back:

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-11_055800.jpg

[dwolson2]

After I get this set up, I will go find my good camera and take some non-blurry pics...lol

[Sisterlimonpot]

Alright already!!! Move it in the house and add the water? Did I say, "now"? I meant, "right now!"


;)

[dwolson2]

its set up, just letting the sand settle. Also, going to take pics after the kiddo goes to sleep and I finish putting posterboard/construction paper over the holes(out of sight out of mind for my kid)

[dwolson2]

Showing before I put the construction paper on with the T5 only

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180069.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180070.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180071-1.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180072.jpg

All different night shots, its hard to get the right color on camera but I would say one of the best representations in 2 posts down last pic.

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180073.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180074.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180075.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180076.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180077.jpg

[dwolson2]

These are with the metal halide on:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180078.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180079.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180080.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180081.jpg

These are back to T5 only, but a sneak peak inside to see it on
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180082.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180083.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180084.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180085.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180086.jpg

[dwolson2]

More T5, just trying to get an idea of night versus, light on(dining room light)

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180087.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180088.jpg

Night, one is showing the glow from the opening in the back, The other is a tank shot. Its pretty close to what you would see (like by naked eye)
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180089.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/P1180090.jpg

[saltjohnswharf]

OK it looks like you have a good handle here. Is the front going to open? On my old system I used weatherstrip from a door to block light leaks. It eliminates it. Also makes the cover close softer. Win win. Just make sure it attaches with adhesive and then use marine goop to attach it. This build has a lot of potential. Although I am not a fan of the maxi-mod. If it works it works. What kind of flow are you looking at here? From powerheads and return? Looks like you actually understand that there is a lot of flow necessary. In my old 29 it started out with a total of 600 GPH and I thought it was a lot. Later I upgraded to real powerheads and was pushing 1000 GPH. Everything just got better. Keep the pics coming.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Alright, start testing ammonia daily and if after a week it doesn't get above 0 then you can start slowly stocking the tank.

[Billabong]

Alright already!!! Move it in the house and add the water? Did I say, "now"? I meant, "right now!"


;)

Make sure you cycle the tank before you add anything. Even if you're moving things over from that other tank there may be a small cycle. so test ammonia and nitrites to verify the cycle.

[Billabong]

Alright, start testing ammonia daily and if after a week it doesn't get above 0 then you can start slowly stocking the tank.
SLP,
you beat me to it!

DW,
here's a good thread to read through....
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074

[duncantse]

Nice progress! Whats your future stocking list?

[dwolson2]

OK it looks like you have a good handle here. Is the front going to open? On my old system I used weatherstrip from a door to block light leaks. It eliminates it. Also makes the cover close softer. Win win. Just make sure it attaches with adhesive and then use marine goop to attach it. This build has a lot of potential. Although I am not a fan of the maxi-mod. If it works it works. What kind of flow are you looking at here? From powerheads and return? Looks like you actually understand that there is a lot of flow necessary. In my old 29 it started out with a total of 600 GPH and I thought it was a lot. Later I upgraded to real powerheads and was pushing 1000 GPH. Everything just got better. Keep the pics coming.
Yes the fronts will open, right now, they are taped down, but as I put the shell on it, then will come doors. That part of the project is going to take months. I like the idea about weatherstrip, I will definitely look into that. I am not sure of the flow, however I assume its pretty good, eventually I will try to figure it out.

Alright, start testing ammonia daily and if after a week it doesn't get above 0 then you can start slowly stocking the tank.

Make sure you cycle the tank before you add anything. Even if you're moving things over from that other tank there may be a small cycle. so test ammonia and nitrites to verify the cycle.

SO I was talking with sister yesterday, and I couldn't tell if the ammonia was 0 or 25, but the color never changed... so I don't know. Also that zoanthid hasn't opened up yet, so I can only assume it has something off. I checked salinity and it was lower than what it was in the old tank(1.023~) so I added some saltwater and hope to bring it up.


Nice progress! Whats your future stocking list?

Right now, I have about 7 corals waiting over at sisters house. some SPS and LPS.

