100gal Build: New Pics

[sphelps]

Well we've decided to move and setup a new tank in the process. The new tank will have a new theme, simplicity :mrgreen:

For those who don't know, this was my previous setup which is now long gone.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FTS/DSC_0249.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FTS/DSC_1709.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FTS/lower1_06_2008.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/June%2016%202008/DSC_0307.jpg


The new tank will be somewhat of a downgrade but still a decent size for what we want. The tank dimensions are 54"x22"x20". All filtration will be stored in the stand in a somewhat more traditional fashion.

If all goes to plan the tank will be complete with livestock within 2 weeks, with the exception of some details like the final stand finish.

I will do my best to add details and pictures of the build as it pursues.

[sphelps]

I built the frame for the stand this weekend. I opted for complete construction from 3/4" plywood as appose to the standard 2x4 construction for added strength and more space within. The stand will be finished with another skin cover once the house decor is decided.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/stand1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/stand2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/stand3.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/stand5.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/stand4.jpg

[christyf5]

*sigh* you DIYers make things look so easy :wink:

Nice looking stand. I loved your last setup, can't wait to see this one :biggrin:

[lastlight]

Yeah that's looking really tight already. I love it when people post the down 'n dirty stand builds in pieces.

Glues and screws...she's gonna be strong!

[Dez]

Looking at your previous set - up, I'll definitely be following this build. Your previous set up was tight man. Can't believe you jammed all that equipment into that stand. You're already planning to maximize your room with the plywood stand. Great job. I see that you've painted another stand in your garage judging my the paint spray in the picture! :)...

Keep the pictures coming as you build.

Des

[golf nut]

What? no visible refugium window?

[fishytime]

What? no visible refugium window?

Glass doors perhaps? Looking good already mang.

[sphelps]

What? no visible refugium window?

Nope, one display, that's it :biggrin:

I got the glass in Monday but haven't finished assembling it yet. Moving is hard :sad:

[fishytime]

Oh man...I feel for you...I hate moving...so the new tank wont look like a console on the starship enterprise? I loved how the old setup looked:biggrin:

[sphelps]

Oh man...I feel for you...I hate moving...so the new tank wont look like a console on the starship enterprise? I loved how the old setup looked:biggrin:
I guess not but it will be nice in it's own way.

Here's a sneak peak at the glass going together

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/photo-1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/photo.jpg

BTW, my camera is packed so you'll have to live with pictures from my phone :tongue1:

[banditpowdercoat]

Nice. How much did the glass cost, If you don't mind me asking. Next tank, I think I'm building it too.

[sphelps]

Nice. How much did the glass cost, If you don't mind me asking. Next tank, I think I'm building it too.

$1200
It's 12mm glass, 3 sides starphire, all edges polished, 4 holes in the base.

[sphelps]

So over the weekend I got the tank built and the back painted. Got it on the stand in position and filled. I also managed to get all the livestock from the holding tank into the new tank.


These are the overflow covers, I opted for laser cut as appose to using a router, so much easier.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3822.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3825.jpg

The tank on the stand in position
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3827.jpg

Yeap, the tank is still dirty, covered in fingerprints
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3828.jpg

The eggcrate will be used for supporting some of the rock.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3829.jpg

All livestock is in, water is a little cloudy from the move but it was nice and clear this morning.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3831.jpg


Tonight I'm hoping to install the light fixture and do some of the aquascaping. I still have to build a sump and finish the plumbing.

[banditpowdercoat]

Lazer cut. Where's the fun in that?? Sheesh LOL

Looks great :D

[superduperwesman]

looking good. I can see heater in the one reflection ahah

[sphelps]

looking good. I can see heater in the one reflection ahah
Ahh you mean Heather, I was staring at the pics for like 20min thinking what reflection of a heater are you talking about! :lol:

[sphelps]

Got the rock work roughed in and the light fixture up last night. Still have to build a sump, plumb it and skin the stand, among other things.

Here's a FTS
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3850.jpg

[banditpowdercoat]

Ohh man, that is LOOKING GREAT!! How big is that clam on the left beside the favia? That thing is HUGE!!!!

[sphelps]

Ohh man, that is LOOKING GREAT!! How big is that clam on the left beside the favia? That thing is HUGE!!!!

Thanks, I'd say about 16" long, it's big :surprise:

[banditpowdercoat]

Thanks, I'd say about 16" long, it's big :surprise:

Thats not big, thats HUGE

[sphelps]

I decided to hook up a temporary sump until the I get a chance to build the new one. The skimmer will go in tonight.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3859.jpg

[mseepman]

Okay...I have to say, this seemed entirely too easy and relaxed.:biggrin: My stress level whenever I do any major tank work is off the charts!! And I didn't hand-build anything that could blow up and put 100G of water in my house!


Anyways....it looks great! You do really nice work with your stuff and it's no surprise that your inhabitants look so happy and healthy.

[sharuq1]

You did a fantastic job!! Is there any other livestock in there besides the seahorse? What kind of pony is it?

[sphelps]

Okay...I have to say, this seemed entirely too easy and relaxed.:biggrin: My stress level whenever I do any major tank work is off the charts!! And I didn't hand-build anything that could blow up and put 100G of water in my house!


Anyways....it looks great! You do really nice work with your stuff and it's no surprise that your inhabitants look so happy and healthy.
Thanks but I assure you stress and fatigue are high on my end to. For me the equipment side of things is fairly easy because I've done it so many times but the rock and livestock part is just brutal and it always is no matter how many times you do it.

You did a fantastic job!! Is there any other livestock in there besides the seahorse? What kind of pony is it?
Thanks! I believe it's a reidi also referred to as a Brazilian. He's in there with a fu-man-chu lionfish, a green spotted mandarin and an engineer goby.

[shrimpchips]

Great tank sphelps! Just wondering if you had anything between the stand and the tank bottom?

[sphelps]

Great tank sphelps! Just wondering if you had anything between the stand and the tank bottom?

Thanks, yes I have 2mm rubber

[StirCrazy]

ok, just a sugesstion.. put a stand or something under that fancy and pretty proflux. I would hate to see a post that you had a leak from the other valve and it fried it...


looks nice though, are you going to go with the balling pumps for the proflux?

Steve

[sphelps]

ok, just a sugesstion.. put a stand or something under that fancy and pretty proflux. I would hate to see a post that you had a leak from the other valve and it fried it...


looks nice though, are you going to go with the balling pumps for the proflux?

Steve
Good advice, yes I will eventually be connecting up a bailing system to the profilux.

[StirCrazy]

Good advice, yes I will eventually be connecting up a bailing system to the profilux.

good I have been waiting for a few more opinions befor I buy mine :mrgreen:

how do you like the proflux so far?

Steve

[shrimpchips]

Good advice, yes I will eventually be connecting up a bailing system to the profilux.

You'll love the balling/doser. Which balling salts are you going to be running?

Currently I'm dosing the FM balling salts with the Trace B solutions in my nano, and I couldn't be more impressed with the rock solid parameters and the growth I've seen in some of my SPS.

[Skimmerking]

steve looks great man. love the simple look you have there. curious on your balling method too on the controller.

[sphelps]

You'll love the balling/doser. Which balling salts are you going to be running?

Currently I'm dosing the FM balling salts with the Trace B solutions in my nano, and I couldn't be more impressed with the rock solid parameters and the growth I've seen in some of my SPS.
I'll be using a 4 pump system with the 4 FM salts. I've setup this system before and found it works quite well.

[sphelps]

Not much of an update today, got the skimmer in the other night and cleaned up the tank a little more.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/NewTank.jpg

Couple more pics, nothing special, all I had was my little Canon G9.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/NewTank_3.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/NewTank_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/NewTank_2.jpg

[StirCrazy]

I'll be using a 4 pump system with the 4 FM salts. I've setup this system before and found it works quite well.

which 4 salts you going to use? I was thinking 3 stalts and use the 4th pump for auto top off.

Steve

[sphelps]

which 4 salts you going to use? I was thinking 3 stalts and use the 4th pump for auto top off.

Steve

Probably these four:

Sodium Bicarbonate
Magnesium Sulphate-Heptahydrate
Magnesium Chloride-Hexahydrate
Calcium Chloride-Dihydrate

[fishytime]

[QUOTE=sphelps;431281]http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/NewTank_1.jpg



Lookin gooood. You wouldnt happen to have a shot of the retracted acan in this pic when it is expanded would you? Looks like amazing.

[sphelps]

Yes here are some more pictures

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3875.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3877.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3879.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3885.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3891.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3903.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3904.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3905.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3906.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3914.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3916.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3917.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3918.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3919.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3931.jpg

[sphelps]

Got a new addition :biggrin:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3895.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3901.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3912.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3921.jpg

[ElGuappo]

WOW looking great. Nice cow or box fish??

[Skimmerking]

looks amazing man. love the colors in your tank .

[Lance]

Tank is looking fine!

[sphelps]

WOW looking great. Nice cow or box fish??
Thanks, it's a Cubicus Boxfish :mrgreen:

[sphelps]

So I'm looking into more fish that fit with my current tank mates, unfortunately all the information I can find is awfully close minded, kind of like this site (http://www.seahorse.org/library/articles/tankmates/tankmates.shtml). According to that almost every tank mate I already have or had for my seahorse has "no business in a seahorse tank".

If anyone has some suggestions I would love to hear them, keep in mind I have a dwarf lionfish so I think smaller fish like gobies should be avoided, however I do have a small mandarin so... maybe not.

I currently have:
Seahorse
Fu-Man-Chu Lionfish
Boxfish
Blue Streak Pipefish
Green Spotted Mandarin
Engineer Goby

[Pazil]

The problem you will find with most seahorse tankmates is the competition for food. Seahorses almost need to get know thier food before they eat it. I have witnessed the ponies staring at the food for a full minute before they snick it. When you have tankmates that eat food like most of our fish do.... FAST... then there is nothing left for the ponies to eat. And then of course there are fish that accually cause a risk to the horses.

[sphelps]

The problem you will find with most seahorse tankmates is the competition for food. Seahorses almost need to get know thier food before they eat it. I have witnessed the ponies staring at the food for a full minute before they snick it. When you have tankmates that eat food like most of our fish do.... FAST... then there is nothing left for the ponies to eat. And then of course there are fish that accually cause a risk to the horses.
Yes I know, I've had my horse for close to a year now. When I feed I shut off all flow and target feed mysis using tongs. I'm looking for fish that will adapt to this kind of feeding, all my current fish do this quite well. Any suggestions from experience would be awesome.

[sphelps]

Couple more pics, I took a week off for some R&R so no actual work was done but I did add a few additions.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3963.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3969.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3974.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3989.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3991.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/DSC_3993.jpg

[noirsphynx]

Beautiful shots! I LOVE the ones of the pipefish in the clam. I made one my desktop background :biggrin:

[Doug]

I dont know whats better. The actual tanks inhabitants or the fantastic photography.


:D

[Skimmerking]

steve the pipe fish are they hard to keep. would love to get acouple for my tank .

[sphelps]

steve the pipe fish are they hard to keep. would love to get acouple for my tank .
They are not very difficult to keep, I think they will do better in a tank you can easily feed them but I have seen them many times in regular reef tanks. They will find their own food in the tank but I`m not sure how long that will provide for them. Others might have more relevant experience for you.

[PoonTang]

eeeeek the dreaded Valonia!!! horrible stuff

[sphelps]

eeeeek the dreaded Valonia!!! horrible stuff
I've never found it to be that bad, I've always had some here and there but an urchin or two has always kept it under control.

[lastlight]

new FTS? Looks like a paint factory exploded in there it's so bright and varied. I love it! You're inspiring me to try some stranger fish. That pipefish for starters is so rad.

[sphelps]

new FTS? Looks like a paint factory exploded in there it's so bright and varied. I love it! You're inspiring me to try some stranger fish. That pipefish for starters is so rad.
I haven't added any new corals or changed the aquascaping since the last FTS so it wouldn't be very interesting. I'll probably do a little work this week so I should have a better update a little later. Thanks!

[Myka]

Great colors! Looking nice! :)

I saw some of those critters... :p

[sphelps]

Might be a little while before I get anymore updates on the tank, I found something else to waist money on :lol:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/DSC_4001.jpg

[sphelps]

Nothing too interesting but I organized all the electrical

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_15.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_16.jpg

Next to come is a new sump followed by the exterior stand cover.

I also added a few new things including a puffer and a tasseled filefish. Here's a few general pictures:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_6.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_14.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_13.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_11.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_3.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_7.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_8.jpg

and a new FTS

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_9.jpg

[Lance]

Beautiful tank and cool fish.

[Sebae again]

Looks great! Amazing pieces .Do you think the clams add a substantial impact to the health of your tank?

[Mikee]

Nice bimmer! :) I have 1 too. I like the tank so far it looks really good! do the sps not sting the horsies? How much flow do you have in there right now? I really like your choice on fish thats something like i wanted to do but was told it cant be done lol.

[sphelps]

Looks great! Amazing pieces .Do you think the clams add a substantial impact to the health of your tank?
Thanks! Possibly but I think my skimmer does most the work.

Nice bimmer! :) I have 1 too. I like the tank so far it looks really good! do the sps not sting the horsies? How much flow do you have in there right now? I really like your choice on fish thats something like i wanted to do but was told it cant be done lol.
Sweet which one? I haven't noticed a problem with any corals and the seahorse, but it doesn't hang onto the sps corals very often and when it does they don't seem to bother him. I have two Tunzes but they alternate and pulse to prevent hard steady flows and they turn down in the evening. I'm currently using a quiet one 4000 until my RD arrives which will be plumbed into the two outputs instead of just the one.
I was going for something different so I'm glad you like it, everyone gets alone fine, if you're a little careful with the species and size selection it's pretty easy to do.

[sphelps]

I've been pretty lazy with some of my photos so I'm going to make it up with a few good ones, here's the first of a few to come.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/Chalice.jpg

[Mikee]

I have a E46 M3. Sucks that winter is coming up soon going to have to park it for the winter soon :(. Yeah i definitely like what youve got going on there it looks like everything is pretty happy what type of fish do you have in there?

[sphelps]

FuManChu Lionfish
Engineer Goby
Porcupine Puffer
Matted Filefish
Tasseled Filefish
Reidi Brazilian Seahorse
Green Spotted Mandarin
Blue Streak Pipefish
Dragon Pipefish

[lastlight]

New FTS is so beautiful! Water looks pristine too. What's that purple SPS up top? A Stylo? I really need to learn my names...if even the common ones.

[sphelps]

Thanks, yes it's a stylo.

Got a couple more
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/Tort.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/Dendro.jpg

[Doug]

Mind boggling pics as per usual Steve.


Very nice.

[karazy]

simply awesome. i really want to do an oddball reef one day.

[lastlight]

Do you edit out background etc in photoshop? These look fantastic. Some of them have that electron microscope look.

[sphelps]

Do you edit out background etc in photoshop? These look fantastic. Some of them have that electron microscope look.
Yes, my macros usually come out with very dark backgrounds and I usually change them to be completely black or some kind of gradient, I find the effect is better and the background is less distracting. They were all taken with a 105mm macro lens. Thanks! :mrgreen:

[Mikee]

wow nice! how hard is it to keep tilefish? i may want to try them in my seahorse tank. Right now i have a pair of kudas, dragon pipefish, and 2 clownfish (interesting story behind these two).

[sphelps]

The tilefish I have are easy which I hear is pretty normal. The tasseled eats algae and they both eat mysis like pigs, almost too much for my slow little seahorse.

[sphelps]

Couple more

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/SPS1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/lion.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/stylo.jpg

[superduperwesman]

They were all taken with a 105mm macro lens. Thanks! :mrgreen:

WOW! Sounds like a nice lens. Nikon? Lucky guy the guy who owns that lens ;)

[lastlight]

Those last 3 are seriously among the nicest and most stylin' shots I've seen yet from this site or that other one! That lens is so nice...thankfully my father-in-law has it so I can borrow until I'm not a broke ass.

Last one is pure FIREWORKS.

[sphelps]

WOW! Sounds like a nice lens. Nikon? Lucky guy the guy who owns that lens ;)
Haha, i think the guy that gets to use it without actually buying it is slightly luckier, or maybe luck has nothing to do with it :mrgreen:

Those last 3 are seriously among the nicest and most stylin' shots I've seen yet from this site or that other one! That lens is so nice...thankfully my father-in-law has it so I can borrow until I'm not a broke ass.

Last one is pure FIREWORKS.
Thanks, I was trying something a little different on the last two, glad you liked them.

[sphelps]

It's been a while but thought I'd post a little update.

Last week I introduced a clam from another tank. The clam spawned in the previous owners tank and was becoming an issue so I removed it. I didn't want to destroy it since it was a large clam and only doing what is natural to it. I left the clam in a large bucket for a few hours and with no signs of spawning I figured it would safe to put the clam in my tank. All was well for the first hour until my other somewhat large squamosa started spawning, then the new clam started up again. Within minutes all my clams except the large gigas were spawning :shocked!:. The tank was pure white but I let the clams finish and then filtered out the sperm and eggs with mechanical media and wet skimming, needless to say :puke:. Two 25% water changes later and the tank was clear with no casualties.

Since I already told the boss I couldn't come into work because I needed to filter the sperm out of my fish tank I decided to get a little work done. Nothing like a little disaster to get you motivated :wink:

So I reaquascaped and made better room for the new clam.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Oct2009_5.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Oct2009_4.jpg

I also later installed my new pump :mrgreen: and finished up the plumbing I started so long ago. I put in a new larger tank for a sump to handle the extra flow from the new pump. I'm going to add a few things to the sump to better incorporate some mechanical media, carbon and a steady water level for the skimmer but that's it. Still going the simple route.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Oct2009_2.jpg

Hope you enjoyed the little update, I obviously still have a lot of work to do but winter is long and summer is short. Priorities will change soon enough :wink:

[christyf5]

Those large clams are just awesome. I hope one day I can find one for my tank (or grow one!). The tank looks great and man, that is one of the cleanest most organized sump cabinets I have ever seen! :biggrin:

[Dez]

I dig the red zip ties to hold your plumbing together.....matches your Bubble King!

[sphelps]

haha thanks! I was planning on painting all the plumbing red, it can all be removed with unions, but it's one of those things I haven't done yet :redface:

[sphelps]

A couple new pictures

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_3.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_4.jpg

[fishoholic]

Amazing pictures as always, looks great. Did you get a new fuzzy dwarf lionfish? Looks like it from the 1st pic.

[Dez]

Very nice tank and great pictures. I think you should change your build thread title to "trimless" just to statisfy Mindy (aka Myka). :)

[fishoholic]

Very nice tank and great pictures. I think you should change your build thread title to "trimless" just to statisfy Mindy (aka Myka). :)

LOL, sorry I couldn't help myself :razz: (and yes I am laughing out loud)

[Mrfish55]

Very nice tank and great pictures. I think you should change your build thread title to "trimless" just to statisfy Mindy (aka Myka). :)

Yes and what exactly is Straphire?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Myka]

:lol: You guys are awful! :p

As you already know Steve, I love that Chalice...very pretty. Great photography skills too. I wish I could do that!

[globaldesigns]

Quit artsy fartsy... Great eye on composition, send us some more.

[sphelps]

Amazing pictures as always, looks great. Did you get a new fuzzy dwarf lionfish? Looks like it from the 1st pic.
Thanks, yes he is new, a zebra dwarf.

Very nice tank and great pictures. I think you should change your build thread title to "trimless" just to statisfy Mindy (aka Myka). :)
hahaha, I'm just going with the common description, I don't care what you guys want to call it :wink:

Yes and what exactly is Straphire?

Sorry, couldn't resist.
Thanks for pointing that out, never noticed it until now :redface:

Quit artsy fartsy... Great eye on composition, send us some more.
Thanks! If you say so...

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_10.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_11.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_12.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_13.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_5.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_6.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_7.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/oct%202009/Coral_8.jpg

[Mrfish55]

Thanks for pointing that out, never noticed it until now :redface:




Surprised it made it nine pages without someone :boink:
Stunning pictures by the way, very impressive.

[Myka]

Do you mind sharing what settings and photographing methods you're using on your camera to get photos like that? They're stunning!

[hillegom]

+1

[sphelps]

Do you mind sharing what settings and photographing methods you're using on your camera to get photos like that? They're stunning!
+1
Not at all :biggrin:

All taken with Nikon D300 and Sigma 150mm (225mm equiv) Macro
Aperture priority set to minimum (greatest DOF) F/22
Exposure time depending on the picture but around 2-10sec
ISO 200
Preset white balance
Hard sharpness
Noise reduction set on camera
No flash
tripod used
Backgrounds removed in photoshop CS4

[hillegom]

Nice equipment and you are a good photographer

[sphelps]

Nice equipment and you are a good photographer
Thanks. I also turn off all pumps to prevent movement during long exposures and I'll ocassionally move corals into better lighting for the picture then move them back.

[reef bound]

All beautiful. Nice job. I was interested in a night-time full tank/room shot to see about light pollution. We're just trying to decide what we're going to do for our next tank. We love the rimless idea and your tank is a great example. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Skimmerking]

nice

[MMAX]

What are the dimensions on your tank?

[lastlight]

More photographic gold man. Especially like that last coral what is it? Ricordia?

Are you using feathering on your edges?

[muck]

Looks like a closeup of a killer chalice to me.

[sphelps]

All beautiful. Nice job. I was interested in a night-time full tank/room shot to see about light pollution. We're just trying to decide what we're going to do for our next tank. We love the rimless idea and your tank is a great example. Thanks for the inspiration!
I will get that shot for you, I'm waiting to get my wide angle lens back from a friend, should get it this weekend so the pic will be up sometime next week for sure.

What are the dimensions on your tank?
54"x22"x20" (LxWxH)

More photographic gold man. Especially like that last coral what is it? Ricordia?

Are you using feathering on your edges?
Thanks! It's an Acanthastrea Echinata
After removing the backgrounds I apply an inside shadow to eliminate any harsh lines so yeah kind of a feathering effect although I don't use the feathering feature.

[MMAX]

I got a rimless 100gal built last year 48 X 22 X 22, I thought yours looked a bit longer than mine.

[Myka]

A delayed, thanks!!! :D

How's your tank doing these days?

Not at all :biggrin:

All taken with Nikon D300 and Sigma 150mm (225mm equiv) Macro
Aperture priority set to minimum (greatest DOF) F/22
Exposure time depending on the picture but around 2-10sec
ISO 200
Preset white balance
Hard sharpness
Noise reduction set on camera
No flash
tripod used
Backgrounds removed in photoshop CS4

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh....I get it. I was wondering how you got the nice black backgrounds. =] I should get a tripod for my cam.

[sphelps]

A delayed, thanks!!! :D

How's your tank doing these days?

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh....I get it. I was wondering how you got the nice black backgrounds. =] I should get a tripod for my cam.
No problem. Yes I get the black backgrounds by removing the originals in photoshop and replacing them with plain black, it's a simple process if you have a defined line to go by. I believe long exposures are key to good macros so yes a tripod is a good tool to have.

Tank is pretty good, the reduced skimming is improving LPS and other coral health but of course it's also increasing algae and since I don't have any algae eating fish it's hard to keep under control. However some of the algae growth is probably connected to a lower than usual ALK and Ca levels since I've added a few clams and corals while also cutting back on water changes. I'm going to be setting a dosing system right away to keep levels up which should help.

Couple new pictures of new additions:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Nov%2009/Nov09.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Nov%2009/Nov09_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Nov%2009/Nov09_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Nov%2009/Nov09_4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Nov%2009/Nov09_5.jpg

[Myka]

Nice new additions! That's two lionfish isn't it?? Does the pipefish eat frozen?

[sphelps]

Yeap two new lions and the pipefish eats frozen cyclopeeze

[manaf]

hey just wondering u have a amazing reef and i love the different fish u have together but arent lionfish predators and wouldnt they eat ur other fish?

just wondering because i really want one! hah

[sphelps]

hey just wondering u have a amazing reef and i love the different fish u have together but arent lionfish predators and wouldnt they eat ur other fish?

just wondering because i really want one! hah
Lionfish will eat small fish which is why I don't have any in my tank. I only keep fish that are of appropriate size so they do not become food. I do however have one exception which is a green spotted Mandarin fish but I've kept this fish with lions before without issues. Marine predators recognize psychedelic/bright colors as a warning sign and don't usually eat such fish.

[manaf]

thx for the heads up i know what im getting now!

[manaf]

o and one more thing what do u feed ur dragonette? was it hard to get it to eat? any tips? thx

[sphelps]

o and one more thing what do u feed ur dragonette? was it hard to get it to eat? any tips? thx
It feeds on copepods already in the tank, pretty much any decent sized and established aquarium can handle one or two.

[sphelps]

All beautiful. Nice job. I was interested in a night-time full tank/room shot to see about light pollution. We're just trying to decide what we're going to do for our next tank. We love the rimless idea and your tank is a great example. Thanks for the inspiration!

To give an idea on light pollution I took two pictures at night, one with no light except the fish tank and the second with room lights on as well for comparison. Both pictures taken with the same settings from the same position. Room lights each have one 13w CF.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/room_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/room.jpg

[sphelps]

A picture I took and edited on a very cold day.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Lionfishfinal.jpg

[Leah]

Very cool! If they looked like that I would get one :mrgreen:

[hillegom]

Very cool! If they looked like that I would get one :mrgreen:

+1
Still, I like the pic

[sphelps]

Very cool! If they looked like that I would get one :mrgreen:
Pretty close, straight off the camera
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Lionfish1.jpg

[fishoholic]

Very cool pic. although I've never seen a lion fish with purple and blue colouration?? Is it a reflection from something else? or is it like Christy's tang that sometimes looks very purple but really it's blue? Just wondering.

[sphelps]

Very cool pic. although I've never seen a lion fish with purple and blue colouration?? Is it a reflection from something else? or is it like Christy's tang that sometimes looks very purple but really it's blue? Just wondering.
The coloration is natural but not always easy to see. To get the picture I waited for the fish to spread its fins and be in a position where the light come through the fin from the back, then added a fill flash to capture all the colors. The edited picture has enhancements to make the color more defined.

[Lance]

Wow! Beautiful picture!

[Myka]

Great photo!! I wish I knew how to do that! =]

How is your tank doing?

[sphelps]

Thanks all! Tank is good just lots of algae :surprise:

[JDigital]

Nice work on the pic!

[Myka]

Thanks all! Tank is good just lots of algae :surprise:

You could borrow my Kole Tang...he's a pig! :lol:

[fishoholic]

The coloration is natural but not always easy to see. To get the picture I waited for the fish to spread its fins and be in a position where the light come through the fin from the back, then added a fill flash to capture all the colors. The edited picture has enhancements to make the color more defined.

Very cool, thanks for letting me know.

[Lance]

You could borrow my Kole Tang...he's a pig! :lol:


+1 Rivals the Foxface as the best algae eaters IMO

[sphelps]

Any suggestions for something that feeds on various types of caulerpa but at the same time won't be too competitive for food if kept with seahorses? A tang would be an obvious solution for the algae but wouldn't work well in this tank.

[sphelps]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/seahorse_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/seahorse_4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/seahorse_5.jpg

[Myka]

I've been thinking of nabbing one of those seahorses off Colby too, but ya the Tang would have to go, and that would be sad! :(

Too bad you already have the ponies though, since I would seriously let you borrow "Skipper". He's easy to catch (well...in my tank anyway!). Take a peek at Hector's Gobies. I think they mainly go for hair algae though. They wouldn't be competitive with the horses...they won't usually eat prepared foods.

Are your ponies eating yet? What are they eating? PE Mysis?

[sphelps]

Yes I'm feeding mine PE mysis. All the horses at the store are eating frozen, they are a special type of captive bred and are much hardier than the standard.

Thanks of the suggestion but even if they ate the algae I have I would need 100 of them :lol:

[Myka]

Why don't we just trade then? I'll take your horses, and you can have my Tang!!! :p Ya, I was in the store when Colby was unpacking the horses. They looked REALLY good!! Do you know what specie they are? I tried doing some research...

[sphelps]

No thanks :mrgreen:
Some kind of hybrid (not sure on the types), you likely won't find much info on them.

[sphelps]

The stand is almost complete and I'll get pictures up soon, in the mean time some other new pictures.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Jan%202010/Seahorse_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Jan%202010/Seahorse_4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Jan%202010/Seahorse_5.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Jan%202010/Seahorse_6.jpg

[sphelps]

Pictures of the stand, almost done.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Jan%202010/Stand.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Jan%202010/Stand_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/Jan%202010/Stand_2.jpg

[superduperwesman]

Sexy!

[superduperwesman]

That Clam is HUGE!

[hillegom]

great woodworking skills! :biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

I think it'd look nicer if it was 6'?

[sphelps]

I think it'd look nicer if it was 6'?
Is that what she said? It's not the size that matters, it's what you do with it.

[sphelps]

well this was interesting.....

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/fry.jpg http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/fry_6.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/fry_5.jpg http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/fry_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/fry_3.jpg http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/fry_4.jpg

I wish I could get some better pictures but these things are so small and it just so happens some of my equipment is at work :(

Did get a little video though, again bot not the greatest.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/th_MVI_2160.jpg (http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/?action=view&current=MVI_2160.flv)

[sphelps]

Another interesting discovery was the interactions from the lionfish. These little things look awfully similar to mysis shrimp and I would have expected the lionfish to have his fill but they didn't eat any of them..... Weird.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/th_MVI_2161.jpg (http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/FRY/?action=view&current=MVI_2161.flv)

[Triggz]

That's Awesome!! The pictures are incredible! Are your ponies the H. Barbouri X H. Angustus hybrid? Do you plan on trying to raise the fry?

[Trocar61]

Dude you take some sweet photos, thats fantastic. Your tank has to be one of the most beautiful tanks I have seen. Really Inspires me to build something like that..I want to go 48x30x20. I will be watching your progress.

[sphelps]

That's Awesome!! The pictures are incredible! Are your ponies the H. Barbouri X H. Angustus hybrid? Do you plan on trying to raise the fry?
Thanks, Yes I believe they are but I won't be raising the fry, not this time around anyway.

[superduperwesman]

WOW! That is Cool!!

