"The Cavernous Reef" - A 180G Build [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

rickcasa

03/02/2013, 01:17 AM

So I figure this is my chance to realize this vision of The Cavernous Reef in my head ever since I donned on my first snorkel gear when I was just 7. Exploring the rocky shores of Guam on my annual summer visits to join my dad who was working abroad as an architect, I find myself chasing after one colourful fish after another through the underwater rocky cliffs and natural deep caves, I peer skyward to let the blue light guide me to the surface for the Nth time to gasp another breath filling my lungs so I can quickly dive down to resume my quest of spotting as many fish on that day's outing.

How do I get this vision in a glass box?? You see, it's not only about the fish, the corals, the rocks...it's more about how caverns and overhangs paint shadows and deliver that sexy silhouette. But last I read, shadows don't grow much corals, lol.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hnW5TO43OSo/UTGUEHfd2vI/AAAAAAAAAN8/PnuWgybg5-g/s421/Andros-Blue-Hole.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K7JLBkO6cLY/UTGUEWI1KCI/AAAAAAAAAOI/H2tnLd0bE-E/s960/Diving-the-Cenote-Caverns-and-Caves-in-Mexico.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6GgtbjclEWM/UTGUE_aCHEI/AAAAAAAAAOU/GWkv5-0lCDk/s700/Mindy-Scuba-Diver.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qsGG4gdUu1w/UTGUHBKop-I/AAAAAAAAAO0/nEF3UbDbvq8/s997/scuba_diver-2638.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eIEyX3Q0s3E/UTGUY1GCJsI/AAAAAAAAAPE/RL_mwTRiU6E/s460/Healthy-coral-reef-and-di-001.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JPfD1oFdcgQ/UTGUZeAcm8I/AAAAAAAAAPI/jHsKUdEWFhM/s500/tumblr_livrjwjcEM1qi9fxdo1_500.jpg

Picture my clown trigger (yes, reef safe and gets regular grooming from a coral banded pair and jockeys a red fire shrimp) swimming through a brilliant, shimmering mixed coral forest on the left side and meanders through a dark gorgonian-lined cavern. The rock work continues to the right side with a wrap around cliff structure rising to form a lacey overhang over a gsp covered bottom and zoa garden. I need suggestions. :spin2::confused::spin2:

Here's my equipment list that I have acquired over the past 2 months.

TANK: Miracles 180G (72x24x24) 3 sided Starfire; double exterior overflows; closed loop drilled at the bottom (1 in, 4 out).

SKIMMER: Super Reef Octopus 3000int

SUMP: 54"x18" Acrylic Wet/Dry (Converting to include built it reactor chambers and filter socks

RETURN PUMP: DC5000 or Velocity T4 (may use for water change)

CONTROLLER: Aquatronica (http://www.aquatronica.com). This was bundled in when I bought the tank. Thought I was going to resell it in favour of a Neptune set but after much research I think I'll buy the touchscreen display and control ATO, lights, CL pumps.

LIGHTS: 2x Maxspect Razors 27" 160w-16000K

FLOW: 2x MP40wes; CL

REFUGIUM: 100G RDSB

Only thing missing I think is my CL pumps. Since I want to keep energy consumption low, I will overlook any Reeflo's obvious advantages. I was considering OM as I have a modified ver3 sourced out, but leaning towards 2 DC5000s or a Waterblaster 10000.

rickcasa

03/02/2013, 01:37 AM

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EtSoWJ2TDS8/UPtAsvQbFFI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/MyMB3qwAUAw/s800/IMGP1413.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LfKQlvYOPUo/UPtArUaVpeI/AAAAAAAAAKE/M-c1gHeszrg/s800/IMGP1384.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KeWQZwYOnSI/UPtArnMRjJI/AAAAAAAAAKA/r65NXfLv9lY/s748/IMGP1390.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B18YOGmD9M8/UPtAtMsFu9I/AAAAAAAAAKY/GoFXmIl9y4M/s800/IMGP1423.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uWQToIk1eDo/UPtArP0o02I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/m8DZd33fw18/s800/20130119_191415_Small.jpg

rickcasa

03/02/2013, 01:48 AM

The sump wont fit under the DT stand as it's a taller that average height. So it will be right next to the tank under the counter top which I intend to build with bar sink.

The tank bottom is still under scrutiny. I have 200lbs of CaribSea Live Black Hawaiian all set to go, but I like the idea of a detritus controlled base without going bare bottom. I may go DIY concrete (Epoxy clad) strata along the sides and back and have a lagoon of 3" deep sand in the middle.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LyX5Hha2WTs/UTGsBvtO0kI/AAAAAAAAAPk/7Y6FX4jNakk/s1302/180+Build.JPG

Here's my initial plumbing layout. I really don't know how to plumb the dual exterior overflows.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2dt1fIGaoA4/UTGsBVMXP4I/AAAAAAAAAPg/aBATEZe5Nlo/s1049/Plumbing1.JPG

aurora_rc

03/02/2013, 05:51 AM

wlyon

03/02/2013, 06:32 AM

I remember seeing a 60 gallon cube NPS tank where the guy created a "cave" much like the second picture in your original post. He made the entire rock structure much like zoo and aquariums exhibits do.

I know I read the thread on this website but it was about two years ago and I never saw the tank with water in it but he did get the cave completed. Was a great idea.

bmullikin1

03/02/2013, 06:37 AM

Wow, great looking tank, love the external overflows. Would agree w running plumbing for each of the drains, just in case.

dave.m

03/02/2013, 06:52 AM

rickcasa

03/02/2013, 12:08 PM

I would recommend a second separate plumbing for the overflow boxes, just in case something gets stuck in one of them the other works flawless and keeps your chances of a dry room. So connect the emergencies and the main return lines to separate plumbing.

Best regards
Thomas

Thanks Thomas, bmullikin1... I was trying to keep the pipe runs down to a couple keeping the clutter around the tank down. Even thought about drilling each overflow and connect them with a 2" tube so they equalize each other's volume and then I can treat both boxes as one. Then go with a Bean Animal system with one extra emergency drain to boot for redundancy. But that just introduces more points of leakage.

So here's food for thought. These overflows have 4x 1 1/2" holes combined. If kept wide open, no fancy standpipes, and with a fairly short drop to the pipe leading to the sump, will there be much gurgling still I wonder? I could tune the Return down if need be. Do I really need 10X turnover for this 180 given the generous flow that will be delivered by 2x MP40 + CL?

rickcasa

03/02/2013, 12:18 PM

An opaque acrylic sheet with holes of various sizes over top of part of the tank could mimic the shafts of light shining down through the overhanging reef without actually taking up tank space with rockwork if that's the sort of look you want to go for.

Dave.M

Thanks for the idea Dave, you got what I'm after!! Shafts of light rays...I almost wish the tank was taller and deeper, come to think of it. But I'll do with what I have. Even taking it further by having these varying light columns somehow 'slow dance'. Maybe think adding blue underwater moonlights on the right side and scoot the 2 Razors to the left.

Thanks, wlyon. I know I can't get away from doing massive diy aquascaping, so I better read up more on this. Love this site for the volumes of infos at my fingertips. There's not much anyone can ever imagine that hasn't already been done on this site.

Tradewinds

03/02/2013, 02:49 PM

FUA

03/02/2013, 08:31 PM

jumping on board for this one. Looks exciting so far!

SantaMonica

03/02/2013, 08:51 PM

If you use the holes-in-roof idea, you could put softies or gorgs on top of it so that when they move around they will change the beams of light going through the holes.

rpjaws74

03/02/2013, 11:55 PM

pretty interested in this build!!

SushiGirl

03/03/2013, 01:44 AM

Beautiful diving pics. Look forward to seeing this come to life.

rickcasa

03/03/2013, 12:46 PM

A shadowbox behind the tank will add the sense of depth and provide shadows. Check out this thread or do a search on shadowbox:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1868825&highlight=shadowbox

This should be a fun build, I'm subscribed.

I'm familiar with this build and in fact was the inspiration for me wanting to get a bigger tank. However, I quickly dismissed that idea when I landed this exterior overflow tank and blacked out back panel.... So, how could pull it off??

Tradewinds, you got me back on track!! I think it may even be better because adding the rock columns effectively and creatively obscures the overflows adding a more dramatic effect. Check out these crude sketches I did this morning! Don't look at the top of the rockwork yet. I need to carve them out to make it more open to the 'sky'. That's when I'll add Dave's idea of a black holey acrylic roof.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BEvtRfH7BaY/UTOZqYerOQI/AAAAAAAAAQU/Ow6lu-QGuv4/s1302/Caverns_01.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1qCjCgJ1mbg/UTOZqd-IpjI/AAAAAAAAAQM/3OJyhGNHdKQ/s1201/Caverns_02.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2KZl7oJeJxs/UTOZqTQSenI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/vSnSl6UlTM0/s1181/Caverns_03.JPG

After a second glance, the rock work looks too dense but I don't intend to make the tank look crowded and 'steal' space away from the inhabitants. I need to keep editing away rock work so I'm left with an open concept while achieving the desired effect.

rickcasa

03/03/2013, 12:49 PM

If you use the holes-in-roof idea, you could put softies or gorgs on top of it so that when they move around they will change the beams of light going through the holes.

That idea is a keeper! Thanks Santa Monica!

Come along for the ride FUA, rpjaws and SushiGirl...I'm learning a lot from you all. Thanks!

amore169

03/03/2013, 11:41 PM

Very nice diving pics!!!

Northside Reef

03/04/2013, 12:01 AM

Make sure when you do this:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BEvtRfH7BaY/UTOZqYerOQI/AAAAAAAAAQU/Ow6lu-QGuv4/s1302/Caverns_01.JPG

You still have easy access to this closed loop intake. they will clog.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EtSoWJ2TDS8/UPtAsvQbFFI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/MyMB3qwAUAw/s800/IMGP1413.JPG

Here is how I did it. those strainer pop right off for cleaning (I have an extra set so I just have to exchange them)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/frnorth/01012_25_2012.jpg

HeadleesSon

03/04/2013, 01:30 AM

Such great illistrations. looks so cool.

dave.m

03/04/2013, 01:33 AM

ctrenary

03/04/2013, 01:36 PM

Where did you get the returns for the closed loop system? I've been looking for something like that.

Thanks,
Cory

rickcasa

03/04/2013, 07:56 PM

Such great illistrations. looks so cool.

Thanks. I'm not a planner with to do lists and itemized parts lists. I wish I were. So I need to sketch out my ideas, ad nauseam, sometimes. But I do need to catch myself from going too far with the graphics and just get on with building!

rickcasa

03/04/2013, 08:03 PM

I was thinking a bit more about the holey roof. ;)

http://th02.deviantart.net/fs70/200H/i/2013/041/a/8/yet_another_church_ceiling_by_milesspencer1-d5ui6aq.jpg

You might want to start out with a sheet of cardboard first to experiment as to where, how many, and how big to make the holes. Live with each version for a few days until you find your final solution. A sheet of acrylic is going to cost you major bucks and you will want to do it right the first time.

Dave.M

lol...I'd sure impress my mom if I made this build Basilica themed!

But good point...but once decided, thinking ahead about a semi opaque blue acrylic with holes, or black with transparent blue inserts for the holes. Boy, see there, I just spent the money you saved me on blue sheets!

rickcasa

03/04/2013, 08:06 PM

Here is how I did it. those strainer pop right off for cleaning (I have an extra set so I just have to exchange them)

Duly noted. And having read though your build, you're a man to learn from. THx!

rickcasa

03/04/2013, 08:14 PM

Very nice diving pics!!!

And if you see others online that may help me make this vision come to life, please post here. Images of the deep blue sea is awe-inspiring.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3225/3279908553_daf83b98cb_z.jpg

rickcasa

03/04/2013, 08:29 PM

Where did you get the returns for the closed loop system? I've been looking for something like that.

Thanks,
Cory

The seller of this tank did mention that the tank setup including the plumbing was designed and provided by Miracles. I believe their pricing for parts is on their website.

Northside Reef

03/04/2013, 09:57 PM

Thanks. I'm not a planner with to do lists and itemized parts lists. I wish I were. So I need to sketch out my ideas, ad nauseam, sometimes. But I do need to catch myself from going too far with the graphics and just get on with building!

but it is going to save you endless trips to the hardware store man. You have every fitting nicely detailed!

I wish I would have done the same.

Charfish

03/05/2013, 01:33 PM

lookin' smart...subscribing...

petere1989

03/13/2013, 07:36 PM

looks like an awesome build. hanging on for this one! good luck!

ctrenary

03/25/2013, 01:37 PM

The seller of this tank did mention that the tank setup including the plumbing was designed and provided by Miracles. I believe their pricing for parts is on their website.

I emailed miracles but never heard anything back. I did some more digging and they may have been made by Paul at Oceans Motions.

Thanks,
Cory

muttley000

03/25/2013, 07:13 PM

Love the illustrations, tagging along.

rickcasa

03/29/2013, 12:24 AM

lookin' smart...subscribing...

looks like an awesome build. hanging on for this one! good luck!

Love the illustrations, tagging along.

Hard to blame my 3 girls for the slow progress of this build, but ya it's their fault....esp the newborn. Serves me right for thinking I should have anytime to enjoy a hobby. :spin2:

Hang in there with me folks, I still need you every step of the way. Cheers.

rickcasa

03/29/2013, 12:27 AM

I emailed miracles but never heard anything back. I did some more digging and they may have been made by Paul at Oceans Motions.

Thanks,
Cory

Let me do some leg work for you. I know a Derek there and he's been prompt with my emails in the past. It wouldn't hurt to buy a couple of spares for myself.

rickcasa

03/29/2013, 01:22 AM

It was quite an eyeopener to discover so many different ideas of rockscaping here in RC. I read a lot of builds here, quite the creative bunch, and a few are downright ingenius.

So convinced the eggcrate/foam method is the way to go, off shopping I went which was easy enough...found everything for stage 1 in one place.

