Marc`s DIY 900g Inwall System

[Fudge]

Hello all,

Just wanted to start a thread to share the progress of my System.

Its a plywood fiberglass/epoxy tank 525 gal, with a 370g fiberglass/epoxy sump.
It has 3/4" laminated Starphire front and (1) side panes.

Pretty much everything is DIY Including the tank, sump, skimmer, reactor , reseviour and canopy...oh and the fish room.. :)

Youll have to bear with me as im a little computer illiterate, and have yet to learn to use my webspace to post all the construction.

The tank is 100"x 48" x 30", but the veiwable depth is 40" as there is a 8" wide full length external overflow that serves as the back of the tanks perimeter brace.

I havent got many pics of the face or side yet, being only about 4 months young, there isnt a whole lot to see...but ill post a few when i can get some more updated and uploaded.

But, heres a few of behind the scenes.

Heres the back of the tank and overflows, there are two 4-way Om`s on closed loops, each fed with its own Sequence SEQ-23 (6000gph) that run back up through the overflows to keep em tidy and out of my way:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_136.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_003.jpg

Heres one of a Quad Beckett skimmer....thats been a serious project of its own..lol.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_160.jpg

One of the sump, its kinda hard to get a good pic, its in pretty cramped quarters :
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_038.jpg

One of the water change reseviour/mixing tank 215g. :

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_equip_197.jpg

The canopy is all Aluminum using 2" square tubing and sheet, it slides through the fishroom wall into my shop when i need to work on the tank.

It has 3 x 400 w 10k ushio`s, 440w of uri and 03 actinic, and 4x 65 w of 50/50 pc.

Here it is semi-retracted:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_109.jpg

I have a few hundred other pics of each piece`s construction, lol so ill have to get a photo bucket account to show you.

All in all its been a fun and humbling project, and pretty daunting with so much DIY, it was one done in sync with a good freind Jamie cross and his DIY system, and it helped to build 2 at once.
We have banged heads together through this whole 2 yr ordeal, and doing that made the project a little more feasable.
It sure helped to have different views, and was interesting how they both came out in the end.

Feel free to post any questions you all may have, and ill update with more photo`s.

Cheers,


Marc.

[elephen]

Wow. Talk about a project. More pics! :)

[SHOmuchFUN]

What kind of lighting? How many?



Tease :D

[Dr. Chek]

keep 'em comin'

[skabimini]

:eek2: shaweeeeet!!

[barleychown]

Wow! What a huge project!

[alten78]

Feed me Seymore feed me! Can't wait to see more details

[143gadgets]

Please more PICS, PICS, PICS, and PICS......

Did I say PICS.

[rjwilson37]

Very nice, but where is a picture from the front of the tank?

[Lordhelmet]

More info please. and we need a front picture.

[jacmyoung]

Would love to see the front of the tank with the surroundings, even if the tank is still bare. How did you frame the tank on the wall?

[fella1320]

tagin along i gotta see this thing it seems amazing so far well well done fudgie hahaha

[Hop]

Very Very impressive so far! After you get some more pics up, I think I may have some ?s

[Lordhelmet]

one question, we all know just about what a system like that would run if you bought all new equipment. how much did you save doing most of the big budget items DIY.

[Mr. Eko]

We need a frontal pic now=-)
Looks great

[Fudge]

Thanks All, :D

Id love to show you all some pics of the face, but that room is still being finished.

Maybe i could tie you up with a few more pics of construction.... for a week or so while i finish sanding the mud and priming and....

There was so much DIY in this project that ill have to start on one item at a time...

Ill start with the sump, it was the easy one :)

This was a wood cutout that i had done to match the inside profile of the sump, then i coated it in wax so i could use it as a mould to shape the first baffle.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Finshing_009.jpg

then it was simply pulled out and back to be used again on the second...
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Finshing_012.jpg

ready for sanding and epoxy...
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Finshing_013.jpg

Then that was pretty much it for that part, it was finish coated and put aside until the rest of it all was done.

Onto a bit of the tank construction,

The tank was built of 3/4 exterior grade ply, and stainless steel screws, and about 1.5 gallons of exterior grade glue.
It was only doubled up on the face, as that was the weakest link in the design.
It has a full perimeter brace, so i could avoid any cross bracing.
The back was excluded, because the bottom of the overflow does the bracing there.
The 2x4 perimeter brace was added for peace of mind, at the cost of a fair sized sill in the viewing area, i figured this to be a small cost all things considered.

1.5" Canstripping was added to the inside of tank seams, and 1" inside of overflow seams...another peace of mind addition.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_reno_s_001.jpg

The overflow was done top to bottom, and then later cut out and flush trimmed.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_reno_s_008.jpg

The notches for the overflows being cut out...

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_reno_s_014.jpg

Uploading a few more...

[Fudge]

And...

Top was mounted, all sanded, holes drilled in perimeter brace to allow for om returns and fiberglassed.
Then i had mounted some fiberglass tabs in the tank at different intervals....there was considerable forethought on these, for reasons youll soon see.
I think jamie thought i had finally succumed to the resin fumes...

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Gelcoat_008.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Gelcoat_016.jpg

Some gelcoats and epoxies being applied to it all...
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Gelcoat_013.jpg

Off to upload a few more for ya ;) ...

[Fudge]

Finishing final coats..
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Finshing_001.jpg

Then it was onto the next phase :

Skipping a few hundred hours of reframing it all in, fishroom being closed in, dedicated electrical circuits being ran, extra headers being installed on structural wall....

The skimmer and reactor were also completed, and can be shown, but ill leave it until a little later.

Onto the framing of the View openings:

I wanted it to have the feeling that you were peeking into their world, instead of them being in ours, aswell I wanted this system to be a little different for viewing, in that its always a squared opening.

So far it seems that those whove seen it, either love it, or they hate it...owell, I love it :D
Feel free to tell me exactly what you think.

I was willing to lose a little in viewing to do this, and so heres a pic of the begginings of the ideas i had for this.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_reno_s_101.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_reno_s_104.jpg

You can see the end view was also rounded for almost a porthole look.

All the drywall was then removed, to be replaced with MDF, so that a profile could be routered where the seam of the opening met the wall, it was mudded and taped and i left it at that so i could move onto the fun part...

More to come...

[143gadgets]

WOW!!! I am lost for words...

[Fudge]

And finally heres why i mounted those tabs.

I actually had to do my best to draw the rockwork as i wanted it, BEFORE the tank was finished being fiberglassed and epoxied so those tabs were in the right areas...that was a little confusing for me.

Speaking of confusing...

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Details_166.jpg

Heres another with some goodies put on it :D

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_188.jpg

Heres one top down with the canopy slid out of the way, you can get a better idea of the openess to it.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_194.jpg

Cheers, Marc.

[agfahy]

Heres my porthole nano tank.
Smaller scale but same idea.
Yours looks great! Good luck.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=134346

[ohioreef]

I love the way you have the viewing windows!! Can't wait to see it with the tank in place.

[danferd2002]

That aquascaping in awsome.

[ohioreef]

Originally posted by agfahy
Heres my porthole nano tank.
Smaller scale but same idea.
Yours looks great! Good luck.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=134346

That's really cool!!

[stevedola]

Very nice project. Cant wait to see all the pics-

[Fudge]

Jacmyoung,

I didnt quite get what you meant by framing it on the wall, but ill take a stab at it.
The tank was built to hold the pressure without the wall in front of it, so it was simply butted up to it.
The corner between the viewing panes was structural, and had to be left in place...so thats why the view couldnt "wrap around".
After it was tentativley in place the sill was extended to meet the glass.
The sill ended up being a little wider than i had wished, but it was for a good reason. I kinda like it now being that wide, its a better beer holder ;) .
The header over the big window wasnt a structural wall, so it only needed to carry its own weight.

Hop,
Thanks alot, It means alot when it comes from someone who`s tackled a similar size of project.
BTW, very, very nice work on yours....I read through it all several times.
Fire away if you have the questions :) .

Lordhelmet,
Honestly it would be hard to guess as to how much i have saved.
I do have 75% of the reciepts still left, though they are well hidden from the wife :) ..and they still add up to far too much.
If i had to guess i would say, all combined... more than half.

Thanks Ohio and danferd, the aquascaping is never quite finished...but im getting closer.. i just need some more SPS to jam in the holes that i can still see the pipework. :D

Very nice work agfahy !

Heres a couple more of the canopy as it was being built.

