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Rendos
08/09/2004, 07:22 PM
I have had reef tanks for a long time. My largest to date is 120 gallons. My wife and I just moved into a new house and decided to take the plunge into "large" tank status. The tank itself is 72"X30"X21". It has eurobracing so I don't have those annoying center braces to contend with when it comes to lighting. I have started building the stand myself. I will be tearing down my existing tank once this one is up and running and using most of the equipment from it. I plan to run 3 400 watt MH's in pendants. I already have a ER CS8-2 and a CS6-2+. I will be using both of these on the tank along with a calcium reactor. As you can see in the pictures, the tank is drilled for drains to the sump and also for a closed loop. I am so tired of looking at powerheads in my tanks. Anyway...I will update as I progress with this. Here are a couple of pics.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7132034-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7132036-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7132040-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7132038-L.jpg

willra
08/09/2004, 10:13 PM
Your new tank looks like swiss chesse ...haha

I am eager to see progress, good luck. I guess you are planning SPS with A LOT of flow. Really nice tank dimensions btw. What kind of fish list?

Will

Mrbeachbum2
08/09/2004, 11:18 PM
pikey use the "go big or go home" saying on this reef

looks like your rolling

Rendos
08/10/2004, 06:49 AM
My 120 is almost entirely SPS...they will be happier in their new home...I hope. My fish list is already made because I am just moving the fish from my other tank to the new one.
*Regal tang
*Kole tang
*2 Black Oscellaris (tank raised)
*Pink spot watchman goby
*Sixline wrasse
I may add a few anthias to the new tank, but I haven't decided yet.

JazzMan
08/10/2004, 06:39 PM
That's a whole mess of holes!!!

Rendos
08/10/2004, 07:20 PM
Yeah, the 4 1" holes at the top are for the sump drains, and the 2 higher 1/2" holes are for the sump return. The lower 2 1" holes are for the closed loop input and the rest of the 1/2" holes (including the ones in the bottom of the tank) are for the closed loop returns. I still have to make the black acrylic overflow boxes for the sump drains and silicon them in place. I hope it works as well as I planned. We will see...

willra
08/10/2004, 09:23 PM
How are you going to design the overflow?? Because you could make one long overflow box along the top back part of the tank, to cover the four 1'' sump drain holes. It seems like it would be logical and space efficent, and a lot easier then making separate boxes. I saw some made like that on a few other tanks, but I can find the pics of them.

Will

shaw
08/10/2004, 09:32 PM
Nice dimensions. can't wait to see some of the hardware pictures
shawn

steve68
08/11/2004, 05:19 AM
21 inch high u should be fine with just 250MH JME.
looks nice

Rendos
08/11/2004, 06:47 AM
Well, I am still deciding whether to make on long overflow or 4 separate ones. I think one long one may be the way to go too, but just haven't decided yet.

As far as lighting, I am using 400's because my corals are already under these lights and I don't want the added expense of buying new lighting right now.

I am going to make the doors tonight and put a bottom in the stand. The next step is to start the plumbing while the tank is still dry and easy to move. I also need to paint the back of the tank. I haven't decided on black or deep blue. I use deep blue on all my other tanks, but am tempted to do black on this one.

Jeremy Blaze
08/11/2004, 03:46 PM
Nice! Who built the tank?

Rendos
08/12/2004, 06:45 AM
Ocean View Aquariums in Pascagoula, MS. Mike makes great quality and pretty inexpensive tanks.

Rendos
08/14/2004, 07:16 PM
Well, it has been a long Saturday, but in between cleaning 3 120 gallon tanks, 2 55 gallon tanks, and a 92 gallon tank, I managed to get some work done. I finished the doors for the stand. The 2 doors on the end have mesh nylon screen to allow circulation under the stand. This along with fans mounted in the back of the stand will hopefully cool the pumps and keep the chiller well ventilated. I also got the overflow boxes made. I decided on four separate boxes instead of one large box to cover them all. I will probably silicon them in the tank tomorrow and start letting them cure.
Anyway, here are a few pics.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7311599-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7311600-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7311598-L.jpg

Fliger
08/14/2004, 09:24 PM
Pikey, looks great. What type of wood, and what stain are you using. It looks very nice.

Rendos
08/15/2004, 06:41 AM
Thanks. I used all Birch and birch plywood and I use Minwax stain called Ipswitch Pine (221). It has a very light yellowey-orange color.

Rendos
08/16/2004, 07:11 AM
Update...I finished the stand and siliconed the overflows in the tank. I got the tank up on the stand, and am working on putting baffles in the sump now. I should have my bulkheads today so I can start plumbing. I have also decided to run 2 dedicated GFI's behind the tank. I am debating on whether to build the electrical outlets into the stand or just use the power strips that I use now. Anyway, here are a couple of updated pics.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7377710-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7377714-L.jpg

Rendos
08/19/2004, 06:52 AM
Well, I don't have any pictures to post today, but I did go to Lowe's last night and got about $100.00 worth of PVC parts. I started plumbing the tank last night, and will hopefully have it done this weekend. I should also have my 2 GFI outlets run this weekend. I have the romex, breaker, outlets, and everything I need...just have to make time to run the wire.

aznDragonX
08/19/2004, 10:55 AM
pikey..AWSOME setup there!! love the DIY stand. Very clean and professional! How did you make the top trim so perfect? using a router?
- Jason

Rendos
08/19/2004, 11:41 AM
Actually, I have a router, but did not use it at all in this project. I used my miter saw, table saw, glue and a nail gun. Even the overflow boxes were made with the table saw....that is probably why they don't look any better than they do.

reeftechie
08/19/2004, 12:07 PM
nice tank, makes me want a sandwich :D haha... keep us posted

Typhon
08/19/2004, 12:28 PM
Do they have a website??

Originally posted by pikey
Ocean View Aquariums in Pascagoula, MS. Mike makes great quality and pretty inexpensive tanks.

Rendos
08/19/2004, 01:56 PM
No, Ocean View does not have a website. They only sell wholesale too.

Typhon
08/19/2004, 02:59 PM
Thanks for the info..

By the way.. Great looking tank!!! Coming along really well!!! :D

What are you planning to do for circulation??

Originally posted by pikey
No, Ocean View does not have a website. They only sell wholesale too.

Rendos
08/19/2004, 03:26 PM
2400 GPH on closed loop and 1200 GPH return from sump. I have a Tunze stream 6060 if I think I need more, but I hope I don't need it.

willra
08/19/2004, 05:12 PM
Overflows look sweet!

BrettH
08/19/2004, 08:33 PM
Pikey...love the stand!! When you wrapped it, did you glue it or use nails. I was surprised when I was talking to a few different cabinet makers and they all said glue the wrap!! I thought that sounded crazy and I am concerned about the strength, but they all swear it's just as strong, if not stronger!!!

