270 gallon reef / basement remodel has begun

[skippyreef]

Its been months in the planing but it came to life this weekend. We have started to finish the basement and also build the tank (in wall) this weekend.

The tank is 72*36*24 acylic (pics will be posted) and will be a dedicated acropora / montipora reef with a heavy focus on stags and tables.

I am using all reef ceramics from www.CaptiveOceans.com (thanks Garry) instead of live rock. The equipment line up will follow in a few days.

Here are a few pics of the begining. Nothing really exciting yet but the stand when its done will hold a Semi :)

It will be braced in the front just like a wall but 12" OC not 16" and will be incorparated into and supported by two walls. We are building a soffit of sorts around it to allow it to be viewed length wise on one end. There is a really good reason for this and you will see it as we progress and the tank is filled and running :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture036.jpg

and this is just a little area I am thinking os using for a fitness area or WiFi computer area.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture034.jpg

[Purple Haze]

are those 400's? What color bulbs? Is that the only lighting you'll be running?

Nice choice on that width.

[skippyreef]

Those are 250 Hamilton 20K (german) bulbs on PFO PULSE start Ballast.

I am going to use VHO as well for the middle and also have an HQI pendant if I need it but I dont think I will. I am focusing on water quality and flow in this tank and I believe the lighing in the luminarcs will be adequate to get nice colors and growth woithout having the las vegas strip and the electric bill to support a bunch of 400's LOL

[skippyreef]

this is the top bracing that is under the OSB.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture041.jpg

and this is the stand wrapped is the 1/2 inch exterior grade plywood.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture040.jpg

[skippyreef]

some progress!

The stand is sealed with a mildew resistant paint.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture045.jpg

Some of the doors for the basement for access to sump pump / and other storage areas. The French door is for the fish viewing room :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture047.jpg

Test fit today!! plus we needed to get it up off the floor so we could frame in the viewing room. I am doing built in book shelves and will adorn them with corals of the world by Vernon first!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture048.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture049.jpg

From the back LOL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture050.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture052.jpg

More to come later on this week as we finish it al up.

[NexDog]

Love seeing someone's dream materialise. :)

Who built your tank? And I'm going with Hamilton 14k moguls on those PFO pulse start ballasts. How are you digging those?

[skippyreef]

I like them (the 14k's) in the Luminarcs.

I worked a little more tonight on it and am going to bust out some more tommorow down there so I can start wiring this weekend I hope.

I have decided to use Zeovit on the tank also. I have a custom reactor coming for it.

I also ordered a custom sump with a large frag area. the sump is 48*30*18 acrylic. Will post pics when it comes in.

[derrikd]

nice start, cant wait to see more pics

[skippyreef]

thanks,

Will have more after the weekend. Going to really work tommorow and the Weekend to get it all framed in.

[skippyreef]

here are a few more updates. I will be working tommorow towards getting more of the framing done. But I am getting closer..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture055.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture057.jpg

[zemuron114]

Does that rock seed like live rock or dead base rock??? If so that is incredible. Save a ton of money. Keep up the good work!

[skippyreef]

It does seed the same way.

some more pics

Where did the wall go LOL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture054.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture059.jpg

starting to frame in the maintenance room now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture069.jpg

[skippyreef]

new updates:

getting closer!

will be wiring tommorow

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture071.jpg

Put up fascia (OSB) to make drtwalling easier around the mechanicals in the ceiling.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture072.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture073.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture074.jpg

[skippyreef]

I have things wired ane will be insulating this weekend are starting drywall.

Here is my sump. It is 48-30-18 (112 gallons) and is fed by 4 bulkheads on the top from the tank. The sump is really a 2 in 1 though with a common feed to the return chamber.

The only problem is the manufacturer has to do a mod on it :( The forgot that the overflow baffles needed to be 13.5 inches and they made them 17.5! SO they are going to fix it.

exhaust fan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture080.jpg

Sump
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture086.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture089.jpg

[skippyreef]

This is all but one piece that I ordered from Gary at www.captiveoceans.com

this stuff is amazing to say the least! We are waiting on the large outcroping (island) before he ships it to me but he was kind enough to snap a few shots and mail them to me.

The aquascape will be kept low in height so the corals can grow up more. Back wall will be use to attach corals to as will the side. This will be viewable down one long end so in reality there will be two pieces on one end then the three on the back wall of the tank.

enjoy these pics


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/mike5.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/mike3.jpg

[NexDog]

What is it made out of?

[skippyreef]

calcium and magnesium are two ingredients. The Germans use ot with great success. Go to www.captiveoceans.com for pics of tanks with this product in use.

here are a few more updated pics. Got teh insulation in and will be wiring the exhaust fan this this weekend. The wiring is essentially done with the exception of the recessed lights in the utility room behind the tank. I am doing those after I place the fan in final posistion.

October 7-9 will hang the greenboard down there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture092.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture093.jpg

[skippyreef]

few update pics. I am mounting the exhaust fan this week and because of that I am leaving a few areas open on the wall in the utility room. beyond that I am done insulating. Need to wrap a few areas though with a vwapor seal where I used unfaced insulation.

I also think I might set up this frag tank that I put between the chairs in the pic. tried to gauge space and I still have plenty to work if I set it up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture094.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture095.jpg

[skippyreef]

new pics.... hope to finish this area tommorow
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005111.jpg

[drjrose]

Originally posted by skippyreef
This is all but one piece that I ordered from Gary at www.captiveoceans.com


Impressive product. I was planning on making my own out of oystercrete, but this looks better than what I could make. Do you know what it weighs compared to real live rock? How tall is it compared vs your tank?

[skippyreef]

I don't expect to receive teh rock until late next week or the week after. I have been waiting for one last piece to come from Germany prior to receiving it.



More pics :D

Hope to finishing hanging this next weekend.

Computer / office nook
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005112.jpg

Living room viewed from computer nook

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005113.jpg

Ceiling area in living room

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005114.jpg

Living room viewed from the stairs

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005115.jpg

[818]

keep em comin!

[skippyreef]

working on it :D

[skippyreef]

The big room is done with the exception of covering the stairs. Going to look at banisters post then we will finish that.

Started in the veiwing room tonight :) the ceiling is started adn we think we can finish the=is area tommow (it more straight forward than th last part and smaller).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005129.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005130.jpg

[skippyreef]

We finished most of the veiwing room minus a few soffit covers today :D

The fan is installed over the tank to exhaust to the outside as needed. Still need to cut in the cold air returns after we get all the drywall hung to help assist with the summer humidity in the basement.

The first pic is the exhaust mounted about a foot behind the tank

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005133.jpg

View into utility room. Soffit will be built as well a the last wall and doorway in a few weeks and covered. I might do a plastic pplantation shutter to allow front and side access into the tank also. So cut outs will be done for this in the siffit after it is dry walled.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005132.jpg

The viewing room. The two nooks are for book shelves for reefing books and periodicals (might do a turquoise glass series of shelves, ocean blue)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005131.jpg

Last is the veiw from the door way leading into the veiwing room..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005137.jpg

[NexDog]

Looking good!

