Dotcommer’s Reef - 300 Gallon 10’ x 2’ x 2’ Mixed Reef Build, Scottsdale AZ

[dotcommer]

My first large build is finally coming to fruition, so I thought it was time to start my build thread. Below is a quick background about me.

Since I moved to Arizona at the age of 11, I have been fascinated with fish keeping. During my teenage years, I kept African Cichlids for several years and moved onto a saltwater swim tank for about a year back in the late 80’s.

After moving out of my parents’ house and living in apartments I never was able to find the place and time to get back into the hobby. My first wife wasn’t too keen on me getting a huge aquarium, thus a wife no longer :mixed:, so I waited and got married again to get back into the hobby.

Joking aside, I always had a passion for fish keeping but with my business and traveling so much it just wasn’t the right time.

About two years ago after several years of trying to start a family, my wife and I started the adoption process of our two sons Joseph and James who are now 8 & 9 years old. During that time we were blessed with our son Chance who is now 22 months old and we just became legal guardians for our niece Cyndi who is 9 years old. Since we went from 0 to 4 kids within two years and having two boys and a niece at an age to start appreciating the hobby, I decided to buy them a 30 Gallon Bow Front Tank and fill it up with Fresh Water fish. (Turning point in my life)

Having so much fun going to Local Fish Stores, picking out fish and setting up their tank, I happened to stop in at a LFS called Reef Culture in Scottsdale AZ. Walking through the store and seeing their incredible reef tanks, I WAS HOOKED. Immediately I started researching the Internet, going to every LFS, asking questions, joining forums to learn as much as possible while searching for my first reef tank. I finally found a great deal on craigslist for a Redsea Max 250 (60 Gallon) and started my reef keeping craze.

After months of looking at my 60 Gallon and seeing all of these beautiful tanks in the “Large Reef Tanks” section of RC, I had to get a larger tank. I told my wife that the only way to really learn this hobby is to get a larger tank that has a sump, protein skimmer, reactors, controllers etc.. to practice on so I can make my mistakes now before I will upgrade to an in-wall tank in the living room. She agreed to let me get a larger tank and put in the basement so I would stop bugging her.

I found a nice 125 Gallon tank and stand off of craigslist's and after a few weeks of searching for items and seeing what kind of money I was getting ready to spend, I knew I wouldn't be happy with the size of the 125 and felt it would be ridiculous to double buy things since I would want to go larger. So I decided to put a halt on my purchases and started searching for a larger tank.

I decided not to tell my wife that I was searching for a much larger tank, I figured it would be better to ask her for forgiveness than permission.

A few weeks later when my wife tried pulling into the garage, she was met with this monstrosity of acrylic which just so happened to hold 300 Gallons of water.

So here we are today with my 300 Gallon Build thread.

[dotcommer]

This is the tank before we started the scratch removal.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_20120828_235336_zps20779506.jpg
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_20120902_001651_zpse1f15987.jpg

[dotcommer]

Here's my saltwater changing station being built
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_20120917_172919_zpsb08cd56d.jpg

Here's what it looks like today
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/D1874F3C-5628-4358-8C44-28F32DEDBEDB-3188-00000252094DBDE3_zps092bb61a.jpg

[dotcommer]

My RODI system from Bulk Reef Supply
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_20120809_213206-1_zps69b43fd0.jpg

Part of my Rocks from Marco Rocks
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_20120818_194348_zps5bf8136f.jpg

[dotcommer]

My Stand being built

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20Gallon%20Stand%20Build/IMG_20121030_135456_zpsebadd3b2.jpg

Here are my leveling legs, to make sure the tank is level. Once level, shims will be put under the tubular steel, since these legs are not meant to carry much weight.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20Gallon%20Stand%20Build/IMG_20121030_135407_zps977165ef.jpg

[dotcommer]

Getting the stand down into the basement was a bunch of fun.
We had to build this swing set style contraption to lower this very heavy stand into the basement.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20Gallon%20Stand%20Build/IMG_20121114_153853_zpsd1177446.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/IMG_20121114_153756_zps46c1dbec.jpg

[dotcommer]

Getting ready to go over the edge

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/IMG_20121114_153804_zpsf7b4f495.jpg

Being Lowered down

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/IMG_20121114_155743_zps13d6b545.jpg

Finally Safe on the ground and nobody was hurt and nothing destroyed. http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/IMG_20121114_160529_zpsfe3cca2c.jpg

[dotcommer]

This will be its final resting place.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/IMG_20121121_180854_zpsf4ea2bcf.jpg

[dotcommer]

We just finished installing the corner overflow boxes and painting the back black.

My acrylic guy is going on vacation for two weeks and once he returns he will be taking off from where I left on the scratch removal. I should have the tank back in my possession by the week before Christmas.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/IMG_20121120_160357_zpsfa9f78c7.jpg

[Osteoclast]

Looking good Dotcommer. It is always amazing to me how many of us got our start with cichlids. I did as well back in the late 70s. Good luck with your build.

[SUPPOReefer]

Looks great so far. A good wife, in my opinion, is the most important factor in keeping a successful reef.

[Elliott]

very nice! :thumbsup:

[dca22anderson]

Looking great! Nicely done!

[danfeig]

Sweet!

I am very excited for you!

[dotcommer]

Thanks everyone for the support posts. I am pretty excited about getting this build going. I've never owned such a large tank before and thanks to this RC Website, I have learned a lot from everyone.

It's exciting to read through all the large tank builds, there is so much to learn about this hobby.

[dotcommer]

My salt arrived today. Purchased it from BRS, for $45 a bucket.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/E5BABA15-463A-42F4-9DE2-2B9E95E00FEC-3188-00000232079B1BD8_zps8f232c68.jpg

[DavidinGA]

Gonna be sweet!

Sent by Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and Tapatalk 2

[tommer725]

Looks great so far. A good wife, in my opinion, is the most important factor in keeping a successful reef.

lol yep

[dotcommer]

Looks great so far. A good wife, in my opinion, is the most important factor in keeping a successful reef.

I agree,

Earlier today, while out Christmas shopping we decided to stop by a store that sells beautiful Christmas decorations and as soon as she walked in the store, she fell in love with this Christmas Tree flower arrangement thing.

After looking at the price, I started thinking to myself, hmm, that's almost as expensive as the Vortech MP60 I want to buy.

Then I blurted out, Do we really need another Christmas decoration?

She immediately responded with:
You have spent so much money on dead fish and dead corals? At least we can enjoy this for several years.

I shut my mouth, handed her my wallet and said to myself HAPPY WIFE, HAPPY LIFE!!!

As you can see from the photo below, it now resides outside our master bedroom.


http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/EDEDBCCA-70BA-4BC1-908B-2918170FBC79-3188-000003E0A22E4F55_zps893cd1c1.jpg

[d-man]

nice! i just unloaded a wife and picked up a 130"x2'x2' as well. No one to tell me NO anymore.

[dotcommer]

nice! i just unloaded a wife and picked up a 130"x2'x2' as well. No one to tell me NO anymore.

:lol2: Now that's one way to solve it.

[dotcommer]

I came back from Boston this past week to find out that two of the fans in my 60 Gallon Redsea Max Canopy stopped working and my chiller was disconnected. So the result was a water temperature of 85 degrees in the morning. I can only imagine what the temperature rose to when the lights were on.

I lost most of the corals and my flame angel. My bubble tips went from red to pink and are a lot smaller. All the other fish are doing fine along with most of my zoas and mushrooms.

I have my new Apex Controller sitting in the box waiting to go on the 300 Gallon.

I can definitely see the importance of a controller.

My acrylic guy just got back from vacation this weekend, so hopefully he will be able to make some progress on my tank this week.

[Newbie Aquarist]

Man that's a bummer. Good thing you didn't lose everything but still sucks you did lose some stuff. You reefers do it big in AZ so I know you will bounce back.


Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

[dca22anderson]

Can't wait for you to get this bad boy rockin'! You will love the piece of mind the apex provides...I can view tank stats on my phone and check the webcam feed to see that all is well when I travel...I hope you have the same success with yours! Keep up the sweet progress! ;-)

[Chihuahua6]

First off congratulations on your family! That's amazing. I am a mom of four kid all close in age so I can relate. They have their own 75 gallon freshwater aquarium. It was kindly given to us by a neighbor leaving the hobby who knocked on my door after seeing my lights in the window ; )


I love the dimensions of your tank! I am currently refinishing my second acrylic tank. I am curious how you started the refinishing process and why you didn't finish it? Did you run into problems. My tank is finally scratch free after many grits of micro mesh and a random orbital sander.

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

[ericdm]

I am currently having the exact same tank built for me the builder is also making me a custom stand and canopy out of oak. This will be my first acrylic tank ive known the builder for a couple years now and he says he will guarantee everything for life. My question is how thick is ur tank my builder is making the whole tank out of. 5in acrylic with the whole top eurobraced with 3 large openings. I know acrylic is much stronger than glass and my last marineland 220 was made of. 5in glass so im assuming especially with a lifelong guarantee the builder knows what he is doing and. 5in is fine especially with the bracing on top. Also what are you going to be using for heaters and lighting? Im thinking of 3 evolution 200 w leds parellel with the tank a sro 5000int skimmer and 2 500 watt titanium heaters

[dotcommer]

First off congratulations on your family! That's amazing. I am a mom of four kid all close in age so I can relate. They have their own 75 gallon freshwater aquarium. It was kindly given to us by a neighbor leaving the hobby who knocked on my door after seeing my lights in the window ; )


I love the dimensions of your tank! I am currently refinishing my second acrylic tank. I am curious how you started the refinishing process and why you didn't finish it? Did you run into problems. My tank is finally scratch free after many grits of micro mesh and a random orbital sander.

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

Thanks for the post. It was a great learning process on polishing out the tank. I tried a few different methods ie: by hand (way to long) straight line sander, orbital sander etc.. at first, i wasn't going with a low enough grit and it was taken for ever to get some of the deeper scratches out. I practiced on the top of the tank and was able to get amazing results going as low as 400 Grit and working my way up to 3000 grit and then polishing it.

I was getting ready to do the front of the tank and got busy etc.. then I took the tank to the acrylic guy to have my overflows put in. He does sanding and polishing, so I decided to have him finish it up for me.

I am going down hopefully tomorrow if I have time to see the finished product.

[dotcommer]

Man that's a bummer. Good thing you didn't lose everything but still sucks you did lose some stuff. You reefers do it big in AZ so I know you will bounce back.

Yeah, it was a real bummer coming home to see the tank like that. My wife looked at it today and said "Your Tank Looks Horrible" . One of the few things that lived was my bright Red Buble Tips which are now Pink and white and much smaller. Pics below.


Bubble Tip before catastrophic event.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/Red%20Sea%20Max%20250/IMG_20120707_153231_zps83b0608d.jpg

Bubble Tip after catastrophic event. Actually the bleached out pink ones look pretty cool, but the rest of the tank looks horrible.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/A6C59FE7-B8BB-4BDC-9234-6A8231B665CE-2929-000001865E5C7DC5_zps232bc6cb.jpg

My desolate tank after catastrophic event.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/DABDD102-5F63-4777-BB58-BB0FDF7AC66C-2929-0000018754AD95F1_zps334e4053.jpg

[dotcommer]

Can't wait for you to get this bad boy rockin'! You will love the piece of mind the apex provides...I can view tank stats on my phone and check the webcam feed to see that all is well when I travel...I hope you have the same success with yours! Keep up the sweet progress! ;-)

I am looking forward to getting it set up and to playing with it. Thanks for checking out my build thread.

