TheDoogan's shallow rimless tank.

[thedoogan]

Hello everyone,

I've lurked on ReefCentral for a long time now, only asking the occasional question. I thought I would introduce myself with my latest build.
I'm Joel, and this is the beginning of my reef addiction:crazy1:

Current tank
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Equipment

Tank: 24x24x11
Sump: 21x21x12
Lighting: Ecotech Radion
Flow: Vortech Mp10
Backup: Ecotech batter backup
Return Pump: Eheim 1250
Heaters: 2x 75 watt Ebo-Jager
Skimmer: SC65
Controller: Neptune Apex - Temp/pH probes
TopOff: Breakout box/2 float switches+Aqualifter
Bio-Filtration: 50 lbs Marco dry rock + Refugium
Mech-Filtration: TLF 150 Reactor, Carbon+Rowaphos
Dosing: Two-Part - Marine Magic triple doser
Quarantine: 20 long, Mag250, Ebo-Jager 100 watt, SC65, TLF reactor, Tunze nano6015, Hydor425


The Design
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[thedoogan]

The Build
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First thing, GFCI
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Progress on the stand
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[thedoogan]

Attention to detail.
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[thedoogan]

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While waiting for the display tank to arrive I setup my coral QT which will inevitably become a frag tank/grow out. The tank is a 20 gallon long with 10 gallon sump. While attempting to drill for two herbie drains my first attempt did NOT go well. I didn't use a guide and messed up the glass so I ended up breaking that tank down and used the glass for the overflow and sump baffles. The second attempt at drilling I used some foam as a guide which made the process very easy.
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[thedoogan]

The coral QT was originally kept on some Edsal "heavy duty" shelving in a spare room with the 10 gal fish QT/Hospital tank. The shelving is supposed to be good for up-to 1400 pounds but the main supports started bowing after a few days which had me freaked out. I ended up just building my own stand for the coral QT which worked out far better.
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More to come.....

[joec]

Very nice! Love how clean it looks, great attention to detail.

Looking forward to more pics...

[Almondsaz]

Great build, I really like the total system and how clean the lines are. I think all your waiting and careful planning has really paid off.

[Biocubehqi]

Very awsum

[laredo300c]

congratulations. first class build. can we see some pics and info on the radion hanger. did u buy it or diy, if so how? thanks

[phinfan8]

Incredible build.

[Chuongj510]

Congrats. Love the shallow rimless look.

[Tradewinds]

Fantastic build and great attention to detail. I love the pocket you built into the side of the stand to house the gadgets.

Where did you get the DT or did you make it?

[thedoogan]

Very nice! Love how clean it looks, great attention to detail.

Looking forward to more pics...

Thanks, I'll have some more up tonight.

[thedoogan]

congratulations. first class build. can we see some pics and info on the radion hanger. did u buy it or diy, if so how? thanks

Thank you. I build the radion mount myself after having metal fabricators in Vancouver quote me up to $375. I did it myself for $40 in raw materials and a $14 propane torch.

It's made from 6061T6 grade flat bar aluminum 2 X 0.375 I beleive.
It must be heated to the correct temperature to be bent. To hot and the bar will crack when bent. Sharpie marker will burn off at the correct temperature for 6016T6 aluminum so draw some lines where you are heating the bend area. When the sharpie fades let the metal air cool or pour some water on it to let it cool and bend. I'm by no means an expert in metals, this is just the trick I found snooping aircraft mechanic forums. It seemed to work well for me though.
The other two bars are 1 X 0.25

[thedoogan]

Fantastic build and great attention to detail. I love the pocket you built into the side of the stand to house the gadgets.

Where did you get the DT or did you make it?

This is the only part of the project I didn't build myself. I designed the DT and it was built by Blueworld aquariums. They did a fantastic job with very clean seams and black glass overflow. Noway I could get seams that clean. Some seams in the sump I did are pretty ugly.

[MHG]

Crazy nice build.....

[thedoogan]

Sump build
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I drilled some more holes on the mount for the radion after this photo was taken. The light can be raised and lowered by taking out the two bolts in the back.
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[thedoogan]

And the destruction of my living room for electrical and plumbing
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We have light! and began the filling of the tank!
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[thedoogan]

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The aquascape and mess begins
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[thedoogan]

Jam packed sump
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Cable management!
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Leak detection points around the side and back of the stand and inside the cabinet
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Still room for another vortech controller hmmmmm....

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[thedoogan]

All three sides are easily detachable for access to the ram packed cabinet.
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[E30]

Nice build mister

[Dodger745]

amazing build! im loving the detailed pictures! I notice the Downhill/mtb in the background. Im a mountain bike, road riding, runner, wanna be triathlete and have tried to balance all of that all while building a reef tank! lol

[brianryan8]

Wow

[SawdustInTank]

I like the time you took to figure it all out and the final product shows it. I like the look of you have the light mounted to the bracket. Being a fan of shallow rimless tanks this is gonna be one I keep an eye on. Your tank is tight work!

[Allmost]

very nice system.

the water level is sump seems prety high though, do yu have enough room for when power is off ?

[geaux xman]

looks good man.

i especially like the light hanger.

[Jim Lepage]

Very nice build !

[burnah]

great build, nice attention to detail and great plan! this is how you do it!

[laredo300c]

wowsers!!!! now thats a build. excellent pictures too. you got skills

[griffithimage]

great looking build

[tylersarah]

I'm really fond of this tank!

Sarah

[mussel and hate]

Joel, I'm impressed with the beautiful stand you've built. Sure the rest of the system looks great too, but that stand... Wow.

You're going to see a lot of evaporation from a tank with so much surface area/volume, but you'll have excellent gas exchange too. This setup looks very promising, I'll be watching your progress with interest.

amazing build! im loving the detailed pictures! I notice the Downhill/mtb in the background.

Nah, that's an FSR unless I'm mistaken. I haven't raced DH in 10 years or more but I think that's probably what they call an all-mountain bike these days rippin off the snowboarder lingo I guess.

[thedoogan]

amazing build! im loving the detailed pictures! I notice the Downhill/mtb in the background. Im a mountain bike, road riding, runner, wanna be triathlete and have tried to balance all of that all while building a reef tank! lol

WOW that's a lot. You must be in some crazy shape!
Mountain biking is another passion I have. I try to get out after work the odd time after work during the summer while there's still enough light but mostly I'm a weekend warrior.

I like the time you took to figure it all out and the final product shows it. I like the look of you have the light mounted to the bracket. Being a fan of shallow rimless tanks this is gonna be one I keep an eye on. Your tank is tight work!