[skippyreef]

thanks it is coming along well for the time we have worked on it....

[skippyreef]

Partially framed it in today...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005139.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005138.jpg

[overanalyzer]

looking good - why the green board everywhere - humidty worries?? Working on finishing my basment and was only going to use the green board around the tank area itself and then use regualr drywall in the rest of the basement(in-wall tank with fish room behind and to the side) ....

[skippyreef]

It cost me about 150.00 more to do it this way but I wanted to use a moisture proof board to be as safe as possible from leaks ect. We do not live in a flood plain and have a sump pump, the house is brand new (1.5 years old) and the basement is usually around 65 degree's but I wanted to be safe. If nothing else I have piece of mind LOL

I am sure it can be done the other way too and many people do. I did not insulate the ceilings to allow the heat to trasfer into the floor space better (floor above). I have an exhaust fan and cold air returns will be installed shortly. I have planned for humidity issues and have a plan that I think will work.

I think my evaporation will be minimal because the lighting is not insane but is adequate for SPS.

[k9asia]

what are you using for lighting?

[skippyreef]

2-250 watt 10-14K in LAIII reflectors and 4 36 inch VHO

[k9asia]

i am planning a 72 x30x 24 and it was recomended that i use at least 3 HQi 250 or 150 based on what type of corals i plan on keeping, due to the 72" i would need three and also the 30 "deapth. what are you thoughts

[drjrose]

Originally posted by k9asia
i am planning a 72 x30x 24 and it was recomended that i use at least 3 HQi 250 or 150 based on what type of corals i plan on keeping, due to the 72" i would need three and also the 30 "deapth. what are you thoughts

No less than 250 W for 30" depth. I keep my acroporas near the top, LPS in the middle and the softies near the bottom. Works for me. :)

[skippyreef]

My tank is 24 inches deep and I think this is fine. It si all a matter of several things adn not lighting alone. I am focusing on water clarity as well to maximize light transmission.

[overanalyzer]

Originally posted by skippyreef
It cost me about 150.00 more to do it this way but I wanted to use a moisture proof board to be as safe as possible from leaks ect. We do not live in a flood plain and have a sump pump, the house is brand new (1.5 years old) and the basement is usually around 65 degree's but I wanted to be safe. If nothing else I have piece of mind LOL

I am sure it can be done the other way too and many people do. I did not insulate the ceilings to allow the heat to trasfer into the floor space better (floor above). I have an exhaust fan and cold air returns will be installed shortly. I have planned for humidity issues and have a plan that I think will work.

I think my evaporation will be minimal because the lighting is not insane but is adequate for SPS.

Thanks - I'm planning a vent fan right over hte tank on a humidistat and there is also an air to air exchanger in the same area as my tank.

Our basement is right around 60-65 all year round too! Heck for the extra $150 it never hurts to have extra comfort/piece of mind!

[66chevelle]

Ecellent job skippy!!! Very proffesional looking!!

Cinthia

[skippyreef]

thanks,

I also picked up my dual flow sump. It is 48*30*18 and will house two areas for acropora frag grow out. One chamber has pegs to adjust the height of teh frag tray and the corals grow. the other is for the starter cuttings. I incorporated things into this sump so I could utilize the skimmer I have and the Schuran. I am running the sump light on a RDP to act as a frag fuge so to speak.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005147.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005144.jpg

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[k9asia]

My tank will be 72 long 30 front to back and 24 tall, , will 3 150 hqi be enough for lps and softs with a few sps at top?

[skippyreef]

I would think so but research it more.

[jaze36]

Wow great project! I look forward to see the rest.

[skippyreef]

thanks,

I am just doing the screws this week and finishing the soffits and the rest of the drywall. I am looking at marble flooring also

[skippyreef]

Fan is operational, utility room is drywalled........ Now teh doorway and soffit around teh tank is the next thing to do :D

Future doorway will be here

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005154.jpg

Service / utility room

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005155.jpg

[Purple Haze]

hurry up already ;)

I'm thinking about a similarly sized tank.

[skippyreef]

Perfection is a difficult thing to rush LOL

I think the rest of the construction will be completed this coming weekend then its on to taping and sanding. Remember I had to finish an entire basement for this tank LOL, so I would have a place for the reefer parties that will most certainly follow........

Salt water and Kegs!!! That will be my annual event after we get going :D

[BrianPlankis]

Originally posted by skippyreef
Perfection is a difficult thing to rush LOL

I think the rest of the construction will be completed this coming weekend then its on to taping and sanding. Remember I had to finish an entire basement for this tank LOL, so I would have a place for the reefer parties that will most certainly follow........

Salt water and Kegs!!! That will be my annual event after we get going :D

Boy, just make sure that you keep the kegs and your SW mixing container far apart during the keg parties. I could just see someone getting a cup of SW and trying to chug it! :rollface:

B.

[skippyreef]

Good Advice!!!

I wouldn't want my Grolsch to get mixed up with saltwater LOL............

I really like the idea of having a place to entertain the fellow reef bums I have come to know:cool: It will make a nice place to have those invitational frag swaps for the elite reefers;) in my area, you know the guys who have all that rarest corals I want!!

[skippyreef]

construction update:

all teh drywall will be up tommowor to cover this area. Iam leaving it accessible from the front and the side. Ordering custom bi-fold plantation shutters for this.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005158.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005159.jpg

[willjeff]

Skippy looks great. I live in Ann Arbor and was wondering where you got the sump from, it looks really nice.

[Cesar357]

I can tell this is going to be a killer set up. Can't wait to see more results. Nice.

[Hop]

Wow, now this is a build! I'm not sure what energy drink youre drinking, but I want some! Thanks for sharing and please keep it coming:D

[skippyreef]

Willjeff ,

Talk to Tom at the Fish Doctors on Washtenaw near the old Putt Putt. I odered it from him and OTD it cost me 620.00 which I think is a great deal considering what it is. If you want to stop over sometime LMK I am happy to have you come and take a look first hand. BTW are you on Mireefers.com? there is a thread on there that also is following the tank it is like 15 pages long though :)

Ceasar ,

Thanks for the kind words :) I need them at this point because this is long and hard now even though we are closer and closer everyday we work to having it done

Hop ,

Liek I said I had to make a place (basement remodel / finish) for this baby so it is going to be something truly cool!!!

My reef ceramics will make this even cooler LOL

[skippyreef]

well the hanging and framing is done and the tank has the plastic off for the first time! I do have to get some novus because I have a few little scratches to deal with but that stuff works like a charm.... It is from the plastic and the fine dust that has been in the air. I am recovering of course with 6 mil plastic fr painting ect.......

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005162.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005161.jpg

[NexDog]

Looking fantastic!

[skippyreef]

Thanks it is coming along.....

