300gal Rubbermaid transition reef pond [Archive]

karimwassef

10/05/2017, 09:20 PM

Ok. So I'm tearing down my 380gal built-in since we're moving and I'm setting up an ultra cheap outside Rubbermaid pond at my dad's house until the new house (and new tank) are built.

So... starting a new cheapo 300gal thread :D

Step one- get a trailer $20 to pick up the 300gal tank $200 from the local tractor supply.

Step two- surprise my 70yr old dad with it... :)

Will keep you posted

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/A5D57D6C-573E-4FEB-A3D4-FBF85DA00896_zpspshvtggn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/A5D57D6C-573E-4FEB-A3D4-FBF85DA00896_zpspshvtggn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo A5D57D6C-573E-4FEB-A3D4-FBF85DA00896_zpspshvtggn.jpg"></a>

borg

10/05/2017, 11:37 PM

I wish i lived in america when it comes to fish tanks ... other issues not so much ... good old uhaul ... i wish we got rubbermaids as well

look forward to the viewing of this

karimwassef

10/06/2017, 12:29 AM

Where there are farmers, there will be industrial water troughs.

You just need to find the Aussie version of Rubbermaid?

https://www.orionproducts.com.au/orion-agriculture/water-troughs/economy-feed-troughs

?

karimwassef

10/06/2017, 12:31 AM

Oh the side sump is a Rubbermaid. The ATS surge is a Rubbermaid. And the ATO container is.... a Rubbermaid.

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/80900DEB-FBE9-455D-8940-39824FE637C0_zpslciqlobt.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/80900DEB-FBE9-455D-8940-39824FE637C0_zpslciqlobt.png" border="0" alt=" photo 80900DEB-FBE9-455D-8940-39824FE637C0_zpslciqlobt.png"></a>

WatDatThing

10/06/2017, 06:12 AM

Cool.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

McPuff

10/06/2017, 06:40 AM

So everything will be outside? Will you be able to keep all of your corals, fish, inverts? Lighting will be sun-powered? Are you going to have a screen top?

So many questions and so few answers provided. Very unlike you Karim! :0)

karimwassef

10/06/2017, 06:57 AM

This is an experimental project so we will learn together.

Here is what we do know
- wife wants house tank gone in 30 days
- dad lovingly in shock and dismay but still willing to help

The rest is TBD.

The plan is: Yes. Everything outside. Solar lit with some supplemental as needed. All life retained - fish, coral, sand, rocks.

Screen top - not exactly. The tank will be on a concrete porch and surrounded with pink foam insulation. The top will be open but under a canvas awning that is immediately over it.

However, based on my orientation (south facing), location (TX) and the time of year (assuming this move doesn't last forever), the majority of sunlight comes in at an angle so that the tank gets lit, even if it's covered.

You can see the shadows here

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/193F6453-4E79-45F7-A017-614DD07FF36B_zpsky9hjfjh.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/193F6453-4E79-45F7-A017-614DD07FF36B_zpsky9hjfjh.png" border="0" alt=" photo 193F6453-4E79-45F7-A017-614DD07FF36B_zpsky9hjfjh.png"></a>

karimwassef

10/06/2017, 07:01 AM

The dims on the Rubbermaid are excellent for this 69" x 62" x 25"

With 3" of sand, that's 22" which should allow a lot of sunlight over the lip.

karimwassef

10/06/2017, 07:07 AM

I may have to redesign the elevated ATO. the awning comes in at 10' so need to redesign.

Biggest risk in the move is the transport of the two living biofilters - the sand bed and the scrubber. Mostly the sand.

I really value the worms in my sand. They're one of those really important but misunderstood elements of success.

karimwassef

10/06/2017, 09:29 PM

So. Probably going to build a mini-greenhouse with my dad to house the temporary tank ~9' x 9' x 8'. This will need a solid base for the filters too so maybe a plywood sheet.

Nothing fancy- gravel to create a level floor. We can use on leftover shingles and plastic sheeting as barrier material.

So the move is tricky... since we share the same equipment.

