**former thread of the month** Rebuilding the Reef - Log of a 90 Gallon Restarted

[Jamesurq]

As some of you may know, my 2 year old reef suffered a catastrophic meltdown due to a tripped breaker from what was later determined to be the Rio pump running my skimmer.

The tank was a mixture of all types of corals, clams, a couple small tangs and other fish and probably the most active sandbed I’ve ever seen – I look back at the time, love, and effort I poured into the tank I get that annoying little lump in my throat.
:sad1:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/Tank%20-%205.jpg

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be updating this thread with my progress. I have the majority of the pictures on my home PC so I'll have to get home tonight to update on the progress so far.

I was going to wait until I was done to put this thread out there - but I'm getting some good progress and I figure having this thread may help motivate me to finish.

Stay tuned.

[padixon2]

taggin along

sorry for your loss

[Jamesurq]

OK. Here we go:

The only thing salvageable besides equipment was my rock. In the breakdown phase, the rock was moved into dry tubs for a day and then has been sitting in saltwater cooking for a few weeks.

I was amazed to find some residual life remaining. A couple of snails, and some peanut worms. I actually even saw an amphipod – yippee..:rolleye1: I had set up a couple of Rubbermaid tanks to house the rocks temporarily and when I got home I realized it wasn’t nearly enough room. So I quickly threw this elaborate ghetto setup together with a couple maxijets, a large aqauclear and a mag 7. This setup has proven rather reliable actually – since the rocks as of this moment are still in the tubs.


http://reefmonkey.com/RC%20-%20TUBS.JPG

[padixon2]

looking good, ::)

[padixon2]

the aquarium itself was damaged too?

[Ciali]

Sorry about your tank, hopefully you can rebuild it to it's original potential. Good luck.

[Jamesurq]

In my rebuilding process, I had 4 main goals:

1. Upgrade the lighting – Current lighting was 2X175W Ushio 10K’s and 2X65W PC actinics. Since I had a 400W Radium and a 430W HQI ballast I figured I should just add it to the middle. Which meant removing the centerbrace to allow the Radium to shine without shadows. Hacksaw, piece of acrylic and some plastic wingnuts and we're rolling.

http://reefmonkey.com/RCXbrace.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Thanks everyone. And no - the aquarium and all other equipment was fine.

[Jamesurq]

Back to the priorities:

2. Upgrade the circulation – Current circulation was 2X MJ1200’s and 1X MJ900. Running the maxijets was the option that made sense at the time – and worked fine for the blend of corals I had (probably 20% SPS). The upgrade is to an Ampmaster 3000 on a closed loop.

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1401.jpg

On the return pump, I obviously had a significant increase in head pressure so I’m running an old and busted LG 4 (about 1400 gph – about 650-700 with head factored in). This will run through the standard AGA 1” overflow and ¾” return. I ran it all with 1.5” pipe to allow upgrades in the future.

Couldn't find a picture of the pump - but I'm sure you know what a rusted old POS pump looks like.

[Jamesurq]

3. Upgrade the filtration – Prior filtration was accomplished by a small 7 gallon or so in-sump segmented refugium and an in-sump Excalibur SV1 skimmer. Although this filtration was adequate and I had REALLY good luck with what I consider to be an excellent little skimmer, I felt it was time to step up to something with a little more power. I purchased a used ETSS 700 with a Mak4 pump. A little dirty - but at about 3 feet tall - it's more than sufficient for a 90 gallon.

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1210.jpg

[Jamesurq]

4. Make it QUIET!! – It was only after the old tank was removed from my old house that I realized how loud it was. A mag 7 in the stand running inside a 30 gallon sump and a couple of Radio Shack fans in the canopy made the overall hum very significant. To combat this noise, I planned on adding a remote sump in a room in the garage about 30 feet away.

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1089.jpg

Instead of the 30 gallon sump I had previously used, I purchased this custom built 90 gallon Inter-American pre-drilled sump from reefcrazed.

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1092.jpg

I also plan on rebuilding my canopy with more height (to allow for the additional heat from the Radium) and new MUCH quieter fans.

[viggen]

& to think I thought my used reefdevil was a overkill for my 90g reef :)

looking forward to see how it turns out for you, losses are never fun. A few yrs back I lost a FO 150g with lots of big stuff in there. Anyways..... I usually setup a battery backup (car/motorcycle battery & boat bilge pump) system on all my tanks, something I will need to make again in the near future :)

[Jamesurq]

The first step was to find a spot to put the tank. This wasn’t that difficult as the wife had already decided this for me. It is on the opposite wall as my tv – which I’m afraid may cause some glare (even on a non-glossy projection screen) – but we’ll burn that bridge when we get to it.

The next step was to figure out how to get the 4 1.5” pipes run into the crawl space. (1 return, 1 overflow, 2 for the ampmaster closed loop). The natural choice would be to drill holes or cut a square from the wood floor. Needless to say I would have been in a world of hurt if I had done this. Better choice? Make a hole in the drywall and drill down through the framing.

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1082.jpg

This is where the project halted for a while. We decided to refinish the floors since they were in pretty bad shape and moving the tank wasn’t going to be an option. So basically we had a hole with 4 pipes sticking out of the wall for about a month…

[Jamesurq]

Painting the back

Easiest thing ever. Put the tank on it’s front on a nice soft carpet. Cleaned it quickly with some isopropyl alcohol and spread 1 thick coat of black oil-based paint on the back glass.

Here's the stuff I used:
http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1097.jpg

Here's the result:
http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1096.jpg

[Jamesurq]

Drilling the tank.

Since I had never drilled a tank before I figured I’d practice a little first. I purchased an appropriately sized diamond drillbit from E-bay for roughly $40 with shipping. I had a practice run on my old sump (which will probably become my daughters tank when she’s ready.

It took quite a while to do it – but essentially, it was rather easy to drill. I knew the 90 would be more difficult since it’s about twice the thickness – but I figured it would be a breeze.

It was.

I drilled 2 1” holes in the middle of the back pane for the intake of the closed loop. In hindsight, I could have drilled all of the returns too – but, no regrets.


http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1205.jpg

In hindsight - painting AFTER you drill is better. As you can see it chipped a little. Nothing a little touchup can't take care of.

[Jamesurq]

Cleaning and recoating the stand.

Quick hand sanding and a coat of polyurethane took care of some of the saltcreep that had occurred from my sloppy tank work.

For me, this has been the most difficult part of the project. I had to move the water from the sump to the tank through 30 feet of crawlspace. And yes – you HAVE to crawl for all of it. There are minimal crouching capabilities in this crawlspace. The other concern is that with so much plumbing running in the back of the tank – and the location of the tank being by an open wall, the distance from the wall would be an eyesore. Based on the 2 – 1” closed loop feeds with elbows and the 1.5” closed loop return, it seemed like the tank would have to sit out pretty far.

Here’s how I solved this:
I mounted the 1” closed loop returns flush with the back of the tank – and angled them into the stand into a central 1.5” pipe. Putting this central pipe IN the stand took care of half of the issue:

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1398.jpg


That left the closed loop returns to contend with. I had a brainwave – hell, if I cut holes in the wall for the main pipes, what’s a few more holes? The wife disagreed, but when I told her the outcome would be a tank that wasn’t sitting 5” from the wall, she changed her mind.

At first I cut the top hole and the bottom hole thinking I could plumb the top and bottom separately.

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1355.jpg

To fit onto:

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1356.jpg

Then I realized even with a helper it was impossible to hold the pipes in the precarious position that they were and keep them solid on the back of the tank. Then I grabbed the holesaw again. - you can see in the first picture where I essentially opened up the wall to get the vertical pipes in there.
This allowed me to plumb the pipes on the tank – then move it into place.

This resulted in an overall distance from the wall of exactly 1" (because of the 1" pipe running up the back. With a 1/2" quarteround trim on the baseboard - this is about the best I could hope for.....

[Jamesurq]

Closed loop circulation

For the in-tank circulation I went with 4 outlets. The first 2 on one side of the tank facing to the overflow side. The third on the left side facing back to the right and the fourth straight down under the return pipe and behind the rocks. When I had this tank setup before, the left front became quite a deadspot – and with this new configuration I am hoping 3000 GPH will keep anywhere free from detritus. Just to let you know I will be utilizing a shallow sand bed. Say what you will – I like the look, and I love the diversity.