Just wait in afew weeks it will be really cool!

[CTS]

WOW, this is going to be good. The thing that gets me the most is how a tank is just set up and then it’s usually full of live rock. I’ve got to find the money tree some of these people have!!!

[skippyreef]

CTS

I ordered my rock months in advance fr this tank and its not Live Rock LOL. I have teh reef ceramics and it actually was more expensive than if I had gone with Fiji rock.

I listed a budget of what teh tank cost somewhere on R/C but I can do some ball park fro ya LOL to let you know how I grew my money tree:rolleyes:

Planning started before we moved in last March and I started to accumulate equipment.

I have 4 250 watt ballast
3 Luminarcs
1 ice cap 660 ballast with timer
6 250 watt bulbs (20K's and 14k's) (caught them on sale)
H&S A-200 external (twin 1260's)
Twin Tunze 6100's
Wave box
4 Tunze 6080's
Iwaki 100 RLT with 4 penductors
Aquacontroller (on sale)
Schuran Jetstream 1 calcium reacotr
Custom Zeovit reactor (thanks MAdison)
Custom 48-30-18 dual flow sump
Custom tank 72*36*24

Thins that covers it all. My estimates are I have nearly 4000.00 in what I listed

I ordered teh rock early on when it was revealed at conference in Chicago and got a deal that I cannot disclose on it.

the cost has been spread out over nearly a year so it did not hurt as bad as it would have if I would have just went for it.

The basement with everything I am doing will cost about 5000.00 when its done. It woulf have been 25K to have the companies I got estimates from to do it. The downside is I have done a lot of work. Teh plus is I learned how and it has really been great spending time with my father in law. He is full of knowledge and likes to teach:rollface: so we are enjoying it.

When its done I will have a 10K dollar toy between the tank and the basement but it is all worth it!! I have some plans for this that are really cool and the reef ceramics will really be the instruments to help it come to fruition.

[boris MAC]

And how abouth working in front of the aquarium, how you can reach the front part of the aquarium? I like this semiinwall designs but always worry for front acces.

[CTS]

I guess it’s all about planning and managing your money. Good job on the tank setup and house remodeling. Also if your money tree starts to seed, pass a few my way. :D :D

[skippyreef]

boris MAC

I have a scaffold type platform ladder that will work for that and the stand is built out enough in the back that I can either stand on it or use the ladder.

The things that were important to me I am getting: Eye level viewing, access front and back an ease of working (I have to stand on a ladder to change some lights in my house so this is no different LOL), large skimmer, extra large sump, and all the other toys LOL.

Plus I have a nice working area behind the tank and th eway I ma aquascaping this will favor things being closer to the back of the tank which will allow for easier access. The lights will be on a rolling rack so I can move them out of the way for maintenance and have full access and head room.

Although you can never plan for everythng the more you plan the better the results in the long run and the less errors to correct. I am taking great time and care to plan for these little details. I have been on the scaffold and can reach the bottom both front and back without drowning in the tank LOL

[boris MAC]

skippyreef, you are probably right :). But there is no other way than to do that in near future :).

[skippyreef]

Boris ,

I can tell by your equipment choices :p that you're a person who knows what is going on LOL

I also don't want to sound disillusioned here to anyone. I am aware that it is not going to be perfect LOL. I have prepared myself emotionally and mentally for the frustration that will accompany going "LIVE" with the tank and adjusting things for several months to get it dialed in right.

I expect leaks in PVC joints to happen and repair to be something that jst needs to happen. Dialing in the jetstream will be a new thing for me as well. I realize that soemthings will just not be right and will need to be tweaked to get them to work how I want them to. I have to learn how to run hte wave box in the tank (although it is great fun in the bath tub) and see how it responds on its own and then with the penducotrs and stream pumps. I also can only do this after the Reef Ceramics and in place to see how these change the flow dynamics.

My goal is have mutli-directional convergence of flow and creat vorticies within the tank as the waves washes back and forth. I did something similiar with a surge device in another tank but the wave box is less bulky and will be easier to obscure than that device was.

I expect to have this fresh water testing in January and on line cycling in February :cool:

[boris MAC]

Welp, you place the overflow in the center, that is good choice for the Wavebox action. I like you like my equipment, you see, I'm great Schuran fan, their craftmanship is superior to any other piece of equipment I get here in Europe...and so on :)
I will build a tank, palced and with a look from both sides similiar as your, I have it as an guidlines, acctualy I could copy the setup and layout :).

[Julio]

great project, love the sump design!

[tom obrecht]

I did something very similar...brillant minds think alike! LOL

[skippyreef]

I think it is a nice size to work with and not get to overwhelmed as far as the size of the system is concerned. I do have R/O water coming into the room and will pump the water to a drain in the floor in a utility closet when I do water changes. This is the one thing I could not do was add a sink or drain behind the tank itself :( because I did not want to rip up the flooor in the basement.

I think I could use teh wave box as a jacuzzi jet though in the bath tub until the tank is set up LOL

[skippyreef]

Update:

Electrical is almost all hooked up and taping and mudding are moving along.............reef ceramics came (well most the rest arrive tommorow.............things are looking up!!! there is an end in sight :eek2:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005174.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005175.jpg

Computer area

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005176.jpg

Aquarium Veiwing Room

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005177.jpg


Reef ceramics Wall plates and pillars

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005171.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005170.jpg

Pillars
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005169.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005168.jpg

[SVTour]

Great project skippyreef...I would have hated to been there for all the sanding though. :lol2:

Really liking the 30 wide...wish my 220 was set up the same.

[skippyreef]

Thanks Svtour.......

the tank is 36" wide and the sump is 30" wide:D

We are taking our time with the mudding to make sure to cover or change any mistakes and to minimize sanding we are putting on thinner coats and just doing more of them. The drying time gives us a break in the action which is nice this time of year.

We used a setting mudd for any gaps that were over 1/8 of an inch and then used a regular green top tapping mud to tap with then the dark blue top bucket. We are getting ready to kick into high gear after the first so we can paint this baby and do the floor and finish carpentry :)

Once the corner beads are on teh tank enclosure I will submit some more pics.

I have another shipment of reef ceramics arriving today to round out what I have and my Schuran reactor (been waiting five months) finally shipped and will arrive monday.

I know it has been slow going but it will be awsome I hope in the end..... I will have a new living room, my own personal aquarium wing of the basement, and a utility room behind the tank fr service and fr experiments Muhahahahahah

[mbunaman]

Cant wait to see more pics.

[skippyreef]

the last ceramics arrived..... two pillars, two walls, and a cave...teh cave in in the middle of the two pillars in this pic.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005178.jpg

[skippyreef]

Finally after a long wait it is here!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005185.jpg

[BrianPlankis]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6325791#post6325791 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skippyreef
Finally after a long wait it is here!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005185.jpg

Umm...excuse the noob question, but what is that?

Brian

[skippyreef]

Schuran Jetstream 1 calcium reactor.

