250 Gallon Starphire tank

[littlesilvermax]

I will start down the road of explaingin my system, for any who wish to see.

It all started with wanting to make good use of the space in my house. I had built the floor a little stronger then spec, and wanted a nice size reef tank in my house.

Here is the old tank

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/old%20tank.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/old%20tank2.JPG

[bassman]

What are the dimensions?

[bassman]

I am also planning on building a 250-300 gal tank in my house. I would love to hear what you did to "beef up" the floor and what type of stand you plan to use.

I am planning on building my stand with an open bottom. This way people can sit in on both sides of the tank it on bar stools with their legs under the it. I will also include a padded arm rest all the way around, just like a bar.

[littlesilvermax]

Dimensions are 84x26x26 two sided starphire, with two starphire braces and a 1.5 inch euro/splash brace.

The tank sits on the basement wall. It sits on a part of the house that is built over the foundation (sticks out) by 18 inches. The floor has 3 times the blocking in it, and doubled floor joists. After 3+ years it seems pretty solid.

[littlesilvermax]

Whole bunch of construction pics:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_3986.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_3987.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_3991.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_3992.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4001.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4002.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4003.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Sched 80 bulkheads.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4006.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4007.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Cutouts for electrical and CL plumbing.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4015.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

The hood inconstruction. Openings for air vents.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4074.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4081.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4082.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

OM 4-way Really impressed with this unit.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4086.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Coming together!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4099.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

The doors and trim are from kitchencraft. They are charcoal stained Maple. My Kitchen is a light stained Maple.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4123.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Electrical coming together.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4263.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

6000 gph Hammerhead CL pump.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4264.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Good circulation is always a must!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4265.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4266.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Poor house was empty for a while

All of the fish lived in the 60 gallon sump for the transition.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4269.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Lights!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4270.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4274.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4273.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Heatsink for ballasts.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4275.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4276.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

More electrical.

6 breakers in total!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4277.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Acrylic for covering overflow.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4350.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

The acrylic started to come loose after a year. Corals are holding it in place now.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_4352.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

1 reason to get starphire glass.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_3989.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Second reason.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/stand%20construction/IMG_3990.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Getting the feeling nobody is seeing this thread.

Anybody see this or want to see more? If not I will not keep going.

[niloc16]

i've got the same issue with my thread, i'm currently doing up a 280. i say keep it up and post pictures

[mr_alberta]

Looks good. I still love the crazy plumbing on your tank! Cudos!

[Ruth]

Please don't stop posting - I am really enjoying your thread - sorry I didn't read the whole thing on RC but dial up makes it painful to try and sit through the screen changes on a thread that long.

[JOSH]

this looks really good, get er done

[littlesilvermax]

Live rock from my old tank, which was in the sump along with all livestock, gets transferred up to new tank, fun times!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4460.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4461.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4463.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4464.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4465.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4467.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4462.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Hard to show water movement.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4468.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Canopy fans to keep lights cool. Got at an electrical supply store (large computer fans), they were about $20 each, fairly quiet, have lasted over 2 years now.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4469.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4471.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

More electrical pics.


http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4473.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/set-up/IMG_4475.JPG

[niloc16]

wow that looks awesome man, i like the rock work you have done so far. how many pounds is that right now. i'm just curious what mine will look like when i transfer from the old tank to new. i'll only have about 60 lbs from the old tanks.

[KarlK]

Nice work

[littlesilvermax]

wow that looks awesome man, i like the rock work you have done so far. how many pounds is that right now. i'm just curious what mine will look like when i transfer from the old tank to new. i'll only have about 60 lbs from the old tanks.

I think it is about 75 lbs or so.

I personally like very porous rock and less then 1 lb per gallon. If you want SPS they need room to grow!

[littlesilvermax]

I guess I forgot a few pics in between!

Empty tank in house.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4381.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4382.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4383.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4384.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Hardware to hold door in place.

Still has not rusted after 2+ years.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4386.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4387.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Everyday feeding door open.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4388.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4389.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4390.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

The shocks do not hold the door up al the way. I have to insert a helper stick.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4391.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Eveything open.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4392.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Now ALL doors, top and bottom open.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4393.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Moonlight.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4394.JPG


At first I used this cheapy bulb, but didn't really like it that much.