[dotcommer]

I am currently having the exact same tank built for me the builder is also making me a custom stand and canopy out of oak. This will be my first acrylic tank ive known the builder for a couple years now and he says he will guarantee everything for life. My question is how thick is ur tank my builder is making the whole tank out of. 5in acrylic with the whole top eurobraced with 3 large openings. I know acrylic is much stronger than glass and my last marineland 220 was made of. 5in glass so im assuming especially with a lifelong guarantee the builder knows what he is doing and. 5in is fine especially with the bracing on top. Also what are you going to be using for heaters and lighting? Im thinking of 3 evolution 200 w leds parellel with the tank a sro 5000int skimmer and 2 500 watt titanium heaters

Congrats on your new tank. A lot of people said I will really enjoy having a 10 foot tank. Others have said they like the 2 foot height, since you can still place corals, clean etc.. by hand. I bought the tank used and it was made out of .5 thick acrylic. It has two cut outs on the top of the tank. I just put in two corner overflows, but I am thinking about maybe added a coast to coast in between the two corner overflows. However, I need to talk with my acrylic guy first to see if it can be done.

As far as heating the tank, I haven't thought much about it, I am more concerned about chilling the tank, since I live in Arizona and may be using MH lights to light my tank.

I have an SRO 5000 int. just like yours, but I may be incorporating a second smaller skimmer and SRO 2000 which I own also. I would run one wet and the other dry. Since I am designing my sump right now which is a 180 Gallon tank I will have plenty of room for a second skimmer.

[ericdm]

Sounds like a awesome setup I was a little concerned with the .5in acrylic on a 10-2-2 but seeing that u have the same tank and have seen other large tanks online with half in and euro bracing it makes me feel much safer. I want this tank to last a very long time. My concern was haviing the tank bow badly I was considering a 120x24x20 for that reason if you could help me decide on either a 20" height or 24" height I'd appreciate it as my builder has not begun building the tank yet I love the long low look but would like the 4" of height for my display tank just worried about bowing as this is my first acrylic tank. Thank you for your help can't wait to see your build come together.

[dotcommer]

My concern on .5" acrylic is the bowing. I haven't filled the tank all the way up with water so I am hoping it isn't an issue. If I was going to build the tank from scratch, I would go with a little bit thicker acrylic, but then again, I am not a tank manufacturer. The tank weight is nice, its not very hard to move around with just two people. I wouldn't go any shorter than 24" on the height. Since acrylic comes in 4' x 8' or 4' x 10' sheets, there would be no savings going down to 20" .

There are different quality acrylics as well. So you may want to ask which one he is going to use.

Since my tank is so long and not so tall, I built a taller stand. I am at 37" right now, but once I put on a 1" board, and 1" Styrofoam, I should be closer to 39" which I feel will be a great viewing height. I also built the stand 30" deep. My ideal tank would be 30" Tall, 30" deep and 10 feet long (540 Gallons) if I don't do an inwall tank in my living room. With my existing stand, I would be able to go with that size tank if needed.

[dotcommer]

Sounds like a awesome setup I was a little concerned with the .5in acrylic on a 10-2-2 but seeing that u have the same tank and have seen other large tanks online with half in and euro bracing it makes me feel much safer. I want this tank to last a very long time. My concern was haviing the tank bow badly I was considering a 120x24x20 for that reason if you could help me decide on either a 20" height or 24" height I'd appreciate it as my builder has not begun building the tank yet I love the long low look but would like the 4" of height for my display tank just worried about bowing as this is my first acrylic tank. Thank you for your help can't wait to see your build come together.


My concern on .5" acrylic is the bowing. I haven't filled the tank all the way up with water so I am hoping it isn't an issue. If I was going to build the tank from scratch, I would go with a little bit thicker acrylic, but then again, I am not a tank manufacturer. The tank weight is nice, its not very hard to move around with just two people. I wouldn't go any shorter than 24" on the height. Since acrylic comes in 4' x 8' or 4' x 10' sheets, there would be no savings going down to 20" .

There are different quality acrylics as well. So you may want to ask which one he is going to use.

Since my tank is so long and not so tall, I built a taller stand. I am at 37" right now, but once I put on a 1" board, and 1" Styrofoam, I should be closer to 39" which I feel will be a great viewing height. I also built the stand 30" deep. My ideal tank would be 30" Tall, 30" deep and 10 feet long (540 Gallons) if I don't do an inwall tank in my living room. With my existing stand, I would be able to go with that size tank if needed.

[ericdm]

Sounds good the builder already ordered 2 sheets of 120x48 celll cast acrylic so i can have him cut it down to 20in if i want as he has not started to build the tank yet. Im looking forward to seeing pictures of your set up and cant wait to get mine im just trying to make a final decision on 24in or 20in high due to. 5in strength

[dotcommer]

A quick update:

I have been in Flagstaff for the last 10 days with the family and will be heading home tomorrow. While on vacation, I have spent a lot of time on the boards and researching things for my build.

I decided to go a different route on my overflow design. I started out with just corner overflows, however I am now going with a custom design that I haven't seen done before. Its going to be an Internal Weir / Corner overflow combo. I started a thread on RC here (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2248778) to get some input and design ideas.

Below is a drawing of what I am doing.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/InternalWeir-noteethbridge_zps8f550a90.jpg

I have been reading a lot about Coast to Coast overflows and how they make skimming your tank much more efficient. This is why I have decided to go this route.

I am also planning on using two skimmers, one will be used for wet skimming and the other for dry skimming.

I will be most likely be going with two MP60's (one on each side) and a few MP40's along the back wall.

My acrylic guy has already built my internal weir and will be installing it this week. He should also be finishing up the polishing of the tank as well. So hopefully I will be bringing the tank home by the end of the week.

[dotcommer]

MY TANK HAS ARRIVED!!!!

I am happy to say that my tank made it safely down into my basement and no one was harmed.

It was pretty stressful but I am happy to say everything went perfectly.

Below are a few pics of the event.

Getting the tank all set up and ready for the big drop
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1341_zpsf7e6716e.jpg

Launched and ready for its descent.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1345_zpsd31fcab1.jpg

Descending downwards
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1349_zpsfc656c25.jpg

A view from below
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1346_zpsf007be89.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1347_zps2d322cc5.jpg

Almost done
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1354_zpsa0c51cf4.jpg

In its final resting place
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1357_zps45d56319.jpg

My son Chance making sure the stand can handle his weight.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1372_zps5ad476a8.jpg

The kids acting like fish.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1385_zps358513fe.jpg

[Elliott]

great to see the tank sitting there! let the plumbing begin! :thumbsup:

[Newbie Aquarist]

[/QUOTE]
The kids acting like fish.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1385_zps358513fe.jpg[/QUOTE]

Did you borrow some children for the size shot? Cool.



Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

[janey]

AAAAAAAaaaa Cute.

[Newbie Aquarist]

You gotta show pics of this hybrid overflow.

[danfeig]

Awesome Dotcommer!

I am very happy for you! Now the fun begins!!!!!

[dca22anderson]

Great progress! Looks like you will have room for lots of corals & fish in there if you can convince those five cute kiddos to hop out!

[dotcommer]

great to see the tank sitting there! let the plumbing begin! :thumbsup:

Thanks, yes now the fun begins.

[dotcommer]

The kids acting like fish.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_1385_zps358513fe.jpg[/QUOTE]

Did you borrow some children for the size shot? Cool.
[/QUOTE]

LOL, they had fun and now want to swim in it when filled with water.
From left to right, son James 8, son chance 2, niece Cynid 9, nephew Clay 4, son Joseph 9

[dotcommer]

You gotta show pics of this hybrid overflow.

It turned out pretty good, once filled with water and running I will let you know if it worked :-). I will take some picks and post them in the next fews days.

[dotcommer]

Awesome Dotcommer!

I am very happy for you! Now the fun begins!!!!!

Great progress! Looks like you will have room for lots of corals & fish in there if you can convince those five cute kiddos to hop out!

Thanks guys. hopefully some day it will look half as good as yours. You two are a great inspiration to the hobby. Keep up the great threads and tanks.

[tommer725]

update?

[dotcommer]

update?

Latest update.

I have been purchasing equipment for my build and installing some of it on my 90 Gallon since all the livestock will be moving from there into my 300 Gallon. I decided that right now would be a good time to start learning and playing with the new gadgets. I spent about a week learning and programming my APEX controller. What an amazing product, you can spend weeks learning the advanced programming features.

I purchased two MP 40's and the WMX controller. The MP 40's will most likely go along the back wall along with one or two more and I am planning on picking up two MP60's for each side of the tank.

My sump is in the process of being built, I just need to finalize the specs and send them over. Hopefully I can get that done this weekend.

I still need to decide on a lot of things like lighting, canopy design, plumbing rock layout etc..

I've decided to go with two drains in each overflow, one 2" and one 1 1/2" as the backup in each corner.

I decided not to go with a closed loop even though I have all the holes in the bottom of the tank. I am going to purchase some schedule 80 bulk heads to seal up the holes, but still have the ability to add a closed loop later on, if I decide to go that route.

I picked up some dosing pumps from BRS and have the set up on my APEX, which is so nice to have.

I've also been looking at different webcams so I can view my tank from anywhere. I purchased an IP webcam and set up my router to allow me to view it outside the house. Just need to figure out how to get it on my APEX dashboard since the camera doesn't do MJPEG.

I still need to take some pics of my coast to coast with corner overflow design. I will try to get them up within the next week.

There's more, but since it is 2:30am, I will save the rest for later.

Thanks everyone for checking in.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/1EA3EDB4-0033-4E42-859C-1E303F19EBAF-5597-0000040C15BD13CC_zps56062d05.jpg

[Newbie Aquarist]

I am glad things are going well for you. Keep up the good work.

[danfeig]

Latest update.

I have been purchasing equipment for my build and installing some of it on my 90 Gallon since all the livestock will be moving from there into my 300 Gallon. I decided that right now would be a good time to start learning and playing with the new gadgets. I spent about a week learning and programming my APEX controller. What an amazing product, you can spend weeks learning the advanced programming features.

I purchased two MP 40's and the WMX controller. The MP 40's will most likely go along the back wall along with one or two more and I am planning on picking up two MP60's for each side of the tank.

My sump is in the process of being built, I just need to finalize the specs and send them over. Hopefully I can get that done this weekend.

I still need to decide on a lot of things like lighting, canopy design, plumbing rock layout etc..

I've decided to go with two drains in each overflow, one 2" and one 1 1/2" as the backup in each corner.

I decided not to go with a closed loop even though I have all the holes in the bottom of the tank. I am going to purchase some schedule 80 bulk heads to seal up the holes, but still have the ability to add a closed loop later on, if I decide to go that route.

I picked up some dosing pumps from BRS and have the set up on my APEX, which is so nice to have.

I've also been looking at different webcams so I can view my tank from anywhere. I purchased an IP webcam and set up my router to allow me to view it outside the house. Just need to figure out how to get it on my APEX dashboard since the camera doesn't do MJPEG.

I still need to take some pics of my coast to coast with corner overflow design. I will try to get them up within the next week.

There's more, but since it is 2:30am, I will save the rest for later.

Thanks everyone for checking in.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/1EA3EDB4-0033-4E42-859C-1E303F19EBAF-5597-0000040C15BD13CC_zps56062d05.jpg

All great equipment Dotcommer!

If you need help with your programming for your Apex, let me know. We have a lot of the same equipment!

Neptune Systems has a great forum on Reef Central with tons of helpful information. Check out their new Flood Detectors too! They may save your marriage!

[jr7168]

this is gonna be awesome

[dotcommer]

All great equipment Dotcommer!

If you need help with your programming for your Apex, let me know. We have a lot of the same equipment!

Neptune Systems has a great forum on Reef Central with tons of helpful information. Check out their new Flood Detectors too! They may save your marriage!

