A Sac-Town 225

[Poriferan]

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/800px-Sacramento_Skyline_cropped.jpg

I have decided to document my first large tank build. The internet forums have been invaluable to my success in reef keeping so I am hoping this thread will continue that trend.
The tank is a 225 gal starfire peninsula plumbed currently with closed loop. Dimensions are 72x30x24.

Sadly I will not have a place to set it up as a peninsula so at least one side will not be viewable.

My saltwater tank history starts in 1989 and has included a 55, 100, 85, 35, and 40 gal displays.
Current tanks are RSM 130D (4+yrs)and newly online 40B.

The plan is to set this up and eventually make it in wall. I hope to put a majority of the sump equipment in the garage, but that is still open.


The tank has been moved into the house but I will be changing the stand.


Where it will be placed
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0462.jpg


My ugly mug cleaning it up.
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0483.jpg

[Poriferan]

Here is some of the equipment I have collected for it so far. Most of it came with the tank purchase. It was a functioning reef when purchased.

Two 250W reflectors
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0473.jpg

A Skimmer with Bubble Blaster 5000

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0454.jpg


Calcium Reactor

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0472.jpg

RODI

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0424.jpg

Current RODI Storage

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0425.jpg

[Poriferan]

One of the sumps

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0470.jpg

The VHO's working

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0485.jpg

[Poriferan]

Last weekend I went and picked up my old acrylic 330(cracked :sad2:) and stand.

I will be switching out the stands as I put in a lot of effort restoring the old stand and it held up well to being outside under a carport for two years.

I also picked up my previously cooked live rock and homemade cured rock.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0489.jpg

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0490.jpg

I hope to start the interior design this week.

Two 1/2 years ago
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_9903.jpg

[Poriferan]

And a couple pics of the current tanks and what will be moved into the bigger tank one day

RSM 130D running 4+ years
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0458.jpg

40B newly online

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0463.jpg

[Poriferan]

During the next stages I hope I can get lots of feedback on sump layout, plumbing/flow ideas, rockscaping, etc.

I have the option to plumb this through the wall and into the garage where the 40B currently sits. My main fear is that it gets HOT in Sacramento in the summer and the garage would be adding a lot of heat to the sump water. My indoor tank is cooled entirely by the house Air and a fan. I keep the 250W MH about 8inches from the water on that one.

The tank will be run by my RKE. I just got the Net Module for it and may need some pointers on hooking it up correctly also.

I also have a 1/2HP (i think) chiller I can plumb into the system either in the garage or outside the garage if the sumps are put in the garage.

I welcome all ideas and criticism. Reading other build comments has allowed me the limited success in my reefing experience.

[Poriferan]

Any ideas or recommendations for a mat to go under the stand? I was thinking 4X9 to extend out a bit and catch any drips from arms etc.

[Poriferan]

Here is my first run at the rockwork. Right side is the overflow and returns.

Thoughts?

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0491.jpg

[maddmaxx]

arent setting up new systems great lol...looks good so far..how many vho you running? are you getting another MH?

[Poriferan]

arent setting up new systems great lol...looks good so far..how many vho you running? are you getting another MH?

I think most of my fun is building the thing. This is by far the largest one I have done so it is the most challenging. I thought it would be easier to take a used one and expand on it, but now I am not sure.

There are 2 VHO and the 2 MH that it came with. Once the tank is completely cycled I am moving all the livestock from the Nano. Then I will add the MH from that tank.

I am also a little worried about the drain that it came with,

I think this is two standard dursos, and I worry about not having a emergency drain.

