View Full Version : Walt's 180
This has been a long time coming and has been a slow process.... It will probably continue to be slow but I'm OK with that.
I decided to use this space because it was close to the drain, close to the water supply and would allow me to finish the rest of the basement with maximum allotment for space.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/313613_10150991715713008_1478274217_n.jpg
"Low odor" Mineral spirits will still make you see trails. Lesson learned.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/561279_10150991717128008_217554374_n.jpg
Built the stand. That really got the ball rolling. The tank has been sitting empty for months.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/558262_10150991717948008_603793251_n.jpg
All level.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/553533_10150991767473008_2021216754_n.jpg
I figured I ought to water test it before I voided the warranty.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/559111_10150993440433008_1341569596_n.jpg
No more warranty.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/284876_10151007098113008_2015927185_n.jpg
Decided to keep the mess to a minimum.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/386920_10151008033068008_1568180221_n.jpg
Last time I drilled a 210, I got a bit of chip out when the bit went through. Using the Dreml for the last little bit turned out to be an excellent choice.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/580782_10151008034183008_841494041_n.jpg
First nerve racking hole took me most of the day. They got consecutively faster as I got braver.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/405559_10151008034963008_1800741264_n.jpg
All four 3" holes completed. I'm glad that's over with. One for overflow. One for CSD. Two for CL.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/542491_10151009708168008_2128842290_n.jpg
Waiting on the 2" bulkheads for the next stage.
adam87
08/13/2012, 02:55 PM
Good thing you did a water test. I got a new 220, drill it, and it had bad seals. $600 gone. :(
When I get new tank ( a RR 180), going to water test it.
Experience is the best teacher.... My last project was a 75. I didn't know it was tempered until it exploded.
immokalee98
08/13/2012, 05:34 PM
Keep the pics coming!
Keep the pics coming!
Absolutely. I'm a pic freak.... but give me a little. I just ordered the bulkheads from Glass Holes yesterday and I think they're on the opposite coast. I would have bought them earlier but I figured why buy them before I know whether I'll crack the tank. ;)
Some details about where I'm going with this system:
This system will be very similar to my old 210 gallon but will also incorporate features I've liked from other experimental systems....
- I'm planning to have a ~50 gallon Carlson Surge Device. I accomodated for the rise and fall of the water line by dropping the overflow hole about 6". I will have to order some low iron panes for the glass canopy to reduce bubble splashing. I'm not concerned about the look of the bubbles. I rather like the look.
- CSD will be fed by a Reeflo Dart.
- CL will be provided by a Reeflo Hammerhead.
- Lighting will be provided by three 250W MH with Lumenarc A3 mini reflectors... and I noticed that there will be some afternoon sun coming in through the back of the tank. I'm guessing 2-6 hours depending on the season. It wasn't planned but it's perfectly alligned. I may have to paint the window it if algae is a problem. Otherwise I might use it as a sunset affect.
- I will need a double sump. One that has a direct feed from the tank and maintains a stable height for the skimmer and the other that is permitted to rise and fall. I may just use a bucket inside a 100 gallon Rubbermaid trough.
- The rockscape may have a shelf that stays dry most of the time for mud skippers or hermits or something.
I have no idea what sort of cnidarians I will keep. If I go mostly coral, I will go mixed. I may also go with a boatload of various colors of BTAs and make it a clown-dominated tank.
- It will have a chiller.
- It will have two titanium heaters.
K.I.S.S. principle will be in affect. I need to enjoy my vacations!!!
Bulkheads cam in a day earlier than expected. USPS - Good on ya mates!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/552041_10151016008723008_528516322_n.jpg
Started pulling equipment out of mothballs.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/217929_10151016100668008_1946141193_n.jpg
I'm wondering if this vessel is the answer... Perhaps I can find an old 55 gallon or an old sump with ~50 gallon volume. The round shape is not very conservative with space....
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/562749_10151016137113008_307155153_n.jpg
Anyone have natural sunlight as a supplement to their primary lighting? I know there are a few who have skylights, solatubes etc. but I'm looking at it strictly as a supplement.
Any problems? Benefits? Its in a perfect spot to get afternoon sun through a basement window. I'm considering letting the MH lights shut off at 4PM (I usually run them 6AM-8PM) and letting the sun set on the reef naturally. I can't possibly provide a better dusk effect.