Thank, I may be taking you up on the offer. I just posted a question about Sync and Antisyncing the pumps on the Neptune sight.

[Charfish]

I love the tank installation job with the aerial jig...go big or go home! Great start!

[benjc]

Looks great; have you considered using the 1.5" drains as the primaries and the 2" drains as the backups?

[FUA]

huge fan of the long tanks. I enjoyed the pics of you getting the tank and stand to its final resting place. keep up the good work.

[dotcommer]

Its been a while since I updated the thread mainly because I have been focusing on getting my 90 Gallon reef dialed in. I am using it to grow out corals and to test out some equipment that I will be using on my 300 Gallon like programming the Apex, Setting up and adjusting dosing pumps, really spending the time on my husbandry skills, keeping nitrates and phosphates at zero etc... I have been growing some wild Acros and having some nice success with them.

I was finally able to come up with a sump design that I liked with the help of a good friend CoralreefDoc and was able to get nice size refugium in there.

I picked up the sump a few days ago and started working on the design of having a pull out or slide out sump. That's right, I want to make life easier by creating a pull out sump.

After talking with my office and home jack of all trade handy man and looking at his design ideas along with the hefty cost of building something that would work. I scrapped the idea and came up with a very inexpensive way to do it.

I decided to go with several pieces of PVC pipe to place below the board the sump will be sitting on. The PVC pipe is about 1/4' taller the the bottom tubular steel which the board sitting on top will need to pass.

At first we tested it will a bunch of PVC pipe but when the PVC pipe touched one another it stopped the sump from being pulled out. So we decided to put PVC pipe through the existing PVC pipe (see photo) It worked like a charm. The important thing to do is to leave enough room for the pipe to roll. Whats nice is once the PVC pipe hits the bottom tubular steel, it stops rolling. So depending on where you set it under the sump is how far the sump will pull out.

This is how it started out.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/4D6BAD29-B79B-450E-8C48-66531AA15E73-1698-00000117BDFF5534_zpsfb3423a1.jpg

Then we needed to make sure there the PVC pipe didn't touch the other pipe, so we came up with this idea. The first and last PVC pipe goes all the way through the first and last tube while the others are shorter and just keep the tubes in place.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/0F88E1AF-CC4F-459E-8C00-255791D2EABA-1698-00000117C5D8CA6C_zps13b800f1.jpg

Once in place this is what it looks like

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/01AFB76D-6001-4570-BD4B-1E45A56E224E-1698-00000117CDC23F71_zps6d0d4821.jpg

So for right now, until I can come up with a better idea. I will just put an additional removable PVC pipe on the floor when I need to pull out the sump. (as seen previous photo above). This works great. What is amazing to me, is how easily the sump pulls out when filled with water.

This is what is looks like with the sump pulled out and filled with water.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/EAE90B9A-2EBB-4255-922E-A081E2DEF8F1-1698-0000011C8C74B27C_zps61099ceb.jpg


http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/FF283A98-4765-4007-B1AA-1737359773C1-1698-0000011C8E980FC3_zpse4a596d7.jpg

[dotcommer]

Here is quick video of the pull out sump in action. The nice thing besides it costing less than $100 is that it took less then an hour to put together.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7bptIIeMeR8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Newbie Aquarist]

That was my same thought at the beginning of my build. I had my stand build that way without the center brace for that reason. But I or no one could come up with that idea so I scrapped it. Great, simple, and inexpensive idea. Glad it worked out. Good to see an update also.

[dotcommer]

That was my same thought at the beginning of my build. I had my stand build that way without the center brace for that reason. But I or no one could come up with that idea so I scrapped it. Great, simple, and inexpensive idea. Glad it worked out. Good to see an update also.

Once we started adding all the things up to build the roll out sump, it added up quickly and it was going to take several days to build and steel work. This was a very inexpensive way to try it out. I wasn't sure how it would work, but it ended up working out better than we had thought.

I am now working on the canopy which will have rotating MH lights to simulate cloud coverage. Should be Fun!!!

[danfeig]

Great to see an update pal! I was getting a little worried about you. I love the idea of the pull-out sump. I definitely will be copying that idea!

[RJT]

Brilliant idea with the pull out sump. Beautiful home and view from it.

Great quote regarding knowledge in your signature.

[dotcommer]

Great to see an update pal! I was getting a little worried about you. I love the idea of the pull-out sump. I definitely will be copying that idea!

Thanks, it feels good to be diving back into the build.

I am having my canopy built as well right now and its going to be a bit different than most.

I am going to try something new. Rotating MH lights.

On my 90 Gallon the MH lights are attached to the top of the canopy which swings upwards when I need to access the tank. When the canopy is up, my MH are glaring into my room, however the effect on the tank is amazing. The falloff light from the MH, creates and increible shiimmering effect on the water and looks like real world cloud coverage.

Since I love the way LED's allow for thunderstorms and cloud coverage, I can now get somewhat a similar effect with MH.

I am going to have a the lights attached to a rod that will extend across my canopy. I am going to use a Linear Actuator to rotate the lights 45 degrees within my canopy. The actuator will be controlled by my apex and will run in the morning and night to simulate sunrise and sunset and a few times throughout the day to simulate cloud coverage.

I am building my canopy large enough to have everything enclosed so I don't have light glaring into my room like the 90 Gallon. Since my basement has 10' ceilings, I am also going to use an actuator to lift my canopy 21" so I can access my tank to work on it and still have the lights on above to see into the tank. I have a few pics and will post them later.

[Osteoclast]

DC
The sump roller is ingenious. Enjoyed the build. And if you do not mind what is your filtration and maintance plan? Great work to date. Thanks for your time.

[dotcommer]

DC
The sump roller is ingenious. Enjoyed the build. And if you do not mind what is your filtration and maintance plan? Great work to date. Thanks for your time.

Thanks for the compliment. The tank is going to have a 2" and 1 1/2" drain in each corner overflow. The 2" is going the be the main drains and the 1 1/2" will be the emergency drain. The will be going into two 7" socks and will be skimmed by the reef octopus SRO500 skimmer. The fuge is going to be around 60 gallons and is on the right side of the sump, it will get slow flow from the return pump and slowly cascade back into the center of the sump where the return pump and ATO and other stuff will be located.

My maintenance schedule at first will be manual weekly water changes, and I want to incorporate the New Gen system for doing daily water changes in the very near future. Depending on how the automatic skimmer head works will decide how often I am removing the skimmer head. Currently on my 90 Gallon with an SRO 2000 and no auto skimmer head, I am cleaning it daily. I will be using the Rowaphos for phosphate removal. Its working great on my current system.

Blowing off the corals and rocks will be done every few days as to not have to much detritus settling on them.

[Osteoclast]

Sounds like a well researched strategy. I incorporate many of these methods as well. Good luck.

[dotcommer]

You gotta show pics of this hybrid overflow.

Sorry it took so long to get these pics. Its tough to photograph the weir through an empty tank, I was getting a lot of reflection. These pics were taken when I pulled the tank off the stand and was able to photograph from inside the tank.

Here they are.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/420B1B5E-58A3-49A7-ADD1-68F7161982FD-562-000000971C55768A_zpsf50fa71c.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/6AA92C9D-8C68-4231-A4B1-0F0609D4041B-562-000000971A677E12_zpsa9ce6017.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/7C11CFC1-3852-447D-99CC-D1B127587373-562-0000009718674378_zps28f13d6c.jpg

[dotcommer]

We finally finished the canopy enough to install it on the stand.

The canopy was a long working project since I wanted the canopy to be raised up when I need to work inside the tank.

Another feature I wanted to build into the canopy was rotating MH lights to create a lighting that would mimic cloud coverage.

I am using a linear actuator to lift the canopy 20" so I can work in the tank very easily.
I am using another linear actuator to rotate the MH lights.

This was a project that needed a lot of custom steel pieces to make it happen.

I will post pics and some videos of it in action shortly.

[Newbie Aquarist]

Sorry it took so long to get these pics. Its tough to photograph the weir through an empty tank, I was getting a lot of reflection. These pics were taken when I pulled the tank off the stand and was able to photograph from inside the tank.

Here they are.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/420B1B5E-58A3-49A7-ADD1-68F7161982FD-562-000000971C55768A_zpsf50fa71c.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/6AA92C9D-8C68-4231-A4B1-0F0609D4041B-562-000000971A677E12_zpsa9ce6017.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/7C11CFC1-3852-447D-99CC-D1B127587373-562-0000009718674378_zps28f13d6c.jpg

Thanks for the overflow pics. Very creative.

[dca22anderson]

Your pull out sump is off the charts!! Love your cool guy overflow as well! Nicely done sir!!!

[dotcommer]

Your pull out sump is off the charts!! Love your cool guy overflow as well! Nicely done sir!!!

Thanks, still trying to figure out the plumbing side of the sump, But I am looking forward to seeing it in action.

The overflow / weir is going to be interesting. I'm also looking forward to seeing it in action as well.

[dotcommer]

This week we finally finished installing three 20 amp breakers. It took a while since the aquarium is in the basement and the electric box is upstairs in the garage. My wife isn't to happy with all the holes in the walls, but I promised her they would be fixed by next week.

Here's some construction pics.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/8DC6F094-98AB-4F45-8F2F-83690F2FCD5E-9805-00000598B0A61A1B_zpsa778df68.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/CED1B29D-F1E6-4671-A81D-397C475A388C-9805-00000598B290260E_zps2d83f525.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/A0D156A4-71BF-483E-9648-FD781032D9D5-9805-000005A21FD58BD9_zpsc821291e.jpg

[Newbie Aquarist]

I guess I will be getting the same fate when I run my electrical to the tank.

[dotcommer]

I guess I will be getting the same fate when I run my electrical to the tank.

Yep, lots of fun.....

[dotcommer]

We finished installing all of the MH lights, the actuator to rotate the MH lights and the canopy lift. I also started to mount the electronics on a board under the aquarium to hang all the electronics.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/51415303-1D8B-4AE8-B298-1B11FAA97B61-9805-000005A21D95E25B_zpsd691466c.jpg

[Prodigy]

Its been a while since I updated the thread mainly because I have been focusing on getting my 90 Gallon reef dialed in. I am using it to grow out corals and to test out some equipment that I will be using on my 300 Gallon like programming the Apex, Setting up and adjusting dosing pumps, really spending the time on my husbandry skills, keeping nitrates and phosphates at zero etc... I have been growing some wild Acros and having some nice success with them.

Let's see those wild acros you been having some nice success with

[dca22anderson]

Love to see some of your acros too! :thumbsup:

[dotcommer]

Love to see some of your acros too! :thumbsup:

Here's some that I have in my 90 Gallon that will go into the 300 Gallon when completed.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/90%20Gallon%20Bowfront/C97FD58C-39A5-4DFA-85ED-802EF25D232B-10893-0000061B4F8BEE5C_zpseff31249.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/90%20Gallon%20Bowfront/B2EEDCEB-D870-432D-B6D3-3DEA179CF114-10893-0000061B472B8C5A_zpsbfd44dbb.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/90%20Gallon%20Bowfront/3A204B6F-33C7-4FBC-BCE0-115777BAAE2B-10893-0000061B45429027_zps47585c8d.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/90%20Gallon%20Bowfront/21228147-6E0D-412F-A2B7-2AEAD1C3E9B9-10893-0000061B4345512E_zpsb5bdcd24.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/90%20Gallon%20Bowfront/2782AE54-5AB2-4148-B6C0-317134ED4BFE-10893-0000061B51CCEFEC_zps22ea32b5.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/90%20Gallon%20Bowfront/1998B4FA-B622-45A5-9A7E-A7C55BA3C6A5-10893-0000061B5A3CD954_zps12c3ad82.jpg

Here is a full tank shot of the 90 Gallon
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/90%20Gallon%20Bowfront/884BDD95-7D58-4560-B8CE-8A96B9D26881-10893-0000061B3C999E00_zps0c338ffe.jpg

[dca22anderson]

WOW! Those look Fantastic! Well done buddy!