4 pipes - 2 on the right for the AM3000, 2 on the left are return and overflow.

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1354.jpg

Pile of pipes, ready to plumb:

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1357.jpg

In the tank plumbing.... Allright I got too lazy to fix the paint on the back..:p It's gonna be behind the rocks anyway.

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1395.jpg

Right side:

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1392.jpg

Left side:

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1393.jpg

And the "behind the rocks" circulation (this is 3/4" - the rest is 1")

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1394.jpg

Yeah, yeah - it's dirty, I know... :)

[AJP]

Like what you have done so far. Can't wait to buy a house so I can hack into the walls just to make my tank look better. Keep us posted.

[Jamesurq]

Finishing the plumbing in the stand was a feat that left my arms and my brain aching. I only hope to God the damn seals are good – Everything is slip fitted so it’s all about the saw if any redo’s are in order.

Here's the completed plumbing under the tank. Still have to get the Ampmaster hooked up in the crawlspace.... Should be nice and quiet. Once the pump is hooked up - plumbing is complete.


Picture of the finalized undertank plumbing.
http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1402.jpg

And a closeup:

http://reefmonkey.com/Dscf1409.jpg

[dbrown]

Looks great so far. I love the color on your stand. Is it DIY?

[Jamesurq]

Stay tuned for the next steps:

Water test
Adding saltwater
Adding the rocks
Adding the sand
Rebuilding and upgrading the lighting/fans/canopy – which is currently in pieces in the garage.
Hooking up the auto-topoff system
Building a Kalk reactor
Adding back the few surviving corals
Using my Dr. Mac birthday gift certificate (thanks Dad)
Hitting up all the people that offered frags to me when my old system was destroyed :)

Tearing it all down again and upgrading to a bigger tank…. Just kidding honey.. ;)



Meanwhile – if anyone has any questions about what, where, and how – I’m all ears…

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by dbrown
Looks great so far. I love the color on your stand. Is it DIY?

Thanks - no it's actually an AGA modern series stand in cherry finish. I'm redoing the canopy - adding about 10 inches to the overall height of it. All Glass sent me a small bottle of their stain so that I can match the color on the new wood... That's a couple weeks away...

I move slow...

[padixon2]

looks great and gives me an idea for when i eventually own a home....only 15 yrs away...i cant wait

[Project Reef]

Nice stuff James. Looking forward to tracking your progress.

BTW, Now listen to me...Jo-LENE. I've got an army to raise and I must get to Nicaragua. I require a window seat and an in-flight Happy Meal AND NO PICKLES. OH, GOD HELP YOU IF I FIND PICKLES.

[Jamesurq]

Thanks. Just as a side note - a little drywall and what I've done is easily hidden to a prying landlord. I say go for it if you have 15 years in the rental. What's the worst they could do? Take your security deposit?

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by Project Reef
Nice stuff James. Looking forward to tracking your progress.

BTW, Now listen to me...Jo-LENE. I've got an army to raise and I must get to Nicaragua. I require a window seat and an in-flight Happy Meal AND NO PICKLES. OH, GOD HELP YOU IF I FIND PICKLES.

For every pickle I find, I shall kill you!

[Project Reef]

Sprinkle homie, sprinkle! ::shakes head:: You are losing your touch man.

[Jamesurq]

Oh - you're right....oops...

How about this one...
Dad, what's the blowhole for?

I'll tell you what it's not for. And when I do, you'll understand why I can never go back to Sea World.

[Jamesurq]

Or:

Man, some fishing trip this turned out to be. All we caught is a tire, a boot, a tin can and this book of clichés.

[Project Reef]

LOL, excellent. Now back to the wonderful world of James' rebuildingification of his tank.

[padixon2]

lol...yes more pics please

on a side note, i live in base housing on a cement block and my tank is on the ajoining wall of a duplex.......not exactly hole in the wall friendly, haha...or else id consider it, lol

[Jamesurq]

i'll have to get in the crawlspace and get that ampmaster hooked up. Of course we're now in winter mode - it's friggin freezing down there.

[AJP]

speaking of friggin freezin, what are you gonna do about the water traveling that far in the cold, is that like a natural chiller, but what about come summer when it gets hot? Just thought I would bring that up now that you have done all of that work.

[Jamesurq]

yeah - natural chiller in both summer and winter. The temperature in an underground crawlspace is actually quite cool during the summer. Now - the room in the garage is probably going to get rather warm.

I will be venting this room with the air from the crawlspace and crossing my fingers.

I like to run my tank in the 82-84 range so I'm hopeful I'll be able to keep it there with a couple of fans. If not - I'll put the 400 W Radium on a thermostat to shutoff....

The other helpful thing for the summer is that the builder roughed in an AC vent in the little room, just needs to be hooked into the main system... I wonder what he was planning for that room?? ;)

[Jamesurq]

I was researching fans (based on their noise levels). Wondering how much CFM is needed at a bare minimum? I'll be able to run large noisy fans at the sump - so would just 1 of these fans do?

http://www.plycon.com/fans/papst19.jpg

At 12dBA - it's basically silent. Only about 20 CFM though....

[AJP]

hey off topic but how do I change from registered member to something else like say squeaky clean primate?

[Jamesurq]

I think there's a certain post count you need. Not sure. Look in your settings (profile, etc)

[Jamesurq]

Ok - so last night I went to install the closed loop pump and figured out I needed 2 more 90 degree 1.5" PVC fittings... AARG. Asked the wife what time Home Depot closed "10PM" was her answer. Well I showed up at 9:11, 11 minutes after they had closed....

At any rate - stopped in today at lunch - looking at finishing the pump tonight and getting it wet TONIGHT!

[5y5tem 0verload]

I'm truely sorry about the meltdown you had. Your previous tank had TOTM written all over it. I'm glad your jumping back in with both feet and I'm sure we can expect to see the same quality with this one as we did with the previous. I only wish my progess (and Ryan's) was moving along as hastily as yours. You can bet i'm following this one til the end :) Good Luck and most importantly have fun.

[reef-freaky]

I wanted to let you know that I had previously done something like this but with only my chiller and it worked out quite well.

Basically cut the dry wall, cut into the framing in between the dry wall for the pipes and electrical, dragged chiller into crawl space, hooked up pipes, hooked up to main return and away I went. I have since moved from that house and all I had to do was patch the framing and dry wall plus remove my chiller.

It was one of the better decisions at that location. I received all of the beneifts of a chiller with none of the bad side affects (noise and heat)

[Jamesurq]

Well folks. Looks like this thread is gonna be a little stalled. Filled up my tank yesterday after plumbing the closed loop and leveling the tank - and it cracked. It looks like the drilling of the closed loop bulkheads created a weakness in the back pane.

I have no clue what I"m going to do - although I know I'm really upset...

[jimmy n]

I can feel your frustrations and hear the screams from here. That is awful.

Sorry

Jim

[MiddletonMark]

Wow, that sucks.

I have no doubt that what you build will be even more beautiful than the last ... but evidently it's not going to be easy :(

[Mr_Quality]

Wow, I don't remember ever reading a more disappointing new tank log.

Sorry for your loss.

[Jamesurq]

2 strikes... 1 more problem like this and I'm out.

The wife is already reeling that I'm gonna have to drop another $300 on a replacement....

[jimmy n]

Can you go bigger? Since you have the stand I guess that could only be taller, but there can be a bright side to every reef disaster:)

[pbs911]

I've been following the thread and you have some great ideas.

Don't give up!

Go bigger if you can so as not to spend $ on a replacement. Think of it as an upgrade!

[AJP]

I say look in the used threads, there has to be a nice used 90 in there somewhere. No need to buy new, it is kind of like a car. Pay a huge price and goes down about 40% in value when you drive it off the lot, or in this case put water in it. I beg you not to give up. Also I am not sure how far you are from a glasscages event, but I know he sells 90's for $150 then just add $20 for some holes and overflows, that way if it cracks atleast he drilled the holes. Any way good luck don't give up check out www.glasscages.com

[Jamesurq]

Went out and purchased a brand new 90 with the new megaflow overflow thingie...