Then when I was on vacation in the states I found a 13watt PC "party" bulb for sale. It is a blue bulb that seems to have its output centered at aroun 440 Nm or so.

It is more then bright enough for a moonlight, has lasted more then a year, and actually flouresces the zoos a little!

It was actually a little bit too bright, so I set up a small light blocker and all works well.

[littlesilvermax]

The view from the master bedroom looking down.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4395.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4397.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Gunning for a TOFT someday.

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4399.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Back to some livestock pics.

It looks WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY different now, but you will have to wait.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4529.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4530.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4531.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4533.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4534.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4538.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4545.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4550.JPG

[Ruth]

Very nice. I wish I knew how to make things like that - my brother is a carpenter but he lives on Van. Island so too far away for me to take advantage of his skills.

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4553.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

My coral lighting acclimation methodology.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4554.JPG

I really strongly dislike how reefers move corals from low in the tank to hgih in the tank constantly changing lighting angles, flow parameters, etc....

Just get some eggcrate and window screen. Start with about 5 pieces of window screen and take one off every 2 to 3 days.

Real easy!

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4555.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Very nice. I wish I knew how to make things like that - my brother is a carpenter but he lives on Van. Island so too far away for me to take advantage of his skills.

That is why people like me post up tank diaries, to help others who know less. Somebody had teach me too.

BTW did you get your chems, all in good order?

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4571.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Lovin the halides!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4688.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Affter%20the%20move/IMG_4695.JPG

[Ruth]

That is why people like me post up tank diaries, to help others who know less. Somebody had teach me too.

BTW did you get your chems, all in good order?

Even with pictures I couldn't begin to replicate.
Yes my chems got here just fine and thanks.

[Chaloupa]

very very cool tank! I wish I had a carpenter to do work like that too....:biggrin:

[reeferaddict]

Ben... Good Lord man! Don't stop now! I've seen your thread on RC, but holy crap this one is WAY easier to follow... :biggrin:

[littlesilvermax]

Ben... Good Lord man! Don't stop now! I've seen your thread on RC, but holy crap this one is WAY easier to follow... :biggrin:

It will keep coming. It is a lot easier to follow an after-the-fact photo dairy then a slow real time one!

[Joe Reefer]

I also saw your thread on RC, and this one is way better. Keep it going.

[littlesilvermax]

More pics:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4781.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4781.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4782.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4783.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4784.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

This poor cap wasn't doing too well, so I broke it up and reattached it.

It took 6 months for it to start to grow again, and then it started to turn this really cool light blue color! It ended up about 12 times the size of this pic, and the zoos overgrew it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wasn't too happy about that.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4787.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4787.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Rock work all coming together.

I used a lot of Haitian LR in the right side of the tank. It is very porous and flat. Good for flow and less accumulation of detritus.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4791.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4792.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4793.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4794.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Caves are cool.


http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4796.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4797.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

The offending zoos that killed my cap!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4798.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4799.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Every coral and clam I have looks better from the top down. And I have starphire!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4814.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4820.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

This guy always hides in the weirdest of spots. He has gotten himself stuck before!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4821.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

This guy is at least 50 times in size now. Problem is branches are always being broken off. Sometimes my Regal tang will grab a hold of a branch, rip it off, anf export it to a different side of the tank, sometimes depositing it on top of another coral!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4849.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4901.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Some more house shots.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4909.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4911.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

These zoos flouresce sooooo cool at night, I wish I could digitally capture it.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4912.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4913.JPG

[support@proline]

Simply amazing
Great job Ben
You have thought of everything & that is what makes a good reef
Congrats on a well done project

[littlesilvermax]

Growing!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4923.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

A couple of browned out corals I bought, they are much bigger now, but you will have to wait and see.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4926.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/Corals%20in%2004/IMG_4924.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Simply amazing
Great job Ben
You have thought of everything & that is what makes a good reef
Congrats on a well done project

Thanks. All of these pics are over 2 years old. Keep checking back every week or two for a few months progress until I catch up.

