Boomboy's Comeback Tank

[Boomboy]

Hey guys

its been a while for me, maybe not as long as others, but i think around 2 years that i got out of the game, (feels like forever to me). Anyways Might as well tell the story as to why im getting back into it. I am renovating our basement and am almost finished, the thing is i need projects in order to not go insane in the long winter days in edmonton.

So i suggested that i start a new tank, and she was all for it. WOOT! ( for the married people having the wife behind the tank helps :biggrin:)

So i actually havent even ordered the tank and the reason for that is I would like everyone's help in some of the decision i have to make that im not sure about anymore since ive been out for a bit.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/Tank.png

THE PLAN :

Stock Plans - Full reef from lps,sps, zoas, brains, and of course fish.

Tank - CHANGED 36"x24"wide x 18" tall (wife didnt want me spending tons of money on a new light for the 6ft tank.

Lighting - t5's 3ft 6 bulbs.

Skimmer - Vertex 100 in sump ( currently have)

Return Pump - will either be a new pump or my current QO4000H

Powerheads- Not sure yet need suggestions


I currently have a all the live rock and will buy sand once im ready, i will be building my own stand.

Few questions.

1. Where is the best place to get a custom tank considering both quality and price, for both tank and sump together. would even consider going to calgary if worth it.

2. Ive run into the problem of where to bring out my return pump as i would like the flow on the other end of the tank so water cycles properly.

3. run into the problem of placing powerheads as i dont want wires and cords all over the place as i want to keep the tank as clean looking as possible. Ive thought about just one powerhead ( http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/wp-vortecha/Ecotech+Marine+VorTech+MP40w+ES+Water+Pump.html) just on the end of the glass to create most of the flow but on the pricey end. i also would consider doing a closed loop if that was the only cheaper way of keeping the build clean. but then where do i put the exits on the CL.

4. ive never had t5's before and was wondering on bulb selection because i will probably only have one shot to get it right the first time, with changes later down the road ( i would like to get the right colour the first time) ( i also prefer towards the bluer side slightly)

5. What is the best cheapest ro/di unit out there, since i think i need one as i dont want to hull 5G jugs around.

6. Salt selection is pretty important i think when it comes to having a reef. are there any new salts out there that are good both price wise and balance wise?

7. Flow through tank - i forget what kind of flow is needed in this kind of tank. both through the sump and in the tank.

8. Last question i swear Sump Designs- i want to put a refugium in the sump but not sure if just putting it off to the side or having all the water just flow over it works best. pretty much still working on the entire design for the sump so suggestions welcome.


I obviously understand that people will have different opinions but i would like to hear them. Ive got the entire summer to build this thing but would like to start early because i know how long it takes for everything to settle down and actually get things in the tank.

The only things i would like to stay is the length of tank and probably keeping the overflow down on one end. Also want to keep the tank looking as clean as possible. Im very handy so DIY ideas are welcome as long as they look good, i dont mind spending money on things if i cant produce the same look, but if looks dont matter ( hidden) then to save a few bucks i would do it.


Thanks to the people that actually read the whole way down and Thanks to the ones who take the time and reply. I might as well put one picture to where we are at with the renos, the next stages go by so fast once we are done with the mudding and sanding it. The room is alot bigger than it looks. Its a 17 x 11 ft room ( the door is super wide making the room seem smaller in the picture)

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P7110152.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P7110151.jpg

[Boomboy]

Wanted to put in pictures of my other tanks in the past.

JUST FOR THE FUN:mrgreen: and to make this thread not so boring.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/fishtank.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/HPIM0741-1.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/HPIM1713.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/HPIM1717.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/DSC00845.jpg



AND KITTENS!!!!!!!!


http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/HPIM1729.jpg


which now looks like this.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/IMG_0759.jpg

[BlueTang<3]

Check out concept aquatics in calgary the nicest tanks i have ever seen and he can set you up with more equipment than you will ever need.

[Boomboy]

well the thing that was keeping me from starting the tank is finally done.


TA DA


http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P7170153.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P7170151.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P7170144.jpg


Also the wife wanted me to cut down on some of the cost. so i wont be getting a 6' x 18"x 18" anymore. probably be getting 36x24x18H. still gonna be running t5's with a 6 bulb.

does anyone think that with 6 bulbs i could put sps anywhere in the tank or only at the top?

Thanks BlueTang i gave them a quick email, gonna be talking to them about it in the next couple of days to work out the details.