[dotcommer]

WOW! Those look Fantastic! Well done buddy!

Thanks, still learning alot.

[Snookslayer85]

Looks awesome... will be following this amazing build.

[dotcommer]

Looks awesome... will be following this amazing build.

Thanks for following.

[dotcommer]

Decided to test out my JBJ Artica 1/3 HP chiller that I picked up off of craigslist several months back to see if it actually worked. :worried2:

I took about 18 Gallons of hot Arizona garage kept RODI water and poured it into a 20 gallon plastic container. With the water at 84 degrees I turned it on to see how quickly it can cool the water. 20 minutes later it brought it down 11 degrees. :)

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/JBJAritca-20Min_zps0c99e2d2.jpg

As per the manual, I am running the RODI water for 30 minutes in the opposite direction through the heat exchange chamber to remove impurities, bacteria or metabolic waste. I guess this should be done every 6 months. I Learned something new.

[ademster]

Updates?

[dotcommer]

UPDATE:
Things have been progressing much slower than I wanted them to. I have been busy with my business and just keeping the existing tanks going. however, that hasn't stopped me from buying corals. :-)

I was in California last month and stopped over at Unique Corals to visit scott and I picked up some very nice pieces. He is holding them for me until I am ready to put them in the 300 Gallon .

I will post some pictures of them in the next few days.

I am trying to decide if I am going to make the outside basement room a dedicated fish room instead of trying to put everything under the tank. Either way, there are some things that need to go into the that room.

Right now, I am having water plumbed out there so I can have my Salt Water / RODI mixing station put there. This will make doing water changes a lot easier and I will probably automate the process with the Genesis Auto Water Changing system.

I am going to add a sink down there as well, to make cleaning things much easier. The nice thing is the room has a closet which the basement waste sump is in there making it easy to add the sink and its drains.

I am going to start updating this thread a lot more. Thanks for your patience.

[dotcommer]

Just picked up this piece from Unique Corals today. They are holding it until my build is done and ready for it.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/3inch-super-trachy-1181_zps2b2d84bf.jpg

[Elliott]

wow, very nice! :thumbsup:

[dotcommer]

Picked up some other pieces a while back that they are holding for me.
Here are two of them I found.


http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/2andhalfinch-aussie-gold-torch-138_zps259e6d01.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/2inch-red-mint-blasto-28_zpsbd1f1b1d.jpg

[tdb320reef]

Incredible build. That 10 footer is going to look awesome. Looking forward to seeing updates.

[dotcommer]

Incredible build. That 10 footer is going to look awesome. Looking forward to seeing updates.

Thanks. I am working on building a Fish room right now. We just finished running water pipes to the room.

[dotcommer]

Here's some of the corals I have been growing out that will be going into the new build.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/3b66efac9b7032d5ed463260e51c41aa_zps91f13384.jpg

[dotcommer]

These aren't the best pics. They were taken with my Iphone

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/41e254abd074d04c21bbf364df81b580_zps57f5f75a.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/014e4d2d3fdfdd93940e8b5ba50e8e80_zps9759342e.jpg

[dca22anderson]

Those are some choice pieces!! Good choices buddy! :wave:

[dotcommer]

Those are some choice pieces!! Good choices buddy! :wave:

Thanks, I will post more pics over the course of the next week.

[dotcommer]

Here is another from Unique Corals

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/1andhalfinch-pink-pocilopora-32_zps9283e91b.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/5inch-aussie-neon-duncan-colony-118_zpscfec5fa0.jpg

[jporter]

Great taste in corals! JP

[dotcommer]

Great taste in corals! JP

Thanks, I love shopping for them and its nice that they are keeping them at their facility until I am ready for them.

[dotcommer]

I am working on my RODI / Mixing Station closet and was wondering if two 55 Gallon Barrels will be enough?

I am going to have over 400 gallons with the tank and sump and since this is my first large tank I am curious if my current mixing station of 55 Gallons RODI and 55 Gallon Saltwater Mixing Barrel will be enough.

We re-arranged the plumbing in the basement sump closet so I can put my mixing station there on the platform, as to make the wife a bit happier with it behind a closed door. But I am concerned about only having 55 Gallons available for water changes.

A weekly change of 55 Gallons would be approximately a 13% water change.

[dotcommer]

I would like to go larger, but the problem is the door is only 24" wide.

I know they have 23" round barrels that are taller, but I was looking to put a shelf above the barrels, so I can put my dosing containers and some reactors on it.

My other option is to put in a larger door, but then the wife factor comes in. If she happens to travel downstairs when I have a larger hole in the wall, then I have some explaining to do. :-)

[zibba]

Great looking corals from UC and in your current set-up! Following along.

[dotcommer]

I was over at Great Ocean Wonders in Scottsdale about two months ago and I fell in love with this Raptors Favia.

Started doing some research and couldn't find many people who had them for sale and if they did, they had just a few eyes.

Well, I decided to stop back in and visit Frank to see what new corals he had, and the Raptor Favia was still there telling me to take him home.

Frank discounted it $100 so I had to pick it up.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/SalsFavia_3_hundred_zps6fa51e6b.jpg

[Elliott]

very nice! :thumbsup:

Frank has some great stuff! :)

[dotcommer]

very nice! :thumbsup:

Frank has some great stuff! :)

Thanks. Frank does have some nice stuff.

Thank you very much for allowing me to stop by and for the detailed tour of your system.

Your tank looked amazing 6 months ago, but now its been taken to a whole new level. The growth you have had in the last six months is simply amazing.

Now we just need to have you take some more pics and update your thread, so everyone else can appreciate it. :-)

[cdouble]

Beautiful corals man! Can't wait to see the finished product.

I too am a dot commer, burnt I got tired of silicon valley and returned to miami.

Congrats on the beautiful selection man!

[dotcommer]

Beautiful corals man! Can't wait to see the finished product.

I too am a dot commer, burnt I got tired of silicon valley and returned to miami.

Congrats on the beautiful selection man!

Thanks. Silicon Valley is definitely dotcom country.

[Newbie Aquarist]

That 90 gallon grow out tank is looking good. Since thats what it is until you transfer your stock over.

Just an idea and I will try to use my build as an example. I have two 275 gallon containers of which one is RO/DI water and freshly made salt water. I chose that big because if some disaster should happen I can make up to a 50 percent water change if necessary. I guess what I am saying go big as you can if that worse case scenario should happen.

[dotcommer]

That 90 gallon grow out tank is looking good. Since thats what it is until you transfer your stock over.

Just an idea and I will try to use my build as an example. I have two 275 gallon containers of which one is RO/DI water and freshly made salt water. I chose that big because if some disaster should happen I can make up to a 50 percent water change if necessary. I guess what I am saying go big as you can if that worse case scenario should happen.

I have to agree with you. I was over at Elliot's house the other day, and he was saying the same thing. I just need something to fit through that 24" wide door. :-(

[Newbie Aquarist]

This is the biggest that I saw unless you get one custom or purchase multiple ones.

http://www.plastic-mart.com/product/8650/75-gallon-plastic-water-tank

[dotcommer]

This is the biggest that I saw unless you get one custom or purchase multiple ones.

http://www.plastic-mart.com/product/8650/75-gallon-plastic-water-tank

Thanks for the link. I need to measure the closet and see if that will provide enough room for my Dosing containers that are going on the top shelf.

[Newbie Aquarist]

Thanks for the link. I need to measure the closet and see if that will provide enough room for my Dosing containers that are going on the top shelf.

Wish you the best. Hope you find a solution.

[jt48]

Looks great. Beutiful home.

[dotcommer]

Looks great. Beutiful home.

Thanks for the compliment. I love my house, and do the kids, they all love coming over and hanging out. I am very blessed to have this home. My wife will be much happier when my mess in the basement is cleaned up.

The latest update is that we finally moved the salt water mixing station down stairs and it is all plumbed. I will post some pics later.

[zibba]

Have the PVC rollers held up under the weight of the sump filled with water? Great idea, just concerned about the long-term integrity of the design.

Looking forward to your continued progress!

[1Sik1500]

Maybe i missed it. you stated you are going to use a rotating MH mount for sun rise and sun set effect. I think it will be awesome. The issue i see is heat transfer directly to the wall or canopy? I know my old 400w MH would give me a sunburn why cleaning the tank. Just wanted to get your thoughts on the heat on wood?

[dmaynard2]

My RODI system from Bulk Reef Supply
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_20120809_213206-1_zps69b43fd0.jpg

Part of my Rocks from Marco Rocks
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/IMG_20120818_194348_zps5bf8136f.jpg

How do you like these marco rocks?

[dotcommer]

Maybe i missed it. you stated you are going to use a rotating MH mount for sun rise and sun set effect. I think it will be awesome. The issue i see is heat transfer directly to the wall or canopy? I know my old 400w MH would give me a sunburn why cleaning the tank. Just wanted to get your thoughts on the heat on wood?

Definitely considered that.
They rotate towards the back of the canopy which will be left open and about 12" from the wall.

I am only going to have them up and lit at a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
I will post a video of them in action soon.

[dotcommer]

How do you like these marco rocks?


They are great rocks, I have them in my 90 Gallon and 125 Gallon and they look great.

[Newbie Aquarist]

I just had to upgrade my RO/DI setup also because our water company went chloramine crazy. I added a chloramine cartridge and a dual DI resin also. Everything is coming along superb.

[TYAG]

I am loving your new setup, cant wait to see it up and running

[dotcommer]

My 1,000th Post!!!!!

I thought for my 1,000th post, I would update my build thread.

Been spending a lot of time working on the dedicated fish room.

First, we had to move my 125 Gallon from one side of the room to the other while it was half way full and with a Sohal Tang and BiColor Angel going for the ride. This was fun, but actually was much easier than I thought it would be. We basically lifted one side of the stand a few inches and placed some PVC pipe under neath it and then started rolling it.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/9814690F-CE08-442A-B9AA-99CCB557E714-5738-0000037CE7F9AB11_zpscad413aa.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/9BE640CB-D6C5-4AE7-BCBB-F070060AF934-5738-0000037CF2B8E717_zps1ea27a6e.jpg

Once it was finally in place, we finished the staining job I started last year, cleaned the tank up and viola it looks pretty good (besides the ladder and all the junk laying around).

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/26687AA1-BD99-4F93-985B-3C44F07733CA-5738-0000037A215163C1_zps79d10b36.jpg

In the spot where the 125 Gallon was, I am setting up my work station.
I went out and purchased some cabinets, sink, under the sink water heater etc.. And now it is in it spot.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/CCFAF4B5-7F73-4C7F-9384-EC18003E0955-5738-0000037A18702D6C_zpsdcc01c1b.jpg

As of today, we have water to the sink, and will be starting on the drains.
We spent some time reinforcing the cabinets since it will be housing the return pump and the plumbing will be going through the cabinet as it makes it way over to the sump.

The plan is to have the drains and return lines go through the wall into the cabinet, once in the cabinet, the pipes will run along the wall over to the sump.

The photo below shows where the tank sits inside the house and where the new cabinet now sits and the location of the sump.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/7580D9C2-3787-4457-898A-39C4F052EFE4-5738-0000037E8AF286C4_zpsf1cc4984.jpg

I am also planning to put a "Auto Fish Feeder" in a refrigerator between the cabinet and sump. I was over at Elliots house looking at his 900 Gallon blow your mind reef tank which has an auto Frozen Food feeder (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20839266&postcount=13). This thing is incredible, he can feed up to several weeks of frozen food and doesn't have to rely on a person watching his tank while out of town to screw up the feeding process.