I am thinking doing a herbie style drain might be better with a full siphon and an emergency drain. The drains are 1 1/2" will this be enough flow for the Dart pump to run full out? I think I might run the media reactors and chiller off it also if possible. Otherwise I have several iwaki pumps I could use.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0494-1.jpg

[Poriferan]

These are the sumps I can use. I also have glass 55 if needed.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0492.jpg

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0493.jpg

[maddmaxx]

are you looking to put the sump under the stand or in the basement? if under the stand use the biggest sump possible, maybe even 2 if they can fit if you wanna get daring. more water volume is always better. if your going basement, def use that black tub.. as far as pumps, depends on what you wanna run off the pump, plus how much flow you want returning into the main display..as far as the drains go. your pump shouldnt pump more then your drains can drain. incase of power outage, pump will back siphon, if no check valve, and the tank will drain to lowest point it can on the overflow box. i personally think the drains are fine. just dont put more water in the tank then it can drain..and im a fan of VHO, i run 4 of them over my 225 along with 3x250w mh

[Poriferan]

I have 2 options. Sump under the stand. At 10" water height it will hold about 40 gallons. No issues with heat, could easily be cooled with fans and a controller.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0498.jpg

Or Sumps in the garage and deal with 90+ degree heat around the sumps in the summer and maybe 50 deg temps in the winter. But, get lots of room for sumps, frag tank, refugium, criptic, etc.
Deal with evaporation both ways.

This is the stand I restored/ beefed up. I plan to build a canopy that extends down on both sides of the tank to cover the extra 12" on each end. That will hide all the plumbing also for this peninsula tank.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0497.jpg

[Adamc1303]

Although you have the heat issue it sounds like you can run a way bigger sump in the garage. I would go for the bigger sump. It also helps keep the mess away. Isn't your signature "must go bigger" lol.

[Poriferan]

Although you have the heat issue it sounds like you can run a way bigger sump in the garage. I would go for the bigger sump. It also helps keep the mess away. Isn't your signature "must go bigger" lol.


That is true... I want...

http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/subject/t57018.gif

And mess in the garage make my wife happy...

http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/home/t6016.gif

[Adamc1303]

That is true... I want...

http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/subject/t57018.gif

And mess in the garage make my wife happy...

http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/home/t6016.gif

Way better in the garage less pressure on you when there's a mess too.

[Poriferan]

Wow... This was heavy and difficult, but the tank now sits on the new stand

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0501.jpg

VHO's on

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0499.jpg

[toofrigginswt]

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0494-1.jpg


Great looking tank! In regards to the herbie, I would just run two straight pipes... one lower and one higher towards the top of the overflow line. That's how I have it set up right now on my tank and it's dead silent. No need for any dursos.

[Poriferan]

Great looking tank! In regards to the herbie, I would just run two straight pipes... one lower and one higher towards the top of the overflow line. That's how I have it set up right now on my tank and it's dead silent. No need for any dursos.


So basically a siphon on one with the second as backup?

[Poriferan]

Plumbing is in. In an effort to keep costs as low as possible I reused some of the plumbing from the previous set up. If I decide the black valves on the manifold bother me too much I will change them out later.

Time for a leak check

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0519.jpg

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0517.jpg

[Poriferan]

Filling

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0515.jpg

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0516.jpg


Sucess.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0518.jpg

[Stylaster]

Great start, gotta love a successful leak test!

[maddmaxx]

ut oh...once theres water, its a domino affect now lol...

[Poriferan]

Great start, gotta love a successful leak test!


Thanks, I did have one small leak at the pump outlet. I switched from tape to plumbers putty, hopefully this will fix it.

[Poriferan]

ut oh...once theres water, its a domino affect now lol...

Still plenty to do...

next up will be rock placement.

I have always just put the rock on the glass but I have seen some put eggcrate under it.

Any advantage in the eggcrate?

[toofrigginswt]

So basically a siphon on one with the second as backup?

Yep. It looks like your drains have an elbow that goes straight up. I would just use straight pipes. You'll probably have to play with the height of the dedicated siphon pipe but once it's dialed in, you'll be glad you went with a herbie. I'd never set up a tank using any other method except for herbies or beananimals.

[Poriferan]

I did research beananimal drains, but this tank has only 2 holes so herbie will be needed. Can the emergency drain incorporate the vent tube held just above the tank water like, line in beananimal? I worry that if the siphon got plugged the backup might not be able to carry the extra flow without switching to a siphon drain itself.

Second question. If the drains pull from the top will there be a lot of maintenance to clean the bottom of the overflow?

[benjc]

Don't worry about a siphon forming on the backup drain in case the primary drain blocks. Provided the backup drain is the same size or larger it will be able to handle the flow. Since the backup drain would be unrestricted (no valves), a siphon would likely start and stop; noisy yes, but won't cause the tank to overflow.