Rendos
08/20/2004, 06:49 AM
I glued it and just used a few 1 1/4" brads to tack it until the glue dried. I use Gorilla Glue...it is absolutely the strongest stuff I have ever seen. The wood will break before the glue joint does.

BrettH
08/20/2004, 06:52 AM
That is what everyone is telling me...good to know!!! I am hoping my stand comes out as good as yours!!!

Rendos
08/20/2004, 08:35 AM
Thanks. Remember to measure twice and cut once!

Rendos
08/20/2004, 08:35 AM
That is something my dad always told me.

BrettH
08/20/2004, 09:41 AM
Yup, I know that one...been told that too by my dad :)

Rendos
08/21/2004, 04:52 PM
Here is an update on the progress. I ran 2 20 amp GFI outlets today, and got the sump drains completed. I also added covers for the overflow boxes to keep algae from growing inside them. They are siliconed to the plastic rim of the tank...the silicon acts like a hinge for easy access inside the overflow. Here are a few pics.

http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7574150-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7574152-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7574148-L.jpg

MargaritaMan
08/21/2004, 04:57 PM
Looks good. I have a sneaky feeling those "vent strainers" are going to be very noisy. MM

Rendos
08/21/2004, 07:14 PM
Actually I use them on other tanks and they are the best vents I have found. There are 4 1" drains and only a 1200 GPH return pump, so noise through the drains in very minimal. I have tried them on tanks with more water going through them and they do get noisier when you try to push more water through them. Thanks for the input though...I appreciate any and all suggestions.

irishbing
08/22/2004, 12:12 AM
Cool tank. Good luck with it. Will you paint the back or something?

Rendos
08/22/2004, 03:35 PM
I am actually putting on a background. Nothing is glued yet, so all I have to do is remove all the pipes and cut holes in the background for all the bulkheads. I have painted before, but just think an aquarium background is easier.

Pewe
08/22/2004, 08:43 PM
Nice!

Why the overflows? why dont just leve the holes?

Rendos
08/23/2004, 06:51 AM
Without the overflows, the top of the water sometimes gets a film on it...this way the surface skimming is more efficient which should make protein skimming more efficient.

Rendos
08/24/2004, 05:11 PM
Got my 6' pendant from Cool Touch Lighting in yesterday. Very nice quality and workmanship. I think it will look nice over the new tank. It has three mogul sockets built in, and a 3" fan on each end...one blowing air in and one out. Hopefully this will help with the heat issue.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7711088-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7711089-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7711090-M.jpg

IMPERATORFAN
08/26/2004, 12:21 PM
Very nice looking setup. I got the 180 I'm working on from Ocean View Aquariums as well (wish he would sell direct)! I almost went with cool touch but backed out at the last minute and went with 3 400 watt PFO's. Are you going to mount yours in a wood canopy?

Rendos
08/26/2004, 12:47 PM
I am using my existing PFO ballasts, but wiring them to the Cool Touch pendant. I am not mounting into a canopy...going to use this as a freestanding/hanging pendant. If anything, I may wrap the pendant with wood just to make it the same color as the stand, but my wife and I both like the brushed aluminum so it will probably stay the way it is.

MacnReef
08/27/2004, 07:15 AM
Pikey...Nice Set-up! :thumbsup:

Question on the Cool Touch fixture. How much was that and what kind of conversion sockets do you need to mount it to PFO ballast?

Mike

Pewe
08/27/2004, 09:08 AM
Nice pendant pikey :)

Rendos
08/27/2004, 11:24 AM
MacnReef - I paid $335.00 plus shipping. I am going to rewire my PFO wires on my existing sockets right to the new mogul sockets.

Pewe - thanks.

downset
08/27/2004, 01:14 PM
wow looks good,
make sure to take alot more pics

dlancz
08/30/2004, 03:41 PM
Yeah!!!! We need more pics! What type of plan did you use to build the stand? I am thinking about building one myself, but need some inspiration!!!!

Thanks, and good luck!

Drew

Rendos
08/30/2004, 05:55 PM
I am not much on plans...just have an idea in my head and go for it. I did ask a carpenter about how much support I needed to hold up the weight. Other than that, I just went for it.

Update on pictures...I just acquired a Geo Calcium reactor, and a Reeftek Kalk reactor. I have had great success with my DIY calcium reactor, but felt it was going to be too small for the new tank...plus with all the SPS I have, I figured I would add the Kalk reactor just to be on the safe side. I am also adding an auto topoff system to this tank. I plan to have a 20 gallon RO/DI reservoir with a LifeReef auto topoff unit connected to a maxi-jet 1200 that will feed the Kalk reactor. This way I am dosing Kalk and topping off at the same time.
ReefTek Kalk reactor
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7950265-M.jpg

Geo Calcium reactor (model 6X18)
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/7950266-M.jpg

reeflover2
08/30/2004, 06:32 PM
The only problem with background is when water drips between it and the glass. It looks like crap after a while. I would suggest you paint it.

Holyreefer
08/31/2004, 09:23 AM
pikey,
i have that exact same lighting fixture from cool touch lighting!

Rendos
08/31/2004, 12:34 PM
Qmonroe - do you like it? or more importantly...is there anything you don't like about it?

Rendos
09/08/2004, 12:17 PM
Updated pics...I am running the tank for a couple of days with freshwater to ensure there are no leaks, and to sort of rinse the tank out good.
Top of tank with return and closed loop pumps going. There is quite a bit of flow.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8214815-M.jpg
Sump in the stand.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8214818-M.jpg
The smaller yellow pump in the front is the return pump (Pan World 1100GPH) and the closed loop pump is toward the rear of the stand (Waterways Iron Might 2400GPH pump)
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8214823-M.jpg
And finally the whole tank...I will be removing the nylon screen on the two outer doors and replacing them with doors like the middle ones.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8214841-M.jpg

Rendos
09/09/2004, 07:02 PM
I got my ReefTek Kalk Reactor in today. Excellent workmanship...great packaging. I will water test it this weekend, but it is built very solid so I am sure I will not have any problems. It is quite a bit larger than I had envisioned...especially for the price.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8340995-M.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8340996-M.jpg

Rendos
09/11/2004, 04:45 PM
Another update. I changed the doors today. I took out the screen and replaced it with plywood. I also got my light pendant hung and put sand in the tank. I drained the tank yesterday so I could start filling it with RO/DI water and start mixing in the salt. I got my RO/DI unit hooked up also, but no pic of that.
The first pic is with just one 400 watt MH running.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8408740-M.jpg
The next is of the stand with new doors.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8408741-M.jpg
Here is one to show just how large the GEO 6X18 calcium reactor is.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8408742-M.jpg
And another of the GEO reactor.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8408743-M.jpg
And one final one of the whole tank and light.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8408746-M.jpg

Pewe
09/11/2004, 05:37 PM
Looks good :)

I just dont like the overflow boxes ;)

willra
09/11/2004, 06:11 PM
Looks sweet man. The silver hood is very slick. I really like the stand, the 3rd pic really shows the long width of the tank and stand. So have you decided if you are goind to place wood are around the top of the tank to act as a cover for the lights? It will look nice either way, keep up the good work.