I have some more updates and will be posting them this week.

[Newbie Aquarist]

Things are looking great man.

[dotcommer]

Things are looking great man.


Thanks, every day its an adventure. Today we hooked up a webcam to the bottom of my ceiling fan on the patio. We retrofitted the the bottom of the fan to house the power cord and added a Cat5 connection as well to the housing. So now I have a web cam of my fish room so I can keep an eye on my 125 Gallon and the sump and any other things I end up putting out there. I will post some photos when I get back into town next week. We are heading up to Cloudcraft New Mexico so the our niece and nephew can visit their grand parents. Its me, my wife, my mother-in-law and 6 kids :headwally:

And I also dealing with a new Potters Angel that is in QT and had a break out of some type of parasite, either brooklynella or something close. I am treating it with PraziPro. Its amazing what a fresh water dip can do. I did a 10 minute fresh water dip and then put Iodine directly on the parasite, once I placed him back into the tank, within minutes all the parasites where gone. I am hoping he makes a full recovery. I have my house sitters watching him and I also set up a webcam on my QT tank so I can check in on him.

[dotcommer]

The latest update:

I had a good friend come over and we talked about my tank and we decided to put in a closed loop system since I already had 7 holes across the bottom of the tank. Since I moved the sump to the out side, I had room under the tank for the plumbing.

[dotcommer]

A while back, a few of you asked if I would post a video of my Rotating Metal Halide set up along with my Automatic Canopy Lift.

I finally finished it.
I filled the tank with hose water to test out the closed loop and thank God, there were no leaks on the first try.

Here is the video of the
Rotating Metal Halide Lights in Action and the Automatic Canopy Lift.

4IIOeBguNrQ

I designed my stand and canopy on my 300 Gallon aquarium to incorporate Metal Halide lights that rotate. I wasn't ready to commit to LED lights yet, however I wanted to create a cloud affect at different times during the day. I used a Linear Actuator to rotate the Metal Halide bar up and down 45 degrees via my APEX controller. The effect is amazing on the water. My goal is to have the lights rotated up in the morning and every 15 minutes one MH light will turn on across the tank, creating a sunrise. Once all the lights are on, the Linear Actuator will rotate the lights down over a 15 minute period. A few times during the day, the lights will rotate back up and down creating a cloud effect. And finally at it will repeat the process the opposite way to simulate the sun setting.

This video shows the effect within a 4 minute period.

[jt48]

Love the video. Great idea!
But....
HATE the music, i feel angry and anxious!

[dotcommer]

Love the video. Great idea!
But....
HATE the music, i feel angry and anxious!

Thanks for the video comment. I did the clip around midnight last night and just went to my jazz music library. :-)

[dotcommer]

TANK UPDATE:

We finally have water in the tank. :bounce2:

We spent several weeks working and completing most of the plumbing.

I have a refrigerator on order for the Elliot Automatic Frozen Food Feeder that will be built and stored in the freezer.

I was finally able to get the aquascaping that I like and then decided to put RO/DI water in the tank and check out my closed loop system to see how it will rearrange my sand, check out the flow and see how my phosphates will be reading.

I decided to go with a very fine sand, and I am trying to have as little of it to cover the bottom and for esthetic reasons.

Right now I am in the middle of a severe aquarium dust storm, but hopefully it was settle down in the next day or so.

Here is a pic of the tank being filled and after the closed loop was turned on .
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/2DD71FD8-11F7-4CBB-846B-56FA62997D79-9384-00000460EFEBFEC2_zps39bfd4cc.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/EC2BC670-6109-48BE-B69D-B78E24892AD1-9384-00000462AC336045_zps4a040804.jpg

I will try to work on updating the thread more often.

[jt48]

Looks good. Are the powerheads off?

[dotcommer]

Looks good. Are the powerheads off?

I don't have any power heads, just the closed loop is running, I dialed the two pumps down, via the ball valve, and I have two filter socks, helping as of a few hours ago, to cut down the floating sand.

[muttley000]

Just got through your thread, with comments you have made in other threads I knew this would be awesome! I am not disappointed! Congrats on the family, great house (I hope I can talk the wife into relocating to AZ someday) and awesome tank coming together! I really like the light rig. Also another thanks for the link to Elliot's thread, I hadn't checked that one for quite some time, I have some reading to do. Looking forward to the upcoming livestock move.
Matt

[AngelButterfly]

Nice:), is the lighting fixture connected to the base stand?

[dca22anderson]

Now that's some good progress! Well done sir!:thumbsup:

[monkiboy]

great work!

if you are interested in power and a whole lot of space, you can wait for the avast frozen food feeder coming out shortly. no need for that fridge and really small footprint.

you can read a bit about it hear and read justin's (avast owner) in the comments section (take the space out, for some reason it was blocking the link) - http://reef builders.com/2014/01/23/frozen-auto-feeder-avast-marine-confirmed-demo-video/

did you go with a fine grade sand for any particular reason? plan for lots of sand dwelling wrasses? keep us updated, following along!

[dotcommer]

Just got through your thread, with comments you have made in other threads I knew this would be awesome! I am not disappointed! Congrats on the family, great house (I hope I can talk the wife into relocating to AZ someday) and awesome tank coming together! I really like the light rig. Also another thanks for the link to Elliot's thread, I hadn't checked that one for quite some time, I have some reading to do. Looking forward to the upcoming livestock move.
Matt

Thanks for following along. When you spend over a year with the tank in your possession and it finally gets water, its a nice feeling.


Nice:), is the lighting fixture connected to the base stand?

Yes, the canopy is connected to the back of the stand, and the lights are connected to a flat piece of aluminum and the aluminum is connected to a rod that extends across the tank. The rod is rotated by a linear actuator. I will be posting more detailed pics, since there have been several reefers asking about it.


Now that's some good progress! Well done sir!:thumbsup:

Thanks, hopefully it could look 1/2 as good as your amazing tank.

[jimmy n]

Looks great! Can't wait to see it skinned. You have a very nice home as well.

[dotcommer]

great work!

if you are interested in power and a whole lot of space, you can wait for the avast frozen food feeder coming out shortly. no need for that fridge and really small footprint.

you can read a bit about it hear and read justin's (avast owner) in the comments section (take the space out, for some reason it was blocking the link) - http://reef builders.com/2014/01/23/frozen-auto-feeder-avast-marine-confirmed-demo-video/

did you go with a fine grade sand for any particular reason? plan for lots of sand dwelling wrasses? keep us updated, following along!


This is great to hear. I have searched everywhere to see if someone had come up with a design, but I couldn't find anything. I think something like this will be a great addition to our community.

I have been so fortunate to have Elliot live 5 Minutes away. He has been so gracious and is going to help me build one like his. He has also been coming over and helping with my build. He has an incredible wealth of information and is so kind about sharing it. And, yes, his tank is amazing. Pictures don't do it justice, (even though the pics are amazing) when you stand in front of the tank, you can get lost for hours just looking at everything. Elliot is very creative and his creative coral QT system is so simple yet so effective.

Yes, I am looking to have several wrasse in this display, plus I just love the look of white beach sand.

My closed loop system, has so much flow, that I am going to have a difficult time getting it dialed in so it doesn't create mounds of sand like in the pic.

[dotcommer]

Looks great! Can't wait to see it skinned. You have a very nice home as well.

Thanks for the compliment. We are very blessed to have this home. It's super kid friendly as well.

[dotcommer]

The dust is starting to settle. I doubled up the filter socks to hopefully remove the cloudiness from the sand quicker, and it seems to be working great.

Now that I can see into the tank, I have some huge adjustments to make in my closed loop. The nice thing, is the back of the tank is bare bottom and the closed loop is doing a great job of keeping that area clean.

Here is the updated pic took an hour ago.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/5A1DE036-4FBB-4BC2-A077-3212F26E7276-9384-0000049EEEA6B307_zps2af80884.jpg

[jimmy n]

The dust is starting to settle. I doubled up the filter socks to hopefully remove the cloudiness from the sand quicker, and it seems to be working great.

Now that I can see into the tank, I have some huge adjustments to make in my closed loop. The nice thing, is the back of the tank is bare bottom and the closed loop is doing a great job of keeping that area clean.

Here is the updated pic took an hour ago.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/5A1DE036-4FBB-4BC2-A077-3212F26E7276-9384-0000049EEEA6B307_zps2af80884.jpg

Looks like the middle of tank is a shaded area. Plans for lower light corals there or is that a mirage?

[jt48]

Looking good

[Newbie Aquarist]

The lighting system is bananas. I am also glad for you that you finally have water. I can see big things happening. Congrats again.

[dotcommer]

Looking good
Thanks, much appreciated

The lighting system is bananas. I am also glad for you that you finally have water. I can see big things happening. Congrats again.

If anyone in this hobby knows how good it feels to have water in their tank, it definitely is you. I am so happy that your long awaited build is up and running. Thanks for tuning into my thread.

[Newbie Aquarist]

Thanks, much appreciated







If anyone in this hobby knows how good it feels to have water in their tank, it definitely is you. I am so happy that your long awaited build is up and running. Thanks for tuning into my thread.


This is true but it's much more refreshing when you see it happen in someone else's tank. Great accomplishment and always lurking on your thread.

[lluv24]

Great work fellow REEFER;-)

[dotcommer]

Several people have asked for photos of the MH light Rotation System.

Here are some pics.

This is in the center of the canopy and shows how the linear actuator is hooked up. You can see just to the right the rod is also supported in the center of the frame and it extends to each side of the canopy. This rod rotates freely when the actuator turns on.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/ED716CE6-90AE-43CA-832A-8B97083616B1-9384-0000049EF5D5B835_zpsec41f4b0.jpg

The actuator arm extends forward to rotate the lights to the rear of the canopy.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/671B5E0B-6875-48A2-BFA7-4C33DF7C2C3F-9384-0000049EF3B01D4D_zpsba7af69a.jpg

Long view of the canopy
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/0B61F304-4419-4869-AF96-1B5457E33B4A-9384-0000049EF9D9E569_zps753232c6.jpg


This is how the lights are mounted to the bar.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/213303B6-614C-4304-A821-94B326555CFC-9384-0000049EFE29C4FA_zps8c494b06.jpg

The bar just sits freely into the end of the canopy.
Since I built the stand to be 30" in depth (front to back) and my current tank is only 24" in depth, I added additional holes, so I can easily move the lights back or forward if I end up putting a larger tank on the stand at some point.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/6D0077AF-7CC3-4B47-A089-0ABDEF579205-9384-0000049F00C0491A_zps69b0e4b5.jpg

This photo shows how we mounted the light ballast.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/83A08293-7A1D-4B21-868A-3290D4128A85-9384-0000049EF7E3610F_zpsac37dc20.jpg

Finally the full tank shot once again.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/5A1DE036-4FBB-4BC2-A077-3212F26E7276-9384-0000049EEEA6B307_zps2af80884.jpg

[Oldude]

Terrific build. I love the roll out sump idea, genius!

[dotcommer]

Terrific build. I love the roll out sump idea, genius!

Thanks, it worked great, but I ended up building a fish room, so I didn't get a chance to put it completely into action.

[TigeBell]

Nice build out and definitely following this. I do have a question about the stand. Did you powder coat it? If not, why not and what did you use?

FYI, I'm in the initial stages of a 220 gallon build with a metal stand (upgrading from a 29 gallon Biocube) . We are doing a 2x3 top frame build while everything else will be a 2x2. ;-)

Thanks in advance

[saltydog07]

Nice build, I'll be following as well.