The green can here is Great Stuff Pond and Stone, a black foam. This is better than the regular one (red can) because it's infused with carbon particles and wont breakdown from over exposure to light like the other one would. Bought a bottle of Gorilla glue to bond rocks together but found that it really wasn't necessary as the black foam is strong enough to hold a good size rock up. Eggcrate and cable ties completes the list. Make sure you get at least the 14" ties if you plan on attaching rocks bigger than 5 pounds.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HVZkDNPq_2I/UVUyLCeG6TI/AAAAAAAAAR4/lbu6NuDP4KQ/s640/20130327_213418

rickcasa

03/29/2013, 02:11 AM

Coming along pretty well actually. I'm working on the right side of the tank first...the cavern with the overhangs. This brought out my inner sculptor as I carved the 'marshmallows' that form when the foam expands. Really impressed how hard the foam dries and bonds to anything it touches.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-VHDBEdi4qWc/UVUyIgq1ACI/AAAAAAAAARg/kTkgWnzvgXQ/s640/20130328_013722

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G3JxCjFqVgE/UVUyGKp3_HI/AAAAAAAAARI/UmtedMXWp1I/s640/20130328_015930

Behind the eggcrate where I shaved off the excess foam...they puff out in all directions.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-94atTw-b-nE/UVUyEfGQrfI/AAAAAAAAARA/qrDCuUoP3CU/s640/20130328_231547

Tomorrow, I'll look for some coarsely crushed corals and epoxy to cover up the black foam, Stage 2.

rickcasa

03/29/2013, 02:16 AM

Thinking of building an ATS in my sump.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8J_sCnANAOA/UVVO1VX8mEI/AAAAAAAAAUM/cv1wJnlDDIY/w762-h770-p-o-k/ATS.JPG

Tinkanator2000

03/29/2013, 04:37 AM

In your ATS picture I see the top of the one side is cut low. That's not your intended return to the sump is it?

Tinkanator2000

03/29/2013, 04:38 AM

Scratch that, just noticed the bottom opening

Charfish

03/29/2013, 04:48 AM

Hard to blame my 3 girls for the slow progress of this build, but ya it's their fault....esp the newborn. Serves me right for thinking I should have anytime to enjoy a hobby. :spin2:

Hang in there with me folks, I still need you every step of the way. Cheers.

I feel your sweet pain on the newborn front...:beer:

rickcasa

03/29/2013, 01:27 PM

Rigid foam board is used to build the columns and overhangs. Now it looks odd at the moment but I'm actually thrilled to be working with such a light and forgiving material. When I set out to build this concept, I was planning on working with aragocrete and dry rock so the foam not only allows me to dry fit and position it to find the profile I'm after, but it may get me to adding water in this tank quicker....no weeks of curing the lime out of the cement.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PGn-rV-ppkk/UVXleywsdII/AAAAAAAAAU0/llMGjrRvkQQ/w832-h468-p-o-k/20130329_135726

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHe3OGeCzKs/UVXlggLPWhI/AAAAAAAAAVE/yGxMKuol97c/w832-h468-p-o-k/20130329_132453

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b0b2DTryI9Y/UVXleGdVY_I/AAAAAAAAAUs/mKVmHDmocCM/w833-h468-p-o-k/20130329_135736

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dfgP2TqBR_Q/UVXldT29huI/AAAAAAAAAUk/0wuErTxJ97g/w832-h468-p-o-k/20130329_135814

This certainly takes me back a dozen or so years back in art college sculpting and working with tools. I could spend way too many hours perfecting the shape, colour and texture of the structure but knowing that when coraline bonds and I start to add zoas and corals and placing feather dusters, coco worms, cerianthus and other diverse critters to it, it won't matter too much.

This rigid board is so cool...it gives me something to work with when I cover it pond foam. With it I'll be adding dimension and detail like stalactites and holes for the fish to swim through. I know a lot of foam will be tough to keep in place so I'm going to anchor it down with a large rock at the base of each foam column and even on it's sides. This column will be superficially attached to the ceiling. I don't want to glue them together for maintenance purposes but I'll want it to look seamless. I may only have 2 columns as I dont want to crowd the fish.

This ceiling plays a key role in this concept. It will be opened up a bit in the middle, but more importantly it will have holes strategically placed to give me that 'shafts of light' effect that Dave succinctly described it. I'll carry the rock effect past the waterline so it looks realistic but not past above the eurobracing as I still want a sleek and clean looking tank from the outside.

rickcasa

03/29/2013, 01:35 PM

This Photoshopped image shows what I hope to accomplish with the shadowbox concept. Right now the back glass has a very nice black vinyl covering so when I finish the rockscape, I'll need to trace its silouette with a blade and scrape off the middle 'window'.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1EzyncvBmz8/UVXlf-oL0GI/AAAAAAAAAU8/aDT3X6tOg5o/w833-h468-p-o-k/20130329_133646

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rdbppj9Kzho/UVXoXxJsKNI/AAAAAAAAAVw/P6KyvFwGj4w/w833-h468-p-o-k/BackConcept.JPG

I'll be tricky because I'll have to plumb the drains and return so that it wont be seen through this window.

rickcasa

03/29/2013, 02:09 PM

Scratch that, just noticed the bottom opening

I may need to tone down my plans for this sump and just go old school. But the ATO is something that has me convinced I should develop as I plan on overstocking this tank. Any ideas?

rickcasa

03/29/2013, 02:19 PM

I feel your sweet pain on the newborn front...:beer:

Cheers buddy. We deserve it.

You'll see the newborn's 2 other sisters (3.5 and 2 yr olds) in the pics from time to time as they have a firm grip on my apron strings.

I know it's almost mandatory to get a gratuitous shot of the tank pre H20 with someone inside it, but this was their idea so don't call child services on me. :)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1-Dd8OCoV-c/UVX2gU_n_rI/AAAAAAAAAWU/OlKW9b12I7k/w844-h475-p-o-k/20130329_125728

Charfish

03/29/2013, 05:41 PM

looking good...

waterpolo10

03/31/2013, 05:41 PM

Hey! This is a really unique and cool design! I'm gonna tag along to see how this turns out.

rpjaws74

03/31/2013, 11:04 PM

I agree very unique design I hope it works out the way you plan it

Carant

04/01/2013, 12:45 PM

Rickcasa,

I know you are already into your build, however, here is another post that has a concept that you wanted.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1868825&highlight=shadowbox+background

Have a look and the last posts have something more likely what you wanted.

There was another build I was looking for, however could not find yet.

Cheers,
Bruce

rickcasa

04/01/2013, 06:56 PM

Great dig Carant, that's the effect I'm after. Just add the dancing light rays and it's my vision. One half of it anyways. Very interesting how a ledge was incorporated in the back...might have to borrow the idea.

But that build showed me I'm really in the right direction with the dual look I'm after. The glowing coral reef on the left side and dark cavern on the right but I'll need to pay special attention to how I set up the Razors or the tank could look flat with the lights at full strength.

I gotta read up more of it....thx!!

rickcasa

04/01/2013, 07:06 PM

looking good...

Hey! This is a really unique and cool design! I'm gonna tag along to see how this turns out.

I agree very unique design I hope it works out the way you plan it

Thanks guys. The design has taken a bit of a detour in that I won't be using the pink rigid boards at all. Instead; I've found it much easier to just build the columns from, well, actual rocks....hmm imagine that! :) I'll work the rocks and hopefully come close to the shape I like.

rickcasa

04/01/2013, 07:48 PM

Here are 3 rock columns I've managed to Gorilla Glue and foamed in place. It forms a pretty solid bond, I must say.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8-7VTMpTkuQ/UVoxZso8G-I/AAAAAAAAAW8/J66YcA5A7BM/w844-h475-p-o-k/20130401_211523

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J7pNt7paRiw/UVoxacX7lAI/AAAAAAAAAXE/MZ5N1GRZzjU/w844-h475-p-o-k/20130401_211132

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3Ob9OIRODoc/UVoxbRWdfoI/AAAAAAAAAXM/gg_HtWOdyVs/w762-h428-p-o-k/20130401_211047

With the rock columns positioned, my plan is to build it up with foam tapering it out as it goes towards the water line creating an overhang much like an umbrella. For this, I'll spray flat on the table, sculpt it adding stalactites and holes, and then bond it to the rock columns. I can't imagine the foam can lift these 15lb columns...but we shall wait and see, won't we.

I'm buying the epoxy tomorrow and get that foam covered up with sand. But I gotta say, I really like the texture of the bare foam esp with the 'pillows' pinched off (this stuff really balloons out there). I just gouged out the noticeable marshmallows by pinching and scraping at them without any tools whatsoever. So I'm thinking of painting it with acrylic paint and covering that with epoxy. That should be safe right...anything under the epoxy can't leach out, I hope?? Or can I mix the grey paint into the epoxy?? Will that bond, hmmm. You know, I'll be trying it. I might even spot paint on some purple and other live rock colours to make it really come alive.:inlove:

Purple Coralline
http://www.thereefshop.com.au/images/Live-Base-Rock.jpg

Tonga Deepwater
http://www.livestockusa.org/blueridge3.jpg

Bali
http://www.livestockusa.org/blueridge1.jpg

Ok, here I am going too far. Maybe just gray and let nature take its course.

rickcasa

04/10/2013, 11:21 PM

So I'm still progressing, but at a snail's pace. I havent even started the left rock wall yet, but the cavern on the right side is looking solid. It's composed of 4 main structures: the back rock wall, the stalactite overhang, and 2 rock columns. With the black foam sufficiently covered in fiberglass resin and sand, I dry fitted the pieces together and was generally pleased with the shape. However, because I didn't want to cover any part of the side glass with rock, the cavern doesn't look ensconced and ominous....yet. The fun part is when I start placing gorgs, sponges and leathers to veil the cavern and cast animated shadows.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--waHvhxaq-w/UWYyyB5P7gI/AAAAAAAAAXc/RrQzdqYhjOg/w844-h475-p-o/20130410_232054

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wg0E4GC1gD8/UWYzBDlEXNI/AAAAAAAAAZs/JSZ6KyudeQs/w844-h475-p-o/20130410_233818

I drastically reduced the density of this overhang at the water's surface from what I had originally planned. I wanted to fit 2x 27" Maxpect Razors which will be offset to the left. I didn't want the light to fall directly on the overhang. I know I need to protect the top from UV so I'll be covering it with sand, or maybe just spray paint it black with Krylon Fusion....hmmm, don't know yet.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4b2qr1Anp-Q/UWYy0shm97I/AAAAAAAAAXs/S3mcCuoOgPY/w844-h475-p-o/20130410_232534

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7XJOHG6W_r4/UWYzCK5D9eI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/M6rG-1ZNQcg/w844-h475-p-o/20130410_233859

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FcP0_RQ6IdI/UWYzEppHJyI/AAAAAAAAAaM/dFDQL9tzMV8/w844-h475-p-o/20130410_233939

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Rk2BEA9owaI/UWYzC54egaI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/UAJq4HOSIdA/w844-h475-p-o/20130410_233921

Here's the forming of the overhang....spray foam, styrofoam, epoxy, sand, rubble. I mixed and matched resin and epoxy randomly as they seem very similar to work with.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7KwFn46xCgk/UWY7um2qIbI/AAAAAAAAAbA/8zXxXkUyYn4/w724-h407-p-o/20130404_021330

Overhang up close. I'm planning on having this overhang removable so it will essentially just rest on the back rock wall and maybe clips to the eurobrace at the front.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iT_CFWZ5goY/UWZHfCgPXrI/AAAAAAAAAbw/U7wk8obqGP4/w762-h428-p-o/20130411_011717.jpg

And here's the 'pegs' that I used to secure the rock wall to the back glass. These are plentiful in any retail shop and it's used to hang products on peg boards. It's made of really hard pvc. I just snapped off the hooks and filed the backing flat. That's the surface that gets gorilla glued to the back wall.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gOe9Tzp5jeA/UWY7xnyIV2I/AAAAAAAAAbY/U8ApOqRoEtw/w844-h475-p-o/20130403_213825

You can see the peg here poked through the eggcrate and foam. I'll just lock that up tight to the glass with epoxy, I guess. Don't know what's best to use yet.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OMH3BS4d7Go/UWY89yRBh2I/AAAAAAAAAbk/C5b1pPgrv5g/w844-h475-p-o/20130411_003202.jpg

Reef_Noob

04/10/2013, 11:32 PM

Your creativity is just amazing!!!
Looking beautiful the lighting effects these structures gonna create will be beautiful for sure.
Good luck and wishing all the best.

FoxDaddy

04/11/2013, 06:34 AM

This is incredible, I've never seen anything like it. Tagging along!

Congrats in your newest, so it's 4-1 or do you have any boys?

SushiGirl

04/11/2013, 11:11 AM

That looks great!

rickcasa

04/11/2013, 11:28 AM

Your creativity is just amazing!!!
Looking beautiful the lighting effects these structures gonna create will be beautiful for sure.
Good luck and wishing all the best.

Creativity comes with a hefty a price. I see a lot of great people here assemble rockscapes in less than a day and filled with water soon after. I'm going past 1 month now. As for lighting, I may get better control with 3 or 4 smaller Kessils than my 2 Razors.

Thanks for the well wishes.

This is incredible, I've never seen anything like it. Tagging along!

Congrats in your newest, so it's 4-1 or do you have any boys?
No boys. I remember getting mad at mom when I was 7 for not giving me a brother, only 3 sisters. So of course now mom gripes back about my failure to produce a son to carry on the name. KARMA is a b*****. Lol

Thanks for tagging along!!

That looks great!

Thanks. I need critiques and suggestions as well as I'm pretty much going by instinct.

MrIcky

04/11/2013, 12:05 PM

Well done in taking your vision all the way through. It's going to look great.

lotusstar

04/11/2013, 08:42 PM

this looks so cool. very creative and great execution so far. I was wondering could you maybe, or have you thought of using one of the small underwater leds to place maybe down at the bottom or back of the cave. Might give it an interesting look with neat shadows and whatnot.

shiladitya1991

04/12/2013, 12:21 PM

Very interesting build.. Leaves me with one question : What are your plans on coral placement, it looks like allmost all of the light will be blocked by the caves..

SushiGirl

04/12/2013, 01:03 PM

bmullikin1

04/12/2013, 01:40 PM

nicely done, cant wait to see it set up

jmifland

04/12/2013, 01:59 PM

I was just thinking about how that would be the perfect place for some dendros! Wish I was this creative!

Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2

rickcasa

04/12/2013, 02:52 PM

Well done in taking your vision all the way through. It's going to look great.
I'm just scratching the surface with this vision. Planning the lighting is the next challenge. Thanks for the encouragement!

this looks so cool. very creative and great execution so far. I was wondering could you maybe, or have you thought of using one of the small underwater leds to place maybe down at the bottom or back of the cave. Might give it an interesting look with neat shadows and whatnot.

LEDs really have made illuminating the tank so much more interesting hasn't it. I will likely use these strips I bought off ebay awhile ago that will add that precise blue glow I want from the top inside of the cavern. I'll check out several offerings out there as what I'm trying to achieve goes beyond the norm but I think mainly the way i plan the shadowbox should give add the wow factor.
Thx for your advice.

Very interesting build.. Leaves me with one question : What are your plans on coral placement, it looks like allmost all of the light will be blocked by the caves..
That's right. I'm going for a contrast between light and dark. I still hope to shine light in front of the cavern but inside it should be a shrouded mystery....haha. how do like that fancy description.

I love corals but I like fish and movement even more. That's why there'll be plenty of nems, euphylias and gorgs swaying with the flow pattern. The plan is to establish a very statuesque sps bonsai on the left side that's is starkly lit in contrast with the cavern. I guess if we were to toy with describing my end result it would be to compose the perfect marriage of hard and soft, light and shadow.

joshlawless

04/12/2013, 03:34 PM

Really nice, can't wait to see it wet.

rickcasa

04/12/2013, 05:21 PM

There are lots of NPS (non-photosynthetic) corals out there that would work great. They ca be seen growing in natural caves & under overhangs in the ocean.

I have no critiques for this build, I think it looks great!

Let's just say as a novice keeper I will be extra careful choosing the my inhabitants but I think most of what I dream of acquiring are the more difficult NPS. Im creating another rock column on the cavern side that have more shelves for dendros. Do you have any fav nps that may be easier to keep alive?

nicely done, cant wait to see it set up

I was just thinking about how that would be the perfect place for some dendros! Wish I was this creative!

Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2

Love, love, love dendros and tubestreas...I can see why some keep just these species exclusively. I'm definitely going to find space for a few choice colonies.

rickcasa

04/12/2013, 05:29 PM

Really nice, can't wait to see it wet.

Consider it done Josh! ! :twitch: I'm putting extra pressure on myself in the next 2 weeks to do just that believe it or not. We're heading for a cruise first week of May and I really want to start my cycle before then. Crossing my fingers.

somosomo

04/12/2013, 05:40 PM

nice to see some planning ahead in terms of aesthetics ..not that I am dogging them but so many builds are all about the technology behind the system.

SushiGirl

04/12/2013, 05:51 PM

Sorry, I've not kept NPS so I can't help you there, but there are some threads here of all NPS tanks you could search for.

rickcasa

04/12/2013, 06:13 PM

nice to see some planning ahead in terms of aesthetics ..not that I am dogging them but so many builds are all about the technology behind the system.

Ultimately, the success of a build is determined how well it supports and sustains life as close to nature as possible. Technology can only help but I'm also aware how diligent husbandry practices are even more important. I'm excited though to start researching the Aquatronica controller that came with the tank. Geez I sure hope everything is there and functioning. I haven't bothered even hooking it up yet. I'm counting on it to help me deal with the monotonous regular tasks. With 3 babies I'll use whatever aid necessary to avoid failure.

wlatino30

04/13/2013, 12:25 AM

Cac986

04/13/2013, 02:56 AM

Wonderful rock work, way to think outside the box!!

shiladitya1991

04/13/2013, 03:42 AM

That's right. I'm going for a contrast between light and dark. I still hope to shine light in front of the cavern but inside it should be a shrouded mystery....haha. how do like that fancy description.

I love corals but I like fish and movement even more. That's why there'll be plenty of nems, euphylias and gorgs swaying with the flow pattern. The plan is to establish a very statuesque sps bonsai on the left side that's is starkly lit in contrast with the cavern. I guess if we were to toy with describing my end result it would be to compose the perfect marriage of hard and soft, light and shadow.

I am not sure how an SPS bonsai will look since it will create two distinct portions, a heavily lit portion and a feebly lit..But only time will tell.. Keep the updates coming.

Nando-Italy

04/13/2013, 07:16 AM

Great job!

rickcasa

04/13/2013, 03:30 PM

I am not sure how an SPS bonsai will look since it will create two distinct portions, a heavily lit portion and a feebly lit..But only time will tell.. Keep the updates coming.

I shouldn't be showing these photos yet as the lighting is not even close to being set up properly. You can see only 1 Razor above which I mounted so I can see what I'm working on but, the idea is a natural fade into the shadow. My real concern is leaking too much light in the cavern. btw, I removed the cavern's massive rock column to work on it so currently it looks very uncavern-like.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A9cnY8RZyyE/UWnM8axvtlI/AAAAAAAAAcc/-8oFPiwzyBM/s640/20130413_162202

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uYhVZm2pBQE/UWnM75Hnw3I/AAAAAAAAAcU/ZPH4tcpBe8A/s640/20130413_162148

rickcasa

04/13/2013, 03:37 PM

Work on the Bonsai left side has begun. Aiming to hide the CL intake, or more precisely, incorporate its plumbing to become the second bonsai structure. You can see the first one here on the left.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iR8KmclY3bw/UWnM6MfRKqI/AAAAAAAAAcE/VaCFY9wsDS0/s640/20130413_142118

This undertaking is not as straightforward as I also need to hide the plumbing from behind the tank once I peel off the black vinyl backing. Remember, this will be a shadowbox backdrop.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o1_SffRwsI8/UWnM-rfS5oI/AAAAAAAAAc0/9bMuh3LSl5M/s640/20130413_172057

I'm playing around with ABS fittings to knurl around and hide the return plumbing as well as form a really cool structure for sps corals. Once I'm happy with the form, I will remove it and cover it with spray foam and dry rock and hopefully end up with a masterpiece bonsai I would hate to cover with corals. :P

I'm hoping not to use the eggcrate as I really dont want to make a rock wall. I just want to create a structure in front to obscure the very obvious external overflow and the plumbing that's attached to it. Good thing is I haven't plumbed the overflow yet so the creativity may extend outside the tank with the pvc. This is as close to playing with smoke and mirrors as you get.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mwJHm-YXReg/UWnM94u-CII/AAAAAAAAAcs/PanzOVl1-sM/s640/20130413_165611

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e726tL42VOk/UWnM9INVU2I/AAAAAAAAAck/2O8rs3pHjIw/s640/20130413_162359

time2cre8

04/13/2013, 04:19 PM

Nice job! Its going to look great.

Adam G

04/13/2013, 07:35 PM

Wow, just wow. What a work of art. Hats off to you.

Jamie9169

04/13/2013, 08:47 PM

This is fantastic already. I can't wait for the finished product. WTG! Tagging along.

rickcasa

04/14/2013, 12:04 AM

first off i love the scaping.

as for the caves and the light that might come in from the top... just a quick thought and might i add, it might not work. all depends if you plan on a tank canopy.

a small light mounted in side a Squirrel cage fan mount so the light passes through the fins of the fan as it rotates above the cave holes creating a sort of light show that can be controlled by a rheostat or fan dimmer kind of like a shimmer affect the sun rays casts on the ocean floor on windy days.

Hey I almost missed your post. I like your idea if I was setting up a canopy. I want a clean looking top free of cables, plumbing, just the light source above.
But I'm thrilled you understand what effect I'm going for. So a low voltage fan that's slim enough to fit under the eurobrace would work. And I think the fan should move as slow as possible. As for the blades, well they should be replaced with a disc that have random shaped cutouts for the light to pass through.

lotusstar

04/14/2013, 10:51 PM

I love that idea!

Aquatron

04/15/2013, 02:36 PM

rickcasa

04/15/2013, 08:50 PM

Wonderful rock work, way to think outside the box!!

Great job!

Nice job! Its going to look great.

Wow, just wow. What a work of art. Hats off to you.

This is fantastic already. I can't wait for the finished product. WTG! Tagging along.

I love that idea!

Thanks for encouragement fellow reefers. As much as I'm enjoying this form of aquascaping I'm anxious to get some water in this tank and see the water flow in action. These are a couple of my concerns:

1. My rock colunns and bonsais are quite large and with the standard placement of the 2 MP40s on either end of the tank, I anticipate major decrease in throughput. I was hoping to get some decent wave going...is this possible? Or am I going to have to settle for just random turbulence.

2. Both overflows may not handle the same water volume. The cavern side will be somewhat obstructed by the overhang as it fully encloses it. I may need to open up or carve out a channel for the surface water to reach the overflow.

3. If the primary function of Closed loops is to keep the detritus suspended for the overflows for export, do I aim the output nozzles up?

Thoughts?

rickcasa

04/15/2013, 09:19 PM

I know you have your lighting already which i have never seen your kind of fixture in person, but it would be cool to see what a Kessil 360w would do on your build since they put off so much shimmer:)
What a neat idea you had hope it works great for you long term as i am sure some will follow with there builds if it does!

I've seen 1 Kessil on a cube and was impressive but I want to see it in a series of 3 or 4.

And thanks for chiming in for support. The techniques I've used here are mostly pioneered and implemented by RC contributors that have proven long term track records.

Edit: This just in. I checked out a Kessil video from a recent post here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA3UHJ-ZgOg&sns=em
Too much shimmer. Nature of LEDs I suppose but this one is not for me. The light movement that's suited for my build is more like a waltz, using a dance analogy. Looks like a Kessil is a trippy house electro mashup.
I miss T5s.

nanoohio

04/15/2013, 09:29 PM

rickcasa

04/15/2013, 10:24 PM

rickcasa

04/15/2013, 11:32 PM

I need advice on the best way to cure the rocks and cycle the tank at the same time. Did that sound redundant? There's fake foam rocks, dry marco, dead fiji and pukani which I cooked with bleach and muratic acid. I also plan on adding about 75lbs of my best live rock from my 90g reef. So I guess I need a schedule of some sort. Note that I also have 200lbs of unopened live sand. When do I put these in?

How's this?

1. Disconnected from the sump, fill up the 180 with Ro water and the MP40s and CL will be on full blast. No sand, no light. This is to rinse out any toxins or residue from rock cooking or the solvents, epoxy, fiberglass. After 3 days of soaking, drain 75%-100% of the water.

2. Fill up with fresh Ro/Di. Add salt to 0.020. Let water circulate for a day before adding live sand. After 2 days raise the salt to .025 then add live rock. Connect to sump. Regular light schedule.

3. Dose Prodi Startup. How long until it takes effect?

3. For the next 2 weeks, start 2 part dosing and use tried and true methods to accelerate coralline production.

4. If water chemistry is good. Add one damsel.

Did I forget something??

SushiGirl

04/16/2013, 10:13 AM

Aquatron

04/16/2013, 11:03 AM

Allmost

04/16/2013, 11:05 AM

this looks amazing ! well done :) would love to see it in person. let us know if you need help.

but with rock works like that, this calls for an Azoox reef :D

rickcasa

04/16/2013, 11:52 AM

Not sure what the benefit of lower salt to start off with is. The dosing, i'd not waste the stuff until the initial cycle is complete (ammonia & nitrite back down to zero after the spikes). I wouldn't count on a 2 week timeframe, may take longer. Is there a reason for the damsel? Unless you want a damsel, I wouldn't add one. If you want one, I wouldn't add it first as they can be aggressive to new additions once established.

True, I guess I forgot to add that I may do a massive water change (50%) for peace of mind after the first salt bath. By adding salt, I feel it may perform a better job of 'scrubbing' toxins off the entire aquascape. So in that regard, may as well add the salt at the initial rinse.

The damsel I speak of is a current resident ( 9 other blue. Neons ) of my 90. Coolest little buggers but wont make a dent to other bigger playmates. Collectively they add sparkle as they dart in and out of crevices playing tag with each other. So they wont be sacrificed at all during the cycle. Thx SushiGirl!.

rickcasa

04/16/2013, 12:05 PM

+1 with above........some add a heater too? As you know there is a difference between cleaning rock and tank cycle. A couple of quick videos about above at the Bulk Reef Supply site at their rock area:)

Ah yes the heater, that's important. I have to get submersibles coz it'd be impossible to hang ones I have off thr eurobrace. ll never be called anal but I'd like to start off the cycle right...I'll check the videos out thx!

SushiGirl

04/16/2013, 12:26 PM

I forgot the tank size. Shouldn't have an issue with a damsel in there LOL.

rickcasa

04/16/2013, 12:31 PM

this looks amazing ! well done :) would love to see it in person. let us know if you need help.

but with rock works like that, this calls for an Azoox reef :D

Wonderful, a local reefer!! Where abouts? I'm in west Pickering. I'm pretty much keeping this under the radar from local forums but I'm starting to find myself out my element (sps) now that I'm close to getting this thing wet.

Azoox!! Never heard of it but i just checked it out...wow love it!! Total eyecandy. Thanks for sharing.

Eud

04/19/2013, 05:17 PM

MathiasM.

04/20/2013, 02:53 AM

Good morning,

I really like the look of your new tank! Do you think the coralin algae will cover the
foam with the same speed as it does on normal rock?
A few days ago I read an article about foam as a base structure, very interesting.
=) I wish you all the best with this greet build! When I set my new tank next year, I hope I got your permission to copy some of the stuff you do=)

Greetings
Mathias

Newbie Aquarist

04/20/2013, 04:55 AM

That has to be one of the most original aquascapes that I have seen. What are your thoughts on the Razors? I know its new into the build but I was curious.

rickcasa

04/20/2013, 08:32 PM

I've been hard at work these past few days working on perfecting the rock sculptures maybe even going overboard in touching up the black foam but I wanted to make sure the texture looks like real rocks. Fiberglass resin is easy to work with but man does it stink!! I may have unnecessarily killed some brain cells inhaling too much of it brushing on multiple layers.

So here's the lineup from left side of the tank to the right :

Tall Bonsai - front
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AsyRE97mPL0/UXMWOFkyZZI/AAAAAAAAAfk/tN5El-7Bb6g/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_173209
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OpJ6mbQVgkM/UXMWJVl37EI/AAAAAAAAAe8/I2jVejf4wGo/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_173317

Tall Bonsai - back
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ItCDKBybolI/UXMWMYOyjaI/AAAAAAAAAfU/oIHdx2E-N98/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_173241

Front Bonsai
I basically zip tied some cool looking flat rocks and dead coral on a from made of ABS pipes and fittings and best of all also doubles as the closed loop intake with 3 strainers. I think it turned out fairly well.