As for fish, I put in 2 clowns yesterday, a little premature, but they are doing well. I have had Patience, however it has been running short and I needed something active to look at. I can hold off for a while now.

I am going to eventually put:
mandarin goby
2 blue eye anthis
some sort of goby for cleaning the sand
a cleaner pack
mantis shrimp...just kidding

Not sure what else yet.

[dwolson2]

I had a bunch of copepods on my rock before I switched it over, but have yet to see them, any thoughts? I had the rock out of the water long enough to let the majority of water drip, then right into the new tank.

Also, found what I think to be the reason my zoanthids aren't doing well. I went to check the salinity in the last bucket(which I thought to be RODI, not SW) and found it was 1.026!
Well I also checked the tank, and it was 1.023(not sure if I posted it) so what I am thinking is that I misplaced my RODI water for salt water when I filled it up, lowering the salinity drastically. I added SW from that 1.026 and it brought my tank up to about 1.024, so I will check again tomorrow and add as needed. Also my RODI will be in tuesday so I won't have to worry about misplacing my RODI bucket(going to walmart and picking up a bucket that I can seal up)

Wish me luck!

[Sisterlimonpot]

1.026 is ideal. that's where you want it, My tank is at 1.025, when you raise it back up only go 0.001 a day. So if you're diligent, it will only take a few days. I doubt that lowering it to that would have caused problems for the zoas. It may very well be ammonia, or the stress of moving from 1 tank to the other. However, keep testing ammonia daily and be ready if it ever rises. I'm pretty sure you realized the error in your ways and hope no one scolds you too bad for it.

As for the corals, lets get things stable and be darn sure that the cycle has passed. Feed the fish lightly until you're certain the tank has cycled, no need to add unnecessary waste to a small bioload.

Once you get a robust colony of beneficial bacteria, we can concentrate on getting your alk, calc and mag levels stable once we do that, then we can add a few hardy LPS corals to test the waters (pun intended), if they show good signs then we can get some SPS in there something hardy like the red montipora.

[dwolson2]

got the RODI set up!
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/Tank%20Build/Set%20Up/2011-03-15201615.jpg

Also, tested my water. Although I never can read that test, it was lime green after the shrimp, looked like zero only once in the 10 or so tests of both tanks, and last sunday it was lime green again. now it looks like its halfway between 1 and 25 ppm. so i think that it is around 10ppm amonia. does that mean I am on the downward slope?

Also, figured out I use about 1.5 gal a day in evaporation, good thing for the RODI!

[Sisterlimonpot]

Congrats on the ro/di.

Hmm, having a hard time reading the ammonia, bring a sample of your saltwater and the test kit into work tomorrow and we'll test it together.

again, I think you're missing a decimal point in your reading. In terms of if you're on the upward or downward slope, that reading doesn't tell you that. You have to wait for it to peak and the start to descend. that's when you know you're on the downward slope.

That link that billabong sent you is a great thread. It's compiled by the great Waterkeeper. Chalked full of great info that every hobbyist NEEDS to know. It's well worth the read.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Does that blue waterline that is going into the jug on the floor have a tight fit through the cap?

[Sisterlimonpot]

If so, you'll need a way to vent the trapped air from when you add the water, you may build pressure and pop the waterline out causing the line to run water onto the floor.

[dwolson2]

Congrats on the ro/di.

Hmm, having a hard time reading the ammonia, bring a sample of your saltwater and the test kit into work tomorrow and we'll test it together.

again, I think you're missing a decimal point in your reading. In terms of if you're on the upward or downward slope, that reading doesn't tell you that. You have to wait for it to peak and the start to descend. that's when you know you're on the downward slope.

That link that billabong sent you is a great thread. It's compiled by the great Waterkeeper. Chalked full of great info that every hobbyist NEEDS to know. It's well worth the read.

I think your right, is it .25ppm? its the one right off of 0. Have to recheck. Also I have checked out a good chunk of that site. I haven't gotten to all of it yet though.

Does that blue waterline that is going into the jug on the floor have a tight fit through the cap?
Just snug, didn't seem to have problems with air escaping

If so, you'll need a way to vent the trapped air from when you add the water, you may build pressure and pop the waterline out causing the line to run water onto the floor.

will do that just to be safe...