1. Build mini-greenhouse and position/predrill and plumb the 300 gal tank.
2. Build a high deck in the covered space to hold the 100 gal ATO Rubbermaid at ~ 6ft.
3. Fill my own ATO tank and then move the RODI filter to my dad's so he can start to fill the 300 (it'll take three days). Add salt. My tank uses 15 gals a day so that gives us a week before I go dry.
4. Get another uhaul and disconnect the ATS and AUX sump from my 380 gal. Drain as much as possible, and move it to the new location (1hr drive). The ATS and AUX can run together without being connected to anything. The 380 DT too can run independently.
5. Plumb the ATS and AUX sump live! This should be a few couplings, little glue.
6. Re-start the ATS/AUX. Then connect to the DT and close the loop and tune. This turns the 300gal live in ~3 hours.
7. Move the ATO tank to the new location - start filling it again there. Also move the kalk reactor (that needs ATO water) to the new tank also. Now this is where the old DT becomes vulnerable. It can go without a filter but it needs the kalk drip or Alk can drop fast! Also need to move the Apex for control here.
8. Get uhaul... Within 24hrs, move the rocks and coral to the new tank in semi-dry condition. I may need to get a temporary Rubbermaid filled with water to make the haul. Could reuse my old 100gal surge. These are massive concrete rocks encrusted with coral.
9. Use zip ties to suspend all the rockwork around the perimeter. (((Pray)))
10. Now, the new system is effectively "live" with a running ATS and kalk. Next comes the sand. Another uhaul move. This will be in two groups. Surface sand first. Then deeper sand. This is when the fish could freak out and die... so might do fish first? The idea is to add the deeper sand to the new tank but only after rinsing it. The surface sand has all the worms so that'll go in last.
11. Last uhaul load. Fish and all remaining life.
12. Chiller.

Sounds painful and dangerous... but I'm looking to transplant a large complex organism that weights over a ton.

See any unnecessary risks? Any way to do better?

karimwassef

10/06/2017, 09:31 PM

Oh.. the glass 380 is still up for sale.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2652518

That thread also has all the videos of the current tank to show the "complexity" of the move :D

karimwassef

10/07/2017, 12:11 AM

new plan and more detail

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/Designs/44_zpsuyx6vs5g.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/Designs/44_zpsuyx6vs5g.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 44_zpsuyx6vs5g.jpg"/></a>

tkeracer619

10/07/2017, 12:43 AM

Love it!

karimwassef

10/07/2017, 12:54 AM

Thanks!

karimwassef

10/07/2017, 03:10 PM

Greenhouse frame coming together and location getting prepped

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/3DCE9C4B-6D6F-4066-98D1-6609A4C580CA_zpsgrhyffh8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/3DCE9C4B-6D6F-4066-98D1-6609A4C580CA_zpsgrhyffh8.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3DCE9C4B-6D6F-4066-98D1-6609A4C580CA_zpsgrhyffh8.jpg"></a>

karimwassef

10/07/2017, 10:17 PM

any ideas on what kind of gravel to use to level?

https://www.lowes.com/pl/Rock-Mulch-rock-soil-Outdoors/4294612783

It's going to be in a 2x4 wood frame

borg

10/08/2017, 08:27 PM

some form off self leveling flooring perhaps ?

karimwassef

10/08/2017, 08:28 PM

that's what I'm hoping the gravel will be but I don't really know what kind

McPuff

10/09/2017, 07:00 AM

I would think maybe you'd want to do a large grain gravel with pea gravel on top of it. There are others more knowledgeable than me, but it seems to be logical.

This is already turning out pretty great. It's like a project within a project to keep us all satisfied. :0)

James404

10/09/2017, 07:28 AM

I would use All purpose gravel similar to below. It's always located in the Concrete section FYI, not the outdoor landscaping section. I actually just had to buy 250lbs of it to bed a sewer line I am replacing.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Sakrete-60-lb-All-purpose-Gravel/3066391

karimwassef

10/09/2017, 08:03 AM

Ok. Large gravel with pea gravel on top... any sand?

karimwassef

10/09/2017, 08:05 AM

This is moving quickly because my dad is retired... so a project that needs to be completed on a deadline energizes him.

My current tank needs to come down before November. That means complete shutdown.

There are 4 life moving events that'll consume 2 weekends... so the window for the construction is closing fast.