[maddmaxx]

i like how well the pendants shine the light down. keeps it nice and concentrated into the tank

[dotcommer]

Nice build out and definitely following this. I do have a question about the stand. Did you powder coat it? If not, why not and what did you use?

FYI, I'm in the initial stages of a 220 gallon build with a metal stand (upgrading from a 29 gallon Biocube) . We are doing a 2x3 top frame build while everything else will be a 2x2. ;-)

Thanks in advance

Ended up using Truck Bed Coating (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-Automotive-15-oz-Truck-Bed-Coating-Black-Spray-Paint-6-Pack-248914/202938587)

Rust-Oleum® Truck Bed Coating is the ideal choice for recoating and restoring worn, unfinished or previously finished metal truck beds. When used with Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Applicator Kit (sold separately), this easy to apply black polymer coating not only helps prevent truck bed damage caused by scratches, rust and weather. It also enhances your vehicle’s appearance.


I thought of powder coating it, but didn't want to move the stand, plus we kept adding extra pieces to the canopy. And will still be adding more for things like the Moon Lights, actinic lights, fan support etc...

Thanks for following

[dotcommer]

Nice build, I'll be following as well.
Thanks for following.


i like how well the pendants shine the light down. keeps it nice and concentrated into the tank

Once I get the stand and canopy skinned with nice cabinets, then the lights will really direct down into the tank. Thanks for following.

[dotcommer]

I purchased a Frag tank and just finished having the stand built for it.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/35C49F00-848E-457E-848C-1CE9B571C3CE-446-0000002389DB5271_zpsc4fb5428.jpg

The plan is to have it plumbed into the existing system, with the ability to take it offline when needed.

The tank is built out of 3/4" acrylic and is 36" long x 24" deep x 12" tall.

[dotcommer]

I was able to finish most of the plumbing today on the frag tank.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/F4AE9E44-B835-4CF9-A626-FE456047123D-235-0000000DF69E7C5A_zps821bbd9d.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/DED8850A-F0FC-4297-AFBA-90FC315DC5C0-235-0000000DDB7BD936_zps8598c153.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/BDA2BC75-9A08-45B7-BBD0-105427D7C80B-235-000000CD4A1A41AF_zps07cd917f.jpg


http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/CD753B73-A68E-4F84-BD3F-ADAC5FBD07B0-235-000000CD4C34B1BD_zps2cce3616.jpg

[dotcommer]

I also picked up this manifold today that I am going to plumb into my sump to run my reactors off of.

I ordered some 1/2 Union ball Valves that will be hooked up to this manifold. I will post more pics as I get the plumbing done.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/094A9C8B-A67E-4F3A-90AD-85A1AD506356-235-0000000DD2AA471C_zps37f4e233.jpg

[Elliott]

looking good Sal, I've not seen an off the shelf manifold like that, where did you get it?

[dotcommer]

looking good Sal, I've not seen an off the shelf manifold like that, where did you get it?

I was picking up some crushed coral from Scott and that was sitting on the shelf. I was surprised to find it. It has a total of 8 holes to hook things up to if needed and is threaded on each end. And it was only $22.

[slayde2100]

very nice tank and build, had to read the whole thread! the rotating canopy is really impressive.

[nikunjpatel]

enjoying your build

[dotcommer]

enjoying your build

Thanks for following

very nice tank and build, had to read the whole thread! the rotating canopy is really impressive.

I am really looking forward to putting it to action with fish and corals in the tank.

[dotcommer]

The tank has been cycling for almost two weeks and my phosphates are at .03 and ammonia is undetectable.

I just hooked up one of the Algae Scrubbers and will be bringing the second one online shortly.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/5455315A-F757-49A4-9057-1C11967DA790-235-0000000DD516E233_zps7f424892.jpg

[Newbie Aquarist]

Man that manifold is nice. And you are going to run two of the scrubbers? Aren't the rated for 100 gallons or did they upgrade them?

[jformani]

dot,

How is the closed loop working out? I noticed the sand is kicked up and the bare bottom is showing in some spots. I'm in the process of figuring out a 10 foot tank plan and was considering closed loop but not sure if I need it? Thoughts?

[dotcommer]

Man that manifold is nice. And you are going to run two of the scrubbers? Aren't the rated for 100 gallons or did they upgrade them?

Thanks, These are the original Santa Monica 100 turf scrubbers. I am not sure what they are rated at. They are going to be one part of my filtration system. I know there are a lot of people that just run Algae Scrubbers and have had great success, but I'm not going to give up my skimmer.

Elliot has two of them on his 900 Gallon Reef and they do a great job. But his philosophy as is mine now, that there are benefits from each type of filtration system. He runs two skimmers, one wet and one dry, each one having its benefit. I am hoping that by having these two running, I won't be getting as much algae on my tank glass and my DT. These scrubbers are great for growing huge pod collections, however its one of those systems that needs to be maintained in order to work properly. Since I want to have a lot of wrasse, the pod collection will be a nice food source.

[dotcommer]

dot,

How is the closed loop working out? I noticed the sand is kicked up and the bare bottom is showing in some spots. I'm in the process of figuring out a 10 foot tank plan and was considering closed loop but not sure if I need it? Thoughts?

The tank had 7 holes already drilled across the bottom, so I decided to use all 7 of them. Two are drains and the other 5 are returns (each return has two return lines) and they are hooked up to two Panworld 250 pumps. One has 3 returns on it and the other has two returns.

There is a lot of flow in the tank. I have several of the returns running along the back wall to make sure I don't get a lot of detritus settling down. As of right now, the back of my tank is bare bottom since the closed loop moved all the sand. I am okay with this, since I know I won't have any detritus settling back there.

As I start adding corals, I will get a better feel for the closed loop. The one nice thing about the closed loop is there's a lot less maintenance then running power heads. I originally purchased and still have 3 MP 40's that were going to be used for this tank, but as of now the flow is so much that I probably won't install them.

Thanks for following.

[sfsuphysics]

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/CD753B73-A68E-4F84-BD3F-ADAC5FBD07B0-235-000000CD4C34B1BD_zps2cce3616.jpg

You going to be able to access that keypad thingy on the wall? (Presumably security system).

[dotcommer]

You going to be able to access that keypad thingy on the wall? (Presumably security system).

That's actually a controller for music throughout the house or just that room. I can still reach it pretty easily.

[Poriferan]

Looks Great! The light rack is amazing. I can't wait to see more.

[dotcommer]

Looks Great! The light rack is amazing. I can't wait to see more.

Thanks for following. I am working on the programming right now for the light system and can't get it to do everything I want. I am waiting to hear back from the APEX forum to see if the the correct programming.

[dotcommer]

We have been working pretty hard this week and have gotten some things done.

We are just about finished with the "Elliot Automatic Frozen Food Feeder"

Here are some pics.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/A5CDAAED-C947-4906-9D8A-877BE73620F9-235-0000000DD956E14F_zps1819b79b.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/C3D5AA31-79AD-4EE0-AA8E-9A0AD79836F4-318-00000015E440E54F_zps38c0005f.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/7084A488-61CB-4F4A-A235-787D6D744625-318-00000015D916F5DE_zps4eba1d78.jpg

[dotcommer]

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/50C3D047-3DBB-4898-8E4C-FC89AD6C7B8A-7828-0000037DA62197A1_zps0bb80b3e.jpg

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/C3D7DADA-8A82-4ADE-90F0-263708BADBEF-7828-0000037D9C169F2D_zps93c73e1a.jpg

[dotcommer]

This photo shows the stand we are placing the feeder into. We also added an outlet, so I can easily remove the feeder and clean it when necessary.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/6B0AE34F-7202-4AD8-B654-7693F48B1895-318-0000001910F89311_zps32920c3c.jpg

[dotcommer]

This photo shows the finished feeder.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/66A14DC9-0547-43A2-A51E-80142979C2D8-318-000000190ECA1C62_zpsa1b127c3.jpg

[dotcommer]

This is the finished feeder in the Freezer portion.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/38CAC69B-5ABA-4974-AD09-E385E46BCBBC-318-0000001916E3E7F7_zps009ec281.jpg

[dotcommer]

Here are some pics of the inside of the refrigerator section.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/1E6864D5-CA31-4108-89EA-DA0194BFDF87-318-0000001912D1A01B_zps35e8ee05.jpg

The bottom section of the refrigerator.
I also had 3 extension plugs put in for the dosing system of reef nutrition liquid foods.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/46E87082-DD91-4A0C-B61D-185845A381AF-318-0000001918C9F1C6_zps54c40802.jpg

[dotcommer]

Here is a full photo of the current feeder as of tonight.

I still need to hook up the blow dryer and attach it to the water return system and start testing it out.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/46E87082-DD91-4A0C-B61D-185845A381AF-318-0000001918C9F1C6_zps54c40802.jpg

[Elliott]

looks good, I'd prefer true unions on the in/out lines so that you can valve off the flow and remove the reservoir for cleaning

[dotcommer]

looks good, I'd prefer true unions on the in/out lines so that you can valve off the flow and remove the reservoir for cleaning

Yes, true unions would be better there. I went to Lowes and they didn't have the 1" True Unions and I was going to order some, but I had those in a bucket, so we used regular unions. There are two true unions outside of the refrigerator, one is at the pump and the other is coming out of the sump so I have the ability to close it down and service it, however, there will be a little bit of water to deal with.

[Elliott]

Yes, true unions would be better there. I went to Lowes and they didn't have the 1" True Unions and I was going to order some, but I had those in a bucket, so we used regular unions. There are two true unions outside of the refrigerator, one is at the pump and the other is coming out of the sump so I have the ability to close it down and service it, however, there will be a little bit of water to deal with.

:thumbsup: that works!

[Elliott]

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/C3D5AA31-79AD-4EE0-AA8E-9A0AD79836F4-318-00000015E440E54F_zps38c0005f.jpg

I would add more fixed support "feet" to the perimeter of this so the individual PVC holders rest flat on top of it, to prevent food from getting in between

[Elliott]

you may have trouble with food settling at the bottom of the reservoir


http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/46E87082-DD91-4A0C-B61D-185845A381AF-318-0000001918C9F1C6_zps54c40802.jpg


here is mine, which is shallower and a little longer to allow food to flow out

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc101/elliott3434/photo-36.jpg

[dotcommer]

you may have trouble with food settling at the bottom of the reservoir

here is mine, which is shallower and a little longer to allow food to flow out


You bring up a very good point. Once I start using it, I can easily remove it and see if I start having food settling on the bottom. If so, I will have to modify it to something like yours.

We are also adding some stabilizers to the tray system to keep from having a gap from the top rotating Plexiglas to the bottom stationary Plexiglas.

I will post some more pics when we have it done.

[Elliott]

You bring up a very good point. Once I start using it, I can easily remove it and see if I start having food settling on the bottom. If so, I will have to modify it to something like yours.

We are also adding some stabilizers to the tray system to keep from having a gap from the top rotating Plexiglas to the bottom stationary Plexiglas.

I will post some more pics when we have it done.

sounds like a good plan :)

[dotcommer]

Its been almost a month since my last update, so I thought it would be a good time to let everyone know the latest.
This update will come over a few days since there has been a lot done.

Automatic Frozen Fish Feeder:
I went on vacation for a week and it worked good but there were some modifications that had to be made prior to leaving. I had a person watching my tanks, and the modifications worked as intended, but I had to make some modifications when I got back into town.
One issue we had was the Plexiglas we used was too thin and when the blow dyer came on it started to warp the Plexiglas. We went ahead and purchased some 1/4" Plexiglas and just installed it the other day. It seems to be working good.