It will be a longer photo period (up to four hours longer) in the Summer, but I don't know how much impact that will really have on coral growth. The back of the tank faces West. So, it would be coming in from the back of the tank. It should make the whole room ripple with light. I could even put some mylar above the front of the tank so it reflects back into the tank from the front as well.
I'm also considering shutting off the CL at night and just let the CSD keep the circulation going.
After thinking on it for a while I decided on a 40B as the reservoir for the CSD. I decided not to use the 55 gallon drum because of the height and the wasted space. This provided a lot more space, had less height restriction and only lost 15 gallons of space. It's the same footprint as a 50 gallon. So, I accomodated for the height of a 50 gallon if I decide to go that route in the future.
I got the stand for the CSD built last night. I have a parent thing tonight. So, drilling will have to wait till tomorrow. I may do some plumbing over the weekend.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/542487_10151028380033008_423218200_n.jpg
cameronpalte
08/23/2012, 06:28 PM
Neat build... love the pics looking forward to seeing how this works out.
Thanks!
I ran into a small snag last night. I discovered that the 2" PVC doesn't fit snugly into the bulkheads. I'm more than a little concerned. I'm not sure if I should expect it to swell when I add glue or what. I'm used to bulkheads fitting like any other coupling and these don't.
AquariaUSA
08/24/2012, 11:32 PM
Hey Walt...the 2" is straight pipe or pvc flex? If i dont see post shoot me an email or text since I rarely visit RC :-) Good to see you are still into reefs
Hey man! Nice to hear from you!
I'm using rigid this time.... the fitting was initially tried with an elbow that was male on one end and female on the other. Because the male end was only 1/2" long, it wasn't fully seated and felt loose. When I tried a piece of PVC pipe, it fit nice and snug like I expected.
So, I'll have to use the double female elbows is all.
gmate
08/26/2012, 02:17 PM
Looks good, looking forward to seeing this in action
Looks good, looking forward to seeing this in action
Thanks!
Young fool... Only now, at the end, do you understand...
Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the Dark Side.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/400554_10151039215978008_1190467556_n.jpg
Now, you will pay the price for your lack of vision!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-08/Ashlee-Simpson-044.jpg
Newbie Aquarist
08/27/2012, 09:47 AM
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
If you like powerful flow, it's a good thing.
I got the rough framing done last night.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/551708_10151055017828008_1574093839_n.jpg
Newbie Aquarist
09/07/2012, 06:47 AM
If you like powerful flow, it's a good thing.
Flow is definitely good
So, I also should mention that much to my shagrin, I scrubbed the CSD. It would fill up and start surging but would stop after only emptying 60% of the water before filling up again. I have a height limitation in my basement of about 7'. I could have raised it another foot but it wasn't worth the effort for the amount of surge I saw. The hammerhead is so powerful that the surge was like trying to break up a tsunami with a fire hose.
So, the return will go directly into the tank and add to the overall flow. The approximate result looks like this.
(6,000GPH + 3,740GPH) / 180 = 54.11 turnovers per hour
iced98lx
09/07/2012, 10:44 AM
That's some SERIOUS flow. I like it.
Thanks. The flow pattern should be similar to the old system.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/Jan122008002arrows.jpg
I made some progress on the permanent aquascaping. I've done a little more than this but it gives an idea of where I'm going and how I did it. For the large portions, I used a mix of:
2 parts aragonite sand
2 parts oolite sand
1 part Type III White portland cement.
I also redid all the plumbing. It was too sloppy, hard to maneuver around and I wanted the pumps off the floor. I also moved the sump to the mechanical side of the tank.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120914_192249.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_124636.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_124702.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_143700.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_193636.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_193800.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120916_115022.jpg
iced98lx
09/17/2012, 08:46 AM
I really like the aquascaping so far!
Are you going to create a trim'd "ledge" or are you putting the tank all the way flush with the finished wall?
(I'm building a 180 in wall currently and having a tiff with the Mrs's about it)
Looking good, well planned!
I really like the aquascaping so far!
Are you going to create a trim'd "ledge" or are you putting the tank all the way flush with the finished wall?
(I'm building a 180 in wall currently and having a tiff with the Mrs's about it)
Looking good, well planned!
Thanks! I plan to do the ledge. I don't want to limit my access to the tank any more than necessary. I won't really have much of a ledge though. I plan to sit a couch against the wall beneath it. This is part of a man cave project... a TV will be on a perpendicular wall and a second couch will be facing the tank.
teknik777
09/17/2012, 10:46 PM
Looking good so far cant wait to see the progress!
