240 Gallon Cube Tank Photo Diary

[sonofgaladriel]

Well, the stand is done (see other thread) and I'm awaiting the completion of the tank. Here are the first pics of its fabrication. Again, it will be 4'x4'x2' tall with a central back overflow, and as you can see, many returns on two closed loops. Open top, no bracing. I'll post more as I receive them.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/cubebulkheads.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/starting-off.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/1inch-acrylic.jpg

[IsThisNameTaken?]

After seeing that stand I'm so freakin excited I can hardly breath!!! OMG!!! I'm hyperventilating!!!

**passes out and falls out of chair**

[cward]

Looks awesome!!! I'm getting ready to do an acrylic tank with the same dimensions.
What lighting do you plan on using?

[sonofgaladriel]

:eek1: I sure hope you're okay and didn't smack your head on anything during the fall :D
I don't think that even I'm quite that excited. Unless of course you're being sarcastic ;)
It has been alot of fun planning this tank and building the stand.

[sonofgaladriel]

I'm considering using some pendant lighting of some sort to keep the open top access. I will probably go with 4 250 watt halides and some VHOs or T5s of some kind.
My goal is to keep it totally open so I have an unobstructed view of the entire tank from the top, giving me a tidepool look as well as the standard view from three sides.

[scolymia11111]

Hey bro, that is awesome. Since I am working on a similar project I have a few questions if you don't mind.

I would love to get the open top you did, I have always shot for that look, however I am doing glass so its nearly impossible. Why did you choose acrylic?

Are you worried about the bulkheads on the bottom of the tank, as well as those toward the bottom of the back panel?

Looks like an incredible project, I am incredibly excited to watch this thread develop I know it has to be killing you =).

What are you plans for sump, and other equipment?

[sonofgaladriel]

I debated for several months on choice of materials, starphire glass or acrylic. I decided on acrylic due to its clarity, flexibility with design and the drilling of holes, and probably most notably because of the great local fabricator we have here in town. All in all, he's buidling me this custom cube for less than most glass manufacturers would for just plain old iron glass! Also, with the extra thickness of the acrylic, I knew I could get the complete open top I desired.
Initially, I was a little apprehensive about the floor mounted bulkheads, but several members here on RC have done it and it works well. The priority was having flow directed back towards the overflow box, yet being able to hide the plumbing. So, underneath it went.
Having bulkheads in the floor or low in the tank walls really isn't any different. If the bulkheads are tight, and the plumbing secure, it won't leak. All bulkheads that are below water level will be hooked up to closed loop systems, so they can't drain anywhere and cause a flood. The only bad thing that could happen is if a pump seal starts to fail. With ball valves directly before and after each pump, stopping the water to that pump will be easy and I've heard that pump seals, if they go bad, start to leak very slowly and I should notice long before there is any real issue with water loss. I am hoping that this decision doesn't come back to haunt me.
I'm still looking for the right sump. It will be simple, basically just an older glass or acrylic aquarium, say a 40 or 60 gallon breeder, with enough room for the skimmer and some macro. With the design of the overflow box and the durso standpipes, if power goes out, this tank should only drain about 2 gallons of water down into the sump. I'll make sure the sump can handle that extra volume.
I'll be running Sequence Darts (3600gph each) on the closed loops and a GenX 35 (990 gph) for the return pump. I chose these pumps due to their decent water volume turnover AND their low wattage consumption. Getting around 8000 gph turnover for only 400 watts usage is pretty good.
Still making last minute decisions on the lighting and what to use for random flow.
Still looking for the right skimmer. Probably going to get an ASM G4 or 5 once I've saved up enough.
I already have a calcium reactor.
I think that's about it. What did I miss?

[JVHam]

http://www.triggersys.com/index.html
These are by far the nicest bekett skimmers I have seen.
http://triggersys.com/images/ts800.jpg

[maxima2k2]

where did you get your bulkhead and your tank

[sonofgaladriel]

Not much progress to report right now. All four sides are together and flush routed. The overflow box and bottom should go on this weekend. I'll post more pics as they come. Several of my jacuzzi jet style bulkheads are on back order and this will delay me about 2 weeks.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/finished-box.jpg

[sonofgaladriel]

More progress made tonight. All four sides and the overflow box have been installed. Bottom is going on tomorrow. All edges should be routed and polished tomorrow, as well as drains and several bulkheads drilled and installed.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/overflow-in.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/OFB-top-view.jpg

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by maxima2k2
where did you get your bulkhead and your tank
I've ordered these bulkheads:
http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/subsubcategorypage.asp?subcatindexid=pf-tj-t1
Tank is being built by Scott from:
http://www.fishheads.org/viewforum.php?f=27

[sonofgaladriel]

Bottom is on. Water tested. Edges will be flush routed and polished today. Bulkheads by the end of the week. I'll bring home the finished tank this weekend!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/water-test.jpg

[ctsieber]

Originally posted by sonofgaladriel
I've ordered these bulkheads:
http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/subsubcategorypage.asp?subcatindexid=pf-tj-t1
Tank is being built by Scott from:
http://www.fishheads.org/viewforum.php?f=27

make sure you order the long body, not the short

[Triterium]

Wow that is amazing!!!

[gbtower]

During the water testing, did you check how much the sides bow out?

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by gbtower
During the water testing, did you check how much the sides bow out?
Yes. 1/24 th of an inch deflection was measured when full. This beauty is sound.

[gbtower]

Originally posted by sonofgaladriel
Yes. 1/24 th of an inch deflection was measured when full. This beauty is sound.

Nice, gonna have to make one of those one day!

[zoocrazy]

love the tank...very cool!!!:D

[CPT. MURPHY]

looking good! :)

[deadmanh]

ummm what kinda badass magnet do you have to use to clean this puppy?

[sonofgaladriel]

I'll mostly be cleaning this by hand with an acrylic safe pad.
Found out last night that the jacuzzi style bulkheads I ordered came in too short. The 1" acrylic is too thick and the don't make this particular style in the longer version.
Tank will be completed on Saturday. I'll have it home and on the stand Saturday evening. I'll post more pics then.

[corb66]

looking forward to the pics!

[sonofgaladriel]

Tank is done and setting on the stand in my garage. I'm going to start working on the plumbing and the epoxy sand bed right away. I'm leaving the protective film on until its actually sitting in its final place.
I'll take some more pics from above tomorrow showing the bulkheads and overflow box.
Doors for the stand will be done Monday. I should have them installed by Wednesday.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/tankandstand.jpg

[Muligan]

great looking stand

[NeilsReef]

Very nice! I love the stand also...

[scolymia11111]

Epoxy sand bed? Are you gonna cover your sand with epoxy for a bb sand look?

[postenje]

I'm sure you have read about the epoxy sand beds on the forums and some of the "mistakes" people have made. I myself just found them a few days ago and stumbled across a thread of a guy who broke his 200-ish making his epoxy bed. just making sure you knew what not to do 'cause your tank is awesome.

Jeff

[bassman57]

looks very nice.

[Purple Haze]

who built the stand? Do you plan on running doors or removable panels?

Very nice!

[hdtvguy]

Originally posted by postenje
I'm sure you have read about the epoxy sand beds on the forums and some of the "mistakes" people have made. I myself just found them a few days ago and stumbled across a thread of a guy who broke his 200-ish making his epoxy bed. just making sure you knew what not to do 'cause your tank is awesome.

Jeff


That was me:rolleyes: Yes please be careful I lost my 240g.

[sonofgaladriel]

Thanks for the compliments. I built the stand myself and the doors should be completed today. I hope to have them installed by the middle of the week.
I am currently working on plumbing the closed loops and sump.
Yes, I have read and re-read all the posts on the faux sand beds and took heart to HDTVguy's problem. My tank is 1" acrylic so I shouldn't have any problem like his. But, the more I think about an bottom completely covered in corraline, the less I like the idea. I'm probably going to go ahead and do the faux sand bed, but may end up putting some loose sand over the bottom if it gets ugly.
Thanks again for the compliments. I'll be taking the paper off near the end of the week and will post pics of the finished product then.