I guess I got anxious. All the "used" prices I was being quoted were not that much less than a brand new one....

I'm skipping the drilling and cutting the crossbrace steps this time around. I'm gonna run my closed loop over the back - and just deal with the shadow from the crossbrace...

Better safe than sorry. - plus, not sure I have the balls to drill and saw on a brand new tank... :)

[lovetoreef]

good luck and congrats on the new tank.

[Don_Gnomio]

ill tag along...

more pics plz! :)
Victor

[RSanders]

Is your drywall work done. If so I didn't see any firestop around the plumbing, I hope you used some. If not you'll have a fire hazard/heat loss issue from where all the plumbing passes through the floors. It wouldn't be too late to get back in there and spray some if the tank is still empty.

Just trying to help, not add to the aggrevation.
Good luck!

~R

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by RSanders
Is your drywall work done. If so I didn't see any firestop around the plumbing, I hope you used some. If not you'll have a fire hazard/heat loss issue from where all the plumbing passes through the floors. It wouldn't be too late to get back in there and spray some if the tank is still empty.

Just trying to help, not add to the aggrevation.
Good luck!

~R

Explain?

Is this used any time you pass pipes through the floors? IE: with toilet drains, sinks, etc?

And if so, what material is used?

Interesting concept.

OH - and tank is empty and out on my back porch. New tank is in the garage - the paint on the back glass is drying. Plumbing is almost ready. Got 1 more home depot trip for a couple 3/4" elbows and a whole lotta gluing.

[Jamesurq]

OK - so here's the replacement tank for the cracked one:http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1549.JPG

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1550.JPG

[MiddletonMark]

:beer:
That's what I like to see!

[Jamesurq]

I decided not to drill it - and ran the closed loop imput over the top based on Melev's design...

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1551.JPG

[Jamesurq]

here's some of the new plumbing - the old stuff had to be sawed off to get the old tank out... GRRR!!!

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1554.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Plumbed up and WET!

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1556.JPG

[MiddletonMark]

The Melev-style CL works great ... a great solution.

I'm just happy to see you back working on this again :)

[thrlride]

Awesome James! To all reading his log, the day he cracked his tank I got a PM with quite a few expletives! :D

Looks great Jamesurq. You beat me to water. :(

[Mickey]

James: Glad you decided to stick with it and sorry about your setbacks. But, so far, looking good with the new tank.

Nice job!

Mickey

[Jamesurq]

Thanks everyone! - Here's the southdown cloud I created. Searched high and low and finally found a source for a few bags. The plan was to put about 100-150 lbs of sand in it - but decided to go with a single 50 lb bag.
Anyone for a milkshake?


http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1567.JPG

[Jamesurq]

mmmmm... All that frothy goodness....

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1568.JPG

[Jamesurq]

big skimmer working overtime:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1572.JPG

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1570.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Water in the sump starting to clear up a little. Man that skimmer works well!

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1575.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Here are 2 of the 3 pumps.

In the foreground a mak4 (skimmer pump)

In the background, an LG 4 (return)

The LG had a clog in it's line when I first ran it - scared me! Made me think the pump wasn't working. Kept it running for a while and it created so much back pressure that the pipe flew off. Turns out I hadn't glued 2 connections (out of about 100) and the clog was in-between them! Water went flying up all over and after I pulled out the plug I found that the clog was made from an overusage of glue - it had created a complete seal on the pipe. Knife with a long handle, and I had cut the glue out. Resealed and we're good to go. That old LG pump has been a workhorse. loud as hell - but just keeps pumping.
http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1576.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Here's a view of where the overflow/return lines are headed. They go about 30 feet in the crawlspace and up through the floor. Underneath the floor directly under the tank, the Ampmaster pump is hooked up and running... Some really nice flow out of 4 outputs.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1577.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Because of this work on the tank, other priorities have taken a back seat... Like cleaning up the garage....

Oops.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1581.JPG

[Jamesurq]

1 day later - tank is clearing up.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1584.JPG

I attribute this to a couple of things.

1 - good skimmer.

2 - added some small pieces of liverock to the tank to aid in the bacteria production.

[Jamesurq]

closer view:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1585.JPG

Basically just enough sand to keep the bottom covered. I don't want it to be above the bottom black plastic band of the tank - I'd rather not see the worms from the side...

[Jamesurq]

Turned on the Ampmaster 3000 - nice flow with good ripples on the surface:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1592.JPG

[Jamesurq]

a closeup shot in the corner - notice the nice wave patterns.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1597.JPG

[Jamesurq]

The overflow - megaflow setup.

I used my own plumbing - it's actually the stuff I had from the old tank. No point in paying $50 for a couple feet of PVC.. The durso standpipe is setup with a small piece of tissue paper in the large sized hole. I find that this provides plenty of air for flow and softens the sucking sound. It's almost completely silent.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1595.JPG

[Jamesurq]

The water cleared up mostly - so my first attempt at aqauscaping. I felt that I had too much rock in the last setup - so in this first attempt I kept about 40 lbs out of the tank (out of 150 total). This 40 lbs represents 1 rock.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1603.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Here's a better shot of the first attempt. I wasn't happy with it - and it changed about 5 times.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1671.JPG

[Jamesurq]

This next shot shows the canopy that I'm working on (and the final aquascaping).

The canopy that came with the stand was MUCH to short to accommodate the lighting upgrade that I'm installing. The new canopy is about 15 inches tall - more than enough room for the lights.

The canopy (in this shot) is not anywhere near done. Many changes were made to the design. It's actually nearing completion as we speak - this progression is about a day behind...

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1695.JPG

[Jamesurq]

A shot of the rear bracing:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1697.JPG

The canopy is 1/4" plywood over 1X2" poplar.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1698.JPG

[Jamesurq]

The diagonal brace that you see in the front of this picture was just a temporary stabilizer and has been subseqently removed. I just didn't want it falling apart on top of the tank....

:)

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1699.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Here's a pretty good shot of the aquascaping (sorry about me in the glare)... :)

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1702.JPG

[Jamesurq]

and finally a couple of other angles on the scape: this one at 45:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1703.JPG

And this one from one side:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1704.JPG

[Jamesurq]

The canopy is nearing completion.

The stain has been applied (matching AGA cherry stain - thanks AGA!!!) and 2 coats of polyurethane. 1 more coat of poly and we're good to go.

The lights have been installed to the canopy and I'm proud to say we have our first fish. Per request of my daughter and wife, a couple "clown fish".

I'll post pictures of them later....

Until then - I'm gonna finish that canopy!

[5y5tem 0verload]

Man you work fast. I wish my setup was rolling like this. Everything looks great. Again, glad you jumped back in w/ both feet.

[thrlride]

Looks great James!

[thrlride]

You were able to convince your wife to cut all those holes in the wall and floor? I can't even convince my wife to allow me to cut a 1/4" hole in the drywall. Women...

[Jamesurq]

No holes in the floor itself - all the plumbing goes in the wall and through the joists.... No damage to the wood floor....

Here's the completed canopy WITH LIGHTING...Big picture.. Woo hoo:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/BIG%20TANK%20AND%20STAND.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Here's a big shot of the tank alone: I'm liking the lighting. It's super bright with the 400 watter in the middle. Can you see the shadow from the center brace? I can somewhat - but most will miss it unless it's pointed out or they're looking for it specifically:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/TANK%20BIG.JPG

[Jamesurq]

And now a closeup of the first fishy inhabitants:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/Fishies.jpg

[lovetoreef]

great work - not only speedy, but quality! what nice rock - where did you get it?? thanks.

[Jamesurq]

Thanks. The marshall islands stuff I got at the LFS - the deepwater tonga rock ( 4 big pieces on right side of tank) were purchased from exoticfish.com - he called them Vanisi.

[@LVIN]

hi James. just wondering if you ever experienced a "mini-cycle".

nice job anyways!



@LVIN

[Jamesurq]

nope. The rocks had been cooking in tubs for a couple of months - No cycle.

