Brad's 100 'n Change Cube-like Journal

[Aquattro]

Ok, I've never done one of these, so can't promise great things. I can't promise that this isn't the only post I'll make :)

As many are aware, I have been hit with AEFW in the 180g. That, along with recent thoughts of a change, have forced my hand and I'm going to downsize a bit into a new build.

I've just ordered a 40l x 30w x 22h tank from H20 Aquariums, a local builder (formerly known as Seastar).
Equipment will be the tank
36x18x18 sump holding a ER RS180 skimmer, Zeo reactor, chiller pump and return pump. Topped off with a heater just for kicks.
Lighting will be a throw back to the good old days, 2 x 400w Radium with 2 T5 super blues for dawn/dusk.
Auto topoff plumbed into house feed.

Flow will be a couple WP40s and 2 Tunze 6055 (I think, the small controllable ones).
All devices will run off the Apex controller.

Still designing stand, but it will likely be about 48" long, black and modular. Going for a clean look.

Stay tuned, I may actually update and post pics :)

[Jaws]

Canopy then?

[Aquattro]

Canopy then?

No, I'm thinking a suspended box type thingy. Still in dumb idea stage, so not exactly sure how it will pan out :)

[Jaws]

Ya always tough to make a MH setup look clean. Looking forward to it.

[Doug]

:peep:

[Ryanerickson]

Got 2 of the 400 watt radium halides couple weeks ago brad great choice best light for sps colour I already see a difrence with my frags only cooked a couple pieces. Haha.

[Aquattro]

Got 2 of the 400 watt radium halides couple weeks ago brad great choice best light for sps colour I already see a difrence with my frags only cooked a couple pieces. Haha.

Yes, I ran them for 10+ years, nothing quite like them!

[Aquattro]

Figured out the light box part
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=67366&page=3

One of more experienced builders :)

[Proteus]

Nice tank dimensions. Looking forward to seeing pics
:-)

[Jaws]

Figured out the light box part
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=67366&page=3

One of more experienced builders :)

I like it. Shouldn't be hard to build either.

[kien]

:pop2:

..also, if you need any posts in your build thread edited drop me a PM. I'm here to help. That is all, carry on.

[Aquattro]

:pop2:

..also, if you need any posts in your build thread edited drop me a PM. I'm here to help. That is all, carry on.

I already knew that, and planned to use your services. It's so damn hard to get anything edited around here. We're lucky to have you.

[don.ald]

How exciting! A new tank in victoria.
Maybe you can grow digitata?

[Aquattro]

Maybe you can grow digitata?

I sure hope so, it's my dream!

[TimT]

You could make a killing... I heard the brown digitata sells on fleabay for $1000 an inch. LoLZ

[Aquattro]

You could make a killing... I heard the brown digitata sells on fleabay for $1000 an inch. LoLZ

Alas, with my history for digi, I'm going to have to keep my day job.

[Jaws]

So when's this tank set to arrive?

[Aquattro]

So when's this tank set to arrive?

Should be a week or two. Just confirmed everything last night. Going to raid a stash of 2x4's I found this coming weekend and get started on the stand.

[Jaws]

Sounds like you're moving pretty fast. I thought tank builds were supposed to take upwards of two to three years???

[daplatapus]

No, that's just mine :(

[Jaws]

You're not alone. lol

[StirCrazy]

Canopy then?

with no door probably :mrgreen:

[Aquattro]

with no door probably :mrgreen:

I had a door. Ok, it was made from cardboard, but it was a door.

[StirCrazy]

Sounds like you're moving pretty fast. I thought tank builds were supposed to take upwards of two to three years???

no thats the average life span on one of Brads tanks befor its upgrade time. :mrgreen:

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Sounds like you're moving pretty fast. I thought tank builds were supposed to take upwards of two to three years???

Seen that with quite a few Canreef builds but I've always had mine up within weeks or a couple of months from conception.

Brad,

Sorry the outbreak forced your hand but hope this new tank gives you the extra time and freedom to do stuff besides reefing with your family.

Anthony

[Aquattro]

Seen that with quite a few Canreef builds but I've always had mine up within weeks or a couple of months from conception.

Brad,

Sorry the outbreak forced your hand but hope this new tank gives you the extra time and freedom to do stuff besides reefing with your family.

Anthony

My builds typically take under 6 weeks. I don't have patience for messing around. This time I may actually finish my stand before I add the tank though :)
This new build will simply allow me to reach inside without a stool. It also cuts costs a bit and reduces humidity. I don't spend much time now, and anything I do with the tank generally involves Elise anyway, so lots of family time :)

[Aquattro]

non update update. Tank will be ready in about 2 weeks. Stand underway. Equipment all gathered.
50g sump
Zeo Reactor
Ca Reactor
ER RS180 Skimmer
2 wp40
2 Tunze little controllable guys
2 x 400w Radium in lumenarc reflectors
300w Heater
Quiet One 4000 return pump
Apex to control it all.

Lighting supplementation TBD (T5 actinic or LED strip?)

Going for open scape with large rocks, lots of tabling pieces.

[Dez]

Is your current tank Zeo? I didn't realize that it was zeo if it is.

[Aquattro]

Is your current tank Zeo? I didn't realize that it was zeo if it is.

Sort of. I have a reactor with rocks of unknown age and I keep a bunch of blue bottles under the stand :)

However, I did start this tank using it and was able to fully stock it from day 1. Not sure if it helped, but didn't hurt, so figure since I have it, might has well use it.
Starting with mostly dead rock has me a bit concerned, so anything I can do to alleviate nutrient issues will make me feel better.

[craigwmiller]

Sort of. I have a reactor with rocks of unknown age and I keep a bunch of blue bottles under the stand :)

Zeo by osmosis :)

[Aquattro]

Zeo by osmosis :)

Zactly!!

[Aquattro]

A bit of progress. Frame for the stand is built. Mostly.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/stand_zps57a122ad.jpg

[WarDog]

Nice!! Wanna have a race to see who finishes their build first?... Oh wait,... 6 weeks?... you win. :first:

[gregzz4]

Hey look, a picture :lol:

Curious why you put verticles in the back center ?

[Aquattro]

Nice!! Wanna have a race to see who finishes their build first?... Oh wait,... 6 weeks?... you win. :first:

Based on the narrowest part of my stand and my largest door, you may have an advantage -hehe

[Aquattro]

Hey look, a picture :lol:

Curious why you put verticles in the back center ?

I'm going to mount the plywood for the light assembly do these braces. The board will extend above the tank and the light box will mount to it.

Look at the link I posted earlier to one of Brett's builds, I'm going to use a similar method for my lights

[gregzz4]

And not to be nit-picky (I know you used to work construction), but also wondering why you didn't criss-cross the outer corner verticles over the base runs

Am I not seeing something in your pic ?

[gregzz4]

I'm going to mount the plywood for the light assembly do these braces. The board will extend above the tank and the light box will mount to it.

Look at the link I posted earlier to one of Brett's builds, I'm going to use a similar method for my lights
Cool, some planning is involved
I thought that only happened in the epic long-term builds

I looked at the link you have, but it only went to his empty tank with nothing else for hardware showing ...

[gregzz4]

This is the only pic I found on the page you linked

http://www.fishbrains.net/images/97/tank1.jpg

[Aquattro]

Go to the next page, where he shows his light slides.

[Aquattro]

And not to be nit-picky (I know you used to work construction), but also wondering why you didn't criss-cross the outer corner verticles over the base runs

Am I not seeing something in your pic ?

You're just being not-picky :) I don't feel it's needed. This is pretty much the same construction that's been holding my 180 for 4 years. Most people way over build, and usually not needed. External plywood will prevent any lateral shifting. Glued and screwed.

[jorjef]

Get ready for the 'ya but'. :biggrin:

[Aquattro]

Problem now is I made a slight design change while building, and didn't account for my doorway. Sometimes me no so smrt.
It fits in now, but not with top and bottom, which really needs to be finished outside. Not sure I want to clean up after the router in the living room -lol

[gregzz4]

Go to the next page, where he shows his light slides.
I had to go 2 more pages in
I like the idea and am looking forward to seeing yours

Get ready for the 'ya but'. :biggrin:
Don't start again

[Aquattro]

I had to go 2 more pages in
I like the idea and am looking forward to seeing yours

I guess different resolutions give different page numbering. Sorry.


Don't start again

He can't help himself :)

[jorjef]

Don't start again

Ya but, but, but. Ahhhh fine......:sad:

[jorjef]

He can't help himself :)

Are you talking about Greg or me ?.:lol:

[Aquattro]

Measure twice. Cut once. Noted.

[Aquattro]

Some progress today. Roughed in, ready for marine paint inside, and prep for paint outside.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/rough_zpsca9ccaa4.jpg

[Rice Reef]

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/rough_zpsca9ccaa4.jpg

Finished yet?

[Aquattro]

Finished yet?

Clearly this looks like every other stand I've had, so yes, I'm finished! :)

Working on it again today, although with my awesome carpentry skills, I may have another design change for the final finish -lol

[Aquattro]

No pics yet, but spent the afternoon fragging the pieces I'm going to transfer to the new tank. 2 racks full. Should be a great start.

But they're so small!! lol

[gregzz4]

nothin' like havin' to make a choice about which colonies to keep

Good luck with it bud :smile:

[Aquattro]

nothin' like havin' to make a choice about which colonies to keep

Good luck with it bud :smile:

Well, I kept 40 pieces, so that should fill the tank :)

[lastlight]

that stand looks ready for a buttload of wood-filler and then some paint-rollin'. would look like a modern stand if you just sand it all smooth and paint as-is.

do can just be a panel cut larger than the opening with an interior bit of trim inside that is the size of the opening. just pop it in and pull it out when needed. i did exactly that and it worked well and looked nice and finished without any hinges.

[Aquattro]

that stand looks ready for a buttload of wood-filler and then some paint-rollin'. would look like a modern stand if you just sand it all smooth and paint as-is.

do can just be a panel cut larger than the opening with an interior bit of trim inside that is the size of the opening. just pop it in and pull it out when needed. i did exactly that and it worked well and looked nice and finished without any hinges.

Ya, gonna sand it all nice and shiny then hit it with black laquer. Maybe a brushed finish, I'll see how ambitious I get.

Door needs to be child proof, so that presents some challenges, but I have a couple ideas.

Tank should be dry and ready to pick up next wednesday, so have to get the stand finished this week. Still debating on light mounting though....

[Samw]

Nice project thread Brad. You are efficient. I started a stand project for my 12G pentagon tank about 5 or 6 years ago and it is still not done yet. Can you help? :)

I need to use this thread as inspiration to finish the project.

[Aquattro]

Can you help? :)



Honestly, this is a challenge for me. I'm not sure I've ever finished a stand before putting a tank full of water in it :)

[StirCrazy]

Honestly, this is a challenge for me. I'm not sure I've ever finished a stand before putting a tank full of water in it :)

nope, don't think you have, came close with the one in the kitchen though..

Steve

[Aquattro]

This one will get finished. Or I'll be sleeping on the couch a lot :)

[StirCrazy]

This one will get finished. Or I'll be sleeping on the couch a lot :)

hmmm.. where was this motivation before?

[Aquattro]

hmmm.. where was this motivation before?

It's been building. Over a lot of years.

[Aquattro]

Here's a shot of the current tank, latest and last FTS for this tank

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/FTS_June2014_zps5426c4e7.jpg

[shrimp]

Looks pretty empty :sad:
I hope you left your self enough frags for the new tank.

[Aquattro]

Looks pretty empty :sad:
I hope you left your self enough frags for the new tank.

Oh ya, I've got about 45 frags left. And a clam. 2 large LPS.

[kien]

I think you're gonna miss that emperor. I miss mine :-(

[Aquattro]

I think you're gonna miss that emperor. I miss mine :-(

Huh?? He's not going anywhere!! Sailfin is the only fish not moving to the new tank.

[Aquattro]

Something I find exciting is the lighting. I sold the T5 fixture and hung a Radium pendant over the frags, and they look way better. Just like I remember them.

[kien]

Huh?? He's not going anywhere!! Sailfin is the only fish not moving to the new tank.

Ok nevermind them. Carry on :-)

[chef]

crap Brad, now i'm thinking of getting rid of my ai sol and lighting it up with a 250w radium. the way i have my canopy built, I can still supplement with 3 t5's

[Aquattro]

crap Brad, now i'm thinking of getting rid of my ai sol and lighting it up with a 250w radium. the way i have my canopy built, I can still supplement with 3 t5's

Honestly, the color is better than I remember. And this is a used bulb in an old PFO pendant. IME though, the 250w radium is very different in color vs the 400w. More of a purple tinge to it.
I'm only going to supplement actinic with T5, the Radium is more than enough.

[chef]

maybe I just need a 400 watt radium and call it a day

[Aquattro]

maybe I just need a 400 watt radium and call it a day

Maybe :)

[Proteus]

Makes me want to buy a 400 pendant though I'm sure it be overkill on a 12" tank

[Aquattro]

Makes me want to buy a 400 pendant though I'm sure it be overkill on a 12" tank

Unless you like soup :)

[Delphinus]

I am seriously considering going back to Radiums. I never sold my ballasts or reflectors since lately you pretty much have to pay someone to take them. Radiums are just an awesome lamp, period.

[Aquattro]

I am seriously considering going back to Radiums. I never sold my ballasts or reflectors since lately you pretty much have to pay someone to take them. Radiums are just an awesome lamp, period.

I see a number of people going back. I'm just kinda sorry I switched. But I got to play with LED and T5, so have a good comparison now.

[kien]

it's definitely trending because I have noticed an increase in stock on halides over the past little while. I'm considering stocking up in the event that a new (plasma?) lighting technology comes out..

[Aquattro]

it's definitely trending because I have noticed an increase in stock on halides over the past little while. I'm considering stocking up in the event that a new (plasma?) lighting technology comes out..

lol. I might see if I can buy Radiums in a 10 pack :)

[Samw]

I am seriously considering going back to Radiums. I never sold my ballasts or reflectors since lately you pretty much have to pay someone to take them. Radiums are just an awesome lamp, period.

I agree. I feel lucky now that no one wanted to buy my dual DE MH fixture for $100 as I now have the option to go back to it. :)

[christyf5]

I see a number of people going back. I'm just kinda sorry I switched. But I got to play with LED and T5, so have a good comparison now.


I am also glad you got to play with LED and T5 so I didn't have to do it :wink: (not that I would have anyways, my money tree out back died a few years ago, it was a sad event).

[Aquattro]

More pics soon, finished the rough build of the light box, looks like it's too heavy to use my original mounting plan, so I'll need to build an aluminum rail to suspend it from. Oh well.

Also not going to be able to use glass covers on the lights, unless I dream up something. Hmm. I'll sleep on it.

[Slyguy00]

To much talk not enough pics :mrgreen:

[WarDog]

To much talk not enough pics :mrgreen:

+1. Talk is cheap. Show us the hardware foreplay!

[Aquattro]

To much talk not enough pics :mrgreen:

Too much sanding, not enough light :) Pics on the weekend after it's all primered.

[Aquattro]

My "workshop" is my back deck, so night got in the way of pics tonight :)

[Slyguy00]

Lol fair enough. Mine is my balcony.:lol:

[StirCrazy]

But I got to play with LED and T5, so have a good comparison now.

only problem is I think you got to play with the wrong LEDs, I saw Doug's a couple months ago and they were the first LEDs that truly impressed me with there color and brightness.

Steve

[Aquattro]

No, I don't agree. I don't think any LED can match a Radium for SPS color. My opinion only, but it's my tank, so it's the opinion that matters :)

[Aquattro]

Tank is ready to pick up.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/tank_zps21d52a51.jpg

[Doug]

Ohhh. Nice looking tank Brad

[StirCrazy]

No, I don't agree. I don't think any LED can match a Radium for SPS color. My opinion only, but it's my tank, so it's the opinion that matters :)

I know, but you also know I never liked the radium bulb, to damn blue. now if you were talking a decent bulb like the old 10K AB that would be different.

Steve

[Aquattro]

I know, but you also know I never liked the radium bulb, to damn blue. now if you were talking a decent bulb like the old 10K AB that would be different.

Steve

Maybe one day, when you have a tank, you can pick a bulb you like :)

[don.ald]

Tank is ready to pick up.



Nice tank, that stand better be up to speed!

[Aquattro]

that stand better be up to speed!

I hope so, so far looking good. Finished assembling the light box and hit it with filler. Ready to sand tomorrow. Picking up tank at lunch.

Need to get some marine paint for the inside, and paint goes on this weekend. Stand needs holes drilled for plumbing once I get the tank on for alignment.

[Proteus]

New sump too?

Nvrmd read post 1

[Aquattro]

New sump too?

Nvrmd read post 1

Crap. Ya, another to-do item. Reseal sump :)

[apexifd]

viewers demand more pictures, and timeline.

[Aquattro]

Ok, another pic

Final fill and sand on light box, then paint tomorrow. I hope.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/Tank_PrePaint_zpse82f5ff7.jpg

[apexifd]

Ok, another pic

Final fill and sand on light box, then paint tomorrow. I hope.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/Tank_PrePaint_zpse82f5ff7.jpg

looks nice.

[Proteus]

Looks great!!!!

Are you painting or staining the stand

[don.ald]

Ok, another pic

Final fill and sand on light box, then paint tomorrow. I hope.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/Tank_PrePaint_zpse82f5ff7.jpg

I thought U started a refinish the deck thread some where but I can't find it?

[Aquattro]

Looks great!!!!

Are you painting or staining the stand

Painting a gloss black, but may wet sand as a final coat for a brushed look. And to hide my awesome finishing skills :)

[kien]

Very nice. It does look significantly smaller than your last tank. Your fish are probably not going to be too impressed :-)

How about a full deck shot?? :-)

[Aquattro]

Very nice. It does look significantly smaller than your last tank. Your fish are probably not going to be too impressed :-)

How about a full deck shot?? :-)

Fish will have to suck it up, housing crunch hits everyone.

No, no full deck shot. Unless it lights on fire, which will then make me proud.

[freezetyle]

light box looks awesome. are you going to black/blue out the back glass?

[Aquattro]

light box looks awesome. are you going to black/blue out the back glass?

Black. Add another task :) More paint. sigh.

[Rice Reef]

Adding water yet?

[Aquattro]

Adding water yet?

Ya, I just glued my frags in, but didn't like the layout and started over.

[Rice Reef]

Ya, I just glued my frags in, but didn't like the layout and started over.

When are planning to come over with your nail clippers?

[Aquattro]

When are planning to come over with your nail clippers?

Maybe a month. I want to get this box stable first.

[Aquattro]

Couple of pics

Access for chiller lines and a few wires

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/access_zps1d5e8ee7.jpg

Couldn't decide, so one of each :)

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/holes_zps82448a4d.jpg

Stand primered

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/primer_zps31825359.jpg

Stand, first coat of black. Turns out skill is required to paint. I have no such skill.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/black_one_zpsc9317626.jpg

[StirCrazy]

Ok, another pic

Final fill and sand on light box, then paint tomorrow. I hope.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/Tank_PrePaint_zpse82f5ff7.jpg

soooo.. cardboard for the doors?

[Aquattro]

soooo.. cardboard for the doors?

Nope. Got real doors. Made from wood. That might fit the opening. I do have to get past the hinge install challenge, but I'm feeling good about it!

[Aquattro]

Ok, beast is in the house. Dented part of the stand moving the tank. I think it's about 800 pounds!! :)
Temporary location, I have to move it when the old tank leaves.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/20140623_211656_zpsadae261f.jpg

[reeferfulton]

looks sharp!!

[chef]

Really sharp! I love the size and canopy. Sure is gonna b bright with 2 x400 watt radiums!!!

[Aquattro]

Ya, I'm gonna have to source little tiny Oakleys for the fish :) Corals should love it tho!

[Slyguy00]

That looks awesome brad! finally getting somewhere! :lol:

[gregzz4]

Nice job Brad !

[hillegom]

Looking good.
and I won't believe you when you say you don't have any woodworking skills.
I would be very happy to have that stand

[Aquattro]

Looking good.
and I won't believe you when you say you don't have any woodworking skills.
I would be very happy to have that stand

lol. Let's see if it holds the weight of the full tank :) Seriously tho, it is a strong stand, and overall a successful project, but a couple of things had to undergo design changes to cover mistakes. I have to fit the doors later this week, and that will decide how much I like the design. I may switch to a different door design.
And, still stuck on mounting the light box. It may sit on 2x2s :)

[Aquattro]

Pictureless update. I hope to have water and rock in over the weekend, move livestock Tuesday. Scary stuff.

[Slyguy00]

More pics!!!:mrgreen:

[Aquattro]

Here's a pic of the Zeo and Ca reactor and the skimmer, at various stages of cleaning and assembly.
Snagged on the skimmer, turns out ER plumbing is not standard and the gate valve doesn't want to fit. I need a bigger hammer!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/gear_zps97dcb2a4.jpg

[Aquattro]

Ran out of paint with just one coat needed for the doors. Arg.

[christyf5]

LOL, any project requires at least 3 trips to home depot per day :razz:

What model ER is that?

[Aquattro]

What model ER is that?

RS180? CS180? Something 180 :)

[StirCrazy]

Ran out of paint with just one coat needed for the doors. Arg.

that cardboard really sucks up the paint eh. :mrgreen:

[Aquattro]

that cardboard really sucks up the paint eh. :mrgreen:

When are you coming here? Gonna paint your head, see how much that soaks up!

[Aquattro]

Bit of progress. Here's the rock structure, I'll finish filling today and start moving stock over.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/rock_zpsa25ed4b1.jpg

[jorjef]

Looks like the next to impossible to get a sighting of, close cousin to the House Hippo, the Marine House Hippo has snuck into your tank.. He's jumping from the right island to the left, facing directly left in the middle of the tank. :lol:

[Aquattro]

Looks like the next to impossible to get a sighting of, close cousin to the House Hippo, the Marine House Hippo has snuck into your tank.. He's jumping from the right island to the left, facing directly left in the middle of the tank. :lol:

Kinda looks like he got his ass stuck in the crevice! lol

I'll have to cover that with some coral :)

[jorjef]

Ya I would say it was a bit of a failed attempt at the jump. :lol:

[JDigital]

Nice structure. Liking the shallow look to it currently.

[Aquattro]

Nice structure. Liking the shallow look to it currently.

Thanks. I'm going to try and keep things lower this time around. LEave more room for the school of Bartletts. Only one or two stags going in, so a lower scape all around.

[kien]

Ahhhhh... That new tank smell..

[Aquattro]

It's been a long two days, but finally got everything at least rigged until I can move it to it's permanent home next week.
Here's a shot of the Radiums lighting the reef.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/Radiums_zpscbcfe8fa.jpg

[Tn23]

Looks great so far! Cool scape you have as well

Sent from my SGH-I317M using Tapatalk

[Proteus]

Looks like my tank...... Bare Hahaha

[Aquattro]

Looks like my tank...... Bare Hahaha

Ya, kinda sad :) But in just a year, it will be full again!

[Cankers]

Paint that wall yet? ;)

[Aquattro]

Paint that wall yet? ;)

No, just finished moving the 180 out about 30 minutes ago. Now the group of us decided the new tank should go against a different wall, so additional infrastructure needed :) Buying paint tomorrow, would like to move new tank into place by next weekend

[Aquattro]

No update update. Removed the 180 on Friday night and found the wall too damaged to repair behind it, so tank stuff on hold for a bit while I replace drywall.

During the move, someone decided the tank would look better on a different wall, and wife agreed. So now I have a bit more work to do, re-route chiller and RO lines.
But the tank will look better there.

As for the tank, so far, one week in and everything is doing fine. Some loss of color on a couple pieces, but photoperiod has been around 4hrs/day. Slowly ramping that up to 7 over the next few days.
No NH3 buildup, so the foam block trick worked well. No algae sprouting anywhere yet, so hopeful it doesn't (ever).

Not much to take pics of this week, but should have the tank moved soonly.

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

Before and after drywall replacement photos :biggrin: show us your handy work ..
I went through the same thing with my upgrade but I added to the entire aquarium room with white plasti sheets over my drywall to keep things clean.

[Aquattro]

Before and after drywall replacement photos :biggrin: show us your handy work ..
I went through the same thing with my upgrade but I added to the entire aquarium room with white plasti sheets over my drywall to keep things clean.

Ya, right. Of all my "handy" skills, drywall is my second worst. In hindsight, I should have added a plastic sheet behind the tank. The new one will have this handy feature :)

As I was sitting looking at the mess, I wondered what a contractor would cost to come replace the wall -lol

I'm also kinda screwed as I can't sand anything with my daughter in the house.

[Aquattro]

Also, I'm just dumb. I'm trying to make a jug of RO water and nothing is coming out my feed line. Weird. Then I realize I have a loose RO end (behind the drywall - duh) and I've probably just filled a gallon or so into my wall.

I'm really just about done with this project....

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

Ya, right. Of all my "handy" skills, drywall is my second worst. In hindsight, I should have added a plastic sheet behind the tank. The new one will have this handy feature :)

As I was sitting looking at the mess, I wondered what a contractor would cost to come replace the wall -lol

I'm also kinda screwed as I can't sand anything with my daughter in the house.

Lol..If you where any closer I would give you a hand..for the dust get dust free drywall mud.
And if you are really that bad with drywall ...Make it a 2nd feature wall using plaster or stucco mud to give it character and paint it differently.
Now I really want to see photos:biggrin:

[Aquattro]

Lol..If you where any closer I would give you a hand..for the dust get dust free drywall mud.
And if you are really that bad with drywall ...Make it a 2nd feature wall using plaster or stucco mud to give it character and paint it differently.
Now I really want to see photos:biggrin:

Honestly, this should become "Brad is an idiot" thread. No pics. Seriously. Looking for drywall contractor now :)

[Doug]

Honestly, this should become "Brad is an idiot" thread. No pics. Seriously. Looking for drywall contractor now :)

No way. If so the rest of us are really in trouble. :lol:

Could always do the drywall and hire someone to tape and mud. In the end it will be nice. :smile:

[Aquattro]

Could always do the drywall and hire someone to tape and mud. In the end it will be nice. :smile:

That's where it all went wrong :) Drywall was the easy part, it's the (not) taping and mudding that gets ugly. :biggrin:

[Delphinus]

Ooops? Man I suddenly feel a LOT better about how my builds usually go. :-)

I second the notion of just getting up the drywall yourself, and then maybe look on kijiji for a drywall guy to do your taping/mudding/sanding... It's one of the least rewarding things to DIY!!

[TimT]

Sanding drywall mud is one of my most hated jobs. I avoid it whenever possible!!!

it's the (not) taping and mudding that gets ugly.

Did they not tell you that's why they invented corner and crown moulding. ;^P

Another option is beadboard which comes in 4 x 8 sheets. Paint it with a good oil based paint and you should be good to go.

For filling nail/screw holes in drywall with out making a sanding mess you can always use a damp towel on a sanding block. If you don't overdo the mud it works great and no dust.

[StirCrazy]

take a pic of the area and send it to me to look at brad. contractor is going to make dust also, there are ways to keep dust down.

Steve

[Aquattro]

With this heat, my priority is now getting the tank in place so I can get the chiller connected. Elise is away again in August so the wall will have to wait until then.

[daplatapus]

If you can wait till Aug, I may be able to run down and fix it for ya.

[Aquattro]

If you can wait till Aug, I may be able to run down and fix it for ya.

How does Aug 8 -10 work for ya? :)

[daplatapus]

I can probably make that work. I have a buddy who lives like 2 blocks from ya that we always stay at when we're in Vic. Give me a day or two to confirm the schedule.

[Aquattro]

Thanks Dom

[Aquattro]

Tank has been running hot, so added a fan last night. That seems to help, but I'm taking the day off Friday so I can plumb my chiller to the new location. RO line has to follow, and a bit of paint on that wall will mean I can move the tank into place over the weekend. I hope.

Notice some of my frags browning out, not sure if it's the reduced photo period or too much light, but I'll give it time to see. Slowly ramping up time, but have to be careful of ramping up the heat as well.

Thinking of building a matching side cabinet to house the Ca reactor and electrical bits, unless I can find a prebuilt something that kind of matches.

Turns out I own a label maker, so after 15 years of reefs, I'm going to label all my cords. lol

[daplatapus]

As of now we're a go for the Aug 8-10. My buddy and his family are actually out of town that week and I've got the place to myself :) I'll probably get there Fri after work sometime. If it's not too late, I'll touch base and pop in and grab a material list and start first thing Sat morn. Let me know if you want/need anything else done while I'm there. I'm not planning to bring my work trailer, but I certainly can.

[Aquattro]

Hmm, I need a new shed. And kitchen. lol

Elise leaves around dinner Friday, so anytime after that is good to make a mess. I have everything here that I need, I think.

[Aquattro]

I'll also have some pics and updates later this weekend. Just prepping the wall, hanging the light and moving tank hopefully Sunday.

[daplatapus]

Hmm, I need a new shed. And kitchen. lol



Uhm, might be a bit too ambitious for a weekend project :)

[Aquattro]

Too tired to manage all the pics (could be up to 4 of them) so I'll post the final product.
Tank move went well considering I broke my finger yesterday, but lots of help got it done.
Apex went south on me, so still running stuff on timers until I get that sorted out.
Here's a pic. Ya, it's a crappy pic. Oh well :)

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/FinalBuild_zpsf792dbfc.jpg

[Proteus]

Wow that's alot of light.!! Looks good

[kien]

And the grow out begins!

HOpe that wall is UV shielded :lol:

[Doug]

Looks good Brad. And bright.

[gregzz4]

Again I'll say, nice job

[Aquattro]

Thanks guys.

Looks like I toasted my Apex, so it's getting shipped back for repairs. Very sad :(

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

Looks good Brad.
sorry to hear about the apex hopefully it gets fixed fast and don't worry grow yourself another finger:biggrin:

[Aquattro]

I'm sure they'll fix it fast, pretty sure I know how I killed it :) The shipping back and forth is the delay.

[WarDog]

Looking good. I like how the canopy is hung on the wall. When i look at the tank my eyes are drawn to the hippo! Lol

[Aquattro]

Looking good. I like how the canopy is hung on the wall.

I'll get some more pics of that, but the whole unit swivels off to the side. Pretty cool, just hope it stays there :)

[Proteus]

Do you think two halides might be over kill. Looks like a lot of light spilling over the sides

[Aquattro]

Do you think two halides might be over kill. Looks like a lot of light spilling over the sides

Yes. It's overkill. But one is underkill. So, lesser of two evils :)

[Aquattro]

Further, I used to run 2 x 400w on my 75g, which was 18x48 foot print. Worked out well. This is overall a bigger area, so should be fine. I have a big chiller :)

[pinkreef]

Careful not to break your toe on those shims :crutch:

[Aquattro]

Careful not to break your toe on those shims :crutch:

Once I'm satisfied, I'll trim them flush.

[Bblinks]

Looking good Brad, 2 400W radium is gonna be hitting some high temperatures, your wife is not gonna be happy...:twised:

[Aquattro]

Looking good Brad, 2 400W radium is gonna be hitting some high temperatures, your wife is not gonna be happy...:twised:

I ran 3 of them in that room for years, it wasn't bad. And wife lives with me, she has bigger things to be unhappy about :biggrin:

[Bblinks]

I ran 3 of them in that room for years, it wasn't bad. And wife lives with me, she has bigger things to be unhappy about :biggrin:

hahahahah what ever happened to the T5's?

[Aquattro]

hahahahah what ever happened to the T5's?

T5 was ok, but too flat for my taste. I just missed my radiums, so figured it was time to go back. They really are the best light for SPS.

[WarDog]

T5 was ok, but too flat for my taste. I just missed my radiums, so figured it was time to go back. They really are the best light for SPS.

Brad, why you gotta go and stir things up? Now you are making me second guess my lighting choice! :confused:

[Aquattro]

Brad, why you gotta go and stir things up? Now you are making me second guess my lighting choice! :confused:

Well, the choice depends on what you want, what you're willing to give up for it, and what you're used to.

For me, MH has always given me the best SPS color. It gives me heat to deal with, but I'm ok with that. I have a large chiller. I lose the dimming of LED, but in all honesty, I was usually out when this dimming stuff happened :) I don't have light separation anymore, so all around, I'm happy again with my lighting. Or will be once my Apex comes back :)

T5 was nice, but it's a flat light, no shimmer or movement. I didn't like that so much.

[WarDog]

Well, the choice depends on what you want, what you're willing to give up for it, and what you're used to.

For me, MH has always given me the best SPS color. It gives me heat to deal with, but I'm ok with that. I have a large chiller. I lose the dimming of LED, but in all honesty, I was usually out when this dimming stuff happened :) I don't have light separation anymore, so all around, I'm happy again with my lighting. Or will be once my Apex comes back :)

T5 was nice, but it's a flat light, no shimmer or movement. I didn't like that so much.

Yeah, I hear ya. If I had the choice I would probably pick MH as well. Unfortunately this would add way too much heat and the only way to combat it would be with central air and a monster chiller. I'm glad you can be honest about the T5's. I am leaning towards LED's now. Someone out there has to have had success with them and SPS!!

Looking forward to the canopy pics!

[Aquattro]

Here's my first "FTS" with the frag collection :)

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/FTS_zps221b9038.jpg

[Bblinks]

Here's my first "FTS" with the frag collection :)

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/FTS_zps221b9038.jpg

Rich approves. :mrgreen:

[Aquattro]

Good :)

[Proteus]

Is that your purple monster front and center

[shrimp]

That sure is his prized purple monster.
If you want a frag you must get in line, I think I am like #10 for a frag of it.

[Bblinks]

That sure is his prized purple monster.
If you want a frag you must get in line, I think I am like #10 for a frag of it.

I want in too

[Ryanerickson]

Tank looks great brad I really like your fish collection the emperor angel is beautiful hope mine looks like that some day.

[Aquattro]

Thanks guys.

Unfortunately the PM is years away from requiring trimming :)

[Proteus]

Oh yeah for sure slow grower wasn't looking for a frag. Just nice to see one growing. Mine rtn on me

[Aquattro]

Oh yeah for sure slow grower wasn't looking for a frag. Just nice to see one growing. Mine rtn on me

This one actually grows pretty quick. But I left a lot of room for it to grow, which is why it won't need trimming.

Basically I'm done fragging from my tank. Any trimmings (down the road) will go in the compost.

[Proteus]

Makes me cry a little knowing that.

[Aquattro]

Makes me cry a little knowing that.

lol. Comes with living on an island. It's tough to sell anything here. I have trouble giving stuff away free. Usually it's more trouble than it's worth trying to arrange times, getting people to actually show up, explaining what a SPS is, and the list goes on. I had one guy pay me in loose change. Haggled me down from 5 bucks to 3.75 hehe

I don't need the money and would rather just enjoy my reef. If the serious guys here ever want something, they know I'll cut a piece, but I'm not going to post frags for general sale. Not worth it.

[Doug]

:thumb:

[Proteus]

Doesn't sound like the island has much to offer. Haha should have moved this side of the Rockies between tank swap.

[Aquattro]

Doesn't sound like the island has much to offer. Haha should have moved this side of the Rockies between tank swap.

Lived on that side for a year. Left as soon as the snow melted. I'm good here :)

[daplatapus]

The snow melted? Must not have been where I was :p

Tank is looking good!

[Aquattro]

The snow melted? Must not have been where I was :p

Tank is looking good!

It was a couple days where you could see asphalt. I bolted quick!

[Aquattro]

Here's an August 1 shot. I'm going to take a pic every 1st of the month to see how things develop.
Here you can see the diatoms getting a bit out of hand. Love this part of the tank start-up process -lol


http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/Aug_1_14_zps9c3d5b31.jpg

[Aquattro]

Shot of the Purple Monster and friends. Hanging on to it's color quite well, all things considered. The dead looking piece behind it is actually light yellow. (for now)


http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/PM_aug1_14_zps52a94760.jpg

[Bblinks]

Looking good buddy, you think some of them are getting a bit too much light....

[Aquattro]

Looking good buddy, you think some of them are getting a bit too much light....

I was actually thinking some weren't getting enough :) That yellow piece is brand new, so not a result of the light in here. The rest are doing mostly great, with a couple pieces lagging behind. Those ones are furthest from the light.

[Bblinks]

Purple monster is really loving life though :biggrin:

[Aquattro]

Purple monster is really loving life though :biggrin:

It never lost a beat. I'm actually surprised how tough it is.

Many others lost most of the color with the dipping and moving and messing around with light, but most are almost back to original color.
I'll be happier though when the rock cleans up a bit :) I figure another month or three.

[kien]

ah, new tank syndrome :-)

[Aquattro]

ah, new tank syndrome :-)

Hard to sit back and watch it :)

[kien]

Hard to sit back and watch it :)

I can only imagine.. especially considering what you had to look at before. It must be painful :lol:

[Aquattro]

I can only imagine.. especially considering what you had to look at before. It must be painful :lol:

Ya, a little :) I try to envision what it will be in a couple years.

[kien]

Ya, a little :) I try to envision what it will be in a couple years.

a couple??? By this time NEXT year they'll be colonies and you'll be fragging I'm sure.

[Aquattro]

a couple??? By this time NEXT year they'll be colonies and you'll be fragging I'm sure.

Honestly, I think it will be closer to two for it to really fill in. I've left enough space that I shouldn't have to frag anything for that long. I hope.

[kien]

I'm counting on the halide factor :-)

[Aquattro]

We'll see :)

[Proteus]

Looks really good. Like to see some top down shots one day

[Doug]

a couple??? By this time NEXT year they'll be colonies and you'll be fragging I'm sure.

:mrgreen:

[Aquattro]

Looks really good. Like to see some top down shots one day

I'm more a whole tank as art guy vs the top down stuff. :) Maybe I can get Wayne to drop by in the fall with his macro lens

[Bill@IA]

Here's my first "FTS" with the frag collection :)

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/FTS_zps221b9038.jpg

Awesome Emperor Angel, my favourite fish, and it's in a SPS system. How sweet is that?? :biggrin:

[Aquattro]

Awesome Emperor Angel, my favourite fish, and it's in a SPS system. How sweet is that?? :biggrin:

I know, right?? So far SPS friendly for almost 2 years. Even clam friendly. And small enough for this tank and not likely to grow any more.

[StirCrazy]

Ya, a little :) I try to envision what it will be in a couple years.

A 20 gal? :mrgreen:

Steve

[hillegom]

A 20 gal? :mrgreen:

Steve

lol

[Aquattro]

A 20 gal? :mrgreen:

Steve

sorry, I don't understand..

[gregzz4]

sorry, I don't understand..
Guess he's jealous of the size of your unit, err tank

[don.ald]

Well done Brad!
It's a great change.
R.

[kien]

Ok that's it, I'm adding an emperor to my tank. If Brad can do it why can't I ??

[Aquattro]

Ok that's it, I'm adding an emperor to my tank. If Brad can do it why can't I ??

Zactly. Do it. Report back :)

[Aquattro]

Skimmer update: Just replaced my ER with a BK mini 160. Let's see what all the fuss is about.
It is quieter, so that's a plus. Let's see it skim up to the legend :)

[Doug]

Oh. Kool Brad

[Aquattro]

We'll see. I have big expectations that I question looking at it. I have 2 of them (need a motor block for the spare). I'm hoping it's way better than anything else I've used.

[Parker]

Puuuuurdy!

[Aquattro]

So Dom (Daplatapus) came by this weekend and fixed up the botched drywall that was damaged behind the old tank, and he did a heck of a job! We're all super grateful, especially my wife! :)

It's this kind of thing that makes this such a great community!

[Bblinks]

Dom, what are you doing next weekend....

[daplatapus]

Dom, what are you doing next weekend....

Uhm.... hopefully working on my tank, lol.

[Bblinks]

Uhm.... hopefully working on my tank, lol.

Need help?


Brad will be right over.....lol

[daplatapus]

Lol :D

[Aquattro]

Here's one month in, second FTS in my monthly comparison.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd101/reef_raf/FTS_Sept2014_zpsfcf4d1c7.jpg

[Aquattro]

Still fighting diatoms, NO3 and PO4 levels a bit higher than I'm happy with. Using dead rock was probably not the right choice, but I'll give it three more months before making any rash decisions.
Corals are colored up well for the most part, although growth is probably inhibited by the phosphate. The skimmer fiasco isn't helping, but I'm doing 50% water changes almost every 10 days, which is helping.
Algae kind of under control, added 3 dozen astrea to the mix. Lost a few though, so there goes another water change :)

[Proteus]

The rock is starting to look cleaner on a plus side. How high are po4 levels

[Aquattro]

The rock is starting to look cleaner on a plus side. How high are po4 levels

Ya, the rock isn't bad, just not as clean as it could be. PO4, last hanna check was 0.21. Probably a bit lower now, I've been using fozdown. With a Elos test, it's blue :) I can never tell where exactly it sits with those kits.

[Proteus]

I used cerith snails for the diatom bloom, they mowed through it pretty fast.
Don't have a hanna checker nut found salifert pretty good. I'm willing to bet buy the end of your 3 months it will look supreme.

[Aquattro]

I have some conches, and a bunch of large sand burrowing snails, they move stuff around pretty good. It's getting better, so not worried. Just need the rock to build enough internal bacteria to denitrify the NO3. And stop feeding green algae :)

[Aquattro]

The good - NO3 down to below 1ppm. PO4 down to about 0.1ppm. Algae vanishing. Corals coloring up well, mostly.

The bad - FFS, looking at a frag last night thinking it's looking pretty rough. Almost like the mother colony did when it was infested with AEFW.....well ya, there ya go. Took it out and dipped it, and infested. FRACK!

Oh well, sh1t happens, right?

Plan A. Do nothing. See what happens.
Plan B. Natural control, add a wrasse or 4 and some peppermint shrimp.
Plan C. Create a full SPS system with no acropora. This has potential, and I've never seen it before. Could be cool.

[pinkreef]

Omg how can that possibly happen? I would get a wrasse yes :sad:

[Aquattro]

Omg how can that possibly happen?

No idea. All frags were bare tissue and well dipped. Nothing wet transferred over except the clam. Maybe that was it. A couple frags from a shop added, but dipped and some FW removed. No other anythings from any tank added. Weird, eh?
Oh well....

[hillegom]

The good - NO3 down to below 1ppm. PO4 down to about 0.1ppm. Algae vanishing. Corals coloring up well, mostly.

The bad - FFS, looking at a frag last night thinking it's looking pretty rough. Almost like the mother colony did when it was infested with AEFW.....well ya, there ya go. Took it out and dipped it, and infested. FRACK!

Oh well, sh1t happens, right?

Plan A. Do nothing. See what happens.
Plan B. Natural control, add a wrasse or 4 and some peppermint shrimp.
Plan C. Create a full SPS system with no acropora. This has potential, and I've never seen it before. Could be cool.

Man that sucks. All that work.
I vote for plan B and C

[pinkreef]

I have four yellow coris if you want to try one :idea:

[Aquattro]

I have four yellow coris if you want to try one :idea:

Japarto has one waiting for me, but thanks.