Will

Rendos
09/12/2004, 11:51 AM
willra - thanks! I have thouhgt about framing around the top of the tank, but it is not a priority for me right now as I have so much other stuff that is more important. I think I may add that in the future, but right now function is more important than form.

minfinger
09/12/2004, 12:13 PM
Nice stand..I like the simplicity of it. I need to build something like that for my 180G tank. I'm not sure if I want a hood or not, but the wife wants it to look like furniture :)
Kind of like this tank.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=383431&perpage=25&pagenumber=7

How big is you sump tank?

Does you main tank have a tempered glass bottom? Who drilled it?

Rendos
09/12/2004, 02:44 PM
Thanks...my sump is 40X20X12...roughly 40 gallons. The tank came from Ocean View aquariums out of Mississippi. The bottom is not tempered and it was predrilled by the manufacturer. I don't mind drilling tanks myself, but I figured why not just have him do it for me since this was a custom tank.

nbd13
09/12/2004, 03:01 PM
i am getting that 6 by 18 geo for my 180, where did you get it?

what are the demensions? thats the big thing for me!

and what type of reugulator? is it electronic?

thanks!

Nick

Rendos
09/12/2004, 06:51 PM
I got my GEO reactor from eBay. I have a regulator from a local welding shop. The dimensions are 11"L X 9"W X 30"H.

nbd13
09/12/2004, 07:44 PM
ouch i will have to make a cabinet for this thing!

how much was the setup total?

thanks alot!

Nick

Holokai
09/12/2004, 08:57 PM
Pikey, I am damn impressed. very nice, very well thought out. good work.

Rendos
09/13/2004, 05:17 PM
nbd13 - I paid $232.00 total for the reactor.

Holokai - thanks. I have had several tanks in the past and try to make each one better than the last. This will be my last setup for quite a while, so I tried to do as much right from the beginning so there would be less to add/change in the future.

Also - here are a couple of pictures of my RO/DI unit setup in the garage.
I T'ed off my water line going into my water heater.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8512373-M.jpg
Here is the whole setup.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/8512375-M.jpg

Rendos
09/15/2004, 04:28 PM
I was just informed by Geo that the reactor I got is actually the 6X24 model. I guess I got a better deal off eBay than I thought. Thanks for clearing that up George.

nbd13
09/15/2004, 05:23 PM
so mine will not be that big then right? the 6 by 18?

thanks!

Nick

Rendos
09/15/2004, 05:55 PM
No, the 6X18 is only 24" tall.

Richard

nbd13
09/15/2004, 07:14 PM
ok that will work then! thanks alot!

Nick

Rendos
09/21/2004, 05:51 PM
Well, an update but no pictures yet. I installed a Kent float valve in my sump today to use in conjuction with a topoff/kalk doser. I also got my CaribSea Reef Bones in. I ordered these from Custom Aquatics. I got the show piece box of 100 lbs. I am going to use it in conjunction with my existing live rock. It was 4 pieces...they are really nice. I am going to make one of them an island in the tank...it is SO LARGE. I will update with pics this weekend.

MacnReef
09/21/2004, 06:01 PM
Looks like you are making some great progress...tank is looking great!

Mike

Rendos
09/21/2004, 08:24 PM
Thanks...I hope to have some updated pics this weekend. How is your 180 coming along?

gumbybc
09/21/2004, 08:57 PM
can't wait to see the pics, setup looks awesome!

zemuron114
09/22/2004, 02:10 AM
why so many holes in the back? pictures of sump setup including the all the holes drilled in back of tank? thanks

IMPERATORFAN
09/22/2004, 12:07 PM
What's your plan for circulation? Are you going to bother with alternating current devices?

MacnReef
09/22/2004, 12:29 PM
Originally posted by pikey
Thanks...I hope to have some updated pics this weekend. How is your 180 coming along?

Slow and steady! :D Everything is ordered, just waiting for it to arrive.

Mike

MacnReef
09/22/2004, 12:38 PM
Two questions.

What type of sand are you using? Also, what bulbs are you using?

TIA, Mike

Rendos
09/24/2004, 02:12 PM
zemuron114 - Why so many holes in the back of the tank? - Drains for sump, and closed loop, and returns for sump pump, and closed loop pump.

IMPERATORFAN - What is my plan for circulation? Am I going to bother with alternating current devices? - The circulation is a really simple drain/sump/return in combination with a closed loop...no Oceans Motions, or SeaSwirls, or anything else. I hope it works.

MacnReef - What type of sand? - Acrotropic (www.acrotropic.com (I think))
What bulbs? - 3 400 watters...middle one is a 20K XM, and the two end bulbs are 10K XM.

MacnReef
09/24/2004, 02:16 PM
Awesome! Couldn't get to the website...blocked by password.

But what made you decide on 10K on the outside and 20K in the center?

Mike

Rendos
09/24/2004, 04:14 PM
I had 2 extra 10K bulbs around that were not used yet, and I plan on keeping the SPS on the 2 ends of the tank and LPS in the center of the tank. I have seen this combo of bulbs on other people's tanks and liked the way the tanks looked with that configuration. I will try it that way for a while and if I don't like it, I figure I will just get 20K's when these need replacing.

P.S. I tried the site too...they must be having problems or updating right now.

Rendos
09/27/2004, 12:11 PM
Well...this was a busy weekend. I tore down my 92 gallon tank and moved everything from it to the new tank. I also got some choice pieces of SPS and my clams from my 120. Here are a few pictures of the new setup with corals and a couple of fish.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9044692-M.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9044701-M-1.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9044700-M-1.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9044702-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9044720-M-1.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9044705-L-1.jpg

Pewe
09/27/2004, 08:13 PM
Nice realy nice, i love that big acro:)

steve68
09/27/2004, 08:37 PM
looking Sweet !

irishbing
09/27/2004, 10:42 PM
Awesome..

Rendos
09/28/2004, 01:57 PM
Thanks everyone. I am going tonight to pick up some more of my SPS. This coming weekend, I should have the 120 broken down and moved to the new tank.

MacnReef
09/28/2004, 02:47 PM
WOW, tank looks great! I love the anthias. I am planning a few of them in my 180.

Mike

IMPERATORFAN
09/29/2004, 07:20 PM
Looking good! I like the idea of the open space in the middle for the clams. I'm planning a similar approach with a mini cay in the middle for a bunch of clams.