I'm sure that now my lights are operational, I'll start to go through that whole algae cycle again... I'm hoping I can keep it under control like I didn't last time... :)

[@LVIN]

do you still have any fish left from your old tank?


@LVIN

[sdr209]

Great job james, great to see you back up and running, because I don't know how I would be. Well I'm in the process of upgrading to a 90gal from a 29, and I noticed you had a dual 175mh on there, I was wondering was that a decent amount of light for your corals; primarily SPSs? (of course more would have been better, but were the animals happy with 2x175w?)

[melev]

James! What a nice job turning around a really depressing thread! I don't know how you got motivated considering the obstacles I read in this thread and the other.

I cracked up when I read you used one bag of southdown when you couldn't find the amount you wanted.

The tank looks great, and the plumbing looks good. I like your idea about a larger hole in the Durso with a piece of paper towel in there to muffle the sound. I might give that a try on my 280g.

[Mr_Quality]

The tissue paper in the air vent is cute, but I suspect the air flow will likely vary over time as the tissue absorbs moisture and salt creep. Here is my solution, I cut a slit in the top pvc pipe so that I can slide the cap up or down to increase or reduce the size of the air vent.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/mboenisch/Durso_Vent.JPG

I also noticed a few posts back that the water level in your megaflow was very high and your durso intake was almost completely submersed. That appears to be very near it's maximum flow capacity. I'd be nervous that any reduction in flow might result in a flood situation. Would you consider reducing that flow slightly?

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by @LVIN
do you still have any fish left from your old tank?


@LVIN

Nope - all fish, snails, crabs, worms and almost all of the corals perished.

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by sdr209
Great job james, great to see you back up and running, because I don't know how I would be. Well I'm in the process of upgrading to a 90gal from a 29, and I noticed you had a dual 175mh on there, I was wondering was that a decent amount of light for your corals; primarily SPSs? (of course more would have been better, but were the animals happy with 2x175w?)

I had great success with demanding SPS (acros) and clams in the top half of the tank - lower light SPS, LPS and softies did fine anywhere. The new setup has added a 400 watt overdriven Radium in the center - so I'm pretty sure I can put SPS anywhere. If you're looking for success stories with 175 watters look for "playfair". He has a 120 and when you see the pictures you'll see he's done pretty well with them. :)

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by melev
James! What a nice job turning around a really depressing thread! I don't know how you got motivated considering the obstacles I read in this thread and the other.

I cracked up when I read you used one bag of southdown when you couldn't find the amount you wanted.

The tank looks great, and the plumbing looks good. I like your idea about a larger hole in the Durso with a piece of paper towel in there to muffle the sound. I might give that a try on my 280g.

Thanks for joining in - I appreciate the support. I guess I got motivated because I'm so addicted. When you love the hobby this much, the obsticales that come up are just speedbumps.

I'm actually liking the very shallow sandbed. I do have 3 more bags if I wanted to deepen it.. I'm not planning on housing any serious burrowers, and there arent any spots that have so much flow they're bare...

Thanks.

[melev]

I'm glad you are staying addicted. :D Are you going to restart your sand trade process to seed this new sandy substrate?

Stay in the hobby long enough, and you'll see stuff like this occur:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=3995773#post3995773

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by Mr_Quality
The tissue paper in the air vent is cute, but I suspect the air flow will likely vary over time as the tissue absorbs moisture and salt creep. Here is my solution, I cut a slit in the top pvc pipe so that I can slide the cap up or down to increase or reduce the size of the air vent.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/mboenisch/Durso_Vent.JPG

I also noticed a few posts back that the water level in your megaflow was very high and your durso intake was almost completely submersed. That appears to be very near it's maximum flow capacity. I'd be nervous that any reduction in flow might result in a flood situation. Would you consider reducing that flow slightly?

The tissue paper reached full absorption and has continued to perform flawlessly. There have been no fluctuations in the water level. I keep the level high because I want it that way - it has nothing to do with the flow capacity and everything to do with the height of the standpipe. Example: I take the durso out, the overflow empties completely and continues to empty completely as long as the pipe is removed. I could keep the water level lower if I wanted to - but the point of a high standpipe is to avoid any turbulating water and cut down on the noise.

I think your idea of a variable hole is a good one - but it's not what I'm trying to accomplish. Any durso is going to suck air - regardless of how it is adjusted - and this will cause some sound. The tissuepaper provides a muffling to the sucking of air rather successfully.

If you read earlier in the thread, one of my major concerns was noise. The only sound that you hear now is a slight water movement where the surface is agitating and a very slight hum from the pipes vibrating in the wall. With a little insulation I'm confident I can remove the vibration - the water noise is quiet enough to not make me have to pee - so that's fine.

Thanks for the comments!

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by melev
I'm glad you are staying addicted. :D Are you going to restart your sand trade process to seed this new sandy substrate?

Stay in the hobby long enough, and you'll see stuff like this occur:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=3995773#post3995773

I was thinking about another sand trade when the weather gets warmer. For now, I ordered a couple scoops of sand from "Guy". He has a 900 gallon refugium and I gave him some sand from my system during the sand trade.

Cool things in that thread!

[Project Reef]

James, excellent progress. You sure do have a lot of LR in there though. Perhaps you can take out the piece of rock on the far right upper corner. Try visualizing it. You'd end up having a neat sloping reef.

[Jamesurq]

Yeah - I had it like that in one of the attempts. It was a little lacking and really drew focus to the inlet of the closed loop. I'm not a big fan of lots of rock - but the overall structure when viewed from all three sides provides a LOT of mounting space for frags... (hint, hint).. :)

[bugshop]

Hi James,
I'm glad to see you're getting it up an running again.
How's the new GRS club comming?

Timmy

[lebowski]

Dang James.. Sucks to hear about the tank.. I bet the new one will rock hard tasty abs..

Do you still have that 55 or whatever going? (back from the SWF days?)

Good luck on this project!

[horkn]

glad to see you have the tank functional again after your mishaps...


i love the remote sump/fuge idea....i plan on a basement sump myself.. when i get my own house

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by bugshop
Hi James,
I'm glad to see you're getting it up an running again.
How's the new GRS club comming?

Timmy

Club is doing well for being around such a short time. We have 15 members and all are active. The LFS situation around here is relatively weak (sorry Craig). I toured all of them on Tuesday with my family and they all agreed it was pretty sad. There is one store that has potential, but it's not where it needs to be.

How's your group? Maybe we could both meet up half way (say, Columbia? :) )

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by lebowski
Dang James.. Sucks to hear about the tank.. I bet the new one will rock hard tasty abs..

Do you still have that 55 or whatever going? (back from the SWF days?)

Good luck on this project!

Wasup Elvis - the tank I had from SWF days was this original 90 gallon. I have a 50 gallon Oceanic and a 30 gallon AGA out in the garage empty that I plan on incorporating into this system - 50 gallon Xenia and softie growout and 30 gallon algae based refugium. No point in setting them up yet....

I'll get to it in the next couple months though.

Thanks for tagging along.

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by horkn
glad to see you have the tank functional again after your mishaps...


i love the remote sump/fuge idea....i plan on a basement sump myself.. when i get my own house

Good luck with your setup. I really wish I had a basement - this crawlspace with a dirt floor is not fun to work in!

[horkn]

Originally posted by Jamesurq
Good luck with your setup. I really wish I had a basement - this crawlspace with a dirt floor is not fun to work in!

until then i will make due with my 35g tank, which by most standards has just started..

yeah, i worked at my dads plumbing shop for a few years, one too many crawlspaces for me.....

[IMPERATORFAN]

Nice setup. What K is your 400W at? That's the exact kind of blue/white mix I'd like to get on my next round of bulbs.

Scot

[Jamesurq]

The 400 Watter is a 20k Radium - and it's overdriven with a 430W High Pressure Sodium ballast (HQI). With a standard ballast, the Radium is very blue.

It's actually quite fun watching the lights warm up. Instantly, the 2 65W PC actinics come on and as the 10K ushios warm up everything gets really yellow. Then the radium comes on and get's blue. As it and the ushios get to their full strength, the tank color gets to a perfect balance (in my opinion)...

