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View Full Version : newguy's new tank diary (update #5 09.04.06)


mr_alberta
08-17-2005, 06:10 PM
Specifications:

Tank:
DIY 46Lx30Wx19H with 1/2 glass and a coast to coast overflow

Lighting:
2x250W Lumenarc Pendants with Radium Bulbs on a BlueWave 7 HQI ballast

Flow:
2-Tunze 6060
Mak 4 Return (w/ 1" Sea Swirl)

Stand:
2x4 frame with MDF skin. Beautifully hand crafted by Russ (rusty)!

Skimmer:
DIY Needle Wheel Skimmer w/Sedra 9000 pump

Misc.
DIY Auto Topoff, 1/4HP Aqualogic Drop-In Chiller

~60lbs Fiji LiveRock

muck
08-17-2005, 06:41 PM
I'll be back when there is pics... too much reading for me. :razz:

Funky_Fish14
08-17-2005, 06:48 PM
I've seen the stand and the bottom piece of glass and so far it looks great!

What size is the sump gonna be Harvey?

Good luck with the new project!

Chris

Murminator
08-17-2005, 08:16 PM
Sounds sweet can't wait for the step by step pics :mrgreen:

saltynuts
08-17-2005, 09:43 PM
can,t wait to see it

Richer
08-18-2005, 05:19 AM
Its about time you got started on the tank... :razz:

Keep us updated :cool:

-Richer

muck
08-22-2005, 02:46 PM
no pics yet..?


:frown:

saltynuts
08-23-2005, 11:22 AM
hope to see that bad boy up and running soon.

KrazyKuch
08-24-2005, 08:26 PM
wow thats gonna be a nice one....Can't wait to come see it

mr_alberta
08-24-2005, 11:59 PM
Sorry for not posting pics everyone :redface: To be honest, I haven't really done anything to the new setup yet :redface:

Updates to come...well when I actually do something! :mrgreen:

mr_alberta
08-29-2005, 02:31 AM
Sorry for the late pics

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/08.28.05/DSCF0001.JPG
Half built tank before I ran into a glass snafu. The coast to coast overflow has 5 returns that will be plumbed through it.

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/08.28.05/DSCF0002.JPG
Sump area and a couple of pumps. The water will travel over and under the 3 baffles, then over the center baffle. All equipment (Skimmer, Kalk, Calcium) will be submersed in the sump (don't have any room otherwise :eek: )

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/08.28.05/DSCF0003.JPG
View from the other side. The beautiful stand was made by Russ (rusty).

mr_alberta
09-06-2005, 01:21 AM
Finally finished with the tank (for now)...now for the plumbing, lighting and electrical :rolleyes:

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/09.05.05/IMG_0342.JPG

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/09.05.05/IMG_0343.JPG

Richer
09-06-2005, 01:23 AM
Looking good! :cool:

-Rich

shotzee
09-06-2005, 01:23 AM
:eek: That is looking like one sweet #%@ setup you got going there Harvey!

Joe Reefer
09-06-2005, 01:41 AM
Its coming along nicely.

Where are you going to place the lights over the tank?

christyf5
09-06-2005, 04:30 AM
Wow :eek: That looks awesome!! Can't wait to see it up and running :biggrin:

mr_alberta
09-06-2005, 04:43 AM
Its coming along nicely.

Where are you going to place the lights over the tank?

Hi,

Thanks for the compliments everyone. The lights will be mounted on the small 6" open top canopy. Its hard to explain, so I'll post pictures when they are ready to be mounted.

muck
09-06-2005, 05:00 AM
Looking x-o-lent there Harv.. :cool:

Johnny Reefer
09-06-2005, 05:23 AM
Looks great!
I wish I had such DIY skills. :redface:
Just a few questions, if you don't mind.
I'm still relatively new to the hobby, (7 months), and wish to learn more, even if I might not implement some of what I see.

1) What is a coast to coast overflow?
2) The Ampmaster 3000 closed loop...how does that work? 2 feed, 3 return? 3 feed, 2 return?
3) The Sequence Dart closed loop...how does that work? 2 feed, 2 return?
4) Are you going BB?
5) How will you prevent stuff from going down the Sequence Dart openings?
6) The closed loops are just for circulation, correct?

Thanx much,

Chin_Lee
09-06-2005, 06:40 AM
Harv
thats looking great. I was trying to remember where exactly that is in your place but i figured its across the room from your old cube. that setup is looking soooo sweet. its great being able to learn from the cube and make this one even better.
post more pics soon!!!
cwlee

saltynuts
09-06-2005, 02:41 PM
man that looks awesome. can,t wait to see it running.
next reef meet at you place. :biggrin:

mr_alberta
09-06-2005, 02:45 PM
Looks great!
I wish I had such DIY skills. :redface:
Just a few questions, if you don't mind.
I'm still relatively new to the hobby, (7 months), and wish to learn more, even if I might not implement some of what I see.


Sure, no problem! Ask all you want. I'll help where I can :biggrin:


1) What is a coast to coast overflow?


A coast to coast overflow is an overflow that spans the entire width (or length) of the tank. Though they require more room, they provide much better surface skimming since it skims water from the surface of the entire length of the tank.


2) The Ampmaster 3000 closed loop...how does that work? 2 feed, 3 return? 3 feed, 2 return?
3) The Sequence Dart closed loop...how does that work? 2 feed, 2 return?


It might be hard to see, but from my latest set of pictures you see my standpipe in the overflow. To the left and right of that are two 2" bulkheads. Each of those bulkheads will have strainers on them and feed each one of the closed loop pumps (the Ampmaster 3000 and the Dart).

The Ampmaster return will flow through the 5 holes you see in the overflow glass. The Dart will return through the 4 holes you see at the bottom of the tank.


4) Are you going BB?


Yes, I am. I find it much easier to work with, and breaking down/setting up a tank is much easier without sand IMO. Also, I am trying to mimic the high flow, nutrient poor environment that SPS love, and I felt that sand would just make it that much more difficult for me to do so.


5) How will you prevent stuff from going down the Sequence Dart openings?


The bulkhead intakes will have strainers on them.


6) The closed loops are just for circulation, correct?


Closed loops are essentially like adding a powerhead...just externally. Just like a powerhead, it sucks water from the tank and pumps it right back in.

Hope that answers some of your questions.

Cheers,
-Harvey

mr_alberta
09-06-2005, 02:49 PM
Harv
thats looking great. I was trying to remember where exactly that is in your place but i figured its across the room from your old cube. that setup is looking soooo sweet. its great being able to learn from the cube and make this one even better.
post more pics soon!!!
cwlee

Hi Chin,

Thanks for the compliment! Actually, it is your tank that inspired this one! :cool:

Cheers,
-Harvey

Johnny Reefer
09-06-2005, 03:20 PM
Hope that answers some of your questions.

Absolutely. Thanx so much.
I totally understand the desire for the closed loops systems.
If nothing else, eliminating unsightly equipment within the tank proper is certainly a good thing.
(I hate unsightly equipment). :frown:

Anyway, your system looks fantastic. I'm sure you are having a blast setting it up and are looking forward to "the day".
Good luck with it. :smile:

Thanx again,

Manny
10-08-2005, 07:57 PM
hey great looking tank :exclaim: are there any updates :question:

mr_alberta
10-08-2005, 09:55 PM
Hi,

Yes, I finally do have something to update on this tank!

The water is in, some of the rock is in and most of the plumbing is done. I still need to run a line over from my RO unit for topoff and a bunch of minor things. Here are some updated pictures:

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/10.08.05/DSCF0001.JPG
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/10.08.05/DSCF0002.JPG
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/10.08.05/DSCF0004.JPG
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/10.08.05/DSCF0005.JPG
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/10.08.05/DSCF0009.JPG

The "hoop" of flex PVC that you see in some of the photos is just plugging up a couple of holes that are unused at the moment.

Beermaster
10-08-2005, 10:01 PM
The Pictures are great, but there is nothing like seeing this setup live, what an awsome tank Harv, My Dad and i where very impressed with the setup, he had so many questons when we left lol

also thank you very much on the holes you drilled for me!

Skimmerking
10-10-2005, 04:27 PM
looks good there Harvey


well done ,will have to come in to see it after christmas during the big hockey tourey in EDM


mike

Ruth
10-10-2005, 05:38 PM
Harvey that looks absolutely fantastic. I wish I was as talented but I get stumped by even the smallest DIY or plumbing job.

Murminator
10-11-2005, 04:32 AM
SHHHHWEET !!!!!

muck
10-11-2005, 04:56 PM
Its coming along nicely Harv. Just needs some lights now.. :mrgreen:

Joe Reefer
10-11-2005, 06:05 PM
Looks Great :biggrin:

One question, does the sqwd alternate between the left and ride side outlets around the top?

mr_alberta
10-12-2005, 04:45 AM
Looks Great :biggrin:

One question, does the sqwd alternate between the left and ride side outlets around the top?

You bet! That is exactly what it is doing.

reeferaddict
10-12-2005, 08:21 AM
*stealing a bunch of ideas for my next tank*

Superb... this is a system I would like to see in 3 or 4 years...

I will be checking back. :mrgreen:

saltynuts
10-22-2005, 09:43 PM
was just their today,and i must say thats its very awesome. have to post some more pics.

mr_alberta
10-23-2005, 03:25 AM
was just their today,and i must say thats its very awesome. have to post some more pics.

Thanks for the kind words Ed :cool:

I snapped a couple today just so everyone can see what's what:

Front View
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/10.22.05/DSCF0003.JPG

Left View
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/10.22.05/DSCF0008.JPG

Right View
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/10.22.05/DSCF0006.JPG

Lights
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/10.22.05/DSCF0009.JPG

I still need to add the VHO's to the tank and get a couple of minor things out of the way before it is 100% done.

Funky_Fish14
10-23-2005, 05:51 AM
Looks awesome Harvey!

Are you satisfied with the amount of rock you have?

Take care,

Chris

Ruth
10-23-2005, 06:20 AM
WOW Harvey that looks awesome! I can't wait to catch a first hand look at it next time I am in Edmonton. Great job and love the lights.

mr_alberta
10-23-2005, 04:43 PM
Hi Chris,

I actually find that I have too much rock. It really kills my flow. Every now and then I'll take a look into my tank and remove a piece or two (its like playing "Jenga" :mrgreen: )

Ruth, you are more than welcome to swing on by when you are in town.

KrazyKuch
10-24-2005, 01:23 AM
looks sweet harvey...I must find some time to come see it in person!!

Joe Reefer
10-24-2005, 02:16 AM
:biggrin: Looks great!

Funky_Fish14
10-24-2005, 03:23 AM
Lol, thats funny!

Well, I must say it looks fantastic!

Take care,

Chris

Delphinus
10-24-2005, 05:41 AM
I think you forgot to put water in it, Harvey... :wink:

Dang that's some clarity.

mr_alberta
12-12-2005, 03:08 PM
Pics as of December 11, 2005:

Acro frag from Catherine way back in the day:
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/12.11.05/DSCF0004.JPG

Acro from JL...waiting for the colors to return:
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/12.11.05/DSCF0008.JPG

Cali Tort from Jamie Cross...the color on this is amazing:
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/12.11.05/DSCF0011.JPG

Table acro...no I'm not selling frags of this:
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/12.11.05/DSCF0018.JPG

mr_alberta
12-12-2005, 03:09 PM
Cont...

