The fabled prop system

[AndyL]

Ok, so I've been talking about it since... June(?) 06, and every time I turn around - something happens and well, the systems put on hold for a while.

Here's the overall plan:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Prop%20System/fragsystem.jpg

That's 3 50's (44x18x15) stacked. No the bottom 50g tank won't be the sump. Beside is my existing 65g (formerly known as the FOWLR system) over my existing acrylic sump. 65g becomes the new refugium - possibly in time home to seahorses, if I find any I like.

65g as it sits now, became a temporary home for everyone after my previous prop tank split a seam... (be nice - temporary emergency setup - no I wouldn't recommend this wiring/plumbing to anyone)
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Prop%20System/IMG_0247.jpg

Want to guess where these funky shaped tanks came from? LOL - thanks again nate! One of these (the one which will become the bottom of the pile) is going to get a baffle to ensure proper flow into the sump.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Prop%20System/IMG_0248.jpg

Thanks to golds for the final piece of the puzzle! (Like my Green water prop tank? :lol: New system's definitely getting UV!)
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Prop%20System/IMG_0246.jpg

Now all that's left is to put it all together, plumb it in, and stock it up :)

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Looking forward to seeing how this goes! Will you be posting pics as you go along?

[AndyL]

Well this is the Tank Journal forum ;) So yes there will be progress pics.

Just spent 45 trying to level the stand... Oh my, that floors outta wack. Funny how the wood stands required only about a 1/4" shimming on 2 legs - this steel stand is has over 7/8" (total) between the 3 legs.

Still need to chase down a used external pressure rated pump, as I don't think my mag12's going to quite make it up 7' with any reasonable flow...

Lubbocks fairy wrasse with LASERS on their head... Is that so much to ask for?
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Prop%20System/IMG_0266.jpg
Mmmmm lasers... 1/2way done...

[Midknight]

Following along if you don't mind

[Delphinus]

Whatcha planning on lighting each level with?

[albert_dao]

Andy lights his tanks with love.

[Richard_Dicosimo]

what are you planning on propagating?

i wish i could have a project.

Richard

[Delphinus]

Oh is that what it's called. :p

[christyf5]

Andy lights his tanks with love.

:rofl:

[AndyL]

What I'm gonna prop - what catches my eye :) generally how I go... Hopefully we'll have better success with the SPS in this system. Undoubtedly I'll be continuing to add to my LPS collection.

Lighting - I've got a 2x175w DIY fixture over the 65 right now - it'll move over. Thinking I might try one level with just a 150w de (you'll notice it lying on the floor not being used anyway). The other tank - unknown, pondering going t5... 65g will get some 96w pc's.

Just finished drilling the lower tank... Cutting shelves, spent HOURS at Rona/Home Despots, western pump, among others today - figuring out plumbing...

[AndyL]

Getting closer...
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Prop%20System/Feb2-07004.jpg

And just when you thought you were getting somewheres - you spot:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Prop%20System/Feb2-07005.jpg

:mad:

Now the fun becomes... Get a replacement built; see if I can track down a matching one - or try to patch it.

Looks like I may have found an external pump - more BA's leftovers, 3200gph! Sweet, that should reduce the number of powerheads!

[dunl]

Looking good, Andy. :)

[AndyL]

Got some plumbing done... Decided rather than doing my usual PVC plumbing - I used the fact that 1 1/2" ABS screws right onto 1 1/4" bulkheads - little bit cleaner - you'll notice the 2 upper tanks share a common overflow - down to the bottom tank. Somewhat limiting in flow in that way though.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Prop%20System/Feb11-07002.jpg

Picked up this monster - second thoughts now... Little Giant TE-7-MD 3200gph, pressure rated to ridiculous heights... I'd have to re-drill and rework flow patterns...
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/Prop%20System/Feb11-07001.jpg

[Fish]

Looks great Andy!
Can you say more about that ABS plastic... Where do you get it? Does it come in as many pieces as PVC? (elbows etc). Of course I have already gone and bought all my PVC stuff, but, I really like the look of yours.

- Chad

[AndyL]

home despots/rona/totem etc all stock em - rona has the pipe in 2/4/6/8' lengths - kinda nice that you don't need to buy a 10' hunk when you only need 2'. Most of the same fittings but in slightly different configurations. Big turn on for me was being able to thread onto bulkheads - so much nicer than gluing.

[AndyL]

Well quick update - Yep, been 3 weeks with little / no progress...

Been a busy couple of weeks...

Got glass ordered to fix the one tank (just going to patch over that cracked corner), a baffle and decided to redrill and add overflow boxes. Since it really wasn't much glass, price was ridiculously cheap if I was willing to be patient and wait for cut-offs.

Ran into some power issues... Having to rethink a lot of the system, as I found a power problem. The dedicated breaker/power I brought over for it, wasn't going to be enough... So I had my electrician friend come back - at which point I was told I've maxed out my 100amp service. Call to condo board & enmax - results in realization I better work within what I've got (10-20,000 is a bit much to power a prop system) as I don't feel like paying for new transformers and line upgrades. :mad:

So having to rethink everything now... Lighting and circulation being the big draws, pretty much decided on going with T5HOs - looking at workhorse ballasts, icecap reflectors. Been told I only need 4 39w per tank - however I think the 65 and one of the 50's will get 6 grand total of 20 lamps.

Return pumps and circulation become the headache - OR6500, and those hydor koralia 4's look reasonable - was going to buy some of the Tunze's - but after seeing/reading of many breakage problems... Turnover would be a little lower than I'd like but keeping the return pump below 150w is a bit more important, worst case I can throw a heater into each tank.

[BCOrchidGuy]

Couple of things, first off, with that pump you've got you could rent out water flow to your fellow reefers in Alberta, just run some ABS around town.

On a serious note, I know it's a huge change but if you put two tanks end to end and stacked them two high you could use 4ft NO fluorescents, you may need to stagger them but they are cheap. Over driven or not, a day light deluxe tube is $6 out here so 4 or even 8 over each pair of tanks would give you lots of light. My personal plans for a prop system are eventually just to put two 15 gallon tanks end to end so they'll be a 4ft long 30 gallon tank, 4 fluorescents over them will give me 160 watts with 12 inches of water depth. Two shelves of tanks and a Mag 9 should give me lots of water flow.

Despite your set backs you've done a great job and I like your idea's, don't get discouraged it's a learning experience.

Doug

[AndyL]

Ok, so I've been talking about it since... June(?) 06, and every time I turn around - something happens and well, the systems put on hold for a while.
So this was the weekend to start installing glass baffles /overflows... Woke up saturday morning for a timmies run - motivation to start pulling down the tanks redrill and start adding silicone...

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i277/cgyreefer/March24-07001.jpg
Stupid knees... Result of a nice little sheet of ice... ACL and MCL repair here we come!!!

[Fish]

Dang Andy, that really sucks man. Hope you heal up quick.

_ Chad