[datman422]

hI James I have been flowing your thread a couple days of now and I think you are doing a great job. I too and in the process of upgrading to a 150 gal. I started the set up around the same time you did and I am pretty much at the same stage you are now. It seems from time to time that things do happen the way you plan it, but its alway ok to redo and restart. I am in the process of resetting up my close loop and I am changing my design to Melev CL. Since we are in the same boat, any input from you on my thread would be most grateful . oh, I also have a buddy reefer that is setting up a 90 gal within the next few weeks. He is currently gather the material and supplies to do the upgrade. thx

Dat-

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=491195

[Jamesurq]

Thanks. I commented on yours - looks like a good project. Going with acrylic gives you the easy drilling option. Buy a 1 - 3/4" drill bit and a bunch of bulkheads...

I tried it on a glass tank - and if you read about half way through this thread you'll see how successful I was... :(

[RGibson]

Jamesurq- you need to put a pvc pipe cut long ways 2 in dia work and put it over the cross bar to keep the heat off of it or it will brake.

[Jamesurq]

I was going to use a few ceramic tiles - I like your idea too...

[RGibson]

With the pvc pipe you will have air moving through it to help to cool it much better.

[Jamesurq]

ahh - I see. But wouldn't ceramic have a much better cooling capacity than pvc?

Perhaps I'll suspend the ceramic tile on small pvc risers?

[obcr12000]

Jamesurq - nice job! i especially like what you've done with the front corners of your tank! looks good

[Jamesurq]

Thanks! I'm getting there. Ordered a cleanup crew - it'll be here on Wednesday. Meanwhile, I"m running the lights so they'll have something to eat... Stupid - I know, but you have to order enough for free shipping...

[RGibson]

pvc risers will work make sure the ceramic tile are of light color

[Slartibartfast]

Interesting thread!

However, I am curious. How did a "tripped breaker" cause such a catastrophic failure? Did it happen while you were on vacation?

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by Slartibartfast
Interesting thread!

However, I am curious. How did a "tripped breaker" cause such a catastrophic failure? Did it happen while you were on vacation?

Yes.

BTW - love the logon ID - didn't you win an award for Norway?

[Slartibartfast]

Regarding the login id -- it used to be something that was fairly guaranteed not to be taken on forums. But alas, that is not true anymore. I'm looking forward to the HHGTTG movie coming out soon.

But about your tank disaster. I don't mean to be morbid, but I would like to have a few more details. How long was the breaker off? What was the temp in the room? I'm trying to determine how long a reef can survive without power.

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by Slartibartfast
Regarding the login id -- it used to be something that was fairly guaranteed not to be taken on forums. But alas, that is not true anymore. I'm looking forward to the HHGTTG movie coming out soon.

But about your tank disaster. I don't mean to be morbid, but I would like to have a few more details. How long was the breaker off? What was the temp in the room? I'm trying to determine how long a reef can survive without power.

My dad just got me the British import CD HHGTTG Tertiary Phase. Apparently hard to get here.... Pretty cool.

As far as the tank disaster details, I was not there - it was being housed at a friends house. I can tell you though that my tank was heavily stocked and it probably didn't take long for the situation to get pretty rough. I would say oxygen was the big factor as it occurred in a room that would have allowed a comfortable temperature to exist....

Anyways - enough about the past. I'm all about the rebuild..

[Jamesurq]

So basically, there is still a little humming from pipes and the pump entering the crawlspace. I thought on this for a while and went with the new version of "great stuff" spray foam. This newer version never completely hardens. It stays relatively squishy and pliable. This should provide some signifcant vibration absorbtion:

Just a word of warning - this stuff is VERY STICKY AND MESSY!! As you can see I made a mess. It took half a bottle of nail polish remover to get my hands clean.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1766.JPG

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1765.JPG

[Jamesurq]

It may not look pretty - but it's definately cut down on the vibration noise... Now it's the damn Hamilton ballasts that I'm going to have to deal with next.

[Jamesurq]

Here's the solution to the potential heat issues with the Radium above the crossbrace. It's 10" above the plastic crossbrace so the heat level was so bad to begin with. I bought 3/8" thick ceramic tile and glued it with a couple small dabs of goop. (just in case I knock it and it drops in the tank and crushes a coral).

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1762.JPG

[Jamesurq]

It's got a small air pocket (through the layering of 2 tiles) under it - right about where the center of the Radium is.... Good enough.

The other concern was the proximity of the Radium to the front vertical wooden brace of the canopy. Approximately 1.5" from the tip of the Radium. So I added another ceramic tile in that space also: It's visable on the left side of this picture.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1763.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Now what you may, or may not have noticed from my initial pictures of the canopy was that there were no doors on the front. It's entirely flat. The top doesn't open, and the canopy doesn't hindge open like a piano. So how does it open?

The entire front comes off - trim and all. 1 solid piece, weighing almost nothing because it's only 1/4" plywood. It's held there by being an exact fit.

Ok - so it was fitting perfectly for a shile but with the heat, it was starting to bow slightly and the middle section was coming away from the vertical brace... So:

Simple solution: a magnetic latch (designed for Hifi cabinets with glass doors) and a strip of metal on the "door" and we're good to go:

Latch:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1768.JPG

Metal Strip:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/DSCF1769.JPG

[AJP]

Nice feet

[Lunchbucket]

DANG!! great job on getting up and going again.

can't wait to see more pics of it soon!

Lunchbucket

[melev]

Very creative ideas. I like the use of ceramic tile, btw.

[Jamesurq]

Thanks everyone. Especially Adamjonpeterson - I'm very proud of my feet. ;)

[AJP]

sorry i couldnt help it, I get my feet in the cam all the time also

[Jamesurq]

Just be thankful I had my socks on.

[datman422]

LETS GET A TOE SHOT. LOL

[chrali]

James, let me know when you start to put corals in. I'll have a small frag or two for you. Thats one heck of a project. Great thread!

[Jamesurq]

Thanks chris. I'll be putting corals in pretty soon. I'm actually getting my cleanup crew this week, setting up the autotopoff tonight, and I'm gonna do an order from Dr. Mac next week... :)

[mcichows]

Did you build the canopy all together or use some of the pieces from your old canopy???

ALso, you are running 2 175MH and 1 400MH?

Where are the fans and what did you decide to do for the fan noise?? Thanks

ALso, I don't get this closed loop stuff???? Whats the difference between CL and the usual single return?

Thanks James

[steve.bridges]

nice work man (apart from the spray foam looks like a 2 year old did it:D )
Keep it up and good luck!

[melev]

<b>mcichows</b>, the best way to understand a closed loop is to see one. Try this out. It was created so I could remove the powerheads in my 29g.

http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by mcichows
Did you build the canopy all together or use some of the pieces from your old canopy???

ALso, you are running 2 175MH and 1 400MH?

Where are the fans and what did you decide to do for the fan noise?? Thanks

ALso, I don't get this closed loop stuff???? Whats the difference between CL and the usual single return?

Thanks James

Used the top and bottom trim pieces from the old canopy - just basically replaced the face pieces..

Yep - running those MH lights.

No fans in the canopy yet. Running at about 80 degrees if you trust the cheapo digital heater I'm using - or 76 if you trust the heater built into my wonpro heater.. :rolleyes: who knows... Maybe it's 78.

Check Marc's thread on the closed loop - it's basically the basis for what I did. I ran 2 inputs and 4 outputs but other than that, it's the same.

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by steve.bridges
nice work man (apart from the spray foam looks like a 2 year old did it:D )
Keep it up and good luck!


Yeah - well.... It's not as easy as you would think. Damn stuff is sticky too. It's the new formula which doesn't hold as strongly as the old stuff - ie: falls over and doesn't hold it's shape as well... However, with it not hardening completely, it's really cut down on the vibration.

Seeing as I've had 3 2 year olds - and another about to hit 2, I did a MUCH better job than they would have... A 7 year old? maybe..:)

[melev]

http://www.melevsreef.com/g/lmao.gif

[AJP]

I am 25 and it looks better than anything I could do, spray foam kicks my butt. Usually end up foaming myself to something. Oh crap I've said to much already, i will be quite now

[Jamesurq]

I didn't want to say it - but I did foam my pointer and index fingers together. :)

[AJP]

Maybe we should start a support group Inept Foamers Anonymous

[melev]

<b><font size="5">IFA - Join today!!</font></b>

[AJP]

Since I thought of it do I get to be like the president or something? I have never been the president of anything before.