Right side:
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/12.11.05/DSCF0016.JPG

Left side:
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/12.11.05/DSCF0013.JPG

Full frontal:
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/12.11.05/DSCF0012.JPG

Thanks for looking!

muck
12-12-2005, 03:16 PM
That table is looking awesome.
I imagine it will get more red as color returns. ;)

mr_alberta
04-08-2006, 03:38 PM
Tank shots as of April 8, 2006:

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/04.08.06/IMG_0177.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/04.08.06/IMG_0176.jpg

KrazyKuch
04-08-2006, 06:01 PM
Looking great harv!!

michika
04-12-2006, 03:24 AM
Looks awesome!

Nice to see Mr. Evil there. Why no pictures of your Powderblue?

mr_alberta
04-12-2006, 03:28 AM
I'll see if I can get a non blurry pic of the guy...he never stops for more than 2 seconds!

Skimmerking
04-12-2006, 03:51 AM
Harvey you need to have 4 clams in there one in each corner of the tank , other thne that it s looking really good...

Funky_Fish14
04-12-2006, 05:25 AM
Its looking fantastic Harvey!

Thanks for making me jealous!

Chris

mr_alberta
04-12-2006, 03:05 PM
Looks awesome!

Nice to see Mr. Evil there. Why no pictures of your Powderblue?

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/04.08.06/IMG_0232.jpg

Here ya go Catherine.

michika
04-12-2006, 03:07 PM
Lovely!

Where did your PBT come from? The colors are amazing!

OCDP
04-12-2006, 04:09 PM
Beautiful setup. Like Tony mentioned, that's some crystal clear water you got there! I like your aquascape a lot and it's given me a couple ideas for my new cube. Thanks, and keep up the great work :wink:

J.Lloy
04-12-2006, 04:40 PM
:crazyeye: that last full pic of your tank was mind blowing. It really looks great..... the colors!!!

mr_alberta
04-12-2006, 09:55 PM
Lovely!

Where did your PBT come from? The colors are amazing!

I got the tang from Doreen when she broke down her tanks. I believe she had it for a year or two before I got it from her. So far so good! *knock on wood*

Thanks for the compliments everyone. Sorry about the dark pictures though...dunno what happened there.

muck
04-12-2006, 10:02 PM
You need to change the thread title... :razz:

mr_alberta
09-04-2006, 06:19 PM
http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/09.02.06/09.02.06%20003.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/09.02.06/09.02.06%20005.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/harvwong/09.02.06/09.02.06%20007.jpg

mr_alberta
09-04-2006, 06:35 PM
It was a pretty uneventful summer. Lost a couple things here and there. Some recession on some of the corals and growth on others. Algae growth has taken off though due to lack of maintenance (lousy construction boom takes all my time). Luckily my chiller kept my tank somewhat cool except during that heat wave, so that's one less thing to worry about.

This summer was also the summer of floods (I had at least 3 or 4). Nothing really major (aside from that 20G of water I spilled on the floor doing something stupid :redface: and the 7 that got spilled while I was on vacations - thankfully Ryan was around!)

Things I've learned this summer are:
1) no matter how much you plan for it, floods happen
2) chillers are invaluable
3) bubble algae is the devil
4) PB Tangs are the devil (as well) and should be the absolute last fish you ever add to your tank
5) its nice to sit back and just watch the tank take care of itself

Murminator
09-04-2006, 08:47 PM
Looking good Harv :mrgreen:

michika
09-05-2006, 02:24 PM
Looking lovely as always,

Are you still looking for another angel? I saw both the male & female earlier this week.

Joe Reefer
09-05-2006, 03:49 PM
Looks good Harv, I also learned that sitting back and watching the tank take care of itself can be enjoyable.

Jason McK
09-05-2006, 04:37 PM
Great looking tank.

mr_alberta
09-05-2006, 06:16 PM
Eh???

Where was that?



Looking lovely as always,

Are you still looking for another angel? I saw both the male & female earlier this week.

michika
11-14-2006, 04:51 PM
Big Al's. About 2" in length if I am remembering correctly.