[Poriferan]

Failed power off test. I hope by changing the pipes and raising the returns I will have fixed it.
The RO is filling. As of right now the tank is 2/3 full.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0521.jpg

[toofrigginswt]

Don't worry about a siphon forming on the backup drain in case the primary drain blocks. Provided the backup drain is the same size or larger it will be able to handle the flow. Since the backup drain would be unrestricted (no valves), a siphon would likely start and stop; noisy yes, but won't cause the tank to overflow.

+1.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[toofrigginswt]

Failed power off test. I hope by changing the pipes and raising the returns I will have fixed it.
The RO is filling. As of right now the tank is 2/3 full.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0521.jpg

I would raise it a bit. Also, Drill one or two small holes on your return lines so that it can catch air and lose siphon during a power outage. I drill two on each return just in case one gets plugged by a snail or gets covered with coraline or brown algae. Water will shoot out of the holes so drill it in a spot that won't squirt water out of your tank.

[Poriferan]

I would raise it a bit. Also, Drill one or two small holes on your return lines so that it can catch air and lose siphon during a power outage. I drill two on each return just in case one gets plugged by a snail or gets covered with coraline or brown algae. Water will shoot out of the holes so drill it in a spot that won't squirt water out of your tank.

Great idea:beer:

Once it fills up, hopefully tonight, I will test it as is. If it still fails I will drill the holes. What size hole should I use with 1" lines? The two 1" return lines tee together so air would be pulled from both to stop the siphon.

[toofrigginswt]

hmmm... I don't know exactly what size hole I did. It was maybe 1/8th of an inch?

[Poriferan]

Note to self... dont try to recycle pvp into a new build.:mad2:

The manifold I reused had a leak... right in the side of the pipe. I attempted to apply a patch over it but that just made it worse.

New manifold waiting for glue to dry:uhoh3:

I also picked up the wood for the canopy build. I went with oak to match the rest of the cabinet.

I plan to make the frame out of 1x2's and attach 1/2" plywood.

[toofrigginswt]

Sorry to hear that. Yea I don't use old pvc only because it's not that expensive for new ones. However, I suggest you get threaded fittings just in case you decided to reuse it on another upgrade. Seeing as to how massive your tank is, I doubt you'll be upgrading anytime soon :)

[Poriferan]

Manifold is done and installed. Leaks are no more:celeb1:

I drilled the holes and sprayed water out of the tank :headwally:
The fix was to screw a bulkhead nut over the hole (both sides)
The siphon stops after a while but consistently.

I changed the siphon to a straight pipe with a strainer on top. It is about 3 inches below the overflow water line. Made the backup Beananimal style with the john guest fitting in the cap and the line about a half inch above the overflow waterline. It will start to siphon at the same rate as the main return if the water rises in the overflow.

Cycle is started (sort of) just the die off from the rock and water with correct salinity and temp. I will put some ammonia in soon.

Been a few days since the last update. I am working overtime, trying to keep my family time existent, and working on the tank an hour or two before bed.

So far I have built the end cabinets. Will start on the Canopy next so I can get the lights mounted and some light to go with my cycle.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0531.jpg

I decided to go with 22" height on the canopy. I think this will give me plenty of room to get into the tank and hopefully devise a movable light rack.

[Poriferan]

Sorry to hear that. Yea I don't use old pvc only because it's not that expensive for new ones. However, I suggest you get threaded fittings just in case you decided to reuse it on another upgrade. Seeing as to how massive your tank is, I doubt you'll be upgrading anytime soon :)


My wife said the only way I get to upgrade again EVER is if I buy a new house large enough to have a in-wall and dedicated fish room...:love1:

[Poriferan]

Today's effort.

Still a lot to finish it but gives me an idea of what I will end up with.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0533.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0533.jpg.html)

With a bad edit but gives the idea,

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/canopypaint.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/canopypaint.jpg.html)

[Poriferan]

I am looking for ideas on how to mount the lights inside the canopy.

The Canopy is 22" tall and 30" deep. Is there a way to mount the lights so that they can be moved if I need to get into the tank?