[peacetypes6]

nice work so far

[Aqua_expert19]

insane how much did the hole setup cost???? I would like to have you come over and do that for me!!!!

[Jamesurq]

Thanks.

A few bucks. If you're interested in what a specific item cost, I can do that for you. I'm not sure I'd like to tally it all up..

:)

[Jamesurq]

For what it's worth - based on some reading I purchased a couple of these fans:

http://us.st7.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/directron_1826_267964554

Directron Silencer 80mm fans.. ($8 each) - 20 dB.

I was going to go without - but with a 128 degree canopy temperature (assuming I can trust the thermometer (that's another thread :rolleyes: ) it's probably a necessity.

[Aqua_expert19]

ya i wouldnt eather:) I am curious to know how much that tank cost with the built in over flow?? That is an awsome tank! Your setup is already unbeleivable. Also i dont get how your tank had a meltdown if you dont mind could you explain? ive never heard of it happening. THanks and keep up the good work

[Jamesurq]

Ok - so on to the topoff system.

Here's the 6 stage RODI unit with the automatic switch and 3 gallon tank sitting in the crawlspace:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/RODI.JPG

[Jamesurq]

the waste pipe runs out of the crawlspace and feeds into a gutter spout (which outputs on the driveway)

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/RODI 2.JPG

[Jamesurq]

the output from the RODI unit feeds into the sump room:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/RODI 3.JPG

[Jamesurq]

It runs through this room and out to the garage where a rubbermaid garbage can awaits...

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/RODI%204.JPG

I could have put it in the small room (with some shoehorning) but for 2 reasons I said no:

1 - it was full and heavy.
2 - I'm lazy.

[Jamesurq]

Allright - so inside the tub is a kent floatvalve to keep it full, and a maxijet 900 to feed the tank (tried a maxijet 400 but it wasn't quite enough)

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/RODI%205.JPG

Just an FYI - the white stuff in the tank is coralline flaking off the maxijet... soon to be dead..

[Jamesurq]

The maxijet pump runs back into the sump room and feeds this handy dandy ghetto style kalk mixer. It's the top of a Christmas wrapping paper rubbermaid container. It has a 1" bulkhead connected to the side (at the bottom) with a valve glued to it.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/RODI%206.JPG

[Jamesurq]

Inside the ghetto kalk mixer is the overflow to the tank - it looks like some type of carlson surge device, but it's not. Basically, the premise is that the water spills in with the MJ900 pump and stirrs up the kalk. The water level reaches the top of the container and flows into the pipe. The kalk at the bottom and the foam on the top shouldn't ever enter the pipe.

Oh - and it didn't really show up - theres a small hole drilled in the top of the U shaped pipe ( so it doesn't syphon like a carlson surge :) )

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/RODI%207.JPG

I haven't put any kalk in there yet (obviously)...

[Jamesurq]

Here's the unit that tells the maxijet when to turn on:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/RODI%208.JPG

It's a reeffanatic level controller.

And here's the two float switches that tell the unit when the water gets too low:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/RODI%209.JPG

Why 2? If one fails, the other one still works... If they both fail? The maxijet pump will put probably 10 gallons maximum and then run dry - it's situated near the surface of the rubbermaid garbage can. From there it's only capable of putting whatever capacity the RODI unit can put out (supposed to be 75 GPD - but nowhere near that).

That's if the pump doesn't burn out... :)

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by Aqua_expert19
ya i wouldnt eather:) I am curious to know how much that tank cost with the built in over flow?? That is an awsome tank! Your setup is already unbeleivable. Also i dont get how your tank had a meltdown if you dont mind could you explain? ive never heard of it happening. THanks and keep up the good work

Thanks - the tank itself with the builtin overflow was $230. The tank basically died because of a power issue. Without circulation an overstocked fishtank won't last long. When a few fish die they'll spike the ammonia levels such that EVERYTHING dies...

Appreciate the words of encouragement.. :)

[Aqua_expert19]

ok thanks!!! Im sorry about that but it looks like that your 90 gallon is turing into a 900 gallon with all the do dats and what nots so your looking good in my book for overstocking with coral. Your tank is awsome it has been a pleasure reading and folloing along and has givin me ideas when i move out of my parents house being that i am still in highschool that i might try the same thing.. but to a lesser extent

[Jamesurq]

I'm definitely into the do dats and what nots. I'm working on getting a few thingamajigs and whatchamacallits - but you know, patience is important in this hobby. :)

[mcichows]

James,

Where did you learn all that plumbing????

How'd you think of drilling a hole to stop the syphon in that top off system???

Just when I think I will put a remote sump/return I see something here I never would have thought of.

How do you get the holes in the rubbermaids without them leaking?? Is that just a 1"bulkhead with heavy silicone or do you use something else?????

[Jamesurq]

Originally posted by mcichows
James,

Where did you learn all that plumbing????

How'd you think of drilling a hole to stop the syphon in that top off system???

Just when I think I will put a remote sump/return I see something here I never would have thought of.

How do you get the holes in the rubbermaids without them leaking?? Is that just a 1"bulkhead with heavy silicone or do you use something else?????


Learned to plumb things installing pools one summer after highschool. But really, if you ever did things like Legos or other construction sets, you could figure out plumbing. It's easy.

The drilling of a hole to stop the syphon was basically an adaptation of the Durso standpipe.

The rubbermaid is just a 1" bulkhead - no silicone... You don't need it.

[Jamesurq]

Ok - so jumping in with 3 feet here:

Cleanup crew arrives Wednesday,
Spiked livesand arrives Wednesday,
18 SPS frags and a RBTA from Dr. Mac arrive Wednesday
All my leftover corals from my old tank arrive Saturday.

Nothing like taking it slow huh? :)

[thrlride]

James, did you ever buy those fans? I bought a pair of 120 mm fans compusa DC fans that are very quiet. They move a decent amount of air and are virtually silent. The SKU is 299936.

[thrlride]

Oops, I just saw where you bought some fans. Sorry about that.

[Jamesurq]

yeah. Thanks though. I'm still waiting on them. Hopefully, they get here before the corals do. If not - no problem. I have a couple of noisy old Radioshack fans I can fit temporarily..

[bugshop]

Originally posted by Jamesurq
Ok - so jumping in with 3 feet here:

Cleanup crew arrives Wednesday,
Spiked livesand arrives Wednesday,
18 SPS frags and a RBTA from Dr. Mac arrive Wednesday
All my leftover corals from my old tank arrive Saturday.

Nothing like taking it slow huh? :)

Slow...What's that? LOL

[bugshop]

Originally posted by Jamesurq
Club is doing well for being around such a short time. We have 15 members and all are active. The LFS situation around here is relatively weak (sorry Craig). I toured all of them on Tuesday with my family and they all agreed it was pretty sad. There is one store that has potential, but it's not where it needs to be.

How's your group? Maybe we could both meet up half way (say, Columbia? :) )

How many meetings have you had?

We'll be havng our 3rd next week at the PassPro shop
they have an 11,000 gal salt tank that one of our LFS owners
looks after.
We've had 11 and 12 at our first two meetings, not a bad start
especially over the hollidays.

I've been to most of the LFS in your area
and they seem decent, average anyway, my kids liked the
one with the ray tank.

I was loking at a job offer in that area about 1.5 years ago
that is still a possibility in the near future.

Did you know Anthony Calfo will be in
Cola. for the Feb. CMAC meeting?
I don't make it to many CMAC meetings
now that I'm living in Surfside Beach.

Timmy

[Jamesurq]

you'll get PM. Don't want to clog this thread up too much..