[sonofgaladriel]

The tank is home! The back has been painted black to match the overflow and I have started the closed loop plumbing.
I should have the doors for the stand this afternoon, but they won't be installed until the weekend.
I'm leaving the paper film on until its actually sitting in place so I'm less likely to scratch it.
This thing is heavy! I think it is close to 270 pounds! I think the tank and stand alone are over 500 pounds empty. I get a hernia sliding it around.
Fortunately, it fit perfectly on the stand.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/tankandstand.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02096Medium.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02101Medium.jpg

[acropora1981]

that stand is awesome!

[nbd13]

any links to those threads about the faux sandbeds?

thanks!

Nick

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by nbd13
any links to those threads about the faux sandbeds?

thanks!

Nick
Here you go:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=392144&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[nbd13]

thanks!

Nick

[scolymia11111]

Man, that tank is just incredible man!

[bassman57]

can you put some more info on your water return system. More pictures of all the pluming and maybe a diagram of the actually plumbing. Thanks in advance.

[bulldogfish]

Ah come on you have to have some updated pics man. Come on! I wanna see em. LOL

[sonofgaladriel]

Sorry, nothing new tank wise. I've been preoccupied with work of all things. Oh, I do have these to share....my new 48" Oceanlights.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02110Medium.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02107Medium.jpg
Someone asked about a diagram of the plumbing....
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/closedloop.jpg

[scolymia11111]

You have used both the om 8 way and an om 4 way?

[acropora1981]

Are you using check valves on your return lines to prevent flooding? I'm trying to find good plastic ones for my new 75g...

[fish @ chips 29]

what size sump are you going to use? if you have any time and would like to share some pics i would love to see :)

[massman]

Looks good mate,

Had you considered running just 1 1000w mh?
Cheaper to setup, run and bulb replace.

Just food for thought.

[sonofgaladriel]

Yes, I am using a 4 way and an 8 way OM units for two separate closed loops. Each OM will be run by a Sequence Dart pump pushing 3400 to 3600 gph each.
I am using a GenX 35, 990 ghp, currently as my return pump, but plan on stepping up to a GenX40 when I find a good deal on one.
Total volume: 8200 gph or approximately 31X turnover.
I am not using check valves on the closed loop obviously as there is no need. I will not have a check valve on the return either as they cut back on flow too much. I will have an oversized sump, 90 gallons, which will hold the 3 to 5 gallons of water that would spill back down from the main tank during any power outages or pump failure.
I did very much consider using a singe 1000 watt metal halide, but decided against it. I didn't want to do the retro thing any longer as this will be a 'canopy less' design and there are no 'finished' looking pendants for 1000 watt bulbs. Also, I plan on running the halides for only 6 hours each day and needed flourescent supplementation for the early morning and evening lighting. There was no way to install a single 1000 watt halide and the 4 foot flourescents without making a canopy of some kind. Also, the 1000 watter would have to hang pretty high above the tank and that would cause alot of spillover light into my home theatre.
I really like these OceanLight pendants. They give me the best of all worlds.
I should get quite abit done on the tank this week, so I'll have some progress and new pics to share in a few days.
Thanks for all the interest.

[Wazzel]

Unless I missed somthing your sump better be able to hold 300+ gallons. Without a check valve of suction break that reall nice tank will drain to the lowest point of the return system. I think you need to rethink you return plumbing.

[Breaker4show]

"Having bulkheads in the floor or low in the tank walls really isn't any different. If the bulkheads are tight, and the plumbing secure, it won't leak. All bulkheads that are below water level will be hooked up to closed loop systems, so they can't drain anywhere and cause a flood. "

That tank is beautiful! I dream to someday own a tank with those dimensions because it is perfect to me! Good luck and everything looks very nice.

Nick

[Jdnels]

LOL!!
How do you figure.
The CLOSED LOOP system is just that a closed
hardline system.
Hmmm no leaks here (sept maybe a pump seal).
All the sump has to handle during pump failure or power outage is the little bit of water volume above the overflow grate
Not much....300g.. dont think so.

[Johnsteph10]

With a CL system, you don't have to worry about siphon-breaks and overflowing in the sump since water never leaves the system.

It is the ONLY way to go if you want to have returns/intakes on the bottom of the tank or well below the water line.

John

[Johnsteph10]

Darn double post.

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by Wazzel
Unless I missed somthing your sump better be able to hold 300+ gallons. Without a check valve of suction break that reall nice tank will drain to the lowest point of the return system. I think you need to rethink you return plumbing.
Thanks for the concern.
The lowest point of the return will be only 1/2" to 1" below the top water level. The two returns from the sump come up inside and over the top of the overflow box and will sit just 1-2" below the water level. There will be a hole drilled in them just below the water level to act as a syphon break. The tank builder and I calculated that during a power outage or return pump failure, I should only have a maximum of 4 gallons return to the sump. A 90 gallon sump, with only 60 or so gallons of water in it could handle an additional 30 gallons dumped into it.
All the returns that you see in the current pics are of the closed loop system and are not capable of any water loss during a power outage. The only thing that could happen with them is if a pump seal leaks. Pump seal leaks happen slowly and with daily checks, I should catch any leaks well before they cause any problems.
I was pretty sure I thought of everything possible, but please let me know if anything else jumps out at anyone. The last thing I want is to come home to an empty tank one day.

[Wazzel]

The marked up picture overrode what I read about the return pump. The word "return" in red made my brain go cautious.

[MGB]

Tell us more about the jacuzzi bulkheads on your closed loops. How do they differ from regular ones and what are the pros and cons.

Thanks MGB

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by MGB
Tell us more about the jacuzzi bulkheads on your closed loops. How do they differ from regular ones and what are the pros and cons.

Thanks MGB
Sorry, but I didn't get the jacuzzi style bulkheads. They were not long enough to go through the 1" acrylic. I went with regular 1" bulkheads with loc line adapters instead.

[abfleck]

more more more more !!!!!

[bulldogfish]

Your holding out on us! LOL. j/k. How are things going? Did you get the doors? Also how did your faux sand bed turn out? Lets see some pics.

[sonofgaladriel]

Yesterday was a big day. Broke down the 180 and moved it out to the garage. Moved in the new stand and cube. The stand actually fit through the door (with a little help from a hammer on the door frame ;) ).
Unfortunately, I bought cheap single union ball valves from Lowes that leaked like a siv and we wasted several hours trying to stop the leaks before giving up and buying better quality valves and unions that I put on this morning.
I have leak tested the closed loop plumbing and its all looking good. Whew!:dance:
Here are a couple of new pics of the closed loop leak test. Boy is the water moving in there now!
I will drain the tank later today and move it against the wall directly behind it. I'll hang the lights this evening and take a few more pics later.
The doors will be picked up tomorrow and should be hung by Wednesday.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02135Medium.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02134Medium.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02133Medium.jpg

[bassman57]

looks very nice. do you have any pictures between when you did the plumbing and now? Like how you plumbed the tubes at the front of the tank.

[scolymia11111]

That tank is just incredible. Cant wait to see it finished and stocked!

[newguy1983]

gonna be hard to play pool with your tank that close to the table...:-P

Awesome setup though! :-)

[Alphabet]

very nice setup, cannot wait to see the finished tank!!

[TheCoralReef731]

lookin good

[TheCoralReef731]

cool, looks great

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by bassman57
looks very nice. do you have any pictures between when you did the plumbing and now? Like how you plumbed the tubes at the front of the tank.
Have you looked at the other pictures previously posted in this thread? There are a few pics of the plumbing in previous posts.
Thanks for the compliments.

[bassman57]

i looked at them thanks. you may have already said this but, are you going to have a sump? Right now it looks like you have two seperat closed loop systems.

[palabok]

looks really nice

[ml44]

Looking good

can't wait to see it with the doors on. Are you going to put any trims around the top of the tank?

[sonofgaladriel]

I just moved it into its final position, leveled the tank, and have marked the ceiling for the pendant lights. I need to get some heavy duty mollies to hang the Oceanlights.
The sump will be installed tomorrow after work.
No trim around the top. Completely open top look.
I'll post some more pics tomorrow.