If possible I would like to have some kind of option to add more lights later if needed also.

Currently I will use 2-3 MH reflectors and 2 VHO's

Either a way to raise them and/or slide them back. The Canopy is 8ft long and can't be removed easily.

Thanks

[dave.m]

What about making a frame of 1"x1" aluminum tubing that you could hang on different brackets inside the hood to raise or lower as required? You can get connectors for this type of tubing from 80/20 (http://download.8020.net/2012_Product_Catalog/Quick_Frame_8020_Catalog_18.pdf) to build just about anything you can think of.

Dave.M

[Poriferan]

What about making a frame of 1"x1" aluminum tubing that you could hang on different brackets inside the hood to raise or lower as required? You can get connectors for this type of tubing from 80/20 (http://download.8020.net/2012_Product_Catalog/Quick_Frame_8020_Catalog_18.pdf) to build just about anything you can think of.

Dave.M

Those look great to build a rack. Time to try and design a frame. Thanks Dave.:D

I know I have read threads on using pocket door hardware to move these types of racks. I cant find a thread that shows where they got this hardware with tracks. I was thinking threaded rods to hang from the pocket door wheels might work perfectly and allow me the adjustability (is that a word?) for height combined with several inches of movement towards the back of the canopy.

Anyone have a line of the pocket doors hardware I would need, or can I pick this up a local Lowes?

[Poriferan]

One more question. Is there a recommended distance the VHO should be from the side of the Reflector? I have Lumen Max Elite Mogul Reflectors. The closer they can be mounted to the reflectors the more room I will have to slide the rack towards the back.

[Poriferan]

It is almost my birthday so I treated myself to a few fish. Figured get them in quarantine now so the tank has some life once it finishes the cycle. Sorry for the picture quality, seems I need pointers in fish shots.

Also a couple of the corals in quarantine also.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/Trigger.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/Trigger.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/Fish.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/Fish.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/Coral1.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/Coral1.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/Coral3.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/Coral3.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/CoralA.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/CoralA.jpg.html)

NOTE No Kenya tree in the display. That stuff is a plague since I let grow in as a hitchhiker. Most everything in the quarantine will get fragged or already is a frag before it gets in the display. I do have plenty of tanks to set up if the fish need medication.

[Poriferan]

The tank cycle has stabilized. The ammonia is now 0.

New problem is that the algae growing on the rocks is BRYOPSIS:headwalls::mad2:

How did this happen? The rock I used has not been wet for 2.5 years. I guess there is a chance it had it before as I never really paid attention to what was growing on it before in the tub. This is not a patch here and there it is growing on the glass and most every rock in the tank. I am torn between trying Kent Mag and just acid washing this stuff and trying again...

Will the soak in bleach/acid wash route even be guaranteed to work?

[dave.m]

I had good success with Fauna Marin Algae X. Make sure to have filter socks on hand to clean up all the dead gunk afterwards. You could also just wait it out until your nitrates and phosphates get down to 0 but that could take longer.

Dave.M

[Poriferan]

I had good success with Fauna Marin Algae X. Make sure to have filter socks on hand to clean up all the dead gunk afterwards. You could also just wait it out until your nitrates and phosphates get down to 0 but that could take longer.

Dave.M

Hmm, 100ml every 2 days. How many treatments for success?


I also wonder if doubling the dose would help. Tank is empty so no worries about hurting livestock...

[dave.m]

About five weeks worth in my case, but I had let things get a bit out of hand waiting for shipments of fish and clean-up crew. By the time the critters had shown up everything was buried in about an inch of turf. This resulted in a LOT of detritus as the Algae X went to work.

Moral of the story: don't sit around waiting for a perfect solution, get cracking asap and conquer the stuff before it gets too strong a hold. There are other algae killers out there, but they are so toxic that they are illegal here in Canada, so I can't vouch for their effectiveness or safety. It seems such issues don't matter so much in the US.

Dave.M

[mpoletti]

Good luck in your build. Was that Ron's old tank?

[Poriferan]

Good luck in your build. Was that Ron's old tank?

Thanks!

Yes, it was.

