My Elos Midi build thread...

[Chuck H.]

Even though I don't have an Elos Midi yet!

Uncle Sam estimates I'll get my tax return on the 21st. I'll then order my Midi! So far the best deal I've found (with no light) is from Aquarium Specialty because shipping is included in their slightly ($25) higher price then everyone else. (http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/aqu...ium-36-gallons)

I plan on using the following from my Nanocube:

Nova Extreme Pro 6 x 18w T5 fixture (until I can upgrade to a Radion!)
and a Vortech MP 10.

I've ordered a new 100w heater.

I will also get another MP 10 (wireless version and update my current one with a wireless RF card) to complete my flow requirements.

Substrate will be 30lbs of Tropic Eden Reeflakes. I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to use the LR currently in my 'cube (about 16 lbs. - Drs. FosterSmith "nano box") and add a little bit of dry Marco Rock or just start the tank with new Marco. I'm also considering Real Reef man-made LR (the tree-hugger in me coming out!). If I go Real Reef, I'll take a little road trip to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and see Dr. Mac at Pacific East Aquaculture for it.

I plan on getting either a small or medium CPR HOB Aquafuge for my refugium. Depends on how the plumbing will fit on the back of the tank which I won't know until I can take some actual measurements. Definitely the small, but hopefully the medium will fit since it's water volume is just at 10% of the Midi's.

For calc/alk I will be looking at a Bubble Magus doser...if I can get it all to fit under the stand.

My two Tridacna maxima will definitely move over as well as most of my corals that I can easily get off my existing LR (if I decide not to use it - otherwise everything's going in!). My 3 fish, GSM clown - Pygmy angel and 6 line, are keepers but I think I'll add a 2-3 more good "nano" fish. Haven't decide yet. Definitely going to get some SPS (might wait for the Radion) and more corals.

So ends the planning stages for my build. My next update will be an order confirmation for my Midi!

[Chuck H.]

Ordered my Midi this morning from Aquarium Specialty!

[philosophish]

Hey, wheres the progress. Show off that little beaut!

[Chuck H.]

Just got an update from Aquarium Specialty....Elos shipment just passed customs and will hopefully be on the way to me in a day or two!

[Cloudburst2000]

Woohoo! Can't wait to see your build! I have many of the same components/or want the same components as you on the Midi (when I actually buy it) so I am interested in your set-up. I'll also be using a used light I already have until I can afford the Radion The Midi will take most of my aquarium budget. First, I have to finish setting up my other tank. Getting the stand for it today and rocks from Tampa Bay Saltwater on Thursday.

And I have a used medium CPR Aquafuge 2/light. Took it off my old tank. Would be willing to sell/trade it to you for way cheaper then a new one. It's been sitting in my dining room for months after I took my old tank down. Never got around to getting rid of it LOL If you are interested in it, just let me know. No reason to spend all that money for a new one when you can get a used one for a big savings.

[Cloudburst2000]

And how do you update an MP10 with a wireless card? What exactly does that mean? I've never used MP10s but I have one sitting in the wings for this build and was planning on adding another so I'm curious what this update is. Thanks!

[Cloudburst2000]

Also, can you please tell me what you ended up paying for the Midi with tax and everything? I plan on possibly using the Marine Depot price match guarantee where they refund 10% of the difference in total price after shipping, tax, and everything added. thanks!

[Chuck H.]

The Midi made "in country" on about the 8th and will be at my door this afternoon at 4! Unfortunately, she'll slide right into the garage before I can start setting her up and breaking the 'cube down because I'll be having a 40th birthday party for my wife this weekend and that's going to have me tied up. But, I'm excited she's on the way!

Cloudburst: I'm still in a holding pattern on the aquafuge for now, but we'll see. Regarding upgrading the MP10 - it's just a replacement of the computer board in the white controller box that adds wireless. My grand scheme is 2 MP10's and a Radion communicating with one another. Aquarium Specialty sells the Midi (including shipping) for $1774, which is $25 over the other major on-line retailers but they add freight shipping of $150+.

[Chuck H.]

All-righty Then!!!

Stand is built, empty tank sitting on it in the hall, sump and plumbing sitting on the spare bed...FW fill up this weekend and tearing down the 'cube! Just ordered from 3 different on-line retailers:

*Aquarium Specialty: Aquaroche Pillar and Reef Plates ceramic rock
*Premium Aquatics: 30 lbs Tropic Eden Reeflakes and Prodibio Bio Digest and Bioptim to jumpstart my cycle
*Drs Foster and Smith: Small CPR Aquafuge HOB Refugium (wanted the medium, but just don't want to take a chance of it not fitting on the back with the overflow box and return plumbing outlets).

And we're off!

[Cloudburst2000]

Originally Posted by Chuck H.

The Midi made "in country" on about the 8th and will be at my door this afternoon at 4! Unfortunately, she'll slide right into the garage before I can start setting her up and breaking the 'cube down because I'll be having a 40th birthday party for my wife this weekend and that's going to have me tied up. But, I'm excited she's on the way!

Cloudburst: I'm still in a holding pattern on the aquafuge for now, but we'll see. Regarding upgrading the MP10 - it's just a replacement of the computer board in the white controller box that adds wireless. My grand scheme is 2 MP10's and a Radion communicating with one another. Aquarium Specialty sells the Midi (including shipping) for $1774, which is $25 over the other major on-line retailers but they add freight shipping of $150+.

So basically you saved over $100 going with this company since the shipping is included. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

And I also plan on having MP10s plus a Radion. I actually threw my MP10 on the nano I just set up so I'll need to buy MP10s again. I'll be using my old metal halide/T5 lights until I save money for the Radions. I don't see myself purchasing the Midi until late summer, at the earliest. I'm still setting up my nano, and I don't want too much going on at once. Plus, I'll be in and out of town over the summer so not the best time to start a new tank set up.

[Cloudburst2000]

You'll have to show me what you do with the CPR Aquafuge. I might be interested in using my medium Aquafuge for something similar if it will fit.

[Chuck H.]

Just ordered my Radion. My wallet hurts.

[Chuck H.]

Okay, here's a shot of my nanocube:



Here's where all my nanocube stock is now:



And this is what's waiting for them...soon (2-4 weeks I estimate):



Aquaroche Rock-scape, being seeded by LR from the 'cube:




Backside with small Aquafuge (no light for it yet) and Reef Fanatic ATO controll box:



Leftside MP-10:



Sump with Aqualifter for ATO:



Get my Radion, Hanging Kit and Arms from Marine Depot on Friday!!!

[Chuck H.]

Okay! Fabricated and hung the arms to mount my Radion tonight:

[Chuck H.]

First day with the Radion on!

[Gotcha!]

Looking Good

[GatorPharmD]

Chuck, I am enjoying your set up. Can you show the filter floss placement in the skimmer drain compartment - how do you hold it in place under the compartment plastic cover with the oval opening?

Thank you.

[Chuck H.]

GatorPharmD, thanks! I just used some egg-crate to build a little stand to elevate the floss close to the skimmer outlet. A thin layer of floss is easier to throw-away every 2 days or so then dealing with filter socks IMHO. Here's some pics:

[akma]

Looks good. I transferred all my livestock over in a day. Thankfully evertyhing survived and is doing well.

[GatorPharmD]

Chuck, thanks for the photos. That is a creative way to keep the filter floss in place.

[GatorPharmD]

Chuck, you inspired me. I really hope this works because it simplifies maintenance.

[GatorPharmD]

Chuck, you inspired me. I really hope this works because it simplifies maintenance.

[Chuck H.]

Four different containers for acclimation:










Still have the Radion on Natural Mode at 30%...will slowly bring that up over the next several days:

[GatorPharmD]

Chuck, everything looks great.

[Chuck H.]

Thanks Tony! I'm hoping everything adapts okay. I'm really going to keep a close eye on my 2 T. maximas and the RBTA. I'll start increasing the intensity of the Radion over the next several days for them. I just picked up a Yellow Watchman Goby, which will round out the fish, before my Pygmy Angel and Maroon Clown stake out their territories. I'll go slow for the next several weeks and then get some more SPS!