Keep the pics coming.
Scot

Rendos
10/01/2004, 06:59 AM
Couple of new pictures. I got 2 new corals from my LFS yesterday. I will try to post some full tank shots this weekend. All of these pics were taken under 400 watt 20K XM's.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9233814-L-1.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9233820-L-1.jpg
Here are a couple of top down shots.
Acropora secale
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9233821-L-1.jpg
Blue tortuosa
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9233822-L-1.jpg
New favia with blue millepora
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9233828-L-1.jpg
Acropora ?
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9233830-L-1.jpg
Green Merulina
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9233831-L-1.jpg

widing
10/01/2004, 09:36 AM
I like the aquascaping. Simply beautiful...

Rendos
10/02/2004, 06:56 AM
Here are a couple of shots I took last night. They are of the Kalk Reactor setup and calcium reactor setup.
My kalk reactor is connected to a 10 gallon aquarium that acts as my RO/DI reservoir. It gravity feeds the reactor. The reactor itself has 3 cups of Kalk in it and is on a timer to mix 4 times per day for 4 minutes each time. The output of the reactor is connected to a float valve that I installed in my sump. It is a ReefTek Kalk Reactor.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9288145-M.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9288147-M.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9288148-M.jpg
And the GEO calcium reactor (model 624)... this is the easiest calcium reactor to setup. I dialed it in with an effluent pH of 6.6 in a matter of minutes. I has not needed adjustment either.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9288146-M.jpg
And lastly I installed my power centers. They are MBT DJ power centers I got from someone here on RC, but don't remember their name. I love these things. They look sleek and work great. You can easily turn things on and off without having to look for which cord goes to what. Just label the switches and you always know what turns off what.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9288149-M.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9288144-M.jpg

Rendos
10/05/2004, 04:55 PM
All the transferring is done. I broke the 120 down completely and now everything is in the new tank. Here are a few pictures of the final (yeah, right) result.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9466886-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9466890-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9466888-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9466892-L.jpg

MessyRoadKil
10/05/2004, 07:00 PM
um... WOW! I love Huge tanks. Im going to keep Staring at it til I can actualy rwrite something.

Foster
10/05/2004, 07:07 PM
Very Nice!

Is the 10g resavoir glass? If so, How dod you frill it for the bulkhead?

Rendos
10/05/2004, 07:49 PM
Thanks...the 10 gallon is glass...I drilled it with a diamond core drill bit.

Foster
10/05/2004, 08:14 PM
What size bit?

lovetoreef
10/05/2004, 09:04 PM
Wow - great job - how are you liking the closed loop setup with the outputs coming up from the bottom like that?? it seems like you are going to get some real nice and random current.

gerard

lovetoreef
10/05/2004, 09:07 PM
also, how is the reef bones working out so far - is it basically just base rock?? any thoughts?
thanks

gerard

jun41
10/06/2004, 01:07 AM
Sexy...

Rendos
10/06/2004, 06:52 AM
platapus - I used a 1 3/4" drill bit for the 1" bulkhead.

lovetoreef - I love the closed loop and especially the holes drilled in the bottom. There is so much more current in this tank than I ever had before. The nice thing about the holes drilled in the bottom is that I can get current flowing back towards the aquascaping, not just coming from the back, and with the adjustable loc-line fittings, I can change the flow pattern very easily.
As for the ReefBones, yes, it is just basically base rock, but very nice shapes and sizes.

MacnReef
10/06/2004, 07:25 AM
Man you are making some great progress. I love the way your tank looks!

BTW, what size breaker do you have running that thing? :rollface:

Rendos
10/06/2004, 08:01 AM
I installed 2 dedicated 20 amp circuits before I put the tank in place. I think 2 was a little overkill, but if I ever add anything else down the road, I am already prepared for the electrical load.

MacnReef
10/06/2004, 08:28 AM
Was that hard?

Mike

Foster
10/06/2004, 09:30 AM
Originally posted by pikey
platapus - I used a 1 3/4" drill bit for the 1" bulkhead.

lovetoreef - I love the closed loop and especially the holes drilled in the bottom. There is so much more current in this tank than I ever had before. The nice thing about the holes drilled in the bottom is that I can get current flowing back towards the aquascaping, not just coming from the back, and with the adjustable loc-line fittings, I can change the flow pattern very easily.
As for the ReefBones, yes, it is just basically base rock, but very nice shapes and sizes.

Im looking for on to drill out a 10g tank....

Did your drill bit look something like this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=32400

Rendos
10/06/2004, 10:47 AM
yes...that is the type of bit I used. They are actually very easy to use...just go slow and keep water on the glass while drilling to keep it cool and prevent the glass from cracking.

Rendos
10/06/2004, 10:51 AM
Mike - running the electrical was actually very easy. I am on a slab floor so I had to go in the attic and fish the lines down the wall, but it was no problem. It helps to have 2 people so one can fish the wire down the wall and the other can be on the other end looking for the wire. The whole thing cost me about $50.00 in parts and about an hour to install. I used GFI outlets since they are so close to water.

MacnReef
10/21/2004, 01:04 PM
Hey are you still liking your fixture? I wish I would have went with 3-400W 20K's with VHO's over my 180 instead of the 6' 3-250W HQI's. Don't get me wrong, I love the Maristar (great quality) but I want to run 20K's and I want to get good PAR.

Mike

Rendos
10/22/2004, 02:04 PM
I love this new light fixture. I changed up the light scheme a little. I am running 20K's on the ends and a 10K in the middle. I like the look a lot better. I always had canopies in the past and love the open top look, and the fact that I don't have heat build up in the canopy any longer. Did you sell your Oceans Motions yet?? I have come up with some extra cash recently and may be interested if you still have it.

MacnReef
10/22/2004, 02:27 PM
No, I sold the OM.

Glad you like the fixture. It would be cool if someone local had a 6' triple 400W canopy like yours with VHO's that wanted to trade for my VERY expensive Maristar.:D They would be getting a bargain...thats for sure.

Mike

Foster
10/22/2004, 02:30 PM
Picture...Picture.... Picture :D

Pewe
10/24/2004, 08:53 AM
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/9233830-L-1.jpg
Nice Acro pikey

Rendos
10/25/2004, 06:46 PM
Thanks.

Holyreefer
10/26/2004, 10:20 AM
i was wanting to know if you could post more pics of your overflows in work? I also have a 220 thats been drilled and was trying to figure out if i put over flows on if they would work or not.

i also just pm'd you

MacnReef
10/26/2004, 02:47 PM
Are you having any heat issues? Are the lights heating up the room? Are the lights on seperate ballasts so that they can turn on/off independently?

Mike

Rendos
10/27/2004, 01:48 PM
Qmonroe - I will post pictures of the overflows in action soon.