[sonofgaladriel]

Tank is now against the wall where it will stay. I have marked the ceiling for the hanging pendants but need to get some heavy duty mollies for the ceiling.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02136Medium.jpg

[jthnhale]

without a hood are you afraid of fish jumping out?

[sonofgaladriel]

Fish can jump out of any tank. I'll make sure I pic fish that are less prone to become carpet surfers.

[RedEyeReef]

Originally posted by jthnhale
without a hood are you afraid of fish jumping out?

They normally only do it once.:( ...:)

Don't most people have their tanks uncovered?

[JVHam]

Why not build an open top canopy that will also hide the plumbing with"skirts". THen reather then hanging the lights from the seiling you can mount them on top of the canopy.

[The Lance]

From what I gather and what he has said in the past is that he is going for a euro garden feel and if you check out a lot of euro tanks don't use a canopy so you can get a good view from the top.

[qwuintus]

are the pumps quiet?

nice tank man.. but i dont see any brace

[bulldogfish]

qwuintis

There aren't any braces. 100% open top.

[sonofgaladriel]

Yes, the pumps are relatively quiet. I'm sure once the doors are installed, it will be just a dull 'hummmm' comming from the stand. There are no vertical center braces in the doorway openings in the stand as I overbuilt the horizontal bracing to allow for this. Its very nice being able to easily get inside this stand.

[sonofgaladriel]

Well, the tank is in position, lights are hung, sump is in and all plumbing is working as planned. The problem...all my livestock crashed while in the stock tank Monday :( :mad2: 95% loss. Basically starting over with this new tank!
I am pretty sure that my 10" maxima decided to die and spew in the stock tank, killing everything else off in the process.
So, this is why the water is so merky in the pics. I have done about a 50% water change and will continue with water changes weekly to get the tank ready again to start over.
The rock was just thrown in Monday evening. This is not the final rockscape. I'm just not in the mood to do anything with it until it clears up and re-cycles.
At least the set up looks good.
The doors will be put on the stand this weekend when I'm done messing with the inside.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02163Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02163Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02166Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02165Small.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02167Small.jpg

[Rastaman]

Sorry to hear about your livestock. Tank looks great.

Rick

[owskkibibles]

tank looks really good, nice job

[Bender]

Beautiful project. Thank for all the updates. Any chance we could get a picture of you or someone standing next to the tank for some size perspectives?

Again you have built a great setup.

Bender

[sonofgaladriel]

I'll post some pics later today for size comparison. Thanks for the compliments everyone. The water is clearing up a bit more each day and I'm getting a little anxious to put something in it. But...it will be several weeks before I attempt any new additions.

[mwood]

Tank looks good. I’m sooo jealous!

[sonofgaladriel]

Here's a pic of my 6 year old next to the tank for size comparison. The tank is a 4' cube, 24" tall. The stand measures 57" square by 35" tall.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02169Medium.jpg

[nbd13]

what is that big circle thing in the tank on the back wall? is it a stainer?

thanks!

Nick

[sonofgaladriel]

Yep, thats one of the strainers for the 2" closed loop drain. There's one just like it on the other side. I should be able to hide those easy enough when I get around to fixing the rockscape.
They are big, but they allow for an easy flow of water. I shouldn't have to worry about any fish getting sucked into them.

[loyalty]

wow thats nice, how did you hang those lights like that?

[nbd13]

great! could you get a close up of them please!

thanks!

Nick

[Lunchbucket]

tank looks beautiful!! amazing job on the stand...have you done a lot of wood working? could you tell use how you did the corners so that they stick out and look so decrative? you didn't build those from scratch did you??

keep posting pics that thing in a beauty!!!

Lunchbucket

[sonofgaladriel]

Lunchbucket- Yes, I built the entire stand from scratch, even the corner columns. Here's the link to my stand progress thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=565476&highlight=240+cube
Loyalty: I used a laser plumb line to help hang these lights. It was easier than I thought it would be.

Thank you very much for the compliments. I only wish I had some fish in it :(

[Lunchbucket]

HOLY CRAP!! you did them from scratch!!! you a carpenter??? man i'm gonna have to read that thread...thanks for the link!!!

Lunchbucket

[sonofgaladriel]

Nope, not a carpenter. Just have a fair imagination and do a decent job with the tools.
Thanks again.

[Bender]

Thanks for the comparison pics. And I would have to say that "have a fair imagination and do a decent job with the tools" is a huge understatement:)

Bender

[GrndHog]

Sono,
Awesome work, love the cube concept and the carpenter workmanship.

From the pics, it seems like the lights are hanging far from the top of the tank, giving a lot of "bleed off" to the rest of the room. How far are they from the top of the tank?

Great Job!

[MGB]

Great looking setup, just wondering how you like the lights and thier color, since you've had time to get used to them. I'm presuming thier 250w HQI with the T5's. They certainly look like thier lighting the tank up.

Despite your unfortunate loss I'm sure you will end up with a spectacular Tank, thanks for the thread.

MGB

[MDogg44]

What type of wood did you use for the stand?

[MDogg44]

Never mind I found it .It is a very nice stand by the way.

[sonofgaladriel]

Right now, the lights are hanging about 18 inches above the water level and they are still raising the temp up from 79 to 84 degrees when left on all day. I was hoping to lower them down to about 14 inches. I will probably only run the halides 6 hours or so per day to help keep the heat down as well as run some fans.
I must say that I don't care much for the color of these DE bulbs. These are some very bright 10Ks, but I was told they'd burn more like 13K's. Well, they don't. They burn like 10Ks. But, with funds short and the need to restock, I'll be keeping them for the time being and will eventually get some true 14Ks. The actinics are having a tough time competing with the halides and not much is getting through. Of course, its hard to really tell with the mirky water and lack of corals in the tank to make sure.

[MDogg44]

I think a hanging wooden canopy of the same style and workmanship as the stand would look awesome and cut down on some of the glare.

[sonofgaladriel]

These pendants came with some visors that slide in that can cut back the light overflow. After spending $1k on these pendants, the last thing I want to do is cover them up. I really like the open feel of not having a canopy but thanks for the thought.

[Skipper]

Great tank!!! :thumbsup:

[postenje]

you might just have to bite the bullet and buy a chiller. I know that's the last thing you wanted to hear after loosing all your 'stock. I played the raising/lowering/short photo period game for a couple months and the corals suffered. Just start saving now and buy nice big used chiller on the forums, then beg the guy you buy it from for some frags.

BTW the tank looks awesome. Someday I hop to have a 4x4x2 similar to yours. Open top and all.

Jeff

[qwuintus]

what kind of lights are those?
they look great hanging there.

and as for the bracing, i meant on the tank.
is it strong enough? not even a euro brace i see.

[sonofgaladriel]

The lights are Aqua Medic Ocean light series with dual halides and T5 actinics.
The tank is 1" acrylic which I opted for in order to avoid any Eurobracing. With the tank full, there is only 1/16" of deflection ie, bowing.
It is strong.

[trblmkr]

You do some beautiful work. I really didn't realize how big the tank was until I saw the little guy next to it. Unfortunately I just had a chance to browse the pages, but did you also build the stand?

John

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by trblmkr
You do some beautiful work. I really didn't realize how big the tank was until I saw the little guy next to it. Unfortunately I just had a chance to browse the pages, but did you also build the stand?

John
Thanks! It is a good size tank and a great size for a cube. Here's the link to my building of the stand.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=565476&highlight=240+cube

[corb66]

sonofgaladriel,

I have been following your thread from the start and I would like to say that you should be really proud! The tank is amazing!

Next time you have the camera out could you take a few looking under the tank at floor level. I would love to see some detail close ups of the closed loop etc.

Thanks

[sonofgaladriel]

Thanks corb66! I'll gladly take some more pics of the underside plumbing for you.

[invincible569]

Excellent Diary!! Please continue to update.