Another problem we had was the water level in the large cylinder tube that the food gets dispensed into.
The refrigerator sits right next to the sump, and the cylinder tube acts like a second sump. The return pump was draining the cylinder tube to quickly even when turned down, thus creating a siphon and causing the pump to suck in air.
We ended up putting a tee in before the cylinder in hopes more water would go directly to the return pump, but that didn't work either. The temporary solution we created was to throw a small pump in the return section of the sump and have it pump water directly into the cylinder tube (see pic below). Not the best solution, but it worked great while I was on vacation and plan is to modify it in the upcoming months since it's not the right way to do it.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/829D528A-5C3A-4DF4-88A6-9206985C2E3D-1191-0000009A7BCF3816_zps415232d0.jpg


Here is an updated pic of the entire top section of the feeder set up

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/AC352AE8-1A52-4C94-B075-F035C85111C5-1191-0000009A799E00C1_zpsdf2cdf1a.jpg


For those who noticed in the pic above, I have clams in the refrigerator sitting in a container.
I took a major risk to get the one fish that I have wanted for a long time, but knew it was hard to keep and I didn't have the right setup prior to this tank.

Do you know what fish the clams are for?

My gamble paid off and its been a month now and the fish is doing amazing well, except he really only likes clams. So my goal is to get him eating regular food soon, since he goes through 3 clams a day.

I will give you an update about him and the other live stock currently enjoying the march larger tank.

[Newbie Aquarist]

Its been almost a month since my last update, so I thought it would be a good time to let everyone know the latest.
This update will come over a few days since there has been a lot done.

Automatic Frozen Fish Feeder:
I went on vacation for a week and it worked good but there were some modifications that had to be made prior to leaving. I had a person watching my tanks, and the modifications worked as intended, but I had to make some modifications when I got back into town.
One issue we had was the Plexiglas we used was too thin and when the blow dyer came on it started to warp the Plexiglas. We went ahead and purchased some 1/4" Plexiglas and just installed it the other day. It seems to be working good.

Another problem we had was the water level in the large cylinder tube that the food gets dispensed into.
The refrigerator sits right next to the sump, and the cylinder tube acts like a second sump. The return pump was draining the cylinder tube to quickly even when turned down, thus creating a siphon and causing the pump to suck in air.
We ended up putting a tee in before the cylinder in hopes more water would go directly to the return pump, but that didn't work either. The temporary solution we created was to throw a small pump in the return section of the sump and have it pump water directly into the cylinder tube (see pic below). Not the best solution, but it worked great while I was on vacation and plan is to modify it in the upcoming months since it's not the right way to do it.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/829D528A-5C3A-4DF4-88A6-9206985C2E3D-1191-0000009A7BCF3816_zps415232d0.jpg


Here is an updated pic of the entire top section of the feeder set up

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/AC352AE8-1A52-4C94-B075-F035C85111C5-1191-0000009A799E00C1_zpsdf2cdf1a.jpg


For those who noticed in the pic above, I have clams in the refrigerator sitting in a container.
I took a major risk to get the one fish that I have wanted for a long time, but knew it was hard to keep and I didn't have the right setup prior to this tank.

Do you know what fish the clams are for?

My gamble paid off and its been a month now and the fish is doing amazing well, except he really only likes clams. So my goal is to get him eating regular food soon, since he goes through 3 clams a day.

I will give you an update about him and the other live stock currently enjoying the march larger tank.


Is the fish a CBB? And what do you mean the much longer tank? Are fish coming from one or your going to one?

[Elliott]

the material I used for the feeder tray came from a Brute trash can lid, I've not had any warping from the hair dryer

the reservoir inside the fridge is designed different from yours, it's a little longer and the in/out lines are lower, allowing for water to accumulate and rise in the tube and not draw air, it also sits about 3-4" below the level of the other sumps, while rising above all other sumps to avoid possible flooding

[dave.m]

Just a question on the autofeeder: why do you have the melting tube inside the fridge? Wouldn't the food blocks thaw faster outside the fridge portion? Having the melting chamber outside the fridge would also have less of an effect on the sump water temperature so that your flow-through would have a greater warming effect on the food block.

Dave.M

[Elliott]

Just a question on the autofeeder: why do you have the melting tube inside the fridge? Wouldn't the food blocks thaw faster outside the fridge portion? Having the melting chamber outside the fridge would also have less of an effect on the sump water temperature so that your flow-through would have a greater warming effect on the food block.

Dave.M

the frozen block of food starts to melt within seconds and is completely melted within a few minutes, I've not noticed any lowering effect of tank temperature, the volume of water inside the fridge is relatively small compared to the total water volume, the fridge reservoir resides last in the line of sumps, just before the return pump

there are several additives being delivered (frozen food, liquid foods and amino acids) so the mixing reservoir volume aids in mixing and allows direct visualization to confirm no residue buildup (important!) :)

[dave.m]

Okay, just curious about the general design. I am thinking of one of those little cube freezers that could be put on a high shelf above a tank in a fishroom, so no need for the fridge portion.

Dave.M

[Centralreefs]

That is awesome

[dotcommer]

Just a question on the autofeeder: why do you have the melting tube inside the fridge? Wouldn't the food blocks thaw faster outside the fridge portion? Having the melting chamber outside the fridge would also have less of an effect on the sump water temperature so that your flow-through would have a greater warming effect on the food block.

Dave.M


Originally Posted by Elliott - the frozen block of food starts to melt within seconds and is completely melted within a few minutes, I've not noticed any lowering effect of tank temperature, the volume of water inside the fridge is relatively small compared to the total water volume, the fridge reservoir resides last in the line of sumps, just before the return pump

there are several additives being delivered (frozen food, liquid foods and amino acids) so the mixing reservoir volume aids in mixing and allows direct visualization to confirm no residue buildup (important!) :)

I couldn't have said it any better :-)

What's really nice about this system, is when the food drops into the tube, the frozen foods floats on the top of the water like an ice cube in a glass. As the food thaws, it slowly sinks to the bottom of the tube and then is sent to the DT via the return pump. This creates a slow feeding that takes sometimes upwards of 10 minutes to dispense all the food. The food is all broken up by the time it gets to the DT, thus allowing all the fish to get food instead of one fish stealing the cube and taking off.

I also like the ability to drop some frozen food in, then sit back on the couch and watch the fish eat, instead of standing in front of the tank feeding them.

[dotcommer]

Is the fish a CBB? And what do you mean the much longer tank? Are fish coming from one or your going to one?

The fish is a beautiful Moorish Idol. He is super healthy and getting fatter each day. I have fish coming from my 90 gallon, but I decided to hold off on the tangs, angels and trigger fish, so the MI would have no issues with getting used to food etc..

Here is a video of the MI with a display of all different types of food trying I was trying to get him to eat. ( The video is a little long, but I created it to post on youtube for anyone searching on how to get a MI idol to eat. Its my experience and hopefully can help others)

Its been over a month now and the streamer is much longer now. I will post some pics.

5dwOeI66B4Y


So the big gamble was to not QT the Moorish Idol and put him directly into the 10' long 300 Gallon display tank and risk a disease outbreak that could cause me to remove the fish and let the tank sit empty for 8+ weeks.

Since I only had two clown fish and two Bartlett Anthias in the DT, I purchased the MI and decided to put him directly into the 300 Gallon and bypassed the QT process. My thinking was to provide him the best possible chances of survival and put him in a large empty tank of which he would not have to deal with any aggressive established fish. I could take my time and try to get him to eat since MI are very difficult to acclimate especially the larger ones.

It all paid off, no disease outbreak, he is super healthy and eating clams like a pig. He is also eating some nori as well. I am hoping to slowly get him to start eating frozen over the next month of two.

As of the last few days, I just added a pair of decent sized Blue Throat Triggers and a 5" Lamarcks Angel fish from my 90 Gallon. Interestingly, the Moorish Idol is ruling the tank. He put the Triggers in their place when he is eating his clams and nobody is trying to mess with him.

It's such a beautiful fish and just watching him swim freely across a long DT is incredible. The MI definitely needs a long tank to swim around in to be happy. I only wish my 10' was longer now.

[dave.m]

I also like the ability to drop some frozen food in, then sit back on the couch and watch the fish eat, instead of standing in front of the tank feeding them.
For this type of feeding, especially smaller particulate food, I totally agree this looks to be a great way to go. However, in my experience you must continue to hand-feed your fish so that they associate a human presence near the tank with food. Otherwise you get a tank full of fish who hide when people get too close to the tank.

Dave.M

[Newbie Aquarist]

The fish is a beautiful Moorish Idol. He is super healthy and getting fatter each day. I have fish coming from my 90 gallon, but I decided to hold off on the tangs, angels and trigger fish, so the MI would have no issues with getting used to food etc..



Here is a video of the MI with a display of all different types of food trying I was trying to get him to eat. ( The video is a little long, but I created it to post on youtube for anyone searching on how to get a MI idol to eat. Its my experience and hopefully can help others)



Its been over a month now and the streamer is much longer now. I will post some pics.



5dwOeI66B4Y





So the big gamble was to not QT the Moorish Idol and put him directly into the 10' long 300 Gallon display tank and risk a disease outbreak that could cause me to remove the fish and let the tank sit empty for 8+ weeks.



Since I only had two clown fish and two Bartlett Anthias in the DT, I purchased the MI and decided to put him directly into the 300 Gallon and bypassed the QT process. My thinking was to provide him the best possible chances of survival and put him in a large empty tank of which he would not have to deal with any aggressive established fish. I could take my time and try to get him to eat since MI are very difficult to acclimate especially the larger ones.



It all paid off, no disease outbreak, he is super healthy and eating clams like a pig. He is also eating some nori as well. I am hoping to slowly get him to start eating frozen over the next month of two.



As of the last few days, I just added a pair of decent sized Blue Throat Triggers and a 5" Lamarcks Angel fish from my 90 Gallon. Interestingly, the Moorish Idol is ruling the tank. He put the Triggers in their place when he is eating his clams and nobody is trying to mess with him.



It's such a beautiful fish and just watching him swim freely across a long DT is incredible. The MI definitely needs a long tank to swim around in to be happy. I only wish my 10' was longer now.


Great video. I forgot I had clam on the half shell so I can try it on the MI I have in my QT tank now. Thanks.

[dotcommer]

For this type of feeding, especially smaller particulate food, I totally agree this looks to be a great way to go. However, in my experience you must continue to hand-feed your fish so that they associate a human presence near the tank with food. Otherwise you get a tank full of fish who hide when people get too close to the tank.

Dave.M

I agree, and I still haven't figured out how to fit a live clam through this feeder system yet :-) . I'm Italian and I love food, and I tend to feed on the heavier side. So I am constantly in front of the tank tinkering with it and give a few extra pinches of food here and there.

[dotcommer]

Great video. I forgot I had clam on the half shell so I can try it on the MI I have in my QT tank now. Thanks.

My MI loves clams, the problem is getting those damn clams open. I did a quick search on you tube to see if there is an easy way to get them open and I guess they make this tool that is sold at culinary stores that is specifically for opening up clams. Since I am doing it three times a day, I think I need to get one. For now, I am using a box cutter and a flat head screw driver.

[Newbie Aquarist]

My MI loves clams, the problem is getting those damn clams open. I did a quick search on you tube to see if there is an easy way to get them open and I guess they make this tool that is sold at culinary stores that is specifically for opening up clams. Since I am doing it three times a day, I think I need to get one. For now, I am using a box cutter and a flat head screw driver.

Old school clam opener. Sweet.:blown::blown::blown:

[dotcommer]

Picked up this great rainbow anemone a few weeks ago.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/0889ab3e-7900-4f4f-a3a2-437d49f4ae6a_zps2b38e8d5-1.jpg

[dotcommer]

This is a pic from when I first put him in the tank.
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/FireHazard_zps1300db32.jpg

[SPotter]

Love it!!!!