Mike - I have 12 foot ceilings and the house stays pretty cool, but the open top and no canopy has heated the living room up a little. It is not an issue right now, but the weather has been pretty mild too. I don't know what it will be like come summer. The chiller produces WAY more heat than the lights do. I am trying to figure out a way to vent the chiller to the outside without too many permanent changes to the house. I also thought about venting it to my attic through the wall. I think I could run duct work inside the wall and up to the attic, but I am a little uncertain what effect that will have on the drywall/mud/and paint.

MacnReef
10/27/2004, 02:45 PM
Not sure. Thankfully I have a closet about 10' to the left of my tank that leads outside...:D (the closet is actually in the garage and is used for storage but it extends in under a staircase near my tank). So if I need a chiller I can put it in there.

Mike

Rendos
10/28/2004, 06:45 AM
Mike...I like the new avatar, by the way. : )

MacnReef
10/28/2004, 06:54 AM
Me too...lol

BTW, I am thinking of switching over to 400W 20KK lamps. Two of my 14KK 250W DE's have blown within the first month.:eek:

Mike

Rendos
10/30/2004, 11:15 AM
Qmonroe - here is a picture of one of the overflows in action.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10578477-L.jpg

Rendos
10/30/2004, 03:16 PM
I took a few pictures today to show the progress the tank is making. The first is just to show how fast the coralline is already taking over...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10578481-M.jpg
Two new Orange Shoulder Tangs...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10578480-M-1.jpg
Full tank shot...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10591848-M.jpg
My male pink square anthias...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10591842-M.jpg
more to follow...

Rendos
10/30/2004, 03:19 PM
New favia (moon brain)...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10591852-M.jpg
Red cynarina...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10591853-M.jpg
New Neon Green hammer...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10591854-M.jpg
View from right end looking down the length of the tank...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10591865-M.jpg

nodoubt471
10/31/2004, 06:18 PM
really amazing, and what a smooth transistion! cant beleive coralline is already in action...

nbd13
10/31/2004, 08:18 PM
are those orange shoulder tnags a pair? i am getting 1 for my 180! really cool fish!

thanks!

Nick

nbd13
10/31/2004, 08:19 PM
also do they get along with other fish?

thanks!

Nick

Rendos
11/01/2004, 07:55 AM
nbd13 - The Orange shoulders were sold to me as a pair, but I don't know how you can tell. They get along with each other and are a very docile fish. They haven't bothered any other tank mates and no one has bothered them.

nodoubt471 - I think the coralline is due to having a calcium reactor and a kalk reactor running.

MacnReef
11/04/2004, 07:46 AM
Originally posted by pikey
MacnReef - I paid $335.00 plus shipping. I am going to rewire my PFO wires on my existing sockets right to the new mogul sockets.

Sorry I didn't ask you more about this but I am going to get a similar fixture and use PFO ballast that I have. Do you have any pictures of how you wire them? Was it easy?

Mike

MacnReef
11/04/2004, 07:54 AM
Also, does your fixture have any sort of actinic lighting in it?

Mike

Rendos
11/04/2004, 07:07 PM
I went without actinics, but you can get them to install VHO/PC endcaps in the hood if you want.

I dont have any pics of the wiring, but if you cut the end off the wires already included with the hood, there are only three wires. White,black,and green. Hot, neutral, and ground. Then cut your PFO wires the same way and match up white-white, black-black, and green-green. Use wire nuts and electrical tape...you are done.

The other way is to take the hood apart and wire your wires directly to the mogul socket. This is a little more work but just as simple. Inside the mogul socket there are three posts...one for hot, one for neutral, and one for ground. Unscrew the existing wires from the hood and rewire your wires to the mogul...put the hood back together, and you are done. If you choose this last method, I suggest putting some aquarium silicon inside the mogul sockets over the posts and connecting wires to prevent moisture from getting to the exposed wires and rusting them out.

MacnReef
11/04/2004, 07:54 PM
Cool, I am ordering my fixture tomorrow. I wonder how long it will take. I am not getting any VHO's because if I need them, I will add them later. Plus this will save heat and cost of more electricity.

Hopefully my PFO's and stuff will be here in the next few days. My 20K XM's are on order and should be here on Tuesday.

Mike

Rendos
11/05/2004, 06:03 PM
Well, I am going the opposite way Mike. I switched my 400's to 250's. My tank is very shallow and seems a bit like overkill. I am using 20K XM's on each end and a 10K Ushio in the center. I really like the new look, and the corals seem to be responding favorably so far.

Rendos
11/06/2004, 04:25 PM
Well, I took some updated pics of the tank since I switched lights. The tank is finally starting to look like it is supposed to. I lost my large Purple with Green polyps Secale to RTN, but I made some frags before it died and the frags are doing great. My Pulchra has also seen better days, but it is starting to look better too. I guess the big move was hard on these two corals. Everything else is doing well and the tank's water parameters are finally back to normal.
pH - 8.4
Calcium - 480
Alk - 11 dKH
Specifc gravity (as checked with Refractometer) - 1.025
Temp - 76-78F
Ammonia - 0 ppm
Nitrite - 0 ppm
Nitrate - 5 ppm
Phosphate - 0
Magnesium - 1300
Anyway - on to the pictures.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10956566-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10956569-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10956579-L.jpg
and...

Rendos
11/06/2004, 04:28 PM
My pink spot watchman goby
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10956582-L.jpg
The new Orange Shoulder Tangs with Regal Tang in background
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10956585-L.jpg
New Regal Angel...I just couldn't resist. So far he is not picking at anything and gets along with all the other fish.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10956586-L.jpg
And finally a group shot with tangs, and anthias, and angel, and black percs in top left corner...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/10956589-L.jpg

lovetoreef
11/06/2004, 04:30 PM
Pikey

wow - your tank looks awesome, everything appears to be coming along very nicely. how are the returns from the bottom working out so far - I really like the idea as it provides a nice varied current ... any comments?? thanks

gm

Rendos
11/06/2004, 04:36 PM
Thanks...the returns in the bottom are great for getting water back towards the rockwork. I always hated having the water going from back to front and side to side but none ever going back towards the reef. With those being in the bottom like that, the sand doesn't get stirred up, and I get great flow in all directions.

It is a little nerve racking sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night because I heard a strange noise...I always think it is the bottom glass cracking or one of those bottom bulkheads leaking. I seriously doubt either will happen, but I guess it is always possible.

nbd13
11/06/2004, 05:17 PM
hey hows that new regal angel comign along?

is he eating?

i am getting one for my 180! where did you get him from online or LFS?

whats he eating? hoe long did it take to get him to eat?

is there any update on the fish list?

thanks!

Nick

nbd13
11/06/2004, 05:19 PM
also could i get a fish list?

thanks!

