280 build has begun.

[REEF-DADDY]

Ok heres the first set of pics from the 280 upgrade. The tank will be in wall, and bare bottom with Starphire(actually generic low iron). I will be housing mostly SPS with a few LPS mixed in. First the specs:
Tank
72"x36"x25" Starphire front corner overflows.

9 total holes drilled for closed loop and return pump.

125G sump

30 gallon auto topoff with kalk


Lighting
3x250 xm 10k in lumenarcs

4x160 actinic VHO

Flow
Tunze wavebox
Iwaki 70 rlt pushing 2 eductors
mag 1800 return

Misc. equipment
Aquacontroller Jr
ASM G6
Aqua 114w UV
1 800 watt heater
1 400 watt heater


Here is a shot of the old 125 set up. Not a great pic, but it will at least give you perspective. That's me and my dog btw. What you can't see is the big MH ballast's behind the dogs head. I found that going from a 55 to a 125 really warrant either a large cabinet or a fish room......



http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/005_5.jpg

A couple of shots of the stand being built. It has a total of 6 4x6 legs plus the front 2x4's 12" on center. I also ran 2x8's and blocked them every 2'.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/021_21.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/020_20.jpg

It's here! thank god for large suction cups and good friends. We got it in without issue!
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/024_24.jpg

On the stand

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/030_30.jpg

Thoughts so far:

It's too early to tell if the low iron glass makes a difference as the tank is still dirty. It's alot less green on the edges thats for sure. I don't think I'll be able to tell until its filled and lighted.

I am very happy with Glasscages. Service was A+, and the tank is built well like a tank! There are some gobs of silicone here and there but no big deal.

Next for me is to move the drain pipes you see over the tank, and install the bulks heads, then lay out the electrical for the fish room.

[trstange]

looking good, keep us posted! We like lots of pictures :D

[tsquad]

suhweeeeeeeeeeeeet

[mmd]

wow alot has happened since i saw your basement..lokks good

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by mmd
wow alot has happened since i saw your basement..lokks good

Yeah I've been going all out. I have to wait three weeks now until I can fill it, so I am going to resume my couple hour per night pace

[NoSchwag]

Looking good..

How old is your bulldog?

[Kreeger1]

lookin good

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by NoSchwag
Looking good..

How old is your bulldog?

He was 10 months in that pic. He is actually a Bull Mastiff, he is about 140 now! :)

[skinnykids86]

keep the pics comming

sorry about the mix up on Saturday and me not being there to help!!

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by skinnykids86
keep the pics comming

sorry about the mix up on Saturday and me not being there to help!!

sure you are, its ok I still need to move the 125 under the 280!

[REEF-DADDY]

I installed all 9 bulkheads; sch 80 is the way to go they were a breeze.

I cut the starboard and put it in the tank. One piece would not work so I had to cut a small strip between the overflows. I am going to secure it with silicone around the edges so detritus cannot collect.

The Low iron glass in awesome, when clean you can’t see its there. It’s so clear the cats actually try to jump on the stand and bang there heads. Very funny!

I moved the plumbing that was hanging low over the tank.

Made a second attempt at agrocrete rocks, the first one using crushed oyster shells looked to flaky and smelled like low tide. I went and got crushed coral and this looks much better. Assuming good strength I will be using this one and making one more. It’s very easy to do and it’s nice to be able to make my own shapes.

I have some more pictures to post tonight(including mermaid shots). Next up is finish framing, lay out of equipment, rough plumbing, rough electrical. My goal is to stat filling the tank( a 4 day process for 400 gallons total volume) on 11-26, then start switching over on 12-3. We’ll see if that flies.

[argi]

Awesome..can not wait for more pictures.

Have you used the AquaController Jr yet? I am thinking of getting one for my upcoming tank project (220 gallon 72 x 30 x 24) and wanted some feedback. I was not going to use the X-10, but go with the direct connect instead.

Thanks,

Keith

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by argi
Awesome..can not wait for more pictures.

Have you used the AquaController Jr yet? I am thinking of getting one for my upcoming tank project (220 gallon 72 x 30 x 24) and wanted some feedback. I was not going to use the X-10, but go with the direct connect instead.

Thanks,

Keith

Yes it's been running the 125 for about a year now and I love it. I had some software issues early(I think they have been resolved) but it's been fine since. My ph probe also never read right and eventually crapped out on me. I upgraded to the lab grade and it's been fine. The service and support have been great.
That being said I could not live without it. It I also use the DC4, the x10 seemed like a failure point to me. If I had to do it over again I would go with the II to get orp fucntions and the alarms.

[REEF-DADDY]

I have not downloaded any new pics of the tank but I did buy this bad boy today!


http://www.reefermadness.us/images/RMD11110047.jpg
and a frag of this!
http://www.reefermadness.us/images/RMDF_A_robusta_pur.jpg

[mmd]

pics

[REEF-DADDY]

my wife is a little slow on the getting the pics on here!

[N-A-S-O]

where did you get that frag steve????

[REEF-DADDY]

reefermadness.us :)

[camarojweed]

Steve Looks great...Keep us posted...It is great to see alot of new members and lots of people trying out big tanks...(check my red house above for my pictures of building mine...) I am am in a transistion stage right now as I wait for my new tank to show up...the last one blew out a seem...

Keep us posted...

Jason

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by camarojweed
Steve Looks great...Keep us posted...It is great to see alot of new members and lots of people trying out big tanks...(check my red house above for my pictures of building mine...) I am am in a transistion stage right now as I wait for my new tank to show up...the last one blew out a seem...

Keep us posted...

Jason

Oh no who made your last one?

[camarojweed]

LOL..I bought it used..BUT the guys that made it were so blown away that it broke they are making me a new one at cost... now that is standing behind your product...

www.aquariumobsessed.com

Jason

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by camarojweed
LOL..I bought it used..BUT the guys that made it were so blown away that it broke they are making me a new one at cost... now that is standing behind your product...

www.aquariumobsessed.com

Jason


That is service!

[REEF-DADDY]

Heres a pic of my home made agrocrete rock. I am going to use them as a platform to build my rock structure off of. I made it with crushed coral and portland cement. It's soaking now to lower ph, but it came out really well, water pours right through it.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/a83dcd32.jpg

I stole the control panel off the other tank. One timer is still in use. I still need to mount my aquacontroller and the wavebox controller to it. I use timers instead of the acjr because they are easier to manually turn off. Every electrical componet will be controlled from here. It's on a hinge so I can fiddle with the plugs if needed. I ran 3 dedicated 20 amp circuits to run the tank
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/de170efd.jpg

The UV

My specs called for a 80 watt UV but the 114 watt was actually more compact so I went with it. I also put a check valve in place so the water level would not fluctuate. The sump will be able to handle the volume should the check valve fail.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0013_0001.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0012_0001.jpg.

In case you were wondering if rock cooking works. This is what was left after the 3rd water change. When it settled I had 1/8" of crap on the bottom.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/soup.jpg

I need to get some wide angle pictures but time is tight!

[skinnykids86]

Originally posted by SteveDohoney
sure you are, its ok I still need to move the 125 under the 280!

let me know when you need it moved!!!

[mmd]

nice rock

[REEF-DADDY]

Boy that control panel looks like crap!

The room is now sheet rocked, and the last couple of fittings for the closed loop will be here tomorrow. My goal is to start filling on Turkey day!

[REEF-DADDY]

This is the Gen X 70. I originally said it was an Iwaki but I ended up getting this one because it was on sale.

Mounting it was a challenge. I wanted to be careful not to restrict the intake too much so I didn't get cavitation. The output is on a slant, for some strange reason, which was also a challenge. I came up with the nifty idea to mount it upside down. It's going to be pushing 2 eductors - one high and one low to hopefully create circulation to the overflows.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0035.jpg

The second pic shows the intake plumbing. Can't really see it well, but the flexible PVC is awesome to work with.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0034.jpg

Hung the sheetrock and started the first coat of mud. It's amazing how a 280 gallon tank looks like a 75 in the wall and a 55 in pictures! The wood strip under the tank is the beginning of the "bar" that is going to be on the front.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0029.jpg

Next up is another coat of mud, finish the closed loop plumbing, and start filling it on Turkey Day!

[camarojweed]

looking good man...ah muddin', Just finished muddin' my bathroom, what a lovely job..no, fillin the tank..that is going to fun...PS it takes forever to get that much RO water made...took me 3 days to fill my 240!!!

[REEF-DADDY]

Yeah, thats about what I figure. 3-4 days. Then another 2 days to get the temp up.

[NoSchwag]

Steve did you test the pump out to make sure that the vibration wasn't too much? My pcx-55's vibrated alot until I used an old foam mouse pad. "They" say it's even worse when it's bolted down to something.

I'm eyeing a pcx-70 for my skimmer.

[NoSchwag]

also I spoke with the pump manufacture about restricting the input of the pump and they said it was the worst thing to do.

I guess they're real good at pumping and not so good at pulling. When I went from 3-90's to my pump to straight in, the difference was night and day.

How restricted is your pump?

[REEF-DADDY]

No vibration without water, I may have to add a foam insulator if it does once water is added. The pump does have foam feet and I used rubber washers under the screws. I have 2 90's and about a foot of hose on the intake side. The drain is on the back of the tank about 4" from the bottom. With the layout of this pump and the fact that my drains are on the back on the tank that's really the path of least resistance. I do have a spare drain that I could T off if need be. The pump will only be pushing 2 eductors so it will not be a lot of volume, just a lot of pressure.

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by NoSchwag
Steve did you test the pump out to make sure that the vibration wasn't too much? My pcx-55's vibrated alot until I used an old foam mouse pad. "They" say it's even worse when it's bolted down to something.

I'm eyeing a pcx-70 for my skimmer.

159.99 at liveaquaria, you can't beat that for a new pump!


I still need to see your tank!

[NoSchwag]

Those rubber feet do absolutely nothing for the vibration, not sure how the rubber washers will work out. After towels and Styrofoam, a mouse pad was the best for my situation. I might try some dynamat.

159.00 is what I paid for my damn pcx-55.

My tank is sexy... It's the corals that arn't doing so well. :)

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by NoSchwag
Those rubber feet do absolutely nothing for the vibration, not sure how the rubber washers will work out. After towels and Styrofoam, a mouse pad was the best for my situation. I might try some dynamat.

159.00 is what I paid for my damn pcx-55.

My tank is sexy... It's the corals that arn't doing so well. :)

I know I thought I got a deal at 179.99. I may mouse pad it from the start. I don't want any headaches once I start her up. I am sure your corals will learn to love you. If not bring them to me. :)

[mmd]

your right in the wall it does look like a 75, better tell your wife you need to order a larger tank.
LooKs great so far

[REEF-DADDY]

Aint that nutz? No more upgrades until we upgrade the house. Honestly I don't have enough live stock to make this one look good!

[REEF-DADDY]

Finished with the tank trim and the "bar". I also added the "cooked live rock". The first livestock as well, a bristle worm that survived the cooking process! :) Just purchased a high top pub table, and some matching bar stools for in front of the tank.

Before trim....

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0079.jpg

With trim....

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0082.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0083.jpg

Ok, obviously the couch is NOT going in front of the tank, but my wife likes this picture (???)!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0088.jpg

Just fininshing off the room - Pergo floor and new molding/trim. Also have to stain the trim around the tank.

More to come....

[REEF-DADDY]

My mounting scheme for the pump also turned he stand into a large turning fork. I added 1/2" of rubber which helped but I need to further reduce the vibration/noise

[NoSchwag]

Originally posted by SteveDohoney
Finished with the tank trim and the "bar".

Just purchased a high top pub table, and some matching bar stools for in front of the tank.


Damn I'm jealous.

I would be even more jealous if you had a nice TV down there with NFL Sunday ticket..

[mmd]

Very Nice

[NoSchwag]

Originally posted by SteveDohoney
My mounting scheme for the pump also turned he stand into a large turning fork. I added 1/2" of rubber which helped but I need to further reduce the vibration/noise

Is there anyway to put in on the floor?

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by NoSchwag
Is there anyway to put in on the floor?

There is, but I have a couple of ideas that I want to try first. It's just a pain because I can't get around the new tank from behind yet :mad: the 125 is still running behind it.

[NoSchwag]

Are you thinking hanging it with bungie cords?

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by NoSchwag
Are you thinking hanging it with bungie cords?

Something like that! It's actually gotten a lot better with 3000 lbs of water in the tank!

[cougaran]

Just curious did you get a ph spike with the home made agrocrete rock? I made a few big pieces and they tend to cure real slow...My PH is like 9.0., luckily I'm just starting to setup and decided to test the ph.

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by cougaran
Just curious did you get a ph spike with the home made agrocrete rock? I made a few big pieces and they tend to cure real slow...My PH is like 9.0., luckily I'm just starting to setup and decided to test the ph.

The PH spike is normal, I soaked mine for 3 weeks, and they will be in the display for 2 weeks before livestock. Although, I have not tested for PH as of yet.

[cougaran]

I read all the articles on it and swapped the water every few days for about a month, then I couldn't get my tank on the stand w/o modifying the stand, so that took a couple of months and then getting someone to help get the tank on the stand took more time..So in the meantime I just left them to soak and didn't change water. Now I put them in and put the water in and I got the huge spike. My Ph test is like deep purple. I remember reading that they said big pieces take longer. Thought I'd ask you before you take the big plunge. I'm dumping my tank and refilling.

[REEF-DADDY]

Originally posted by cougaran
I read all the articles on it and swapped the water every few days for about a month, then I couldn't get my tank on the stand w/o modifying the stand, so that took a couple of months and then getting someone to help get the tank on the stand took more time..So in the meantime I just left them to soak and didn't change water. Now I put them in and put the water in and I got the huge spike. My Ph test is like deep purple. I remember reading that they said big pieces take longer. Thought I'd ask you before you take the big plunge. I'm dumping my tank and refilling.

keep in mind your water can only absorb so much lime so the time you did not change the water did not help you much. My test kits will be in this week I'll let you know how the PH is.

[cougaran]

Actually they were curing in trash barrels..then recently i put them in the tank with fresh water. Just out of curiousity I checked the Ph and I was really surprised. If only i did one last rinse, so maybe the time they were in the barrels didn't help and not rerinsing them hurt me.. I would be curious when your test kit comes in though..

[REEF-DADDY]

A good thread on the subject:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60515&highlight=agrocrete

[cougaran]

Hadn't seen that one. thanks..

[skinnykids86]

any new pics???

[REEF-DADDY]

No I've been working on the floor. I am hooking up my ghetto sump tonight, and will finish filling. I did put the pub table andbar stools together last night. It really is a mint set up!

[skinnykids86]

pics!!!

[REEF-DADDY]

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0092.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0091.jpg


Not sure what is going on with the camera!

[REEF-DADDY]

As you can see the room is done, next is aquascaping and to move everything over. The skimmer is up in running in my ghetto sump and I sm exchanging water between the old and new tanks to equalize it. Then on to all the fish room work that needs to be done.

[mmd]

looks great, shoot glass on an angle this way the flash will not bounce back....

[skinnykids86]

the room is comming out awsome!!

keep the pics comming w/ progress reports

[REEF-DADDY]

Well the project suffered a set back. Friday I went to switch everything over and found my water temp on the 125 at 87 degrees. Turns out the temp probe on the aqua controller got pulled out of the sump. Thankfully I had the heaters set to 85 as a back up. Not sure why the tank was 87 and not 85. So I lost a bunch of corals right off the bat and a few more after the transfer into the 280. This along with over zealous feeding caused ammonia to spike at .50 in the new tank. I’ve changed out about 80 gallons over the last few days and its about .25 and falling. Needless to say the corals that are left are brown, but I have not lost any fish including my new gorgeous powder blue tang. I’ve always had trouble testing for ammonia, and gotten a lot of false positives. I am praying that’s the case here. I just can’t believe with 300 gallons of water, a monster skimmer and established live rock the ammonia could spike so quickly…………….

[REEF-DADDY]

Oh and how can I forget, I put a fan over the 125 to cool and it fell in!

[mmd]

sorry to hear it, good luck the corals will come back

[kelley_mc]

any shock when the fan fell in?

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6269060#post6269060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kelley_mc
any shock when the fan fell in?

The funny thing is I pulled it out of the water and it started blow air again. I think the fan took out my shrimp.

[kelley_mc]

Too bad, rough day for you and the shrimp. :(

I can't believe you pulled the fan out while it still had power to it. That could have been a "shocking" experience! :eek:

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6269188#post6269188 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kelley_mc
Too bad, rough day for you and the shrimp. :(

I can't believe you pulled the fan out while it still had power to it. That could have been a "shocking" experience! :eek:

My fish consider it heroic, my wife stupid........

[kelley_mc]

No offense, but I have to agree with your wife!
:)

[Shoestring Reefer]

I agree with your wife and your fish!

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6271237#post6271237 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Shoestring Reefer
I agree with your wife and your fish!


Any true reefer would of done the same.....

[trstange]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6271575#post6271575 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SteveDohoney
Any true reefer would of done the same.....

I agree.

[kelley_mc]

:fish1: :fish2:
Lucky fish! :D

By the way, I love the bar idea. Looks like no better place to grab a cold one! Very nice work.

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6275391#post6275391 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kelley_mc
:fish1: :fish2:
Lucky fish! :D

By the way, I love the bar idea. Looks like no better place to grab a cold one! Very nice work.

Thank you, it really is nice to finally have a place to enjoy the tank.


Or stress out about water quality

[argi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6268733#post6268733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SteveDohoney
Oh and how can I forget, I put a fan over the 125 to cool and it fell in!

In my best Homer Simpson's voice "D'Oh". I feel your pain. I also would have reached in without a second thought before unplugging things. Glad you are ok though. I hope everything pulls through for you.

I also like the bar idea. With the bar there you are able to do the one shot of vodka for me..one shot of vodka for the tank.:D

Keith

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6275969#post6275969 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by argi
In my best Homer Simpson's voice "D'Oh". I feel your pain. I also would have reached in without a second thought before unplugging things. Glad you are ok though. I hope everything pulls through for you.

I also like the bar idea. With the bar there you are able to do the one shot of vodka for me..one shot of vodka for the tank.:D

Keith

No top access! :(

[trstange]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6276076#post6276076 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SteveDohoney
No top access! :(

something to remember when you up-grade :bum:

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6276529#post6276529 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trstange
something to remember when you up-grade :bum:

No this is it! Too much stress starting a new tank. I am content to keep all the vodka!

[trstange]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6276577#post6276577 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SteveDohoney
No this is it! Too much stress starting a new tank. I am content to keep all the vodka!

I've said that several times, it never works...

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6276766#post6276766 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by trstange
I've said that several times, it never works...

This tank has me up at 5:30 in the morning checking water levels,cleaning the skimmer, siphoning and changing water. I may even drain this one and get a lizard with the way I feel now.

[Obi-dad]

This is going to be a great meeting at Steve's - reef and bar, does it get any better than that? :beer:

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6277441#post6277441 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Obi-dad
This is going to be a great meeting at Steve's - reef and bar, does it get any better than that? :beer:


sounds like a plan to me! Just let me get my fish room set up!

[REEF-DADDY]

Some pics of my pretty fish and brown corals!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0106.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0119.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/000_0113.jpg

[mmd]

VERY nice

[kelley_mc]

WOW! Looks awsome!

[skinnykids86]

dude that looks GREAT!!!

[amulet_red]

Awsome display. I like the design and use of the agrocrete.

[tsquad]

Awesome aquascape. Lots of room for those corals to grow into too. I responded in your other thread in the SPS forum about the SPS dying off...

[kroe]

That purple cap is awesome!

[asnatlas]

Any updates ??

[REEF-DADDY]

Well a lot has happened in the last year including a complete crash caused by a faulty float valve on my auto top off. This was in Feb I believe. I’ve since:

Restocked- bought a few colonies to fill out the tank
Swapped out the g6 in favor of a Bullet 3
Added 50 lbs on Marshall island live rock
Upgraded to 400w Radiums soon to be Helios
Upgraded to a Dart return
Hooked up my Ca reactor
Added a second skimmer(G4x)
I think that’s it, I’ll post some new pics this weekend!

[sevenkillers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8593545#post8593545 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REEF-DADDY
Well a lot has happened in the last year including a complete crash caused by a faulty float valve on my auto top off. This was in Feb I believe. I’ve since:

As much as I want to add an auto top-off. I have read to much about system crashing due to defective top-off

I checked my water level at lease twice a day. I also have a little sign when my water is low. I start seeing bubbles coming out of return tubing.
So when ever I see tiny bubbles I know I am low.

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8596911#post8596911 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sevenkillers
As much as I want to add an auto top-off. I have read to much about system crashing due to defective top-off

I checked my water level at lease twice a day. I also have a little sign when my water is low. I start seeing bubbles coming out of return tubing.
So when ever I see tiny bubbles I know I am low.

The litermeter is a safe way to go. It pumps in a set amount so matter what.....

[REEF-DADDY]

An updated pic, well from August. Looking back on this thread I wish I added more equipment shots.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/stevejami/IMG_0609.jpg

[mahoneyc3]

wow, looks great man!!! where did all your sand go??? ;)

[sevenkillers]

Jesus Christ that clam is bigger than a bowling ball.

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8600928#post8600928 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mahoneyc3
wow, looks great man!!! where did all your sand go??? ;)

In the back yard along with all the algea! :bum:

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8601157#post8601157 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sevenkillers
Jesus Christ that clam is bigger than a bowling ball.


LOL go back to the first tank shot in the thread and look how much it grew in a year! I have it in the lowest light section of the tank and it grows like a weed, its become an issue for my flow patterns....

[mmd]

nice stick of rics