[BrianPlankis]

Wow, very different from any calcium reactor I've seen before. It would be cool if you can show how it hooks up when you do it and what each part does, you know, for us noobs out there :)

Brian

[skippyreef]

sure will. This set up does not allow free CO2 gas to enter teh tank and is capable of very high DKH at the output.

[Bax]

Lookin good skippyreef!!!! :)

[gotfish8]

Skippy how's the 2 lumenarcs light your tank? Do they light the whole 36"w? I have 3 400w that I am putting on my 84x36x24

[skippyreef]

They take care of it with ease

[i2ik]

Great project, nice Ca reactor, my favorite! Keep up the good work!

[skippyreef]

Thanks,

It has been slower going though this last week with th holidays and all :)


My masterflex is on the way to feed teh reactor. Got a great deal on this oump with two heads.

[skippyreef]

LAst coat of Mud in the main room. sanding and priming that area after the new year holiday. Looking ot have this wrapped up early February and really start getting focused on set up!!!!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005186.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005188.jpg

[druluv]

Nice Job, Just Tagging Along for the ridw

[Typhon]

Great job!!! Keep the updates coming.. :D

[skippyreef]

thanks.

I am hoping Mid february things will be completed and I hope to have water in the tank and starting the cycle going.

[skippyreef]

test fir of teh reef ceramics today. The wall plates will be rotozipped to size and I still have one that is not in the tank. I also have to notch a place for the wave box on the one end. All IN all these look cool!!



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005189.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005190.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005191.jpg

[druluv]

skipp

Are those things heavy

[skippyreef]

Not terribly :)

they are lighter than live rock of comparable size.

[VDHD1]

What do you mean by Rotozipping?

[skippyreef]

I need to use either a Roto zip or angle grinder on the plates to get an exact fit on the walls. Not a big deal at all. I also have to notch out a spot for the wave box to site on the end between the two end plates.

[tsquad]

Very nice setup! Wow, I wish I could do that :lol:

Do you have a link to a place where I can buy Reef Ceramics? They look awesome!

edit: nvm, just read the first post again. Doh!

[skippyreef]

Thanks,

I am going to work on it some more today and try to get teh drywall tapping part finished tonight. I only have a few joints to finish up in the utility room and that is it. I also plan on having the lights hooked up in the viewing room tonight so I can sand in there and stat on coat number two :D in that room.

I will be hopefully painting this area in a few weeks. I am going to stick with earth tones in the living room and aquarium room. The utility room I am painting a nice light blue color :)

[mike89t]

I love my reef ceramics. Here is a photo of when I first installed mine. Haven't taken a shot of my tank lately but the ceramic is really starting to look just like the rock.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/73065lightson.jpg

[druluv]

Love the back ground rock. I would suggest that you retro fit those mj power heads with magnets, as time goes on, they are just going lose its suction.

[mike89t]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6478816#post6478816 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by druluv
Love the back ground rock. I would suggest that you retro fit those mj power heads with magnets, as time goes on, they are just going lose its suction.

They have already been removed and I'm working on a Magnet holder for the MJ. Already had one pop off and create a crater.

:mad2:

Also I moved the Stream to the right wall and it shoots all the way across the tank. Less sand dunes created by doing this.

[Purple Haze]

Now get those Luminarc's in!

[TheCoralReef731]

Are you going to connect the rocks on the left side of the tank? Very interesting. How much is that rock per square foot.

[skippyreef]

This will all be sorta fused together. I ahve another wall plate to cut to fit the gaps.

[skippyreef]

A few updates though.

Getting ready to finish the drywall work and painting this week. I took some of teh drywall off to run (3) 12-2 lines for 20 amps instead if the 14-3 I was going to use.

The I am exploring a braodening my lighting to use MH spots and LEDS...'



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005202.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005208.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005207.jpg

Glowing montipora in my little cube with the light 6 feet away.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005211.jpg

Last shot :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005210.jpg

[charlesjordanjr]

very cool! I am excited to see this complete with water in it!
-Chuck

[skippyreef]

Thank you for the compliment.

The last coat of Mud will hopefully be on tonight in the aquarium lounge, then we sand and prime that area. After that I am moving th etank off the stand to complete that area with sanding and painting. The I will place the tank back on the stand and begin the plumbing!!

Looks like the end of the month I will be starting plumbing this monster :)

I am thinking of renting a PVC pipe bender now to avoid 90 degree joints and to have as few joints as possible. This will give me fewer failure points because ther will be fewer glued joints in the system.

The light rack will consist of at least two 150 watt 20K spots on Ice cap E ballast, along with 3-5 LED fixtures, 3-4 VHO actinics and the 14 K SE aquaconnects in the LAIII reflectors.

My plan is a very measured one. I will be shopping for only the best in frags and cultured colonies for this tank with an emphasise on extreme table tops. The aquascaping was purchased with that concept in mind. I have pictures of the Sipidan Reefs from Gary Mahdl from his diving excursions there. These are my inspiration for creating a table top dominated reef aqaurium.

The fish species will be Anthias and Genicanthus Angle fish. I will of course have the obligate clownfish though. I am also going to transfer my Royal Gramma and my Leopard Wrasse into the tank.

[skippyreef]

This is a pic of the new Iwasaki 20K 150 watt spot. I am looking for a can fixture to put it in this weekend so I have better directional control of it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005212.jpg

[druluv]

I gotta see that PVC pipe bender now. That seems like such a good idea. Be sure to include pics

[skippyreef]

I will. Looks like months end to start plumbing

[Purple Haze]

I like the spot lighting idea. Not seeing that much stateside. Can't wait to see how you implement it.

Good luck

[skippyreef]

I have looked at many Japanese tanks and the fixtures look like the type of lighitng fixtures one would see in a dance club. SO I am looking at DJ cans right now. I have 3 for the LEDS so far and will be looking for suitable cans for these Iwasaki spots over teh weekend. I can use a ceramic socket and just wire it to a PFO QDC and use the ballast box that IC suggest which has a PFO female end. then we are cooking.

[skippyreef]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005217.jpg moved the tank this weekend so we can kick it into high gear and have this area painted by the weekend.

The next project is to tile around the tank though...... This is what I am thinking of.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005216.jpg

Also got the new ZEO reacotr

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005213.jpg

[Black71gp]

love that i can follow this thread twice... makes it funn..lol..looking good

[skippyreef]

LOL.......

Actually you could follow it three times :)

[overflowin]

wow...you have my dream project on your hands...

donnie

ps nice strat

[skippyreef]

Thanks overflowin,

I will do my best then ;)

[Black71gp]

well i would have to go searching i guess...lol two is good...

[SVTour]

The tile would be a nice touch...looks like you would have a good amount of cutting though.

How are you looking to place the tile up to the tank? It seems to me that you would either have an issue with the tank sitting on top of the tile, or you would need some sort of bullet end to cap the top so you don't see the top edge of the tile.

[dryice]

nice tank i like the depth that it has.