[dwolson2]

define irony, walking in to your laundry room with a bucket full of rags, only to see your RODI that you forgot you left on, overflowed....
I have nice hand washed floors with the cleanest of all water!

[saltjohnswharf]

time to get a float

[dwolson2]

time to get a float

Thats what I was thinking, but can you use a float on a 5 gal jug(like the office ones)

[saltjohnswharf]

Thats what I was thinking, but can you use a float on a 5 gal jug(like the office ones)

yes

go to a hydroponics store. they have all the stuff you need.

[dwolson2]

yes

go to a hydroponics store. they have all the stuff you need.

lol, where would I find said hydroponic store(what do I look for?)

[saltjohnswharf]

lol, where would I find said hydroponic store(what do I look for?)

Consult with the almighty Google.

[dwolson2]

made sting ray pancakes for dinner
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-03-23173912.jpg

[saltjohnswharf]

Blueberry Stingray pancakes. Awesome. Can I get the recipe?

[dwolson2]

its really easy, I will get it once I get home

[dwolson2]

I used this muffin mix:
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/betty-crocker-blueberry-muffin-mix/ID=prod6042079-product?V=G&ext=frgl_Google_Grocery

its available at most grocery stores. There are directions at the bottom of the package. I made it for my wife as a breakfast in bed treat about 2 years ago.... ended up being a weekly ish occurring(minus the in bed part) tradition. Dad makes pancakes Saturday morning(usually)

[dwolson2]

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-04-02193151.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-04-02193200.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-04-02193210.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-04-02193215.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-04-02193224.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-04-02193236.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-04-02193250.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-04-02193258.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-04-02193309.jpg

[dwolson2]

this was about 10 minutes after I added them, so they weren't ready to open up and relax yet

[Billabong]

I noticed the thread has died, what's the latest and greatest?

Anything new to post? Lets see some growth shots.......:smokin:

[dwolson2]

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-05-19182239.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-05-15174424.jpghttp://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-05-14164540.jpg

My Zoanthids went from 3 and an almost to 4 and 4 almosts. I haven't gotten too far on the nice finish yet, but on a positive note, I did cut up most of the waltnut for the trim of the doors. Everything is doing well in the tank, and I will have to add some newer shots under the MH lights.

[dwolson2]

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-05-03163341.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-05-03163431.jpghttp://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-05-10180409.jpg

[Billabong]

LPS look good, I see a leather over there too. Nice, the cap doesn't look good at all though, which tells me that you have a problem with nitrates and/or phosphates. Do you have hair algae growing in your overflow? if so I would suspect your nutrients are too high. As well as possibly an alkalinity swing. But over all your doing better than most that start a tank. Just a few things to work on.

Speaking of working on.... get that stand done!!!!!

[dwolson2]

lol, yea I have a lot hair algea. I have had it for weeks. What could be a cause for high nutrients? I have been having a few issues with getting my protien skimmer to stay constant....

[adolfo425]

Looks good man. I liked reading through all the progress of building your tank. Keep up the good work.

[dwolson2]

ok so some updates today...
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-11161518.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-11155718.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-11155655.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-11155521.jpg

[dwolson2]

and a few more:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-11155244.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-11155536.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-11155553.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-11155736-1.jpg

[Sisterlimonpot]

We should go in together and buy some red slime remover to get rid of the cyanobacteria in our tanks.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Btw. The pink lemonade looms good.

[dwolson2]

looms? lol I heard that if/when I start dosing my cyano will go away, or most of it. I heard if I use vinegar it takes more but it will help with the cyano. I have to wait until I get a nitrate test kit though...

[dwolson2]

hey JC, what do you think, since vodka is a stronger/more potent carbon source, because of my small tank wouldn't it be better to use vinegar so I can get it more accurate? I read its 1ml Vodka to 8ml vinegar. Since I have about 45 gal water in my tank, it would be easier to get a specific dosing that would be matched to my tank. What do you think?