McPuff

10/10/2017, 07:37 AM

The look of a saltwater pond (or top down view) is pretty great in my opinion. I'm sure you'll end up really liking this tub... and the big tank will certainly provide even more of the same. Looking forward to seeing how you set it all up.

karimwassef

10/14/2017, 03:48 PM

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/2B41E5C2-C807-4AE8-930C-2D8301A9A7B9_zpsiys4pup3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/2B41E5C2-C807-4AE8-930C-2D8301A9A7B9_zpsiys4pup3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2B41E5C2-C807-4AE8-930C-2D8301A9A7B9_zpsiys4pup3.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/4CED7FCA-6913-4040-9FE8-B5E67457A85F_zpsio62bogc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/4CED7FCA-6913-4040-9FE8-B5E67457A85F_zpsio62bogc.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4CED7FCA-6913-4040-9FE8-B5E67457A85F_zpsio62bogc.jpg"/></a>

slow but steady

karimwassef

10/14/2017, 03:50 PM

so if I were to just run three PVC pipes from one end to the other at the surface, would that be more efficient and as effective in keeping the noise down?

karimwassef

10/14/2017, 04:01 PM

russ49merc

10/18/2017, 03:11 PM

Love this idea

karimwassef

10/18/2017, 03:15 PM

Thanks. Still looking for feedback on the overflow design :)

maddmaxx

10/18/2017, 05:59 PM

Thanks. Still looking for feedback on the overflow design :)

definitely the bottom design. no need for all that extra pipping and the awkward center overflow box thing lol... the bottom design from a couple aspects for the win....

russ49merc

10/19/2017, 04:28 PM

the second one is better and will be easier

karimwassef

10/19/2017, 04:39 PM

I'm concerned that it's going to be very very loud... sucking sound!

russ49merc

10/19/2017, 04:48 PM

but isn't it going to be outside and a temp tank?

karimwassef

10/19/2017, 06:14 PM

My dad still has neighbors and an HOA...

maddmaxx

10/21/2017, 02:38 PM

if that thing is going to be enclosed. nobody hearing anything lol...and its shouldnt "suck", looks like itll be gravity fed. so at that point it all depends on flow rate. the higher your return pump is, the more water that is going to over flow, which will make things- louder draining...calm the return pump down and its gets quieter...

karimwassef

10/21/2017, 02:56 PM

Flow is important. Dialing it down means that the overflow wasn't designed properly. It'll be in a plastic sheet enclosed greenhouse so not much noise insulation.

To get a quiet overflow, I've always used to pipes. One running in full siphon and one gated to reduce noise. Both intake pipes and downward elbows inside of an overflow box.

Upturned intakes is the same sound as a toilet drain... unless the flow is so low that the water barely trickles through it. At 5000 gph, this won't be a trickle.

Add to that algae growth and potential for algae to overwhelm 2" pvc inlets...

Handegard

10/22/2017, 06:03 AM

Why the need for a overflow at all?

Your sump and "tank" are at the same level, just go straight bulkhead to bulkhead, as water is pumped into the tank, it'll flow back to the sump.

Easy, quiet, and simple.

Handegard

10/22/2017, 06:04 AM

To add- I meant just like the bottom photo, but with strainers instead of all that in tank plumbing.

karimwassef

10/22/2017, 07:29 AM

That wouldn't achieve surface skimming

Handegard

10/22/2017, 07:33 AM

Ahh, valid point. Something I just take for granted

karimwassef

10/22/2017, 07:42 AM

Both the DT and "sump" are sumps but one will house life and the other plumbing necessitating their separation. Also, the "sump" is where I would do water changes: remove all 100 gals there and add fresh without impacting the reef or the raised scrubber.

All three should be detachable from each other for modification or maintenance

The overflow needs to support high flowrate surface skimming without noise. Being outdoors and only partially greenhouse covered, I expect bugs and dirt and dust... all of which needs to move quickly into the sump and then pumped into the scrubber asap.

Tank is going up this week so really need to close on the overflow design.

jubei2006

10/22/2017, 07:44 AM

How bout combine the two? Place the overflow on the back wall with the pipes flipped over like a herbie or bean animal. With 30x water turn over should keep stuff suspended for awhile, and if you're using a surge device should further help flow

jubei2006

10/22/2017, 07:45 AM

Could split the return, one continuous and one to the surge device

karimwassef

10/22/2017, 08:12 AM

If I flip the elbows down and put an overflow box in the back, I'm back to the traditional overflow. I can do that but I'm back to version 1 just pushed back to the wall.