[skippyreef]

The tiles would be placed and we would use some custom wood working if needed to cover the lip. Anythign is doable it just depends on far you're willing to go to do it :)

[skippyreef]

Here is the can I found for the Spot bulb :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005219.jpg

[Purple Haze]

cant wait to see how you plan on mounting that bad boy. Should give me some ideas ;)

[skippyreef]

I am going to hang it on a lighting rack I will be desiigning and building over the next 2-3 week (depending on my work schedule and the tiling project around the aquaraium)

I plan to have it on two axis of motion for adjusting it. The can allows for up and down adjustments and I will incorporate L/R when I mount it for better control.

[skippyreef]

an update.......

Just need to finish some trim and in another four weeks maybe this will have water in it :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005230.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005229.jpg

[sidewinder770]

Very cool - I love the in-wall design. Very clean look and very well planned out. Keep the updates coming and of course the pics.

[Alphabet]

Very nice, now all you need to do is fill it and pull up a chair!! I take it the tile will be on the wall? What are you putting on the floor?

[skippyreef]

Tile in front and then carpet where the furnishings will be

[boris MAC]

Just keep us updated, I folow your masterpiece else were on the net to...

[skippyreef]

thanks Boris

I started cutting the reef ceramics to size tonight and lowerede the overflow teeth also to get about a 1-1.5 inch wave from the Wave box

[skippyreef]

wall plates and wave box are set!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005232.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005233.jpg

[druluv]

Wow that reef ceramics is sweet.

[skippyreef]

Druluv,

I like it also :)

I am getting one last piece to cover the overflow in front next week and then all I am waiting on is the Red Dragon return pump to be delivered!!

I am hoping to be running in 4-6 weeks!

[Black71gp]

looking nice.. looking great.. awesome size tank.. just waiting on taxes to order mine..... gggrrrrr.....lol

[skippyreef]

Wet Testing now :)

I have to soak the reef cermaics for a few weeks adn change this water out two more times before I go on line with filling with R/O DI and IO also will start teh silicate remover going this weekend with water change 1 on this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005241.jpg

[JOSHUAB]

How did you attach the reef ceramics to the wall of the tank??

[skippyreef]

at this point they are sitting there. I may silicone them in place after wet test III is completed.

[mike89t]

I just rinsed my ceramics really good and soaked them for about a week before placing them in the tank. I had a large diatom bloom for about 2 weeks that my cleaner crew quickly took care of.

Went on to the hair algae phase of a new tank for about a month. Here is a photo of some hair algae growing on the ceramics:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/73065brown_hair2.jpg

The HA went away after about a month and I am currently going through the Cyano phase of the new tank Maturation. Ugly Phase! :mad2:

I have several snails that love to hang out on the Ceramics. Also notice lots of Amphipods crawling in and out of the little cracks in the ceramic. I guess you can say it's starting to become Live Ceramic.

[skippyreef]

Thanks for the input :)

After speaking with Gary and Scott from Captive Oceans I am going to go through the process of soaking these really well three times and using a silicate remover in a power filter on the tank.

A friend of mine went through a similar experience to yours Mike and now his look just like live rock. I have to wait for another 7 weeks for my plantation shutters to come in and be installed in the openings in front og the tank so I have time to go through the process of curing these and minimizing the algea impact so to speak.

I am looking forward to getting my Red Dragon return pump and plumbing this beast soon.

[skippyreef]

Some updates

All the doors are installed, the shutters for the openings above the tank are ordered adn will be here in April. All that is left is some finish carpentry to dress things up down here, the tile in front of the tank, and the carpet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005246.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005245.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005247.jpg

[mcegelsk]

Love your project so far! I'll definitely keep watching!

[Bax]

Great work skippyreef, I really like the reef ceramics walls. The room looks great too!

[skippyreef]

Thanks guys,

This was a large project :) if I had just doen an aquarium room it would have been a lot faster :)

[FibberMcGee]

Fantastic, just found this thread, it will be fun watching this. Great job!

[skippyreef]

Thanks,

There are a lot of elements to this outside of the aquarium itself but everything was done with the aquarium in mind. So far I am happy to report that even though the tank is full of water I am not noticing humidity ( I have has some evaporative loss) as a problem. I am sure things will evolve as time goes on with this possible issue but I took steps from the start to mitigate this.

If most of the molding is done tommorow and the carpet estimate is in line then things will be done a bit soner :) But I will shop around for flooring if I think the estimate is rediculous LOL

Things are moving along though and when the Red Dragon comes next week I can start the plumbing process.

[skippyreef]

Thanks to Scott adn Gary at Captive Oceans I received the last important peice of teh puzzle today!

My Red Dragon 6.5m3

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005248.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005249.jpg

[alien9168]

Whats the red dragon for?

-alien

[asnatlas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6859149#post6859149 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alien9168
Whats the red dragon for?

-alien

I would take a guess to say for his return pump…

[Black71gp]

return

[skippyreef]

yep it teh return pump :D

[alien9168]

Thanks

[skippyreef]

No probelm...

a local friend of mine just ordred teh 8.2 red dragon

[Alphabet]

Great looking room and setup. I will be needing a new pump soon, what are your thoughts on RD vs say, Iwaki or Little Giant? I have heard many things about other pumps but not much about RD. Thanks

[skippyreef]

it is just my opinion first off :)

I bought mine because the componenets are higher quality than any used in any other pump available in teh hobby (that I know of). Hard tungsten carbide bearrings, titanium screws and shafts. The pump uses just 65 watts and transfers virually no heat , is dead silent as well. the things are built like tanks!! This pump has a life time gaurantee as well. It is pricey but I will never need another one!! if it dies Scott and Gary from Captive Oceans will take care of it :)

Klaus made a great Skimmer (the BK) and a great pump called the Red Dragon!

since I do not need a pressure rated pump I would not buy an Iwaki that tales 4 times the electricity to operate, is noisey and gets hotter and definately I would never own a mag drive again :)

[asnatlas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6875630#post6875630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skippyreef

Klaus made a great Skimmer (the BK) and a great pump called the Red Dragon!

Can't wait to get this 400 EXT up and running :)

http://600gal.asnatlas.com/Resized/BK400%20on%20stand%201.JPG

[skippyreef]

thats a Beast!!!

great looking skimmer

[skippyreef]

thats a Beast!!!

great looking skimmer

[CTS]

Very nice job!!!

[skippyreef]

Thanks,

Starting to plan out the plumbing. Here is a pic of some of the equipment in place (not permanent yet) to get an idea.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005250.jpg

[mike660r]

Man... you don't have the baseboards in yet! I like your priorities :) Do the reef cermiacs have clips to hold them at the top? It sure would be a frightening experence to come home and find one had fallen and scraped your tank.

[skippyreef]

they have a wider bottom than top so they stand up easily. I have thought about securing them with silicone though. I need to drain the tank one more time and wipe everything down real well. this is when I would secure them.