Nick

reewik
11/06/2004, 05:32 PM
Like the tank and it is nice to see another reefer in TN... You need to come to the frag trade we are setting up in January. We will be going to Chattanooga with some of the other clubs around TN.

Rendos
11/06/2004, 07:04 PM
nbd13 - I got the Regal Angel and the Orange Shoulder Tangs from a local shop. They had the Regal for about 6 months and the Orange Shoulders for about 3 months. No one was buying them so the owner gave me a good deal. They all eat everything given to them...brine, marine cuisine, formula 2, nori, flake, etc.
I am done adding fish...
1 Male Pink Square Anthias
1 Pink Spot Watchman Goby
1 Sixline wrasse
1 Regal Tang
1 Regal Angel
2 Orange Shoulder Tangs
2 Black Oscellaris Clowns
1 Bi-Color Blenny

Wow...that seems like a lot of fish to me, but it doesn't look like too many in the tank.

reewik - Thanks. Chatanooga in January may not happen for me, but please let me know if you ever have one in Nashville, or Memphis (or anywhere in west TN). : )

reewik
11/06/2004, 10:25 PM
We meet in Nashville once a Month.. We always have trades at the meetings.. Go
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=286 And you can ck us out...

We also have www.mtrc.org as out web site

ReefWaters
11/18/2004, 12:10 AM
Pikey,

I've started to plan my next tank. Your set up has definitely given me some ideas I plan on incorporating. I'm thinking of going about 120 gallons for the display. 48x30wx20h. I've followed the thread for a while so I hope I don't repeat any questions exactly. Anyway, Id really appreciate some of your input.

How do you like the height and width of the tank so far? Would you change it in any way?

Is the tank in your living room/den? If so, does the light from the hanging hood bother you when you are trying to watch TV or sitting on the couch?

I really like the holes in the bottom front for the closed loop. I'm going to do this as well. How far from the front glass did you place the holes? I was thinking at least 6" in from the front and side. What pump are you running for the closed loop and how many outlets do you have on it? Do you like the flow? Have you had any problems or would you do anything different next time?

Thanks for any help or suggestions,

ReefWaters

Rendos
11/18/2004, 08:09 PM
I really like the 20" height. If I changed it at all, I would not go over 24" tall. The stand is 30" tall and when I sit on the couch, the tank is at eye level. Also, the lights do not shine in our eyes at all, but if they did, all I would have to do is lower the hood down a couple of inches. The holes in the bottom were actually drilled almost in the middle front front to back, which was not the best place for them. I had to use pvc elbows and pipe to get them where they are now. If I did it over, I would put the holes about 4"-6" from the front glass and space them evenly across the front. I am using a Waterways Iron Might Pool pump...2400 GPH. It is almost completely silent and runs very cool. It has a 1.5" inlet and outlet, but the outlet is plumbed into 5 X 1/2" returns. I used 1.5" pipe all the way to the bulkhead and reduced just before the bulkhead to keep flow at a maximum.

Hope I answered all your questions...if not, just let me know.
I am really enjoying this tank more than any other previously.

irishbing
11/18/2004, 08:24 PM
Hi, i saw what you hang your lights with. And i have the same thing. I was wondering if you could post a picture please so i can see how you did it? Thank you

ReefWaters
11/18/2004, 09:59 PM
Pikey,

Thanks for the reply.

Do you like the flow without any alternating current? Is there enough flow?
Do you think you have enough outlets for the closed loop or do you think you should have split some of them inside the tank?
Also, where did you buy the closed loop pump?

Im thinking of having 4 returns from the closed loop. 2 on the bottom near the corners of a single, center overflow. I can then split them in several different directions to blow out of a large rock pile in front of the oveflow. I would also have 2 more returns in the bottom front about 6 to 8 inches in from each corner with a small island of rock on top of each one. Im thinking of dropping my sump returns down from the top in each of the front corners to blow back toward the center of the tank. This way I should have a fairly clean looking back to the tank and only a small amount of pipe and overflow showing.

Are your sump returns entering the tank half way down the back? If so, how do you prevent them from siphoning?

Thanks again for the help Pikey. I would love to hear your opinion and other's opinions on my plans.

Rendos
11/19/2004, 05:37 PM
I like the flow for this tank...I am going for a mixed reef this time with lots of LPS that don't want tons of current. If I were going to go with SPS again, I would get a larger pump for the closed loop and more returns...maybe even an Oceans Motions 8-way for alternating current.
I got my closed loop pump from a local swimming pool shop.
My returns from my sump are halfway down the back wall and I use a true union check valve to prevent back siphoning in power outages.

The setup you describe sounds good to me...don't you just love the planning stage of a new aquarium?! Lots of fun!

ReefWaters
11/19/2004, 06:53 PM
Originally posted by pikey
don't you just love the planning stage of a new aquarium?! Lots of fun!

Its a love hate relationship for me. It can be a ton of fun when things are making sense and working right, but when you run into a wall it can be a real pain in the neck. Funny thing is, and I know its this way for a lot of people, once you get the whole thing up and running correctly, you want to change it completely or start over. But your right, it is a lot of fun. Im always designing something in my head. Usually tanks that I cannot afford.

My tank will be almost completely SPS. Maybe an anemone with clowns and probably some clams later on. Id rather have to throttle back the flow than have to figure out how to add some.

I would really appreciate some suggestions on pump size. Im thinking of around 2000 to 3000 gph for the closed loop with a 4 way Oceans Motion. I will probably split most of these outlets into two outlets after they are in the tank. The tank Im looking at (GlassCages.com) has an overflow rated for 1500 gallons an hour with a single 1.5" drain. I may add another 1.5" drain just in case. My return will probably be 1000 to 1300 gph split to two returns. Any suggestions?

Thanks again for all the help.

ReefWaters

Rendos
11/20/2004, 08:48 AM
I would definitely go with the second 1.5" drain. Not necessarily for more flow, but in case one gets clogged somehow...the other is for redundancy. My friend here just got a Sequence pump...not sure what model, but it is dead silent too. Lots of flow..I think 3000-3500 GPH. And you are right, I would rather throttle back flow than not have enough. I live about an hour from GlassCages and have been there many times. They used to have pretty sloppy silicon work, but it has improved a lot since then. They seem like good tanks to me, and the price is right.

ReefWaters
11/20/2004, 10:04 AM
The price is right on. The quote I got was only $75 more than my 2 nearest LFS told me for a standard All Glass 120 with a single overflow and NO extra drilling. And that included shipping. I cant complain about that.

I havent heard a lot about GlassCages but what I have heard has been good. Have you seen any of his tanks recently? Is the silicone still sub-par? What do you think? Is it worth it?

Did you use any kind of formula to figure out how much gph flow you wanted or did you just build from your experience?