Front
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FocVDsiQr4o/UXMWCUzIdUI/AAAAAAAAAd8/AI8ErjIXW20/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_175050

Front Right
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5-93xfR1yOw/UXMV_Dp4lKI/AAAAAAAAAdc/ki-bwUbxRd8/w725-h407-p-o/20130420_175152

Front back
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-f-j98-LphNI/UXMV_8WKvmI/AAAAAAAAAdk/mT52XOiNC7A/w725-h407-p-o/20130420_175128

Close up
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jMljRzsOEJA/UXMWFKCb9YI/AAAAAAAAAeU/HXmfQknYm5k/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_175004

The underpinnings...work in progress.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EViasIYeG4w/UXMWowZgEMI/AAAAAAAAAiE/ZfwMt3A-smw/w844-h475-p-o/20130419_193208
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dL9wqAEA6Ik/UXMWq5qce_I/AAAAAAAAAiM/oJRUZtOH2fc/w844-h475-p-o/20130419_000308

It took about a dozen different tries to come up with this form but I like the sweeping effect this one will create on the lower half. This also has 2 removable upper shelves for corals, the highest one of which I will add later once I set up the shadow box.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GXOBeIPvjpc/UXMW6EsPEfI/AAAAAAAAAjM/EI9AyIj_wh8/w844-h475-p-o/20130417_010720

rickcasa

04/20/2013, 08:33 PM

Cavern facade - front
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XONcAGYhpSs/UXMWV7npc3I/AAAAAAAAAgk/hOJOIoyTt_A/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_172420
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WgbwOjZN8IE/UXMWRwAobbI/AAAAAAAAAgE/CIQwFJ_M7n4/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_172506
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-98YvUQwielQ/UXMWU9lYkqI/AAAAAAAAAgc/xaAcaK4SKNA/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_172437

Back
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5eunZCK9bc/UXMWawD4lMI/AAAAAAAAAhE/bB7bKfSQUno/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_172239

Inside ledge - which I may connect to the return plumbing directing the water to the front of the tank.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IwSveXUCIjU/UXMWkFU8A9I/AAAAAAAAAh0/G8RBMtNXgt0/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_171225

Column that will support this ledge
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lOBosBaJuVU/UXMWQwEPBiI/AAAAAAAAAf8/Ukxq1Kmpb64/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_172914

The Rock wall
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KaGtFSD87yg/UXNH6QABQ5I/AAAAAAAAAkE/sSx-Yzg5cR8/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_215820

The Overhangs/Stalactites
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-03XprrmsFOg/UXNEvXEYvNI/AAAAAAAAAjs/x9pOj5d1MAk/w725-h407-p-o/20130420_213557
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x64IrCIAw9k/UXNEwChKAMI/AAAAAAAAAj0/tiXI0pIzHCU/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_213532

Aquatron

04/20/2013, 08:55 PM

Fun to watch:)

rickcasa

04/20/2013, 08:55 PM

Here's the detail of the rock work around the right overflow. Last minute decision to close up the gap between the opening and the rock wall with guess what, more foam.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q9FGVJXhcMQ/UXNH-kUROxI/AAAAAAAAAkk/eCrBjHkjcho/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_215625
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7r4AWzF7JQ4/UXNH_SOr5PI/AAAAAAAAAks/_g7OsLXx0qo/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_215607

I'll be trimming the foam flush with the opening and reinstalling back the weir.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g7ulPwY8pus/UXNH9m0jG_I/AAAAAAAAAkc/NINMHxpSPic/w844-h475-p-o/20130420_215724

SushiGirl

04/20/2013, 09:15 PM

Make sure you keep coral growth away from your closed loop system. One guy that spoke to our club said he had to shut his down because of it.

rickcasa

04/20/2013, 09:16 PM

Really like how unique your making it. It's very one off and awesome excited to see that clown trigger swim through that GSP/Zoa garden cavern! Can't wait for water to get in there, gonna be a groundbreaking day! Keep the updates comin def subbed!

Btw my ten min break at work turned into a half hour! Couldn't stop reading :)

Well, unique wasn't the original plan and the patience I'm exhibiting on this build is very uncharacteristic let me tell you. When I bought this tank around Xmas, I vowed to set it up simply by transferring everything in my current 90g in 2 weeks....same water, mini cycle and all...all before my 3rd daughter entered this world. But yup, she arrived early and everything went on the back burner. So during that time, my RC lurking went into overdrive. With Note 2 in one hand and the baby on the other, for hours I was on U of RC...getting inspired.

Love GSP and I want it to spread in a controlled fashion up and around the rock wall. Keep checking and thanks for following.

rickcasa

04/20/2013, 09:33 PM

Wow, this is great. It's not just the cavern effect, but the finish on the foam rocks is very nice. Looks very natural. Often the foam walls need a lot of time underwater and lit to fade in to a natural look.

Good morning,

I really like the look of your new tank! Do you think the coralin algae will cover the
foam with the same speed as it does on normal rock?
A few days ago I read an article about foam as a base structure, very interesting.
=) I wish you all the best with this greet build! When I set my new tank next year, I hope I got your permission to copy some of the stuff you do=)

Greetings
Mathias

I read enough threads, I hope, on DIY foam/resin/epoxy rock and it gave me the confidence to just go at it. So Mathias, I encourage you to do the same. So many positive feedbacks from daring reefers who pioneered this technique including its ability to grow coralline...but how quickly it forms I think depends on many factors. Personally, I will get a bottle of Purple Up and go on an accelerated dosing schedule. I won't have fish in here for a while so I will gauge water quality with how well coralline flourishes.

Thanks Eud and Mathias and I hope to keep posting informative ideas.

rickcasa

04/20/2013, 09:41 PM

That has to be one of the most original aquascapes that I have seen. What are your thoughts on the Razors? I know its new into the build but I was curious.

I was sold on Razors the moment I saw one on 30" tall display at a LFS. The clarity and colours of everything in that tank was eye popping...even at 60% power. Its sleek appearance was a selling feature for me as well I must admit.

I promise to give a blow by blow once I have it up and functional.

Thanks for dropping by.

rickcasa

04/20/2013, 09:46 PM

Fun to watch:)

Pretty fun to play with sand as well. I just have to remember to put on my latex gloves when I work with foam and resin....these are buggers to wash off and I've seens the looks I get when people see my hands with black smudges. Thx for following!

rickcasa

04/20/2013, 09:50 PM

Make sure you keep coral growth away from your closed loop system. One guy that spoke to our club said he had to shut his down because of it.

I did keep that in mind, SushiGirl. I placed the strainers (all 3 and maybe a 4th) so they're easily accessible. Yeay for me.

MathiasM.

04/21/2013, 07:19 AM

Hi Ricky =)

That sounds like a good plan, I´m really curious to see how
it will go on! Defenitely tagging along =)

Greetings
Mathias

rickcasa

04/21/2013, 11:58 AM

Aquascape finished!!!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-F49njh5PmPc/UXQmJdPgLII/AAAAAAAAAls/JZ3yKmC0eUM/w844-h475-p-o/20130421_134441

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aSudE7YKj50/UXQmMgdNhUI/AAAAAAAAAmM/ieYDOz65O8g/w844-h475-p-o/20130421_134352

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-onuwmAr6Ge0/UXQmCrRc5NI/AAAAAAAAAlc/BL9VpNrCV04/s640/20130421_134510

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CHoeHaY_NCc/UXQmBllsKgI/AAAAAAAAAlU/PLms9XpBJv4/s640/20130421_134527

Let the water flow!!!

lluv24

04/21/2013, 07:18 PM

This is freaking amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! My hats off to u my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!

petere1989

04/21/2013, 07:42 PM

wow looks good!

Aquatron

04/25/2013, 11:23 AM

Wheres the water:) Going through withdraws here! lol

kabe87

04/25/2013, 12:17 PM

Finally found the suscribe button!!

Suscribed!! I wish I had at least 10% of your aquascaping skills

Very awesome build!

rickcasa

04/25/2013, 09:15 PM

Wheres the water:) Going through withdraws here! lol

Some good news for you Aquatron...finally, water! I must admit I got a little giddy when I got home from work and saw the tank half filled with RO and turned on the Razor and it was crystal clear. Dang, it's already looking good. Well, I couldn't wait so I grabbed the 1/2" tubing and filled the rest up with tap. This is a 2-day bath rinse anyway so I don't think it's a big deal.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6ta1svs4NRI/UXnglt66tCI/AAAAAAAAArc/ixtLBSYOTTU/w844-h475-p-o/20130425_220102

Slowly but surely, the water rose...and hey, what's this, the cavern facade is tilting on the right side, the tall bonsai is too. Yes you guessed it, we have lift off. lol

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JoVz2LCfGIo/UXnfhFqZ_2I/AAAAAAAAAqc/Yse7FHw5ajo/w844-h475-p-o/20130424_013833

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MKjWbsyMF58/UXnff624ctI/AAAAAAAAAqU/r8aNGBF8x5Q/w844-h475-p-o/20130424_013804

Wasn't so bad really when I shut the water off. I stopped just short of the mouth of the overflows for good reason, the plumbing ain't plumbed yet.

I'll be honest in saying that I did not think my rocks would float. It wasn't lost on me that the spray foam would make them buoyant, but these are heavy pieces; the facade was 55lbs and the bonsai was 28lbs. Can you imagine how heavy they'd really be if it were all real rocks...I'd be in traction trying to lift them into the tank let alone get it off the table.

So I started hacking away at it chunk after chunk. Not so bad with the bonsai where the foam was used predominantly at the base where it's flared out to make it less likely to be toppled.

The facade was trickier as it's about 30% foam. First I cemented a 10lbs dry rock at the base to act as a pedestal. Here's the hydraulic cement I used.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uZOcOUo2zyk/UXncbGQ333I/AAAAAAAAAnQ/3FtmTE-bsfo/w844-h475-p-o/20130425_214452

Then I hollowed out the foam in certain areas without altering the exterior much at all. This involved just sculpting out the inside foam with a serrated knife through the holes I already had there. This is a good thing as this hollowed out part would make a great grooming station for my coralbanded pair. The clown trigger loves his back scratched by these shrimps. And for good measure, I snapped off a baseball-size foam peak and replaced it with some newly washed live rock from the sump. Here I'm temporarily holding it place with a zip tie.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7B6qP6A1c-Q/UXncpxz6eUI/AAAAAAAAAnY/Ghx7mV87oVI/w844-h475-p-o/20130425_214258

Now the low bonsai was a success. At 20lbs dry, in water it literally hovers off the bottom like an eagle in flight. It's light, but it's sturdy. The ABS plumbing that is its bones is unioned to the coupling that's screwed into the cl drain...guaranteed not to float away.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--36hgKbgGmk/UXngkLnw8vI/AAAAAAAAArU/yvjoAdyYj-M/w844-h475-p-o/20130425_220216

Another thing I'm thrilled about are the overhangs. What a pleasant surprise to see it perfectly snug up against the eurobrace. The stalactite actually wont need anything to secure it in place...it just floats in the top right corner and with a great deal of force I may add. It's 100% foam so it wants to launch itself straight up into the ceiling.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lm1ZjOFi_DQ/UXnggrNfqLI/AAAAAAAAAq8/GqEUOiP3pDE/w844-h475-p-o/20130425_220249

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-toEvm74QnzE/UXnhmmzlcFI/AAAAAAAAAr8/V8J__IquHQg/w844-h475-p-o/20130425_220749

rickcasa

04/25/2013, 09:42 PM

This is freaking amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! My hats off to u my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!

wow looks good!

Finally found the suscribe button!!

Suscribed!! I wish I had at least 10% of your aquascaping skills

Very awesome build!

Gee thanks all, I really appreciate the encouragement, but I feel like I'm really just beginning. I'm in this for the long haul if you all are!

rickcasa

04/25/2013, 09:47 PM

Hi Ricky =)

That sounds like a good plan, I´m really curious to see how
it will go on! Defenitely tagging along =)

Greetings
Mathias

I'll read up on these 2 options which I can buy here locally.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/images/Categoryimages/normal/p-70436-61442-fish.jpghttp://www.drsfostersmith.com/images/Categoryimages/normal/p-21096-61438-fish.jpg

Any other coralline growers I should consider?

I should be careful though because I don't want any on my glass. I want it covering just the rocks.

daplatapus

04/25/2013, 10:39 PM

Awesome looking scape! I've been looking for ideas for my 210 and you've given me plenty! Well done. As for keeping coraline off your glass... good luck with that :)
For what its worth, I wouldn't dose anything for it, it'll come naturally.

arc eye

04/26/2013, 10:35 AM

Great looking build! Very unique!

I wouldn't waste your time on purple up or any of the equivalents. I would just dose kalkwasser instead. My corraline loved it!

qwuintus

04/26/2013, 11:17 AM

Allmost

04/26/2013, 11:25 AM

Wonderful, a local reefer!! Where abouts? I'm in west Pickering. I'm pretty much keeping this under the radar from local forums but I'm starting to find myself out my element (sps) now that I'm close to getting this thing wet.

Azoox!! Never heard of it but i just checked it out...wow love it!! Total eyecandy. Thanks for sharing.

nice, Im in north york. I dont participate in local forums neither lol

dont waste money on "Coraline growers" though. just seed it with a small piece of Live rock in sump, and keep ALK and CA++ stable and they will take over.[purple up is caco3 which wont dissolve in water]

under the overhangs, some gorgonians would look amazing.

behlke

04/26/2013, 11:52 AM

Amazing build. One day I plan to create a large tank and may try to emulate some of your work.