[Poriferan]

Tank is coming along slowly. The canopy is almost finished. One more coat of stain for the doors and 2 hinges that wont come in until next Friday. I also need to see if I have/buy a 12V adapter to run the canopy fans. I have a few cheap "expendable" corals in the tank to see how things are going. API test results are 0 for Ammonia, Nitrite, and Phosphate. Maybe a trace of Nitrate (0-5)
There are a few snails making a small dent in the cycle algae and I have a Reefcleaners order shipping out Monday. (Snails Only)

This is my first time using a Ca Reactor. I am thinking to run it off the manifold. Can I/should I hook up the Solenoid from the CO2 tank to the Controller(RKE)? (Or I could run the reactor in line from a pump and have that controlled?) I have a PH probe in the reactor and another in the tank. What PH should trigger the off?

[Poriferan]

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_1923.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_1923.jpg.html)

[Poriferan]

The last doors are drying. I will still need to trim it out, but I finally can see some progress.:fun2:

[Meercat_Maric]

Are you going to paint the backof the tank?

[Poriferan]

I think I will end up putting on a vinyl adhesive back. The tank is a 100% starfire peninsula (even the bottom and overflow). Someone may want to be able to use it as such without removing paint when I upgrade:eek2:

[Poriferan]

I decided to order this pulley system to be able to adjust the light rack for service or coral needs. I should be able to rig it to pull both sides evenly. :rollface:


http://www.costco.com/newurl.product.11482060.html

I like the auto cinch feature in case the tie off were to come loose.

[Poriferan]

Still waiting on the pulley system for the light rack. Once I get that installed I will be able to concentrate on getting the corals and fish all situated.

I put in a few fish/corals from the quarantine tank today. a couple quick picks right after they went in so they aren't real happy yet.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_1972.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_1972.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_1978.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_1978.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_1977.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_1977.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_1979.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_1979.jpg.html)

I hope the tangs make short order of the hair algae that is still betraying the age of the tank.

[Poriferan]

Canopy and light rack installed. :dance:

I added a 250W to the center to make 3 total plus the VHO.

Sadly I broke one of the VHO bulbs so I need replacements to kick up the Actinic and get the full day/night light cycle programmed.:facepalm:

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_1981.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_1981.jpg.html)

[chingchai]

Subscribed.:-)

[mpoletti]

Congrats on getting the tank up and running. Did you get your VHO's locally?

[deepblue68]

Nice build! Good luck with your new system.

[Poriferan]

Subscribed.:-)

Wow, thank you! Your tank's both past and present were and remain the motivation behind my stepping up to the large tank.

[Poriferan]

Congrats on getting the tank up and running. Did you get your VHO's locally?

Thank You, I hope this tank can look half as good as yours one day.

The ones I have were purchased along with the tank. I did find a couple at aqua works today but they did not have the built in reflectors so i will probably just order 4 or 5 online.

[Poriferan]

Nice build! Good luck with your new system.

Thank You, soon I will finally get time to enjoy it.:thumbsup:

[Poriferan]

I promise to learn about taking pictures next...:rolleyes:

These are with the just the VHO's on.

Added quite a few corals to the mix.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2008.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2008.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2009.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2009.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2012.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2012.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2016.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2016.jpg.html)

[Poriferan]

Since this is a build thread I want to share my equipment under the tank.

I still need to tighten up the wires but they are all labeled on the wire and on the plug strip.

Next is the ATO and Refugium.

I am thinking to relocate the CaRx to behind the return pump lines. This will give me 34"x15" for a refugium and the ATO reservoir could be located in the garage or on the right side in a 10"x32" space.

I have a 28gal tank I would just need to drill that would fit as the refugium

This is on the left side

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0583.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0583.jpg.html)

And the Right side

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0584.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0584.jpg.html)

[Poriferan]

Just a cell phone video. I will have to make a better one now. :lol2:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c4egfdtrQCM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://youtu.be/c4egfdtrQCM

[toofrigginswt]

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2008.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2008.jpg.html)

I love VHO actinics! Great progress so far. It would be pretty cool if you filled up the wall with cabinetry both on the left and right side. It'll look like an in wall tank.