[christyf5]

Dang cool thread! Can't wait to see more :biggrin:

[michika]

I can't wait to see more either!

[littlesilvermax]

More this week!

[littlesilvermax]

Color looks a bit better now eh?

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/2005/IMG_5035.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/2005/IMG_5039.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Pic of the coolest monti I ever owned, unfortunately it only lived for about 8 months.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/2005/IMG_5041.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

After about 6 months of running my MDM Sequence Hammerhead pump I started to have salt creep issues at the seals.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/2005/IMG_5034.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Sequence's customer service was very good. They sent some replacement seals.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/2005/IMG_5043.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Unfortunately they sent their "salt water seals", the ones they offer as optional in their regular series of pumps (5800, 5200, etc..).

These are not the same seals as their fancy new Reeflo pumps come with.

This pic shows the difference, notice the white vs the black. The black ones are the correct ones (both fit) and are their carbon_______________ (can't remember word) seals.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla/2005/IMG_5046.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

After changing seals 3 times (each time lasted about 3 or 4 months) I still had problems, although not as bad.

Eventually they sent me a new volute, the black one.

Maybe the translucent blue volute was slightly warped, I am not sure, but it was worked with no salt creep at all for 2+ years now.

[Manny]

Sweet tank, can't wait to see more. I love your electical and plumbing.

[littlesilvermax]

Found one of those zoo eating snails in my zoos the other day.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Jan%202005/IMG_5056.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Jan%202005/heliacus%20eat%20zoos.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

Growing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Jan%202005/IMG_5070.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

I decided I wanted to inject "fresh" air into my skimmer. I own a HRV unit and I plumbed in 3/4ID tubing to take the frsh air from the HRV to the skimmer. It didn't make a large difference, but when 30+ people are in my house the ph drop is a little less then before. Used to go from 8.20 to 7.85 with that many people, now it only drops to 7.99!

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Jan%202005/IMG_5062.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Here is how it goes into the skimmer.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Jan%202005/IMG_5057.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

In the above pic notice the 1/4 sched 80 pvc union. That makes cleaning the injector of my beckett a bit easier.

[littlesilvermax]

More pics.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/Acrobluetip0010.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

Tips are getting nicer and nicer!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/Acropurpletip00008.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/Acropurpletip00008closeup.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

Electric green zoos!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/IMG_6009.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Spirulina in purple!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/Merulina00016.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Little monti is still growing!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/Montifrag0000.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Close-up.


http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/Montifrag00006close-up.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

I forgot how small this guy was when I first got him.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/Purpletip00015.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/Zoosright00007closeup.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

These guys are destined to grow.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/Zoosright0007.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

Waky waky.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/greenzoos00010.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

Most fav close-up.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/greenzoos00010closeup.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

Saved some bits of my cap that had some problems.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/purplecap00013.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/purplecap00013closeup.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/yellowmonti00011.jpg

[littlesilvermax]

Another cool close-up!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/Mar%2005/yellowmonti00011closeup.jpg

[Farrmanchu]

That Monti was super cool, I know you have an AWESOME recent full tank shot. How long will you keep up the suspense? Your Sump is better than alot of Displays I've seen, got pics of that?

[Joe Reefer]

Looks good, how much more stable is your ph since piping in fresh air to your skimmer?

[DanG]

Wow, that looks unreal. I love the fact that you posted all your pics in a row, very easy to see the progression.

[littlesilvermax]

That Monti was super cool, I know you have an AWESOME recent full tank shot. How long will you keep up the suspense? Your Sump is better than alot of Displays I've seen, got pics of that?

I will just slowly keep going until I have caught up to recent pics.

This summer has been slow, but I have some changes planned for this winter, so stay tuned!

[littlesilvermax]

Looks good, how much more stable is your ph since piping in fresh air to your skimmer?

Not a huge amount, but a bit. It is when I have 30 people in my house that the difference is noticeable.

BTW I wouldn't recommend piping in fresh air from outside, the temp swing can really cause your skimmer to be unstable, and we all know how hard it is to get your skimmer running 100%. Air right after an HRV seems to work fairly well.

[littlesilvermax]

Wow, that looks unreal. I love the fact that you posted all your pics in a row, very easy to see the progression.