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by invincible569
Excellent Diary!! Please continue to update.
Thanks Invicible569! Its been fun posting and getting all the positive responses.
Any chance I can get some frags from you to help me rebuild my stony reef? ;) I'll pay for them of course, but funds are low after the equipment expenses.
Don't know if you read, but I lost all of my SPS last week during this move, which is why this tank is empty. I think my 10" teardrop died off late Sunday night and when I came home Monday evening, the stock tank holding all the livestock had crashed and I lost all my fish and SPS.:(
So, I'm starting over from scratch.

[trblmkr]

I had a problem with a sea apple years ago when I was away. When I came back a week later, I lost everything except for 1 fish. :(

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by corb66
sonofgaladriel,
Next time you have the camera out could you take a few looking under the tank at floor level. I would love to see some detail close ups of the closed loop etc.
Thanks
Here you go:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02191Medium.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02192Medium.jpg
Here's some of the water surface aggitation going on with the closed loops!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02198Medium.jpg
Here's a close up of one of the 2" strainers/closed loop drain.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02194Medium.jpg

[TheCoralReef731]

woah. Your water looks so.....blue. No really, that picture with the surface shows a really cool color.

[sonofgaladriel]

That's the light being put out by the 4 28" T5 actinics. Here's a pic of the tank with the T5 lights on only.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02195Medium.jpg

[Lunchbucket]

oh man that is SERIOUS FLOW!! looks great. what do you think of the 8way OM units?? i LOVE my 4way

Lunchbucket

[tigerarmy40]

I love the new pics! that is a awesome tank. I think your setup will help me set up my new 150. It is 60x24x24 and drilled for a closed loop! http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/7895840g_reef_161.jpg


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/7895840g_reef_167.jpg

[Mr.Lloyd]

The stand is one of the nicest I have seen.I know you are still doing a lot of work on your tank.I too have returns plumbed through the bottom with 45 degree elbows.You may be familiar with Apoxy Sculpt from www.avesstudio.com .This epoxy putty was used to camouflage my returns and make them look like real rocks.Apoxy Sculpt will set underwater but faster out.Mix up the epoxy ,put it all over your fittings,then embed small rocks into the putty and texture the exposed epoxy with a rock.When dry put it back in the tank.Within weeks you can not tell what is real rock and what is fake.I have my middle port sitting in the open with an acro frag growing on it.The elbow's hole is facing to the rear of the tank and can not be seen.

[H2OLUVSME]

how bout a pic of that Lloyd ;)

[Mr.Lloyd]

I guess I need to get a digital camera.The photos in my gallery do show it in the middle but not clearly.I use Apoxy Sculpt in my work all the time so making fake stuff like horn bases and lips is just plain easy.Posting a good photo,well not as easy as the kids doing it for me.Unfortunately, they are all off to school or out working.

[keefsama2003]

i have 2 2" drains for my closed loop where did you get the strainers from i need 2 of them myself they look real safe im going to just cut a hole in my overflows and bed them in there under the waterline so that shouldnt be a problem but i would love them

[IsThisNameTaken?]

I hope you slapped some sort of sealer on the inside of the stand before assemble. I would break out in tears to see a stand of that caliber ruined. Absolutely beautiful. My favorite stand.

[sonofgaladriel]

Scott from 'Aquariums Systems Designs' here in town, provided all the bulkheads and drains. I'm not sure where he got them, but it may have been customaquatics.com.
Inside and out was spray sealed. This thing should stand the test of time....I hope.
Thanks for the compliments everyone!

[Skipper]

Here's where they got the strainers, I think:

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8566/cid/2098

[sonofgaladriel]

Thanks for that link Skipper. That looks just like the ones I have.
I think I may actually have to invest in a chiller for this tank. The temp is rising to 84 degrees with all four halides on. I was able to keep my 180 at 79 to 80 degrees with the 3 mogul 250s, but these 4 DE 250's really put out the heat.
I'm wondering if a 1/4 HP chiller will bring down the temp 3 to 4 degrees on this size tank?
I've got to get some 14K bulbs too. I really don't like these 10K's at all. They're just too yellow looking and make the rock and bottom look 'dirty'.

[invincible569]

Originally posted by sonofgaladriel
Thanks Invicible569! Its been fun posting and getting all the positive responses.
Any chance I can get some frags from you to help me rebuild my stony reef? ;) I'll pay for them of course, but funds are low after the equipment expenses.
Don't know if you read, but I lost all of my SPS last week during this move, which is why this tank is empty. I think my 10" teardrop died off late Sunday night and when I came home Monday evening, the stock tank holding all the livestock had crashed and I lost all my fish and SPS.:(
So, I'm starting over from scratch.

You bet. Im actually going to tear down my 100g and also jump into a 400-500g very soon. Im sure I can send some frags over your way. Get your tank stable and running well and find me when you're ready. Dont worry about funds. Just enjoy the hobby! Give me about 2-3 months until my new tank is up and running.

[Skipper]

Hey there. I wouldn't fret with a temp of 84 degrees. My tank hits that mark regularly.

[TheCoralReef731]

Skippers right, just dont let the tank fluctuate more than 2 or 3 degrees daily

[invincible569]

Im sure things may be ok... but knowing my luck.. if there was that one hot day or your AC unit went out on you for some odd reason, then you better kiss your tank goodbye. ;) Keeping your tank a little cooler will also help with algae. Algae likes to be in warmer water. I could run with a tank for a yr, but once its filled with a ton of livestock, I would look into a chiller. Its insurance. :)

[sonofgaladriel]

I'm looking for a good deal on a chiller as we speak. But, I think that a fan or two will help bring the temp down from 84 to 80 without much problem. I am lucky that this is in the basement with no direct sunlight comming in.
Now that the old tank has been moved out and the place cleaned up, I can start focusing on finishing up this set up. I've yet to hook up my calcium reactor (really been no need without any livestock), PH monitor, and tidy up the inside of the stand.
invicible569- any time you'd like to work out a frag package for me, let me know and what I'd owe you.
Thanks again.

[reefwonders]

Sweet looking setup:cool: Really love the stand. I think I'm going to make my stand for my 300 in the same fashion.

[sonofgaladriel]

Thank you! Good luck with your stand. Make sure we get to see pics.

[reefwonders]

I saved enough money on the tank to make a really nice stand and canopy. I'll post pics when I get started.

[nbd13]

reefwonders- could you PM me over at MR and give me some details on your tank like demensions.

thanks

Nick

[taketz]

I'm gonna go ahead and suggest some Phoenix 14k's for your next bulb, just by what you've been complaining about with your current bulbs. Its a very white bulb, no yellow, and has a very minimal amount of blue in it. Also, from what I understand, it puts out some nice par for a higher kelvin bulb.

~

[sonofgaladriel]

Yep, those are the bulbs I'm going to be switching to. These 10K AB bulbs are supposed to burn closer to 13K, but at this point they look pretty yellow to me. I'll give them a few more weeks before I switch out.

[xtrstangx]

Haha, not sure if you caught my other post on your stand thread or not, figure you probably did.

Guess I subscribed to the wrong thread. Excellent looking tank. Are you going to build anything to cover up the back of the tank with all the PVC? I did something similar on my 40g to cover up the HOB junk.

Looks very good.

[swannking]

How thick is your acrylic? I notice your tank doesn't have the top piece of acrylic. How bad is the bulging from the water pressure?

[sonofgaladriel]

Hi Max- Yes, I'm working on the cover for the sides this weekend. I will be wrapping the exposed sides and along the top back with wood, matching the stand. This will also act as a shelf for me to put a fan, some Bonzai trees, and maybe some orhids. They'll love the humidity and the full spectrum light.
Swanking- The acrylic is 1" thick. There is only 1/16 of an inch deflection (bowing) at the top center of each pane. Not bad. This thing is solid.

[swannking]

Do you think a 1/2" acrylic be OK with a top piece. 30"X30"X30"

[xtrstangx]

From other thread: Hi Max. Thanks for the compliments. Let me know when you want some macro algae. I've got some chaeto for you.
Do you have a good skimmer? You'll want to get one up and running while your new rock is curing.

