My Ultimate BC 14 build.

[jcm2m9]

I have had my BC14 set up for about a year now. I thought I would be contect with it, but 6 months later I decided that I wanted to set up a bigger tank. I told my wife I would wait to set up a bigger tank when we bought a different house. Well, I went down to my local LFS and came home with a 40 breeder, skimmer, bulkheads etc and went to work building a stand in the garage (without my wife knowing). As you can assume this was not the best idea and my wife soom convinced me that I did not need another tank, especially with our first child on the way. The drilled 40 breeder now sits in the shed where someday it will hopefully be used for a 300g+ inwall build, but that is years down the road.

I did convince her that I needed to tinker with something and that I wanted to create the "Ultimate BC14". Previously I had installed 13 Cree XRE and a biocube skimmer, but I wanted more!!! (I sound like Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor"). I decided that I was going to drill my BC14 and install a 20g sump and Euroreef RS80 skimmer.

That is exactly what I did over the weekend. I finished up my stand and proceeded to build the sump and drill the biocube. Everything went just as planned. I was a little nervous about drilling the Biocube while set up, but everything went fine. I now have a 1" drain and a 1/2" return line.

The stand is not finished yet, but will be completed shortly. I wanted to finish enough of it so that I could move the tank over. I still need to finish the trim and paint it. The front door is completely removable and is held on by magnets. Also, the top is a piece of granite that I bought from Restore for $20 and cut down with my wet saw.

The sump area is still a mess. I need to buy an ATO system and an American DJ power strip to get everything cleaned up. I am going to be addind sand in the next week or two. Any suggestions on fish? I do not want to go the typical route of clownfish.

Oh, and how could I forget?!?! I also purchased an MP10. I can not believe that I never purchased one earlier. It is completely awesome and definitely worth the money. All my corals seem to love the natural currents in the tank.

Here are a few pictures so far.

[insipid1]

wow that is a nice setup. How did you do the drilling with everything still live in there. Something i have have been debating on mine.

[jcm2m9]

Originally Posted by insipid1

wow that is a nice setup. How did you do the drilling with everything still live in there. Something i have have been debating on mine.

I drained the 2nd and 3rd champers and then drilled the tank. I used a turkey baster to keep water running over the bit while drilling. I took it slow and steady.

[jcm2m9]

I am looking for a 2-3 gallon sealed ato container. Does anyone know a good place online to shop for one?

[insipid]

Originally Posted by jcm2m9

I am looking for a 2-3 gallon sealed ato container. Does anyone know a good place online to shop for one?

what kind of container?

[jcm2m9]

I am looking for a water container that I can mix Kalk in to drip in my tank.

[jcm2m9]

Long time and no update. This whole having a kid thing takes up a lot of my time.


Since my last update quite a few things have changed. I have added sand back to the tank, bought a Yasha Hase Goby, Pistol Shrimp, Purple Pseudo and a peppermint shrimp. I have also switched my blue and white leds over onto seperate drivers. I am currnetly waiting for my new dimmable meanwell driver and Cool White XPE's to show up. I hope to have them by Thanksgiving so I have a long weekend to get them installed.

I am now controlling my reef with my new Reef Angel controller. I have not unlocked the full potential of this controller, but the possibilities are endless.

Now onto the good stuff....pictures!

[nemesis7]

ok, you drilled it while it was setup and full of water??? If so you really must have a big pair. I would scare that it would break. Other than that I like what you did very clean tank and love the sump setup.

[jcm2m9]

Yes, I did drill it while it was full of water. You have to love a little and some time. LOL.

To be fair I have another biocube in my garage in case it broke.

[kalosbios]

Nice looking tank!

Now transfer everything to that 40 gal. just sitting there!

Tell your wife you're being more ecologically responsible by using a larger water volume--much better for the inhabitants. All your efforts will transfer right over!

A larger tank will be more fun to watch for your new baby as well. . .

Have a good time regardless!

Gordon

[jcm2m9]

Originally Posted by kalosbios

Nice looking tank!

Now transfer everything to that 40 gal. just sitting there!

Tell your wife you're being more ecologically responsible by using a larger water volume--much better for the inhabitants. All your efforts will transfer right over!

A larger tank will be more fun to watch for your new baby as well. . .

Have a good time regardless!

Gordon

I already tried that. I plan on putting in a 500g+ system when we move. Hopefully that will happen in 2-3 years.

[jcm2m9]

e is my plan for the control of the leds. I have a cheap 3 led light that I am going to use for my moonlights. This will be dimmed with the lunar cycle. Then, my blue Cree LED's will go on around 10am and off around 10 pm. Finally, my white LED's will ramp up from 10% on at noon to 100% at 4 pm and then back down to 10% at 8 pm. Mixed in this schedule will be a chance of clouds and lighting. I will be able to set the frequency, intensity and duration of both clouds and lightning.

I have been emailing Roberto at ReefAngel and he offered to write the code for me. I couldn't be happier.

// Autogenerated file by RAGen (v1.1.0.126), (11/20/2011 15:16)
  // RA_112011_1516.pde
  //
  // This version designed for v0.8.5 Beta 17 or later
 
 /* The following features are enabled for this PDE File:
   #define DisplayImages
   #define SetupExtras
   #define OverheatSetup
   #define DateTimeSetup
   #define MetalHalideSetup
   #define DirectTempSensor
   #define DisplayLEDPWM
   #define StandardLightSetup
   #define SaveRelayState
   #define PWMEXPANSION
   #define CUSTOM_MAIN
   #define COLORS_PDE
   #define ENABLE_ATO_LOGGING
   #define ENABLE_EXCEED_FLAGS
   */
 

 #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
  #include 
 
 byte DaylightPWMValue=0;
 
 void DrawCustomMain()
  {
    // the graph is drawn/updated when we exit the main menu &
    // when the parameters are saved
    ReefAngel.LCD.DrawDate(6, 112);
    pingSerial();
  #if defined DisplayLEDPWM && ! defined RemoveAllLights
    ReefAngel.LCD.DrawMonitor(15, 60, ReefAngel.Params,
    ReefAngel.PWM.GetDaylightValue(), ReefAngel.PWM.GetActinicValue());
  #else // defined DisplayLEDPWM && ! defined RemoveAllLights
    ReefAngel.LCD.DrawMonitor(15, 60, ReefAngel.Params);
  #endif // defined DisplayLEDPWM && ! defined RemoveAllLights
    pingSerial();
    byte TempRelay = ReefAngel.Relay.RelayData;
    TempRelay &= ReefAngel.Relay.RelayMaskOff;
    TempRelay |= ReefAngel.Relay.RelayMaskOn;
    ReefAngel.LCD.DrawOutletBox(12, 93, TempRelay);
  }
 
 void DrawCustomGraph()
  {
    ReefAngel.LCD.DrawGraph(5, 5);
  }
 

 void setup()
  {
    ReefAngel.Init();  //Initialize controller
 
   ReefAngel.FeedingModePorts = B00010000;
    ReefAngel.WaterChangePorts = B00011100;
    ReefAngel.OverheatShutoffPorts = B01000011;
    ReefAngel.LightsOnPorts = B01000010;
 
   // Ports that are always on
    ReefAngel.Relay.On(Port3);
    ReefAngel.Relay.On(Port4);
    ReefAngel.Relay.On(Port5);
    ReefAngel.Relay.On(Port8);
  }
 
 void loop()
  {
    // Specific functions
    ReefAngel.MHLights(Port1);
    ReefAngel.StandardLights(Port2);
    ReefAngel.StandardHeater(Port6);
    ReefAngel.MHLights(Port7);
    ReefAngel.PWM.SetActinic(MoonPhase());
    DaylightPWMValue=PWMSlope(10,00,22,15,0,50,40,DaylightPWMValue);
    CheckCloud();
    ReefAngel.PWM.SetDaylight(DaylightPWMValue);
    ReefAngel.ShowInterface();
  }
 
 //*********************************************************************************************************************************
  // Random Cloud/Thunderstorm effects function
  void CheckCloud()
  {
 
   // ------------------------------------------------------------
    // Change the values below to customize your cloud/storm effect
 
   // Frequency in days based on the day of the month - number 2 means every 2 days, for example (day 2,4,6 etc)
    // For testing purposes, you can use 1 and cause the cloud to occur everyday
  #define Clouds_Every_X_Days 1
 
   // Percentage chance of a cloud happening today
    // For testing purposes, you can use 100 and cause the cloud to have 100% chance of happening
  #define Cloud_Chance_per_Day 100
 
   // Minimum number of minutes for cloud duration.  Don't use max duration of less than 6
  #define Min_Cloud_Duration 7
 
   // Maximum number of minutes for the cloud duration. Don't use max duration of more than 255
  #define Max_Cloud_Duration 15
 
   // Minimum number of clouds that can happen per day
  #define Min_Clouds_per_Day 3
 
   // Maximum number of clouds that can happen per day
  #define Max_Clouds_per_Day 5
 
   // Only start the cloud effect after this setting
    // In this example, start could after 11:30am
  #define Start_Cloud_After NumMins(11,30)
 
   // Always end the cloud effect before this setting
    // In this example, end could before 8:00pm
  #define End_Cloud_Before NumMins(18,30)
 
   // Percentage chance of a lightning happen for every cloud
    // For testing purposes, you can use 100 and cause the lightning to have 100% chance of happening
  #define Lightning_Change_per_Cloud 100
 
   // Note: Make sure to choose correct values that will work within your PWMSLope settings.
    // For example, in our case, we could have a max of 5 clouds per day and they could last for 50 minutes.
    // Which could mean 250 minutes of clouds. We need to make sure the PWMSlope can accomodate 250 minutes of effects or unforseen resul could happen.
      // Also, make sure that you can fit double those minutes between Start_Cloud_After and End_Cloud_Before.
    // In our example, we have 510 minutes between Start_Cloud_After and End_Cloud_Before, so double the 250 minutes (or 500 minutes) can fit in that 510 minutes window.
      // It's a tight fit, but it did.
 
     //#define printdebug // Uncomment this for debug print on Serial Monitor window
    #define forcecloudcalculation // Uncomment this to force the cloud calculation to happen in the boot process.
 

   // Change the values above to customize your cloud/storm effect
    // ------------------------------------------------------------
    // Do not change anything below here
 
   static byte cloudchance=255;
    static byte cloudduration=0;
    static int cloudstart=0;
    static byte numclouds=0;
    static byte lightningchance=0;
    static byte cloudindex=0;
    static byte lightningstatus=0;
    static int LastNumMins=0;
    // Every day at midnight, we check for chance of cloud happening today
    if (hour()==0 && minute()==0 && second()==0) cloudchance=255;
 
 #ifdef forcecloudcalculation
      if (cloudchance==255)
  #else
      if (hour()==0 && minute()==0 && second()==1 && cloudchance==255)
  #endif
      {
        //Pick a random number between 0 and 99
        cloudchance=random(100);
        // if picked number is greater than Cloud_Chance_per_Day, we will not have clouds today
        if (cloudchance>Cloud_Chance_per_Day) cloudchance=0;
        // Check if today is day for clouds.
        if ((day()%Clouds_Every_X_Days)!=0) cloudchance=0;
        // If we have cloud today
        if (cloudchance)
        {
          // pick a random number for number of clouds between Min_Clouds_per_Day and Max_Clouds_per_Day
          numclouds=random(Min_Clouds_per_Day,Max_Clouds_per_Day);
          // pick the time that the first cloud will start
          // the range is calculated between Start_Cloud_After and the even distribuition of clouds on this day.
          cloudstart=random(Start_Cloud_After,Start_Cloud_After+((End_Cloud_Before-Start_Cloud_After)/(numclouds*2)));
          // pick a random number for the cloud duration of first cloud.
          cloudduration=random(Min_Cloud_Duration,Max_Cloud_Duration);
          //Pick a random number between 0 and 99
          lightningchance=random(100);
          // if picked number is greater than Lightning_Change_per_Cloud, we will not have lightning today
          if (lightningchance>Lightning_Change_per_Cloud) lightningchance=0;
        }
      }
    // Now that we have all the parameters for the cloud, let's create the effect
 
   if (cloudchance)
    {
      //is it time for cloud yet?
      if (NumMins(hour(),minute())>=cloudstart && NumMins(hour(),minute())<(cloudstart+cloudduration))
      {
        DaylightPWMValue=ReversePWMSlope(cloudstart,cloudstart+cloudduration,DaylightPWMValue,0,180);
        if (lightningchance && (NumMins(hour(),minute())==(cloudstart+(cloudduration/2))) && second()<5)
        {
          if (random(100)<20) lightningstatus=1;
          else lightningstatus=0;
          if (lightningstatus)
          {
            DaylightPWMValue=100;
  //          ActinicPWMValue=100;
          }
          else
          {
            DaylightPWMValue=0;
  //          ActinicPWMValue=0;
          }
          delay(1);
        }
      }
      if (NumMins(hour(),minute())>(cloudstart+cloudduration))
      {
        cloudindex++;
        if (cloudindex < numclouds)
        {
          cloudstart=random(Start_Cloud_After+(((End_Cloud_Before-Start_Cloud_After)/(numclouds*2))*cloudindex*2),(Start_Cloud_After+(((End_Cloud_Before-Start_Cloud_After)/(numclouds*2))*cloudindex*2))+((End_Cloud_Before-Start_Cloud_After)/(numclouds*2)));
          // pick a random number for the cloud duration of first cloud.
          cloudduration=random(Min_Cloud_Duration,Max_Cloud_Duration);
          //Pick a random number between 0 and 99
          lightningchance=random(100);
          // if picked number is greater than Lightning_Change_per_Cloud, we will not have lightning today
          if (lightningchance>Lightning_Change_per_Cloud) lightningchance=0;
        }
      }
    }
   
    if (LastNumMins!=NumMins(hour(),minute()))
    {
      LastNumMins=NumMins(hour(),minute());
      ReefAngel.LCD.Clear(255,0,120,132,132);
      ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,5,120,"C");
      ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,11,120,"00:00");
      ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,45,120,"L");
      ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,51,120,"00:00");
      if (cloudchance && (NumMins(hour(),minute())=10) x=11; else x=17;
        ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,x,120,(cloudstart/60));
        if ((cloudstart%60)>=10) x=29; else x=35;
        ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,x,120,(cloudstart%60));
      }
      ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,90,120,cloudduration);
      if (lightningchance)
      {
        int x=0;
        if (((cloudstart+(cloudduration/2))/60)>=10) x=51; else x=57;
        ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,x,120,((cloudstart+(cloudduration/2))/60));
        if (((cloudstart+(cloudduration/2))%60)>=10) x=69; else x=75;
        ReefAngel.LCD.DrawText(0,255,x,120,((cloudstart+(cloudduration/2))%60));
      }
    }  
  }
 
 byte ReversePWMSlope(long cstart,long cend,byte PWMStart,byte PWMEnd, byte clength)
  {
    long n=elapsedSecsToday(now());
    cstart*=60;
    cend*=60;
    if (n=cstart && n<=(cstart+clength)) return map(n,cstart,cstart+clength,PWMStart,PWMEnd);
    if (n>(cstart+clength) && n<(cend-clength)) return PWMEnd;
    if (n>=(cend-clength) && n<=cend) return map(n,cend-clength,cend,PWMEnd,PWMStart);
    if (n>cend) return PWMStart;
  }

My next endeavor, which I plan to try and tackle myself is to configure a custom main screen with just the information I want to see.

More on this later.

[jcm2m9]

I worked on the lights over the weekend! I have good and bad news. First for the good news, the LEDS have been moved on to seperate drivers the bad news is that I fried 6 of my blue leds and that I think there is a problem with my new dimmable meanwell driver. There is an internal potentiometer that you can adjust the output current, but it turns indefinitely in each direction. I am not going to hook it up to my new leds and risk frying them with too much current. I am going to get ahold of the retailer today.

Now I have 8 cool white leds and 4 royal blue and 1 red. The colors of the tank look terrible now.

[tpallas]

Well done! Looks very clean.

[jcm2m9]

Originally Posted by tpallas

Well done! Looks very clean.

Thanks for the compliment

[jcm2m9]

More changes to the lighting coming. I ordered some different LED's from modularled.ca. I did this just becuase the ease of wiring and to make my build look cleaner. I still plan on using the LED's I have now, just for a different project.

I am hoping to have my fixed driver and new LED's by this weekend. I am getting exctited to get it all working together so I can finally use my controller to it's full potential.

[jcm2m9]

I finally claibrated the PH probe on my Reef Angel. My PH was 8.39 when I shut the lights out and 8.14 when I got up this morning.

I have never really tracked PH before. Is 8.39 high?

[lilreefgirl]

Wow - great job.
I am thinking about drilling my BC14 as well - I dont think I'll do it while it's full!

[JasonBJones]

Nicely done. I think your pH is probably fine. 8.4 is a little high, but I would not be too concerned by it.

Glad to see you are also using a Reef Angel. I am going to steal your thunderstorm code to use when/if I ever put LEDs on my tank.

[jcm2m9]

Originally Posted by lilreefgirl

Wow - great job.
I am thinking about drilling my BC14 as well - I dont think I'll do it while it's full!

It really was not bad. I just kept clean water running on it and took it slow.

Not much can go wrong expect for the tank cracking.

[jcm2m9]

Originally Posted by JasonBJones

Nicely done. I think your pH is probably fine. 8.4 is a little high, but I would not be too concerned by it.

Glad to see you are also using a Reef Angel. I am going to steal your thunderstorm code to use when/if I ever put LEDs on my tank.

Yeah, after doing some research it is a touch high, but I think it is fine as well. This is most likely caused by my kalk drip.

I love my reefangel. If you have any questions I might be able to help you out.

[lilreefgirl]

Are you able to post some of the sizes of bulkheads and plumbing etc you've used?
Also, how many GPH is your return pump?
This might be a christmas project!

[jcm2m9]

I am using a 1" drain and routed the overflow over the top of the tank and utilized the existing return. I just cut a small hole in the back of the hood to accomodate the 3/4" return.

I have a Quietone 4000 as my return, which is too big. I have it throttled back. I used the larger return pump becuase I am thinking about putting another 14g biocube nex tto my currnet one in the future.

If you look at the 3rd picture down in my original post. You can see how the supply and return are ran.

[lilreefgirl]

Originally Posted by jcm2m9

I am using a 1" drain and routed the overflow over the top of the tank and utilized the existing return. I just cut a small hole in the back of the hood to accomodate the 3/4" return.

I have a Quietone 4000 as my return, which is too big. I have it throttled back. I used the larger return pump becuase I am thinking about putting another 14g biocube nex tto my currnet one in the future.

If you look at the 3rd picture down in my original post. You can see how the supply and return are ran.

that's great, thanks. I am definitely going to do this.
I am going to use the existing biocube stand and build the sump right into it.
Thanks so much for the info!

[MOB1224]

The tank looks great but we need more pictures.