[Parker]

Welcome back!

You did a nice job on the basement, a tank should look right at home down there.

[doch]

You'll be fine with 6 bulbs. Should be anywhere in the tank. I was running a 36x21x18 with 6xt5ho and was growing everything... maxima clams, and sps included at all depths of the tank.

BTW... if you're looking for a good used light that I no longer need, I have a 36" aquaticlife 6xt5ho for sale. Built in timers and all. $250 now, or $200 in a month or 2. Let me know if you're interested.

[kien]

One suggestion I'd make is to try and go for a 24" wide rather than 18". For a peninsula tank. 18" will be very narrow and it'll be a pain to aquascape. You need to leave some room room for coral to grow and fish to swim on either side of the tank which won't leave a lot of room in the middle for an aquascape. 18" certainly is doable but I guarantee you will wish it was 24" down the road :-) If you can swing it, mind as well do it now. I speak from personal experience of having had both an 18" and 24" wide pen tank. :biggrin:

[lorenz0]

I agree with kien, mine is 18" and I wish mine was 24"..... plus i want a 10 bulb

[Boomboy]

maybe i posted it wrong i did mean 24" wide and 18 Tall, i put the H beside the 18 i thought that ment high. yeah i would go nothing less than 24 because i love depth in a tank makes it feel more like your in there. :mrgreen:

thanks doch, i would love to get an 8 bulb but i think the wife wants me to tone it down a bit price wise. i think with 6 bulbs i will get what i need for now, and im sure down the road i will either want more light or a bigger tank ( its always one of the 2 :lol: )

[kien]

maybe i posted it wrong i did mean 24" wide and 18 Tall, i put the H beside the 18 i thought that ment high. yeah i would go nothing less than 24 because i love depth in a tank makes it feel more like your in there. :mrgreen:


Hey guys

Tank - 6ft by 18x18 pennisulia tank with custom stand and sump. herbie style overflow ...

:-)

[doch]

thanks doch, i would love to get an 8 bulb but i think the wife wants me to tone it down a bit price wise. i think with 6 bulbs i will get what i need for now, and im sure down the road i will either want more light or a bigger tank ( its always one of the 2 :lol: )

I hear you! I just made the big jump from a 55 to a 160 with frag tank and everything. It all adds up.

Not sure if you understood what I said... hard to interpret your reply... the fixture that I have is a 6 bulb. Excellent fixture, only problem is that it's not long enough for my new tank. Like I said, I'm in no rush to get rid of it... I'll make it work for my frag tank for the time being until I sell it and get my new frag lights. The bulbs have about 4 months worth of time left on them.

Also, talk to Steve at Red Coral Edmonton about a tank. His prices cannot be touched, and the tanks are top notch! Sure beats going down to Calgary for a pick up. Truth be told, his prices can't be touched on anything that I['ve seen so far. I got all of my equipment for the upgrade from him... wicked prices.

[Boomboy]

AHHH maybe i need to edit it, the tank dimensions have changed from 6ft to just 3 feet. i will edit it so people understand what im talking about now. i posted the change below the basement pictures but i guess people missed it. :)

and i will talk to red coral about a tank also cant hurt to get different quotes for the same tank.

[Boomboy]

well good news im going ahead with the tank, got a great builder working on it, concept aquarium great people to work with, id recommend them to anyone.

i was hoping any t5 owners could chime in.

i have to get 6 bulbs and im looking for at around a 15k spectrum,

do you think
2x aquablue
2x blue plus
1x pure actinic
1x fiji purple bulb

would that give me the desired look or would that be too much blue? never had t5s before so not sure how to get it right the first time.

[doch]

I liked the KZ line... 2x super Blue, 2x New Gen, and 2x Fiji Purple. Nice blue, but not too much.

[Boomboy]

thanks doch will i get that nice glow though if i wanted to do split lighting for dawn and dusk affect?

[Boomboy]

small update

look what came today.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P7250200.jpg


just one of many things that will be coming soon. hopefully the tank will be soon :)

[lastlight]

Quick mod to the 6025 will allow for near the same flow as the 6045. Google it I run 4 modded 6025s and love'em.

[Boomboy]

well silly me i should of found that out before buying it, the reason i got the other one was because in case i dont want as much flow i can tone it down. having different flow rates has always been something i liked to do with the powerheads.

[lastlight]

Yeah exact same pumps just different shrouds =)

Nice thing about the smaller Tunzes is the fact that they put out what they're advertised to put out more or less.