Thanks.

Once I get up-to-date I will try and show progressive growth shots.

[Murminator]

Holy Crap!! 17 pages and the 1st of seen of it lookin awesome !!! Is your rock against the back wall or just down the middle?

[Skimmer Juice]

That stand is kinda what iam trying to do. All from scratch by myself. Looks good , The only thing you are missing is a cowfish:biggrin:

[littlesilvermax]

Holy Crap!! 17 pages and the 1st of seen of it lookin awesome !!! Is your rock against the back wall or just down the middle?

No rock touches any wall. I have read a few of Calfo's books and he recommends for best water flow (detritus suspension) to have everything free standing. Unfortunately some tanks make this hard to accomplish.

That is why I (and almost all experienced reefers) recommend custom made tanks that are as deep (front to back) as you can go. it just works soo much better!

[littlesilvermax]

That stand is kinda what iam trying to do. All from scratch by myself. Looks good , The only thing you are missing is a cowfish:biggrin:

Then buy one when your tank is going! Post pics as your construction begins.

I have learned much from others posting about their tank builds, so I am trying to pass on what I have learned.

[Tarolisol]

Very nice tank, Now i want to see a full tank shot.
Also maybe i missed it or somthing but if you could let us know if you use any additives and how you due your cacium, also maintnece that you do.

[littlesilvermax]

Very nice tank, Now i want to see a full tank shot.
Also maybe i missed it or somthing but if you could let us know if you use any additives and how you due your cacium, also maintnece that you do.

Some full tank shots will come.

As far as maintenance goes:

This thread details how I do water changes with adding magnesium and calcium to my IO water. (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=26590)

I use a calcium reactor and a kalk reactor for my set-up. Both are huge, and pics for both will follow as well.

[littlesilvermax]

Who want to see a movie?





















Water movement is always good! Weeeeeeeeeeeeee, says the flame and clown. (http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/MVI_4476.AVI)

[Farrmanchu]

Like an Amusement Ride for fish! My Lawnmower Blenny does that in my Tank, but I don't have enough flow to even phase my Flame Angel. How much are tickets? Can I bring my Angel there for a few rides?:lol:

[littlesilvermax]

Like an Amusement Ride for fish! My Lawnmower Blenny does that in my Tank, but I don't have enough flow to even phase my Flame Angel. How much are tickets? Can I bring my Angel there for a few rides?:lol:

Bring on over, you will never be able to catch him to get him out!

The tank has less flow now with all the SPS taking up real estate.

[littlesilvermax]

One more flow vid.

Nice to have a little bit of euro bracing to stop the flow from splashing over the tank sides.

Vid (http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla1/MVI_4481.AVI)

[littlesilvermax]

Pic of my skimmer waste container, IO 200 gallon pail.

I have a toilet plunger inside that has some styrofoam attached to it to allow auto-shut-off. This worked well, but if the skimmer ever filled the pail the shut-off would cause soo much back-pressure on the skimmer that it would lift up and move everything in my frag section of my sump.

The solution was to add a 10 inch long pvc pipe to the input of the pail. Once the pail was filled 65% of the way the pipe would be submerged and cause the skimmer to slow down considerably, but not stop. Then the fuler it gets the slower the skimmer goes, so it hasn;t been a problem now for over 2 years.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2005/IMG_6538.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

What is this, new pump?

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2005/IMG_6543.JPG

Yep for a calcium restor.

[littlesilvermax]

This calcium reactor!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2005/IMG_6549.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

For perspective I had a male model stand beside it.:wink:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2005/IMG_6551.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2005/IMG_6557.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2005/IMG_6552.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Always need a livestock shot.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2005/IMG_6476.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Want natural light?

Does the sun stand sill?

Sunlight Supplies Linear Light Mover!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2018/IMG_6575.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2018/IMG_6577.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2018/IMG_6579.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

When installing the light mover I set the 250 watt (actually 300+ watt overdriven by mag ballast) halide fixture on my 1/2 inch by 12 inch brace.

Bad, bad idea!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2018/IMG_6589.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

The crack I heard just about caused a heart attack!

I managed to get a new piece of glass (this time not Starphire) and clamp the top of the tank together (it bowed by over 1/4 inch) and get it all fixed.

Can you tell which brace is not Starphire?

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2018/IMG_6595.JPG

[Skimmer Juice]

is that tank in your garage?

[littlesilvermax]

is that tank in your garage?

It was for initial testing. The above pic was taken in my house. The tools in the reflection are on my dining room table.

[AJ_77]

Pretty amazing tank (and thread) - best thing about this thread is the ability to read through and see your progression without dozens of spurious posts in between all the great pictures. :biggrin:

That pic of your tangs on page 11 is killer. Looking forward to seeing that blond Naso grow up in there - I used to have one that would dash the length of a 6-ft tank in about, oh, 1/10 of a second... :eek: Maybe streamers will slow him down a little? :mrgreen:

Thanks for the effort on this - very thorough, informative, entertaining.

One question - does Bow Valley use PPG Starphire(tm) brand glass, or another manufacturer's low-lead equivalent?

[niloc16]

good looking setup man. i've been following this from the beginning. when is the full tank pic coming?

[littlesilvermax]

Pretty amazing tank (and thread) - best thing about this thread is the ability to read through and see your progression without dozens of spurious posts in between all the great pictures. :biggrin:

That pic of your tangs on page 11 is killer. Looking forward to seeing that blond Naso grow up in there - I used to have one that would dash the length of a 6-ft tank in about, oh, 1/10 of a second... :eek: Maybe streamers will slow him down a little? :mrgreen:

Thanks for the effort on this - very thorough, informative, entertaining.

One question - does Bow Valley use PPG Starphire(tm) brand glass, or another manufacturer's low-lead equivalent?

Thanks for the kind words.

Mitch (from Bow Valley, who cannot help but lie) swears he uses PPG, but others say no. I have compared mine to others that for sure are and I couldn't tell the difference.

[littlesilvermax]

good looking setup man. i've been following this from the beginning. when is the full tank pic coming?

It will come, but will be an old full-tank shot. It will be at least a month or so for a current tank shot.

Can't spoil it for you!

[niloc16]

lol, guess we'll have to wait.

[littlesilvermax]

Top down view of one of my clams.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2028/clam%20for%20web.JPG

[AJ_77]

Yikes! That's gorgeous - and I don't normally even like clams much...

[littlesilvermax]

OLD FULL-TANK SHOTS!

Moon-light, which looks waaay diffeent in person.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2029/moonlight.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Actinics (two 160 watt 6 fot URI VHOs)

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2029/actinic.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

+ T5s (3 foot & 4 foot 11K T5s + 3 foot & 4 foot Blue+ T5s)

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2029/T5.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

+ 3 10K halides (10K ushio, 10K AB, 13K Geissman, all 250 DE)

All look almost exactly the same, even though the Geissman is a 13K.:rolleyes:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/Apr%2029/fthal00028crop.jpg

[AJ_77]

OLD FULL-TANK SHOTS!

:confused: Um, can you bring us up-to-date?

[littlesilvermax]

Patience, patience.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/May%202/Monti.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

This guy is destined to grow to 40 times its size in a number of months.

I have already fragged about 15 pieces off of this coral that are all bigger then the original frag.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/May%202/greenacro.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

I think this clam is cute.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/May%202/littleclam.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

This purple milli also grows like mad. It was recently growing into the glass, adn then I tried to break it, but had to use my 2 foot "reef crowbar" and hammer to accomplish the break.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla2/May%202/purpleacro.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Zoos!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2029/100046.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Coraline!
http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2029/100045.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Bigger!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2030/IMG_7401.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2030/IMG_7414.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2030/IMG_7426.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Clam growth!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2030/IMG_7438.JPG




I have actually noticed clam growth decline the cleaner the system I run.

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2030/IMG_7458.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Meet hammer and "reef crowbar".

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2030/IMG_7459.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Hammer & crowbar vs tri-color acro.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2030/IMG_7447.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/June%2030/IMG_7453.JPG



it was growing into the glass, so I had to do something.

[littlesilvermax]

Now the sad part of the hobby.