Later,adam

LittleBee

04/26/2013, 04:38 PM

Wow I really like the scape you have going on!!

rickcasa

04/27/2013, 06:30 AM

Armed with a $5 blue CFL bulb I bought at HD, the lighting segment of this build starts. This alone brought THE VISION to life.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jVpVcn2bc0Y/UXu8ExR10FI/AAAAAAAAAxY/iN9kmWhLbbo/w844-h475-p-o/20130427_075111
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mZ1r8pE5s80/UXtMAn0rqRI/AAAAAAAAAtY/TzPq2bbRT5c/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234701

I mocked up a setup of a clip on fixture with the blue bulb aimed straight down the cavern ceiling and paired it with a simple fluorescent tube desk lamp aimed at front facade.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DjfbSh3pHlQ/UXu-QIZEWnI/AAAAAAAAAxo/LEWEg4oPkd8/w844-h475-p-o/20130427_080143

Here it is with the Razor turned down to 30% white, 40% blue. I'm very pleased!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hfgX5CxZoiM/UXtL08j4K4I/AAAAAAAAAsY/eWi93l2bag0/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_235216

Razor blue turned up to 70%

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gjMN1OvyHrY/UXtMj9zSv8I/AAAAAAAAAxA/ti9ReL55P7I/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_233538
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-z6A-sjtf6kQ/UXtMijTqZ5I/AAAAAAAAAw4/m1shg8KnvXs/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_233745
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l-k765efrGY/UXtMY3PR6bI/AAAAAAAAAv4/5d6Rp76v6qc/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_233901
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PkUqTv-WlgM/UXtMhlwkLLI/AAAAAAAAAww/I4oGi10PYY8/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_233800
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pCZLBBemnjc/UXtMdJ2zElI/AAAAAAAAAwY/C6yFmxwt7cY/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_233844

rickcasa

04/27/2013, 06:30 AM

...and for comparison, just the room light and the Razor off.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QbkByMQFQZo/UXtL9ENfmdI/AAAAAAAAAtA/LJL3JZiF55I/w640-h360/20130426_235005
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WWTXjy2ISuY/UXtMRQv3J1I/AAAAAAAAAvA/wbWloMBDDkU/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234243
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-unKtywsv3XU/UXtMaglHyKI/AAAAAAAAAwI/7CZqJXPig1M/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234025
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yzH7l9T8AhY/UXtMcFFpo3I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/4weKdNHVui4/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234031

rickcasa

04/27/2013, 06:40 AM

But with the Razor turned off, the cavern really comes alive.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_OfOqcORDIo/UXtMNVf9pmI/AAAAAAAAAuY/3rJVLDq3G6Y/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234331
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOxiTlSo-uM/UXtMUn5pAiI/AAAAAAAAAvY/usNCviKi4Jg/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234208
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aKHAF5t8Z8w/UXtMX4R3GyI/AAAAAAAAAvw/KxRYXBg0Xsg/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234100
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i9NabkKv-HE/UXtMZqagQTI/AAAAAAAAAwA/RtHAAle1pys/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234005
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a6Z2YLSKSM0/UXtMOKQkwnI/AAAAAAAAAug/OEdp3eN4r5Y/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234435
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8_dobY8ssV4/UXtMO3mzszI/AAAAAAAAAuo/4CYYzvb3ifQ/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234528
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wABSV-CIuEM/UXtMIxEPqwI/AAAAAAAAAto/-eZLj6yG-14/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234742
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LN6sDAtP74w/UXtMJpZllTI/AAAAAAAAAtw/E87yIZyGM8w/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234813
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sMt6G8FuupY/UXtMLoimsDI/AAAAAAAAAuI/e1eZOF96iVo/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234615

The blue CFL bulb proved effective in delivering the kind of blue 'the Deep blue ocean' look I'm after so I think I'll be going this route with the shadow box concept. Where the other techniques I've read here in RC, uses a background painted blue, I will project a blue light onto the back glass using maybe 3 or 4 of these bulbs. And if I can control a flicker effect to one or two of these bulbs and aim it through a slit cut out of an opaque material, I may be able to get that 'shaft of light'. Hope it works.

rickcasa

04/27/2013, 07:03 AM

Great looking build! Very unique!

I wouldn't waste your time on purple up or any of the equivalents. I would just dose kalkwasser instead. My corraline loved it!

Awesome looking scape! I've been looking for ideas for my 210 and you've given me plenty! Well done. As for keeping coraline off your glass... good luck with that :)
For what its worth, I wouldn't dose anything for it, it'll come naturally.

nice, Im in north york. I dont participate in local forums neither lol

dont waste money on "Coraline growers" though. just seed it with a small piece of Live rock in sump, and keep ALK and CA++ stable and they will take over.[purple up is caco3 which wont dissolve in water]

under the overhangs, some gorgonians would look amazing.

Agreed then. I am happy with the texture of the entire aquascape, so really I don't need to hide anything on the surfaces....so thanks guys!

rickcasa

04/27/2013, 07:43 AM

dave.m

04/27/2013, 10:11 AM

qwuintus[/B]"]small coral to keep proportion of the cave looking large
Don't tell him that! I want Ricky to set this all up and then realize for himself that to do this properly he'll need to redo it in a 600 gallon tank at least 30" tall. ;)

Dave.M

Aquatron

04/27/2013, 02:55 PM

240drift

04/28/2013, 12:27 AM

This tank was really well thought out and looksawesome, definitely giving me ideas.

rickcasa

04/28/2013, 08:19 AM

Don't tell him that! I want Ricky to set this all up and then realize for himself that to do this properly he'll need to redo it in a 600 gallon tank at least 30" tall. ;)

Dave.M

Haha.. this is plenty big enough for now. Baby steps, Dave. :) But to be honest, yes I am thinking big so let's just say this is a dress rehearsal to iron out all the kinks until that time comes.

rickcasa

04/28/2013, 08:44 AM

Well he can live through those amoung us that have 30" high tanks,...... he has inspired. I know my aquascape will now end up different than before he shared his vision with us:)
Looking better each step!!!!

Hey Aquatron, I hope to see some of these techniques in your build. I'm sure you'll discover new some great ideas with 30" to work with. Thx buddy!

rickcasa

04/28/2013, 09:20 AM

Great looking tank...
Digging the thin design of those leds. I didn't expect them to actually be that thin when I saw your sketchup renderings, but they look great.

Would you mind filling me in as I'm curious if you plan to light the cavern to grow coral or even just for aesthetics? (Good job having it removable for maintenance.)

And do you plan on lighting the room in any way? I think some sort of external lighting would help supplement the feel you are going for with the cavern.
(The idea of utilizing mirrors just popped into my head. I know you may use a shadowbox, but just throwing out some alternative ideas.)

Lastly, can you explain your sump design and why there is space below the skimmer zone?

Cheers:beer:

Edit:
I keep getting inspired by images of your tank
- Got me thinking of side lit, non photosynthetic corals, mirrors again, small coral to keep proportion of the cave looking large

I knew enough that corals require a good amount of light to thrive so I'd be lighting inside the cavern to add drama and on the outside I'll line it with sea fans, gorgs and sponges. I'm learning quite a bit now about other NPs so I'd like to try some chilis, carnations, dendros and sun corals. I'd also like to work in some gsp maybe on the cavern floor but I know they can tough to control.

Now about that sump..I acquired it from a shutdown. It's a trickle down which used bioballs. I have no clue why it's designed with a base like that but I'm racking my brain to try to implement it in clever way. For instance I thought to free up the top area from the typical manifold assembly and plumb that bottom cavity to move water around from the lower chamber. Or even more ambitious to use it as the heating chamber with hot water fed from the our home water boiler. Crazy huh? But I may have settled on taking advantage of the height of the bioball tower and use it to house an algae turf scrubber that is lit from below.
So stay tuned.

rickcasa

04/28/2013, 09:38 AM

This tank was really well thought out and looksawesome, definitely giving me ideas.

Thanks and keep following.

rickcasa

04/28/2013, 09:50 AM

Wow I really like the scape you have going on!!

I'll be working behind the tank now to add more credibility to the aquascape by attempting to make this tank look more than 2ft deep. Stay tuned Brittany.

wah-zoh

04/30/2013, 02:12 PM

Great job! I really like the cave look.

Tactics

04/30/2013, 05:02 PM

Wonderful! I'd love to put some Ventralis anthias in there.

rickcasa

05/01/2013, 09:55 PM

Great job! I really like the cave look.

Wonderful! I'd love to put some Ventralis anthias in there.

Thank you both. And Tactics, I looked up the Ventralis and I'll sure to add this to my stock list. Very beautiful fish and I'll need cave dwellers.

The tank is going on its second rinse this time with salt. But don't be surprised if this water becomes the start of the cycle when I come back from vacation in a week. Or should I just swirl some fishfood in there now and get this cycle going??

So I'll be going on a Disney cruise in Florida with the family tomorrow and will have 3 days on dry land. Any interesting LFSs I should visit while in the Orlando to Port Canaveral route? I was hoping to visit World Wide Corals.

Also can't wait to go on scuba diving excursion on a Bahamas stop. Will try to take lots of photos.

Tradewinds

05/02/2013, 04:52 PM

sfsuphysics

05/02/2013, 05:42 PM

cgonser

05/02/2013, 07:17 PM

This is such an awesome concept! Glad to see you thinking outside the box. I will be following along!

Crazy_Beaver

05/10/2013, 05:52 AM

Great idea!Cant wait to see more!

likefish

05/13/2013, 07:38 PM

rickcasa

05/13/2013, 09:22 PM

This is such an awesome concept! Glad to see you thinking outside the box. I will be following along!

Great idea!Cant wait to see more!

Well back it again today draining the tank. I got back from vacation on Saturday, but took the wknd off from this build to look after my 90G. So relieved when I got back and everything is still alive and kicking. I just had my dad come by every other day to feed the fish and except for a lot of film algae on the glass, which was to be expected, the corals and fish are doing great.

Now to the Cavernous Reef!! The week of soaking in .18 of brine and scrubbing from the 2 Vortechs did wonders cleansing the rocks, I believe. The water was left cloudy but smelled like the ocean. A good sign. When the water fully drained, the smell of resin is undetectable. Another good sign.

Thx for the props!

rickcasa

05/13/2013, 09:35 PM

Your rockwork will become less bouyant as the rocks and foam take on a bit more water. That cave will float forever though!

great work! Thats alot of tweaking to get it to look that good.

Time for an update!!!

Found an issue that should not surprise you, likefish. The Rock wall bent the pegs that was supposed to hold it in place....it's that bouyant!. Having drained the tank, I will take this opportunity to silicone this background to the back wall. I don't want to take any chances esp when I increase the salinity to a normal level.

And thanks, with all the positive comments this aquascape has received, I guess it's going in the right direction.

rickcasa

05/13/2013, 09:39 PM

Yeah, you kind of put most every other aquascape project to shame with this. Seriously all sorts of awesome going on with that cave. Corals aside I hope you will have video with fish when you get this done, I'm curious how they'll interact with those caves, I've done caves in the past kind of "teepee" style with rocks leaning against the back overflow, but none of that is even the same ballpark as what you did here.

Thanks, but that it's too early for such high praise. I may still screw this up when the corals/gorgs/etc make an appearance. And yes, I did all this for the love of my fish...I'm building them a pimping crib!

rickcasa

05/14/2013, 05:30 AM

I seriously believe you have taken aquascapes to the next level. It will be very interesting to see how the tank progresses.

Lighting manufacturers should be thanking you for opening up a new venue of revenue. This could be the perfect blend for both MH and LED lighting fixtures.

Are you selling the stalactites yet?

And for my next project, the Think Tank. A collection of hairbrained ideas for others to exploit and profit from. Lol
Thanks for the kudos Tradewinds. But on the other hand, lighting companies may hate me for trying to make shadows sexy. Lol

A quick trip to Asia may just be the beginning of my stalactite empire.

JillNairn

05/27/2013, 12:16 AM

Subscribing. What a well thought out, and very unique build. I see you wanting to go bigger though with this. Really would be quite awesome in a tank that is four feet wide and at least 3 ft high. Go ahead, upgrade now :D will save you later the trouble!

samson78945

05/27/2013, 08:08 PM

Great idea! I think I may have the change my tank up!

rickcasa

06/03/2013, 12:33 AM

Great idea! I think I may have the change my tank up!

Subscribing. What a well thought out, and very unique build. I see you wanting to go bigger though with this. Really would be quite awesome in a tank that is four feet wide and at least 3 ft high. Go ahead, upgrade now :D will save you later the trouble!

Listen up Samson, Jill is right. Hope your tank is big if you're planning on going this route!! I definitely felt confined building the structures for the kind of fish I want to keep. But hey, I gotta start somewhere.

Thank you both for following.

It's been awhile since my last update. But I have kept busy. Most important thing is the tank has cycled all without the benefit of a sump as of yet.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MCo4gkwkcRw/Uawr7s67qsI/AAAAAAAAFaw/h2Y7BwarZc0/w640-h360-no/20130520_220438

10 bags of Arag Alive sand and adding about a bucket of sand from my other tank certainly sped up the cycle. Yes, I threw in a large raw shrimp in there too for good measure. Now after three weeks after the last drop of RODI water, the water is still sparkling and I believe ready for some hardy mushrooms and palys.

The plumbing is the slowest to complete and is being held back by my constant shortage of the right fittings and plain lack of experience with designing overflows and returns. My last online order of valves was a time waster as the 1.5" Spears Gate valves and unions I ordered proved far too big for the space I have available. Should I just downsize to 1" overflow drains? I really hoped to have the plumbing dry fitted before the arrival of my Blue Tint for the back glass. Yes, this is my answer to the shadowbox concept. I hope it works!! I ordered the Ocean Blue Privacy tint (http://www.wallpaperforwindows.com/pc/Color-Tint-Ocean-Blue-Window-Film-p797.htm). It should blur anything behind it including the plumbing who's straight geometric silhouette I will 'naturalize' by glueing rocky foam shapes onto it. And light shone from behind should be sufficiently diffused and soften up the background. Lots of experimentations to do still. Sigh...

dallasg

06/03/2013, 06:03 AM

nice!! i love the creativity

behlke

06/04/2013, 09:28 AM

Your tank looks amazing. Tagging along for the rest of the build, and I might try to add a small cave to my next build.

Later,Adam

Allmost

06/04/2013, 09:33 AM

I'm learning quite a bit now about other NPs so I'd like to try some chilis, carnations, dendros and sun corals.

I like the sound of that :D

they require aLOT of feeding though so go big on filtration and skimmer.

Ive been keeping them for a while now ...

zeroinverse

06/08/2013, 12:58 AM

Following an interesting build!

rickcasa

06/08/2013, 01:56 AM

Well I guess it's time for an update. It's video and it's heavy so I'll apologize now if it lags behind.