Looking good so far cant wait to see the progress!
Thanks!
I hope to be done with the rock scape by the end of the week. It's a lot of hurry up and wait with the work I'm into now.... very intricate.
iced98lx
09/18/2012, 09:49 AM
Did you drill those holes with the glass vertical? If so, did you just keep flushing water over it, or.. ? (again, a question for my future use lol)
Thanks!
Did you drill those holes with the glass vertical? If so, did you just keep flushing water over it, or.. ? (again, a question for my future use lol)
Thanks!
Yes, I drilled it vertical. I taped a 1/4" line in place over the drill site and taped the plastic sheet below to prevent the debris from getting trapped between the frame and the glass. If you're able, I recommend drilling any tank horizontal. It's a lot less work. It just wasn't practical for my drill site. Had it been on the back or the bottom, I'd have done it horizontal for sure.
iced98lx
09/18/2012, 04:48 PM
Yes, I drilled it vertical. I taped a 1/4" line in place over the drill site and taped the plastic sheet below to prevent the debris from getting trapped between the frame and the glass. If you're able, I recommend drilling any tank horizontal. It's a lot less work. It just wasn't practical for my drill site. Had it been on the back or the bottom, I'd have done it horizontal for sure.
Thanks! I am not sure if I will be drilling an end like you did (also on a 180 and impractical to do horizontally) or the back, in which case I could turn the tank and drill.
Thanks again for the all the info, as well as letting us tag along with your build :)
Post a link on here when you start your system.
I'm running out of dry branch rock. So it looks like little more will get done before it's ready for salt water.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/377685_10151070210773008_261450025_n_zps567d604f.jpg
adam87
09/19/2012, 08:40 PM
WOW, nice job!!!
Thanks! I still haven't stopped adding branches. It needs to be thicker to provide adequate hiding places. I'm working the balance between maximum viewing angles and maximizing crevices and caves. I may sacrifice half of the rear viewing pane to meet this end. We'll see.
...and I do realize that once a fish enters this system, it will be next to impossible to remove them.... so you can bet your bottom dollar I will be quarantining EVERYTHING wet before it goes in this system.
I went to the LFS yesterday, but they didn't have any regional species in as they are just setting up a new business.
It's been a while since my last update... but then, I've been pretty lazy on doing work to this project. When my old 210 was up and running I vowed never again to have the number of power strips hanging around that I had then. The work I did over the weekend is the meeting of that end.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130207_191521-2.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130207_191956-2.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130207_195453.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130208_121321-2.jpg
I did some drywalling but I'm not shooting until that's closed in completely.
The pumps, filters and accessories will all be connected to the large bank of 4-gang boxes. Which are one 20A circuit. Yes, I did the math in advance. Each bank is controlled by a switch. For example the pump and sedras for my skimmer will all be on one bank.
The five individual outlets above will be used to support the lighting. This is a separate 15A circuit.
I've factored in drip loops and overflows. There are no outlets below the tank for safety reasons. The large bank will be between the tank and the sump.
I've spent a lot of time re-running electric wires, leaving room for piping, updating switches with grounded outlets and other prep work... but I'm moving along slowly. I ran out of green board. So I'm at a stand still until I can hit the big box store next week with a friend who owns a truck. Then its time to add can lights and close it all in. I want this to end so I can switch gears and start working on the "man cave." Alex will be a lot happier with a space to play... and so will I.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130213_181432-1.jpg
I did some more wiring in the basement. The hardest part of making this project move along has been that I'm constantly having to remove, relocate or replace existing wiring, cable TV, phone lines, etc, as none of this stuff was installed with the idea of a drywall ceiling in mind. It was previously a drop ceiling. So, this project has been a lot more work than if I were working with new construction. The other challenge is working around what will be there later as I have to plan ahead to avoid having to redo anything.
New outlets outside fish room. The plan is to have these on either side of a couch that will be against the wall. The aquarium will be above and behind this couch. Couch height was a consideration when building the stand. That's what I mean by having to plan ahead. Every detail has to be worked out in advance.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130214_161318.jpg
This is the new recessed lighting for the fish room. I used blue "party bulbs" so that I could see but also so that if I needed light at night it would just look like strong moonlight.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130221_230404.jpg
This is the new lighting in the North half of the basement. I was going to put it all on one switch, but because I plan to have an entertainment area, I thought it would be less obtrusive not to have to light that area in the middle of a game, movie etc.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130222_125216.jpg
infamous_6969
02/27/2013, 08:50 AM
This ware some very clean holes you drilled. I really like the rock work structure you made to conceal things on the right side.