No skimmer yet. I think I am going to do a DIY one like a Remora and see how it goes. Theres some plans for them somewhere on nano-reefs. I'm making mine a bit larger than theirs cause my tank isn't quite a nano.

Excellent idea on the orchids, it is going to be a very sweet setup when its done.

By the way, I got 2 snails in the sand I got from you. I haven't ID'd them yet though, they are black shelled with a shell shape most like a Nassarius. They are fairly small though (1.5 cm). Any ideas?

[Chromis88]

Hitching a ride. Super-awesome!

[phlipper84]

Question for anyone, You have all your bulkheads plumbed through the back which gives you optimum placement. I am building a 60 X 30 X 30 tank and my wife does not want the whole hose tangle to be seen behind the tank. So....in order to get the tank to sit almost flush to the wall I am planning to run intakes and returns for a closed loop through the bottom. Figure I will probably run 2 intakes and 4 returns from a reefflo Dart or barracuda. Does this sound like it will work or am I asking for trouble?

[sonofgaladriel]

You can sure run all of the closed loop plumbing through the bottom. I ran four returns through the bottom toward the front.
But, there are ways to hide the back plumbing too.
Here's how I hid the plumbing from the sides. I added a simple side panel and shelf across the back.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02218Medium.jpg

[phlipper84]

Hmm....she might go for that. But then again, have to watch what I say about her, wives have ways of knowing when you are writing/talking about them!

[MDogg44]

Good Job S.O.G. A truly awesome setup.

[sonofgaladriel]

Thanks guys. Hey, I just found out from an RC admin that this set up will be pictured in June's 'Reefkeeping Magazine'! I guess they are showing some members 'fish rooms' and have decided to include my new cube set up. I guess it will be posted on June 3rd.
I am extremely honored. I only wish the inside looked better. I'm still somewhat recycling the tank since the major crash and I am pretty embarrassed with the actualy 'reef' part of it.

[Skipper]

June 5th. :D

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by swannking
Do you think a 1/2" acrylic be OK with a top piece. 30"X30"X30"
Sorry, but I'm not really the one to answer that question. I'm not a tank fabricator.
I was told that I 'could' have used 3/4" with my 4' cube, but was told to expect 'some' bowing. So, I went with 1" to avoid any excessive deflection and keep the open top.
So, my 'guess' is that a tank 30" square would be very stable with 1/2" acrylic and a small Euro brace around the top. But, as I said, I'm not a fabricator.

[Mogiep]

nice:)

[xtrstangx]

I think I'll have to go to your house to pick up that chaeto so I can check out your tank if you are being featured in magazines at all :D

Very nice, any pictures of corals/fish yet?

[hingethunder]

Great tank! Thanks for walking us through the set-up of the cube and the construction of your very professional-looking stand!

[shaw]

wow, amazing setup
shawn

[nbd13]

could you give me rough demensions of those 2" strainers for the clsoed loop intakes?

i need to use these on my new tank and was just wondering on the demensions.

thanks!

Nick

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by nbd13
could you give me rough demensions of those 2" strainers for the clsoed loop intakes?

i need to use these on my new tank and was just wondering on the demensions.

thanks!

Nick
Here's a link to them.
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8566/cid/2098
These are roughly 5" in diameter and stick out about 3" from the wall.

[nbd13]

Great!

thanks again for the help!

Nick

[Wazzel]

Originally posted by swannking
Do you think a 1/2" acrylic be OK with a top piece. 30"X30"X30"

My 24" cube is 1/2" thick with a 2" perimeter brace. It does not bow at all. I don't know if that helps.

[sonofgaladriel]

I just found out late this morning, that instead of posting a few selected pics of members' large reef tanks as was explained to me, the feature I mentioned above has turned into a competition where RC members vote for the 'Best Thread' of the Large tank forum. I'm a little uncomfortable being in a competition of 'threads' but I guess its really up to the RC members to vote on which 'thread' they enjoyed or gained the most from. The other two threads are very informative and have some excellent pics and descriptions. In my opinion, my thread pales in comparison.
My intention, with the photo diary of the stand fabrication and the photo diary of the actual aquarium set up, was really just to show members my progress and get input. I certainly enjoy looking at all of the other threads pics and looked forward to more, so I tried to post as many pics as possible throughout the progression.
I really didn't expect all of the much appreciated positive comments and I hope that this thread has been beneficial to other RC members. I certainly gained a great deal from the replies and suggestions of the many members that responded.
I'm a little embarrassed by being in the line up with the other two outstanding set ups! They are truly spectacular. Obviously alot of time, planning, effort, funds, and patience, went into the construction of those.
They are very similar to what I just took down to create this new cube set up. Here's a pic of what I had set up before. Its a 180. I built this stand and surround canopy as well. The left column actually opens up and has shelves for storage.
http://www.villagephotos.com/viewpubimage.asp?id_=11266190

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=78199&papass=&sort=1&thecat=500
I do miss the 'built in' look and 'feel' of the old setup, but this new open design really lends itself to a more 'reefer' friendly atmosphere.
I've tried to create something elegant but also very functional for someone truly addicted to this hobby for the long haul. I know that I'll have my hands in the tank every single night either glueing down new frags, fragging out others, cleaning the acrylic, feeding the fish, and/or water testing, ect..
I am glad, and relieved, to say that I achieved what I set out to do.
Although it would be a great honor to have my new set up featured in next months Reefkeeping Magazine, the real honor is just in being nominated with these other two fanatastic threads and set ups.

[jmccalip]

Wow. Nice tank and stand, but....a pool ball is going to go smashing through it;).

[tgunn]

Originally posted by jmccalip
Wow. Nice tank and stand, but....a pool ball is going to go smashing through it;).

:lol: The way I play pool I''d have to keep the tank right out of the room with the table. :)

Tyler

[melev]

So far, so good. I love the stand, and the tank looks solid. With all that DIY, why didn't you make your own sump as well? ;)

Sorry about the losses; that is just wrong! :(

[sonofgaladriel]

A friend of mine owns his own fishstore and he was able to get me a very nice custom made sump (which should arrive in a few weeks) for a very cheap price. Cheaper than what I could have made it for.
Thanks for the compliments!
As far as the losses, yep, it does stink. I'm basically starting over after 3 years. I just added some nice fish last night and will start adding some SPS frags soon.

[Dudester]

Maybe I missed it, but have you shown a pic of your cabinet completed with doors? If so then sorry for the interruption. BTW, awesome setup! You ALMOST made me abandon my plans for a 400gal rectangular tank, but I think I'll proceed.

[8BALL_99]

Dudester,, there is one on page six about halfway down.. I wouldn't mind seeing a few more shots of it though ;) Very nice looking setup,, Youve got me thinking about a sunroom just so I have a room I can set one of these in the dead center...

[sonofgaladriel]

Ask and you shall receive :D Here's some new pics.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02224Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02220Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02221Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02222Small.jpg

[Konadog]

Congratulations "240 cube tank photo diary" this months Thread of the Month.

[crna63]

Very nice. Congratulations on the thread of the month.

[melev]

Looks like you are getting an algae bloom. I suggest you cut back on your lighting for the time being.

[Lordhelmet]

congratulations as well. Very nice setup.

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by melev
Looks like you are getting an algae bloom. I suggest you cut back on your lighting for the time being.
Yep, I went bare bottom and the rocks started leaching quite abit of junk. I'm only running the halides 6 hours a day as it is. It will be under control in no time.
Thanks again for all the compliments. I am quite surprised that this thread won, but I am glad it was beneficial and well received by so many.

[nbd13]

what fish are you planning? or what ones do you have in there?

thanks!

Nick

[sonofgaladriel]

I've got a school of 10 chromis that have been in there about two weeks now. I added a small Yellow eye Kole tang a week ago to start on the algae. Yesterday I added a powder blue and a Red Sea Regal angel (just awesome!).
I'll be getting rid of the Kole tang in about a month and plan on getting a black tang and a pair of Watanabe angels. That will be it. Maybe a pair of black ocellaris and a flame angel.