[letsmod]

sick tanks, I am soo jealous

[ReefDream07]

Subscribed. I dream about building a reef of this size one day, but my career in racing as well as living in an apartment makes me have to stick to a smaller, more mover friendly size. Please keep updating it keeps me dreaming of new ideas!!

[Poriferan]

I love VHO actinics! Great progress so far. It would be pretty cool if you filled up the wall with cabinetry both on the left and right side. It'll look like an in wall tank.

That was the original plan, however, I need to get behind the tank for access sometimes and would need something that opens...:spin1:

Just when I thought I could take a break and start just enjoying it :debi:

[Poriferan]

sick tanks, I am soo jealous

Thank You! Do you have a build thread for your RSM 250? They are a big upgrade from the RSM 130 I have.

[Poriferan]

Subscribed. I dream about building a reef of this size one day, but my career in racing as well as living in an apartment makes me have to stick to a smaller, more mover friendly size. Please keep updating it keeps me dreaming of new ideas!!

Thanks for checking it out. Racing as a career would trump having a tank for me too.:uzi:

Dont have a fast car anymore, once upon a time I drove 72' and 73' Mustang Mach I's 351C moderately built, 78 firebird 400ci small block with 550hp off the bottle:crazy1:

Now I built this... 460 block 550hp on pump gas.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0671.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0671.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/1copy.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/1copy.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/P1030723.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/P1030723.jpg.html)

[ReefDream07]

That boat is phenomenal. Yeah having a career in racing is great but I won't lite it turns into a job just like anything else! Still wouldn't wanna do anything else though, mainly just cause its the only thing I'm decent at. If you don't mind me asking, the 460 is the Ford big block correct? I just don't know much about the big blocks, we're only allowed the small blocks like the 604 and the BOSS 302.

[Poriferan]

That boat is phenomenal. Yeah having a career in racing is great but I won't lite it turns into a job just like anything else! Still wouldn't wanna do anything else though, mainly just cause its the only thing I'm decent at. If you don't mind me asking, the 460 is the Ford big block correct? I just don't know much about the big blocks, we're only allowed the small blocks like the 604 and the BOSS 302.

Yes 460 is the big block. It puts big torque numbers fast. For a jet boat though it really all about HP. You go from to idle to wide open as fast as you can get the pedal to the floor.

[Poriferan]

I took an update FTS today. I have some close ups on some corals I need to edit out of RAW format then I will post those as well.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2891.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2891.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2895-1.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2895-1.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2903.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2903.jpg.html)

[lakebound]

Good job, looks great! Love that crystal clear view with Starfire! Thumbs up! :thumbsup:

[Poriferan]

Thanks lakebound. I am hooked on it now too.:lol2:

Here are a couple more.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2905.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2905.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2907.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2907.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2912.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2912.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2920.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2920.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2926.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2926.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMG_2930.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMG_2930.jpg.html)

[Poriferan]

Update: Sad to say calcium reactor issue caused the loss of many colonies. The tank is just now beginning to come back. I added a few fish and took a few crappy cell phone photos.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0158.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0158.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0161.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0161.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0160.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0160.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0159.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0159.jpg.html)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0154.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0154.jpg.html)

[Pife]

Have you noticed that the Starphire scratches easier or anything different from normal glass? How loud is your pump under the stand like that?

[mikid]

is that Ron old tank....looks like it.....looking good......

don't have any Hotrods anymore..( 37 ford opera coupe 327ci.55 chev pickup268 ci 400 hp 6 cyl,70 ford torino 302,72 chev fleetside 400 ci, 72 z-28 camero20k org miles, 79 corvette 27k org miles)...all sold for buy home in 1996....good trade though?.....now into bicycle racing?..ha...riding....o and reef tanks!......:beer:

[Poriferan]

Have you noticed that the Starphire scratches easier or anything different from normal glass? How loud is your pump under the stand like that?

I think it scratches about the same. I have put a few small ones already with the magnet cleaner. :angryfire:

The pump is quiet with the stand closed. I have panels for the back that I initially used that really helped but I have had saltwater tanks for 20+ years and may have just grown accustomed to the light background noise. I am sure many here would not be able to deal with the noise. I am considering moving it to the garage when I expand and add a refugium and frag tank to the system.