This ware some very clean holes you drilled. I really like the rock work structure you made to conceal things on the right side.
Thanks! I hope it all comes together the way I plan once the corals start growing in. FYI, I had some chipping when I did similar drilling in my old 210. What I did different this time was to drill almost all the way through, then used a dreml to do the initial cut through and finish the hole. It worked out really well.
My new additions (for the PI reef build) in quarrantine.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130227_070329.jpg
I made a little progress over the weekend. I put one sheet of drywall on the ceiling yesterday after this was taken but this pretty much sums up where I am with the fish room currently.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130303_185426.jpg
Sorry If I'm boring anybody with the slow process of this build. I have done very little of this structural, electrical and finish work in the past. This is the most intensive project I've ever done without hiring outside help. It's meant a lot of consulting experts and reading. It's also meant a lot of rewiring and prepping the existing structure in other ways just to be able to hang drywall on the ceiling. I have hung all the drywall that I needed to hang (in that room at least) and I'm on the finish work side of things. I'm hoping to have a coat of paint down inside the week. I've had to leave a couple spots open that will be closed in with plywood so that I can access plumbing and electrical pathways in the future as I continue to improve my home. I've got a good groove going at this point and I hope to have a tank up and running within the month!!! Well, there won't be any saltwater as I expect to have high pH levels to start with.
Here's where I am now.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130304_192450.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130304_211321.jpg
A gallon of paint still left me with two walls unpainted! ...and that was with me laying it on thin. Its starting to look like a fish room though.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130308_072626.jpg
I've done a lot of calk work around the base of the walls, the drywall to concrete interfaces and around the window. I relocated the overhead light switch from outside the room after unconsciously reaching for it several times inside the room. DUH!!!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130310_164555.jpg
The doorway won't be done until I start finish work on the adjacent laundry room.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130311_220602.jpg
I'm just about done with the painting. The West wall (left) will be painted blue (like the window) and some trim work needs to be done but otherwise it's getting close to tank move time. I can almost taste the saltwater!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130311_221116-1.jpg
joeyhatch11
03/12/2013, 07:14 AM
Nice build!
worm5406
03/12/2013, 07:18 AM
Very nice...
Newbie Aquarist
03/12/2013, 07:31 AM
Great work so far on the fish room. Sure is alot of outlets in there.
Nice build!
Thanks!
Very nice...
Thank you!
Great work so far on the fish room. Sure is alot of outlets in there.
Yeah, after the fire hazard that was my 210 gallon, I decided I would provide what I needed to safely run the system.... Well as safely as one can operate a box of highly ionized water with electrical devices. ;-)
Each bank on the left has three outlets and one switch in case I want to shut off say the skimmer feed and sedras, CL, heater/chiller individually I can without having to unplug this power strip or that or otherwise mess with plugs while I have wet hands.
I'm planning to use two separate heaters. One in the sump and one in the display. That way, I can have a lower temp in the sump (maybe two degrees) and a higher temp in the display. That way, the tides will actually feel like tides.
Here's a proposed schedule. Of course, it may need some adaptation depending on my work schedule and when the tank gets the most viewing.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130312_113308.jpg
I made some progress last night. I completed all the white trim painting and did the lion's share of the blue background wall. I'll do the blue trim tonight and I need only frame in the tank's viewing hole.... Then it's plumbing time!!!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130312_203053.jpg
worm5406
03/13/2013, 07:32 AM
I'm planning to use two separate heaters. One in the sump and one in the display. That way, I can have a lower temp in the sump (maybe two degrees) and a higher temp in the display. That way, the tides will actually feel like tides.
First where in bmore? I go to glenn burnie all the time to House of Tropical.
Second if the DT is draining into the sump, how are you going to have a degree or two difference if the turnover flow is roughly 10 times or more per hour?
Third........ Nice setup so far.
First where in bmore? I go to glenn burnie all the time to House of Tropical.
Second if the DT is draining into the sump, how are you going to have a degree or two difference if the turnover flow is roughly 10 times or more per hour?
Third........ Nice setup so far.
- I'm in Rosedale... about 20 min North of HOT. There's a couple other LFS you should check out up here. CTE Aquatics in Timonium... which is run by one of the former owners (Phil) of Exotic Aquatics and Go Fish in Rosedale which is run by some former EA employees (Steve and Johanna.)