[doch]

thanks doch will i get that nice glow though if i wanted to do split lighting for dawn and dusk affect?

Oh for sure. All you'd do is run the 2 super blues for your dusk/dawn periods and shut everything else off. If your light is 3/3 with 2 power cords, run a fiji purple in there with the 2 super blues. hopefully our is 4/2. What fixture are you going to run?

[Boomboy]

doch everytime i read your name really fast i think im reading douche. lol but im sure your not. i ordered Sunlight Supply 36" 6x39W Tek Light T5 High-Output Fixture (Black) from concept aquatics. i think i will be happy with that, im planning on having an open top so i wanted a decent looking fixture.

[Boomboy]

Yeah exact same pumps just different shrouds =)

Nice thing about the smaller Tunzes is the fact that they put out what they're advertised to put out more or less.


i guess you live and learn. gotta do a little more research i guess next time. :) never had tunze before but i know they are a very good powerhead.

[BlueTang<3]

I liked the KZ line... 2x super Blue, 2x New Gen, and 2x Fiji Purple. Nice blue, but not too much.

Out of a 6 bulb fixture i wouldn't run 2 fiji purples would be too pink, i tried 2 on 8 bulbs and it was overwhelming.

[Dez]

I have 6 t5s and 2 of them are Fiji purples. I like it and most people that come over like the Colour. I think it's all personal preference.

[Boomboy]

ive never run t5's so its a first for me, ive seen tanks with them and think i will like them. the whole bulb configuration i know is a personal preference thing, but since ive never had them i havent had the opportunity to try out different bulb configurations. hopefully i get it close enough on the first try, if not i will just have to buy one bulb.

[doch]

doch everytime i read your name really fast i think im reading douche. lol but im sure your not. i ordered Sunlight Supply 36" 6x39W Tek Light T5 High-Output Fixture (Black) from concept aquatics. i think i will be happy with that, im planning on having an open top so i wanted a decent looking fixture.

HAHAHA! I'm sure you're not the only one! My last name is MurDOCH! I titled my tank journal 'Murdoch's 160 gal Upgrade' to shed some light.

I too picked up the 6 bulb t5 tek light... along with another 4 bulb tek for 10 in total. The 6 is good... one of the cords powers the 2 outer most bulbs... the other powers the inner 4. Put your Super blues on the outside and you're laughing!

On my old tank I always ran the combo that I mentioned... 2xnew gen, 2x super blue and 2x fiji purple... I didn't find it pink at all. I loved the colour. Like Dez said though, it's all a matter of personal preference. Worst case scenario, if you find it to be too pink, pull one and replace it with another new gen, and save the FP for your next bulb swap.

[Boomboy]

well small update.

i finished the stand, didnt want anything fancy just something simple.
this tank also only cost me 20 bucks. :mrgreen: ( the paint cost that much)
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8110223.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8110225.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8110222.jpg


just got to put these on the door and it should be done.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8110234.jpg





also tank update apparently with the last update the tank will be here this sunday with the rest of my goodies :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen: cant wait to fill this up with water and get those rocks in.

doch i forget which bulbs i got but i will let you know what i got and how much i like it once set up.

[lastlight]

Well I obviously dig the stand... looks great =) How is your door attached? Mine just seats in a groove and magnets (sorta) hold it in place...

[Boomboy]

as of right now it just sit there, but im putting on those magnets to hold it in place then i just press the door in slightly and it pops out more and i pull it off. simple and not complicated. just the way i like it. :biggrin:

i was going for the groove to hold it in place but then just said forget it and get magnets. the door itself is very light as its only 3/8 plywood and a bit of trim.

[lastlight]

I'd seal the top of the plywood as well btw...

[Boomboy]

i know i should but im kinda lazy.

[Boomboy]

well good news, big update today... pics to come :)

[Boomboy]

well the wife was out last night with the camera but i finally got some time to move the tank downstairs and into position but i still have to paint the back of the tank, but here is where its at at the moment.


but first i just wanted to say that concept aquatics and brad working with me through the whole tank build process was great, i couldnt be happier, he even asked me questions that i didnt think of that i should of. They have very good prices but even better is the customer service which was important to me. In the end the tank turns out great and even better, the wife likes it too :biggrin:

now on with the pics.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150225.jpg

The edges look even better in person
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150234.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150239.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150240.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150242.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150243.jpg

They didnt have my top off in stock so they decided to upgrade me! :mrgreen::mrgreen:
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150246.jpg


My first T5's ever i wonder what the colour will look like.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150248.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150249.jpg


so the room is a bit messy with all my fish stuff everywhere but once i get everything in. i will clean it all up.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150250.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150253.jpg


the sump JUST fit in, i didnt have to make another hole in the side or anything which is great. the reactor i ordered also just fits in without it hitting the front door.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8150256.jpg




i will keep the updates coming as times goes on.

