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09/18/2017, 05:06 PM | #101 |
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Staten Island, NY
Posts: 446
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and a 'fix' we got!
Man dont leave us hanging for this long between updates, withdrawal symptoms are not fun One thing; with this high-level of build (again, amazing!) shown here I am surprised that you didn't employ abyzz pumps as your returns. |
09/18/2017, 08:47 PM | #102 |
Frustrated Stick Gardener
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: near chicago,Ill.
Posts: 701
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Wow, That's a ton of update, glad to see it going well. I'm a fan of your build for many reasons but my main one is because your really going after what you want, including the room decor and woodwork. It's really cool to watch someone execute what was once just a vision into a reality, and so well.
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Scott Current tank: 65 gal DSA rimless, mixed reef, 20 gal sump, T5 6bulb, big skimmer, 40B Fowler, 20 gal sump, 4 bulb T5 |
09/20/2017, 10:08 AM | #103 |
I <3 Acros
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,523
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This thread is simply amazing. Your attention to detail and craftsmanship is about the best I have seen on here.
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80g Deep Blue Rimless - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2651295 225g Reef Savvy SPS Dominant - Retired http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1945361 |
09/20/2017, 11:00 AM | #104 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 340
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Xoomer- about the Abyzz pumps: I have obviously spent a lot of money on this system. However, I have still tried to consider the cost/benefit of each component. I don't like spending money just to spend money for fancy gear. For the main returns, I really only want a fixed flow rate so that controllable function of the DC pump would be wasted once it was set. The Dolphin pumps supply all of the flow I need at an impressively low power draw. They seem to have a good reputation for reliability.
I obviously am using Vectras as returns for other sections of the reef but they will be variable based on how many tanks I'm trying to supply. Again, those systems don't justify the price tag in my mind. Maybe in the future I might migrate that direction to cut down on noise. Thanks for following and for the good question. |
09/20/2017, 11:23 AM | #105 |
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Staten Island, NY
Posts: 446
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I understand your approach; makes sense.
I am considering the Abyzz in my next build for all of its strong points; its ultra quiet, ultra efficient and has high head, not to mention its tiny by comparison to these old school pumps and it comes with 10 year warranty. The price is little too high for most budgets (including mine) but reading the reviews and seeing the feedback at different fora I get that feeling that it would be the last pump I'd need. |
09/20/2017, 12:04 PM | #106 |
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 11,033
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Beautiful build. Great workmanship.
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Failure isn't an option It's a requirement. 660g 380inwall+280smp/surge S/L/Soft/Maxima/RBTA/Clown/Chromis/Anthias/Tang/Mandarin/Jawfish/Goby/Wrasse/D'back. DIY 12' Skimmer ActuatedSurge ConcreteScape |
09/20/2017, 12:28 PM | #107 |
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Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 9
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Amazing work. Whats your rate and would you be willing to fly to VA?
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09/20/2017, 12:28 PM | #108 | |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 340
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A Golden Reef Tank (v2)
Quote:
Thanks for all of the compliments! Turning my thoughts into really has been rewarding! ...and exhausting. |
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09/20/2017, 12:29 PM | #109 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 340
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A Golden Reef Tank (v2)
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09/20/2017, 04:17 PM | #110 |
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: McKinney, Texas
Posts: 157
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I know a couple of public aquariums that could use advice from you man!!
Subscribed for the rest of your journey, can't wait for updates (grabbing popcorn) |
09/20/2017, 04:57 PM | #111 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 340
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Thanks Karim and Vadajo.
Karim-I've read through parts of your thread. I need to start over and review from the beginning. You've got some major aspirations. I wish you the best with the project. It will be incredible to see come together. Vadajo- Do you have anything being planned right now or running already? Any build threads? I'm afraid my work would would require more in terms of time than 99% of hobbyists would be willing to tolerate. 300 hours is a conservative estimate of how much time I have in the aquarium and back room and it's still not done. Another 300 hours in the woodwork out front and there are still small things to complete there. That's why the tank was dry for 18+ months. |
09/20/2017, 05:05 PM | #112 | |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 340
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Quote:
Thanks JM. I would love to earn a living somehow tied to the hobby but I haven't found the right opportunity. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. |
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09/20/2017, 05:51 PM | #113 |
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 11,033
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Thanks. Just watch the latest videos - that'll catch you up fast
I'm still captive to my budget- need to clear under $50k to get started.
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Failure isn't an option It's a requirement. 660g 380inwall+280smp/surge S/L/Soft/Maxima/RBTA/Clown/Chromis/Anthias/Tang/Mandarin/Jawfish/Goby/Wrasse/D'back. DIY 12' Skimmer ActuatedSurge ConcreteScape |
10/30/2017, 08:08 AM | #114 |
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Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 340
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I picked up the Neptune Apex system for the display tank and for the QT systems. I've spent the last month focusing on prepping for and installing these systems. After two days of finishing up minor issues and cleaning the filtration area, I can finally do another pan of the room. I had a few minor issues like a J-Guest fitting leaking due to a misaligned O-ring, I have both the display and QT tanks running on cruise control. Those minor issues are taken care of.
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10/30/2017, 08:09 AM | #115 |
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Location: Golden, CO
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I built another cabinet for the Energy Bars that support the QT systems. Like a lot of aspects of this build, I've tried to leave things modular and easily modifiable. I still need to build holders for the ReefBreeder light remote controls. They will be mounted on the second panel up. I will eventually add input buttons, switches, and/or output light indicators as needed to these panels that interface to the Apex. For example, I might add a large red "EMERGENCY STOP" button. I will be adding a cheep tablet to the other electronics cabinet that focuses on the display system. I might end up adding a cheep tablet to this cabinet so that I can tweek the QT system quickly and easily. For now, I'm going to spend some time working with things as they are and figure out exactly how I end up using the systems over time before making major changes or additions.
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10/30/2017, 08:09 AM | #116 |
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Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 340
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10/30/2017, 08:10 AM | #117 |
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Posts: 340
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The large cabinet for misc electronics has been prepped and sealed up. I will be mounting a tablet next to the Apex display head. Long term, I will be interfacing all of the other electronics I plan on building into this cabinet. I purposely built this cabinet larger than needed so that I can easily expand as needed.
I installed some equipment from Avast Marine on the MRC skimmer. I'm really impressed with their products and highly recommend them! I am considering ordering some more of their pressure sensors to use as high/low water level indicators. |
10/30/2017, 08:11 AM | #118 |
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Location: Golden, CO
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Lastly, I built some of these probe holders from scrap acrylic. I also built a small acrylic box that will be dedicated for testing probes. I've been following some of the new testing devices coming onto the market so I tried to oversize this box.
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10/30/2017, 10:59 AM | #119 | |
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Posts: 177
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Quote:
Do you mind providing link for the metal brackets you used to mount acrylic box above? And the shelving you used through out fishroom? Current shelving I have is starting to rust and needs to be replaced. Look forward to following along with your tanks journey |
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10/30/2017, 11:53 AM | #120 |
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Encino, CA
Posts: 6,199
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Spectacular project. Awesome skills you have with wood, acrylic, and other materials.
The Fibergrating is awesome stuff. I have been using it for 10+ years. When I build my new wall I am using it for the wall/shelving as well. I don't want anything that rusts or rots. Great thinking on the whole project - Look forward to seeing this tank mature. Dave B
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560g Display. 1500g System Volume. (2) 180g Outdoor Frag Tanks. 340g Sump, 30g 2 story surge tank. Dasatco EXT 9. Bubble King Skimmer. Ozone. UV. 5' Fluidized Sand Filter. Avast Kalk Mixer. Current Tank Info: 560g SPS Dominant Reef / 1500g Total System |
10/30/2017, 12:45 PM | #121 |
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Location: Winchester CA
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amazing
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10/30/2017, 02:04 PM | #122 |
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Location: Golden, CO
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"Very IMPRESSIVE! In awe of how thought out every part of your build is.
Do you mind providing link for the metal brackets you used to mount acrylic box above? And the shelving you used through out fishroom? Current shelving I have is starting to rust and needs to be replaced. Look forward to following along with your tanks journey" Thank you! Here is a link to the shelving I bought: https://www.grainger.com/product/EDS...Code=P2IDP2PCP I bought the base rack system as you see in the link. I built custom Formica shelves for them rather than what the manufacturer would provide. I then attached aluminum angle pieces to bond the shelf to the metal brackets. The racks are still metal, so there's no guarantee against rust over time. They're a thicker gauge metal than you would pick up at a local box store. Here is a link to the aluminum strut: https://www.grainger.com/product/GRA...-8-x-13-45YV89 |
10/30/2017, 02:07 PM | #123 | |
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Quote:
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10/30/2017, 02:08 PM | #124 |
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10/30/2017, 02:16 PM | #125 |
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Location: Dallas, TX
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Beautiful.
Where did you get your fibergrate?
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Failure isn't an option It's a requirement. 660g 380inwall+280smp/surge S/L/Soft/Maxima/RBTA/Clown/Chromis/Anthias/Tang/Mandarin/Jawfish/Goby/Wrasse/D'back. DIY 12' Skimmer ActuatedSurge ConcreteScape |
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