[dwolson2]

just because sister aka Jimmy aka JC gives me a hard time at work for it....
I got my suspension in my car...:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-11224147.jpg

[Sisterlimonpot]

Last I checked this is reef central not waste your money on car central. Cyano and vodka dosing doesn't result in less cyano it'll actually promote more... theory is that cyano has no competition with algaes so it spreads faster. However good flow and lighting help to reduce cyano it doesn't get rid of it. As for using a carbon source to remove excess N03 and P04, you have to go slow. In a 2008 article of reef keeper, it outlines step by step procedures to safely dose vodka. Using a mixture of vodka, vinegar and/or sugar is said to have a better effect on N03 and P04. I would suggest getting started with vodka following the reef keeping article, and once you get your maintenance dose you can calculate to substitute a percentage of your vodka with vinegar. (Roughly an 8:1 difference) Sugar has been said to add other unwanted things into the tank because of the refinement process, so I would stay away from sugar.

[Billabong]

Last I checked this is reef central not waste your money on car central. :)I couldn't agree more, although it's probably a fine piece of machinery, this site isn't about cars.

Your picture of you tank look really nice. keep them coming. and when will we start to see the building of the stand completed?;)

[Sisterlimonpot]

:)I couldn't agree more, although it's probably a fine piece of machinery, this site isn't about cars.
Ahh give him a break, it's not his fault he has money to burn!! :rolleyes: I think the reason why we haven't seen the stand yet is because his priorities are vested in the wrong place.

DW, do you think if I drop off my wood lathe at your house it'll get you motivated to get that thing done any faster?

[dwolson2]

maybe ;) I have started part of it, but I spent the last of my $$ on my suspension, so call it wrong priorities, but its something I have wanted to do for a while. As soon as I get some maple I will be able to start with the stand. A good chunk of the doors are done, but I need to get maple panel for that as well. I am not going to start cutting those out till I get the paneling.

[dwolson2]

also if you look at the top left of the pink lemonade, I think its starting to crust over the rock!

[Sisterlimonpot]

That's always a good sign that you're doing something right.

[dwolson2]

it stinks though, I was hoping it would get taller/longer, not just wider..lol

[Didac]

nice setup for a nano!!!

[dwolson2]

thanks!

[dwolson2]

added a few things on sunday...
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-27163952.jpg

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-06-27164004.jpg

[dwolson2]

well, I figured its time for an update. The 29 is dead and in the back yard. I bought a 75 gal a few weeks ago and have transferred everything over. Right now I have a 1 spot fox face, clown fish and Blue Tang. The 3 are actually really friendly toward each other(I was worried about the fox face and tang) They have been schooling together...lol
Here are a few pics in case you wanted to see them.
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-10-1602-11-07-195.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-10-16171156.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-10-09123215.jpg
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-10-10150057.jpg

[Billabong]

So you upgraded to another tank. That was quick, usually it takes someone at least a year before they realize it's time your a bigger tank. 75 is about the right all around size for you.

what else have you done since?

[dwolson2]

I know it didn't take long, but there were a few things that I didn't like about my tank. when I had started it, I wanted a C2C or close to it. Which took up too much real estate with the design. Also, it just felt a little too cramped.
I really like the 75. I feel like its the perfect sized tank. Especially since i move every 3-4 years. Less space to fill up. My only real beef with it is that I don't have a good place to put a top off at the moment. I may be able to squeeze one in by the sump, but its pretty tight. I am looking at making a cabinet for the ATO on the side. I used a gift wrap box from target, it holds about 20 gal, so I am looking at maybe once a week fills.
My frogspawn right now:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-11-1794459.jpg
As it sits right now, but the pic is with actinics on:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-11-1793622.jpg
electrical not including the Apexjr(removed 2 timers and put the jr on the panel)
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-11-13174213.jpg
Sump as it sits with the new skimmer:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-11-1594543.jpg
a further away pic of the sump with the old skimmer:
http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m589/dwolson2/2011-11-13174233.jpg

Also i relocated the carbon reactor to over the sump, so now when I change it there isn't a big mess.
Built a new sump out of used acrylic with SLP, bought a schuran skimmer(I really like it) and also put on an ApexJr.