[Jamesurq]

OK - so 3 things came today:

The spiked livesand (from "guy")
18 SPS frags and 1 RBTA (from Dr. Mac)
Cleanup crew (from Reeftopia)

Consisting of:
100 micro bluelegs
12 Astrea snails
12 Cerith snails
2 Peppermint shrimp
12 Nassarius snails
1 fighting conch

Here's some pictures of all the stuff (the real reason anyone looks at this thread at all).. :)

[Jamesurq]

Here's the conch:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20-%20Fighting.jpg

Some of the hermits
http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20Hermits.jpg

Some of the snails - covered in hair algae :rolleyes: Won't matter - the hermits will kill them and eat the algae in no time. :)

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20Snails.jpg

[Jamesurq]

Here's some of the scarlet hermits.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20hermits%20-%20scar.jpg

Funny thing. One of the little blue hermits must have come in without a shell - he grabbed an old feather duster tube and made it his home... Hard to see in the picture.. Still getting used to this camera. Plus the hermit is VERY small.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20hermit%20-%20worm.jpg

[Jamesurq]

Allrighty - so, I ordered the (9 for $99) frag deal from Dr. Mac - two of them.

They're all nice sized. Some are suprisingly big. Most are a little stressed from shipping - but there are no obvious RTN's or such yet.

I took a few pictures of some of them - it's really difficult to capture the colors. I need to mess with the white balance..

None of them were identified as anything other than either "acro" or "stag". Feel free to let me know what you think they are.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20frag1.jpg

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20-%20frag2.jpg

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20-%20frag3.jpg

[Jamesurq]

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20-%20frag4.jpg

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20-%20frag5.jpg

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20-%20frag6.jpg

[Jamesurq]

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20-%20frag7.jpg

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20-%20frag8.jpg

[Jamesurq]

Here's a look at the tank during acclimation:

The left side:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20bags%20lt.jpg

The right side:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20bags%20rt.jpg

[Aqua_expert19]

very nice

[kenny77]

wow that a lot of stuff floating there

[Jamesurq]

And finally, an updated full tank shot:



http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank/NEW%20-%20FULL.jpg

[neuroracer]

Looking full there. ;)

[Jamesurq]

yeah right - 18 frags and it's barely made a dent...

I get back my other corals on Saturday, then a couple more fish.

Then I'm hitting up Peter for a few frags.

[jun41]

Where's the RBTA?

[melev]

:thumbsup:

[Jamesurq]

3 guesses.

:rolleyes:

Under a rock in the back. If you squint, hold your head up on one side and bend over - you still can't see it. ;)

[bugshop]

Nice James,
I love frags:)
They'll look nice when they grow in.
Some of them are nice size for that price.
I may have to look into getting some.

Timmy

[thrlride]

I am so jealous. Good news is we might be moving in to a house if February or March. I'll be there soon!

Loookin' good Jamesurq!

[Kip]

looking great james... soon there will be a couple more items in there .... some quite familiar from your old tank :)

[Jamesurq]

thanks guys. Any ID attempts on the SPS frags? Kip - you're the master of SPS IDs...

[niko5]

Looks really great im glad you got the tank back up and going.

On your ID's im 99% sure all those are Acro (sp.) hehe :)

[Kip]

my WAGS
1. noblis
2. too small
3. dunno
4. maybe nasuta
5. possbily abratonaides
6. maybe a browned secale
7. looks a lot like my rosaria
8. a. blurryedness (i dunno, but it looks heavily fused)

my guess on all of these is that they are gonna change colors dramatically... and of course all will be easier to ID as they age.

considering i probably got all of them wrong... you still think i am an ID master? :)

[Jamesurq]

thanks. Good enough. The acropora dunno is a new one - never heard of it.:)

Looks like 2 frags didn't make it - no polyp extension. I'm sure you're right about the color shift - these are basically wild frags that have sat in a prop system for a few months.

[Kip]

dont toss new frags based on polyp extension... leave them until you see algae growin on them (or tissue necrosis).. then toss em (or frag a healthy part if available)... i have had several arrive via shipment that were in horrible shape only to spring back in a month or two.... no instant gratification, but i know of two specimens i am glad i didnt give up on.

[Jamesurq]

will do... Hey - they look bluish with the actinics on. :)

[Kip]

yeah.. thats a good way to tell if a coral is dead or not... shine some actinics at it... even a bleached acro will flouresce a tad.

when the tissue is gone.. you wont get a reflection... that and the coraline or other algae will start to accumulate

you have a source for some orange digi and green digi yet... i have some pieces i need to snip

[Jamesurq]

I'll take em!

Oh - and there's always photoshop if the color doesn't look right.
;)

[Kip]

i am just gonna bag up as much as i can and you can keep what ya like and trade what ya dont... some of my stuff just isnt mature enough to go clipping yet... but you know where i live :)

[datman422]

I can truly understand your joy about now. We are neck and neck with your set and yours is look good everyday. I love the aquarscaping. and as for the top off system. good job. I too am plan to start some kind of top off and your posting has given me a got of ideas. Of course you will be credited. And as for drill my 150, I think that will have to wait for another project. Keep those pics coming. Oh, did you have to cycle the spike sand or, did you just put it in when you got the batch of livestock?

[Jamesurq]

Thanks. Happy you're able to get ideas from this thread. The sand was just thrown in with the livestock. Nobody seemed to mind the temporary sandstorm.

Picking up another 11 SPS corals tomorrow morning - these are all tank raised - some ORA, some not - but all aquacultured. I'm gonna have to stick with true 2nd and 3rd generation from now on....

Then Kips coming over with what's left of my tank's corals... Then i'm done with the coral phase...

Couple more fish, shrimp, and a clam or two and I'm completely stocked...

[datman422]

I too had spike sand and was a little paranoid, so I cycle my tank for 2 weeks, However, it there wasnt any stress on your side, that great. I see that your line of work allows you to be next to the PC all the time too ha. I love my job. "Surfing reefcentral"

[Jamesurq]

Found a hitchiker - must have made his way with the frags? Not sure. I didn't see him on there - and all the water I got with the frags was discarded...

He's a little shrimpy.. At first I thought he might be a pistol shrimp - I had a pair of them that lived in an old acro colony back in the day - but he's on his own and doesn't have the pistols. He has 2 sharp claws and no color to speak of - basically clear. He's close to an inch long and pretty fat.

This picture is horrible - he's hiding inbetween 2 branches of an acro. All you can really make out is his little green eyes..>:)

http://reefmonkey.com/images/fishtank/shrimpy.JPG

[thrlride]

James,

How do you like your closed loop setup? Is there anything you would do differently?

How many lbs of rock do you think you have?

[Jamesurq]

I'm liking the closed loop setup a lot. Easy - and no drilling. I wouldn't change a thing. I love the fact that the pump itself is in the crawlspace.

If I were to do something different, I suppose I would save up some extra money and get the OM current switcher...

Oh - by the way, got about 50 more corals today!:)

12 REALLY Nice SPS from a member here. Plus Kip came over and gave me all the survivors from my tank plus a WHOLE bunch of frags from his stock.

I'm pretty much all set on corals now.

My laptop died earlier today so I'm working on fixing it (so I can post pictures). Can't get it to boot up....

More soon!

[AJP]

Look forward to seeing more pictures

[niteshado]

Very nice to see that everything is progressing on your rebuilding. Great info on this thread.
thanks Larry

[Jamesurq]

OK - well, turns out my hydrometer was WAY off. Thankfully, Kip was able to bring over his refractometer (something I've been putting off buying) and let me know how bad it was...

Working on loading up the coral pictures now. Should have them up in about a half hour...

[Jamesurq]

Allrighty then - here's the pictures:

This first one is one of my original corals from my old tank. This brain has gone through some serious bleaching, then some extended stress from being hosted by clowns. It's nice to have a few corals from the old tank to remind me...

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1923.jpg

Nice piece from Pi:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1924.jpg

Here's another original piece of froggy. It was a very large colony that had some head losses - it was fragged into 7 or 8 pieces. I'm keeping 2 and trading out the rest.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1929.jpg

[Jamesurq]

Here's a nice little birdie from Kip:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1932.jpg

A green slimer.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1933.jpg

Blue Milli.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1934.jpg

Couple of digitatas. On the montipora front kip hooked me up with a green, orange and brown digi, and a purple, green, orange, and tan with purple edge cap - that and a few more plating corals...