[Poriferan]

is that Ron old tank....looks like it.....looking good......

don't have any Hotrods anymore..( 37 ford opera coupe 327ci.55 chev pickup268 ci 400 hp 6 cyl,70 ford torino 302,72 chev fleetside 400 ci, 72 z-28 camero20k org miles, 79 corvette 27k org miles)...all sold for buy home in 1996....good trade though?.....now into bicycle racing?..ha...riding....o and reef tanks!......:beer:

Yes I got ALL his old equipment and used as much as I could with this build.

Bikes are fun. I went almost 7 years with no car when I lived in San Diego. I was in much better shape then. I like to tell people I rode my bike to work and it was uphill both ways:eek1: Of course half the ride was downhill both ways too (rode through a canyon)

[Poriferan]

I started dosing vinegar about 2 weeks ago ramping up VERY slowly. I am not sure if I can see any results yet. Some of the badly damaged corals that did not die bleached and browned. Quite a few a starting to return to their original coloration but I don't know if the vinegar is influencing this or just having the parameters back to normal and stable is the reason.

I also broke down the small RSM 130d. My 5+ year old JBJ ATO started failing and caused a couple overflows and I have been battling bryopsis in the tank for so long I decided to frag the hard corals above the algae line and turn off the tank. There were only 3 fish to deal with, a pair of tomato clowns (now banished to the sump), a rainfords goby, couple condylactis anemones, and a tuxedo urchin.

I moved the led light over to the 225 as well (using 2 now). I like the coverage much better now but really like the look of the MH's better. I just feel like the LED's are too dim visually. I will try to get a picture to show the difference as I have them separated with MH on left and LED on right.

[Poriferan]

Still having issues with SPS. Here are the tank "stats"
Salinity: 1.025
Amm: 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate: 20
Kh: 11
Ca: 450
Mag: 1300
Phos: .1 Hanna Meter

I got as high as Kh 13 when the reactor was turned up too high. Maybe 6 weeks ago.

Weekly 15% water changes with Reef Crystals (note changed from IO about 4 weeks ago)

Run BRS Carbon in reactor. Have been changing weekly.

Last thing I scraped a bunch of palys off the rock in tank right before the mass exodus of most of the SPS. Even the Monti's bleached out and died at the bases but have regained about 70% of their color.

Not all SPS were affected. Some are still perfectly healthy (as far as I can tell) no color loss, maybe slower on growth.

This is my latest casualty. Two days worth of recession. Mili on right is frag of one on left (grown in different tank) that was placed there same day as recession started. Other frags of that mili on bottom of tank show no signs of stress.

Slow ramp up vinegar dosing started about a week after first round of loss.

Please give input. Ideas to fix, things to change or anything.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/crossbow422/IMAG0163.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/user/crossbow422/media/IMAG0163.jpg.html)

[Poriferan]

Depressing weekend :sad2:

After completing a large water change this weekend I noticed a small leak in the tank. Steady drip coming from a bottom seam.

Got a 300ish gallon holding tank and transferred all livestock, internal circulation, heaters, skimmer and lighting to the garage.

Need a new tank...

Looking for recommendations.

Anyone local that can repair a tank this size?

Anyone want to buy this one?

Not sure on the stand and canopy yet. Depends on what I get to replace current tank.

[Poriferan]

New tank build to follow. 95x35x24
Tank could be built as soon as 2 weeks:rollface:
Total water volume of planned system is 600 gallons.
Current holding tank293887

[RonMidtownStomp]

I've been off of the forums since I sold the tank. Just seeing this, now. I'm sorry to hear about the leak. I'm glad you got such a great replacement tank. I really liked my drain design, though. It was really quiet and allowed for some circulation in the overflow.

[Poriferan]

I've been off of the forums since I sold the tank. Just seeing this, now. I'm sorry to hear about the leak. I'm glad you got such a great replacement tank. I really liked my drain design, though. It was really quiet and allowed for some circulation in the overflow.

Once I get the new tank "finished":spin2: I plan to attempt a repair of the old one. There may be hope that the tank will live on. :lol2: