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View Full Version : My fluval 155 reef tank build


Scubareefman
04/10/2015, 03:53 PM
So I picked up a used fluval 155 with stand a while back and it's time to do this :).
Ok so I'm heading back to school for my masters and im wanting a reef tank in my tiny apartment so the 155 fits the bill. I gutted the stand today and built a new frame. Ordered the stuff to plumb it from BRS.
CPR internal medium overflow for up to 120 gallons.
2x 1 inch slip bulk heads
Diamond 45mm bit
Pvc drain screens
And some blue pvc pipe
Drill guide

I will be drilling it next week when the stuff comes in. I am going to go with a over the side return for now because I already own one.

My sump will hang out of the back of the stand about five inches, I owned this sump and don't want to spend on anything smaller plus it will be in the corner so no one but me will know.
I plan on MH lights I'll post the link to the ones I ordered. Plus a Kessil 150w ocean blue for added color and a nice morning/evening effect.
I have a bubble Magnus that's rated to 100 gallons so I think it will do fine.
I plan on getting a BRS mini media reactor to run in the sump. Input on that product would be awesome.
I'm also needing input on ATO systems and two part systems but that's a bit down the line.
I'll be using a single MP10 along with another product I have yet to figure out. Do you think a single mp10 could move the water for a healthy SPS system?
I'll post pictures next. Sorry using my phone if any spelling got screwy.
Cheers

Scubareefman
04/10/2015, 04:18 PM
The gutted stand rebuilt with sump space and room for other stuff. By the time I am done I'm sure this is gonna be packed.

Scubareefman
04/10/2015, 04:26 PM
This is the MH I ordered
http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/item/Radium-250W-Cayman-Sun-with-M80-Ballast-2006

250w radium caymon sun m80 ballast.

Scubareefman
04/15/2015, 08:40 PM
So today I drilled the tank, it was really easy. I was thinking it would be difficult...but nope simple.
I drilled the return also and will be ordering some stuff online to finish up the plumbing.

Scubareefman
04/15/2015, 09:24 PM
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0310_zpsdgej131f.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0310_zpsdgej131f.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0309_zpsllt5o3q8.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0309_zpsllt5o3q8.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0313_zpsxcqua22n.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0313_zpsxcqua22n.jpg.html)

Scubareefman
04/16/2015, 11:08 AM
Doing leak test today! Kinda excited. Just a bit.

Scubareefman
04/16/2015, 01:36 PM
everything is holding up. cant wait to get this puppy in the house and up and running next week.
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0323_zpshto5fe8m.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0323_zpshto5fe8m.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0322_zpsfbw7yqf6.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0322_zpsfbw7yqf6.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0321_zpsswwixb8g.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0321_zpsswwixb8g.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0318_zps45q5m7pd.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0318_zps45q5m7pd.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0315_zpsmtybpn9e.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0315_zpsmtybpn9e.jpg.html)

Scubareefman
04/16/2015, 01:37 PM
Anyone know how to get that foam of the door without much damage? Hmmm. its on with some sort of really strong glue.

Scubareefman
04/21/2015, 08:19 PM
Thanks to bulk reef supply for the quick items, my tank is now ready to move into the new house.
this is us running the test on the backup drain.
the system runs dead silent, but if the backup gets used man its load.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0360_zps96e9rtdi.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0360_zps96e9rtdi.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0358_zpsgbjr90ej.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0358_zpsgbjr90ej.jpg.html)

Scubareefman
04/28/2015, 02:05 PM
:cool::bounce3:
Placed in the new apartment,
waiting for my new metal halide to get here.
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0369_zpsdtid0bnq.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0369_zpsdtid0bnq.jpg.html)
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0368_zpsxvqen951.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0368_zpsxvqen951.jpg.html)

Scubareefman
04/28/2015, 02:11 PM
started my acid dip last night. I'll swap out the mix tonight, and bleach tomorrow.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0371_zpsd7y9fxkd.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0371_zpsd7y9fxkd.jpg.html)

cheers
tom

joshky
04/28/2015, 02:18 PM
Nice looking tank. :thumbsup:

Scubareefman
04/28/2015, 05:26 PM
Nice looking tank. :thumbsup:

Thanks Joshky!

Scubareefman
04/29/2015, 09:36 PM
Scrubbed the rock, rinsed it three times in fresh water. Now its in bleach water for the next day or two.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0373_zpsowoc0oum.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0373_zpsowoc0oum.jpg.html)

cheers
tom

Scubareefman
04/30/2015, 03:46 PM
Ordered the basic RO/Di system for BRS today. I will pick up my ATO later this week.
I plan on plumbing the RO/Di unit into my washer cold water line. Sounds simple...we will see.

Isaacs55
05/02/2015, 01:05 AM
Nice build my man!! It's coming along quite nice! I love your tank it looks sweet. I just got my RO dri king system the other day. It's 6 stage RO drinking system...I got it for a great price but just need to add the DI stage to it.

Scubareefman
05/02/2015, 11:36 AM
Nice build my man!! It's coming along quite nice! I love your tank it looks sweet. I just got my RO dri king system the other day. It's 6 stage RO drinking system...I got it for a great price but just need to add the DI stage to it.
Very cool Isaacs55 I cant wait to get mine plumbed in. And thanks!

Scubareefman
05/03/2015, 12:03 PM
I'm going to dry my rock out today and then let it soak in saltwater for about 3 days once its bone dry. I'll post pictures, man I'm impressed with the results so far. I have only had to toss one 3 pound rock, I noticed tiny polyps in random spots and in deep little nooks so I tossed it. They were long dead and I didn't want to risk messing with that nasty toxin they can have.

Scubareefman
05/03/2015, 03:08 PM
drying out the rock before the 48 hour saltwater bath. the rock looks really good imo. Super white and clean.
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0380_zps3tee3izo.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0380_zps3tee3izo.jpg.html)
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0381_zpsvvgt6k2r.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0381_zpsvvgt6k2r.jpg.html)
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0382_zpsoru15e0q.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0382_zpsoru15e0q.jpg.html)
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0383_zpsbuwvzy4f.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0383_zpsbuwvzy4f.jpg.html)
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0384_zps81hdaszi.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0384_zps81hdaszi.jpg.html)
cheers
tom

Scubareefman
05/04/2015, 03:29 PM
Got my RO/DI in today, installed it in my tiny washer closet. I miss my house already, my fish room has become my bathroom....oh well.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0388_zpsclghax1o.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0388_zpsclghax1o.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0391_zpsp7oepwag.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0391_zpsp7oepwag.jpg.html)

was super easy to install. I need to tidy the hoses up but that's for later. Lets run this sucker!

Scubareefman
05/06/2015, 12:00 AM
The aquascape, held up with drilled holes and plastic rods.
front
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0392_zpsimagunwo.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0392_zpsimagunwo.jpg.html)
top
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0394_zpsne26h4th.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0394_zpsne26h4th.jpg.html)
Cheers,
Tom

hotelbravo
05/06/2015, 12:30 AM
very nice build, what kind of sand is that it looks very fine

Scubareefman
05/06/2015, 12:36 AM
very nice build, what kind of sand is that it looks very fine

its 10 pounds of fine dead sand. I added 20 pounds of coarse live sand on top.

Scubareefman
05/06/2015, 06:33 PM
ok, its up and cycling.
I think I need a new pump. Now that the drain is silent the return pump seems so loud. I'm running a Magdrive 5 and man....it seem like its so loud. I wrapped it in silicone, re-plumbed it with silicone tube.... geez....now it seems so loud....

mpcart
05/06/2015, 08:00 PM
Nice progress. Make sure you have the rock resting on the bottom and not on the sand. You don't want it to collapse if the sand shifts or if you end up with any creatures who like to dig.

As a MH user myself I appreciate someone going "old school".

. . . and welcome to SLASH.

-Mike

Pife
05/06/2015, 08:16 PM
Great start. The DC pump that I have is almost silent. I'd you do replace your pump check out some DC models.

Scubareefman
05/06/2015, 08:54 PM
Great start. The DC pump that I have is almost silent. I'd you do replace your pump check out some DC models.

I will have to look into them.

Tom

Scubareefman
05/07/2015, 08:49 AM
Nice progress. Make sure you have the rock resting on the bottom and not on the sand. You don't want it to collapse if the sand shifts or if you end up with any creatures who like to dig.

As a MH user myself I appreciate someone going "old school".

. . . and welcome to SLASH.

-Mike

Thanks Mike,

The rocks on the glass. I added the sand last and most of the rock is framed with plastic rods from the hardware store so It shouldn't slide or fall (I hope). Only draw back is at lower angles you can see just a bit of the rod.

Thanks
Tom

Scubareefman
05/07/2015, 08:02 PM
Now I'm just waiting on the sand to calm down.
I worked on the return pump. Went to the store, got the thickest silicon bathtub mat they had, wrapped every surface of the dang pump and lined the inside of that chamber as well....
Now my kessil 150W is freaking loud! I can hear its faint whinnnnnnnnnnnnnn. That's going to be tricky.
I'm running the kessil and 1x24in ATI coral view & 1x ATI purple plus. I know I don't need them, and they will be replaced very soon (when I hang the halide)

Muhahahahaha..... just 1461 more hours and I can start stocking this baby! but I'm not counting. :bum:

Tom
http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0397_zpsutrzf5pq.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0397_zpsutrzf5pq.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0396_zpsgr4nqusm.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0396_zpsgr4nqusm.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0395_zpsmjxtygyy.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0395_zpsmjxtygyy.jpg.html)

ZeeSparrow
05/07/2015, 09:55 PM
Oh I'll have to consider a silicone bathtub mat for my skimmer/stand. Not sure which is making the noise but a mat like that may be just what I need to wrap it all up... who cares which part if it's all encompassed?

Are you sure about the timeframe? 1461 hours seems a little excessive. Maybe only 1450.... ;)

Scubareefman
05/07/2015, 11:26 PM
Are you sure about the timeframe? 1461 hours seems a little excessive. Maybe only 1450.... ;)

:spin3: LOL awesome.

Isaacs55
05/09/2015, 02:53 PM
Your return Is loud? Maybe try flipping your line? Like put the flexible tube plumbed to your magdrive and hard plumb to the tank? Are you getting splash noise or magdrive noise?

Scubareefman
05/09/2015, 03:23 PM
Your return Is loud? Maybe try flipping your line? Like put the flexible tube plumbed to your magdrive and hard plumb to the tank? Are you getting splash noise or magdrive noise?

the magdrive was loud, the pipes are silent. I wrapped it in a silicone bath mat and now its also silent :D
I consider loud, if I can hear it while standing in front of the tank. I like it to be super quit.

Scubareefman
05/17/2015, 10:34 AM
I got gifted a pair of sexy shrimp yesterday. I would have liked to have waited another three weeks but it looks like they will be the first members of my tank. All perimeters showing zeros so I'm hoping it's not to stressful for the tiny pair. He ordered them a few days ago so I knew they were coming.

Scubareefman
05/17/2015, 03:58 PM
built a top for the tank today. It fits nice but I need to figure out how to round the corners to match the bent glass. I may make another next week to cover the back 2 inches of the tank once I have replaced the Kessil kit with the hanging Halide.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0406_zpsvbgurcay.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0406_zpsvbgurcay.jpg.html)

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag62/Tom_Manes/IMG_0403_zpslzuyqto5.jpg (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Manes/media/IMG_0403_zpslzuyqto5.jpg.html)

Life' is great!

Tom

Scubareefman
05/28/2015, 11:43 PM
My cycle is just about done. Diatoms have been in full bloom the past few days and water seems to be stabilizing. I have a pair of clowns in QT waiting to go in. I may have lost a sexy shrimp do to the spike, or it may be growing. Its shell it in plan view on the sand bed so it could be both.
The clowns were in the DT and showed signs of stress, at the time the water tested fine but I noticed a spike so I pulled them and put them in my QT. They are happy now swimming around and goofing off. They are very very picky eaters. I also have a small rock covered in green fury mushrooms waiting to go in the DT. All is well, and going good.

Cheers,
Tom

Scubareefman
05/31/2015, 11:37 PM
Tonight I found small pods moving around on my sand with worms and other creepy crawlies. Let the good times roll!

I also changed salts to corallife marine salt. I decided to try something new, plus its $30's cheaper per bucket.

Tom

Scubareefman
08/23/2015, 05:15 PM
Started adding Kalkwasser to my ATO this morning. Checked my tank when I got home and everything is bright and happy, the reds on the corals really seem to pop.
on another note...
I noticed my duncans have sprung a new head/branch, my cup coral has packed on about 10 new heads in the past month. The lime green favia colony is growing really fast also. My SPS are doing ok, the 3 montis are growing nicely but the Acros seem to be slow going. The staghorn has got nice bright blue polyps, the tabling Acro seems to be focusing on incrusting over the superglue.