The reflectors were installed with an opening off the back of each MH bulb for heat exhaust.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Canopy_013.jpg

Then another sheet of aluminum was placed overtop, so the canopy heat could be directed to a single exhaust and then directly vented outside.
(the hole for the exhaust hadnt been cut in the top sheet yet.)
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Canopy_020.jpg


Heres the inline fan and rubber boot that i had mounted, so when i opened the canopy, i didnt have the whole exhaust hose opening with it.

Open : http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Canopy_045.jpg


Closed : http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Canopy_042.jpg

This inline fan runs 24/7, but there is an additional 500cfm squirrel fan on a dehumidistat for the room.

By treating the heat and humidity on different levels, my hopes were in the winter i can recover the heat by simply directing the heat from the canopy back into the room, and treating humidity independantly with the other fan.

I have yet to see a winter with it ,we shall see how that worked...

There were 2x15 amp circuits ran for the canopy alone, each of these feeds 3 plugs mounted to the canopy top.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Canopy_010.jpg

I did this becuase i didnt want a ton of cords stringing across when the canopy was opened, it will be only the two mains.

I have to replace most of my timers with digitals yet, so it maintains times when and if i do unplug the mains, but you get the idea.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_078.jpg


Marc.

[Fudge]

Here is the tracking that was used for it.

I had changed my mind on how it was to be slid into the next room, so these were exchanged for 12' ones, but of the same type.

They are Barn door sliders, and are rated at about 100 lbs per wheel.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Canopy_039.jpg

This is of it sliding through the wall.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_199.jpg

The opening is covered by a door that is also on its own wheels, so that when the canopy is pushed through it just hits the door and slides that open aswell.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Canopy_046.jpg

Marc.

[King-Kong]

I cant wait to see more photos from this incredible project.

subscribed!

[jacmyoung]

Fuge, incredible work there you have. When I asked how you framed the front, I mainly wanted to see how the front looked on the wall. Now I saw a few pictures I am impressed.

I had an in-wall tank with a fish room behind built two years ago. It seems more and more people are using such design which has the most potential to showcase the reef tank.

I really like the reefscaping you have, if you can show us a picture or two from the front of the tank, with rocks in the tank. One biggest advantage IMHO with an in-wall tank is you can custom-make the tank as deep (front to back) as possible, that will give a true underwater depth that we usually can only see in natural reef diving photos.

Most tanks with limitation at the tank width, somewhat lack 3-D visual impact. Of course you will have to get used to working with the size of the tank in the future. I would even consider building some ramp on top of the tank for easy access if possible. Even though I see your rock work is somewhat permanent, believe me people like us will never stop tweaking things around, including reefscape, long after the tank is established.

[ohioreef]

Wow, your lighting set up is just incredible!!

[Hop]

The attention to detail here is great. I think you answered a few of my questions and am really just taking it in at this point. I really think that as time goes on you should detail various steps in the building process. There is a ton here for people to learn from! Again, great job!

[Mekong]

Just wondering, why a wooden tank?

[needyreefer]

Thats one awesome tank! Make sure to get more pics...

[LobsterOfJustice]

speechless...

[dirtyreefer]

Wow Marc, I am speechless as well. I followed your link from Canreef to here, I had no idea you had such an awesome tank! Any affiliation with Jamie Cross? :)

Way to represent the Canadian reefers! If only we could get our hands on some of the corals that the US can get! :p

[Saltmaniac]

More, more....Salty

[rjwilson37]

Just unreal dude, totally great!!

[Fudge]

Thanks all !

Mekong,

It was far more cost effective, when all the qualities that i wanted to see in it were taken into consideration.

Dirty Reefer,
Thank-you, oh Jamie ? Yeah, He`s my lil sister. :D

Heres a few more of the aqua scaping using the tabs and pvc, I know theres not much in it yet...but im sure it wont take too long.

I wanted to keep the rock at a minimum in this tank, to provide a more open Bonsai approach to decorating.
This is the right hand end of tank.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_268.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_269.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_231.jpg

This is of the left hand arch, this one was the fun one to build, as its only supported on one end.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_293.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_025.jpg

......

[Fudge]

Hard to get a good pic, but heres Some top downs :
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_313.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_326.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_330.jpg

Marc.

[melev]

This is a fantastic tank so far. Now that I see the rockwork on the PVC, I love it even more.

Plus your thread gave me an idea for my 280g that has been bothering me for months. Thank you for that!

Just so you know, you are helping maintain the high standards that all Marc's around the world endeavor to maintain. ;)

[funkyman]

One of the best setups I've ever seen. Kudos!!

[Chelsey]

Absolutely incredible :) Maybe I missed this, but how did you attach the rock to the PVC?

[Fudge]

Thanks guys,

Chelsey,

I used a truck load of black zipties, about 70% of my remaing useful vertebrae....and a good portion of my sanity.

Holds it together pretty well.

:D

Marc.

[Acro]

Originally posted by Fudge
Dirty Reefer,
Thank-you, oh Jamie ? Yeah, He`s my lil sister. :D

Man I was just gonna say something nice too. Not any more ;) LOL

Nice work bud, You really outta be proud. It was a long journey.

[jacmyoung]

Marc, your reefscape is very refreshing. Please give us a full front shot as soon as you complete the tank front construction.

Did you have to put on your scuba gear to tie up all the rocks in the tank?:)

[SaraB]

Fudge - Awesome tank and aquascaping.

What brand and size of fan are you using to vent the humidity and heat out of the room? I have a 8'x21' basement fish room under my tank with a 70gal sump and fuge and I need to get the humidity and some of the heat out.

Thanks,

Sara

[anthworks]

That is one incredible setup.. Keep posting. That lighting system could heat the your whole house in the winter.

[Fudge]

Thanks Jamie,
I wouldnt have done it unless i had the help from a good bud, it made me feel better to know someone else was in as deep as i was in work.....lol
Plus, it helped that i could always say to the wife " well jamies wife is letting him put that in/have that/get those..." :D (even if you werent..lol)

Im sure it wont be too much longer Jacmyoung,

The wife says its ugly like it sits...that means im allowed to spend money. :D
No i didnt bother with the scuba gear...just my boxers and sandals...lol, you dont want to see a pic of that. ;)
It was weird getting in there and working on it.

Sara, Im using a Toro dual Squirrel fan, im sure its no less than 500 cfm on a Dehumidistat.

Here it was before the plywood casing was put on,
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557FishRoom_Reno_s_005.jpg

Hot/Humid air is pulled off the top couple inches of the ceiling, and is pumped outside via 1- 6" Duct.

There is an additional 4" Fantech inline fan, that pulls air directly out of the canopy at 115cfm, and is also fed through the plwood casing and pumped outside, this one i let run 24/7.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_347.jpg

So im guessing im exchanging a minimum of 600+ cfm, out of a 12' x 9 room.

That black box you see, is a little dryer vent Tee, that has a switch so you can change its output openings.
That way in the winter, i can just pump heat from the canopy back into the room if need be.

The Fresh air intake to the room, is 2-5" intake vents at the base of the room, on either side....so i have a choice of pulling from outside or in the winter im hoping to just plug these and pull warm air from the house.

Marc.

[Chaloupa]

AMAZING tank so far! So when some of the "local" reefers go travelling to visit relatives nearby , we can pop in to check it out and drool? JK but wow what a setup! Very nice.

[Sparkss]

Originally posted by danferd2002
That aquascaping in awsome.

I actaully felt like I could swim through the rock structure in the pictures... is was absolutely amazing, to say the least... keep em coming :)

[A\/enger]

very cool! Id love to see more pics of everything including that skimmer!

[six66]

funky scaping dude :) i like it alot :)

more pics pls

[SaraB]

Thanks for the venting detail, especially the photo's! I was looking at purchasing the Fantech brand fans as well.

Sara

[jacmyoung]

Originally posted by Fudge
...Im sure it wont be too much longer Jacmyoung,

The wife says its ugly like it sits...that means im allowed to spend money. :D
No i didnt bother with the scuba gear...just my boxers and sandals...lol, you dont want to see a pic of that. ;)
It was weird getting in there and working on it...

Don't know Marc, should have your wife taken pictures while you were in there, could be a turn-on you never know:) Just kidding.

[FloridaFishMan]

That is an amazing rockword design! You have given me some great ideas. Are all of those rocks held together from the black zipties or did you use some kind of epoxy? Also did you drill the rocks for the zipties?

Great tank and good luck!
Chris

[asnatlas]

Any updates ?? More pics :)

Shawn

[onehundred20]

best aquascaping ive seen:)

[AcroSteve]

Very nice setup.