The tank has completed it's cycle for a couple of weeks now so time to stock up. For starters, I picked up a half dozen Bengaiis as the first inhabitants. One of my favourite fishes for its shape, pattern and demeanour...and darn dont they look awesome in a school of a dozen or so. They're not too lively but that's good as the just sway with the current like leaves on a branch.

<embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid929.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fad131%2Frickcasa%2F20130608_003328_2_1.mp4">

doubleohwhat

06/08/2013, 02:02 AM

That is one of the most original tank designs I've seen in a long time!

rickcasa

06/08/2013, 02:06 AM

I like the sound of that :D

they require aLOT of feeding though so go big on filtration and skimmer.

Ive been keeping them for a while now ...

Well to start I plucked a couple of my gorgs from the other tank and just plopped them in. I'll be looking for the perfect spot for them in time.

Thanks for the tips!

rickcasa

06/08/2013, 02:12 AM

That is one of the most original tank designs I've seen in a long time!

Thanks doubleOH! The blue privacy tint is working like a charm as a background. It truly does mimic the blue depths of the ocean...and with just the 2 CFl bulbs (one blue, the other plain white) behind it. So thrilled it works and have plans to make it even more realistic. So to be clear then, the lighting is only 10% complete.

doubleohwhat

06/08/2013, 02:18 AM

rickcasa

06/08/2013, 02:25 AM

Following an interesting build!

I've been pleasantly surprised the tank is meeting my expectation. Slow progress, I know, and I did skip posting a few steps in the last few weeks ZeroInverse, so maybe I'll backtrack to one eventful step. My lovely wife got on my case about trying to poison the entire house with my alkyd paint job of the inside of the stand. You see I had the great idea of pouring cement paint on the inside base to waterproof it. Worked great on my garage floor. Anyways 1 week later, it's not even close to fully dry yet. It formed a thick skin that still moves and wrinkles to the touch. I'd say in a month's time I may just be able to put my frag tank that I plan on keeping there.

Is this what you mean by interesting?...lol

rickcasa

06/08/2013, 03:08 AM

Honestly, if the tank floor hadn't been bare glass in the images you posted a couple of pages back, you wouldn't have been able to tell your tank from an actual cave. I thought you had tossed a couple of actual cave photos in there for comparison until I noticed the tank glass.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8_dobY8ssV4/UXtMO3mzszI/AAAAAAAAAuo/4CYYzvb3ifQ/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234528
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LN6sDAtP74w/UXtMJpZllTI/AAAAAAAAAtw/E87yIZyGM8w/w844-h475-p-o/20130426_234813

I agree, that photo with the only light source being from the blue light of the clip-on fixture was so convincing I could have been fine with that and be done with it. But I've been checking out some blue underwater LED spotlights made for ponds and think 1 or 2 cleverly embedded in the foam structure may work even better. This will be the moonlight setting.

On the video, you saw that with absolutely no supplemental lighting inside the cavern and illuminated only by the light of the main LED fixture, the cavern was perfectly washed by the blue glow from the background. This will be the full photo period setting. Now that should be fun learning how to control these light settings with Aquatronica.

Oh and I've also decided to light the front facade of the cavern because that's where I want my Hadonni to plant its foot, permanently. so I need to shine a spotlight or a strong LED strip under the eurobrace.

rickcasa

06/08/2013, 03:26 AM

nice!! i love the creativity

Your tank looks amazing. Tagging along for the rest of the build, and I might try to add a small cave to my next build.

Later,Adam

Thanks Dallas. Now on to being creative with corals...which is not my element. I drool at the artistry of the sps masters on this board. Are they just randomly glueing random corals onto rocks?? There's talent in placement, choosing of species, knowing growth patterns and chemical warfare.

And Behlke, I hope I was able to establish a cave/cavern look without it looking like a hollowed out rock or a pile stacked rocks. Thanks for following.

octoreef

06/08/2013, 03:56 AM

... So to be clear then, the lighting is only 10% complete.
If they are only at 10 %, I really want see when it will be at 100 %, because the result now is original and beautiful! My compliments for the style.
+1

Newbie Aquarist

06/08/2013, 04:04 AM

Now I understand the cavern theme much better now. You cleared alot of things up. Tank looks awesome.

dave.m

06/08/2013, 05:37 AM

rickcasa

06/08/2013, 10:41 AM

Do you have any specific goals for stocking? If you're going to stay with the cavern theme why not add some fish that prefer caverns like Royal Grammas, with sponges and non-photosynthetic corals like Tubastrea?

Dave.M

My initial goal was to provide just bigger digs for my existing roster, but I'm beginning to realize I should focus on smaller species that stay relatively under 3-4" max. The clown trigger at 5" is the exception, he's a lifer in this tank, and same goes for the 4" purple and yellow tangs. The 2 blue regals I'll part with...I mean 4" inch growth in under a year is scary fast.

The goal now then is bio diversity collecting as many species as possible and the cavern will provide shelter for the delicate ones and as well as the cave dwellers and light worshippers alike.

Dendros and sponges i'm reading up on as I do want a variety.

rickcasa

06/08/2013, 10:59 AM

Now I understand the cavern theme much better now. You cleared alot of things up. Tank looks awesome.

I feel this manner of aquascaping is as natural to marine life as I could provide. The cavern provides respite for the swimmers and protection for lightweights. Now I'm in search of one showcase species that would call this cavern home...like a dragon or ribbon eel minus the predatory tendencies. Oxymoron i know.

Thanks for the prop Wayne.

Newbie Aquarist

06/08/2013, 02:16 PM

I feel this manner of aquascaping is as natural to marine life as I could provide. The cavern provides respite for the swimmers and protection for lightweights. Now I'm in search of one showcase species that would call this cavern home...like a dragon or ribbon eel minus the predatory tendencies. Oxymoron i know.

Thanks for the prop Wayne.

Definitely a ribbon eel. My fav fish.

rickcasa

06/10/2013, 12:22 AM

I read up on the ribbon fish and they're nasty...Ya, he'll use the cavern for his personal buffet trap. I saw a snowflake in a fully stock cube complete with damsels so they may a better choice for me...not as vibrant for sure.

Anyways so I took some shots of the tank in its nighttime mode...

You can see one of the ball valves in the background just nicely blurred. I'll be sticking something like a cardboard cutout of something rocklike in front of it to disguise it.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O2o5H8Qhp2Y/UbVf9Y3HEEI/AAAAAAAAFfk/Bq36RUkFJYQ/w640-h360-no/20130610_010239

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4B_F3CCmlxdxp5HO7Xw5OPbehl-_fEbav69nf8jTAUw=w640-h360-no

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zZrgjtwL0w0/UbVcobt5w4I/AAAAAAAAFd0/c9VlrWtaLI0/w640-h360-no/20130610_004953

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S-jwrRvMLdE/UbVcjZcF3_I/AAAAAAAAFc8/KA9-CG3trNE/w640-h360-no/20130610_005110

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ax1gtgD0ECg/UbVceU8xWrI/AAAAAAAAFcM/LVC2zBzwYX0/w640-h360-no/20130610_005239

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QM6_tJDY9a4/UbVf6xQdexI/AAAAAAAAFfU/XrlyIJ1eDXY/w640-h360-no/20130610_010310

rickcasa

06/10/2013, 12:28 AM

I'll need to set the DSLR and tripod one day, but for now another so so Samsung phone shot. Hope you enjoy it!

<embed width="600" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullscreen="true" allowNetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid929.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fad131%2Frickcasa%2F20130610_010407.mp4">

mr.lamnguyen

06/10/2013, 02:55 AM

oh sssshhhhhh..this is super nice aquacap idea. i like it. i am in love with your aqua cap

dave.m

06/10/2013, 06:08 AM

It's a good thing I'm not claustrophobic ... much. :eek:

Dave.M

The Cardinal

06/10/2013, 06:21 AM

Pearson

06/10/2013, 06:37 AM

rickcasa

06/10/2013, 03:04 PM

It's a good thing I'm not claustrophobic ... much. :eek:

Dave.M

...Or scared of the dark...look out, I think that may be a moray staring you down. :uhoh3::uhoh3:

FoxDaddy

06/10/2013, 03:05 PM

Wow. All that time and dedication REALLY paid off! What an awesome design!

rickcasa

06/10/2013, 03:20 PM

I read through the whole thread at work last night/this morning and this is probably one of my favorite aquascapes i've seen. Great work.

I'm a huge plumbing/equipment/sump kinda guy and I don't remember seeing any/much of that throughout the thread. How is all that coming along so far?

Hey Pearson, I'm stuck on stupefied with the sump I have. I'm overthinking the design and trying to be too clever with flow using ATS and RDSB...not to mention the built-in reactor chambers I want to incorporate.

But thanks for the compliment, it sure is rewarding.

rickcasa

06/10/2013, 03:23 PM

oh sssshhhhhh..this is super nice aquacap idea. i like it. i am in love with your aqua cap

Wow. All that time and dedication REALLY paid off! What an awesome design!

Really appreciate the props guys, I'm hoping to prove that this will look even more natural as it matures. Thanks!

dave.m

06/10/2013, 03:28 PM

Amore? http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee377/djm_1/Web%20Smileys/love.gif

Dave.M

rickcasa

06/10/2013, 03:30 PM

Very nice and original idea that is shaping up to be a very unique tank!

I like the Banggai Cardinals and think they are a really nice choice for this setup. I used to breed them and was wondering if the survival rates have improved in wild caught specimens. Or are they bred?

Well that makes me think now. I've just really assumed Banggais are generally hardy, thus the choice to start with them. The 2 that I have are the senior members of my tank upstairs and they ate flakes with gusto from day 1. These new ones though are spitting out any flakes I throw at them.
A cube of mysis it will be then for their dinner.

rickcasa

06/10/2013, 03:39 PM

Amore? http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee377/djm_1/Web%20Smileys/love.gif

Dave.M

That I hardly doubt, unless you slither too. lol One of the only positives I read about morays is that they can coexist with other morays, male or female, and even share the same hole...ah, cave hole, that is.

dave.m

06/10/2013, 05:42 PM

Eels are not so dangerous unless you get the really big ones. Just don't try to keep shrimp with them. From my limited experience they can be interesting pets but very fussy, going on long hunger strikes for no apparent reason, sometimes surviving, sometimes dying. They do better in a species tank than in a community tank as they mostly hide out, especially during the day, only coming out when they expect you to feed them. Once they're used to you, though, they will take food from your (well protected) hand.

Dave.M

rickcasa

06/29/2013, 05:50 PM

Dave I think I may be staying away from eels. Let's say I find a reef safe moray, a pipe dream yes, but it'll still be a pooping machine. I gotta manage the chemistry efficiently.

Having said that, I fell for a humungous tubestrea. A messy meat eater. Anyone know anything about this one. It looks common, but a huuge 7"x4" specimen!! I need advice.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q0ZBe4RWh_w/Uc03zjG_ZcI/AAAAAAAAFmo/lXgYR405DMI/w640-h360-no/20130613_205152

It took more than 2 weeks to open up, still not fully open, but getting there. It got really puffy last night...must be getting really hungry.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rMemY5ty0wE/Uc9uGcXs7bI/AAAAAAAAFpM/d4NdYJMMrBw/w640-h360-no/20130628_025428

hobogato

06/29/2013, 06:05 PM

this looks like it is really coming together now. i love those shots in post 167 - really feels like i am looking at the ocean. great pickup on the sun coral as well

dave.m

06/29/2013, 06:24 PM

Having said that, I fell for a humungous tubestrea. A messy meat eater. Anyone know anything about this one. It looks common, but a huuge 7"x4" specimen!! I need advice.
They have to be hand fed very small food items like Cyclop-eez. Do a Google on "feed sun coral". I'd post the links but the only time you see a moderator here is when you dare to post links to other reefing forums to RC.

Dave.M

rickcasa

06/29/2013, 06:24 PM

So after months of mulling and head scratching, I got down to a design and went at it. Man, it was a grind. Ordering so many parts, 4 online orders (ugh, the waiting - even though my vendors were great at getting it shipped quickly) and still coming up short of the perfect fitting. Found some essentials from Lowes, Rona, HD, yup I hit them all.

A couple of weeks now of dry fitting, today everything fell into place. Happy with how the manifold looks - hopefully useful and functional.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U9YzwR9qmc8/Uc9uByS8yeI/AAAAAAAAFos/Q2PlzqXCl1c/w640-h480-no/20130629_190152

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I_tgUjQdOvM/Uc9t-zz_A2I/AAAAAAAAFoc/peMZJ5b08Ew/w640-h480-no/20130629_192713

rickcasa

06/29/2013, 06:30 PM

My mandate of keeping an energy efficient setup called for these wicked pumps. I had a 1300gph hooked up to the closed loop but wanted another to man the return. A local reefer (thanks Red!) came through for me with a DC pump that I have been looking for (2600 gph) and has been back-ordered everywhere I sourced.

So my question, Dave I hope you're still here to chime in, which pump for which task?? Sad, eh, that I don't know this but all you experts help. I'm minutes away from hooking things up.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u_PGYcSfm3A/Uc96tHCFGNI/AAAAAAAAFp4/y-gMVmWY3VU/w640-h480-no/20130629_202320

Do I need that much flow in the cl even if I already have 2 MP40s and adding an MP20? or Is that flow better utilized in the sump where I have reactors daisy chained in mind?

dave.m

06/29/2013, 07:02 PM

Experts have better things to do of a Saturday night, I guess. What you need to do is figure out how much back-pressure there is in your set-up according to height and pipe length and number of elbows, etc. and then look to see how much back-pressure each pump is rated for. There are calculators on RC's main page, and lots more on other sites. A pump that isn't built to handle pressure quickly loses that reported gph rating when faced with all your plumbing.

Dave.M

rickcasa

06/29/2013, 07:28 PM

Oh great, homework on a Saturday night.

Ok I'll look it up. But just like in school, I still want someone to just give me the answer. lol

Closed loop is 1.25" in and 4 x 1" out. Not too much friction loss I believe.
The return really is fairly direct to the tank. Along the way though, flow will be split with the manifolds and an ATS. And with 3 or 4 reactors up and running down the road, flow may be at a premium. Hey, I think I may have just answered my question. Bigger pump for the Sump it is. Thanks me. lol

Best thing is these 2 pumps are pretty much the same size so if I need to swap, voila....lickety split barba trick. Can you tell, I just wanna get this thing plumbed and over with.

evo187

07/01/2013, 10:39 AM

I'm following this build. It is awesome!

MiaCoral

07/03/2013, 05:22 PM

Being following this since you started, amazing build, this has to be one of the most unique tanks i have ever, ever seen! Keep up the good work, im hooked on this thread!

rickcasa

07/03/2013, 08:21 PM

this looks like it is really coming together now. i love those shots in post 167 - really feels like i am looking at the ocean. great pickup on the sun coral as well

Thanks hobogato. With the sump just now fully deployed, I'm excited about the potential of this 'small' tank. Before it was running off a tiny 400gph pump hooked up to a hose that was hanging off the tank for 3 weeks. Even got the GFO/Rox reactor hooked up to the manifold and pushing some decent output.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-whia3oBIu9s/UdTXDUlNo9I/AAAAAAAAFqg/N4_UQ0Pa-bw/w640-h480-no/20130703_215831

So except for 2 tiny leaks in the overflow plumbing (wonder how long I can put that off with bowls), everything is going pretty smoothly. Well, except for the skimmer that I'm having some trouble dialing in. I've had to raise it 4" off the base and don't really want to go higher because then the sink/countertop above it will need to keep rising past my comfort height.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XrRzTSZxHCA/UdTXFrT_Q2I/AAAAAAAAFqw/VBce0oJkbLY/w640-h480-no/20130703_215542

Here it is overflowing again. What's going on?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AB2r7JbsQVo/UdTc6nkifSI/AAAAAAAAFrI/YFRPEHY6vEs/w640-h480-no/20130703_222420

Yes, now about the lighting as demonstrated in post 167. Hopefully I can advance it past the ghetto rigging I had left it last time, at least with some success. Some LEDs got delivered these past few days which I'll be toying with. Geez, I hope half of it is actually useful and not end up in the reject pile. They're all LEDs...some blue and UV strips, ceiling spotlights to highlight the front cavern, flood lighting to wash the background blue and even a rotating bulb that may make my dancing light shafts come to life. More on that later!

But first, find a manual online and figure out how to make this controller work. It looks promising and hey it came with the system so I'm putting it to good use.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v7Ux6aodiHk/UdTXEZzqGDI/AAAAAAAAFqo/gRJMVSEuLBw/w640-h480-no/20130703_215741

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y2l5MaZkdso/UdTXGomV7CI/AAAAAAAAFq4/Tcw_cN-LrBw/w640-h480-no/20130703_215501

dave.m

07/03/2013, 08:31 PM

Here it is overflowing again. What's going on?
Does the water level in the section that contains the skimmer vary at all? Some skimmers can't tolerate the least amount of variance in the water level. Check the owner's manual, the manufacturer's web site and any other on-line review on your skimmer make and model to find out if others had this problem and what was done to fix it.

Dave.M

rickcasa

07/03/2013, 08:35 PM

I'm following this build. It is awesome!

Being following this since you started, amazing build, this has to be one of the most unique tanks i have ever, ever seen! Keep up the good work, im hooked on this thread!

Hope I'm not disappointing with the slow pace, evo and MiaCoral, but I too hope it picks up. :) Thanks for following!

Here's something that may make the waiting worthwhile. It's a chili coral that I bought 2 weeks ago. it didn't do much until I read to hang it upside down and low and behold, it's now twice its size. Don't mind my photo bombing Trigger.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LGIVv4yn0kA/UdTeIeT8YrI/AAAAAAAAFrc/-1ou_clvLvI/w640-h480-no/20130703_222820

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tWhryyRNR5w/UdTeJVgFTDI/AAAAAAAAFrk/Aj-Dby_CLgc/w640-h480-no/20130703_222855

Aquatron

07/03/2013, 08:39 PM

It just keeps getting better.........:)

rickcasa

07/03/2013, 08:48 PM

Does the water level in the section that contains the skimmer vary at all? Some skimmers can't tolerate the least amount of variance in the water level. Check the owner's manual, the manufacturer's web site and any other on-line review on your skimmer make and model to find out if others had this problem and what was done to fix it.

Dave.M

No not in the sense that it's ebb and flow but it's where the DT drains so if the splashing (yes close by the skimmer pump) varies water level as such, sounds like you may have nailed it Dave. I could build a box to contain the splashing. I've been using the rectangular eShoppes sock but it may be better boxed in.

dave.m

07/03/2013, 09:05 PM

I could build a box to contain the splashing.
That's exactly what I had to do with a Deltec SC-2060 in-sump skimmer. Mr.Wilson made me aware of the issue with this model and an acrylic box approx 1" higher than the water in the surrounding sump section was made and that solved my problems. By rights, the skimmer really should have it's own dedicated sump section close to where the water comes in from the display tank, and with water height maintained with a correctly sized baffle.

Dave.M

phantomg23

07/04/2013, 09:59 AM

how am i just now seeing this

rickcasa

07/04/2013, 11:42 AM

That's exactly what I had to do with a Deltec SC-2060 in-sump skimmer. Mr.Wilson made me aware of the issue with this model and an acrylic box approx 1" higher than the water in the surrounding sump section was made and that solved my problems. By rights, the skimmer really should have it's own dedicated sump section close to where the water comes in from the display tank, and with water height maintained with a correctly sized baffle.

Dave.M

And that would be in the middle section of my sump. Because I like it where it is I will build a box as was suggested to you by Shaun. Thx

Allmost

07/04/2013, 11:48 AM

Nice :)

with Azoox/NPS corals, you might need to add a second skimmer or another way of exporting nutrients later on. what are the plans for feeding ?

rickcasa

07/04/2013, 07:26 PM

It just keeps getting better.........:)

how am i just now seeing this

Thanks Spinner. It's a process and a busy family life has certainly forced me to pause a lot and plan for the next steps.

So phanTomG, now that you're here, any advice on what you'd recommend I add to my sump? I'm thinking Chaeto?? I have bushels of it in my 90's sump, actually more like a brick as it has densely filled an entire chamber. But I kinda don't want to mess up my sump...Is it possible to maintain a spotless sump with macros?? I'm using socks but what a chore it is to wash.:fun5:

rickcasa

07/04/2013, 07:44 PM

Nice :)

with Azoox/NPS corals, you might need to add a second skimmer or another way of exporting nutrients later on. what are the plans for feeding ?

Well I've got a spare EuroReef that's in terrific shape if it comes down to needing to double up.

I saw more gorgs at BigAls today...ooo so tempting, but I'm still learning to feed with what I have. I'm enjoying the spot feeding...so I dont see this as a problem, at least not with Reef Roids, Cyclopeeze and Coral Frenzy. These powders are a cinch to mix and distribute with a Squirt and I always leave enough to pour in the tank to broadcast. Well that's it for my plans...need more suggestions please, Allmost.

phantomg23

07/04/2013, 08:00 PM

Thanks Spinner. It's a process and a busy family life has certainly forced me to pause a lot and plan for the next steps.

So phanTomG, now that you're here, any advice on what you'd recommend I add to my sump? I'm thinking Chaeto?? I have bushels of it in my 90's sump, actually more like a brick as it has densely filled an entire chamber. But I kinda don't want to mess up my sump...Is it possible to maintain a spotless sump with macros?? I'm using socks but what a chore it is to wash.:fun5:

I wouldn't do chaeto if i were you. Have you ever seen dragons breath macro? That would look insane in your dt with the hints of light through the rockwork. Its beautiful and has the same effect as chaeto. I say just run media and skim and dose and thats all you need. I don't like refugiums personally. but definitely check out dragons breath. theres always some in the for sale section on here. even on the sandbed it would look great due to its red and orange color against black sand.

rickcasa

07/04/2013, 09:59 PM

I wouldn't do chaeto if i were you. Have you ever seen dragons breath macro? That would look insane in your dt with the hints of light through the rockwork. Its beautiful and has the same effect as chaeto. I say just run media and skim and dose and thats all you need. I don't like refugiums personally. but definitely check out dragons breath. theres always some in the for sale section on here. even on the sandbed it would look great due to its red and orange color against black sand.

So that's what it's called. It was my third choice to take home a few weeks ago. Bought the Sun coral, a red sea fan and was keen on this red macro that was quite bushy and felt really tough to the touch, almost like a plastic plant actually. But I was discouraged by the thought of it as expensive nori for my tangs (they had it priced like a coral, a colony). And as you suggested, I think it would look great in the rockwork and, if it floats, cascading down from the surface at the cavern's threshold. You've planted a seed in my head, phantom, to start a remote macro growout tank under the DT (maybe plumbed in with the frag tank). Even if just to replenish the algaes the tangs will be feasting on.

And thanks, so no to chaeto in the sump.

Here's some dropdead images from RC members tektite and pitmindi:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2214264

Dragon's breath
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv244/stargate985/IMG_5620.jpg

phantomg23

07/05/2013, 08:15 AM

rickcasa

07/05/2013, 07:39 PM

if you wanted to try it in the DT, you can try to train the tangs on nori sheets on the opposite side of the tank, and then after a couple months they may get used to it. Drop in a small clipping of the dragons breath and maybe they will leave it alone. Clippings are only like 10-15 $ its worth a shot

a macro tank would be awesome! Im making a pico macro/ dwarf seahorse tank as we speak actually

Sounds like a plan, I'm on it. thx

And yes, the more I think about it, the common refugium/chaeto/dsb is somewhat unsightly. May as well be selective and treat it as another display.

cu0ngsayz

07/05/2013, 07:58 PM

OH MY!!!!!! That scape is amazing!!!!

rickcasa

07/05/2013, 09:33 PM

Thanks cu0ngsayz. Aquascape done, time to dress it up.

I picked up a torch that needed some attention. A new LFS opened up near work and I thought I'd patronize his very clean (it'd better be it's brand spanking new) and stylish layout. Some growing pains, his euphs are suffering but for me it's a steal once it's cleaned up.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-W3ey-BPUu7k/UdeMohXP_LI/AAAAAAAAFt4/-_M_AtDM7fI/w640-h480-no/20130705_230707

This 9 headed pink tip needed a trim so I took my handy dandy Dremel and sliced off 7 deadheads like it was butter!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iakMf0omgpM/UdeMnKAGwbI/AAAAAAAAFtw/KSuIPlVEbO4/w640-h480-no/20130705_230743

Voila.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qcd6GH5P5vU/UdeMmZj_loI/AAAAAAAAFto/lu2ACHPju6w/w640-h480-no/20130705_231027

Looking sharp.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uiKuhzjQ75o/UdeMshbsdJI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/9q12BXyrEa4/w640-h480-no/20130705_231844

Aquatron

07/06/2013, 09:21 AM

Aquatron

07/08/2013, 02:18 PM

Here is a Green Goblin Sun Coral for your cave area:) First time I had seen these....

rickcasa

07/08/2013, 09:08 PM

Whoa that's new, are you selling? You're probably not too far from me. Any pics of it opened up?

In fact, I wanted to add something to cave today. Saw some orange carnations and an orange sponge that I may just get tomorrow. Instead though, I walked away with this gorgeous anemone. I saw it from across the room like a beacon. Wonder what it is?

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8CGCaOkatco/UdtyYl5bvsI/AAAAAAAAFwg/5Hdam53COQ0/w640-h480-no/20130708_221529

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OEsI-VyfaFo/UdtxThbjfTI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/Ti_mYeDH2yA/w640-h480-no/20130708_220941

It grabbed onto a vertical rock immediately...within seconds. Hope it stays there.

So that's 2 nems in 2 days. I added a Hellsfire over the wknd.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6EwP8DIpxe4/Udt-dLAOwkI/AAAAAAAAFxM/U8cxSbvmRY4/w640-h480-no/20130708_230641

Aquatron

07/08/2013, 09:16 PM

rickcasa

07/08/2013, 09:17 PM

And yes, the more I think about it, the common refugium/chaeto/dsb is somewhat unsightly. May as well be selective and treat it as another display.

I spent the 90's learning/designing/patenting/building/selling refugiums in our hobby. 98% of hobbiest back then didn't know what a refugium was or had only heard the word.
It wasn't just about pods and macro algae as a filtration/food supply filter.....it was about building a eco system that would work/grow side by side with the main chamber/DT.(and look just as nice as DT just a different part of our marine world) To me refugium is one of the most over used words we use in our hobby today since most reefers don't have a true working refugium.

So I'll keep you close by for advice. I joined in on a group buy for 20 Mangrove pods tonight which I hope to add in the end chamber of the sump. Good idea? I'm planning on a ATS here but may be able to share its light with some mangroves in about 6" of sand.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pzM_XYLieVU/UduANPzpzWI/AAAAAAAAFxk/IUGeD8j5Akw/w480-h640-no/20130708_231356

wii64brawl

07/08/2013, 09:20 PM

Fts?

rickcasa

07/08/2013, 09:25 PM

http://www.socalireefs.com/forums/showthread.php?44934-Exclusive-RELEASE-Green-Goblin-Sun-Coral-and-Atomic-Jawbreaker

Here you go not sure how it looks open? Maybe killer:)

NICE ADDITION'S like I said just keeps getting better!!!!

Hopefully better than the black sun corals. For the longest time I wondered what the polyps looks like and finally when I saw a pic, I was a bit underwhelmed. Still nice dont get me wrong...but I was hoping for yellow instead of the dull white/light grey.

Dendros are next! That's for sure. I'm just looking for a large colony, not frags. I'll keep you posted. :)

rickcasa

07/08/2013, 10:03 PM

Fts?

Ok...It's a mess with the corals and frags strewn about. Not to mention the light effects have not been implemented yet as I'm focusing on the sump. But here are some shots for the journal, I suppose.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G90MxV6M2Xw/UduJiSwVTvI/AAAAAAAAF0k/bT80xdnzSCQ/w640-h360-no/20130708_235020

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vrZp6lgeOM0/UduJorWKEMI/AAAAAAAAF1E/MBd1DVLzXIo/w640-h360-no/20130708_234957

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C75Kj2LMRHg/UduJsQEcq_I/AAAAAAAAF1U/nasQbXBDnLE/w640-h360-no/20130708_234937

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E4H5qIYFy_c/UduHjCBcEhI/AAAAAAAAFzc/V9SnV-qIUcc/w640-h480-no/20130708_233603

rickcasa

07/09/2013, 09:20 AM

Hey thanks Mattiejay6. I'm in the fun part of the build now..stocking. Love nems and couldnt resist this one. I didnt know what it was but it was sold to me as a GBTA but later found it's a Fluorescent Green Sebae. As it turns out it is difficult to keep...yikes another challenge.