Reef electrical power usage. (http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Electrical/BA%20Tank%20electrical%20calculator.htm)

Good thing power in Manitoba is 5.4 cents per KW.

[littlesilvermax]

Unfortunately Anthias CAN jump.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/July%207/IMG_7521.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Pics of the new 169 gallon sump!

More space = cooler water (more evap) and easier maintenance.

Also makes it a lot easier to have a frag area.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2010/IMG_8509.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2010/IMG_8510.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

"Small" 8 inch diameter double beckett skimmer.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2010/IMG_8511.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2010/IMG_8512.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Top pump = Blueline HD100
middle = pcx-50
bottom = pcx-40

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2010/IMG_8516.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Ranco dual temp controller.

ORP controller.

Clock for logging how many hours I spend in fish room.:lol: Also has humidity scale, pressure, and temp.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2010/IMG_8519.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Kalk buckett, ozone, air dryer, fan.


http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2010/IMG_8520.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Notice input for skimmer draws water directly from raw overflow from upstairs.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2010/IMG_8521.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

It was around this time that I got a new car:

2005 Subaru Legacy GT. Currently has almost as much mods as my tank is worth. This winter to be around 400 hp (complete daily driver, in winter too) but is capable of getting better then stock gas mileage with excellent longevity. More torque at all rpms then stock.

Still awaiting on turbo upgarde (stock block is identical to STI). But should be able to do mid 12s in the 1/4 in about a 4.5 0-60.

I hope to track the car a little this coming summer.

It is my RS4 killer (except some luxo items like AUDI's killer leather Recaro seats)

Exterior mods are left to slight lowering, and nicer wheels. A real sleeper!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2010/IMG_8554.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

In memorial to my old Maxima:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2012/fromrear.jpe

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2012/frontclose.jpe

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2012/frontstraight.jpe

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2012/grill.jpe

[littlesilvermax]

And the one you all know so well.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Oct%2012/tilted.jpe

[Farrmanchu]

Hey, this thread got hijacked! Man, I liked the looks of your car when I saw it...........400 HP- Now I LOVE it! Very cool cars!

[Delphinus]

(Ok if you're going to post pictures of your cars expect to have a question or two..) Do you have a fender mounting for your camera or something like that? How did you get those shots? Amazing photos, looks like something I'd see in a pamphlet for a carmaker to get me to come in and buy one of their cars. ;)

[littlesilvermax]

Ask away!

The pics of my Maxima were done by a friend (who is legally blind BTW) and he is fantastic! Unfortunately he is out of the country and I don't know when we will do a photo session with the GT.

No fender mount, just PS. His camera is a $300 4 year old cannon digital too, only 3 mp.:surprise:

[Delphinus]

Wow.. that's incredible. :cool:

[littlesilvermax]

Finally a full tank shot!

I am sorry , for the past year I have soo busy getting my car (and learning Chinese) that I have taken very few pics of the tank. These next pics were taken in June, so things have changed since then.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0389.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

I should have a whole batch of new pics come December or January.


http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0392.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0393.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0394.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

The white coral in this pic kinda bleached (over a period of 6 months), don't know why, unless maybe it was the stress of the other corals growing in on it.

I have a few frags of it that are doing well in my sump.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0397.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

That green slimer in the background is now only 3 inches from the water surface!

I know, I know I need more current pics.:lol:

If you notice on top of the slimer is a piece of digitata. I always wondered how pieces of this coral ended all over my tank. One day I spotted my regal tang biting off a piece and placing it were he wished! I guess he figures he is the aquascaper! Stupid regal tang!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0399.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0401.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0403.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0404.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0405.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0406.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

First really cool picture IMO!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0408.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

2nd cool pic!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0411.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

3rd!

It just looks soo much like a real reef when looking through the lon end of the tank.

Mental note: Next tank must be much much deeper.:biggrin:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0412.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Notice the stupid cap growing by the glass. That thing seems to be showing up all over the place!

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0413.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

Last really, really, really cool pic.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0415.JPG

[littlesilvermax]

My now often fragged spirulina. Everybody wants it but it grows slowly.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/bkotrla3/Jun%2013,06/IMG_0416.JPG