[golf nut]

Great pics, looks like another successful system.

[sphelps]

Dude you take some sweet photos, thats fantastic. Your tank has to be one of the most beautiful tanks I have seen. Really Inspires me to build something like that..I want to go 48x30x20. I will be watching your progress.
Thanks so much, happy to help.

Great pics, looks like another successful system.
I would agree except for the caulerpa outbreak :sad: Taken measures now though, got a fox face and I'll be dosing some Kalk to reduce CO2.

[sphelps]

Getting the algae under control, just a little bryopsis left.

A New FTS

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/March%202010/FTS_5.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/March%202010/FTS_3.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/March%202010/FTS_2.jpg

[christyf5]

Those big clams are just stunning and that maze coral (the round one) is just perfect. Just beautiful! :cool: Not many fish in there tho, or are they just hiding/well camouflaged?

[sphelps]

Those big clams are just stunning and that maze coral (the round one) is just perfect. Just beautiful! :cool: Not many fish in there tho, or are they just hiding/well camouflaged?
Thanks, yeah the clams are getting bigger everyday, kinda scary. That maze was basically the first coral I ever bought, it's done quite well and definitely one of my favorites. No not too many fish, not a whole lot out there that'll fit in. I would like a another dwarf lion and some more horses, but no rush.

current stock

fu-man-chu lion
zebra lion
2 seahorses
filefish
boxfish
engineer goby
spotted mandarin
foxface
striped pipefish

[Lance]

Niiiiiiice! :biggrin:

[burtonboy]

WOW!!! Those clams are insane! How big were they when u got them? How long have you had them for?

[sphelps]

WOW!!! Those clams are insane! How big were they when u got them? How long have you had them for?
I got the purple one on the right from a local hobbyist who got it when it was only 3 inches, I bought it about 5 years back at about 6-8 inches, now it's close to 18". The other big ones were already fairly large when I got them and the smaller croceas range from around 6 to 1 year.

[superduperwesman]

Looking good looking good! Think one of those clams would fit in my nano?

[rstar]

Looking great Steve! Your tanks always look amazing, algae or not!!!

[andestang]

Very nice set-up. Whats at the center of pic, some type of eel ? I didn't see any mention of one. Wish I could take pics like you :)




http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/AUG%2015%202008/AQUA_Aug15_13.jpg

[superduperwesman]

I think that's the engineer goby. Nasty if you ask me :)

[sphelps]

A couple new pics

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Fish/June2010.jpg


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Fish/June2010_1.jpg


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Fish/June2010_2.jpg


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Fish/June2010_5.jpg


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Fish/June2010_6.jpg

[Trocar61]

Those are some nice shots. I now have a new desk top photo:lol:

[hillegom]

I think that's the engineer goby. Nasty if you ask me :)

Ok, I'll bite, why is the engineer goby "nasty"

nice pics by the way

[phi delt reefer]

Why did the awesomeness of this thread stop...6 months with no updates on a tank of this caliber?!?!?!

Phelps - get back to work on updates!

[sphelps]

This tank is currently sitting empty in storage. I moved from Saskatoon to Calgary so I had to sell all livestock but I kept the hardware. I just bought a house and will be moving into it in late February. After we settle in the tank will go back up and I'll post updates then.

Cheers!

[lastlight]

Where did that awesome spherical maze brain go to?

[sphelps]

Where did that awesome spherical maze brain go to?
My favorite which sold to someone in Saskatoon, not sure I recall who exactly. I'm hoping perhaps some of these people may sell things back to me :mrgreen:

[sphelps]

For those that don’t know I moved from Saskatoon to Calgary last year and as a result I had to sell all of the livestock I had accumulated since I started the hobby, although it was very difficult to see everything go it had to be done and so far I’m glad to say the move was worth while. I kept all the hardware as I knew the day would come that the tank could be setup again; well that day has finally come.

This year has not been an easy one to say the least, Jan 3rd my wife and I took position of a foreclosure home which was sold as is in uncompleted condition. The house was not approved for occupancy and needed significant work to get it there, it had no heat, bathroom or running water and just to make it more challenging it’s located 50km outside the city in new community which was only in phase one, plus it was the middle of winter and we seemed to be constantly fighting the extreme weather conditions. But we pushed on and with a lot of hard work we got occupancy approval early February. To give an idea on what we where dealing with this is the living room the tank is being put up in:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6458.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6457.jpg

So onto the important stuff:
Here’s the tank:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6489.jpg

To protect some of our investment we decided the safest thing to do was to plumb into the basement to reduce any potential for water damage on the main floor. Here you can see some of the plumbing rough in:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6488.jpg

Before the tank could be put in place I had to finish the fireplace and cabinets. I reframed the fireplace to add some more depth and line things up better with the fish tank :lol:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6493.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6492.jpg

Here’s the start of the stone and marble work. We used the same marble throughout the house so it ties in nicely.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6499.jpg

I used natural ledge stone which came in 6”x24” preassembled panels but since installing the panels directly resulting visible seams I decided to take the difficult approach and break up the panels into individual stone pieces and reassemble. It was exhausting to say the least....
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6497.jpg

Here’s the finished cabinets and fireplace with tank in place. As you can see it’s a busy wall but this way I can view everything I like from one seated position.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6508.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6510.jpg

All plumbing is completely hidden but still accessible.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6509.jpg

And here’s the start of the sump system, this will make more sense later but it’s basically 4 tanks, top is main return, second from the top is skimmer, third is frag/hold tank and the bottom is secondary return and refugium if I decide to add one. Essentially it’s a way I could reduce the need for a large pump while maintaining good circulation without the need to add a closed loop or additional powerheads.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6512.jpg

Next up will be competition of plumbing, rock work, DIY LED light fixture. However things will be a little slow as I have many other things on the go, top priority for me now is completing the garage and landscaping.

[Zoaelite]

Cant wait to see what you do with that sump system, I will be tagging along for sure!

[fishytime]

Lookin pretty dang sweet as usual man!

[badAZZlars]

Things are looking really good.

Do you think the heat from the fireplace will affect the tank?

For the layered sump, will they overflow from the top down in a cascading effect? In which tank will the return pump be placed?

[sphelps]

Things are looking really good.

Do you think the heat from the fireplace will affect the tank?

For the layered sump, will they overflow from the top down in a cascading effect? In which tank will the return pump be placed?

Thanks all.

The heat from the fireplace is directed away from the tank, I've had it on for a while and even the stone around it stays pretty cool.

Yes it will cascade downwards but the main return pump will actually be in the top tank. Basically the top sump is the main sump, the other sumps work as a secondary sump system. Top sump will have approx 1000 GPH turn over, a second return pump located in the bottom sump will pump a lower flow rate to the top sump which will overflow and cascade down through the other sumps. I may run into some issues during a power shut down and restart as the water in the top tank will be initially pumped out faster than it's replaced but I should be able to correct it with some programing using the profilux if the volume is too small.

[DCDN]

Looking forward to the tank and for the sump as well. Interested to see how it works.

[Oxymoron]

Tagging along, I love the way the fireplace came together. Came out looking sharp man.

[hillegom]

Looks good, well thought out.
It all comes together to a great design

[sphelps]

A bit of an update, tank is up and running with temporary electrical hook up and light fixture. The sumps are all running, I have a little plumbing to touch up but things are working as expected.

Next will be electrical, fence then the light fixture.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6635.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6634.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6633.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6632.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6628.jpg

[kien]

just caught up on your thread. Looks sweet! Your basement sump looks crazy awesome :lol:

I'd keep on eye on those cranes though..

[sphelps]

just caught up on your thread. Looks sweet! Your basement sump looks crazy awesome :lol:

I'd keep on eye on those cranes though..
Thanks but what cranes? Am I missing something?

[kien]

Thanks but what cranes? Am I missing something?

the two sitting right beside your tank..

[sphelps]

the two sitting right beside your tank..
Oh the picture.... funny :wink:

[sphelps]

OK so finally I'm going to build this thing, looking back I really wish I just bought a damn fixture but hopefully I'll be able to make this better suited to my needs/wants than what's currently available.

OK first off the specs:

126 LEDs in total
-56 White
-56 Blue
-7 Red
-7 Yellow

6 Drivers in total to connect to profilux PWM module, one channel for white, one for blue, one for red and one for yellow.

Going tubular heat sink, two pressurizing cooling fans and about 24 feet of 1-1/4 aluminium tubing, give or take.

Now the design:
I modeled the heat sink to make sure everything will fit within the canopy size I've chosen.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/Fixture.jpg

The tubing will be drilled/notched and welded together so the air will flow through the inner channel first and then around the parameter back towards the fans where it will vent out of the canopy.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/Fixture1.jpg

I'll figure the rest out as I go...

Here's the tube:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6751.jpg

And here's the canopy which I just finished:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6750.jpg

More to come.

[sphelps]

Here's an up to date FTS. I will use this shot for comparison, it was simply shot with the WB set to the sand, cropped in PS and that's it.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6754.jpg

The current light fixture is a 4 bulb T5 fixture, nothing special, got it used for $100 including bulbs. It really does seem to be enough light for the tank although I don't have any SPS at the moment I still think a few would survive in the right spots.
Although the LED fixture will have more light it has so far cost me just under $1200, and that's without any labor which is proving to be a lot.

[Lampshade]

Tank looks great, love the sump system. I really like your idea with forced air cooling LED, should give the air flow needed without much noise.

[mseepman]

Glad to hear that you are moving to the LED "Dark side" (or bright side if you really think about it). :)
Anyways, really keep a good eye on your LED temps with the tubes as many of the early adopters on LED just couldn't make them work for heat sinks. I think you've put more thought and effort into making the air flow...but if you want the most out of your $1200 and elbow grease, just watch the temps so that you don't prematurely burn out the LED's. I just bought the U-channel that I plan to use on mine today (they say U-channel gets rid of the heat better) but I'm still worried that things will get too hot.
What drivers are you planning on using? Have you thought about using the Meanwell HLG version of driver and going with a parallel design to save on cost? If you want examples of what others have done with this, I have a few that I could PM you as that's the way I plan to go.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this comes together as you always do an amazing job with your tanks.

[sphelps]

Glad to hear that you are moving to the LED "Dark side" (or bright side if you really think about it). :)
Anyways, really keep a good eye on your LED temps with the tubes as many of the early adopters on LED just couldn't make them work for heat sinks. I think you've put more thought and effort into making the air flow...but if you want the most out of your $1200 and elbow grease, just watch the temps so that you don't prematurely burn out the LED's. I just bought the U-channel that I plan to use on mine today (they say U-channel gets rid of the heat better) but I'm still worried that things will get too hot.
What drivers are you planning on using? Have you thought about using the Meanwell HLG version of driver and going with a parallel design to save on cost? If you want examples of what others have done with this, I have a few that I could PM you as that's the way I plan to go.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this comes together as you always do an amazing job with your tanks.

Thanks for the advice. I think this will work out just fine, but I do plan on testing temps prior to final installation. I'll probably just wire up one series of LEDs first and see how hot they get.

Drivers are from Steve's LEDs, most of the supplies are from him.

[sphelps]

Well tubes are cut and ready for welding

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6757.jpg

Here you can see the notches to direct the air through each tube

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6759.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6758.jpg

[mseepman]

Didn't realize you were using Steve's...will be interesting to see how you like them. How has his service and communication been?

[The Grizz]

Very interesting idea using aluminum tube, will be watching you thread to see how this turns out. Might have to do the same thing for my 8'er.

[sphelps]

Didn't realize you were using Steve's...will be interesting to see how you like them. How has his service and communication been?
Good, no complaints, seems to know his stuff. For the price his products seemed to be the best value for my needs. He claims the LEDs have a 90 degree beam so I won't need optics which I liked. I realize there are more efficient LEDs out there but to me these should be plenty efficient and although I could have used less LEDs for the same amount of output I figured it made more sense to spend the same money on more LEDs which will reduce the typical blue/white spot light effect I've seen with other fixtures. The separate single power supply was also a bonus as it keeps the drivers very small, essentially I'll have less clutter in the hood and only have to run a couple wires down below.

[mseepman]

really looking forward to how you put this together...

[sphelps]

Working on the LED layout.... Thoughts? (The back is at the bottom with the gap centered over the overflow)

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/LEDpattern.jpg

Don't ask me why this helps but it made more sense when I started, looking now I'm not sure if this qualifies as useful data :redface:

White beams
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/WhiteBeams1.jpg

Blue beams
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/BlueBeams.jpg

Blue and White
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/BlueandWhiteBeams1.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/BlueandWhiteBeams2.jpg

Here's the red and yellow, this will really only be used as a sunset/rise effect, doubt they'll even be on during regular hours but we'll see.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/RedandYellowbeams.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/RedandYellowbeams2.jpg

[sphelps]

The welding will be done tomorrow but since this weekend will be a right off I won't be doing any mounting/soldering until next week. :cry:

I did get some hinges mounted today:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6760.jpg

This will just allow me to lift and lower the fixture without removing it for maintenance and such if needed.

Here's a little look at the grooves I put in for the shield as well, nothing special but worth pointing out.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6762.jpg http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6761.jpg

[lastlight]

Here's a little look at the grooves I put in for the shield as well, nothing special but worth pointing out.

That's actually called 'scribing' and a very nice example of it :biggrin:

[sphelps]

That's actually called 'scribing' and a very nice example of it :biggrin:
I don't think so, I used a table saw prior to assembly so I'd call it cutting with a plan. Now if I used a knife to cut them after everything was said and done I'd let you define it as "scribing" but that's not a skill I could pull off :wink:

[lastlight]

Lol stick with your way unless you want to give your forearms a run for their money =)

The fans seem even more important to your design than fixtures with fins as these won't do much without the fans is that right? Will you have a way to monitor temp or air flow in case they slow down or fail?

[Parker]

I do remember reading a build thread on another forum where the aluminum tubing itself dispated enough heat that fans weren't warented. However, I believe he was running less diodes. It would be interesting to know what the temps would be with and without the fans.

[claymax]

interesting build tagging along

[sphelps]

The fans seem even more important to your design than fixtures with fins as these won't do much without the fans is that right? Will you have a way to monitor temp or air flow in case they slow down or fail?
Yes more than likely if the fans fail things will get pretty warm, however depending on the design on many fixtures and how they are enclosed this could be common issue with LEDs. I also ran some LEDs on my previous nano on just plain old flat bar without fans, they did run very hot but still appear to work as new a year later so worst case scenario doesn't really mean frying everything.

Some testing will give better answers but the design may still work if only one fan fails and if it does appear to be a serious threat I do have some plan B's to integrate as safety devices, temperature monitoring is certainly one of them. The other thing is the drivers will be mounted on the same heat sink and they will shut down if their temp rises above 150C.

The fans should however be pretty reliable seeing that they are the same used in some flat panel TVs which would also be pretty reliant on them. Plus I do have two back up fans on hand for a quick change if needed.

[The Grizz]

With the tube style heat sink if the fans stopped the air in the tube would just keep getting warmer with no air circa. Regular heat sinks with open fins will dissipate a little of the heat.

I think you have a good thing going here sphelps, fairly inexpensive heatsink & I really like your design, well planned.

[sphelps]

With the tube style heat sink if the fans stopped the air in the tube would just keep getting warmer with no air circa. Regular heat sinks with open fins will dissipate a little of the heat.