- The return pump (Reeflo Dart) will control the tides.
So, when the return pump is off (low tide,) the display heater will maintain the display reservoir at... say 82F and the sump reservoir will be maintained at 80F.
When the return pump is turned on (high tide,) the sump heater will turn off because the display (higher temp) will be draining into the sump..... Now that I'm thinking about it, I might be able to make the temperature a little wider... maybe 4 degrees. I've felt what seemed like a 10 degree thermal layer on a reef. I am one who sees temperature fluctuations as a good thing. My general philosophy being that the wider the swings (temperature, chemistry, etc) that we expose our corals to, the wider swing they can handle when something malfunctions.
- Thank you!
Finished painting.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130313_213750.jpg
With the blue lights in, it's hard to tell it's two different colors of paint. The light covers are on top of the bucket. It's MUCH dimmer with them in. I might have to look into replacing them. :-(
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130313_214922.jpg
worm5406
03/14/2013, 09:28 AM
Painting with wine??
worm5406
03/14/2013, 10:09 AM
Only with a shiraz.
Greg Norman 2009 Shiraz. ;-)
Charfish
03/14/2013, 10:53 AM
liking the fishroom- well thought out... aquascaping is also very cool... can't wait to see how it matures... gives me ideas...
worm5406
03/14/2013, 03:44 PM
Try a LayerCake shiraz. I just bought a case.
Did you think about going LED in those housings instead?
Thanks charfish.
Worm, I drink layer cake all the time.... and LED is out of my price range.
worm5406
03/14/2013, 09:24 PM
OK we will have to meet for lunch/dinner.
Yeah I just bought housings to put up in the ceiling. and that $80 a bulb is going to kill me... I am getting dimable ones.
I got it moved into position, leveled and shimmed.
http://s37.beta.photobucket.com/user/walterlaroque/media/20130314_141106.jpg.html
http://s37.beta.photobucket.com/user/walterlaroque/media/20130314_142121.jpg.html
Not working so well trying to post from the smart phone. Ill repost later....
I got it moved into position, leveled and shimmed. I'll probably glue the plumbing next week.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130314_141106.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130314_142121.jpg
worm5406
03/15/2013, 07:11 AM
I guess I can not see correctly... What is the white around the one inside of the tank?
Ohh and... being a firefighter for over 20 years... Where is the smoke detector?
This simple item can save a life.
Good thought! There's one in the next room.... but It would be a good idea to have one in this room in particular just because of the electrical usage... and the fact that it has incoming utilities.
I'm not certain what you're referring to.... I'm guessing you mean the rock work, which is a mix of baserock and "aragocrete." The only other thing I can think of is that you're seeing the gypsom in the drywall around the tank viewing openning. I have not yet installed the trim around the window. It will be calked to the tank in case of splashes.
I did this project with a couple things in mind. I wanted to have a space where my son could be in view when I'm working on the tank AND that it would be less of a fire hazard than the old system that had the spaghetti mess of power strips and extension cords.
How the **** did I forget a smoke detector?!?!?!?! My ex is a PM/FF. I should know better.
worm5406
03/15/2013, 07:32 AM
It was the rock work, around the drain/feed that I see the grid work.
Oh. The grid work is the support/reinforcement structure.... to the right in that photo there is a mostly open area so that water can flow to the closed loop intake and the overflow.
worm5406
03/15/2013, 08:24 AM
Ahhh... What covers/screens are you using on the closed loop intakes?
I was thinking about CL but was worried an anemone would get sucked in it and shredded. Or just pressure sucked in, if it occluded the intake.
Well aside from the wall of liverock and the CL intake being 10"-12" away from the egg crate screen there is gutter guard zip tied to the egg crate and I'm using the standard 2" PVC screw-in screens.
^ I don't know how much of that you can make out in the picture.
worm5406
03/15/2013, 09:44 AM
None... Can you provide a closer picture. I am on the edge of making my old 120 a CL system and piping it to the 180 also to increase water volume.
Maybe this will help....
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/551708_10151055017828008_1574093839_n.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20120908_123723.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120914_192249.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_124636.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_124702.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_143700.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_193800.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120916_115022.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/377685_10151070210773008_261450025_n_zps567d604f.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130314_141106.jpg
I have done a lot of experimenting with this. I tried some 45 cubes a while back where I started using the egg crate as a structural element and anemone screen. A 6" BTA can completely slip its body through a 1/2" hole in the egg crate. Trust me I've seen them do it.
So, I put the gutter screen over the egg crate to provide an additional barrier. Time will tell if even that is enough.
I'm gonnna start with a S. mertensii (after I have proven that the system is able to support cnidarians) and if I am unsuccessful I will go back to BTAs. This will be a mixed reef either way. I just wanted to provide my A. thielleis a place to settle in that would be more like how they would be found in Philippines.
worm5406
03/15/2013, 10:12 AM
Those pictures help!!
WOW... Good job.. Can you zoom in I would like to see a closeup of the texture and layout on that one wall.
Nice!
Re post the pic you'd like to see and I will zoom and re post. I can't give you anything better till next week. My phone and Photobucket don't like one another.
worm5406
03/15/2013, 10:28 AM
hahaha.. I understand.
I figured you would have a better version locally. My picasa reduces the image to 800x600 instead of the native resolution.
This pic:
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_143700.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/2012-09/20120915_143700.jpg
I looked at that album btw... nice pics in there...
That's kind of a sucky picture. Taken with my old Blackberry. I'll have to shoot some for you next week.
In fact, I'll do you one better. Shoot my your cell number via PM and I'll send you a pic this weekend.
worm5406
03/15/2013, 11:55 AM
In fact, I'll do you one better. Shoot my your cell number via PM and I'll send you a pic this weekend.
How much more spam am I going to get?
And the sell insurance cold calls. argh...
worm5406
03/15/2013, 12:08 PM
HA
SO... What do you think about my combining two tanks together? Well I guess it is 4 tanks. Not thread stealing... Just want you to look so I can get moving on it. I think I am going to mudd this weekend and paint during the week.
Aside from having all your eggs in one basket, I say fine. I would separate them just for that reason alone. I too may set up a 120 just for BTAs and my best pair of thiellei clowns.... but it will definately be on a separate system.
worm5406
03/15/2013, 12:24 PM
I was thinking of more clarity and stability of the water, with a larger volume.
Kind of like having a 180DT and a 120 sump... Well this would be a 300DT with 80/90 sump.
If you aren't concerned about a disease wiping out a multiple display system, I'd say go for it. I'm not gonna do it just because for me, the payoff isn't worth the risk.
I'm a clown enthusiast. As you probably know, it's not a great idea for more than one pair of clowns to be in a display (yes there are always exceptions.) So, I have set up rack systems for said clowns and it has always worked out poorly for me when they had central plumbing. Today, even my 10 gallons have their own filtration systems. I've considered reattaching them to a common sump and in the case of disease, I would still have sand alone filters to treat, but I decided against it because because by the time you detect a disease in one pair, it's already too late. I feel the same way about larger volumes of water. It always seems like so much less effort to centrally plumb them but the amount of time saved maintaining the water quality of two or three systems, it minimal. I'm not a big chemistry chaser. So, for me it makes more sense.
worm5406
03/15/2013, 11:37 PM
There would be no passes for the fish to go between tanks. Just basic water exchange and filtering from different aspects and items in tank.
I can pretty comfortably say that the fish room is complete; even if the aquarium itself isn't. I plan on knocking out the plumbing tonight. I don't think I'm gonna install the ball valves or unions just yet. I might just want to make sure everything works as planned before I go gluing in expensive components. They're pretty easy to cut in later anyhow. The leak test will be a long one anyhow, since I still need to cure the aragocrete that makes up about 1/3 of the aquascaping.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/20130316_215154.jpg
worm5406
03/18/2013, 06:31 AM
Nice... When are you doing the leak test, or is it already in process?
Probably tonight after the plumbing is done. What you see in the pics is just a dry fit and there is still a little tweaking to do with that.
worm5406
03/18/2013, 07:08 AM
Ahhh that rock looks wet from the angle of the picture... Nice job so far.
Cant wait to see this in motion and cycling.
worm5406
03/25/2013, 09:40 PM
Ok... Where are the updates?
I decided to wait on doing the plumbing until I have the ball unions. I was going to test then cut them in later but neither my sawzall, jig saw nor hack saws really give me desirable cuts. I thought it better to wait.
I found 2" sch 80 ball unions for $22.02 ea. Now I'm waiting for ground delivery from GA. Ill likely do some plumbing this weekend.
worm5406
03/26/2013, 06:35 AM
I use my chopsaw for the cutting those. Slow and even make nice cuts.