[dotcommer]

I picked up some nice corals while in San Diego on my vacation from AquaSD. They have a real nice shop, pretty impressive.

Summer Haze Chalice
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/SummerHazeChalice-RetailPrice75SALEPRICE30_zpsac58b68e.jpg

[Elliott]

wow, love that leptoseris

[dotcommer]

Highlighter Aussie Acro
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/HighlighterAussieAcro-RetailPrice30LIVESALEPRICE10_zps2ebf5bda.jpg

Raspberry Mille
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/RaspberryMille-RetailPrice30LIVESALEPRICE20_zps38f7f630.jpg

[dotcommer]

Deep Water Zoas

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/Deepwaters-RetailPrice100LIVESALEPRICE20_zpsca87d8ef.jpg

[dotcommer]

Raptors Favia

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/RaptorsFavia-RetailPrice50LIVESALEPRICE20_zps023c8924.jpg

[dotcommer]

Disco Leptastrea

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/DiscoLep-RetailPrice30LIVESALEPRICE15_zps99536768.jpg

[dotcommer]

Yellow Battlefeild Chalice

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/YellowBattlefeildChalice-RetailPrice50LIVESALEPRICE15_zps17bedb88.jpg

[dotcommer]

Neon Froggies

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/NeonFroggies-RetailPrice50LIVESALEPRICE25_zpsb9093931.jpg

[Elliott]

deep water zoas are sweet!

[dotcommer]

JackOLantern

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/JackOLantern-RetailPrice95SALEPRICE50_zpscbe4f80d1_zpsc8bf7bed.jpg

[dotcommer]

Flame Dancer Monti

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/FlameDancerMonti-RetailPrice100SALEPRICE40_zpsad38396f.jpg

[dotcommer]

Nuclear Froggies

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/NuclearFroggies-RetailPrice75LIVESALEPRICE35_zpscfa10b3b.jpg

[dotcommer]

Skittles Chalices

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/SkittlesChalices-RetailPrice30LIVESALEPRICE10_zpsca41c8ba.jpg

[dave.m]

Whoa! I sure hope this one keeps its colouration as it grows. Were you able to view a more mature cutting to see how they fare?

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/JackOLantern-RetailPrice95SALEPRICE50_zpscbe4f80d1_zpsc8bf7bed.jpg

Dave.M

[dotcommer]

Gladiator Favia

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/GladiatorFavia-RetailPrice30LIVESALEPRICE8_zps393c01ce.jpg

[dotcommer]

Rainbow Tenius
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/RainbowTenuis-RetailPrice150SALEPRICE80_zpsa34dbf54.jpg

[dotcommer]

Rainbow Soul Favia
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/RainbowSoulFavia-RetailPrice50LIVESALEPRICE20_zps657d10a0.jpg

[dotcommer]

Martian Hunter Favia
http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/MartianHunterFavia_zps7ec6b90c.jpg

[dotcommer]

wow, love that leptoseris

deep water zoas are sweet!

Thanks, I have some of the corals in my Frag tank and the others I have been putting into the main tank.

The Deep water Zoa's are cool. I just picked up some super pink ones yesterday over at Club Reef in Tempe, I will post some pics as soon as I get a chance.

[dotcommer]

JackOLantern

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/JackOLantern-RetailPrice95SALEPRICE50_zpscbe4f80d1_zpsc8bf7bed.jpg

The first time I saw this coral I fell in love with it. Started searching around and a Local reefer in AZ had one that he was going to auction at the local Frag Auction, but I was out of town. I had a bidder step in for me and was able to win the bid. Then I saw this one over at Aqua SD and purchased it. I am back in AZ and my friend who bid on it went out of town. So once he gets back I will have two. Should be interesting to see if their is much of a difference.

I did see the Frag it came from while in San Diego and it looked great, but it wasn't for sale.

[rpjaws74]

very impressive coral !!

[dotcommer]

very impressive coral !!

Thanks, now the hard part is to keep them looking that good and growing. :-)

[muttley000]

Nice scores! Makes for an expensive vacation! What was your procedure for care from store to your door if you don't mind?

[Benson0219]

dotcommer, just read through your thread. Excellent work. Very nice tank.

[slief]

What a great build! I love your fish feeder solution. That's some serious ingenuity! How is that thing working out for you?

[dotcommer]

Nice scores! Makes for an expensive vacation! What was your procedure for care from store to your door if you don't mind?

I purchased them earlier in my vacation, then made arrangements when I was driving back to Arizona. They bagged them just before I arrived around 2pm and they were in my tank by 10pm.

[dotcommer]

dotcommer, just read through your thread. Excellent work. Very nice tank.
Thanks, its been a lot of fun and long hours.

What a great build! I love your fish feeder solution. That's some serious ingenuity! How is that thing working out for you?

This is almost a duplicate of Elliots orginal design (Elliot's build (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2229215) ) we tried adding some different solutions, but had some issues. It was working great, but I had issues with what we believe was too powerful of a blow dryer. I was getting warping in the top dispensing plate and we think the powerful blow dryer was heating the acrylic then when it cooled was causing the acrylic plate to warp. I just order a 900 Watt blow dryer which matches what Elliot is using. I was using a 1875 watt blow dryer which is pretty much the standard wattage. Hopefully this will solve the problem.

Elliot designed his one afternoon, purchased the parts and had it up and running with the intention of making it better. His worked so well that he never changed it. It is a great solution has worked incredibly well on his tank.

[tdb320reef]

Love the Auto Feeder that is amazing. Thank is looking great. Time for a FTS!

[dotcommer]

Love the Auto Feeder that is amazing. Thank is looking great. Time for a FTS!

Thanks, its a great design and the blow dryer was causing a lot of the problems I had. I switched the blow dryer out to a 900 Watt and everything is working out great.

I really need to update my build thread since so much as been going on. For now, here is a FTS I took to use for my current PAR readings. The bulb to water height is 19.5". I will follow up with more pics and videos.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/300GallonWithParMeterValuesLowestHeight19_zps4d2e6d9f.jpg

[Newbie Aquarist]

Great update with the par readings. Helps giving me a better perspective on my tank. Thanks DC.

[dotcommer]

Great update with the par readings. Helps giving me a better perspective on my tank. Thanks DC.

With my coast to coast overflow and two Panworld 250 pumps on the closed loop system, I have a lot of water agitation on the top of the tank. It was hard to get some decent par readings since they were bouncing all of the place. I just had to try it several times and just go with the averages. Things are really starting to kick in growth and color wise.

[SPotter]

this is a crazy question but how do you edit the photo and put the numbers on it for the par readings???? I have recently taken some par readings in my tank and wanted to post them with a picture as well but could never figure out how to do it...lol.

[dotcommer]

this is a crazy question but how do you edit the photo and put the numbers on it for the par readings???? I have recently taken some par readings in my tank and wanted to post them with a picture as well but could never figure out how to do it...lol.

I use Adobe Photoshop and every time I type a new par number in, it creates a new layer on the page. Any program that supports layers can do this very easily.

[SPotter]

Great thank you!!!! BTW...tank looks awesome!

[dotcommer]

Great thank you!!!! BTW...tank looks awesome!

Thanks for the compliment. Its coming along.

[dotcommer]

Here is a pic of my new dosing containers.

They measure 10" wide, x 16" Tall and 23" deep. They fit perfectly in my water changing closet.

I purchased a double to single small extension cord for each unit. So each hour the APEX turns the dosing system on, the pumps kick on to stir up the solution.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/4E0BE829-37E4-49CA-A89B-FBBD05B9A27A_zpsy8rp7dy0.jpg

[Mason91]

Far out, epic build! I can't even imagine the cost!
Still... I am envious!

[SPotter]

Here is a pic of my new dosing containers.



They measure 10" wide, x 16" Tall and 23" deep. They fit perfectly in my water changing closet.



I purchased a double to single small extension cord for each unit. So each hour the APEX turns the dosing system on, the pumps kick on to stir up the solution.



http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/4E0BE829-37E4-49CA-A89B-FBBD05B9A27A_zpsy8rp7dy0.jpg



Those look great! Curious as to why you dose rather than using a ca reactor?

[zibba]

Wow, everything looks fantastic!

[dotcommer]

Those look great! Curious as to why you dose rather than using a ca reactor?

I was looking into CA Reator's, but I talked with a few owners of some 500+ Gallon tanks and they got rid of there reactors and went with dosing. They said they had more control that way. I am thinking about putting one on my smaller tank to try it out and see how I like it.

[tdb320reef]

Thanks, its a great design and the blow dryer was causing a lot of the problems I had. I switched the blow dryer out to a 900 Watt and everything is working out great.

I really need to update my build thread since so much as been going on. For now, here is a FTS I took to use for my current PAR readings. The bulb to water height is 19.5". I will follow up with more pics and videos.

http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii566/dotcommeraz/300%20gallon%20aquarium/300GallonWithParMeterValuesLowestHeight19_zps4d2e6d9f.jpg

Very nice, similar to how I did my rock work. Keep in mind that your SPS will take over the skyline. I wish I was about 8" lower on the rock as I am clearly out of space. Looking great!

[dotcommer]

Very nice, similar to how I did my rock work. Keep in mind that your SPS will take over the skyline. I wish I was about 8" lower on the rock as I am clearly out of space. Looking great!

I love the look of your tank and all the amazing photos you post in your thread. I agree on the SPS taking over the skyline. It's a battle of wanting to have it look nice today, and knowing what it will end up like in the future rather then starting it off much lower and knowing in a two years or more, that it aesthetically works better.

[dotcommer]

Far out, epic build! I can't even imagine the cost!
Still... I am envious!
Thanks for tagging along, It's been a fun ride.

Wow, everything looks fantastic!
Thanks for the compliment, can't wait till your 600+gallons is dialed in. When are you going to start a build thread?

[zibba]

Thanks for the compliment, can't wait till your 600+gallons is dialed in. When are you going to start a build thread?

I need to come check things out in person sometime -- you and Elliott have given me a lot of great ideas with your ingenuity.

I did started a thread on the new tank:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=22937959#post22937959

Still getting it put together and it's a lot of work, that's for sure. But very rewarding.

[dotcommer]

I need to come check things out in person sometime -- you and Elliott have given me a lot of great ideas with your ingenuity.

I did started a thread on the new tank:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=22937959#post22937959

Still getting it put together and it's a lot of work, that's for sure. But very rewarding.

Thread and tank are looking great. Thanks for the link.

[dotcommer]

Several of you have asked for me to post a video of the tank. Here's a quick 3 minute video I shot today with my Iphone. Its only of the Display Tank. I will shoot more videos of the life support system, Frag tank etc.. and post them as well.

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/niAX_YkXKwg?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/niAX_YkXKwg?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

[muttley000]

I can't see the link, maybe because I am on an iPad?

[discoreefer]

Incredibly beautiful, thanks for sharing. Really nice to see all the fish in the reef. They all look so healthy and vibrant!

[dotcommer]

I can't see the link, maybe because I am on an iPad?
I am going to try and post a different embed link. I couldn't see the video above on my Ipad as well.
I can now see it on my Ipad.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/niAX_YkXKwg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[dotcommer]

Incredibly beautiful, thanks for sharing. Really nice to see all the fish in the reef. They all look so healthy and vibrant!

Thanks. I feed very heavily and the fish are getting pretty fat. I try to add supplements to their food a few times a week and the big fish love fresh clams on the half shell. The tangs as with the other fish, love the Nori that is readily available almost on a daily basis.

[muttley000]

Wow, looking great! Thanks for the different link so I could see it!