Rendos
11/20/2004, 01:04 PM
I have seen some of there tanks within the last couple of months, and the quality is much better than before. I personally like there tanks...except that they make their overflows out of glass. If they would just start making acrylic or ABS overflows, I think they would look a lot more professional.

As for flow, I just went on past experience.

ReefWaters
11/20/2004, 01:36 PM
I guess the question is would you spend your money on Glass Cage aquarium?

I did not realize that they were using glass for the overflow. I had an old All Glass back when they were using glass overflows and didnt like it very much. I had a really hard time finding a good way to make a strainer for the top edge and never did find a way I liked.

What made you decide to go with the Oceans View?

Rendos
11/20/2004, 05:30 PM
You can always cut some black acrylic to cover the glass overflows, and silicon them right to the glass, and cut grooves in the top for a strainer.

I bought an Ocean View tank because I know Mike, the owner, and have bought MANY tanks from him in the past. Otherwise I would probably buy a Glass Cages tank because they are so close to me, will custom build just about any size/dimensions, and their quality is good...just maybe not as good as some others out there on the market.

Rendos
11/20/2004, 05:45 PM
irishbing - here is the picture of how I hung my lights.

http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/11601754-M.jpg

Also a couple of other pics.
Green Hammer.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/11601748-M.jpg
Whole tank.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/11601751-L.jpg
My sump with 2 ER CS8-1 skimmers running.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/11601753-M.jpg

ReefWaters
11/20/2004, 06:13 PM
Pikey, the tank is looking better every day. Keep it up.

I could also just have him leave the overflow out and cut the drain holes for me. I really want an external overflow but havent seen too many being done by the mfg. Most are DIY projects.

Do you know of some other tanks mfgs I could check out?

Thanks for all the help.

ReefWaters

Rendos
11/20/2004, 09:19 PM
Well, there was Ocea down in Florida but they went out of business. They made awesome tanks, and stands that were absolutely furniture quality. Ocean View is in Pascagoula, MS but they are wholesale only...you would have to find a local shop to order it through.

Napoleon_K
11/22/2004, 09:55 AM
Hi Pikey, Awsome Tank, Nice helpful thread too!!

What was the Actual GPH flow you were shooting for in your 200 gal. mixed reef tank?

I'm planning a similar tank with anemones, softies, and may be some hardier SPS.

Rendos
11/22/2004, 11:32 AM
With the combination of the closed loop and return pump, I am shooting for around 2000-2500 GPH. The closed loop pump pushing 2400GPH, and the return pump pushing 800GPH, that is 3200 without any loss from head pressure, etc. I think I am getting what I was shooting for. The tank has a nice flow (going by the corals waving back and forth, and the way the food gets pushed around in the tank at feeding time).

Psyire
12/10/2004, 12:11 PM
Anything new with your tank pikey? How often do you find yourself filling up that 10 gallon RO feed tank?

Rendos
12/10/2004, 01:04 PM
Not much going on...just letting everything grow in. I only add 2 - 2.5 gallons of water a day to the RO reservoir. My evaporation is really not as bad as I expected. I will take some pictures this weekend maybe and post them. I don't think it looks much different, but I see it everyday. Sometimes pictures show the differences the eye can't see.

Psyire
12/10/2004, 01:51 PM
I'm interested in doing a RO reservoir as well. How fast does it gravity feed through the kalk mixer? A steady stream or a slow drip? This kind of setup might be my answer as my RO unit is far away from my tank. It seems fairly simple to setup.

Rendos
12/10/2004, 08:18 PM
It is extremely simple to setup...you don't have to use an aquarium for it, you could use a rubbermaid container or something. It feeds through at a pretty slow rate. Not quite a steady stream but a very fast drip. I am really glad I set it up. I plan on using a similar system on my next tank. I have ordered a 24"X24"X18" tank to house a pair of clownfish and a host anemone. It will be on a much smaller scale and I am building the reactor myself, but same idea.

Ryan M
12/10/2004, 09:53 PM
Pikey,
Good Looking tank! I really like your entire setup.....

Ryan

Psyire
12/11/2004, 09:18 PM
What kind/size of sand do you have in there, pikey?

MacnReef
12/11/2004, 09:35 PM
So now we are all over here...:lol: :lol: :lol:

Pikey tank looks great...you know after you switched back to 250's I decided to keep my 250's so now I have some PFO 400's that I need to get rid of...:lol:

Mike

Rendos
12/12/2004, 05:35 PM
Psyire - I have sand from Acrotropic.com, but they seem to have gone out of business. I cannot get to their website anymore. It is basically Southdown...really fine sand.

Mike - Thanks, I am not adding anything for a while. I am trying to give the stuff I have time to grow in a little.

adddo
12/13/2004, 05:54 AM
Best aquascaping iv'e seen, wish i had the possibility to do something like that with my stones.

Very nice tank pikey!

MacnReef
12/13/2004, 07:35 AM
Hey Pikey, any updated pics?

Mike

Rendos
12/13/2004, 11:57 AM
adddo - thanks. I really like the openness of it.

Mike - Nope...I will take some this week sometime.

Newby-Reefer
12/15/2004, 11:42 PM
Are you going to throw an anemone in there for those Black Clowns Of yours. I think a nice red BTA would realy make th fish stand out.

Napoleon_K
12/17/2004, 04:50 PM
Hey Pikey

Tell me about you closed loop intakes. Do you ever have trouble with fish getting stuck to them, or sucking snails out of their shells?

thanks

lovetoreef
12/17/2004, 04:57 PM
Pikey,

hmm, what about a new full tank picture?? thanks.

Rendos
12/19/2004, 09:04 AM
Newby-Reefer - there is already a RBTA in the tank, but the clowns will not go in it. The clowns and anemone have been in the same tank for over a year, and the clowns stay away from it.

nkaminer - I just use the standard strainers that come with bulkhead fittings. I have yet to have a fish get stuck to them, but you have to remember that I don't have a super high flow closed loop pump. I am only running a 2400 GPH pump with 2 inlets and 5 outlets.

lovetoreef - I have been so busy working on my clown tank that I haven't had time to take any new pics. I will try to this afternoon right after I do a water change on the system.

ReefWaters
12/19/2004, 02:04 PM
pikey, Id love to hear more about the clown system if you get a chance. Pics are always nice too :D if you have time. Have you got the tank from the mfg yet? Did the same guy build the cube as your 200?