I do too. ;-)
The problem is that you can't use a miter saw when the plumbing is in place. Thats why I decided to wait to glue it.
worm5406
03/26/2013, 07:05 AM
HA... very true... Another reason I went with flex on my overflow lines. Hard on my supply lines.
Well ya can use a miter saw when it is in place... it will just look funny... HAHAHA..
reef1906
03/26/2013, 07:35 AM
man, i love that fish room. you took your time and did it right. i read the whole thread. one question though, what is csd ?
Worm, I've learned to use small pieces of flex in my plumbing... but only abojt a 6" piece. Just enough to add a little flexability without deforming the general shape with the natural curve of the flex PVC.
Marcus, thank you!
CSD is Carlson Surge Device
Frank L
04/01/2013, 11:37 AM
Nice job, very nice build. Alot of work and time made it all worth while. The more posts I read and pics and video I see make me want to start sooner, but for now I need to mount the new sony xbr tv and theater system, should have put that 5,000 towards the reef tank, lol. Later.
Thanks, Frank.
So, there has been more work but little progress on this system and for quite an embarressing reason.
I plumbed the system Friday. I filled it with water and instead of the proud moment watching the powerful pumps in action, I got the down feeling of a dud. Something was wrong. After troubleshooting, I realized I had reversed the intake and outputs for the closed loop.
With the feeling of defeat in my blood, I proceeded to drain and replumb the system. Again I filled the system and flipped the switch. The feelings of pride quickly dissipated as I realized I had just finished replumbing the system the exact same way. Dejected in defeat I decided to call it a night and go to bed. I'll probably hit up HD this week and give it another go.
"Third time's a charm."
Frank L
04/01/2013, 11:49 AM
Dang, words can't hardly discribe the way you feel huh. That would hit you like a rock. I do know what you mean about doing a project, and figuring out you did it wrong, and do it wrong a second time. I would have went to bed also and started fresh in the morning.
worm5406
04/01/2013, 12:09 PM
UUUghhh...
Well think of it this way.. you got practice plumbing it.
It will work once you have it corrected.
(Sometimes the fourth time is perfection)
Leak test performed. Some minor tweaks will be needed but nothing out of the ordinary.
I'm very pleased with the flow. It's powerful as suspected but it doesn't agitate the surface like my old system did although there's actually more flow than before.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/536656_10151373932358008_1419247900_n-2.jpg
My favorite view on any tank.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e92/walterlaroque/548904_10151373933228008_2075538198_n-2.jpg
worm5406
04/03/2013, 01:38 PM
Very nice... How is the sound? Nice and quiet?
The layout looks real good.
It has a hum inside the fish room but I haven't noticed any noise outside in the viewing area. It's quieter than my washer/drier in the next room.
Thanks, Frank.
So, there has been more work but little progress on this system and for quite an embarressing reason.
I plumbed the system Friday. I filled it with water and instead of the proud moment watching the powerful pumps in action, I got the down feeling of a dud. Something was wrong. After troubleshooting, I realized I had reversed the intake and outputs for the closed loop.
With the feeling of defeat in my blood, I proceeded to drain and replumb the system. Again I filled the system and flipped the switch. The feelings of pride quickly dissipated as I realized I had just finished replumbing the system the exact same way. Dejected in defeat I decided to call it a night and go to bed. I'll probably hit up HD this week and give it another go.
"Third time's a charm."
Oh my, twice no less! Unbelievable :debi:
Oh my, twice no less! Unbelievable :debi:
Yup. I wanted to throw something or smash something but decided to call it a night. I got it going the third time though. So, it's all good.
worm5406
04/03/2013, 05:30 PM
It has a hum inside the fish room but I haven't noticed any noise outside in the viewing area. It's quieter than my washer/drier in the next room.
That is good. I was just wondering.
Looks like things are moving along nicely.
Plumbing wise, the only thing left to do really is 1 joint that I forgot to glue.the good in all this is that in this process I decided to put unions at the pump connections so that I won't have to do any cutting if I ever need to change the pump out. If I weren't so lazy, I would do the same to the other pump.... I'll deal with it if I ever need to.
The build is complete. On to the underlying reason for this project. ;-)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2286879
worm5406
04/22/2013, 11:46 AM
I have enjoyed the build and I am going to follow your project too! We still have to meet up sometime.
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