One thing comes to my mind when I see those pvc structures. Will they hold up when you have many pounds of corals hanging on them in the future?

[get-r-done]

Very Nice!! Very Nice!!!!

I am interested in how many hours did it take to do your aquascaping? I am just starting to design the rock layout for the 220 I amsetting up. I love the openness of your design.

Also , how many pounds of rock did you use?

I have a glass tank, can I just place my rock on the glass bottom or do I need to place something under the rock to keep it off the glass. I am assuming that if I place the rock directly on the sand it will eventually work its way thru the sand and be touching the glass. Is this ok?



Any way,,, super tank wish I had the room .....

Jim

[arconom]

I don't know how I miss all the good thread:(

I have to say your setup is sweet.

The most incredible thing is your rock structures. I am beyond amazed how beutiful they are. I have never seen anything that looks more natural and amazing at the same time.

[Victoly]

Your aquascaping rocks!

[ItsMee]

I dont uderstand how you get rocks to stay on PVC like that...and to where you cant see the PVC! Please share.

[asnatlas]

Originally posted by ItsMee
I dont uderstand how you get rocks to stay on PVC like that...and to where you cant see the PVC! Please share.

I am with ItsMee, I can't see how you did it, please let us know :) It looks awesome...

Shawn

[Sparkss]

Definitely time for an update..

I also was curious about the PVC used.. what size, etc (unless that was posted in the begining and I just missed it....)

[outprowllin]

Very impressive....this is the old style of tank building taken up a knotch....You should feel very proud......are there any problems that you have run into once it was set up that could have been avoided during the building process???

[asnatlas]

Originally posted by Sparkss
Definitely time for an update..

I also was curious about the PVC used.. what size, etc (unless that was posted in the begining and I just missed it....)

He didn't seem to go into much detail about his PVC / wire racks...

[tabndust]

why isnt the spa flex giving? any up dates?

[Jason McK]

OK need updates, You can keep use hanging like this :)

[Jasen Hicks]

Thats awesome... thats all i can say...

[GSchiemer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=5915292#post5915292 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fudge
Thanks guys,

Chelsey,

I used a truck load of black zipties, about 70% of my remaing useful vertebrae....and a good portion of my sanity.

Holds it together pretty well.

:D

Marc.

I'd be a little concerned about relying on zipties to support the rock structure. My experience has been that they get brittle and break after a long-term exposure to heat, bright light, stress and saltwater.

Greg

[Nammy]

Very nice..

[Fudge]

Hello all,

Sorry so long without an update.

I really havent done a whole lot other than add some corals, and a little more aquascaping.

I could give you a few more recent pics, and answer some questions though . :)

Steve,
Im hoping that when they get that big ill toss another couple rock bases in for support.
FWIW, Im sure that its more sturdy already than any reef structures ive had before.

Get-r-done,

-A good 10+ hrs in the first session probably an additional 5+ in the second......and i still play at it all the time.
I couldnt guess how many i spent just trying to draw and envision the scape before i placed the tabs.
-I have about 270 lbs in there, in total.

Itsmee and asnatlas,

I placed the rock where it needed to be placed, and looked then where it needed to be drilled/chipped/supported...ect. then ziptied after the work was done.
Placement was intended to hide pvc only for both side and face views,
There are still many spots open with exposed pvc, just in views that are not seen.

Sparkss, 1" pvc was used.

Outprowllin,
Yeah..lol a couple come to mind..
one problem is i dont like the top down views i get, due to losing my light once the canopy is slid out of the way to take a pic or view it.
Lucky i can just add a couple small halides to the ceiling, and kick them on when the canopy is retracted.

Tabndust,
The 1" spa flex doesnt really have a lot of give, when peices are relativley small in length.

GSchiemer,

The ties do not really support any structure, nor carry any significant rock.
They are simply used to hold the rock onto the structure.
The wieght is carried by the 1" pvc, and a few well placed supportive rocks underneath.

A few of the pieces bleached out a little soon after the removal of the sand bed, but are making a nice recovery.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_332.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_368.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_381.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_370.jpg

A couple interesting pics, this one i found about 4 or 5 yrs ago.
I believe it came out of the solomans or Vanuatu ?
I had thought it to be some kinda Stumpy Hoek, but with corralites that dont seem to have any direction,lol.
It growths thicker than most acro`s ive seen.

Here it is spawning in the tank,

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Stumpy_s_Spawn_043.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Stumpy_Hoek_Spawn_036.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Stumpy_s_Spawn_044.jpg

More.....

[Fudge]

Some pics of the tank,

Left:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_416.jpg

Center :
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_417.jpg

Right:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_418.jpg

End View :
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_336.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_350.jpg

Thanks all For the kind words.
Happy New Year ! Marc.

[Ironman]

fudge, I especially love the shot of the Horton's cup on the sump :)

[Michael7979]

So very nice!!!!!!!!!

[melev]

Very nice. Look at the corraline on the walls. :thumbsup:

[rizkeeper]

wow....that is unreal.....

[Rurouni Kenshin]

I have a few questions about the Pvc work, it looks amazing and I'd like to copy it as much as possible in my little 29G. In this first pic of the Pvc w/o the LR it looks like the left hand arch has a foot to hold it up that is buried in the sand. What did you do after you removed the sand?
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Details_166.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_025.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_188.jpg
Or mabye you can just help me out Click here (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=740584) designing somthing else?

[Andrew]

Holly cow. Great tank! :thumbsup:

[smokinprice]

Wow! That thing is huge but stunning!! Nicely done. Now I have to pick my jaw up from the floor.....

[bhdmc]

Love your Set-up. I like the openess of the rock work.

[Fudge]

Rurouni,

I hacked it off at the tee you see about midway on the foot.
I was able to cheat a little because of the tabs i had mounted to the floor of the tank anchor it down when the tank was built.

I really cannot stand the sight of it barebottom, and will replace the (some) sand soon.

If i could suggest one thing to keep in mind when mounting rocks,
its best to make sure you drill 2 holes in the pvc and 2 holes in the rock. (pvc all drilled out before hand)
If not the rock will eventually shift or slide to the bottom..to hang from the underside of the structure.
It also hides the ties better.

I had first tentatively held the rock in place where i wanted to see it, then i looked fir the best spots to drill from there.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_234.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557ties_001_.jpg

Thanks, Marc.

[AllenFord_SC]

Absolutely beautiful Aquascaping...... nothing else to say ....

[Snakebyt]

very nice indeed....

[Kenzy]

Beautifully done Marc, keep up with the pics.

[Airman]

Marc,
I have been to Chilliwack and had a great time. Your tank is looking good. I like your vision. Us more about the sump and other neat things you have.

[Nammy]

How many lbs of rock did it take?

[kwl1763]

Marc, Have to say that aquascaping has to be one of the most innovative and best I've seen. I will surely try to copy! Just wanted to say thanks for all the pics and the tank is absolutely awesome!

[Fudge]

Hi all,

A few more updates.

The skimmer has had more than its share of them since the last pic.
The biggest has been its conversion to recirculating, im very pleased with the results it has shown since then.
The recirc pump is a Seq @ 6000 gph, with an additional 800-1000 gph throughput.
A 200mg ozonizer was also added, injecting it into 4 becketts at about 140mg/h.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_Tank_Shots_012.jpg

The output on the collection cup has since been plumbed outside, for residual ozone.

The tank also needed improvement in the flow department, there were still detritus holes here and there that i didnt like.
A couple of wave boxes were added.
With the exception of their bulk, i am very impressed at what they have done for the tank.
I used nylon nuts and bolts to fasten them together and to the tabs i had previously mounted in the tank.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_equip_277.jpg

They produce about a 1.5" wave, in this pic you can see the left overflow water spilling over quite high, while the right one is not even showing...the length of each overflow is 35"

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_equip_279.jpg

I took two of the OM output lines and directed the flow behind some rockwork aswell, to sweep out the back every minute or so.

As far as the reactor, i havent changed too much, but i did want to be able to see the effluent rate without shining a flashlight in the sump everytime, So i made a little cup to hold the probe aswell as monitor effluent from in front of the reactor.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Mixed_Tank_Shots_016.jpg

A kalk reseviour and Stirrer were also added, to help the reactor out, and to help combat any phosphates.

I made a few changes to the fishroom aswell.
The only real bench i had to play on was accumulating too much junk.
:rolleyes:
So i fired up some acrylic shelves, to keep it out of the way.
I also placed some interlocking rubber floor tiles, to clean it up a little aswell as be a little more safe around all the electrical and water in there.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_582.jpg

Some other changes/updates were to the tanks contents, The sand bed was put back in.
I do like the idea of the benefits of a BB, but i just dont like the look of mine without one.