Thank you! Please do! I'm fairly new to reef keeping and I will have MANY questions :fun2:

very nice system.

the water level is sump seems prety high though, do yu have enough room for when power is off ?

Yup! I designed the sump to be as big and FULL as possible to maximize the water volume using the little space I have. With the return pump, skimmer and TLF reactors off there is about an inch left to the top. The only issue with the sump being so full is micro bubbles from the unbroken-in skimmer. Maybe I'll tie a filter sock to the skimmer outlet.

looks good man.

i especially like the light hanger.

Thanks!

Very nice build !

Thanks!

great build, nice attention to detail and great plan! this is how you do it!

Thank you! I made sure I had a good planning stage.

wowsers!!!! now thats a build. excellent pictures too. you got skills

Thank you! I'm a working artist and photography is another creative outlet for me. I'm starting to get into macro photography of reef life and LOVE IT. Endlessly fascinating and beautiful.

great looking build

Thanks!

I'm really fond of this tank!

Sarah

Awesome! check for updates :)

Joel, I'm impressed with the beautiful stand you've built. Sure the rest of the system looks great too, but that stand... Wow.

Thank you! A lot of work went into it.

You're going to see a lot of evaporation from a tank with so much surface area/volume, but you'll have excellent gas exchange too. This setup looks very promising, I'll be watching your progress with interest.


Exactly, I was expecting a lot of evaporation and wanted the biggest sump for water volume which is why I planned to locate the top-off container on the far other side of the couch behind a plant. I ran airline tubing behind the couch and into the back of the cabinet. That way I can keep a large container.


Nah, that's an FSR unless I'm mistaken. I haven't raced DH in 10 years or more but I think that's probably what they call an all-mountain bike these days rippin off the snowboarder lingo I guess.

NICE! You're correct it is an FSR. You're also correct about the term all-mountain but this is no all mountain bike. This is a downhill gravity race sled! made for one thing, going down mountains FAST and HARD. It's build to take big hits, and there are a lot of big hits in British Columbia. Here's some photos and video of me biking in Whistler resort. Whistler is more of a theme park for mountain bikers, lots of wide open, fast machine groomed jump trails. The north shores of Vancouver is all natural terrain with STEEP big cliff drops plenty of roots.

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This is the pov from the drop in the previous image. You land just about where the guy in-front of me is.
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I LOVE mountain biking!

http://youtu.be/NoF7GkkCMCI?hd=1

http://youtu.be/uqmh9G-7Hi8?hd=1

[brad908]

This and d2minis old cube tank are easily my favorites.

[biecacka]

Simply awesome looking tank.
Fish/coral stocking list
Corey

[TimmyD16]

So did you have to sand down that alum to get rid of any visual defects for that light mount? or did it cool the same as it started? I can not get over how clean your tank is, awesome lines, the modern look of the white and aluminum... bravo...

[burnah]

nice mtb pics! we share two great hobbies ;) although i dont take it as rough downhill as you seem to.

greetings from austria

[rivvir]

this is one clean shallow reef build love how big the sump is awesome

[Snakebyt]

great looking tank, love the attention to detail.. looks really clean

[thedoogan]

This and d2minis old cube tank are easily my favorites.

Wow thanks. d2mini's cube is maybe my favorite tank i've seen, it's incredible.

Simply awesome looking tank.
Fish/coral stocking list
Corey

Thanks. Stocking list is still up in the air, I know I want to take the SPS challenge with this small system.

So did you have to sand down that alum to get rid of any visual defects for that light mount? or did it cool the same as it started? I can not get over how clean your tank is, awesome lines, the modern look of the white and aluminum... bravo...

the heating of the aluminum left no visible marks, the bending however did. I don't have the proper tools for bending and ended up wedging it in my balcony railing :hammer: which left some scratches and scrapes. I plan on buffing these out after I get some of the more important things with the tank figured out.

nice mtb pics! we share two great hobbies ;) although i dont take it as rough downhill as you seem to.

greetings from austria

Awesome! what kind of stuff are you riding over there in Austria?

this is one clean shallow reef build love how big the sump is awesome

Thanks!

great looking tank, love the attention to detail.. looks really clean

Thank you! clean for now, until the coralline hopefully takes over.

[swine]

Holy crap. this is awesome.

[mfinn]

WOW!!!
This is nice. Very nice.

[mfinn]

Can you go into detail on your light hanger?
I just picked up a Radion and am looking for just the right way to hang it.

[thedoogan]

Thank you. I build the radion mount myself after having metal fabricators in Vancouver quote me up to $375. I did it myself for $40 in raw materials and a $14 propane torch.

It's made from 6061T6 grade flat bar aluminum 2 X 0.375 I beleive.
It must be heated to the correct temperature to be bent. To hot and the bar will crack when bent. Sharpie marker will burn off at the correct temperature for 6016T6 aluminum so draw some lines where you are heating the bend area. When the sharpie fades let the metal air cool or pour some water on it to let it cool and bend. I'm by no means an expert in metals, this is just the trick I found snooping aircraft mechanic forums. It seemed to work well for me though.
The other two bars are 1 X 0.25

The aluminum flat bars I picked up for $40 were from metalsupermarkets.

There are two big bolts drilled through it and the 2x4's of the frame on the back which hold it in place. There are holes down the mount equally spaced so the light can easily be adjusted up or down.

The bolts that mount into the Radion are 10-32 x 2"

[thedoogan]

I'm going to try starting the Radion off at 30% with my metallic green torch

on at 9am - cycle through 20k, 18, 14k till 10k at 3pm and then cycle back down again till 9pm

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/8163187655_494ae6132e_c.jpg
Here is a macro of it take a poop @1080p :lol:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8186707573_d12620872c.jpg (http://youtu.be/ITy2pkzs70k?hd=1)

[mfinn]

The aluminum flat bars I picked up for $40 were from metalsupermarkets.

There are two big bolts drilled through it and the 2x4's of the frame on the back which hold it in place. There are holes down the mount equally spaced so the light can easily be adjusted up or down.

The bolts that mount into the Radion are 10-32 x 2"



Thanks for reposting.
I missed it the first time.
With all the details I may have to reread everything a couple times to fully get everything.

[drock59]

Fantastic tank! How much weight do you think that aluminum mount will hold? I have two sols, soon to be 4 that I would like to mount in a similar fashion.

[Dodger745]

If you dont mind me asking, how is your Auto-topoff setup? I am trying to compare ideas and develop a plan for mine. I have no space left under my stand and Im trying to hide it somewhere near my tank, lol

[joe_himself]

Very nice setups

[thedoogan]

Fantastic tank! How much weight do you think that aluminum mount will hold? I have two sols, soon to be 4 that I would like to mount in a similar fashion.

Thanks.
Well mine is holding the radion comfortably with very minimal flex.
The bar is 3/8th inch thick and only extends about 16" out horizontally.
The Radion weighs 3.2 lbs and I'm guessing this mount would easily hold 2 of these without much bending. You would possibly have to compensate by leaving the bend slightly angled up so it flexes level.

How many sols are you planning on holding per mount? Maybe a wider bar or thicker. I'm not sure how difficult 1/2 inch bar would be to bend though.

A lot of people have taken a liking to this light mount, can it now be known as a Doogan style mount? :lol:

[thedoogan]

If you dont mind me asking, how is your Auto-topoff setup? I am trying to compare ideas and develop a plan for mine. I have no space left under my stand and Im trying to hide it somewhere near my tank, lol

I have two float switches wired to the breakoutbox of the Apex, regular water level and high level to shut off the ATO if for some reason it sticks on. I'm using an aqualifter pump and the reservoir is on the other side of the couch behind a plant about 8 feet away. The water line runs behind the couch and into the back of the stand. I've seen some people hide top off containers in decorative baskets or fake Ikea plants where the potter is actually a basket.

[Dodger745]

cool deal. what type of container are you using? Im trying to find something that will blend in easily. a 5 gallon bucket is hard to hide! lol

[joec]

Thanks for detailing out so much of your build, I love hearing the process - that's half the fun!!

Curious, what kind of camera are you using for your shots? They looks great...

[miatawnt2b]

The mounting of that light is KILLER! Super simple, looks fantastic. I'm stealing that idea.
-J

[markster33139]

very impressive great attention to detail

[thedoogan]

cool deal. what type of container are you using? Im trying to find something that will blend in easily. a 5 gallon bucket is hard to hide! lol

I'm just using a smaller 2.5 gallon drinking water container rightnow.

Maybe try a camping water storage cotainer, lower and wider. Then cover it with an Ikea type basket like one of these. I think there are some with lids. Throw some magazines on top (redfish and coral magazine of course) and call it a day.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/20/unusygus.jpg

[thedoogan]

Thanks for detailing out so much of your build, I love hearing the process - that's half the fun!!

Curious, what kind of camera are you using for your shots? They looks great...

Thanks, I'm using a Canon rebel T2i with stock lens and a 50mm 1.4 with Kenko extension tubes for macro stuff

[thedoogan]

The mounting of that light is KILLER! Super simple, looks fantastic. I'm stealing that idea.
-J

Thanks
go for it just be sure to call it a Doogan mount :lol:

[thedoogan]

very impressive great attention to detail

Thank you!

[burnah]

Awesome! what kind of stuff are you riding over there in Austria?


mostly tours on my enduro - radon slide ED160 - if i finish my video ill let you know!

greetings, keep up the good work

[thedoogan]

So I have the two clownfish in the tank now and they are doing well. I also transferred over my metallic green torch which has lost some color since I got it. I have the Radion on 30% intensity going from 20k in the morning to 18k, 12k, 10k mid-day and back down the cycle to 20k, 9am to 9pm. It seems this might still be a bit much for the torch, it's a little pale on one side with one small tentacle fully white. A few of the tips are also starting to turn white, but very minimal. Anyone have experience with the Radion and acclimation on very shallow tanks?

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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8190380928_9801a58766_c.jpg


I got a few new toys and some of the last pieces to the puzzle. The Marine Magic triple dosing pump and TLF reactor for carbon and rowaphos. Hopefully this dosing pump works out, i've heard decent reviews.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8197472270_0ebdd0ee15_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8201435381_f03e6ef990_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8201435073_ea38ca3bfc_c.jpg
This is how I have to program it and calibrate with my setup.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8201434863_8b86ce05af_c.jpg

[readc]

what type of camera are you using? These pictures are crystal clear...

[sahin]

Wow this is sweeet system!

[blackthunda77]

let me know how that marine magic pump works out for you. I have been eyeing that thing for a while now. Just have not pulled the trigger. Im getting tired of dosing manually and having my alk drop too low when away on 3 day weekends and such.

[JACK733]

looks good

[thedoogan]

what type of camera are you using? These pictures are crystal clear...

Im using Canon rebel t2i, the cheaper entry level DSLR. Most of these photos are just with the stock lens. Macro stuff I've been using 50mm f1.4 with kenko extension tubes.

[thedoogan]

Wow this is sweeet system!

Thanks!

[thedoogan]

let me know how that marine magic pump works out for you. I have been eyeing that thing for a while now. Just have not pulled the trigger. Im getting tired of dosing manually and having my alk drop too low when away on 3 day weekends and such.

So far calibrating it has not been the greatest. I have no experience with dosing pumps but I found pump A to be much slower than B and C. It runs at similar speed when it's set to speed 3 while the others are on speed 2 setting. Ive been trying to calibrate it by 5ml at a time and it seems pretty accurate when dishing out 5ml all in one go (it took some attempts to figure out how much time for 5ml) when I divided this time into 16 separate doses and tested it over 24 hr it pumped out maybe close to 8ml on one pump and 6-7ml on the other. Maybe it's more successful in practice use, let's see.

I have no experience with dosing pumps so if anyone has some advice on calibrating and getting up and running please let me know.

[glweek]

Awesome Build this is beautiful!

[Lilmatty5dimes]

WoW!!!!! I absolutely love your build. give me a lot of inspiration on building a shallow cube. I dont think i see anything i would change and like everyone said great detail in hiding the wires and having such a clean appearances. Can't wait to see more pics and your tank to fill up with some coral.

[anticarp]

Like the rest have said... Impressive! I've been building custom hardwood stands and canopies for a few years now. Getting the urge to switch it up though. My question for you is what type of composite material did you use for your side panels, and how did you prep the ends/sides for paint?

Thanks so much.

[thedoogan]

Awesome Build this is beautiful!

Thank you!

WoW!!!!! I absolutely love your build. give me a lot of inspiration on building a shallow cube. I dont think i see anything i would change and like everyone said great detail in hiding the wires and having such a clean appearances. Can't wait to see more pics and your tank to fill up with some coral.

Thank you! I hope your shallow cube turns out!
The coral QT is filling up, lots waiting to go in.

Like the rest have said... Impressive! I've been building custom hardwood stands and canopies for a few years now. Getting the urge to switch it up though. My question for you is what type of composite material did you use for your side panels, and how did you prep the ends/sides for paint?

Thanks so much.

Thanks!
I used MDF for the side panels. The ends were sanded and everything had a couple coats of primer, then sanded, a couple coats of paint, then sanded and a couple coats of polyurethane. MDF really sucks in a lot of primer for the first coats.