Bobbitworm13

10/22/2017, 09:50 PM

Version 1 against the wall is what I would do, it avoids unnecessary piping, skims the surface, and it should be pretty quiet.

karimwassef

10/22/2017, 09:57 PM

ok.. version 1 with high low pipes (go down to the floor first) or high pipes (go across)?

karimwassef

10/28/2017, 04:37 PM

Old surge tank to be repurposed into a new sump

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/30E9662D-E1C0-44A3-99A8-64149E9B7A25_zpsslsnrcyd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/30E9662D-E1C0-44A3-99A8-64149E9B7A25_zpsslsnrcyd.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 30E9662D-E1C0-44A3-99A8-64149E9B7A25_zpsslsnrcyd.jpg"></a>

karimwassef

10/28/2017, 04:40 PM

The makeshift greenhouse is getting there... just enough to keep the elements out at almost zero cost. Leftover wood and aluminum from old projects

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/4C2BFD7B-B3F7-4F4E-9BA1-FB648A3F1884_zpsh4xkdwwb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/4C2BFD7B-B3F7-4F4E-9BA1-FB648A3F1884_zpsh4xkdwwb.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4C2BFD7B-B3F7-4F4E-9BA1-FB648A3F1884_zpsh4xkdwwb.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/4CE652BB-A7F1-46F8-AC6A-734D04F2E776_zpsez23r03h.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/4CE652BB-A7F1-46F8-AC6A-734D04F2E776_zpsez23r03h.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 4CE652BB-A7F1-46F8-AC6A-734D04F2E776_zpsez23r03h.jpg"></a>

karimwassef

10/28/2017, 04:41 PM

Yes I know that can't get wet, but it's temporary...
covered the ground with old composite shingles (more leftovers).

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/02E75577-8DF7-4300-A155-938C350D9191_zpsxfatpuum.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/02E75577-8DF7-4300-A155-938C350D9191_zpsxfatpuum.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 02E75577-8DF7-4300-A155-938C350D9191_zpsxfatpuum.jpg"></a>

karimwassef

10/28/2017, 04:43 PM

In the back is the raised platform for the 100 gal reservoir for ATO and kalk

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/B71D32CD-9AB2-4047-A5D4-EDFF4D9D27CD_zpssdfaw25n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/B71D32CD-9AB2-4047-A5D4-EDFF4D9D27CD_zpssdfaw25n.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo B71D32CD-9AB2-4047-A5D4-EDFF4D9D27CD_zpssdfaw25n.jpg"></a>

karimwassef

10/28/2017, 04:44 PM

Front and back views.. 300 gal DT and 100 gal sump behind it.

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/3B0B0125-6141-4327-821A-940780493735_zpszqmnk0zo.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/3B0B0125-6141-4327-821A-940780493735_zpszqmnk0zo.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3B0B0125-6141-4327-821A-940780493735_zpszqmnk0zo.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/78F9EAA9-CA19-43DD-9197-D22E2BFAC216_zpslzv17ae4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/78F9EAA9-CA19-43DD-9197-D22E2BFAC216_zpslzv17ae4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 78F9EAA9-CA19-43DD-9197-D22E2BFAC216_zpslzv17ae4.jpg"></a>

karimwassef

10/30/2017, 07:41 AM

Plugged up the sump but it's still leaking
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/88C7430F-FF7D-4764-B8B0-0A244C393D18_zpsd1xoqvqv.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/88C7430F-FF7D-4764-B8B0-0A244C393D18_zpsd1xoqvqv.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 88C7430F-FF7D-4764-B8B0-0A244C393D18_zpsd1xoqvqv.jpg"></a>

karimwassef

10/30/2017, 07:44 AM

We have vinyl on the west wall and clear sheet on the roof and east wall. North and south should stay mostly open.