A little more rock was added, mostly to support the right hand structure, and to carry a few more corals on it.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_596.jpg

An end view,

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_645.jpg


A couple more.....

[Fudge]

A couple top downs,

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_626.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_615.jpg

Finally a couple coral pics,

Rainbow monti-
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Coral_shots_368.jpg

Blue Loripes-
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557AquaScaping_663.jpg

Unsure of its name, but i could eat it :)

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Copy_of_Coral_shots_376.jpg

Cheers, Marc.

[kwl1763]

Stunning, nice update! Just a few changes!

[Lordhelmet]

nice updates.

[hmott]

You need to start a thread on how you did the rockwork. I absolutely LOVE it and it seems clear lots of others do also. My 120 will be viewable from 2 sides, sounds like doing the rockwork like you did viewable from 2 sides would be impossible. What do you think now that you've done some?

[sixxer]

Coming along great.

Still waiting for that shot from the front!!!!!:D

[melev]

"I could eat it." :lol:

Awesome - very clean fish room!

[lws]

Any updates?

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6951781#post6951781 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lws
Any updates?


Are you kidding? Scroll upwards - this thread was updated <i>yesterday</i>.

[know-it-all]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6952503#post6952503 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Are you kidding? Scroll upwards - this thread was updated <i>yesterday</i>.

I thought the same thing

what could be new from Sunday

[asnatlas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6952503#post6952503 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Are you kidding? Scroll upwards - this thread was updated <i>yesterday</i>.

I have been seeing this alot lately, people need to READ before posting, not just scroll through for pics...

[Bebo77]

oh man i wish this thing thread was i the Large Tank forum...

i would have seen it weeks ago..

Awesome setup

[elephen]

Very nice man very nice!

[Lpsfanatic338]

Amazing!!! Great Job.

[msuzuki126]

could u post a full tank pic? i would like to see the whole aquascape, btw it looks amazing

[Timothy01]

sweet tank...Great Job

[milan]

What else can anyone say ... its a great looking tank!!!

[Bebo77]

so nice he said it 4 times... lol:D

[Connoisseurpoet]

Whoa!! What a beautiful huge tank.. What kind paint did you painted inside of your tank? This is what i would want to use as king size headboard. :)

[SERVO]

So how has this awesome tank of yours done over the past 2 months?



I have a 8 foot long tank with one wave box. My wave is very tiny and the powerhead doesn't "buck" like I have seen most do. Furthermore I bought it used, so.........

Did you have one wave box installed before going with the addition or did you get both of them at the same time?

Thanks

Oh ya

What else can anyone say ... its a great looking tank!!!:lol:

[Hop]

Just incredible! I was thinking of this thread the other night, but couldn't find it for the life of me. Great job! This is definitely one I'm going to have to burn to disk for my next little project:lol2:

[aiko670]

I am in awe of your tank! Great job!

[Fudge]

Hi again all,


I finally had a chance to make some improvements. :D

Ill start with the flow, i had 2 4 way OM`s on sequence pumps for closed loops originally, but after some more thought i realized tunzes would be better for this system (probably,in the first place :rolleyes: )
So i tore out both loops and added 4 tunzes, using a couple wavy seas i attached 2 of the tunzes to them, with the remaining 2 are stationary.

Heres a couple pics of how the tunze bracket was modded, all in all a very easy attachment, nothing is glued.
The tunzes are being pivoted at close to the center point.
It avoids sticking out too much, this also let me use a smaller attachment than what it would be otherwise hanging it to one side.
A 1" sf cap and coupler are all that was needed.
I tapped the cap with a single 1/4 hole, flipped the bolt upside down inside the bracket and slid it in like this.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/finishingtouches042.jpg

Then i just screwed the cap on,
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/finishingtouches043.jpg

Then I slid the coupler onto the wavy sea and it was done,
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25098.jpg

I tied up all the piles of cords, and mounted the transformers to a length of ready rod, and hung them out of the way. (left top corner)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25051.jpg

Next job was the lighting, the VHO`s had to go.
I tore out the 440 watts of VHO out of the canopy and replaced them with 3x 250w double enders, with 14k bulbs.
I was thankful then that i could slide the canopy out to do this.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25038.jpg

Holes in the first layer of the canopy were cut out so i could benifit from the exhaust, aswell as install them more of an angle to face the front of the reef.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25099.jpg

I am much more pleased with the overall color and intensity now, and probably use less electricity overall than before.

more..

[Fudge]

Another big load off the shoulders was finishing the sills aswell as the room the tank was in.

This was a big concern for me, as i hadnt seen this before and was a little worried about the over all view.
While it does make for difficult pictures because of the depth of the sill... it came out the way i had envisioned, a fairly clean look.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25094.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25091.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25114.jpg


more...

[Fudge]

A couple closer ups,

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25144.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25142.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25123.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/finishingtouches047.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/finishingtouches045.jpg

One day, i hope to have the time to put fish in my fish tank. :D

Chris, sorry i was so slow with these ones. :rolleyes:
(multi beckett housing)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/finishingtouches039.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/finishingtouches037.jpg

I have some more, but have to dig a little more to find them.

Servo, no, though i did order 2 at once, i had to use only one for a week.
I found on my tank there was no comparison.
I think i could say one didnt work good at all on mine, but using 2 was instantly 4x better, if that makes any sense...the resonance was there when 2 where helping each other out.

Thanks all, Marc.

:D

[MdM31]

amazing. the front of the tank is really cool, im diggin the oval wall around the tank.

excellent job, keep up the good work!

-Mike

[roper512]

Outstanding, Marc! Love the aquascaping and the way you windowed off the tank!

[SERVO]

Intriguing modification of your wavy sea with the Tunze! Your tank is really incredible. With all of that calcification going on, your going to have to clean your pumps and plumbing every three months!!!!:eek1:

[xtrstangx]

Thats awesome.. One of the most unique tanks I've ever seen.

[delphinus]

Looks awesome Marc, truly inspiring. Great work!! :cool:

[Hop]

Things are really turning out well here! Good job, I get lost looking into these pics!

[chocolates mom]

Fudge fantastic job! Where do you buy your fish/ corals etc? I live in Abbotsford

[H20ENG]

Awesome Marc! Thanks for the pics and updates!!

So the 4 Becketts get pressurized from the top chamber, and the air chamber is separate, correct? Did you just use O rings to seperate the 2?

[Fudge]

Chris,

The becketts are still individually fed from the top.(4 inputs)
I originally wanted to feed them with an individual chamber at the top, but was concerned about the pressure on my (below par) acrylic seams in this compartment, escpecially if the becketts were to get a little clogged.

Im sure one could make one, and surely it would be easier to make with one larger diam hole in it.
But i definatly would have used a little more meatier acrylic for that part, like 1/2 tube and flanges.

Chocolates, i look pretty much anywhere i can find the right ones. :D

Thanks all, Tony......That 280 should be atleast half full of water by now my friend ! lemme know if i can fire a couple frags in there to start the collection.

Marc.

[Mantisshrimp248]

Wow
All the hard work that I see you put into this definitely payed off. This is just beautiful and totally innovative. A real inspiration. I keep thinking it wont get any better but then the next update its even better.

[Fudge]

Tanning bed or a Scalp burner ?

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May26004.jpg

A little backwards, but i found a few pics that buckled my knees...from about 3 million hours of labour ago. :D

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/Details165.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/CopyofFishRoomRenos005.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/FishRoomRenos007.jpg

The thickness of the polyester portion of the fiberglassing... :eek1:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/FiberglassReactor044.jpg

...

[Fudge]

Here i was testing an injector for the skimmer....turned the tank into a 500 gal skimmer ! :eek1:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/may7020.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/may7021.jpg

Finally a few more recent top downs, i guess its time to place a halide or two above the canopy, so the view isnt so dim when its moved.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/14c2234a.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May26018.jpg

:D

[DJ88©]

ok, how the heck did I NEVER see this thread..

dang buddy.. I really need to drive out to the 'Wack one of these days..

:thumbsup:

bout time I get to see that thing with water in it.. ;)

[melev]

That looks stunning Marc. Thanks for the update, and for the older pictures from the past.

We don't see a lot of plywood tank threads.

[neotekz]

amazing tank marc, way to represent us canadian reefers. :bum:

[jaze36]

Marc glad to see some more pics. The outside looks great, nice to see the updates.

[GMGQ]

Marc, how do you keep your sandbed so SPOTLESS?! It looks like virgin sand.

