600 gallon NEW BUILD

[Ricardo18]

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

I stumbled upon this build thread, Wow what a beautiful setup.

thanks,I'm trying to do everything right,although we all know that is not a recipe for perfection...something will happen!!!

[Ricardo18]

Just about done.Crazy amount of epoxy ( 1 $ MP40)My wife hates the smell.

The walk board proved invaluable.

[Ricardo18]

better feel

[McPuff]

I didn't realize the walk board was in the front... Nice job on the epoxy... just looks like rock and no epoxy showing.

[Ricardo18]

Originally Posted by McPuff

I didn't realize the walk board was in the front... Nice job on the epoxy... just looks like rock and no epoxy showing.

I used purple epoxy, but the structure required a lot in certain areas.I will cover those areas up with small rubble.Once the sand is in (1 inch), it will take on a whole new look.

[rickztahone]

May I ask, will the background be exposed as it is currently? I assume that is a utility room and everything will be dark back there? If so, will the fixture spill over in to the room exposing the room contents?

[Ricardo18]

Originally Posted by rickztahone

May I ask, will the background be exposed as it is currently? I assume that is a utility room and everything will be dark back there? If so, will the fixture spill over in to the room exposing the room contents?

I have removable black acrylic panels that will fit tightly to the "open" back glass,so the equipment room will not be seen from the front, or sides.The tank itself will be skinned in nice furniture grade wood,with a top canopy and 1/2 sides.The lights will sit in the top canopy.
The back glass will be allowed to be eventually covered with C algae , except for 2 viewing "windows" that will be scrapped clear of algae.

[druzzelle]

amazing build.. cant wait to see the finished product!

[rickztahone]

Originally Posted by Ricardo18

I have removable black acrylic panels that will fit tightly to the "open" back glass,so the equipment room will not be seen from the front, or sides.The tank itself will be skinned in nice furniture grade wood,with a top canopy and 1/2 sides.The lights will sit in the top canopy.
The back glass will be allowed to be eventually covered with C algae , except for 2 viewing "windows" that will be scrapped clear of algae.

One word, "Awesome"

[Ricardo18]

Originally Posted by rickztahone

One word, "Awesome"

thanks Rick

[Ricardo18]

Return lines done.1 1/2" line from the pump gets reduced to 1", then to
twelve -3/4" locs..all pushing from front to back towards the overflows

[CHSUB]

12 return outlets? might not give you much water movement. how much flow through sump?

[Ricardo18]

Originally Posted by CHSUB

12 return outlets? might not give you much water movement. how much flow through sump?

3000GPH flow through sump is the target.(5x turn over) BUT...I left the entire back side of the plumbing loop available for additional loc return lines.You can see this part of the white pipe on top of the DT in the picture.

[Ricardo18]

Final aquascape.Levels on either side with flat top for SPS.
Water next (and mopping?)

[Ridgeway Swiss]

Are these return lines actually on top of the glass ? I ask I for me these would be a royal pain in the ar$e as I often lie on those brace bars so would have the 1" (?) pipe in my belly... for this reason I ran mine under the brace bars by drilling the glass braces, it worked well.

Just a thought.

PS: you car sig pic keeps distracting me....

[Ricardo18]

Originally Posted by Ridgeway Swiss

Are these return lines actually on top of the glass ? I ask I for me these would be a royal pain in the ar$e as I often lie on those brace bars so would have the 1" (?) pipe in my belly... for this reason I ran mine under the brace bars by drilling the glass braces, it worked well.

Just a thought.

PS: you car sig pic keeps distracting me....

Good idea!..but I don't have the room under the braces because I need to run my water level right up to the braces.I can still reach the bottom of the DT with my arm thanks to my walk platform!The lines are wrapped in thick rubber tubing to insulate them from the top of the glass, and I will have a wood canopy covering everything.

[Ricardo18]

mounted up my Radions on 1" tubing....now I just need a cabinet to hang them in.But at least I can position and mount the power boxes up on the wall now.

[Ricardo18]

This how I secured my Genesis float sensors to my sump.I do not trust the simple pressure clip as this is way too important not to secure properly.I used the clip but with stainless steel screws to both the casing and the sump wall.

[tassod]

simply awesome! subbed!

[biecacka]

Looking good.
I really like the aquascape. Question tho, do you think the 8 radions will be enough for the footprint?

Corey

[Ricardo18]

Originally Posted by biecacka

Looking good.
I really like the aquascape. Question tho, do you think the 8 radions will be enough for the footprint?

Corey

This is what was recommended by Ecotech (who want to to sell the max units). I placed them over the tank and I couldn't fit another row if I wanted to....so YES!

[chimmike]

I had to calculate the average retail of the radions by how many you have and I was forced to take a Tylenol. Though I'm sure you didn't pay retail, still! Ouch!

Should look absolutely incredible though when the spectrum and intensity is all dialed in. Coral will be very happy!

Can't wait to see how this develops

[biecacka]

Ricardo, that is good to know. I ask because they suggested 6 for my tank and it is half your size. 48/48/24. I also was more curious about the shading that might come into play.
What are your coral plans for the tank? LPS/SPS?

Corey

[Ricardo18]

Originally Posted by biecacka

Ricardo, that is good to know. I ask because they suggested 6 for my tank and it is half your size. 48/48/24. I also was more curious about the shading that might come into play.
What are your coral plans for the tank? LPS/SPS?

Corey

Mixed reef;
SPS on top and LPS mid level and Softies on the bottom.
I do plan on very heavy flow mid to high levels.(3000gph from my returns and about 15,000 from powerheads)...might have to dial that down a bit...we will see.

[slief]

Very nice build! I like how well thought out everything is! Can wait to see this once you have it up and running!