I think you have a good thing going here sphelps, fairly inexpensive heatsink & I really like your design, well planned.

Well it depends, typically the DIY style is to get a huge chunk of heat sink and simply hang that over the tank so yes it would dissipate a lot more heat than tubes. However some purchasable fixtures use very little heat sink to keep weight and cost down and they do rely heavily on forced air movement (Just like the cpu in a typical computer). On top of this everything is enclosed in a nice tight shell to make things look nice which will add to problems if fans stop working.

So certainly more reliable on fans than what is typically seen in the DIY apps but I think in general all LED fixtures seem pretty reliant on their fans. I guess some of the purchased fixtures may very likely have protective shut off for high temps which I may or may not need to add.

Thanks Grizz, but keep in mind isn't necessarily that inexpensive. The aluminium tube itself cost me $90 and it took two hours just to cut it all up. Then there's the cost of welding as well. For me personally my cost stopped at $90 but others without the tools would be looking pretty close to $300 min. In comparison I could have gotten a standard finned heat sink large enough for around $100-$150, less if I went will multiple smaller ones.

[mseepman]

I just ordered the u-channel that I plan to use for my build. I was going to go for the large heatsinks but couldn't source them cheaply enough in Canada. Six 6' x 2" u-channels plus one 6' x 4" u-channel all precut for me by a local machine shop for $102. Will probably start it when I get back from MACNA on Tuesday. Really interesting build using this here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2026851

[sphelps]

Here's the heat sink all welded up and drilled.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6766.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6768.jpg

And here's the beginning on the LEDs being mount, all blues are mounted.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6771.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6770.jpg

Should be seeing some light this week :mrgreen:

[mseepman]

Just a quick question...are you using any kind of nylon or other non-conductive material between the stars and the screws. I have been researching DIY fixtures for over a year and read hundreds of builds...almost all of the ones where screws went directly to the star resulted in shorts and a lot of re-work. You may have them there and I just don't see them.

Even these would work: http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=61451&vpn=WASHERP&manufacture=Startech.com%20Ltd

[sphelps]

Yeah there are very small washers and I've tested each one for shorts.

[sphelps]

Although I just went and retested and I did find one short so now I'm a little concerned. I think I'm going to go get some wider washers to be on the safe side. Thanks for the heads up!

[StirCrazy]

Although I just went and retested and I did find one short so now I'm a little concerned. I think I'm going to go get some wider washers to be on the safe side. Thanks for the heads up!

get nylon screws. easier

Steve

[sphelps]

get nylon screws. easier

Steve

Not when you include tapping that many holes.

[lastlight]

I can't imagine any of this being easy on account of your paws!

Off to a great start there. The welding stuff is way over my head but looks impressive. You have thermal paste under those directly on the aluminum as well?

[sphelps]

I can't imagine any of this being easy on account of your paws!

Off to a great start there. The welding stuff is way over my head but looks impressive. You have thermal paste under those directly on the aluminum as well?

Yeah definitely harder without thumbs!

Thanks and yes there is thermal paste under each LED.

[mseepman]

Nylon screws sound good until you need to tap. Plus they are know for slightly backing off over tim due to expansion/contraction of the heatsink. Then your stars don't have good connection to the sink and all h*!l breaks loose. Things are looking great on here though!

[sphelps]

While I wait for my new washers I thought I'd work on setting up and testing the rest of the electronics and it seems I've found an issue. The 24V power supply won't put out more than 14V, the lowest is 10V. I would have expected a range of about 20-28V so I'm thinking something maybe half of something isn't working properly. Anyone familiar with this?

[sphelps]

Nevermind, I need a new multimeter :sad:

[StirCrazy]

Nylon screws sound good until you need to tap.

bah, I have lost track of how many holes I have tapped. kinda therapudic to me.

Steve

[sphelps]

Some updates:

Covered the inside of the canopy with aluminium tape
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6772.jpg

Installed fixture and setup heat tests, this is operating at 100% on all LEDs except the yellows which I haven't gotten working yet (might be driver issue).

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6776.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6774.jpg

Hottest point I could find was at 113F according to this measuring device, other methods I used were not over 100F. This was taken after about an hour of steady state. I also doubt I'll be anywhere near 100% power, 50% is more likely closer to my lighting needs.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6779.jpg

The test was not done without fans, without the fans I suspect it will reach well over operating temp with this many LEDs at 100%. Once the fixture is done I will do some more testing but I think I'll be installing a thermo switch to protect the LEDs from overheating in the event of fan failure.

[Skimmerking]

right on Man lights looks great

[sphelps]

OK so I'm now working on getting the fixture with work with the LEDcontrol4 module and the profilux controller. So far I've had limited luck on trying to figure out how these things connect and I'm still waiting to hear back from a couple people who know more than me. So if anyone has ideas please post.

This is the LEDcontrol module:
http://support.aquariumcomputer.com/downloads/Manual_LEDControl4passive_2011-02-11.pdf

And this is the driver:
http://stevesleds.com/uploads/Quad_LED_Driver_Guide_1.27.11.doc

What I need to know is exactly what pins from LEDcontrol connect to the driver. I'm assuming pins 2-5 on the LEDcontrol connect to Pin 2 on the corresponding drivers but I don't know what connect to Pin 1 on LEDcontrol and if I need something to connect to Pin 4 on the drivers.

Any help would be appreciated :mrgreen:

[sphelps]

OK so I was unable to get the PWM controlling working however I believe it's possible with some further investigations, it's just unfortunate that a product that is geared towards the DIY market has such little support and documentation. Realistically a decent manual with examples of how to connect typical drivers would be helpful instead of the typical spec sheet that tends to focus the details on what it can do rather than how.

Anyways I've installed the fixture with the manual dimmers to get a feel for what this thing can do, here's a FTS with 100% blue, 10% red, and 50% white (the color I'm most happy with):
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6790.jpg
Not the greatest picture but my camera did have issue balancing the color.

Anyways my final thoughts are not great, overall this style of lighting isn't for me and I'll either sell it as is for what I can get or rebuilt some kind of hybrid.

These are my problems, some I feel are related to how it was built but others on LEDs in general.


Main issue is it doesn't work for rimless tank, having an open fixture means when I sit in my living room I have 126 LEDs shining in my eyes.
The color isn't as good, the corals simply don't reflect the same colors as they do with other options.
Overall brightness isn't impressive, running close to capacity over 300W of LEDs seems comparable to 200W of T5s, to my eyes anyway, yes PAR may tell a different story.
The fans are still noticeable, considering that I went through great lengths to eliminate the slightest noise even the quiets fans are a nuisance.
It's overly complicated, I just can't get over it, I feel it will be a constant problem in the future with too many parts to fail. One driver already failed from ESD, although this was my fault during construction.
The controller was a big fail, although possible far from plug and play like I was hoping and told by some.


All in all, I'll be investigating other options and I'll take what I can get for this fixture.

[mseepman]

Interesting conclusion. Do you think some of the issues related to failing equipment and coloration may be due to the choice of the budget "Steve's LED's"?

Are the fans noisy because they are high flow or because they blow into a contained tunnel which creates some additional noise?

[Kronk]

These are my problems, some I feel are related to how it was built but others on LEDs in general.

I applaud your effort, this was a creative design and looks great. I am sure you wont have an issue selling it. What are the dimensions of the canopy?

Cheers,
Ken

[sphelps]

Interesting conclusion. Do you think some of the issues related to failing equipment and coloration may be due to the choice of the budget "Steve's LED's"?

Are the fans noisy because they are high flow or because they blow into a contained tunnel which creates some additional noise?

I wouldn't call it budget equipment, it's good quality stuff and I've worked with cree and meanwell parts as well. The drivers are just a little more sensitive since they are just the raw circuit boards so ESD protection is something I should have taken more seriously. However the drivers are easily replaced and inexpensive. Coloration is typical with what you see with LEDs, I just don't care for it but was hoping mixing in some red and eliminating the use of optics would make things better but it's personal preference and I'm just not getting it.

The fans are noisy because everything else is quiet, all equipment is remote on another floor. I don't think any other fans would be better, these are quiet fans and the channeling makes no difference.

Again, nothing against LEDs. I wanted to try them so I did but in the end I have to look at the tank everyday and it's just not what I want. Mostly it just how my tank is positioned in the room, up high so when I watch TV the lights beam directly into my eyes and burn my brain, even now it's really annoying. A completely closed canopy would be ideal for this lighting, but again not what I want.

[sphelps]

I applaud your effort, this was a creative design and looks great. I am sure you wont have an issue selling it. What are the dimensions of the canopy?

Cheers,
Ken

3.5" High
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/Fixture.jpg

[sphelps]

Some quick macros under the LEDs, nothing crazy just trying it out.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6820.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6818.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6817.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6814.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6813.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6811.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6810.jpg

[sphelps]

Couple more shot in RAW mode

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6824.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/Coral_1.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/Coral.jpg

[StirCrazy]

I think you should hold off on selling the LEDs for a month at least.. just to get over the "thats different" phase. cuz I got to tell you thats some of the nicest colors I have seen in pictures that is natural looking and not looking like your using tricks to make the colors 10 times more saturated than they are.

Steve

[Sebae again]

I agree. Those pics look like they could be text book examples.

[The Grizz]

Holy fruit loops batman, those are great pics and amazing colors. I to would suggest getting adjusted to the LED's before you sell but that's just my 2 cents :biggrin:

[sphelps]

Thanks all, I've decided to hang onto the fixture for a while. I'm going to spend a little more time and money on it to fix some of my issues with it.

I've ordered a custom Arduino controller to take the place of the LEDcontrol4 by profilux which was disappointing to say the least. The controller will control everything related to the light fixture including heat sink temperature. I'm also going to work on coming up with some ideas to shade the LEDs.

We'll see how this goes.

[StirCrazy]

I've ordered a custom Arduino controller to take the place of the LEDcontrol4 by profilux which was disappointing to say the least. The controller will control everything related to the light fixture including heat sink temperature. I'm also going to work on coming up with some ideas to shade the LEDs.

We'll see how this goes.

how high do you have the fixture above the tank? controling the light spill might be as simple as putting optics on your outside edge of LEDs or lowering the fixture. I would see how low you can go befor you don't get nice coverage and mixture.

Steve

[sphelps]

It's pretty much as low as I can put it, plus even if I lowered the fixture it wouldn't help as the problem is the profile is too short and the LEDs don't go far enough up into the fixture, lowering it really won't accomplish anything unless it basically touches the water. I'm not using optics and don't plan on it so that won't work.

I'm just going to add a 1.5" trim piece to the bottom to extend the profile a little, that should fix the issue.

[sphelps]

OK so one problem solved.

The light bleed was pretty bad, so without going crazy the best solution seemed to be build a small extension.

This was it before:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6796.jpg

Here's the extension all built and stained:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6835.jpg

And here's the final result:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6838.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/DSC_6837.jpg

No more light bleed which is much better but I'm not sure if I lost a few points on style :mrgreen:

[banditpowdercoat]

Lost? No I think you gained points. Thats very nice!!!!

[Lance]

I agree with Dan. I like it better.

[TheMikey]

Wow! That looks fantastic! I'm looking to change out my T5s right now and am torn between looking at a DIY MH and a DIY LED (maybe an AI Sol). Everytime I look at LED stuff, though, it seems as though people are complaining about colour of reds and orange and loss of richness in the corals compared to MH. But holy damn, does that tank shot look great!

[StirCrazy]

What % are you running at in thoes pics? also have you looked into some PAR readings yet? if you do can you make sure you do a 100% setting reading as well as where you like it please. I am realy interested to see how Steve's LEDs put out.


Steve

[sphelps]

What % are you running at in thoes pics? also have you looked into some PAR readings yet? if you do can you make sure you do a 100% setting reading as well as where you like it please. I am realy interested to see how Steve's LEDs put out.


Steve

Hard to say exactly as the controller varies throughout the day but I would guess blues close to 90%, whites at about 70% and reds 5%.

No par meter over here so not much I can do right now, maybe sometime in the future I'll get one. I do believe there are PAR readings on RC for these LEDs if you're interested.

[The Grizz]

Definitely a 10 out of 10 for style, looks awesome.

[mseepman]

Really I have to say the tank pic is pretty great. As for the fixture...I think it looks just as good as before.

[lastlight]

Looks nice man. My preference would have been simple flat strips to match the shaker doors but I still like what you've done.

[sphelps]

Looks nice man. My preference would have been simple flat strips to match the shaker doors but I still like what you've done.

Mine as well actually, couldn't find them in Maple in the city on a Sunday. Oh well done now, looks decent. Thanks guys!

[sphelps]

Moved in a new fish from my holding tank, got him all trained up eating mysis.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/LeafFish_1.jpg

What a cutie...
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/LeafFish.jpg

Got a couple more still waiting to move in but they still need a little more work.

[lastlight]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/LeafFish_1.jpg

Prime photo for one of those photo caption contents lol. What type of fish is that? Looks like a real character.

[The Grizz]

The one on the right is a mandarin there Brett :twised:

[cwatkins]

Wow! I want a 120 rimless so bad! I wonder how big you can go before needing eurobracing?

Pics are AMAZING!

[lastlight]

I know I've seen a 480g rimless ELOS build on RC. Apparently you can go BIG =)

[sphelps]

Prime photo for one of those photo caption contents lol. What type of fish is that? Looks like a real character.

I believe it's some kind of black leaf scorpion fish. Appears to mimic a leaf so sounds about right.

[sphelps]

Wow! I want a 120 rimless so bad! I wonder how big you can go before needing eurobracing?

Pics are AMAZING!

Most tank builders will be reluctant to build a rimless tank over 5 feet in length, however from my experience and knowledge 72" long and 30" tall would be the max for 19mm. So in theory you could go 72"x72"x30" and end up with about 650 gallons of rimless tank.

[Myka]

The color isn't as good, the corals simply don't reflect the same colors as they do with other options.

I have to agree with you there, but at this point it is simply new light shining down onto corals that are acclimated to other lighting (I think...I haven't been following along well). I would like to see comparative photos after 6 weeks under the new lighting, albeit all sorts of things could change the color in that time. What I find odd is that I have seen LEDs that made the corals fluoresce in a way that I found to be very hard on the eyes, like I have to squint to look at the corals because it hurt my eyes. I didn't find that attractive at all.

All the effort you put into this build (and documenting it) is much appreciated though, and must be very disappointing for you to not be able to achieve what you wanted.

Why are you against using optics?

[superduperwesman]

I'd love to see some more new photos of the tank

[sphelps]

Some new pics:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_3.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_5.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_6.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_7.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_8.jpg

[fishytime]

thats a mighty fine looking collection of mighty fine lookin LPS:biggrin:

[sphelps]

My favorite kind of pics... Macros

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_9.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_10.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_11.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_12.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_13.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_14.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_15.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_16.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_17.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_18.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/06_02_2012_19.jpg

[reefwars]

those macro shots are amazing as is the tank:):)

[gregzz4]

those macro shots are amazing as is the tank:):)
Ditto !!

[kien]

those macros are disgustingly pretty :biggrin:

[lastlight]

Amazing shots once again =) That fourth looks like some landscape photo with a coral draped over it.