[nbd13]

is the regal eating?

where did you get it if i may ask.

thanks!

Nick

[deansreef]

that is a sweet tank

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by nbd13
is the regal eating?
where did you get it if i may ask.
thanks!
Nick
Yes, the regal is eating well. He's nipping at the rocks and even nipping at my hair algae! He has eaten some frozen mysis, but hasn't taken to forumula two flakes yet. I'm going try some formula 2 pellets today.
He's take a few days, but he's finally started swimming out in the open. He is truly a spectacular fish. I got him from one of our best local fish store's here in KC.

[piercho]

Its been an education watching you piece this together. Congrats on the acknowledgement from RC. Its hard to swallow loosing 3 years of growth, I'm sure, but its good to see you keeping on with it.

Way back in the thread, you said the PVC valves (or unions?) from Lowes had been leakers and you had to replace them. Just curious from where they leaked?

[jumboshrimp18]

Nice. seems to me that there would be far too much glare off those lights in that room. Perhaps you could get someone to swap-out those bulbs, which if I read correctly, are almost new. Where would the chiller go, by the way?

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by piercho
Its been an education watching you piece this together. Congrats on the acknowledgement from RC. Its hard to swallow loosing 3 years of growth, I'm sure, but its good to see you keeping on with it.

Way back in the thread, you said the PVC valves (or unions?) from Lowes had been leakers and you had to replace them. Just curious from where they leaked?
Thank you very much! It was a pleasant surprise to be mentioned with those other two great threads and to win was even more surprising.
Yes, it was very disappointing losing all that livestock when I was so excited about the new tank and the switch over which was going quite well up til that day. It was definately a bitter/sweet weekend.

The single union ball valves I purchases were manufacturer defects per the plumbing guy at Lowes. The entire box they came from leaked at the screw union AND even at the ball valve portion. With the ball valve completely closed, water was still getting around the ball as it was not big enough to fill the gap.

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by jumboshrimp18
Nice. seems to me that there would be far too much glare off those lights in that room. Perhaps you could get someone to swap-out those bulbs, which if I read correctly, are almost new. Where would the chiller go, by the way?
Actually, the glare does not bother the home theater or the pool table at all. Fortunately, the glare moves to the sides, away from the big screen, so its a non issue.
If I did get a chiller, I would place it under the cabinet in the adjacent bathroom behind the wall or I could make room for it in the stand.

[Scott Wilson]

How many Billiard balls have you fished out of it so far? :-)

[jumboshrimp18]

Good solution for the chiller. Anything that looks this good shouldn't have a chiller, or other appliance, stuck next to it.

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by scottwilson@mac.com
How many Billiard balls have you fished out of it so far? :-)
We 'break' away from the tank so there's less likely a chance at a run away ball. So far, no balls have left the table in the year that I've owned the table. Of course, with my luck and the new tank sitting there, the balls will start flying!

[carolina reefer]

Congratulations! That's got to be the best stand I've ever seen. Outstanding craftsmanship. Tank also looks awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[xtrstangx]

Originally posted by sonofgaladriel
He is truly a spectacular fish. I got him from one of our best local fish store's here in KC.

Would that be Fish World? I like Fish World, although they don't have a whole lot of selection, IMO (maybe I just went at a bad time, I don't know). That and it is so far away.

I think I am ready for some chaeto, will my tank's cycle kill it? My ammonia is almost a 0 already.

Congrats on thread of the month.

[sonofgaladriel]

Nope, not FishWorld, although they are certainly one of the top 3!!! You should swing down to Aquariums Wholesale at 51st and Merriam Drive.
Let me know when you want to come over for some chaeto. It will do fine while your tank is still somewhat cycling.

[acropora1981]

Originally posted by sonofgaladriel
Yep, I went bare bottom and the rocks started leaching quite abit of junk.

Just curious because I'm going barebottom on my new 75g cube, does going barebottom cause stored nutrients in LR to leach out phos/nitrate at an increased rate?

[Herbert T. Kornfeld]

No scientific reason why it would...the debris that fall off are just more obvious w/o the sand to cover it up...

[xtrstangx]

Originally posted by sonofgaladriel
Nope, not FishWorld, although they are certainly one of the top 3!!! You should swing down to Aquariums Wholesale at 51st and Merriam Drive.
Let me know when you want to come over for some chaeto. It will do fine while your tank is still somewhat cycling.

Okay. I use Aquariums Wholesale as my primary LFS (actually my only). Bought my tank, rock, salt, sand, and a bunch of other stuff from them. Nice guys, especially Patrick and Paul.

I'll see when I can come around for some chaeto, definately want to see the tank then while I'm over :D This weekend sound okay?

[Scuba Oz]

:thumbsup: On the RC thread of the month. The tank is really nice looking and I like the closed loop system you made.

:mad: sorry about the loss of your stock like that, dang clam!

[elephen]

Looking very good man. Wish I had the time to dedicate to the woodwork like you have.

Where did you get your acrylic from? I am in the process of designing a 200 gallon and currently looking for a supplier of 1" acrylic for the tank. The dims will be roughly 52"x30"30".

Looks very good man, props. I apoligize for the earlier comments, a little on the unmature side I must say, again I apoligize and hope you all can forgive me.

It is always nice to find local people on RC.

[Skipper]

Carry on..... :D

[elephen]

So I just got off the phone with Regal Plastics here in N. KC. They want $717.18 for a sheet of 1" thick 4'x8' acrylic, or $571.50 for 6 sheets of it... For that much, I can buy a 250 gallon glass tank.

Any ideas or suggestions for cheaper acrylic distributors where I could pick any up?

[Fanatic]

Originally posted by elephen
So I just got off the phone with Regal Plastics here in N. KC. They want $717.18 for a sheet of 1" thick 4'x8' acrylic, or $571.50 for 6 sheets of it... For that much, I can buy a 250 gallon glass tank.

Any ideas or suggestions for cheaper acrylic distributors where I could pick any up?

Try calling Scott at Aquatic Systems Design. He might be able to help. http://www.aquaticsystemsdesign.com/

[elephen]

I called and left a message for Scott... We'll see what he has to recommend. I could buy a custom 1000++ gallon aquarium for the cost in buying the materials and building my own 200 gallon.

$3426 + sales tax... Incredible I guess... I could always call and see if they would sell it to a business for a reasonable price, around $35-50 a sheet sounds right to me.. Maybe I'm just cheap :)

[ReefWaters]

I paid $140 for a 4x8 piece of 1/4"

4 x 140 = 560

If you look at it that way its about right.

But I still think that quote was a little high. :D

[ReefWaters]

Also, shipping to that guy is probably a killer and he has to recoup that cost.

[Fishyfreak031592]

What kinds of corals do you have in there? (If you have any). I love the shape of the tank.

Lucas

[elephen]

Well freight charges are fine, my day job is in the freight world and my company does over 2000 shipments a day, so we get darn good rates... But the cost overall is probably to much for me, I can goto the LFS or directly to the distributor and get a custom/standard 200g for much less then the cost of building my own...

We'll see though. I love the cube tank, I am extremely impress, very very sexy...

[sonofgaladriel]

Some new additions. I've added several SPS frags finally. Thanks to some good local reefer friends.
I brought home a nice Red Sea Regal angel a week ago. Yesterday, I was able to pic from 3 pair of true mated Watanabe angels!!! I picked the smaller pair of the three. They are awesome!
Can you believe that my Regal and the Watanabe's are eating my hair algae? They are picking at it all day long. Between them and the tangs, its almost gone. I'll be glad to see the bottom of the tank again.
I'll get some better pics of the tank and fish, tomorrow.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02287Medium.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02280Medium.jpg

[sonofgaladriel]

:)

[nbd13]

do you feel comfotable with the closed loop only having 1 suction hole?

i am only going to have 1 suction hole for each of my 3 closed loops all powered by sequence darts and i will be using those 2" straines like you have,

anyway do you think there is alot of suction?

i am going to use rock to hide them but was wondering what you thought?

like if a fish could get sucked in or my cleaner shrimp?

thanks!