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/ACA53534-87F4-4BE7-818A-630446BBE5F2_zpsanbrvcpt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/ACA53534-87F4-4BE7-818A-630446BBE5F2_zpsanbrvcpt.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo ACA53534-87F4-4BE7-818A-630446BBE5F2_zpsanbrvcpt.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/EC3E811B-3D9F-44B5-8711-E3F0F853ECC4_zpsfjv5hldg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/EC3E811B-3D9F-44B5-8711-E3F0F853ECC4_zpsfjv5hldg.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo EC3E811B-3D9F-44B5-8711-E3F0F853ECC4_zpsfjv5hldg.jpg"></a>

karimwassef

10/30/2017, 07:46 AM

Tank placement

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/124D758E-BAC2-44F5-8366-5002242B06F9_zps9xjoimmg.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/124D758E-BAC2-44F5-8366-5002242B06F9_zps9xjoimmg.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 124D758E-BAC2-44F5-8366-5002242B06F9_zps9xjoimmg.jpg"></a>

Getting closer but will need to wait to next weekend to get going.

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/2B292D8A-4F4B-408F-9D2D-806DBDFE4DCE_zpsgmp770wx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/2B292D8A-4F4B-408F-9D2D-806DBDFE4DCE_zpsgmp770wx.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2B292D8A-4F4B-408F-9D2D-806DBDFE4DCE_zpsgmp770wx.jpg"></a>

karimwassef

10/30/2017, 07:53 AM

Remember that this is a near zero budget reef. Everything is recycled/scavenged from other projects... I know it looks awful but it's priced right :)

The vinyl was leftover from a shed project and the plastic was from a gardening project... shingles from old roof repair...

It might not last the year but should be a learning experience.

McPuff

10/31/2017, 02:23 AM

Looks like you figured out the plugs. Who cares what it looks like. It's what goes inside that is going to be really cool! I'm pretty eager to see it all up and running. Will be a great preview of your future system.

karimwassef

10/31/2017, 06:56 AM

Thanks. Actually the water pictures are during the water test when we discovered the leaks :)
Hopefully, it'll be running tap water and muriatic acid by Saturday... let it run for a week to ccheck for leaks...

Then drain and fill will RODI and salt... then ... the MOVE

Day1 - move my scrubber over the sump. That should seed it well enough. Same day, in comes the ATO 100gal tank and kalk reactor.

Day 2 - At that point, I can start moving the coral and rocks the following day. Then two stages of sand remove and flip... that's the tricky part.

Day 3 - Then finally fish.

After that, I can start to take the old tank sump apart.. and shut her down.

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 03:47 PM

Ok. It's been a rough few weeks but the transfer is mostly complete and I'm thankful :)

Going to just show pictures for now:

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 03:53 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 03:53 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:13 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:13 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:15 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:16 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:17 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:20 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:20 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:21 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:22 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 04:23 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 06:00 PM

karimwassef

11/23/2017, 06:02 PM

Here's my intermediate transition solar reef thread :)

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2653824&page=3

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/B5021B64-FC81-401E-BB72-5C6B0F25C373_zpsxwzzuxnf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/B5021B64-FC81-401E-BB72-5C6B0F25C373_zpsxwzzuxnf.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo B5021B64-FC81-401E-BB72-5C6B0F25C373_zpsxwzzuxnf.jpg"></a>

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/BBF04EB8-8906-4804-96E1-ED6224F3D4CD_zpsdvlyxwmk.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/BBF04EB8-8906-4804-96E1-ED6224F3D4CD_zpsdvlyxwmk.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo BBF04EB8-8906-4804-96E1-ED6224F3D4CD_zpsdvlyxwmk.jpg"></a>

McPuff

11/27/2017, 08:40 AM

Looks pretty great so far! Lots of work for sure.

karimwassef

11/27/2017, 08:42 AM

Videos hopefully soon.

alanbetiger

11/27/2017, 12:45 PM

You've been busy!
Yeah these November days haven't been very sunny

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 07:25 PM

ok. I had to adjust the position of the PAR sensor so it's comparable to my old tanks' MH measurements:

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/111_zpso3s60ijq.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/111_zpso3s60ijq.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 111_zpso3s60ijq.jpg"/></a>

The valleys are periods where the greenhouse structural elements shadow the region of the sensor... real life is so messy compared to an indoor tank!

It's better than originally expected but still weak with a peak of 1700 PAR for only 3 hours midday and a total of only 7-8 hours total photoperiod compared to 1900 PAR for 19 hours. It's 8000 PAR-hrs for sun vs. 36000 PAR-hrs for MH. So 1/4 the total PAR-period.

I may have to supplement with a 400W MH to extend the photoperiod for another 7 hours from 3pm to midnight.

The corals that survived are definitely undergoing changes in pigmentation without the supplemental UV I still have to add. Some are browning as expected. Some are dying due to the higher than usual PAR compared to their shadowed location in the old tank.

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:09 PM

Alk 8.5
Ca 480ppm
Mg 1440ppm

so the parameters are shaping up

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/9D01094C-19E9-4161-B620-C47D5B8E7DD2_zpsyqsdi9uf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/9D01094C-19E9-4161-B620-C47D5B8E7DD2_zpsyqsdi9uf.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 9D01094C-19E9-4161-B620-C47D5B8E7DD2_zpsyqsdi9uf.jpg"/></a>

some deaths due to transportation (temp did go from 64 to 87) but a lot survived

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:09 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:10 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:14 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:16 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:17 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:19 PM

my poor setosa ... doesn't love sunlight as much

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/1C5E3224-EC1A-4B3D-9114-EC03044FB155_zpsovfsrg90.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/1C5E3224-EC1A-4B3D-9114-EC03044FB155_zpsovfsrg90.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1C5E3224-EC1A-4B3D-9114-EC03044FB155_zpsovfsrg90.jpg"/></a>

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:20 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:22 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:23 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:24 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:25 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:27 PM

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:28 PM

all the featherdusters and Xenia survived

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/C4763949-3082-485F-9CE2-DF0BBFE54ED1_zpscqlanyxc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/C4763949-3082-485F-9CE2-DF0BBFE54ED1_zpscqlanyxc.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo C4763949-3082-485F-9CE2-DF0BBFE54ED1_zpscqlanyxc.jpg"/></a>

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:29 PM

The fan above the tank is reflected in the water...

<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/C1401698-C6B1-45E5-9803-BC4C84AF06CC_zpskbz6ovgt.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/C1401698-C6B1-45E5-9803-BC4C84AF06CC_zpskbz6ovgt.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo C1401698-C6B1-45E5-9803-BC4C84AF06CC_zpskbz6ovgt.jpg"/></a>

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:30 PM

I apologize for the terrible quality of the images... taking pictures in sunlight is somehow more difficult than indoors. I had expected it to be easier.

The images show very washed out colors but the real colors are a lot more vibrant... I still need to figure that out.

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:32 PM

Also... special thanks to Danny who helped make this move possible and helped most coral to survive.

:)

We literally pulled each 40lb slab of concrete rock up out of the tank with corals still attached... transported in the large plastic containers on a trailer in the freezing cold and reassembled the suspended rocks again. It was an ordeal.

karimwassef

11/30/2017, 08:36 PM

Next step is the supplemental lights and the external cryptic zone.

biecacka

12/02/2017, 02:17 PM

Karim, is the coral color from sunlight similar to 10k bulbs? I'm running a 10k bulb for the first time on my tank and it looks very bright, sunlight like.

Corey

karimwassef

12/02/2017, 06:16 PM

A bulb's color isn't related to its brightness. 10k is close to the sun's color spectrum most of the day but the sun actually changes color spectrum from dawn to dusk. It starts very red, then turns yelowish and white, then bluish before reversing back to sunset.

In terms of brightness, the sun is brighter overall. I know I compare my MH 1900 PAR to the sun 1700 PAR but the truth is that my MH only hits 1900 in a small area immediately under the bulb ... maybe 8" x 8". It goes down to 1000 or even 800 at the edges.

The sun's 1700 is everywhere and so it looks much brighter. When I turn my MH on at noon, I can barely tell that it's on.

I plan to use the Apex to turn on the MH if the PAR drops under 1200 from noon to 8pm... basically to extend the photoperiod.

o2manyfish

12/05/2017, 11:01 PM

Most LPS don't like the sunlight. I have also found that with montis it's 50/50 as to the sunlight being too much. The encrusting Montis don't like full sun. Caps and Digis go nuts for it. The grafted Monti in full Sun grows mostly green, you get the reds with less light.

Before you start adding the Halides, realize that your halides are strong PAR but it's from a single point of light over a tank (or sensor in this case). The sunlight is coming from pretty much every angle at the corals. You are getting way more light from being outside than even if you were running 1000w Halides (I did the tests).

Give the corals a chance to adjust to new lighting. Some corals come around within a week and some take months. You changed alot all at once - With SPS if you had done all those changes and still had the same lights you would have had some upset corals. - Stability is the key to SPS happiness.

Dave B