I am going to get the tile done in the next couple weeks and then the carpet :) baseboards are teh last thing I am doing :)

[alien9168]

BK is a beast skimmer brand--but then again, any skimmer that holds more water than by display tank is too big for me lol

Still can gaulk though lol :D

-alien

[skippyreef]

Shutters are installed!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005253.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005252.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005251.jpg

[alien9168]

Nice shutters, my grandmother has similar shutters on the windows of her library- THey look awsome, and def- keep light out. :D

-alien

[skippyreef]

Thanks,

Those cost more than my Schuran LOL...............

I have to re-check my priorities :)

[alien9168]

Lol- Apearence and enjoyment is alot in this hobby- as you know- IF it makes you happy, pay more than the whole project for your shutters lol :D

---maybe not that much. :D

-alien

[charlesjordanjr]

Looks great! I like the look of the shutters.
-Chuck

[Bax]

Real nice, do you get any light creep with the shutters?
It's a great idea as you could open then for ventilation if your have a heat problem.

[Bax]

On second look, they are angled "backward" of a typical application aren't they?

I really like the looks of the ReefCeramics ... very tempting :)

[skippyreef]

the shutters angle two ways and the way they are angled will block 98% of the light pluc there are wood strips to block at teh the top and sides :)

[skippyreef]

Tile flooring is in the viewing lounge :rollface:

Carpet is next LOL. I ma having a professional installer come mid month to take care of that.

The utility room will have VCT tile installed in a couple weeks and then I can go pick out the cabinets and counter top for in there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005259.jpg

[alien9168]

Very nice!
make sure to post pics of the viewing lounge when this is complete, and also the utility room...
I feel like this is going to come together very, very nicely

-alien

[skippyreef]

I will certainly do post pictures when it is all completed. I need to find some stylish book shelves now for my reef library LOL

I hope to pick up most of the books I want at the IMAC next month. I know that the vendors should have an ample supply of books as well as the speakers who are there LOL

[Fliger]

Skippy, that all looks incredible. Did you ever end up having a silicate issue with the ceramic?

[skippyreef]

Thanks dave!!

The silicates are not an issue becuase I am curing these in fresh water (been in water about a month) and running a cannister filter with phosphate / silicate removers and a micron filter every weekend or so :)

[skippyreef]

Well the flooring is all finished :lol:

All that remains is the finish carpentry and hooking up the 3 20 amp lines to the breaker box so far as aquarium lounge / basement finishing.

Will be spending this coming weekend at the IMAC so not much planned in the way of aquarium activity at home. When I return I can start on the important stuff though like plumbing and setting the quarantine system in motion.

Here are some pics of the lounge and the living room area.


Lounge
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005262.jpg

Living Room
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005261.jpg

[skippyreef]

CLosing in on doing the plumbing now. A friend is getting a PVC bender so we can avoid fittings where possible and 90 degrees as well. This will also decrease teh number of failure points in the circulation as we decrease the amount of glued joints that are needed.


The wave box and Tunzes are installed now and the reef ceramics have been soaked for two months with silicate and phosphate removers running on them.

I have done some other work as well :)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005263.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005264.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005265.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005266.jpg

[szesteve]

Wow! Looks like everything is coming along very nicely!

Just curious, how do you attach the ceramic pieces to the back wall of the tank? Are you worried of detritus building up in between that space?

[skippyreef]

The reef ceramics will stand well on there own. I am addign a SSB though for the look. I am really no moer worried about detritus between those spaces than I am any other space in Live Rock :)

With the water motion in the tank I believe things will be ok. I have somewhere in the order of 15K gallons an hour moving with the wave box and tunzes

[szesteve]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7333985#post7333985 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skippyreef
The reef ceramics will stand well on there own. I am addign a SSB though for the look. I am really no moer worried about detritus between those spaces than I am any other space in Live Rock :)

With the water motion in the tank I believe things will be ok. I have somewhere in the order of 15K gallons an hour moving with the wave box and tunzes

I see. So are the ceramics going to be flush against the back wall or are you planning to leave some space?

Thanks!

[skippyreef]

they are flush on the wall :)

I am taking a break right now from set up (a food break) but just finished the lst hole into the top for the tunze power chords. I think I have the circulation pattern down too.

I have two 6080's attached to the overflow with magnets pointin at 45 degrees to the front glass in opposing diretion. A 6100 in a tunze rock in the corner right of the wave box and the returns will come in on the far corners and overlap the 6080. Like interlocking fields of fire.

We will see. If need be I can always add another 6100 or 6200 to the mix :)

[skippyreef]

Here we go.

I changed teh aquascaping around a bit :) and added a SSB today. Everything is in final position. Plumbing when the pipe bender arrives. The ceramics are flat on the bottom of the aquarium and I filled the sand in around them. This is Fiji "Pink" aragonite sand. I used about 60 pounds in this aquarium.

Front Views




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005268.jpg

End view

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005267.jpg

front

http://http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005269.jpg

[skippyreef]

front

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005269.jpg

[SunnyX]

Looking really good!!

[skippyreef]

Thanks Sunny.

I am knocking off for a bit to relax and then go back at it late on tonight. The plumbing will take teh longest. I have the R/) ready to go I just need to plumb it to fill a resovior for top off and one for the water change mixer :)

I finally placed the Schuran and went ahead and filled it with media. I used teh coral sand that they recommend and the Mg pellets from Captive Oceans on top to make sure the Mg stays up as well :)

[alien9168]

looking amazing!

[skippyreef]

My twin Eheim 1250's arrived (one for the coral quarantine / frag grow out later on) and the other for the Zeolith reactor. The other critical piece arrived as well. The Aquamedic CO2 Regulator and solenoid.

I am down to plumbing and building the lighting rack. After seeing what Mike Palletta did for his large tank during IMAC I am going to copy it. It is simple and to the point for what I need.

[pennyguy23]

Was the tank really cloudy when you put in the sand? Any pointers for me. I am about to put my together this week end or next.

[skippyreef]

LOL there is no water in it just yet. I wanted to put the sand down forst them I will fill soon from the R/O (this weekend I may start it) and hope to prevent a real sand mess :)

[skippyreef]

Yep this weekend starts the fill with R/O. I suspect it will take a few days to fill the tank up :) I hope to get the PVC bender soon as well so I can plumb. I am just going to fill it up and then turn on the the Streams for now to keep the water flowing. As soon as it is plumbed I will have to fill it the rest of the way to fill the sump up.

Looks like the Tractor supply is on my list this weekend for a few holding containers for top off and water changes as well :)

[skippyreef]

Still waiting for the PVC bender to arrive but once it does it will be gangbuster to plumbing :)

I have started to fill the tank with R/O so I can test drive teh wave box and 6100's together. I have recently set teh reactor in place as well and filled it with the Schuran Media and Magnesium Pellets (captive Oceans).