[zookeeper911]

The aluminum flat bars I picked up for $40 were from metalsupermarkets.

There are two big bolts drilled through it and the 2x4's of the frame on the back which hold it in place. There are holes down the mount equally spaced so the light can easily be adjusted up or down.

The bolts that mount into the Radion are 10-32 x 2"
I was woundering if you could shed some light. I think the bracket you have for your amazing tank is what I would like to use. When I contacted meatlsupermarket, they told me I would not be able to bend their aluminum stock. Is there anyway that you can tell me how you made the brackets. Thank you for your time

[ladybugs]

wow really nice and clear tank

[Likwit]

Sweet build ! And great images !

[thedoogan]

I was woundering if you could shed some light. I think the bracket you have for your amazing tank is what I would like to use. When I contacted meatlsupermarket, they told me I would not be able to bend their aluminum stock. Is there anyway that you can tell me how you made the brackets. Thank you for your time

There is some more info about that earlier in the thread. Basically a propane torch is used.

wow really nice and clear tank

Thank you.

Sweet build ! And great images !

Thanks!

[thedoogan]

Update
The coral QT tank.
These images were taken just after adding three acro's which are closed up.
they now have good polyp extension, especially at night.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8276889516_54eda504a3_c.jpg
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[thedoogan]

Finally received the parts and installed the refugium light. It's made up of 5 blue Gu10 led's and 5 cool white Gu10 led's. These things get HOT, I was suprised. It may be a problem, they are too hot to press a finger firmly on for more than a second after they have been running for a short time. They are VERY bright though, I would have no problem lighting acro frags in the refugium B)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8275831717_09a08077d3_c.jpg
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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8276891300_68b08fc17a_c.jpg

Photos were taken near the end of the Radion's day cycle.

[jarvasio]

Really awesome build. I also like the frag tank.

[PistolShrmp]

Nice work.

[johntran216]

Can definitely see the planning and work you put into this. It's an inspiration and definitely going to use the details in here for my future builds. Good work

[thedoogan]

Really awesome build. I also like the frag tank.
Thanks!
Nice work.
Thank you.
Can definitely see the planning and work you put into this. It's an inspiration and definitely going to use the details in here for my future builds. Good work

Lots of planning, sketchup is key.

[thedoogan]

I took some cool night shots of the polyp extension on the acros in QT.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8276517029_a381fd1aad_h.jpg
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[Cmoua]

WOW, beautiful tank and beautiful build. Your attention to detail is superb, you have all my praise.

Cheesh, now I have to cleanup the rats nest under the tank to make myself feel good.:headwally:

[JaYbIrD1969]

What a wonderful job! This is pretty close to perfect.
Thanks for sharing it with us.

What is the 3rd element you will be dosing with your 3 gang doser? Mg?

[zookeeper911]

There is some more info about that earlier in the thread. Basically a propane torch is used.



Thank you.



Thanks!

Thanks for getting back to me..

[thedoogan]

WOW, beautiful tank and beautiful build. Your attention to detail is superb, you have all my praise.
Cheesh, now I have to cleanup the rats nest under the tank to make myself feel good.:headwally:

Thank you. Get it done :)

What a wonderful job! This is pretty close to perfect.
Thanks for sharing it with us.

What is the 3rd element you will be dosing with your 3 gang doser? Mg?

Thanks for the kind words.
Right now it's empty but I plan on using it for carbon dosing in the future.

[sahin]

Thats crazy polyp extension! Corals look nice.

[thedoogan]

Update

This is my favorite m-acropora shot so far! zingggggggg taken late at night when the polyps are out looking for a good time.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8314660117_b2c32558ce_b.jpg
VIDEO (http://youtu.be/hFq5DNhPuvk)

They are getting pretty pale in my QT, but they came in VERY dark brown. I've been feeding coral frenzy*frequently to try and help with not having fish to deliver nutrients in the QT. The first acro I put in there is doing good and actually coloring up and putting on some new growth.

Some blue LED macro shots of a Cyphastrea japonica and Zoa frag*fluorescing. These ones glow like crazy under blue led. It's hard for the camera to pick up on the non fluorescing areas as the blue tones get totally crushed.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8298417872_e8f72f803d_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8298418364_f3dcbaf236_b.jpg

I got a thin fan for the refugium light...and I guess /frag area now installed. It's thin and fits between the lights and the frame easily but puts out a lot of air flow. It keeps most of the bulbs cool to the touch as well as the apex module which is right beside and was my main concern. *Only three bulbs near the far side remain hot to the touch, but not so much that you have to remove your fingers after holding it for a few seconds.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8314756319_07c264b218_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8315808054_3db440be26_c.jpg
I also ripped a hook switch out of an old phone and wired it up to the apex to turn the refugium lights on when the front panel is open.*
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8315831014_02e71b472a.jpg
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Both tanks are doing well, all except for the green birdsnest which seem to STN near the tips if I even look at them wrong. A large area of my city had a random 6 hour power outage the other day and I was completely unprepared with the QT tank! I ran out and bought a battery*operated air pump and struggled to keep the water temp up with warm bottles of water sitting in both tanks. It was a tedious nightmare but both tanks came out with no problems.*

I did however discover how screwed I might be with the display tank as the sump level slowly continued to rise and would have overflowed if I was not home. Water continues to slowly leak down into the sump from the DT, probably somewhere through the return line.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8314721833_cb12d2108e_z.jpg
Either from where the loc-line screws into the bulkhead, I forgot or didn't wrap enough teflon tape around the threads. Or it's coming from the elbow piece at the top side of the photo which is not glued into the bulk head. That or worse it's coming from the bottom of the stand pipes/return lines where they screw into the threaded bulkheads :headwalls:*I did wrap a good amount of teflon on those though and screwed them in pretty tight.

Any ideas?

[MHG]

I think it may be worse than that.... Any water that goes into the sump gets pumped up. Once it goes over the overflow it returns.... Water flowing into the sump (when there are no issues) will retun to the DT... Big pump equals a faster turn around. Small pump equals a slower turn around. The only way the sump water will rise (and others can correct me if I am wrong) is if it is making into the sump my some means other than the top of the overflow. Otherwise it would stop once the level went lower that the top of the overflow...


I think you have a leak on your overflow seams... If so you need to tear it down and re-seal lit..


Just turn off your return. If the overflow goes empty or down to the top of your plumbing, the water level in the sump should stop rising. If your overflow has a leak, the DT will drain .... Your overflow I'll only drain if your bulkhead shave an internal leak... Wich will not drain your DT unless you also have an overflow seam leak...