Nick

[marwes]

That stand is totally awsome! I can't wait to see this one after completion. Good luck and great job!

[melev]

I'm curious what your pair of angels cost? I saw one of our LFS selling a pair for $299. :eek:

[elephen]

Man it is looking good, beautiful fish too! Hope that hair algae is eliminated asap. Your woodworking still amazes me.

[sonofgaladriel]

nbd13- Yes, I'm comfotable with one drain for each closed loop. That's all these pumps require. As long as the drain is the size of the pumps inlet, you'll be fine. Its when you go too small that cavitation can result. These huge strainers really help minimize the amount of 'suction' affect at the drain. It is a very large volume and gentle suction due to the huge surface area the strainers create. I have chromis swim right up next to them and pull away without any difficulty. I think even a shrimp could pull him self away from them if needed. I'll be hiding mine with some rock soon too.
marwes- Thank you very much!
melev- I paid less than half of the price you found them for :)
elephen- I've got 300 snails comming early next week. I hope they can finish off the smaller portions of the algae that remains. I have a few turbo snails that survived the 'crash' during the switch over and its amazing how much just those few turbos are able to eat in a day. At least the algae is not spreading any longer. I'm sure it will be gone within a week or two.

[nbd13]

thanks for the help!

Nick

[Lunchbucket]

nice pic. keep updating please...i know we are all anxious to see more and more pics

Lunchbucket

[elephen]

Did you get the angels from Pat?

Is there any local KC reefer group(s) that you know of?

[sonofgaladriel]

Yep, the angels all came from Pat.
The only saltwater dedicated forum in town is www.fishheads.org
There's quite a few local reefers on Fishheads and we have some great sponsers like FishWorld and MidWestReefs.com
Lots of good people with varying levels of experience.

[elephen]

Yeah MidwestReefs (is it Chris?) has some amazing stuff. I keep trying to get ahold of him so I can go down there myself and pickup some stuff but he is always busy.

I have looked at a few things on fishheads but it always seems like a big flame war and arguments. Maybe it was just the few threads I read.

We should put together some sort of local reefer club, since there isn't anything around like that, could setup meetings and frag swaps.

Marc - What does DFWMAS do beisdes what I mentioned above?

[xtrstangx]

elephen, Patrick and Aquariums Wholesale don't want to be mentioned on fish heads. Like no matter what. There was some arguments when they first came to town and he requested that he is left out of it. They are really nice when you give a call. Just a heads up.

We have frag swaps every so often. adamjonpeterson (I think) is planning one for the end of June/early July. The Smiths had one in May. You could always "host" one at your house. I haven't gone to any yet, my tank is cycling now :o

[elephen]

I never posted anything on Fishheads until today and it was just asking what someone wanted for a frag of a leather. I remeber Pat telling me about all the 'flame wars' going on at Fishheads so I decided to not even check it out but I was just poking around on there today.

Do they post info about the frag swaps on Fishheads?

Are you a student as in JCCC or as in high school? Just out of curiousity, we should meet up sometime at one of these upcoming frag swaps... I work at College & Metcalf, not sure how close that is to you.

[melev]

Wow, you ask a loaded question.

Our club has been around for 10 years, but I believe it has really taken off due in small part to my efforts. We set up a message board, and I pretty much pleaded with our members to start using it at every meeting each month. Once the gang started posting to one another, some close-knit bonds were formed between the members and they really started to look out for each other. We also tend to do a lot of group buys, almost monthly.

We also make it a point to build a good relationship with our LFS rather than constantly tearing them down. Mail order is great, but imho you need local fish stores to get things now. Plus, I never buy any livestock via mail order. I want to see it, study it, buy it and get it in my tank within the hour. I don't want to pay box fees, overnight shipping fees, and pray FedEx / UPS doesn't screw up, and still risk it that the animal doesn't survive. I only buy locally, and appreciate that we have so many LFS in our area:
http://www.melevsreef.com/lfs.html

We have two Frag Swaps a year. Yesterday was one of them, and I swear 200 people showed up for the first hour.
http://dfwmas.com/newsletters_html_format/2004Dec/DFWMAS_dec04.html

We have at least two Tank Tours a year, where we spend the day visiting six tanks in a particular area of the metroplex.
http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/melevsreef/dfwmas/tt/feb05_tanktour.html

We had a Coral Propagation Workshop last October, with 85 people attending and 65 participating.

We had our Next Wave conference a couple of months ago, and flew in four speakers for one day, and everyone that attended benefitted greatly from the knowledge they gained.
http://www.dfwmas.com/next_wave/2005/nextwave_images.html

We also have a Winter Social each December, where we have a sit down dinner and raffle for the members. Last year, Roger from Tunze, Inc came to speak to the club. There are a few images in our newsletter.
http://dfwmas.com/newsletters_html_format/2005Jan/DFWMAS_jan05.html

We have monthly meetings, and these move around the metroplex, sometimes in homes but mostly in the LFS that offer. With about 80 people showing up each meeting, we have to have room for the bodies, and the cars. Every meeting ends with a raffle, where members and guests can win livestock.

And as you can see, we have a newsletter that I do my best to get done monthly if at all possible.

Does this mean you have to do all this, and more? No! Our club has grown over time, and with the energy and help of several dedicated hobbyists, we have a great club. We've added more and more events to make it better, which makes the workload even heavier. You will have growing pains as you organize your group, and have to simply roll with the punches at first as you grow and evolve. In the next MASNA newsletter, I hope to include an article about how to start a new club. In the meantime, go to MASNA.org for more information about how you can begin getting organized.

I hope this wasn't too overwhelming.

[xtrstangx]

Originally posted by elephen
I never posted anything on Fishheads until today and it was just asking what someone wanted for a frag of a leather. I remeber Pat telling me about all the 'flame wars' going on at Fishheads so I decided to not even check it out but I was just poking around on there today.

Do they post info about the frag swaps on Fishheads?

Are you a student as in JCCC or as in high school? Just out of curiousity, we should meet up sometime at one of these upcoming frag swaps... I work at College & Metcalf, not sure how close that is to you.

Yeah, I did a few times and got slapped on the wrist for it. Oh well, live and learn.

Heres the link to the most current:
http://www.fishheads.org/viewtopic.php?t=5911

I'm in high school :( College and Metcalf, thats Overland Park, right? I live near I-435 and Midland..

I plan on going to the next frag swap, if I can get a ride. Its out in Manhattan though.

Sorry for hijacking the thread... Get to see sonofgaladriel's tank tonight, very excited :eek1: Picking up some chaeto from him.

[elephen]

Marc - wow, that is quite a bit of work but very very cool

xtrstangx - Well, hopefully a frag swap will be coming up soon here closer to home. I really don't feel like driving that far away for a frag swap, seems worthless to me to waste that much gas on a frag or two. Just not economical

[xtrstangx]

Saw the tank tonight, and I must say it is amazing. The fish are very nice, colorful and active. Beautiful tank... Got a free frag from him too, small rock with a few zoo's and 2 mushrooms on it. He's a real nice guy.

Another thing is that the pictures make the tank look smaller than it is. It is big.

[elephen]

Wow, I'd like to see it. It just looks soo nice in the pictures, if it is better in life then sign me up :)

[sonofgaladriel]

Glad you liked the tank and freebie Max. Hope the chaeto grows well for you too.
elephen- I may be holding a frag swap at my house within a month or two and you're certainly welcome to come. Be watching Fishheads for details.

[sonofgaladriel]

Few more pics...I'm a little embarrassed to show these close ups, as I'm basically starting over due to the crash of a few weeks ago. Just about everything in there is a frag again. The rockscape is still a 'work in progress' too.
At least the hair algae is almost gone. I love watching the fish nip at it. I'm quite surprised to see even the angels eating it. They are so full from the algae, that they won't touch Formula 2 flake or pellets. They even ignore mysis. This algae must be really tasty!
These aren't the best pics in terms of true colors either. These AB 10K's really wash out the SPS colors, but they do make the fish look nice. I can't wait until I can scrape up the money for the Phoenix 14K's.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02315Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02316Small.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02330Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02319Small.jpg

[melev]

Wow, you got a bunch of livestock in there - for a guy that suffered a crash, you have quite a few pieces still on hand. It'll look even better in the coming months ahead.

[elephen]

Wow, looks sweet.

Well I found out that acrylic is a little more expensive then I have originally thought. So I might just be going with a glass, unless I can get a custom tank for a good price. Oh well, looking great man, can't wait to see it.

[MGB]

Looks better every time I see a photo, beautiful. Can you remind us again exactly how you did your faux gravel bottom, tips etc. Because it looks great. Thanks, MGB

[sonofgaladriel]

Melev- only the zoanthids, the yellow leather, my Palau green nepthea, and three SPS aquacultured colonies survived the 'crash' of a few weeks ago. All the other SPS you see in there are frags or small colonies that I just purchased from some local reefers over the last two weeks. Compared to what I used to have, this is quite bare.
elephen- Have you got a quote from Scott at Aquarium Systems Designs yet?
MGB- Thanks for the compliment. As far as the faux sand bed.....
I used a one gallon size 'Envirotex Lite', which is a two part resin epoxy. I simply mixed the two parts together in a 5 gallon bucket, stirred for 2 minutes, added dry clean crushed coral and sand, and poured it directly to the bottom of the tank. I smoothed out out to a uniform 1/2" thickness. As it was setting up, I sprinkled more dry crushed coral over areas where it looked like the epoxy was comming up through the mix. When it dried, I had a nice flat sand bed that is sold and won't allow any detritus to mix in. The four jets and sprag bar I have located at the bottom blow directly over this surface and keep all the matter is suspension where it is carried to the overflow.
I really think that as soon as I get my snails, and the tangs and angels keep grazing, the sand bed will be clear soon and look as good as it did when I first poured it.

[sonofgaladriel]

Here's what I lost during the crash.:( :mad: Makes me kinda sick when I look back at these pics. Everyday my wife asks me 'Why did you want to change tanks again?' Well, I did it once, I can do it again. Right?
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC01088Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC01089Small.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/SPSswitchoverSmallSmall.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/spsSmall.jpg

[alfa2]

I have to say that I'm in shock. in the begging I thought that you have a small tank, but in the end of the thread we can see a beautiful tank.
enjoy

[sonofgaladriel]

Thanks, but what you see in these last few pics is what I 'used' to have in my 180 before the tank switch over. 95% of what you see has died and I'm starting over.
Thanks for the compliments though.

[melev]

Those are lovely corals. What a shame to lose so many. :( And yes, I do think you can do it again. :)

[elephen]

I havn't yet got a quote from Scott, he is really busy but I have been chatting with him as far as ideas for my skimmer I am building. Ordered the acrylic. It'll be similar to Precision Marine Bullet series skimmers. The box down below about 7" tall with a 1.25" output w/gate valve and it'll have a 24" 6"OD chamber so after I decide what pump I need to power the beckett and get this puppy built, I'll post pictures.

Man your 180 looked sweet before, before you know it, the new one will be killer.

What are you using to maintain alk/ca, a calcium reactor or anything?

[sonofgaladriel]

I'll be hooking up my calcium reactor this week. Its been offline for a while, but now that I've got some more frags in there, I'll be getting it up and running soon.

[elephen]

What kind of calcium reactor do you use? What other suppliment/schedules do you use or go off of to maintain levels?

[elephen]

Im considering buying one of Scott's reactors, for they money and performance, they are better IMO verses any of the 'top' reactors out there.

[waterdog1]

wow, what a fantasic project. keep up with the updates, luv em

[NexDog]

The old 180 looked truly amazing. And just think, this is going to turn out even better. :)

[elephen]

Cant wait to see more pictures of his new angels also!

[ssbreef]

WOW! WAAAAW!! WHAT----------A-----------TANK!!!

GOT-TA GET ME ONE!

GOT-TA GET ME ONE!

Only one question, Will you be upgrading your skimmer??

[nathanielT]

cool tank where did u get all those SPS frags I need some myself ive been tryin to scrounge up the money to stock my 65 gallon for almost 2 years now and still ive got only like twelve corals altogether I wish i had some cool friends to hook me up (hint hint hint lol) anyhow cool tank plan to be putting one somewhere in this house when i get the mooolah

[elephen]

MidwestReefs.com has amazing SPS and Steve would bend over backwards for you.

[spoon671]

Hey, I am really glad you decided to document this fantastice experience. All of this information is purely priceless.

I do have one suggestion. I see that your tank can look a tad bit cloudy (hazy). I am not sure if you have looked into it or not, but getting into some Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filtration methods will make all that water crystal clear in NO time.

Once again, thanks for documenting your awesome setup. More updates please! Regards, Justin

[elephen]

What are some 'diatomaceous earth filtration methods'?

Out of curiousity?

[Herbert T. Kornfeld]

Diatom filters...1 micron water polishing. I think thats what he means.

[vitz]

beautiful tank and stand :)

the only 'critique' i have is a suggestion to get rid of that nautilus,and exchange it for a real skimmer ;)

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by vitz
beautiful tank and stand :)

the only 'critique' i have is a suggestion to get rid of that nautilus,and exchange it for a real skimmer ;)
I've been planning that since the beginning. The Nautilus was just to get me by until my new custom skimmer was completed. This custom skimmer was supposed to be completed over a month ago and parts were back ordered. I am getting a nice 28" tall x 8" diameter, recirculating, beckett type skimmer today or tomorrow.
spoon671- I have a mild micro bubble issue and my photo skills are not the best. The 10Ks don't help either, but I will take your advice and look into your filtration recommendation. Thanks for the suggestion.

[kimoyo]

Originally posted by sonofgaladriel
I've been planning that since the beginning. The Nautilus was just to get me by until my new custom skimmer was completed. This custom skimmer was supposed to be completed over a month ago and parts were back ordered. I am getting a nice 28" tall x 8" diameter, recirculating, beckett type skimmer today or tomorrow.
spoon671- I have a mild micro bubble issue and my photo skills are not the best. The 10Ks don't help either, but I will take your advice and look into your filtration recommendation. Thanks for the suggestion.

You could just get some filter socks to get rid of the bubbles and they would help clean the water at the same time. Carbon would help also.

[spoon671]

Originally posted by Herbert T. Kornfeld
Diatom filters...1 micron water polishing. I think thats what he means.

That is correct. Diatom filtration... commonly used only for water polishing. I use it in my mech filtration 24/7. Although I have to change the media about 2-3 times a week, sparkling water is well worth it. My LFS (www.Aquatic-Gallery.com) recommended this to me a while back. Works even BETTER for large tanks.

[elephen]

Explain more in depth about this filtration.

Sorry to take away from your thread Sean. I cant wait to see your new skimmer, Scott said it is pretty kick butt!

[sonofgaladriel]

Here's the new skimmer. I'll be installing it today. It is a recirculating, needle wheel design, 28" tall, 8" diameter.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02444Medium.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02443Medium.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sonofgaladriel/DSC02442Medium.jpg

[melev]

What color stain is that on your stand? I really like it.

Nice skimmer. Not only does it recirculate, it appears to self-rotate for your camera too. ;)

[sonofgaladriel]

Hi Melev. The stain is MinWax 'Red Mahogany', applied heavy and then wiped with a clean dry rag 30 seconds after application.
Yep, this skimmer has a mind of its own. I affectionately call it my little 'R2D2'!

[sonofgaladriel]

Originally posted by elephen
Explain more in depth about this filtration.

Sorry to take away from your thread Sean. I cant wait to see your new skimmer, Scott said it is pretty kick butt!
No problem. I'm also very interested in this diatom filtration. I spent about an hour last night looking at some of the markets 'diatom filters' and they are intriguing. They range from $90 to $150 for filters big enough for this cube though. I'm hoping that this new skimmer, a phosphate pad, and some carbon will do the trick in terms of clearing up my water. Maybe down the road I'll invest in a diatom filter.

[shaw]

if you really want clear water, hook up some Ozone to that skimmer
shawn