Should not be long now though. I expect my four fish (pair of Percs, Leopard Wrasse, and a Royal Gramma) will enjoy this upgrade from their current 47 gallon cube :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005271.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005272.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005273.jpg

[Goldleaf Reef]

I've been reading this one a while, and the job looks awsome I hate to piont out the obvious, but sometimes it takes a second set of eyes. I hope you are planning to cover those switch /plug boxes with a plate of some sort, I would imagine that amount of moisture would cause havoc on the wiring under the tank. I am finishing my basement, and slang some water out of a paint brush into a uncoved wall socket... zap.. Call the electician

[skippyreef]

It does sometimes take extra eyes :)

I have covered them with a switch plate and am sealing the backs with expandable foam to make them moiture proof. I have also silicone sealed every joint in the stand :) as well.

The last bit of protection will be provided by all weather covers so that I will have done everything possible to keep this moisture resistant ;)

[bguile]

skippy, are you going to leave the opening in the front of the wall as is or are you planning on adding a trim? Also, how high is your stand?

I've been reading your thread regarding ventilation the last couple days. Any update on how that's working out?

[Cody Ray]

very cool, just a heads up your current tanks description says its a 50 gallon ;)

[charlesjordanjr]

That is looking awesome!! I may have missed it, what are you going to have in the tank? Corals, FOWLR?
-Chuck

[skippyreef]

LOL I do have a littel cube running :) it is nearly 50 gallons.

The ventilation is working out well down there. I had the aquarium filled for a few months soaking the reef ceramics and It kepy the humiduty around 50% without running all the time ;). I have a Humidistat / Temp controller that the fan runs on.

This is a Reef Tank in the making. I added up the cost of just Aquarium related things and was well over 10K today on this without including anything I have done in the basement in terms of finishing it. The good news is the PVC bender is here and a friend and I will take to plumbing on Sunday.

I finally started test driving the wave box yesterday as well as the other Tunze Streams I have in the aquarium. I do not beleive water motion or velocity will be an issue at all even as time goes on. I have spare Stream pumps to add in the future (buy now fight inflation later on LOL) if needed.

Their has always been a vision for this project right from the start I knew what I wanted to do. I did a drawing of what I wanted the finished in wall design to look like and we built it just that way. This aquarium was ordered 36 inches wide so I would have a decent viewing pane up the length for a better perspective and more dynamic coral placement options as well.

The main focus if this tank deal with a type of acropora species. I am a table top junky and always have been. I love them. The extra width allows for that as do those wall plates. I will as all reefers do add some favorite stags and a few other corals that are not table tops (I do not want a homogenized reef either) but want to keep a dominant type (growth pattern) all the same.

The fish species have also been choosen for this. I want to do a nice docile large angel fish as the dominant fish in the tank. Then I will build around him / her with other peaceful tank mates. I want a Gold Flake angel for this aquarium and maybe a pair of Genicanthus angels. I would like to get Bartlett's Anthias (a school) to swim in the mid tank and then round things off with some flame prawn gobies, my pair of percs, leopard wrasse and the Royale Gramma I have in the 50 cube.

Their are wide open sand bottom areas for Fungia and clams as well in the aquarium. I am pleased with the progress to date and more pleased with not rushing this project and giving myself the time to plan properly.

[skippyreef]

This is the original drawing :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005.jpg

This speaks to my obsession with Acropora (old 180 before I moved)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Dscn1696.jpg

[bguile]

that's awesome. I'll have to PM you later to get some specifics on the steps you took regarding the humidity. It's funny, but the plans I'm looking at for my home will have me building almost the same way yours is. I want it closest to the sump so that I have an easy way to drain water. Great thread, I'll be following this one along since I have quite a few months yet before I begin my project. Thanks for sharing!

[skippyreef]

No problem at all. I will post some shots this weekend late Sunday of the plumbing :)

[skippyreef]

wavebox in action on my new tank

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/reef%20videos/?action=view&current=Maderiabeach2005275.flv

[Spiffyguy]

very cool looking. When I was thinking wave box I guess I was think more of a surge thing. Couple questions. It does look liek it moves the sand quite a bit. Is that going ot be a problem? Also how is your overflow effected by the wave action. Very cool stuff thanks for sharing this.

[skippyreef]

the sand movement is caused more from the 6100 than the wavebox right now. After teh sand gets a biofilm on it it will not move as much. The tank is not full enough for the overflwo effects to be known at this time :)

[willjeff]

skippy nice work all around. I just found this thread and noticed you are real close location wise to me. Where will you be purchasing the live stock from?

[skippyreef]

several places :)

a friend has a line on black tangs right now and I aminterested in them.

I deal mostly with Tom of the fish doctors locally and I like RM and pacific east on line.

I am close enough for you to get the nickel tour if you'd like.

[willjeff]

That would be really cool. I frequent Fish Doctors pretty often, Tom is real good to deal with. Looking forward to see your tank progress.

[skippyreef]

tommorow we should get most of the plumbing done. I will then add salt and start teh main pump and add some live rock to seed this tank for a bit before I add any live stock. I would not be suprised with myself if I keep the tank bio load to a minimum until after Mid-July.

I want to allow sufficient time for the bio-filtration portion of the tank to take hold along with the pod population before I introduce and predators or added stres to the system. This is how I think I can make a good design function greatly :)

[skippyreef]

getting close. Had to get a new bulkhead ordered because of a bad one. Other than that no major problems with the plumbing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005292.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005299.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005300.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005293.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/reef%20videos/?action=view&current=Maderiabeach2005290.flv

[Bax]

Looks like it's time to start mixing SW!!! :)

[skippyreef]

Watch the video link :)

the tank is cycling right now with live rock adn salt water :)

[Spiffyguy]

do you have the sump hooked up yet? in the video it looks disconnected. I am interested to see how your wave box plays with the overflow. Looks great so far. When I do a big tank I may have to do a wavebox. looks really cool.

[skippyreef]

Sump was connected but not full. I leak tested the last chamber and found a bad bulkhead that would not seal so I ordered anew one. I also have to place a union above the return pump and need to put some thin foam under the sump.

I am looking at being done this weekend though. The lighting rack is my next hurdle. I order three sets of the sun lifts to suspend that. I figure one every 22 inches to support the two LAIII and tmy T5's and LED cans :)

[skippyreef]

The Sump is filling and looks like the main pump start up is tonight!!!

[juststartingout]

subscribed and lurking for awhile. I'm happy for ya, congratulations! :beer:

[skippyreef]

A few pics to enjoy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005301.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005302.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005303.jpg

[skippyreef]

here is a cool link to the Skimmer Video :)

will be on line Mnday with full power and at that time the heaters and the other equipment will be going.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/reef%20videos/?action=view&current=Maderiabeach2005304mov.flv

[binaryterror]

Haha, great vid! "ok... into the darkness..." lol

[skippyreef]

Thanks that is just me thinking and talking out loud :)

[binaryterror]

Hey, how do you like the Reef Ceramics? I am thinking of buying some for my 240. An outcropping and a pillar or 2.

[skippyreef]

so far I like them. We took PO4 reading after a two month soak and the readings were 0.01 witha HAnna so they are not leaching anythig really into the water. Cool shapes and the wall plates I love.

[skippyreef]

her eis the start of the lighting rack. I have to do an identicla one for the bottom then join then with C channel. I got the idea from www.melevsreef.com a while back. The aluminum is ultralight material but pretty strong. I went with 1 inch because i have the luminarcs over the tank. I also top mounted them on hte rack because I need to be able to remove them for maintenece and coral placement.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005305.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005306.jpg

[elvictre]

That Reefceramics is just out of this world...Your tank really looks great.

Vic

[skippyreef]

Thanks :)

With the water heating up now I should be moving over my pair of clowns, leopard wrasse, and Royale Gramma soon.

here is my fathers day gift :) kinda fishy!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005307.jpg

[AngeloM3]

::clicked subscribe to this thread::

i saw in previous posts that you had the lights sitting right on top of the tank...

then i saw a structure you made for the lights.... you will be hanging those lights right?

[thor32766]

keep the post coming.

[jeffreylam1132]

Looking good.

[skippyreef]

the lights are going up on sunlifts this weekend.

[skippyreef]

This is the moon over my reef.................



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005311.jpg

[Bax]

That is some intense moon light!

[skippyreef]

They are not as bright when over the tank but give a great result. I am thinking of outting them on a dimmer as well :)

[skippyreef]

here we go :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005310.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005309.jpg

[skippyreef]

The lighting rack is getting there. We decided to hang the rack on the sun lifts to get it into position so I can determine how long the atachment pieces for the T5 portion need to be as well as teh moonlight spots.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005312.jpg

[skippyreef]

Here is another shot with the Moon light Spot installed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005314.jpg

Here is teh spot over the tank. Much better than just pointing the lights at the tank from outside it. The shimmer lines are excellent.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/reef%20videos/?action=view&current=tankstand004mov.flv

[bguile]

it's been a couple weeks. Any updates? pics? I've also been following the other thread regarding the cold air return mod. How's that working out?

Great looking setup BTW.

[bguile]

it's been a couple weeks. Any updates? pics? I've also been following the other thread regarding the cold air return mod. How's that working out?

Great looking setup BTW.

[levon15]

I'm sorry to interupt.

Is that just a standard can light for stage and if so what kind of bulb/gel are you using on it ?

Interesting idea for a moonlight. Good angle I suppose.

[skippyreef]

the light I am using is for a recessed par 38 can. It has 60 individual dimmable LEDS that are in the 470 nm wavelength. I am not using any Gel for the light at all. I will post a pics of it here in a bit with some updates. I had about 10 days of haor algea and diatoms but now things are clean as a whistle again. Phosphates are 0.03 on my Hanna Meter and everything else is undetectable on the test kits. Again I have no nuissance algea growing either.

[skippyreef]

last week :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand036.jpg

Nassarius Eggs (yes in a new tank)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand035.jpg

Clowns

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand018.jpg

Leopard Wrasse


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand020.jpg

Equipment shelf

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand014.jpg

LEDhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Maderiabeach2005208.jpg

[bguile]

hows that cold air return mod working?

[skippyreef]

I have not opened it up yet because I ahve not needed to. The fan and dehumidifier are working great!

[MdM31]

how is your wavebox set up?

i got one for my new tank and do not know if it should be submerged or if some of the boax should stick out fo the water. Also, do you get a good sized wave with it?

-Mike

[skippyreef]

My box is set up with the water just above the water line on the box itself. I get a 1.5 inch wave from mine on a six foot tank. The wave will (once it starts back up from the feed timer) re-suspend any uneaten food that was on the sand bed and in the rocks too. It is an awsome piece of equipment to have as an adjunct to water motion in any aquarium.

[skippyreef]

The gang

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand040.jpg

First full test coral.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand039.jpg

Flame Fin Tomini Tang

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand038.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand037.jpg

[lusenut2]

How is the tank doing. Its been over a month since the last post. Im having withdraws. lol

[skippyreef]

The tank is doing well. I have a minor issue right now related to Zeo additives but beyond that life is good. I just installed an ozonizer this week and my water clarity issue is clearing up as is the zeo issue.

A nice Acro that is coloring up well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand073.jpg

SOme Ozone pics and skimmer

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand072.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand071-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/tankstand069.jpg

[skippyreef]

Here are some new pics as the system moves along....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture006-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture007-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture009-1.jpg

[MdM31]

Do you have any problems with sand storms??

i am hacing some killer problems, lots of particles in the water make the tank look cloudy.

looking good by the way!

[bguile]

Lookin' good skippyreef! I'm not sure if I asked before, but since you've setup your equipment room and in-wall tank are there any changes you would've made if you could do it all over again? I'm in the process of designing mine and will begin once the house is built and the money is gathered, so I'm getting ideas, insight and wisdom from all the awesome setups that has gone before me.

[skippyreef]

I would have made the room a bit deeper and would have gotten an eight foot tank :) because as a hard core reefer you always want more.

I would have cured the ceramics with uncured live rock to decrease the diatom time I had of nearly 3 months as well

[Goldleaf Reef]

Looks Great , I am gald you updated your Post. I am working on a 8 foot'er myself I was going to get it in July but found out my wife was haveing a baby after I broke my 120 down , so I put that on holdtTill the baby comes. So since I did that I now may go 12 Feet, since I had to wait, I reworked some things in the basement.

Keepa posting

[jond]

Great Setup! What range of lift do you have with the Sun Lift light hangers?

[Oldtimer]

Awesome setup! I'm in the middle of my basement remodel and a large reef is part of the plans. Still undecided on dimensions, but suffice to say that it's in the 250-350 gal range. The opening to my basement will be the limiting factor! It's great to see someone local on here to compare notes with. I'm about 45 minutes east of you in Grosse Pointe. It's been several years since my last reef and it's amazing how much technology has changed. I remember when you were cool if you had a protein skimmer! LOL I can't wait to get back into it. Looking forward to more updates.

Andy

[skippyreef]

Oldtimer I sent you a PM bro.

I get a decent range of lift with the sunlifts. I really like them.

[skippyreef]

Few pics

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture001-1.jpg

[skippyreef]

Updated Pics:

I have added a nice school of Lyrtails with asuper male all from Vanuatu. I have a group of Queen ANthias with a Supermale eating now and they will go in the tank next week after they complete the stringent quarantine process.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture030.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture031-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture028-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/Picture032-1.jpg

Wrasses in Quarantine

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/pylie-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/skippyreef/CoralSeaFairyWrasse-1.jpg

[tprize]

I haven't seen anyone ask this yet, but will the ceramics grow coraline just like normal rock. Does it grow as quickly? Do you have to add a few peices of real live rock to introduce the stuff into the tank? That stuff looks amazing so I am very interested, I just don't know exactly how it acts with the enviorment, as well as if it will eventually work like live rock and become a living filter.