If it was just your return line lock the water would only go as low as that. Your eheim pump would likely handle any of these leaks and keep it from overflowing unless it was a huge amount of water....

[gb530]

I wouldn't think its from the threads of your bulkheads and there's no way its coming from the sealed Oring.

However, I am having the same problem with my overflow and I know my overflow box doesn't leak. I did a leak test before setting it up and its a brand new tank. If my system shuts down, there is a small leak coming from the outlet drain pipe. See the image below for the kind I have. I think it leaks from the red area I circled and slowly leaks from the inside of the pipe down into the sump. I think my sump could handle all the water if my entire overflow box emptied into it but its pretty annoying. What kind of overflow kit do you have???

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=215510&stc=1&d=1356765131

[gb530]

Also, I've been watching and following your thread since the beginning. Awesome built man! Very clean look. :beer:

[premilove]

This is great. I have a similar tank, only difference is that my tank is an inch higher. Anyway you can upload a video of your plumbing for your sump?

[thedoogan]

I think it may be worse than that.... Any water that goes into the sump gets pumped up. Once it goes over the overflow it returns.... Water flowing into the sump (when there are no issues) will retun to the DT... Big pump equals a faster turn around. Small pump equals a slower turn around. The only way the sump water will rise (and others can correct me if I am wrong) is if it is making into the sump my some means other than the top of the overflow. Otherwise it would stop once the level went lower that the top of the overflow...


I think you have a leak on your overflow seams... If so you need to tear it down and re-seal lit..


Just turn off your return. If the overflow goes empty or down to the top of your plumbing, the water level in the sump should stop rising. If your overflow has a leak, the DT will drain .... Your overflow I'll only drain if your bulkhead shave an internal leak... Wich will not drain your DT unless you also have an overflow seam leak...

If it was just your return line lock the water would only go as low as that. Your eheim pump would likely handle any of these leaks and keep it from overflowing unless it was a huge amount of water....

Thank you for the reply. I don't suspect that is the case though.
I've been running some tests and it's not coming from the return lines. I closed the ball valves and shut off the main pump, there is clear vinyl tubing before the valve and if leaks were coming from the returns I would see them fill with water.

The water line in the DT never quite reaches below the top of the overflow box when the pumps are off. I have the standpipes above the glass walls of the overflow box and below the teeth. I wanted the walls higher but I guess the teeth were pre-made with the overflow or something, the builder would not do it. So I run the standpipes higher than the wall and below the top of the teeth.

I now suspect the extra water addition to the sump is coming from water continuing to slowly come over the top of the standpipe, with help from water turbulence made by the vortech. Shutting off the gate valve to the lowest stand pipe, or capping the top and the water does not continue to rise in the sump.

I wouldn't think its from the threads of your bulkheads and there's no way its coming from the sealed Oring.

However, I am having the same problem with my overflow and I know my overflow box doesn't leak. I did a leak test before setting it up and its a brand new tank. If my system shuts down, there is a small leak coming from the outlet drain pipe. See the image below for the kind I have. I think it leaks from the red area I circled and slowly leaks from the inside of the pipe down into the sump. I think my sump could handle all the water if my entire overflow box emptied into it but its pretty annoying. What kind of overflow kit do you have???


What is that wider area of pipe in the red circled area ?
Mine is a herbie style overflow with two simple standpipes. Just a straight pipe into a threaded adapter and screwed into the bulkhead. On the other side is a gate valve to control the flow (make it silent) and the other taller standpipe no valve.

Also, I've been watching and following your thread since the beginning. Awesome built man! Very clean look. :beer:
Thank you! :beer:

[ValorG]

Amazing attention to detail! Nice diy skills

[gb530]

What is that wider area of pipe in the red circled area ?


Thank you! :beer:

The larger center part is so the pipe can go up and down, to adjust and also so it can be used with different sized tanks (height wise). Its a complete overflow kit I purchased, not DIY

[thedoogan]

The larger center part is so the pipe can go up and down, to adjust and also so it can be used with different sized tanks (height wise). Its a complete overflow kit I purchased, not DIY

That's an awesome feature, but could be a weak point and your leak. How does it attach to the bulkhead? can you unscrew it and try your own standard standpipe?

[drock59]

Any updates?

[kga943]

very nice your a reefer genius

[miatawnt2b]

I'd love to see some updates! I threatened to steal that light mounting idea and as promised I did. I have a pic in my gallery (don't ask how I keep the water in there... It's magic.

[teamschreiba]

Great looking build! I can't wait to see it fully stocked.

[DINOSAURS]

Wow, simply inspiring build. I just discovered this thread so pardon me if you've mentioned this earlier, but would you mind sharing the type of paint/ coating you used to finish the stand? I'm attempting to achieve a similarly clean look myself :) Thanks!!!

[cugly]

Really nice...like the clean shallow set up..

[thedoogan]

Wow, simply inspiring build. I just discovered this thread so pardon me if you've mentioned this earlier, but would you mind sharing the type of paint/ coating you used to finish the stand? I'm attempting to achieve a similarly clean look myself :) Thanks!!!
Thank you!
I used a couple coats of oil based primer, sanded smooth between coats. Then a couple coats if I believe water based paint and sanded between coats. Then a couple coats of polyurethane(no sanding!) I think there are more details somewhere in the thread.

Really nice...like the clean shallow set up..
Thanks!

Great looking build! I can't wait to see it fully stocked.
Me too! I'm considering a small McCosker's flasher wrasse next but i'm not sure if I want to put a mesh top on or not.

very nice your a reefer genius
haha thank you.

[thedoogan]

Any updates?
Here ya go!
I'd love to see some updates! I threatened to steal that light mounting idea and as promised I did. I have a pic in my gallery (don't ask how I keep the water in there... It's magic.
That worked out nice!

The tank is doing well, things are starting to settle in and start growing. The brown birds nests have really started to get their nice green back and are putting on lots of growth. The monti caps are starting to put on some nice new growth as well. The acros are showing new growth and encrusting to the rocks but are still very brown. The dendrophylia is doing very well and putting out new heads, getting bigger fast. I was in Mexico for a week and everything kept pretty stable. The marine magic doser is keeping alkalinity and calcium fairly stable after lots of tweaking.[/size]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8449836694_cbd6ffed46_b.jpg
Monti cap overhangs
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8448751445_daca880c17_c.jpg
The most colorful coral in the tank so far
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8448750185_75d67266e8_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8448751191_fb7249bb9b_c.jpg
Under blue LED
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8448751531_b5f6a9c766_c.jpg
Brown acro island
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8449836754_dc85e20346_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8449836670_2f33c78dc6_c.jpg
*
I just picked up a bunch of new SPS which are in the coral quarantine.

-really nice red planet piece
-blue tort, very hard to photograph! but the blues are intense! I really hope I can maintain these colors.
-mini piece of millepora that broke off
-yellow acro w blue tips
-green slimer with blue tips
-red millepora, apparently lots its color being low in the tank and is currently purple-ish
-purple pocillopora
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8449817100_21c75f0f60_c.jpg
sorry, crappy photo
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8449817056_76b70a96d3_c.jpg
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[thedoogan]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8448731193_a8141c5603_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8448728463_8f70ed63a6_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8462903669_694782bed3_h.jpg
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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8472910870_83af7148bf_c.jpg
Under blue LED
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8477243569_4f7d88b94a_b.jpg

And a quick time-lapse of the Zoas
http://youtu.be/NLS53krN2C8

[sahin]

Very nice! Frags look very healthy and happy in your tank. :thumbsup:

[footballdude2k3]

Wonderful pictures, cannot wait to see how this looks in 6-12 months, fantastic job!

[Chrissypoo]

whats the intensity of the Radion?

[footballdude2k3]

I might have missed this, but what lighting do you have in your QT? do you acclimate them to your lights and start on the bottom working them towards the top? Or do you just put them in and let them go? How long have you been keeping them in QT?

[Chihuahua6]

Wow that's a beautiful tank. You have some photography skills too. What camera do you use? Amazing.

[thedoogan]

Very nice! Frags look very healthy and happy in your tank. :thumbsup:
Thanks, lets hope they keep on once I move them to the display.
Wonderful pictures, cannot wait to see how this looks in 6-12 months, fantastic job!
Thanks!
whats the intensity of the Radion?
The radion is at 65% right now, I'm not sure what intensity I should be aiming for yet but I started at 40% and increased 5% a week.
I might have missed this, but what lighting do you have in your QT? do you acclimate them to your lights and start on the bottom working them towards the top? Or do you just put them in and let them go? How long have you been keeping them in QT?
My QT tank is lit by two 24 watt T5's with a KZ coral light II and a super blue.
The QT have egg crate stair steps so I've been usually starting them on the lower one and see how it is and move it up later. Except for a few frags I know came from the very top of a strong halide lit tank. I keep them in the QT tank for 4 weeks from the last addition. The QT runs constantly and has a water change once a week from the display tank. Dosing is a manual two part drip.
Wow that's a beautiful tank. You have some photography skills too. What camera do you use? Amazing.
Thank you! I'm using a Canon Rebel T2i with kit lens, and my macro shots all done with a 50 mm f1.4 with Kenko extension tubes.

[thedoogan]

Picked up 3 new really nice aquacultured pieces from Bali. One small colony RTN FAST after a dip and almost took out the QT. Water went cloudy and smelled of acro death causing everything to close up. after an emergency water change and some carbon, things were back to normal. I fragged some very small pieces and cut my loses, Painful. Everything in the QT is looking great, the red planet has encrusted to the eggcrate already.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8498786514_71a007c261_b.jpg
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http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8504933195_8598251155_c.jpg

[thedoogan]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8544269650_6069cf9fe1_b.jpg
mesenterial filaments at the base, maybe scoping the area for future encrusting?
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8543166411_af1920ecf1_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8544263858_4e289b0517_b.jpg
One month of growth shots on the millepora in my QT tank. Things are growing better in here than my display tank.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8543167419_07a1c310e2_h.jpg

[biggles]

Wow those macro shots are simply stunning mate, i'm going to enjoy following along as you document your reefs progress. Everything is looking great, well done :thumbsup:

[Jadams]

Excellent build! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[footballdude2k3]

Amazing, as always

[popebosephus]

I love the rockwork in this tank. Plenty of room for flow and seems to maximize coral placement. Can't wait to see it in a year.

[Reeftanks6]

This build is incredible. Awesome stuff, on your 3 part doser what are you dosing? How have you liked the marine magic doser?

[thedoogan]

Wow those macro shots are simply stunning mate, i'm going to enjoy following along as you document your reefs progress. Everything is looking great, well done :thumbsup:
Thank you!
Excellent build! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks!
Amazing, as always
:spin1:

This build is incredible. Awesome stuff, on your 3 part doser what are you dosing? How have you liked the marine magic doser?
Thanks. Its my first doser so i dont have much to compare it to. It does the job but you get what you pay for. The pumps MUST be calibrated every now and they and speeds differ greatly from pump to pump. Its easy enough to program but I wish I went ith BRS style dosers with my Apex. Although I wasn't sure how to use 2 low wattage dosers and a low water ATO aqua-lifter on the same EB-8.
I love the rockwork in this tank. Plenty of room for flow and seems to maximize coral placement. Can't wait to see it in a year.
Thanks. I am thinking about changing up the flow, i'm getting some single directional flow in spots leading to weird growth. What do you guys think about adding another mp10 and mounting both to the back wall beside the overflow on opposite sides. Do you think this will get chaotic flow into the center of the tank? I want to keep the right side clear of powerheads as that's one of the main views from the couch.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8547632664_b4c0ed6677.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8546536715_1882e15679_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8546535873_aa06328427_b.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8546535029_effded392f_b.jpg

[biggles]

Here ya go!

The most colorful coral in the tank so far
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8448750185_75d67266e8_c.jpg

Meant to say earlier, that's a stunning pink monti. I see what you mean about the growth sweeping one way on that acro, rather than adding another MP10 why not grab a Tunze 6055 or 6095 for the second unit so you have directional control, best of both worlds. Either way i definitely think adding a second pump is a good idea.

[Reeftanks6]

Thanks for the response! Keep up the good work awesome tank

[thedoogan]

I forgot to mention that I'm using the doser with Randy's two part and magnesium.

[papa_jerry]

Wow!

[zombot]

Dude, sweet brag tank!

Is that an acrylic or glass over flow o.O
And is the back of that tank black glass o.O

[thedoogan]

Haha thanks, the overflow and back are both black glass.

[Reefed419]

This is a dope tank man!

[Kaos]

Very nice. I'm stealing some of your ideas BTW.

[thedoogan]

This is a dope tank man!
Thanks!
Very nice. I'm stealing some of your ideas BTW.

Thanks, you and about 20 others so far:lmao:

[zombot]

How did you paint your stand?
Sand primer paint varnish? The finish on that looks amazing

And how did you get teeth/comb on your weir if it's glass!

[Kaos]

thedoogan: Would you care to elaborate some more on the "leak detector"? Is that something you made yourself or is it a controller attachment? From the picture I'm assuming each wire goes to a + and - on a power source that is attached to an alarm and water closes the circuit?