[lastlight]

Bangin job on those seams that's a sweet little tank you got there.

[Boomboy]

yeah. you can thank concept aquatics for that.

[abcha0s]

Hi Dan

Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad that your tank turned out the way that you had hoped. It was a pleasure working on the design with you.

Now - on to bigger and better things. When can we expect to see water in this tank?

- Brad

[Boomboy]

lol.
dont rush me :biggrin:

i cant wait to get this thing wet. painting the tank back. got the lights hung up. now i just gotta finish the plumbing and it will be ready.

it wont come soon enough

[Boomboy]

does anyone know where i can get 1" bulkheads in edmonton that are slip x slip on both sides ?

[Boomboy]

FUUUUUUUUUUUU well went to go glue my unions to my gate valve and put one on backwards. well its off to home depot to try and fix this mess i made.

[Boomboy]

well after much headaches with plumbing and a minor tank leak, i was able to get this thing filled with water.

:mrgreen::mrgreen:

now with the rocks and salt:mrgreen:, im glad i started this now and not in the winter cause what would i do then.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8230262.jpg


http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8220237.jpg

[Boomboy]

well im at the stage of waiting. down side is that i dont really have any live rock to seed with. and my rockscape probably temporary as it always is. :biggrin:

but here is where im at.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8290264.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8290272.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8290273.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P8290278.jpg

Also i seem to have some issues with either micro bubbles or just debris floating around, im gonna pick up a filter sock and see if that helps.

was wondering if anyone in edmonton has any live rock that has no pests that i could use and would return. and anyone with any cheato would be awesome too that they need to prune off :biggrin:

[lastlight]

I recently switched to mesh socks rather than felt. I love them! They are the massive 6" ones and much easier to flip inside out than the felt. I can hand-clean these in less than 2 minutes and back in they go.

Tank looks really nice!

[Boomboy]

where do you get those?

[lastlight]

Mine are from BRS. I'm sure they're available locally as well.

[doch]

I'm pretty sure that Marine Aquaria has them.

[Inedaan]

I'm sure that it really doesn't matter but... Isn't the sponge at the top of your TLF reactor on the wrong side of the dispersion plate?

Nice tank btw :)

[lastlight]

I also run my TLF reactors with the sponge like that. I like a gap where I can easily monitor what is making it past the sponge when bringing new media online. I run the output into my filter sock until that column of water above the plate is clear and then I know I'm good. The sponge above the plate makes that tougher to see. Silly reason maybe but just sayin'...

[Boomboy]

:biggrin: i just thought it made more sense to put in below than on top. i thought that was how it came in the mail :lol: does it really make a different which side its on?

i was at work thinking about my micro bubble issues and i think it might be the union valve in my pump i tried to tighten it but not sure how much it made a difference.

this is just the start, so continue to point out things cause i dont mind and appreciate the help.

[Boomboy]

well i'll post an update since everything is moving along. still dont have all the timers and everything set up but i finally got my ATO working properly it was giving me such a hard time before.

i had hair algae to start with and now i have that under control, my biggest issue right now is micro bubbles, even without my skimmer running i seem to be getting them, and i have no idea where the heck they are coming from, it cant be from my pump?? maybe also the skimmer needs a cleaning and so does the pump, so thats what i'll be doing over the weekend and doing a decent water change while im at it. hopefully i can figure out where these blast bubbles are coming from.

and of course i always post pictures LOTS OF THEM:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P9250370.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P9250369.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P9250366.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P9250363.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P9250358.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P9250350.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P9250324.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn15/Boomboy85/P9240349.jpg

[lastlight]

I've got the first bunch of zoas you posted. Really nice and they grow like weeds (the rest slowly disappear on me!)

Things look nicely settled =)

[Boomboy]

thanks lastlight. the tank is still driving me crazy cause its not where i want it to be at the moment, with the things i can control like bubbles and having everything work the way i would like it but its on its way there.

ive spent way past my fish budget for about the next 3 months so dont expect much of updates from me till christmas unless there is a sale or something:biggrin: