ReefJ's Reef Tank Build

[ReefJ]

Ok guys,

As promised, here are some pics to show the progress on the build. I plan on finishing the plumbing tomorrow (finally) I'm planning on asking a couple buddies to help me move the tank tomorrow on to the stand, I'll take some pics for you guys once that happens as well.

I plan on starting the artificial rock back wall of the tank Sunday. If I can get it started and hopefully in the tank by mid next week, I will hopefully start filling the tank with water next weekend. And begin working on the closed loop system!

You can see from the pics below that I am running the supply and return piping through the wall to the garage. I'm trying to make maintaining the sump, skimmer and performing water changes easier. Plus having everything in the garage allows me to put a big 30gallon fuge on the system and I'll have plenty of room for my CA reactor, Bio Reactor, protein skimmer, chiller and co2 bottle.

Let me know what you guys think so far! The garage pics are a total mess, gonna clean up the garage tomorrow.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/5507174...th/5106383703/

ReefJ

[fishaholic911]

You need to post a picture of the vent/fan system for your lighting, it is sweet
If you use photobucket you can post picture on this site and it is free

[ReefJ]

Does photobucket auto resize the pics for you?

[fishaholic911]

I beleive so.

[aquaph8]

Your not worried about heat in your garage? I know your running a chiller but I would think it would be working really hard and run up your electric bill.

[fishaholic911]

Originally Posted by aquaph8

Your not worried about heat in your garage? I know your running a chiller but I would think it would be working really hard and run up your electric bill.

I told him the same, my garage gets up to 120 + in the summer. Another worry would be the winter months and how to heat it.

[ReefJ]

I have a portable AC unit I can run in the garage to help keep it cool. Plus the chiller is a 1hp chiller. Do you guys think that is enough?

I also plan on installing an exhaust fan on the high vent in my garage and maybe an intake fan on the low vent in my garage.

[ReefJ]

I suppose in the summer if it is too difficult to keep the tank cool, I could move the sump under the tank again. It would be a pain but i could get it done in one day.

[aquaph8]

If you can keep the garage cool enough you'll be fine. My main concern would be my electric bill running all that equipment. If you could build a little room and T off your duct work from the house that would be a lot more efficient.

[ReefJ]

You guys got me thinking...I'm considering scrapping the garage idea before it's too late.

[aquaph8]

Originally Posted by ReefJ

You guys got me thinking...I'm considering scrapping the garage idea before it's too late.

Honestly man, I think it would be for the best unless you can cut your garage into a more manageable space to cool. Just figure it will be around 110 outside and probably even hotter in your garage.

[aquaph8]

Check out Aquinas build. He lives in phoenix and has an in wall built into the garage wall.

[ReefJ]

Ok, If i move the sump under the tank and move everything inside the house, do you guys think I'll have an issue with overheating without the chiller? I'm going to be running 3 400w halides over the tank, but they are ventilated extremely well inside the canopy of the tank.

The reason I ask is because I won't really have a convenient place for the chiller to sit if I do. thoughts?

[ReefJ]

Originally Posted by aquaph8

Check out Aquinas build. He lives in phoenix and has an in wall built into the garage wall.

Do you have a link?

[aquaph8]

I will let Gary take the 400 halide question. All I can say is if your gonna run a chiller, vent that sucker outside somehow. They produce a bunch of heat and are counter productive if not vented outside.

[aquaph8]

Originally Posted by ReefJ

Do you have a link?

I cant get it to work. Do a search for Aquainas.

[fishaholic911]

The tank is comming along nice, Now I have tank envy and will need to upgrade ( got to keep up with the Jones) !!! I think you made a good decision by move the sump under the tank.

[ReefJ]

Yeah dude, me too. It's a little cramped, but I think the extra cost of trying to keep the garage cool during the summer isn't worth the convenience.

For those of you following this thread, I'm going to post some more pics tonight. Got the plumbing done yesterday and moved the tank onto the stand. I plan on doing a wet test tonight to check for leaks. After the leak test passes, I'll be moving on with the closed loop system and rock wall. Hopefully in the next week or two I'll be filling the tank with live rock and salt water!!

Thanks to everybody so far who provided the sound advice!

ReefJ

[ZOAKEEPER]

Gary, I believe you when you say you'll upgrade. LOL, I've seen your big tanks!!

[fishaholic911]

Originally Posted by ZOAKEEPER

Gary, I believe you when you say you'll upgrade. LOL, I've seen your big tanks!!

I am still missing my 300

[miguelp19]

Originally Posted by ReefJ

Yeah dude, me too. It's a little cramped, but I think the extra cost of trying to keep the garage cool during the summer isn't worth the convenience.

For those of you following this thread, I'm going to post some more pics tonight. Got the plumbing done yesterday and moved the tank onto the stand. I plan on doing a wet test tonight to check for leaks. After the leak test passes, I'll be moving on with the closed loop system and rock wall. Hopefully in the next week or two I'll be filling the tank with live rock and salt water!!

Thanks to everybody so far who provided the sound advice!

ReefJ

Still waiting for pics ReefJ! lol

[ReefJ]

OK finally I got some more pics. I've been really busy with school so I haven't had much time to mess with the tank.

I finished the plumbing last weekend and finished/tested the closed loop today. I'm posting a link of the video I shot to show you guys the closed loop I built today.

Basically its a coralife 1500gph turbo sea in-line pump plumbed thru a SQWD. I ran vinyl tubing up the back of the tank and connected them to two pieces of 1" pvc pipe that I teed off and put a 90 degree elbow on the end. I added threaded 3/4" bushings to adapt them to the locline fittings. Each pipe sits at the end of the tank with the loclines aiming toward the other side. I bought plastic pipe hangars that I will mount to the inside of the canopy to hold the pipe ends in place over the tank. Hopefully this will give me enough flow to not have to put any powerheads in my tank. I'm thinking it will be fine with a 2500gph turnover between the sump and the display and about 1200-1500gph on the closed loop. We'll SEE!

Next project that I will start Friday is the fake rock wall. I'm also posting some pics of how my plumbing for the sump looks.

ReefJ

[ynnhoj86]

sweet looking stuff! hey did you put ball valves after the sqwd, bc sometimes the sqwd clog and you have to clean them and if you only have a ball valve after the pump, you can't just take off the sqwd.

[ynnhoj86]

pump looks sweet in there btw haha oh i would put some styrofoam under it, just because if it vibrates or anything, it will reduce noise.

[aquaph8]

Looking good man.