DeepSeaBeauti

07/09/2013, 03:44 PM

I thought I was making a cool aqua scape when I built my rock wall/cave. But this blows it out of the water. Great job!!!

reeftanknewbie

07/09/2013, 07:18 PM

asudavew

07/09/2013, 07:28 PM

Awesome! Your tank is spectacular. It's so impressive watching someone's idea become reality.

CT Reefer

07/09/2013, 07:46 PM

Impressive. Love the cavern....eerie inner space. Best I've seen...hats off to you. Keep us posted...love all the pics.

wowkingjames

07/09/2013, 08:23 PM

Amazing!!! Love the cave!!!! Never seen anyone do that keep up the Great work!!!!

rickcasa

07/09/2013, 10:27 PM

Awesome! Your tank is spectacular. It's so impressive watching someone's idea become reality.

I thought I was making a cool aqua scape when I built my rock wall/cave. But this blows it out of the water. Great job!!!

Impressive. Love the cavern....eerie inner space. Best I've seen...hats off to you. Keep us posted...love all the pics.

Amazing!!! Love the cave!!!! Never seen anyone do that keep up the Great work!!!!

Good thing about caves is it's tough to get it wrong. What I did that makes it fish friendly is offer as much entrances and exits for the fish to not feel trapped, or too comfortable for that matter, or even fearful to just explore. All the fish have ventured in and even stayed for a snooze. The groomer (fire shrimp) is still in the other tank but when I catch him I hope he sets his boutique somewhere in there to add a true cavern hospitality.:love2:

Thanks for the props!

rickcasa

07/09/2013, 11:21 PM

TANK IS LOOKING GREAT. I love ATS, they seem to work well on my tank and help with creating a buffer for when I slack off in the summer on maintenance. how's the planning coming on back lighting the tank for that depth look. I have seen that here before and it's really cool looking.

Thanks reeftanknewbie. I hope the ATS does what it claims for me but I'll only have the option to light it from one side though. My mind is racing trying to figure out if I can pull off using 2 canvasses (2 scrubbers) in the relatively same amount of space as 1. Do you think this stagerring will be just as effective as being lit on both sides??

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EnAc4HIY99M/Udzu4HnBMtI/AAAAAAAAF2M/ZYZv7gFNZfc/w815-h778-no/ATSx2.JPG

RazorRC

07/10/2013, 10:46 AM

Awesome original design. The "cavernous" concept works really well and nighttime looks so natural. Btw, clowntriggers are one of my faves.:thumbsup:

reeftanknewbie

07/10/2013, 07:18 PM

Thanks reeftanknewbie. I hope the ATS does what it claims for me but I'll only have the option to light it from one side though. My mind is racing trying to figure out if I can pull off using 2 canvasses (2 scrubbers) in the relatively same amount of space as 1. Do you think this stagerring will be just as effective as being lit on both sides??

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EnAc4HIY99M/Udzu4HnBMtI/AAAAAAAAF2M/ZYZv7gFNZfc/w815-h778-no/ATSx2.JPG

Screen size and lighting is now based more on feeding amounts then anything. Floyd is more or less the expert in this area and I would suggest checking out his thread on ATS. One potential concern I see is in the splitting of flow between screens. Mine does best when I have good flow over the screen and begins dying when the flow slows. Your design seems restrictive to flow to me. I would suggest taking your time with this as setting it up right the first time will make for a more positive experience and outcome.

reeftanknewbie

07/10/2013, 07:20 PM

Lighting seems to not be ideal either. From your design it looks like you could put a clip on lamp on the outside of the screen as well.

rickcasa

07/10/2013, 08:37 PM

You're right about the importance of flow and my intention is to feed the ATS as much water as necessary from the my DC return pump which is already pushing a lot of water even at the lowest setting. Actually, my worry with this design is getting an even distribution to both arms. Looks like I should put valves in each arm otherwise I may get water spraying at the bottom one.
I also ordered a red (with some blues) LED spotlight which I read are the preferred colour in hydroponics.

That image is not accurate. There's actually a wall 3" from the sump (I forgot to turn the wall layer back on in Sketchup so you're seeing through to the bathroom).
But if you feel it's that important, I saw an LED panel that will slide in back there nicely. ..ok back to eBay. :)

rickcasa

07/10/2013, 09:04 PM

Awesome original design. The "cavernous" concept works really well and nighttime looks so natural. Btw, clowntriggers are one of my faves.:thumbsup:

Hey thanks, but a big decision for me, RazorRC. My docile beloved trigger is chewing up my war coral and even worse has developed a habit of biting chunks off the foam rocks!!! :sad2: It's not in an exposed area, he might be picking on the hidden base of the rock columns but it's gonna get frustrating having to fish out black floaties on the dt surface and in the sump.

Arghh do I part with him??? It did cross my mind that he's too big for my scape....but he's my boy.

dave.m

07/10/2013, 09:34 PM

Obviously he needs a species tank, as does any non-reef-compatible species. As you say, he's "your boy". Does he deserve any less?

C'mon, just one more tank, just one more teensy little tank for your favourite fishy friend. Oh monsieur, it is only wafer thin...

Dave.M

rickcasa

07/10/2013, 10:16 PM

Hahaha...Mr Creosote deserved no less than that wafer thin mint. Classic. :lmao::lmao:

RazorRC

07/11/2013, 03:06 PM

Lol, I can still hear him saying " ohhh all riiight...", then booom!:lmao:

rickcasa

07/11/2013, 07:22 PM

The colonies keep coming.

Here's more getting a dip and acclimated. I'll look up to see what they specifically are.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S5Uk7tyM6Z4/Ud9VGHQAJzI/AAAAAAAAF3Y/ZAUoY-mbrsE/w640-h360-no/20130711_204400

I intend to do a proper qt tank and dipping station above. but for now this will do.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WGm6n1h7wVc/Ud9VHYYMVhI/AAAAAAAAF20/DOU3-Sf8h-w/w640-h360-no/20130711_204438

And of course something for the cavern.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o0G5fpLvlqk/Ud9VDQrDXYI/AAAAAAAAF2c/haJar6-nzSA/w640-h360-no/20130711_204338

This literally looked like an ordinary live rock with sporadic red gummy growth on it and got it thrown in for free. Some sort of sponge?? The white polyps are crazy bushy. Any ideas?

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s_IdFJmUTxY/Ud9avvBn6ZI/AAAAAAAAF3k/57ARBwiHQ_w/w640-h360-no/20130709_223301

Here's a couple that's already made it through.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oYrtytZO1Ls/Ud9VFJCmtTI/AAAAAAAAF2k/Wueo02SSbZQ/w640-h360-no/20130711_204318

My 3rd cerianthus. Maybe 4th. A tiny, cool orange with green centre drifted off somewhere never to be seen for 3 wks now.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RZIKpCSsu0Y/Ud9VIjWjQkI/AAAAAAAAF28/4vff03G8sNc/w640-h360-no/20130711_204303

jrod738776

07/11/2013, 08:11 PM

Where are you buying the colonies from?

rickcasa

07/11/2013, 09:08 PM

This Orange Tree Coral or Cauliflower Coral is important to this build. Actually, it closely resembles a Dendronephthya species that are harder to keep. But either one, they're in many of the cavern images that inspired this concept, like this one:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1m0CIORoB-I/Ud9wZTnPAYI/AAAAAAAAF8U/mTc7rzwHV1g/w407-h562-no/Divers+and+soft+corals+on+Purple+Wall.jpg

So I saved some sand covered foam from the rock build and it'd make an ideal floatation device to hang this coral.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kisnH6T38TA/Ud9syUeejfI/AAAAAAAAF6s/uWEwxbBPBK0/w640-h360-no/20130711_213920

BRS order came just in time for more glue.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDxP8dIELcM/Ud9sxanMebI/AAAAAAAAF6k/O2LtksajSjk/w640-h360-no/20130711_214147

Here it is drifting away. I left 3 other stalks on the rock they came in. They're in the cave high up near the top.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pAMx1iRY7OI/Ud9sz9jhzXI/AAAAAAAAF68/qc1lHjRyCmE/w640-h360-no/20130711_214229

At some point I'll fix it on a stalactite, but like every coral in the tank now, it's permanent address is yet to be determined.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jqWBSkxn2CA/Ud95E49_DfI/AAAAAAAAF-E/QfToOauAuMA/w640-h360-no/20130711_233311

rickcasa

07/11/2013, 09:23 PM

Gorgs and fans play an important role in the Cavernous Reef. This red one is the second one I'm adding. The first one looked awesome at first but slowly became brittle and it's half the size it once was.

This new one was covered in polyps when I laid my eyes on it. So that's good tidings I believe....and it comes with hitchhikers as a bonus. Spot them? Beneficial or parasite? Heck it doesn't matter, this reef will be diversified through the roof, so everyone is welcome. Well, to a degree. :rollface:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EnyaO0Q8jKI/Ud9s6fAUh6I/AAAAAAAAF9w/F6EZA79t6JY/w640-h360-no/20130711_214543

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pjkqtt3fVOQ/Ud9s4OzlZZI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/W6NgkARBQVE/w640-h360-no/20130711_214757

Polyps rash head to toe.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8BJx33yoNV4/Ud92BFSdigI/AAAAAAAAF88/RSl8ccF08xg/w640-h360-no/20130711_232004

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hoLgBbqxdgs/Ud92nXmVwJI/AAAAAAAAF9U/C_AUorx0RRc/w640-h360-no/20130711_232246

MLZ

07/11/2013, 10:18 PM

Dang... that's an amazing setup and build. Must have took a lot of patience.

reeftanknewbie

07/12/2013, 04:09 AM

Looking great man! I too use LEDs for my ats. Just make sure they are not too close as mine tend to burn the algae unless I keep it at least 8" away from them. Growth is great though.

TANGBABE

07/12/2013, 09:15 AM

beautiful pictures

Aquatron

07/12/2013, 01:32 PM

Have you set up a QT yet? Be careful:)

rickcasa

07/12/2013, 03:23 PM

Dang... that's an amazing setup and build. Must have took a lot of patience.

Thx MLZ. I actually took some calculated shortcuts and so far it's paid off as the tank is looking healhty. Still need to check the params though.

rickcasa

07/12/2013, 03:25 PM

beautiful pictures

Thanks Tangbabe. Being a visual person, it helps to use great images of nature in its glory for inspiration.

rickcasa

07/12/2013, 03:31 PM

Have you set up a QT yet? Be careful:)

I've been somewhat careful. But the QT tank is in the works I'm planning on getting an Achilles so I need to set up by then.

Aquatron

07/12/2013, 04:05 PM

rickcasa

07/13/2013, 01:24 AM

I know you got it dialed but not QTing your corals will do way more damage to your system than fish. You have a clean system now one or two bad corals with hitchhikers and all that work is for not:) As a fellow reefer and fan of your build who cares it needed to be said......OK moving on!!!!!

Spinner, I thought that a dip in something like Coral RX was the extent of coral pre-introduction care, no? I did find a couple of tiny aptasias on a zoa colony which I promptly scraped off. So is it dead?? I remember awhile ago, taking a lighter to an aptasia and burned it for about 20 seconds but only to see it come back in less than a week. There's no quit on these buggers. School me on coral qt please.

rickcasa

07/13/2013, 01:53 AM

Finally!!! After over a month in a coma, the large sun coral puffed and puffed and finally sprouted their magnificent polyps. Not full extentions yet, but I did manage to feed most, if not all, of the heads with brine shrimp

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3zoJMj7CUTk/UeED-Z-VwkI/AAAAAAAAGAM/edd1fvjPRXo/w1024-h576-no/20130713_033430

Newbie Aquarist

07/13/2013, 03:56 AM

The tank has grown since I last seen it. That cave is a masterpiece of work. Love all the NPS and present ideas going forward. Great tank.

rickcasa

07/13/2013, 09:30 AM

The tank has grown since I last seen it. That cave is a masterpiece of work. Love all the NPS and present ideas going forward. Great tank.

Thanks Wayne. That's means a lot coming from you. Read though a couple more pages from your build and have come away armed with more awesome ideas.

Newbie Aquarist

07/13/2013, 02:13 PM

Thanks Wayne. That's means a lot coming from you. Read though a couple more pages from your build and have come away armed with more awesome ideas.

Glad I can help out when I can. I try to use the K.I.S.S. method on this build.

rickcasa

07/15/2013, 09:16 PM

I too subscribe to that method...but with a twist. Onwards with the build...still a$$ backwards of course. Most of you would have taken care of these details in its proper order, but what would be the fun in that. So let's install a fixture directly above a fully running tank shall we.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z50pGiHc2ag/UeSzdBa_99I/AAAAAAAAGBE/WUN6kc4_qbw/w1024-h576-no/20130715_223856

Don't mind the dust. :uhoh3:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jX-LOPyKqLc/UeSzi9w5RBI/AAAAAAAAGBc/1yQzyFLpOr8/w1024-h576-no/20130714_214400

My impromptu workbench. Please don't try this at home. :uhoh3:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NIlYD9KfFc8/UeSzhR8Nr6I/AAAAAAAAGBU/JgPeFoFzlKA/w1024-h576-no/20130714_214431

After considering many options to pull off the cavern lighting I had already established, I decided on this overhead ceiling fixture. It has 6 heads so it's adequate in highlighting the rock faces that would make the most impact.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rr8T-dvntrU/UeSzaqt1wqI/AAAAAAAAGA0/7Z7qUswWzBQ/w1024-h576-no/20130715_224127

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NX5WS3HJHl4/UeSzbwPZbbI/AAAAAAAAGA8/CsSgojhyzLY/w1024-h576-no/20130715_224104

The LEDS. These are colour changing RGBs that will mostly be set to blue in the back row.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SGCg__CsnOY/UeS0h_oYAQI/AAAAAAAAGCU/x94o5nwn3fE/w1024-h576-no/20130715_224740

I also have cool whites/blues at the front row that will wash the front facade. And a powerful par38 nearest to the Razor that will provide a full spectrum at the cavern opening.

Forgot to buy long screws that's why it's not installed as planned. Check back tmr!