[thedoogan]

How did you paint your stand?
Sand primer paint varnish? The finish on that looks amazing

And how did you get teeth/comb on your weir if it's glass!

Yeah 2 coats oil based primer sanded between coats. MDF sucks in a lot, especially the sides. 2 coats water based paint sanded between. 2 coats polyurethane semi-gloss, no sanding. The teeth are glued to the inside of the overflow and are pretty thin.

thedoogan: Would you care to elaborate some more on the "leak detector"? Is that something you made yourself or is it a controller attachment? From the picture I'm assuming each wire goes to a + and - on a power source that is attached to an alarm and water closes the circuit?

No power source, it's plugged into my Apex. I have one around the back and side on the floor and another inside the stand around the sump.
It's basically speaker wire, cut and fixed together with metal butts(make sure they are not aluminum) spaced close together. One wire into a # slot on the breakout box and the other side to GND. The butts become contacts and with water between them, it completes the circuit. This turns on a LEAK_FLOOR switch or LEAK_STAND switch and trips sound and email alarms. I'm going to put one on top of my skimmer and trigger it to shut off. recently i had it overflow and dump a week of skimmate into the tank

These is the metal butts spaced close together, there are multiple contact points like this on one string of wire.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/8163082246_57fa8d28dd_z.jpg

[zombot]

Btw,

What are the dimensions of that stand? It looks quite compact.
Nicely done!

[rcypert]

The detail on the notepad is crazy. It looks like something from art class. I wish I was more OCD sometimes.

[rcypert]

The SPS and the photography are outstanding.

[WindyCityFlyer]

Love the build of the stand, lot time and detail went in and it paid off. Looks awesome simple yet elegant.

[S1m0n]

Simply amazing tank. I found ALOT of inspiration to my future tank:)
I love the clean look.

Any update upcomming ? :)

[S1m0n]

How heigh is your stand for the tank ?

[epon]

you have built my favorite tank yet, amazing! bravo! sweet pics too

[5ergio]

Great shallow tank....very nice, clean and planed ... the best!
Congrats...

[Badkarma88]

Very nice tank. If I didn't have a small child that would throw all sorts of things in the water I would love to build something like this.

[gb530]

That's an awesome feature, but could be a weak point and your leak. How does it attach to the bulkhead? can you unscrew it and try your own standard standpipe?

Been a while but..... Yeah, that is a great idea! The pipe fits right into the bulk head and is not glued in. I will cut my own solid piece of piping so there is no weak spot. Thanks!

btw, your tank is looking really good! Keep up the good work man :beer:

[topshotta]

Your tank is absolutely perfect and way to pay attention to detail. I read through the thread and perhaps I've missed this, it looks like you used some of the reef saver rock. What did you do to cycle? Did you add the clowns for that?

[CeeGee]

Love the setup. Everything looks great!

I have a question for you. In your stand you have two fans for ventilation. I have a similar setup but only use one fan. I bought my fan at my LFS and it has a regular style power cord that makes it kind of nice. That however is the only thing nice about it. It is CRAZY LOUD and moves a ton of air. I need to find something better. Are your fans quiet? If so can you elaborate on them?

I also find my fan gets really dirty really quickly and is a pain to clean. I need to come up with a better solution.

[MimicOcto8]

I'm in awe with you setup and how organized it is. Wow

[Chicago]

Nice!,,

[larcomak11]

i can't tell you how many times i have actually read through this whole build. so detailed and so beautiful. by far my favorite tank on here! rimless shallow tanks FTW!

[crn005]

I absolutely love your tank! It's just an over-all clean build. Having said that, I am trying to duplicate your light fixture stand/holder. I used a sharpie to make marks and took my torch to it, but after 45 minutes, it wasn't hot enough. Are there any special techniques that I'm missing? I thought about just using an outdoors propane burner that's used for cooking. I imagine that would get much hotter.

[crn005]

So the burner worked out well but after I clamped it up to my 90 degree frame and let it set, it rebounded by an inch or so. I'm thinking about modifying the frame to overly bend the aluminum to compinsate but I'm afraid if I heat it up twice it will be too brittle. Anyone have experience with this?

[Arkayology]

Amazing tank. I love the simplicity.

[5ergio]

Any updates ?

[thadscottmoore]

??? This is one of my favorite build threads- any updates?

[Dodger745]

No doubt, we need updates! Lol

[ixtcxi]

wow wow wow

[EJPLV]

Great build, we're definitely due for an update!

[reeffreak75]

Just beautiful!! Wish I had the skills to pull something like this.

[hugorsf]

Ask for updates also!!! :)

[furam28]

Definitely a nice build, but this minimalist shallow reef design has been around for a while. Here's a post from 6 years ago: http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/172841-marlons-nano-project/. Looks uncannily similar. Even the sofa is of the same type!

[sahin]

OP hasnt been online since May last year. :(

I was very keenly following this thread because the system is so nicely setup.

[jhmeresqu]

Hi Joel,

First of all I'd like to commend you on your great setup, amazing in all aspects.........I'll I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!....and your coral pics are some, if not the Best, that I've come across both in quality and detail ....simply amazing.
I'm interested in the little cabinet that you built on the side for your stand for the Apex controller and the MP drivers. Can you give me a little more info on it? I'd like to do something similar to my new stand build. Was the interior box portion just glued in place? Can you give me the dimensions you used and where did you purchase the glass? I hope I'll not asking too much....It would be greatly appreciated............Thanks, and continue the great work....

[vetshep]

Awesome tank! I am getting ready to start a new build and thought I wanted a true cube (30x30x30) but after seeing your set up . . . I am not so sure that I don't want to do a shallow cube. Anyway, would you mind sharing where you found your tank, custom or diy? I am considering diy but a bit nervous.

Beautiful build!!

[ifarmer]

very nice setup.

[Fishy 1]

This tank is wow wow wow wow wow. And those pictures are just amazing.

Awesome build:beer:

[lafayettereefer]

I'm going to try and replicate your mounting bracket for your leds this weekend. The tank looks amazing. Get back online and give us an update

[falcona2552]

Bump for update, this is the tank I was inspired to go rimless by

[dh7922]

Awesome tank build! Waiting for updates as well.

[fftfk]

Great tank and stand! Pretty much exactly what I'm trying to recreate.

[Legalreefing]

Great looking tank!

[Dodger745]

Wish we could get this cat to give us an update:)

[AudiSportB5S4]

I'll hop on the update request bandwagon!

Great tank though, looks real clean.

[Fishy 1]

Like everyone else has said, update please:)

[theblennyman]

nice tank build! i also like your specialized stumpjumper! :-)

[SYDaze4]

bump needs an update!

[ReefRescue]

Nice work.

[TheSaltySnailer]

Awesome tank. Looking forward to updates

[bower23]

Dude, exactly what I've been thinking... Exactly! Thanks for sharing. I'm definitely doing something similar. Time to start saving!

[woodnaquanut]

Awesome tank. Looking forward to updates

Good luck with that. OP hasn't posted ANYTHING in two years! :(

It is a beautiful tank. Wonder if it's still up?

[bower23]

Good luck with that. OP hasn't posted ANYTHING in two years! :(

It is a beautiful tank. Wonder if it's still up?

That sucks... I've been out of the hobby for almost that long.

[R35Dan]

This guy needs to come back and update forreal this tank is unreal

[Reeferside]

this guy needs to come back and update forreal this tank is unreal

+1

[Jfannin]

Great build. Reminds me of my stand i built for my 120g that i sold a few days ago because im getting out of the hobby. Of course know that i got to fooling with everything im wanting a new set before the 120g was even gone LOL.

Have to ask what kind of tank do you have? Ive looked at the Deep Blue 24x24x12 but dont like the corner over flow setup.

[tmanning]

Very cool...putting one together now... And like someone else said...I'm stealing the light mount idea.

[BS87]

Very cool...putting one together now... And like someone else said...I'm stealing the light mount idea.

Me too! I am putting together a 24x24x8 planted tank (A 60F on steroids basically) and have been searching for an elegant lighting solutions. That Aluminum is *perfect*. I'm not sure how active this thread is, but if you are reading this, this is exactly what I want my tank to look like, down to the sump. Bravo, such a perfect set up. Something that I will definitely be aspiring to (from a freshwater side).

[bower23]

Mines almost done. The stand is built exactly the same thus far but I'm using a custom acrylic tank 30x24x14. Should have water in it sometime this week.

[David1025]

I love the entire system so modern 👍👍👍👍👍

[David1025]

i hope you don't mind that I am gong to steal your design lol

[crn005]

Just a heads up to anyone trying to build his mounting bracket in the future. The permanent marker idea worked great when I did this a couple of years ago. It truly starts to disappear when the metal is hot enough. As far as the torch to heat the bar up, scrap that. I used a propane outdoor burner (the type used to boil large pots of water) and some oven mits. Draw your lines, crank the burner, grab a beer, and roast that bar like you're grilling. Just turn it over every now and then. Also, I found that making a wooden frame to act as a guide for the bend worked well, at first. However, it's really hard to predict the reflex when it cools. I recommend you manually bend it on the concrete once you get your initial bend made. It gives you a lot more control over your ability to get the perfect bend. Anyway, that was my experience.

[renato120]

Nice setup!

[David1025]

I wish he would come back this is by far the best build does anyone know where he got his tank? Who made it

[JJ650]

I wish he would come back this is by far the best build does anyone know where he got his tank? Who made it

Per his post on page 1: the DT built by Blueworld aquariums

[David1025]

Oh thank you I must have been staring at the pictures and missed that lol

[Sir JRAD]

One of the sickest settups ive seen, nice one mate.

[sahin]

This thread has a life of its own...the OP hasnt been online for about 2 years. Would have loved to see how this tank turned out. :(

[shawnriv]

Attention to detail.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/8163054631_fe64047121_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8163055419_7d5d2c1bc4_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/8163087184_2f0d99f091_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8163054499_632dc37118_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/8163087260_a0a97a6564_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/8163054727_8ba826ab4a_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/8163055325_48916a044a_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/8163055079_6a8a33b4a4_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/8163054967_05716cd4a9_z.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/8163055233_d0dbaa3245_z.jpg

I apologize in advanced if this has been answered before (I just came across your build). What material did you use to wrap the stand? I am about to make my first attempt at building a stand for my 48x24x13 inch rimless tank. Thanks!

[ronl]

Doogan hasn't updated this thread in quite a while, but this is from post #73 on page 3:

I used MDF for the side panels. The ends were sanded and everything had a couple coats of primer, then sanded, a couple coats of paint, then sanded and a couple coats of polyurethane. MDF really sucks in a lot of primer for the first coats.

[worldcitizen93]

what kind of paint did you use on the stand?

[sahin]

OP hasnt been online for nearly two years...

[chilli_reef]

Very very nice !

[mfinn]

OP hasnt been online for nearly two years...



I've been subscribed to the thread all this time waiting for Doogan to return.
I've love how he did everything. Really put so thought into it.

I did a modified version of his light hanger.

[worldcitizen93]

This is the only part of the project I didn't build myself. I designed the DT and it was built by Blueworld aquariums. They did a fantastic job with very clean seams and black glass overflow. Noway I could get seams that clean. Some seams in the sump I did are pretty ugly.

how long did this build take you? working on a build with the same tank dimensions.

[csviggiano]

amazing great inspiration

[lshihata]

Hello everyone,

I've lurked on ReefCentral for a long time now, only asking the occasional question. I thought I would introduce myself with my latest build.
I'm Joel, and this is the beginning of my reef addiction:crazy1:

Current tank
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/8165804529_ca3755fa4a_c.jpghttp://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/8165836184_e71e4dccfc_c.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/8163050861_db67ef303b_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8163050531_db376fa800_c.jpg
Equipment

Tank: 24x24x11
Sump: 21x21x12
Lighting: Ecotech Radion
Flow: Vortech Mp10
Backup: Ecotech batter backup
Return Pump: Eheim 1250
Heaters: 2x 75 watt Ebo-Jager
Skimmer: SC65
Controller: Neptune Apex - Temp/pH probes
TopOff: Breakout box/2 float switches+Aqualifter
Bio-Filtration: 50 lbs Marco dry rock + Refugium
Mech-Filtration: TLF 150 Reactor, Carbon+Rowaphos
Dosing: Two-Part - Marine Magic triple doser
Quarantine: 20 long, Mag250, Ebo-Jager 100 watt, SC65, TLF reactor, Tunze nano6015, Hydor425


The Design
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7177500473_6bcc690f86.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7177463249_7a82f2c7ef.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7362687322_89e0e5104e.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7177463333_33bf02fe46.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/7126393825_0a79a39d50.jpg


I love the look of a sleek, modern aquarium. I'm currently planning a tank setup similar to yours with a custom stand as well. I will be using 1/4 inch MDF board painted gloss white for my outside finish, similar to yours. I have a question as to how you sealed your finish? The face is easy, but how'd you get a smooth finish of the edges?

[A222]

The view of the corals is just breathtaking! Hope thosein carantine will be doing well:thumbsup: