Ashrs 36x30x20 build!

[ashr]

Hey all

So as some of you know I lost most of my SPS tank last month. It was a pretty sad day to see all my hard work over the last 4 years die in 24 hours..

But life must go on! So it is time to rebuild a bigger and better tank!

This time I am having a custom tank made by Concept Aquariums. This will be a 36x30x20 cube tank with a bean animal over flow.

I have also picked up a 6 month old Vertex Omega 150 skimmer.
For lighting I have a couple of options. I have found a used 10x39w bulb STI sunpower fixture. Or I may go with a 8x39w Dimmable ATI fixture. Thoughts on this?

Here is the tank details ( says 36x36 but I changed my mind as it was a bit to big for what I needed)

[mseepman]

Sad to hear about the tank crashing. Always fun to start something new though. That is a nice size tank and knowing you it will be stellar in no time!

[ashr]

Sad to hear about the tank crashing. Always fun to start something new though. That is a nice size tank and knowing you it will be stellar in no time!

It was a pretty sad day for sure, but life goes on! I am very excited to get this tank up and running. Thanks for the kind words, I hope to make this one even better!

So Lighting

10 bulb used ATI sunpower

Or

8 bulb new ATI dimmable fixture?

[mikellini]

It was a pretty sad day for sure, but life goes on! I am very excited to get this tank up and running. Thanks for the kind words, I hope to make this one even better!

So Lighting

10 bulb used ATI sunpower

Or

8 bulb new ATI dimmable fixture?

If I had the scratch, I'd go with the 8 bulb + LEDs. Since I can't afford that, I'm going with Kessil LEDs... I actually don't like the look of t5's on their own, too much like a picture of a tank than an actual tank. Also has been described as a "windex" look. But to each their own

[ashr]

I wish I could afford that! I think the wife would kill me if I did.. haha

I have always loved the ATI bulbs but never had the fixture. Could you go into more details with what you mean?

[mikellini]

I wish I could afford that! I think the wife would kill me if I did.. haha

I have always loved the ATI bulbs but never had the fixture. Could you go into more details with what you mean?

For me, it's the lack of shimmer. It's nice that on the ati fixtures you can dim the bulbs for somewhat of a sunrise sunset effect, but having no shimmer just doesn't look realistic to me. And the colours... Sometimes they look amazing, but sometimes they look totally artificial. Maybe it's because I've done some diving and snorkeling on reefs in the ocean, I just expect my aquarium to look a little more like that. Plus, then there's bulb replacement, higher energy usage, and trying to find just the right colour combination of bulbs (spending as you go)...

[ashr]

For me, it's the lack of shimmer. It's nice that on the ati fixtures you can dim the bulbs for somewhat of a sunrise sunset effect, but having no shimmer just doesn't look realistic to me. And the colours... Sometimes they look amazing, but sometimes they look totally artificial. Maybe it's because I've done some diving and snorkeling on reefs in the ocean, I just expect my aquarium to look a little more like that. Plus, then there's bulb replacement, higher energy usage, and trying to find just the right colour combination of bulbs (spending as you go)...

Good info for sure. What are you using right now? I am mainly looking growth SPS. I want the best color and growth I can. I have not heard the best things for LED and SPS...

[mikellini]

Good info for sure. What are you using right now? I am mainly looking growth SPS. I want the best color and growth I can. I have not heard the best things for LED and SPS...

I'm not sure anyone knows yet what the optimal LED setup is for growing SPS... that being said, I'll be going with a Kessil A360WE, partly for aesthetics (going on a rimless tank) and partly because of other factors. For one, the shimmer is unreal because it really is a point-source light, more like the sun in that respect than any other light out there. This means, of course, that there will be significant shadowing, but I don't see this as a bad thing necessarily. Then there's UV; Kessil is the only LED that I know of that actually produces true UV light (<400nm); not sure from what I've read if this is absolutely necessary but is closer to natural conditions for coral. Also, I've read these lights are way more than enough for most tanks, and many people don't run them at full power; for me this is good, as I plan on raising it up a bit to cover 30x30, so I don't have to worry about it being underpowered.

For your tank, I would definitely go with two A360WE's for better coverage. I'm actually thinking about doing that with my 30x30 footprint, but I'll start with one and see how it is. Then there's the AP700:

http://reefbuilders.com/2014/05/30/kessils-aquarium-panel-ap700-unleashes-full-potential-dense-matrix-array/

[ashr]

I'm not sure anyone knows yet what the optimal LED setup is for growing SPS... that being said, I'll be going with a Kessil A360WE, partly for aesthetics (going on a rimless tank) and partly because of other factors. For one, the shimmer is unreal because it really is a point-source light, more like the sun in that respect than any other light out there. This means, of course, that there will be significant shadowing, but I don't see this as a bad thing necessarily. Then there's UV; Kessil is the only LED that I know of that actually produces true UV light (<400nm); not sure from what I've read if this is absolutely necessary but is closer to natural conditions for coral. Also, I've read these lights are way more than enough for most tanks, and many people don't run them at full power; for me this is good, as I plan on raising it up a bit to cover 30x30, so I don't have to worry about it being underpowered.

For your tank, I would definitely go with two A360WE's for better coverage. I'm actually thinking about doing that with my 30x30 footprint, but I'll start with one and see how it is. Then there's the AP700:

http://reefbuilders.com/2014/05/30/kessils-aquarium-panel-ap700-unleashes-full-potential-dense-matrix-array/

Thanks for all the info.. I need to do a lot of reading up.. I would need to run two of the A360WE like you said for sure. I want to have mostly sps and acros,millis so I want to make sure they keep the color and have good growth. I will also be dosing.

[ronau]

Then there's UV; Kessil is the only LED that I know of that actually produces true UV light (<400nm)

What's the difference between the Kessil UV and the UV LEDs in the AI Hydra 52 and Ecotech Radion XR30w Pro?

[mikellini]

What's the difference between the Kessil UV and the UV LEDs in the AI Hydra 52 and Ecotech Radion XR30w Pro?

From what I understand, other fixtures have "UV" emitters that are anywhere between 405-410nm peak, which is actually violet. UV is <400nm. I think Kessil (actually, DiCon, their parent company) has a patent on true UV, heard that somewhere

[ronau]

From what I understand, other fixtures have "UV" emitters that are anywhere between 405-410nm peak, which is actually violet. UV is <400nm. I think Kessil (actually, DiCon, their parent company) has a patent on true UV, heard that somewhere

According to AI specs on the Hydra 52, the 4 UV LEDs are 400nm. On SemiLED's site, they have several UV LED chips that go down to 360nm so I don't think Dicon had a patent on UV LED chips.

[mikellini]

According to AI specs on the Hydra 52, the 4 UV LEDs are 400nm. On SemiLED's site, they have several UV LED chips that go down to 360nm so I don't think Dicon had a patent on UV LED chips.


Yeah maybe not, just what I heard. Regardless, 400nm isn't UV. The thing about the Kessil A360WE as well is that the intensity of the UV is supposed to be the same regardless of the colour you tune it to. The only thing I'm a little concerned about is that they seem 'dim' to the naked eye, even when providing more than enough light for corals. I guess I'll see...

[ronau]

Yeah maybe not, just what I heard. Regardless, 400nm isn't UV. The thing about the Kessil A360WE as well is that the intensity of the UV is supposed to be the same regardless of the colour you tune it to. The only thing I'm a little concerned about is that they seem 'dim' to the naked eye, even when providing more than enough light for corals. I guess I'll see...

UV is defined as 400 nm to 10 nm, so yes 400 nm is UV. I can't find anywhere where Kessil states the wavelengths of their UV component is, maybe you have a link? I can control my UV independently on my Hydra 52s.

[mikellini]

UV is defined as 400 nm to 10 nm, so yes 400 nm is UV. I can't find anywhere where Kessil states the wavelengths of their UV component is, maybe you have a link? I can control my UV independently on my Hydra 52s.

That's another thing that bugs me about Kessil, they don't publish spectral or PAR charts. Although, to be fair, PAR isn't well measured with LEDs, but you would think they'd post spectral data. Maybe because of how you can tune the spectrum, even at full intensity. Not sure

[ashr]

Updates! Got the tank on the stand. Beer can for scale! haha. At this time I am waiting on my plumbing. Still looking for a return pump. Boxing day sales coming!


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All I need is the trim and doors now

[H2o2]

Looking great Andrew and by the time she is all up and running I should be able to cut a strawberry short cake for u and with boxing day coming you better have return pump figured out :-)

[mikellini]

Looking great Andrew and by the time she is all up and running I should be able to cut a strawberry short cake for u and with boxing day coming you better have return pump figured out :-)

Save some short cake for me haha

[Bblinks]

Looks awesome bud! Congrats on the new tank.

[H2o2]

Save some short cake for me haha

Probably by the summer

[ashr]

Thanks all!! I am excited to get this up and running. I was thinking of selling the old RSM250 or I may keep it for a pred tank too.. haha see what the wife says.

[tang daddy]

Nice tank man, can't wait to see it running and progression of growth on your sps. Also I think you made a good decision on the lights, t5 give great colour to sps and later on if you wanted a bit of pop and shimmer some blue stunner LEDs strips would fit snug in that fixture...

[ashr]

I have not seen the stunner strips in person. If I was going to get them, I think it would be the Royal blues. I also think this will still provide a simmer on the water? How well do these little guys work?

[tang daddy]

I have added 2 panorama blue led strips to my nano and like the colour... The stunner strips are a lot more thinner which can add on to your t5 unit providing stealth and a clean look. I have not tested the stunner strips so I can't comment but I am sure you tube has some videos showing them over a tank.
I think blue led strips give a nice addition to the tank and extra pop to the corals. I actually enjoy viewing my tank at dawn and dusk rather when all the lights are on... The led I use have great coverage although the panorama are bulky which is why I suggested the stunner.

[ashr]

Well I think that might be a good way to go. I was also looking at the ReefBrite Tech LED - http://www.reefbrite.com/reefbrite-tech-led/

[ashr]

A picture update.

I am now finished the tank plumbing and hooked up the return pump. Took me some time but I think it looks good and will work great. The return seems to have no leaks so that is good. Got to test my skimmer out a bit as well.

Now to fill it with water and get some rock from the old tank in there.

I have a small flatworm outbreak so I was thinking I would dip the rocks in flatworm exit in a bin before they do into the new tank and get ready to rockscape.

http://i.imgur.com/RMCg2Hr.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/9wlykaT.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/U8aZjey.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/OGXRZyI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/6M3Qfbw.jpg

[mikellini]

Picture update needs pictures!

EDIT: Guess I needed to shut my yap and wait for you to upload them haha

[ashr]

haha that's ok! I didn't upload them the first time :razz:

[reefwars]

Looking good buddy if you haven't already put extentions on your drains so they make it to the bottom of the drain chamber this will keep stuff from settling down there :)

How's the sump treating you ?:)

Cheers buddy

Denny

[ashr]

Looking good buddy if you haven't already put extentions on your drains so they make it to the bottom of the drain chamber this will keep stuff from settling down there :)

How's the sump treating you ?:)

Cheers buddy

Denny

Hey buddy! Everything is almost done! Thanks for the tip on the return. I added those after the picture. Sump is awesome and so is the tank. You guys did an awesome job and I always tell everyone that haha :)

I will have rock in it very soon!

[ashr]

Hey all

Some updates. So over the past week I started to transfer rock down to my new tank. I dipped the rock in flatworm exit and Coral RX just to make sure I didnt bring any new pests over. I did have a small flat worm outbreak so this is something I needed to do.

I think the rock work looks pretty good so far. I need to add a bit more just around the back I think.

http://i.imgur.com/ZJDzkgs.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/P7fLj0u.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/YUEnydt.jpg

[ashr]

I have moved all my corals and fish over. At this time I don't have any losses. My bubble coral was the worst and lost some tissue,bubbles but it looks like it is all ready healing today. I made up a new frag rack as well. Kept the corals on the sand for a day and will move them up every couple days before I mount them on the rock.

All the fish are happy!

http://i.imgur.com/p40E36S.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sTjm0hu.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/xdcwTfO.jpg

[ashr]

New rack, temp coral homes :)

http://i.imgur.com/xNcQXVL.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mkAr2QM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/66eimnS.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mDhfFgl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/M01Pum3.jpg

[ashr]

Got all my new lights in today as well!
http://i.imgur.com/hjeg9x5.jpg

I will be adding one every week or so, so I do not stress the corals out.

[H2o2]

Looking good Andrew and by summer we will be doing frag swaps so I need to hurry up and get my ATI mounted so no bleaching of the corals

[ashr]

Looking good Andrew and by summer we will be doing frag swaps so I need to hurry up and get my ATI mounted so no bleaching of the corals

Thanks!! Yeah we will deff make that happen in the summer! Cannot wait for some of these to grow out. The only thing I lost so far was a nice Red Diablo frag I got from Kelly :( Oh wells. Everything else seems to be going strong

[KPG007]

Tank is looking great! Corals are good as well, with good polyp extension. Nice setup!

[Skimmerking]

Hey Ashr you have some really nice pieces there love the tank

[reefwars]

looking awesome buddy never doubted you for a minute:)

[ashr]

Thanks guys!! The tank is looking good but now is going through that ugly diatom transition.

Most of the corals have been placed now.

Some crappy photos and a nice view from our chairs!
http://i.imgur.com/37nUnYa.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/AdqvmOS.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/z9UNgaP.jpg

[Bblinks]

Sexy!

[ashr]

Here is a fresh update!!
Enjoy!

http://i.imgur.com/NgPZeyB.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/pqa5i9S.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/bqmaKRp.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UwQm8yM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PjI3UfE.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/EEmR6Bz.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Ln0gll9.jpg

More pictures to come!