[Fudge]

Thanks all for the compliments,

Any time Darren, bout time for a pub burger and a corona on the patio anyways dont you think ? :D

GMGQ , I vacume it weekly and what extra sand gets vacumed out, i replace when i see the bottom.

I would guess that ive vacumed out about 20-30 lbs since i put sand back in.
I also notice that with heavy current and wave boxes, it helps to keep the bed clean.

Marc.

[get-r-done]

Marc

what do you use to vaccuum the sand? How much do you pull out each time?

Jim

[EricJC]

:cool:

Future TOTM???

[Benny Z]

awesome.

[Snausages01]

I've always loved the top down shots of the aquascape. I've had this thread bookmarked for a few months now, just though I'd say very nice tank and keep up the good work.

[LegoZ81]

Just amazing...

[LegoZ81]

Just amazing...

[Draggie]

Hey Marc your system is spectacular. Well planned and thought out. The oval viewing window is stunning. Cant wait to see it grow out.
Well done.

[Fire Dude]

Fantastic use of PVC!

[reefNetWork]

so uh what do you do for a living. i want to do the same thing so i can afford something like this when i'm older. haha. very nice.

[Cprowler]

Hi Marc,

Wow, fantastic setup!

I went to Denis's house yesterday and picked up the frags from our group order. I think we'll all be happy to put that one to rest.

I was checking out Denis's basement fishroom and grow out system, looking at all the DIY stuff like the fiberglass tanks and he said I should see your's. Man he wasn't't kidding, you guys out in the valley with your DIY everything and your basement fishrooms, well done.:)

Anyway, it looks great. Do you have any new pics to show us?

Talk to you later

[Fudge]

Thanks all,

Yeah, finally, i do have a couple new pics Cprower ,sorry i took so long ;).

Ill start with the canopy/lighting.

6-Led`s were put in, but i think id need about 640 more of them to looklike anything...so ive left them at that. ;)

I finally got some halides mounted above the canopy, for when it`s slid away.
These are just bulbs and reflectors, i placed a electrical socket between ballast and bulb on the existing set up, so when i move it i just plug in those bulbs instead, avoiding the need for additional ballasts.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots028.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots002.jpg

I also was wanting to divert the airflow going into the canopy across all the lighting.
Aswell, block the light that was shining into the fishroom(and my neighbors house)...i noticed the police did a few extra passes by my house.
So i placed a rubber skirt around it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots006-1.jpg

When i was on the step i had originally for the tank, if i was up there for more than about 20 minutes, my back started to seize up...so i made a walkway around the tank.
After using it now, i cant figure out why i didnt do that a year ago ;)
I even got alittle carried away in it and mixed some epoxy with aragonite for a good non slip surface :D

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots016.jpg

I was also wanting a more reliable way for dosing kalk,top-up and additives, possibly in the future trying the balling method.
So i picked up a Tech III NG dosing unit.
After getting that set up for what i wanted to use for now, i was distracted by the piles of lines everywhere off the unit.
So, i put up some new shelving and slotted it for the lines so i could hide them from view.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/GrotechDoser003.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/GrotechDoser005.jpg

More.....

[Fudge]

My lighting timers have always bothered me since day one, they were for the most part mechanical timers, but i refused to spend a couple hundred on digital ones when a controller would have been better.

I was fortunate to have the oppotunity to be the first hobbiest in North America to have recieved a controller that has been out in germany for a while now.
The Profilux II Plus, has been fitted with the 110v socket outlets, aswell as the translated manual and display language.

All in all a pretty slick little unit.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots012.jpg

It has an astounding array of possiblities, and i have yet to figure them all out.
There was more than a few qualities in this that sold me on it,
to mention a couple,
A big one was the probes, very nice and good quality to say the least.
It was Tunze ready....or any variable flow pumps im sure.
Another was the Remote display unit, that i could mount outside the fishroom.
It lets me just glance at the parameters without going in the room to see the head unit or equipment.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots031-1.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots040.jpg

I finally had a chance to clean up all the lines and cords from this equipment, heres a couple behind the scenes.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots018.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots014.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/GrotechDoser006.jpg

More....

[Fudge]

Finally a few random Shots for you,

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots088.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots112.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots090.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots101.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots118.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots088.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/AQUASCAPING020.jpg

Cheers, Marc.

[Cprowler]

Very nice! Your attention to detail is outstanding.

I am going to be working in Abbotsford for the next two weeks and would love to come see it in person. I'm very interested in your venting and airflow solutions.

Shoot me a PM if your available.

[AcroSteve]

Outstanding.

[rbaker]

Great job! You've created an awesome tank...

[melev]

This is unbelievable! You've done a fantastic job, and now I just want to rip my fishroom to shreds to make it look like yours! I love it!!! :inlove:

What is the walkaround made of? It looks like some type of plastic polymer? Or did you just paint it with some type of epoxy mixed with aragonite? Sweet!!

Your light skirt is really complex, yet super efficient and easy to use. I lol'd at your comment about the police driveby's. They don't even visit me anymore. ;)

The doser set up is so clean, and your controller makes me drool. I'm glad I'm subscribed to this thread, and even more so that you updated it with the latest. Your tank looks like it is doing great.

[radone]

Man don't tease us with those half tank shots we want to see it all.

Bare none:D

Sweet setup;)

[55semireef]

Wow...I love the complications of your tank.

[reeftec]

Amazing system.Marc
Planning & the equipment you use nothing short of perfection.
As far as live stock that thick staghorn is amazing ,I am going to pay you a visit soon.(don't worry ,I will bring my own fraging tools)
Very happy to see the first profilux go on a perfect tank like yours
Keep up the good work bud.
Jason

[Airman]

Great job. I like the depth you get from the front and side of the tank.

[Halmotors]

So, you're gonna send me that Beckett skimmer, right?


...right? ;)

[drummereef]

That's crazy awesome! :thumbsup:

[Fudge]

thank you all,


Radone,

I might be able to fire up a few more on the weekend for you.

Marc,

The walk around is just ply and 2x4 construction, i just beveled the edges and painted it.

Yeah, aragonite and epoxy for the tread surface...i took a spill off the old one, that wont happen again....

Cprowler, Anytime your up to it your welcome over.
Ill be at Macna late next week though.

Speaking of Macna, whats the funny shirt youll be wearing Marc ?...ill have to stop by and say Hi! !

Halmotors, Id love to...but its a special design...it only works if its on my system ;)

Marc.

[melev]

I'm not going to spill the beans about my shirt, but you'll definitely be able to see me in a crowd. :D

Thanks for the explanation about the walkboard. It really looks Space Oddessey 2001. ;)

[niloc16]

man i had the privlege to check out marcs tank on the weekend and let me tell ya, i was awe struck. the pictures do not do justice. it is truly THE cleanest setup and tank i have ever seen, and it is dead quiet. even when we went in the fish room there was only a tiny hum of the pumps. i was truly inspired for my new tank. thanks again for having me over marc. i'm just waiting for the next invite. :) just kidding, no pressure!

["Umm, fish?"]

I really like the macroalgae you have growing under the rock overhang, but it's not quite in focus. Is that halimeda?

Thanks, BTW. I've really enjoyed this thread.

[Cprowler]

Thanks for the tour Marc, very impressive.

You put a lot of thought and time into all the equipment and it's installation and it's really paid off. I'm re-doing all my wiring to try and get it half as tidy as yours. :)

Thanks again and have fun at MACNA

[pimp2daizzo]

I'm in love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How many mh do you have?????

[pimp2daizzo]

I'm in love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How many mh do you have?????

[pimp2daizzo]

I'm in love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How many mh do you have?????

[Goldleaf Reef]

Splendid, Simply Spendid.... I love the imagination that went in to this

[Alphabet]

Awesome, incredible! Love the whole setup. Nothing like DIY

[Misfit6669]

WOW, that's all I got. Just amazing.

[Goldleaf Reef]

Any UPDATES ?

[Doc's69]

Marc, I have seen several VERY nice tanks here on RC, but yours blows them all away, it is so clean looking, I bet you do have a ton of hours of work in it. Was wondering if you were running Zeo Vit ? The viewing ports are out of this world cool. If this is old school, I need to go back in time and study, you have my vote for a future TOTM :)
Inspiring.... Marc L. was saying the tank is made of plywood and fiberglass, sorry if I'm wrong but I just read thru and remember the fiberglass part, tabs for overflows and other equipment but where does the plyboard come in?

[jaze36]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8405506#post8405506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Goldleaf Reef
Any UPDATES ?

I second this, would be great to see some new pictures.

[hammerswinger]

What is the average life of a LARGE plywood tank?

[AcroSteve]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8411862#post8411862 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hammerswinger
What is the average life of a LARGE plywood tank?

Depends on how well it was built to begin with. Properly built it should last 20+ years.

[scarter]

hold on, I gotta go clean myself...

[siskiou]

I just came across your thread after reading the German forum Korallenriff!

I have a Profilux II Plus on pre-order and it seems you are the first US owner of one!
Can you tell me what your experience with it has been so far?
Have you been able to get help with your power bar problem?

If my tank is ever going to be one tenth as beautiful as your's, I'll be happy! :)

[siskiou]

I just came across your thread after reading the German forum Korallenriff!

I have a Profilux II Plus on pre-order and it seems you are the first US owner of one!
Can you tell me what your experience with it has been so far?
Have you been able to get help with your power bar problem?

If my tank is ever going to be one tenth as beautiful as your's, I'll be happy! :)

[xinumaster]

I love it. Very clean and setup.

[zaireguy]

killer tank and alot of hard work has paid off for you....awesome tank

[Jason McK]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8835383#post8835383 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by siskiou

I have a Profilux II Plus on pre-order and it seems you are the first US owner of one!


He is Canadian :)

Seems they have been available up here for a couple of Months.

J

[Bricky]

I have some friends in the Seattle area that are going to be one of the first to carry the Profilux controller. After seeing this thing at MACNA in Houston I'm about ready to dump my ACIII Pro.

By the way it's http://barrierreefaquariums.com/ that will be carrying the controller.

[Foosinho]

I never was able to puzzle out how someone might make a plywood tank look good - and you've more than done that. The presentation quality is top shelf. From the "viewing room" you would never suspect that you were looking at a big plywood box.

I may have to consider plywood when I build my monster tank (many many years from now). Easier to work with than acrylic or glass, IMO, especially if you are fabricating your own tank. The way my setup will likely be would require the tank to be on-site before the basement is closed in, as you'd never get it down the stairs, unless it's built in-place.

Of course, the fish room quality matches the excellent workmanship everywhere else in the project. Bravo.

[mrpet]

clean clean clean....awsome tank makes me like hockey evan more
eh.... going to steal some of ur ideas very nice great job...

[Fudge]

hello all,

Thanks so much for all the kind words.

Guess its time for me to do some updating :)

All has been well, i have changed some things...im wondering when i can call it "finished".
And of course the corals are still waaay too small. :(

I am in the process of designing a bigger skimmer, so i was gonna wait to update...but i guess i can show you when the time comes.

Doc`s,
Yes, i did do a ton of hours on it...more like a reef "bender".
I use a couple items from the zeovit line, but still have yet to delve into the "bacterial" portion of the program.
Im a little lost on your question in regards to the ply board.

Siskiou,

Yes, i believe it was the first unit in north America to a hobbiest.
I recieved it more as a Beta tester for just the north American versions, with its converted outlets and such.
I think the first batch available was just in the last couple weeks however.

All in all a wonderful unit.
For everything that i have set-up, it has peformed flawlessly.
But i really have yet to touch its potential, unfortunatly i have not yet coverted my PC`s to T-5 and so unable to use its dimming features and capabilities, wich are a very strong point for that unit.
Nor have i yet hardwired it to my computer to access or use its software.
Some goodies for it are on the way, and should be able to do some playing in a week or so on it...ill update there very soon.

A couple changes were just upsizing the reactor, i had also wanted to run some Mg and p04 remover..so this 5 stage reactor let me put it all in individual chambers.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots016-1.jpg

I grew tired of looking in the sump to check lines from the doser/reactor/stirrer to see effluent rates and calibrate and clean probes.
So i made a "mini sump" to bring all the probes and effluents to to a more manageble area on my equipment shelf.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots039.jpg

Open...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots036.jpg

Another "wish id done it a year ago" upgrade.

Heres a little more updated shot of the equipment portion of the room.

The skimmer will be replaced soon, im designing one a little bigger for the system.

I really dont care what you guys say...my bamboo blinds kick a$$, recognize. :p

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots006-2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots021.jpg

Back of the tank

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots027.jpg

[Fudge]

And a couple more updated tank and coral pics.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots123.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/CopyofMiscShots117.jpg

Still have to get a couple decent photos of the face...ill get some soon.

Heres one of my ninja skills at work

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/coralshots053.jpg

Heres one from when i finished off my little den/sitting room where the tank is viewed from, on the left wall.
I still have work to do in there, but apparantlyI got "two thumbs up" so i was happy :D.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/May25147.jpg

I will update very soon with updates on the skimmer and controller.

Thanks all and Happy new year !

Marc.

[adddo]

Awesome tank!

[melev]

All your new toys or ideas are just amazing me. I love your little probe station, and your multi-reactor is also ingenious. Thank you yet again for the update, just because! :D

[lpkirby]

What kind of CAL media is that in your calcium reactor?
Tank is AWESOME!

[H20ENG]

Awesome work yet again, Marc! I'll concur with the two thumbs up!:D
Can you give us a flow diagram of the reactor plumbing? Is it all fed from the reactor feed pump (BTW which pump are you using for that monster?), or does the body simply hold the reservoirs for the other media?
Thanks,
Chris

[ReefWaters]

Great Setup! I love how organized and thought out the fish room is. It must make things nice. Im in the middle of designing my new fish room and am trying to make it as organized and neat as yours.

Quick question, how long have you had the Niger Triggers in there? How are they behaving, eating, etc? Do you think you could get away with one or two in a smaller tank? Say 220 or so?

[siskiou]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8840196#post8840196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fudge

Siskiou,

Yes, i believe it was the first unit in north America to a hobbiest.
I recieved it more as a Beta tester for just the north American versions, with its converted outlets and such.


Sorry for not noticing you were Canandian!
I spend a few lovely vacations there when I was younger and still lived in Germany.


I think the first batch available was just in the last couple weeks however.

Yes, Proline in Canada is the distributor for North America, I believe, and I've pre-ordered through aquariumspecialty.com, but am still waiting to receive the unit.


All in all a wonderful unit.
For everything that i have set-up, it has peformed flawlessly.
But i really have yet to touch its potential, unfortunatly i have not yet coverted my PC`s to T-5 and so unable to use its dimming features and capabilities

Good to hear! Are you planning on getting some of the dimmable ballasts or one of their light fixtures?
I wish I were and electrician and could convert my TEK fixture, because I know I won't be able to afford a new light at this point.

Looking forward to further updates, and you are right: the bamboo blinds rock! :)
So does the fish room and the tank! <g>

-Siskiou

[SARBoy]

Ok, still to read the thread but from what i have seen so far i think i am in love! I really like your aquascaping, clean and eligant.

[Fudge]

Chris,

Im such a rook with computers, i wish i could show you a flow pattern...But i bet it would be faster for me if i drew it and sent it snailmail.

While i did mod a few things on it to suit my needs, i didnt make the reactor this time, its a Marine Tech reactor.
The cost of these things is getting better and better in the last few years, i remember paying that and more for a good commercial reactor of about a whole pop can sized capacity 7 or 8 yrs ago.
So i opted to buy one this time around, now i can head to building a little better of a skimmer.

It is recirculating with a sedra of about fist size...ill have to post the actual type after i can slide it out to see the top half of the pump.
The feed is just tee`d off my main system pump, wich now, is just a dart.

The first chamber is attached to the pump intake, bioballs, water/co2 input are ran through this chamber.
The second is the main chamber.
the third one is upflow @ effluent rate and is being fed from the main reactor chamber.
This inturn feeds the 4thand 5th upflow through magnesium and finally P04 remover.


Reef waters,
Nigers have been in there for about 4 months, they are awesome but just too agressive of feeders.
Corals are all left alone, but get so excited at feeding time and latley have become almost too much.
As you can see in the pic, i could litterally just catch them by hand and take them out.
For instance yesterdayI had a fish that went into my overflow, i retrieved it with a net and he got stuck a little when i was placing him back in the display, and needed some work to dislodge from the net.
the net and two hands and a flailing fish wont even hold them back, they woulda bit him in half in the net before they even realized it was a tank mate since theyve been in the tank.
Once placed in the tank the triggers went back to ignoring him.
Recently they have grown strong enouph to bite through my skin aswell, this was my fault from hand feeding them for a few months...needless to say i dont do this often anymore.


Marc.

[niloc16]

the whole unit is looking amazing buddy. there is definitely some coral growth, although further inspection with a case of wobbly pops might be necessary to be sure. the reactor of dosing/probe sump look sweet.

do you think your skimmer is not keeping up or just going bigger for future plans?

[Airman]

I love that equipment room. Bamboo blinds rocks! :)

[scarter]

what is that material used to skirt the hood?

friggin rocks man

[H20ENG]

Thanks Marc:)

[zemuron114]

simply amazing. I like the viewing area!

out of curiosity - why did you grab the trigger? lol

[lovelylinda]

Yeah, why did you grab him? Or did you entice him into your hand with ninja- powers?

[invincible569]

I love the minisump. I was going to do the same thing and was thinking about how to do it.. and was glad someone finally did. :)

[zemuron114]

how is the mini sump fed? And how do you regulate the water going in and out?

[jumboshrimp18]

Absolutely incredible. The scary thing is a lot of the reefers following this thread are waiting to see what new changes you might make to a fish room that seems beyond perfect even now. Loved the mini sump for the probes. Looking forward to seeing how the Balling Method works out for you if you use it. BTW what are you dosing now?
Reading through this thread makes me want to rewire and reconfigure my fish room, not to mention trying to imitate your rock work in my next tank.
Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.
If you might, can you tell me why you prefer the Tunzes over the initial
O.M. setup?

[uwiik]

AWESOME!!!!! The best system I've ever seen!!! Do you clean your tank religiously or you have a secret recipe for it, the tank is just so damn clean for a relatively new tank. ize.

[uwiik]

I assume the biological cycle of the whole system is still less than a year old.. correct??? awesome.....absolutely clean....

[Alphabet]

As a whole this is just visually stunning!! :cool:

Bamboo blinds can stay they add a certian feel to the room! ;)

Love those ninja skills! :D

[Alphabet]

BTW

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

[dpearly88]

Amazing!

[tomasz]

[i]

A couple changes were just upsizing the reactor, i had also wanted to run some Mg and p04 remover..so this 5 stage reactor let me put it all in individual chambers.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots016-1.jpg



What brans reactor is this?

[mrcrab]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8846969#post8846969 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fudge
i didnt make the reactor this time, its a Marine Tech reactor.
The cost of these things is getting better and better in the last few years, i remember paying that and more for a good commercial reactor of about a whole pop can sized capacity 7 or 8 yrs ago.
So i opted to buy one this time around, now i can head to building a little better of a skimmer.

It is recirculating with a sedra of about fist size...ill have to post the actual type after i can slide it out to see the top half of the pump.
The feed is just tee`d off my main system pump, wich now, is just a dart.

The first chamber is attached to the pump intake, bioballs, water/co2 input are ran through this chamber.
The second is the main chamber.
the third one is upflow @ effluent rate and is being fed from the main reactor chamber.
This inturn feeds the 4thand 5th upflow through magnesium and finally P04 remover.


Reef waters,
Nigers have been in there for about 4 months, they are awesome but just too agressive of feeders.
Corals are all left alone, but get so excited at feeding time and latley have become almost too much.
As you can see in the pic, i could litterally just catch them by hand and take them out.
For instance yesterdayI had a fish that went into my overflow, i retrieved it with a net and he got stuck a little when i was placing him back in the display, and needed some work to dislodge from the net.
the net and two hands and a flailing fish wont even hold them back, they woulda bit him in half in the net before they even realized it was a tank mate since theyve been in the tank.
Once placed in the tank the triggers went back to ignoring him.
Recently they have grown strong enouph to bite through my skin aswell, this was my fault from hand feeding them for a few months...needless to say i dont do this often anymore.


Marc.

[tomasz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8871467#post8871467 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mrcrab

Where can I find these?

[rowland75]

Absolutely love this tank...

Where did you get the design for the tank build, as regards structure, bonding and sealing etc?

Im doing something similar and after all the info I can get.

[Fudge]

Happy New Year !

Colin, Anytime your ready. :)

Scarter,
I just riveted a strip of heavier pond liner around the edge of the canopy.

Zemuron and lovleylinda,

Heh, I dont need to grab them at all...its more like the other way around. :(
After feeding by hand for a while, they will "pat you down" everytime you place your hands in there.
As you can see better in this pic, the triggers will lodge themsleves in there in theyre hunt to find a morsel.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/coralshots049.jpg

The tangs arent so extreme, but they still scare you when they graze a couple arm hairs off you when you least expect it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots016-2.jpg

Zemuron and invincible,

The mini sump is fed with a single line but divided when entering the sump into 2 channels, there is a 1" drain off of each channel.
It is fed at about 150 gph.

There is a baffle in each meant to seperate incoming water, this is where the probes are placed, so effluents are not altering readings.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots033-1.jpg

Downstream from the "over" baffle are where Kalk and Ca reactor effluents are added each getting a side of the mini sump, so hopefully avoiding too much precip.

Kalk & Ca effluents are just raised to view rates, the Ca tube was capped and drilled so i could add a ph probe to that little chamber for reactor PH.

Finally dosing hoses at the end of each channel.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots042.jpg

Jumboshrimp,

So far id have to say im chicken still...ive just been comfortable with reactors for so long im scared to try a new approach.
Right now Im just dosing kalk and k balance...recently just kalk.

I did Mod the Deltec Stirrer to get a littlemore kalk into it.
I stole the column and flanges off my old Ca reactor and routed them out to accomodate the deltec stirrer.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots032-1.jpg

Uwiik,

It still gets dirty, but i keep a pretty tight reign on it.
Its about 17 months now.

Rowland,

The design was something a good friend (Acro @ RC) and i had came up with, during the year prior to starting, using considerations from prior set-ups and thoughts on what we`d like to see on a new one.
So we each built one, and changed only what was suited to individual needs.

...

[Fudge]

Yesterday`s project was to remove the room exhaust fan, it was old when i got it and getting louder of late.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots001.jpg

replaced with a 8" elicant inline fan , was a bit of a project to fit it in there.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots003.jpg

I put it all back together and added a switch on it for variable speed, in the right hand corner of the fan box.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/MiscShots004.jpg

Then of course, a frag rack so the the other half quits hitting....err... so i can fund my projects. :D

Orderves ?

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/coralshots011.jpg


Marc.

[niloc16]

nice frags marc. give ya $5 for all of 'em. just kidding.

[niloc16]

nice frags marc. give ya $5 for all of 'em. just kidding.

[ReefWaters]

I see 5 probes in the mini-sump, plus one in the reactor effluent chamber. Is that right?

What all are you monitoring/controlling?

Also, does Marine Tech have a website?

[Fudge]

Colin,

Sure you can have em all for 5 bucks, but you might have a hard time with the people who`s tanks theyre already in. ;)

Reefwaters,

Right now, i have not configured the controller to do anything but monitor parameters...i just havent had the time to play with that stuff yet.
So for now, Reactor Ph, Tank ph, orp red sea (self calibrating), orp profilux (manually calibrated), salinity, and temperature are all thats monitored.
The Marine Tech reactor was purchased through Proline aquatics here in Canada.

http://www.prolineaquatics.com/products.html

Marc.

[ksarauer]

Wow, this is one amazing system! You've done an excelent job.

The mini sump idea is one I will definately do in the future. Thanks for the idea!

FYI - the fishroom looks fake, it's too clean :):):)

[FFrankie]

Im new to RC and just thought id say what a great job your doing with that insane tank! Enjoyed reading your thread very much and look forward to watching your reef grow.

[customcolor]

what chemicals are u puting in your tank with your dosers. i saw like 5 or 6 of them. i have 3 pumps and am wondering what main chemicals i should use with them. i have a 55 .

[Cuby2k]

It is refreshing to see a very qualified craftsman such as yourself produce such an impressive piece of art. Very well done sir.

I was considering a plywood tank before I bought my 180 but the cost of the glass was much cheaper in this size. But when you get to tanks your size I'm sure the cost of plywood makes much more sense.

One question, I had read that a marine grade plywood should be used on wood tanks but I have never been able to find it. Is your plywood marine grade or just standard AB?

Thanks for sharing your great work and ideas here!

[Fudge]

Wow guys, thank you all for all the kind words.

Custom color,

As of right now i dont dose anything but Kalk with it, i was playing with a couple items from the zeo line, but have since stopped.
The reason for the purchase of the doser was a bit optimistic on my part, the balling method interests me alot and would require the use of most of those dosers.
But i really have a lot of projects that i want to see done before i jump into that one, not to mention the old dog-new tricks/hindsight 20/20 thing...

I honestly wouldnt want to guess as to what your reef needs for dosing, as it would be exactly that...guessing.
I would test your parameters and take it from there, my first considerations would likley be Ca++/Carbonate replenishment.

Cuby2k,

Your right, it seems around the 300g point becomes cost effective.
Just a standard exterior grade ply was all that was used here.
While i did research this, i decided that if water got passed the resins and wet the wood... marine grade or not, it wouldnt matter for long.

Marc.

[StevieK]

The Horton Cup is a nice touch ... probably the key to the tank

[customcolor]

what is the "balling method "

[Sparkss]

it is the 2 part method for dosing alk/calc, there is an article in the Advanced Aquarist online magazine about it, but I don't have the link handy. Randy Holmes has a DIY recipe for both parts.

[Kigs]

Hey Marc,

Great setup! I'm still obsessing over your aquascaping method. Something I definitely have to try in the future when the time and money comes my way. :)

Is that a niger trigger? If so, how is it with inverts?

[Airman]

I love the pics of your equipment. Is your new fan quite?

[thesaent14]

really nice i love the reactor idea really really cool but the tank is the best i seeing

[mrpet]

i was thinking of having plexi anchors glued to the bottom of my
tank, with holes drilled in them to run pipe through to hold the pipe down then run my pipes up from there. are u just useing the rock on top of the pipe to hold it at the base of the structure?
thanks marc...killer tank

[fefo23]

Exellent job, the best i have see

[custarring]

Simply exquisite! Best application of planning and amazing ideas I have ever seen thus far! I definitely commend you on your ideas and the application of them! The system amazing!

Jordie

[Reeferhead]

Amazing work! I've been debating whether or not to go plywood/fiberglass/starfire on my future 500+ gallon tank. I'm now officially convinced.

[dgasmd]

This is simply one of the nicest systems I have seen in a long time. Very nice indeed. I think you may find that over time you will simplify a lot of things there, but extremely nice nevertheless.

[duhfactor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8890165#post8890165 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fudge

Your right, it seems around the 300g point becomes cost effective.
Just a standard exterior grade ply was all that was used here.
While i did research this, i decided that if water got passed the resins and wet the wood... marine grade or not, it wouldnt matter for long.



Excellent build, I love to learn from DIY, and this is impressive to say the least! :) I'm curious, what type of resin, and fiberglass did you use? Where did you purchase it? What was your process of applying it, and how many layers?

Thanks in advance!
D

[olemos]

Excellent indeed, I'm sure this will open up the door for many people in this hobby, to adventure in to this type of tank build.

[chetm2]

Beautiful Aquascaping, I love the openess. More pictures please :)

[tentacles]

do you use the profilux to control your tunzes?

[NuReef]

I looked at Proline's site but could not find anything about the Ca reactor..Any other resources???

TIA,

Ricky

[dippin61]

effin awesome!

gonna definately watch this thread.. that fish room is the most organized one ive ever seen.. its great.

[greatgman001]

after seeing what you did im considering building my dream tank (96" x 32"x 24 h - 320 g)
in thinkung that can u show any detailed construction pics especialy of the sides and corners
also i was thinking ;
instead of spending a fourtune on fiber glass resin and epoxy paint
why not seal the wood w a few coats of sealer then contact cement a layer of pink foam then use a pool or pond liner contact cemented to the foam (doubled up of course )
that should seal it water tight

[Fudge]

Hi all,
Just wanted to update you all again, :D

I have had abit of a problem keeping up with algea for some reason latley, so i was spurred into this next project.
( and the reason i havent showed too many tank pics latley..lol.)

Heres a bit of an unconventional skimmer build project that ive been working on for the last few weeks.

Its an dual Dart GG wheel and epoxy/fiberglass skimmer, built using a mould.

I started measuring to determine how big i could make it but still be 100% raw overflow fed, still get good flow through it, and be small enouph to fit in the foot print of my fishroom space that i had.
It ended up with a diam of 24" and a total of 70" tall.
the main body is aprox 105 gal.

Next step was a crash course in mould making.

Using MDF and arborite i made a half mould (is that how you spell it? )
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer009-1.jpg

Arborite being placed..
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer010.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer012.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer002.jpg

Waxing the mould...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer013.jpg

[Fudge]

Fiberglass layup..with the backside done first for the sake of practice.http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer021-1.jpg

On the front i wanted to be able to see, so i can learn abit from the impellar designs and view bubble size, and to have flat walls for bulkhead mounting.
I wanted the windows to be seated for strength aswell.
So i fit the front half of the mould with the needed shapes, and coated with wax again.http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer028.jpg
And glassed...http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer030-1.jpg

Out of the mould...http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer041.jpg

Halves tacked together...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer043-1.jpg

......

[Fudge]

Making the cup was next...routing pvc sheet for a flexed lexan exterior.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer023-1.jpg
complete...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer003-1.jpg

Determining (guessing) appropriate neck size & finish sanding for exterior.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer009-2.jpg

Making the keyhole flange,
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer014.jpg

Onto plumbing drains, 10" input chamber,feeds and outputs and leak testing...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer020.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer023-2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer010-1.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer025.jpg

Impellar and venturi testing...
This one nice fine bubbles, but didnt seem to be enouph.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer009-3.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer005.jpg

The end result was pulling out the entire venturi`s and pumping in 100 LPM of air on a pump.
i didnt have a flow meter to really get accurate, but it seemes it will accept about another 50 LPM before becoming unstable or burping.
Possibly more impellar designs should allow me to get 200LPM in there i hoped.

.....

[Fudge]

Removed some of the vanes and covered in GG..this one overheated the pump, causing it to shut down.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer015.jpg

removed all of the vanes, and did the ties better to avoid the wobble i had on previous tries.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer030-2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer031.jpg

Finally,some good bubble size and foam worth skimmin at half full...

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer019-1.jpg

Little turbulence, but performing excellent.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer021-2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer006.jpg

Install and removal of old skimmer....this part sucked as you can see.http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer018.jpg

[Fudge]

Bubble Size in the neck very small, and gentle moving when skimmer was filled.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer047.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer051-1.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer029.jpg

Finally, cleaned up the mess, temporarily mounted the air pump, plumbed input from the overflow,and output to the sump.
It has about 1200-1500 gph of raw overflow water flowing through it right now, seems to be ok at that.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer025-1.jpg

All in all, in extremely pleased so far with the upgrade...with the exeptions of a few hiccups i have to work out.

I would guess that its relativly close in power consumption, as the 11 gallon quad beckett that it replaced.

Now i just have to dig up a little motor for a self cleaning head and ill be happy :).

Thanks all, Marc.

[melev]

WOW. I'm literally speechless, but at the same time proud of your creativity. :D

[Typhon]

Impressive to say the least!!!!:eek2: :eek1:

I hate to see what you would build if your Ca Reactor wasn't keeping up..:D

[Bax]

That is inspirational DIY!!!

[dsandfort]

Marc-
I thought I was doing good just being a copy cat on tank design. You are in a league by yourself. What a creation. What's next....vacuum bagging a 1000 g?
My hat is off to you.
Del

[anothermineral]

You're my hero! Simply unbelievable!

[Fudge]

Thanks guys !,

Del, i actually looked at getting this tank Vacume bagged/formed...lol.
It was pricey, but i actually wish i did now ...so i could clean the back and side better.

Forgot to show how it was plumbed from the overflow, a direct 2" line.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer065.jpg

I think i got an even finer bubble with three layers of gutter gaurd,(can tell better in the reflection on the bottom of the cup) but im hoping the pumps dont overheat...they seem alright so far today.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer051-2.jpg


Hey, that means i can officially change the title !
Im in with the 1k club now !...Isnt there a biscuit or something for that ? :D

Marc.

[melev]

In this image...

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j272/marc_aka_fudge/SKimmer029.jpg

You have a clear tube with some black graduation marks. Is that to set the water level within the skimmer?

[Fudge]

Marc,
Yes, i wanted to see the water level, and without the acrylic main body it was needed.
Thats what i had intended those lines for, but with impellar changes, it needs some new ones marked lower on the tube, the water lines about 5" below that in the pic.

It has leveled out about 2" higher, and is holding that height now.

[melev]

That is what I was thinking, that the lines were too high up. We all know how skimmers can overflow and if the water was really riding that high in the body, I could forsee how the cup would fill up and overflow (down the drainline) quickly.

Perhaps you could use black orings on the outside to basically set them to the range you prefer. Maybe red ones for the low and high, and black for the sweet spot?