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1938.jpg

[Jamesurq]

Sweet little red with blue tipped prostrata.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1941.jpg

Very hairy green milli... (bleached a little during acclimation - it'll come back though)..

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1942.jpg

This is another original piece - this pagoda cup is really a cup... Unlike a lot of these, the growth patter is really deep. I've had this one since the beginning - just over 3 years ago... It's making a baby on one side - we'll see how long that takes to make a viable second head...

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1943.jpg

[Jamesurq]

Here's a nice plater with blue polyps...

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1944.jpg

Little pink pocci...

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1946.jpg

The Cali Tortuosa.

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1947.jpg

Pinkie from Pi:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1949.jpg

[Jamesurq]

Rose Milli:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1950.jpg

Purple monti

http://reefmonkey.com/images/New%20fishtank%202/Dscf1974.jpg


That's it for now. There's about 30 or more others that I didn't get to - the whole zoo and ricordea section was skipped (not sure why)..

Bottom line - I'm done buying corals...

Need a couple little fish and I'm fully stocked...:)

Then it's just a matter of letting it grow and keeping the corals trimmed...

Thanks for reading/looking... :)

[thrlride]

Nice! How far off was your salinity?

All those gadgets and you haven't bought a refractometer yet?

[Jamesurq]

yeah, yeah... It was a little high.... Couple of ppt.

:o

[Jamesurq]

Anyone reccommend a cheap refractometer?

Also - here are the fish I am considering:

Green clown goby
Pair of banggai cardinal
Lemon Peel angel
Royal Gramma
Shrimp/Goby pair.
Copperband Butterfly....

I want to keep the fish relatively small and reef safe - so the angel and butterfly might not make the cut unless I see a really nice and small specimin at the LFS...

We'll see...

[carpetride]

I got one from drsfostersmith for $35 bucks for christmas. Like everyone seems to find out my swingarm was off by several points---probably explains a few things that I could never figure out. Now I wonder how I went so long without one!

[Kip]

maybe hold off on the clown goby til your frags mature

[pi]

James - Frags are looking good in your tank! Most seemed to hold their colour well. However, what you have labeled a rose milli looks like another piece of the pink stylo....

Glad you liked them and looking forward to more pics!!!

[Jamesurq]

Good point on the goby Kip.... And Pi - you're right, it's the extra pieces of the stylo, I attached the wrong picture...

Thanks guys. I couldn't have done it without you.

[tsquad]

Heres that bump you wanted lol

[Jamesurq]

Couple of new updated full tank shots:

http://reefmonkey.com/images/new%20fishtank%203/Fullshot.jpg

http://reefmonkey.com/images/new%20fishtank%203/Dscf1997.jpg

http://reefmonkey.com/images/new%20fishtank%203/Dscf1998.jpg

[melev]

That looks awesome, and taking full tank shots is tough! I was concerned when you told me you had added 50 corals, but since you mean 50 future colonies I'm happy for you. :thumbsup:

[Purple Haze]

Nice

[Jamesurq]

Thanks - yeah, it's all about the frags.

[Kip]

looks like the cup and brain are getting use to their old home again rather speedily

keep an eye out for bleaching... going from two 75w vhos to a 400w hqi radium is a pretty big step

how about the frags... all of them keeping their tissue well?
getting any color change already?

looking good
good luck

[Jamesurq]

Thanks Kip - the color is doing great - none of the wild frags are doing much of anything and all the aquacultured stuff is holding well.

The cup and brain seem to stretch out for light with the PC's and 10k 175's but shrink back down when the 400Watter comes online. I'm keeping it on for 7 hours, with the 10k's on for 12 and the Actinics on for 14.

Everything seems to be good. I fixed the return flow with the locline splitter and finally got my testkits from custom aquatic. DKH was 8 and calcium was at least 500 (salifert kit maxes out at 500) I hit a half tablespoon of bicarb in there to hopefully balance it out a little.

I'll check it the same time tonight. I'm guessing it's a little more reasonable...

[Kip]

used oceanic to start the tank?
seems oceanic is getting higher and higher in Ca (it not a big deal on an established system and only doing water changes, but on a new one or one with light Ca load its a little worry-some)
that bi-carb (assuming its the bald guy with the large bicep) 1teas per 50g will raise dkh by 1 if ya didnt know... you may have read my blabber on this at maa w/devilboy.. but if not, he is in the same boat.... at any rate.. once that dkh hits about 11 and assuming you are adding no more Ca... you Ca will probably fall to 440ish (once again.. excuse the lesson if you already knew all of this) :)

what lights did Pi have over that tenius frag? I think i am managing to bleach mine a little. Otherwise its doing great... FPE and all.

[Kip]

oh yeah... and if you wanna go above 500 on that sali-kit... just read the syringe and add the result to 500 (would be a waste of test kit IMO... not like you can do anything more with a 550 reading than you can with a 500 reading)

[Jamesurq]

Yeah - I actually did read that blurb with eric. I figured a half table is about 1.5 teaspoons - just a slight bump. I'll keep bumping slowly until I'm where I should be.

Pi had 250W DE 14k bulbs. Not sure if there was any other supplement. They did spend a while in the bag - so that might be just stress related.. They are pretty frags huh?

[Kip]

awesome frag... i think i got the same species of tenius from chad.. it was a wildie though-went dark

hopefully this frag wont.. .and it shouldnt since captive raised

mine is basically a pearl color with blue ends and orange axials...its just fading a little... i have mine pretty high under 250w DEs AB 20ks

teaspoon is 5ml and a tablespoon is 15ml... bumping by 1dkh/day should be safe... i have gone up by 2dkh/day, but that was my own risk :) (that and an "always on" milwaukee pH meter was talking to me the whole time )

[Jamesurq]

Yeah - I figured about 75 gallons of actual water. Maybe closer to 90 with my sump....

Always the side of caution...

[Kip]

yeah... ever get an accurate temp reading... i havent taken a reading with that handheld i used on your tank since i left your place... maybe i should do that tonite so you'd know if that 27*C was accurate

[Kip]

looking back.. what did we convert 27*C to in *F... was it 84???

i just used the converter here and it says 27*C = 80*F

(or was 27 even the reading we got on your tank?)

[Jamesurq]

pretty sure the reading was 29 - 84 degrees...

I'm relatively comfortable that I'm staying close to 80. I've been watching the 2 heaters and the Ebo doesn't go on generally (set to 77) and the Won Pro runs at night only (set to 79)

I'm not sure your temp probe is accurate... Then again, I have no idea.

[Kip]

i just tested that TDS/thermometer against my other tanks at lunch....

(other instruments include aqualogic temp controllers, won digital heaters, and an old school floating thermometer)

seems as if the TDS/thermometer i used on your water was off by 1*C which translates to 2-3*F

not that you seemed worried, but no need to wonder about my reading anymore.

[Jamesurq]

off in the high direction? IE: your 84 is actually 81? - I hope?!??

[Kip]

hah... breathe in.. breathe out.....

yeah.. it was high... you were actually running around 81 at the time of testing

thinking about it.... that meter should give a reading to at least 1 decimal.... there is a decent difference b/w 27 and 28*C... i never use that thing as a thermometer anyways

at any rate... its all good.... no worries

[Jamesurq]

Yeah - not worried. I'm probably one of the most "not worried" reefers out there... :)

Haven't even ordered a refractometer yet... :)

[Kip]

"not worried reefer"

i have more anxiety now than ever with tanks in the house

this hobby is supposed to be relaxing.. hah

maybe thats the wrong reefer hobby :(

[Jamesurq]

yeah - no kidding.

Working on that one..... it's harder to find than a cheap Lordhowensis...

[Kip]

dont you have some extra LOA lights sitting around?

[Jamesurq]

Yeah I do.... hmmmmm..... They're mangroves honey - yeah, that's it...;)

[Kip]

you oughtta be ashamed

[Jamesurq]

I'm too busy to be ashamed...:)

[Kip]

so when do you guys wanna have another suare

i have no idea how to spell "swah-ray"

[Jamesurq]

Kip - we're in the south - it's a hootenanny or a hoedown.

I guess though it would be in appropriate of me to ask you when you want to have your hoedown.... Your wife wouldn't appreciate it..>:)