Rendos
12/19/2004, 05:46 PM
ReefWaters - The clown tank is ordered and should be here Tuesday. I am getting it from the same manufacturer as the 200 (Ocean View).
It is 24"X24"X18". It is coming in with no holes drilled, but I will be drilling a 1.5" drain in the bottom - back right corner of the tank. I have already made a black acrylic overflow box for it. I will also be drilling four 1/2" holes for returns (which will be a Mag 9 connected to a Oceans Motions Squirt).
I have been busy this weekend building the stand for this tank. I pretty much looks just like the stand for the 200 gallon, but smaller.
I have built a 20"X18"X12" sump, and water tested it, but haven't added any baffles yet.
I will be building a recirculating protein skimmer soon, and a Kalk reactor also.
I plan to get a pair of Onyx True Percula clown and appropriate anemone. I will have the live rock stacked in the corner near the overflow box, and have mangroves planted in the live rock. I hope that the mangroves will grow out of the top of the tank for a really interesting look, and the roots will look interesting under the water.
I do not have any pictures of anything yet, but will take some soon, and post them in my thread in the clownfish forum.
Clownfish tank thread (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=483461)

adddo
01/05/2005, 02:58 AM
I want more pics of your 200g too please, update us! :)

Jenfur427
01/07/2005, 10:34 AM
WOW.

I especially love your hammer.

MacnReef
01/07/2005, 10:44 AM
Yo Pikey...how about an update...lol

Mike

Rendos
01/07/2005, 11:36 AM
Still not much to update...I have been so busy with my clown tank that I have just been letting the 200 gallon tank kind of get settled in. The SPS are encrusting nicely on their new rocks. The clams are showing signs of growth, but sadly I lost the big green hammer. I did not epoxy it in because it seemed to be very solidly wedged into the rock. Well it wasn't...I came home from work one day to find that it fell off the rock and into a patch of orange ricordia. Needless to say, neither coral faired well...the hammer died, and the ricordia are still recovering.

Rendos
01/08/2005, 06:08 PM
I took these pictures about 5 minutes after epoxying them in.

Green birds nest. (Seriatopora hystrix?)
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/13915217-M-1.jpg

Pink birds nest.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/13915215-M-1.jpg

Green millepora. (extremely long polyps on this one)
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/13915216-M-1.jpg

Purple/blue efflorescens?
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/13915218-M-1.jpg

reewik
01/08/2005, 06:43 PM
Nice frags... How can I get a frag of that Purple/blue efflorescens?

ReefWaters
01/10/2005, 02:01 PM
Hey Pikey, where did those frags come from?


The green birds nest looks really nice. It doesnt look like it is going to be as tightly woven as most pink birds nests you see. Do you think that will be the case? Did you see the mother colony for that frag?

Rendos
01/10/2005, 04:02 PM
The frags came from a friend of mine. First they were mine...then I fragged them and gave them to him...then I got tired of the corals and sold them...now I want them back again. It is really a good idea to share frags among your friends...in case they die, or you sell them and then decide you want them back.
The green birds nest came from ORA, the millepora from ORA, the pink birds nest came from ReefStuff.com, and the Efflo came from someone here on RC that I did a frag trade with. (I can't remember his name though)

The green birds nest mother colony is not dense in branches either...kind of loose, long branches. The polyps extend almost a 1/4" even though the branches are only 1/16" to 1/8" thick.

Rendos
01/11/2005, 07:06 PM
I had to get rid of my Regal Angel as it developed a taste for leathers, and brains. I took it to my LFS and traded for a couple of Sunburst Anthias and a female pink square anthias (a.k.a. Yellow Anthias). I got a couple of pics of the Sunburst, and some updated coral pics, but no pic of the female pink square yet. Hopefully I will have some of her soon.

http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14076197-L.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14076171-L.jpg

RBTA.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14076175-L-1.jpg

Red/green favia.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14076184-L-1.jpg

Red table acro from ReefStuff...it is shaped weird because I had to break it to get it out of the tank when I switched over to the 200 gallon.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14076193-L-1.jpg

Long polyp green leather that the Regal Angel was eating.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14076188-L-1.jpg

ReefWaters
01/11/2005, 07:17 PM
Looking good. Sorry to hear about the angel. At least it seems you got rid of him in time to save everything.

Where did you get the red table? Thats going to turn into a beautiful piece.

Rendos
01/11/2005, 07:42 PM
I got the Red Table from www.reefstuff.com They have it listed as Acropora anthocercis. It is a pretty fast grower too.

Rendos
01/15/2005, 06:39 PM
No full tank pics, but here are a few updated pics. I got a couple of new corals from RM, and one more female pink square anthias.
Blue Acropora samoensis...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14252970-M-1.jpg
Blue Montipora crassituberculata...(not sure what the white parts are from...they are only in the picture, not on the actual coral)
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14252971-M-1.jpg
Here is the Acropora microphythalma I got from my friend a few days ago...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14252972-M-1.jpg
And a little group of fishies...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14252979-M-1.jpg

Pewe
01/16/2005, 09:11 AM
Nice pikey,

No full tank pics
:(

Rendos
01/23/2005, 05:21 PM
Well, I have a few updated pics.
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14685424-L-1.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14685380-L-1.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14685389-L-1.jpg

Rendos
01/23/2005, 05:24 PM
and why not a few more...
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14685402-L-1.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14685404-L-1.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14685419-L-1.jpg
http://fishman.smugmug.com/photos/14685406-L-1.jpg

MacnReef
01/23/2005, 06:07 PM
Man, that is a sharp looking tank! Great job!

-Mac

adddo
01/24/2005, 09:14 AM
Beautiful!

Rendos
01/24/2005, 04:13 PM
Thanks!

thedogofwar
02/08/2005, 10:46 AM
Simply beautiful Pikey!

I'm so glad I found this thread. I'm planning for my new 180 and was wanting to install some undergravel plumbing just like you have. However the hole count keeps adding up and I'm unsure and nervous about how many holes I can cut. I'm feeling better about it since seeing yours ;)

CPT. MURPHY
02/08/2005, 11:30 AM
I love the stand and you clams ! actually the whole tank looks wonderful nice job ! :)

ReefWaters
02/21/2005, 11:11 AM
Pikey, I caught the terrible news in your Anemone Tank thread.
Im litteraly sick for you.

I know your probably very busy with the whole mess but give us some details when ever you get a chance. Was it you that lost the bottom of a corner tank or was that someone else?

If and when you get set up again, let me know and Ill ship you as many frags as I can for just the cost of shipping.

Good luck and best wishes.

Ross

skippyreef
02/21/2005, 11:16 AM
very nice looking tank!

Rendos
02/21/2005, 12:16 PM
It was. It is no longer with me. Please read...
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=531525

rwfarley
04/19/2006, 07:31 PM
Is the Waterways "iron might" pump (and it's wetted parts) really suitable for saltwater? How long has it been running, and have you noticed any corrosion or signs of excess iron in the aquarium? It's half the price, and more efficient than the comparable Aquatic Ecosystems SHE1.7 that advertises a stainless steel shaft and saltwater compatible seals/materials.