One Cubic Meter of Ocean

[sphelps]

Well I guess it's about that time again, with a new tank comes a new build thread.

The last tank was doing so well the fish gods decided a total crash was in order.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/coral_11.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/crash.jpg

----------------------------------------------------------

Well this my answer back.

It will be bigger, brighter, stronger and just straight up better than before.

So here's what I'm going for:
The tank will be located at the back of the new bar, it will be built in to match the cabinetry and contain two fridges and a wine rack below.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/Bar_zpsb55eea24.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/Bar2_zps5e9ce09b.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/Bar3_zps20f64485.jpg

Haven't got all the details figured out yet but enough to get going.

[fishoholic]

:eek: OMG what happened?????? and so sorry for your losses, you had a lot of nice stuff :sad:

Glad to hear you're not out and are going to come back, the new tank plan looks great

[Enigma]

Nice! With the fishroom right beside it, I imagine that is going to simplify the plumbing a bit too.

Are you doing anything with the old tank? It fit the space so well that it would be nice to see something done with it.

[sphelps]

Tank Specs:

62" x 32" x 32"
Will hold approximately one cubic meter of water
Low Iron Front
Fully Polished (not that you'll notice :lol:)
External overflow

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/NewTank_zps080451e7.jpg

It will tie into the existing fish room conveniently located right next to the tank.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/fishroom_zpscefb98df.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/fishroom_1_zpsb6f4433c.jpg

[sphelps]

:eek: OMG what happened?????? and so sorry for your losses, you had a lot of nice stuff :sad:

Glad to hear you're not out and are going to come back, the new tank plan looks great

What do you live under a rock?

[fishoholic]

What do you live under a rock?

Apparently! I just looked at your old tank journal, not sure how I missed that before.

Cool I like the idea for the new tank, I think it will look great in there.

[sphelps]

Are you doing anything with the old tank? It fit the space so well that it would be nice to see something done with it.

The old tank will come out and be replaced with something smaller that I think will fit the space better. I never liked the current placement, although it did fit well I just never though it fit in well, if that makes sense.

[Enigma]

The old tank will come out and be replaced with something smaller that I think will fit the space better. I never liked the current placement, although it did fit well I just never though it fit in well, if that makes sense.

I thought it looked great: like it was made to be there. I'm sure that means the next one will look even better in there, as you've got a very good eye.

[sphelps]

The first thing the wife asked was "will you have to cut a hole in the wall I just painted?", "yes dear but it will be small, you won't even notice"

Yeap, that'll do.....

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/IMG_0652_zps4fe09d9b.jpg

I have to move one of the sumps first to finish the hole from the other side.

[Enigma]

Is she at home while you're doing this? I'm not sure if watching you do it or finding out after the fact would be worse. :lol:

But then, I guess "small" is a relative term.

[sphelps]

Here's the stand in place, thanks to Grizz!

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/IMG_0648_zps93e8cb05.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/TankStand-sphelps_zps89ccf8f5.jpg

I didn't want a center post or bottom rail as this way I can easily add the fridges and rack below.

[sphelps]

Is she at home while you're doing this? I'm not sure if watching you do it or finding out after the fact would be worse. :lol:

But then, I guess "small" is a relative term.

I think she's been with me long enough now to know what to expect, in all fairness once the tanks in place you really won't notice it :biggrin:

[sphelps]

And the tank was moved in yesterday. By far the heaviest thing I've ever had to move. Thought it would be easy with four of us.... nope it was not.

Thanks to Dave from concept.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/Tank_20120922_zps75396b0c.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/Tank_20120922_1_zps40513994.jpg

I also managed to get some of the cabinetry built and installed before the tank went it.

[sphelps]

Today's update

Spent the weekend rearranging the fish room a little to accommodate the new tank.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/newtank20120924_1_zpsa1cbb928.jpg

Got the hole all done, just have to attach the overflow now but the holes are the wrong size so I'm still waiting to figure out what I'm going to do about that.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/newtank20120924_2_zpsaf9a7011.jpg

I also added some brackets to support the tank a little better. Since the stand doesn't have a center column on the front and I put foam under it to protect the tile, once full it won't distribute weight evenly causing the front foam to compress more putting the tank off level. The braces tie into structure and keep the stand straight, they allow up and down movement but prevent any tipping movement.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/newtank20120924_3_zpsedbffbf7.jpg

[Coralgurl]

Looking forward to seeing this one live! Looks awesome so far!

[mseepman]

I'm subscribed!! Looking good and so glad that you didn't quit the hobby after your last crash!

[The Grizz]

Looking killer Steve!!!

[reefwars]

haha buddy i was curious what you were gonna do with that spot, the tank there is perfect i love the design:)


def following along , i loved your other tanks i cant wait to see how this turns out:)


mixed reef??

[Salt2Death]

Very beautiful!


Sent Via Pirate Ship.......

[sphelps]

mixed reef??

Well I have a plan but who knows if it will work. Planning on keeping a few butterflies and angels along with whatever corals they don't eat. Probably SPS and soft corals for the most part. I've already purchased 2 golden butterflies and 1 empire angel so quite a bit already invested in the fish part. One thing I thought I could keep for certain was anemones like maxi and rock anemones. However the goldens ate those pretty quick so not a great start :lol: Hammer coral is also out and pretty much any kind of zoa/paly. The empire seems to be fairly well behaved but the butterflies are trouble for sure despite them supposedly being more on the reef safe side.

And thanks to all for the nice comments.

[reefwars]

Well I have a plan but who knows if it will work. Planning on keeping a few butterflies and angels along with whatever corals they don't eat. Probably SPS and soft corals for the most part. I've already purchased 2 golden butterflies and 1 empire angel so quite a bit already invested in the fish part. One thing I thought I could keep for certain was anemones like maxi and rock anemones. However the goldens ate those pretty quick so not a great start :lol: Hammer coral is also out and pretty much any kind of zoa/paly. The empire seems to be fairly well behaved but the butterflies are trouble for sure despite them supposedly being more on the reef safe side.

And thanks to all for the nice comments.

think they will eat acans or favias or even chalices??


if not i got some ill put aside for you for when your here next:)

[sphelps]

Acans for sure but I'm hoping I can get away with chalices. I have one frag I'm going to try but I'm going to wait a bit until they are better established on frozen.

[reefwars]

Acans for sure but I'm hoping I can get away with chalices. I have one frag I'm going to try but I'm going to wait a bit until they are better established on frozen.


ok cool well when they learn to behave themselves lol i got for you


chalices:


riddler chalice
cotton candy
watermelon
hollywood stunner
orange dotty back

and favias:

aussie reverse prism
aussie prism favia
bubblegum
purple and blue
confused warcoral


yours whenever you want them or are ready for frags:):)

[sphelps]

Sweet thanks man, I still want those blue polyps btw :biggrin:

[reefwars]

Sweet thanks man, I still want those blue polyps btw :biggrin:


got a chunk put aside for you of that as well , actually a couple chunks lol:):)

[sphelps]

Awesome!

[Myka]

Your cabinets and fish room are always sooo pretty.

[sphelps]

Picked up the new return pumps. These seem to be what all the cool kids are talking about these days do I guess we'll see.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/A05D6FF6-75A5-4CA2-8E10-50AEED91C347-3472-00000754F03D2C89.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/100G%20Tank%20Build%202011/ECCC18C1-D5D2-42F9-8336-FB0453D82F87-3472-00000754F9BB2CD1.jpg

Hoping to pick up the new overflow box tomorrow.

[sphelps]

Your cabinets and fish room are always sooo pretty.

Thanks! I really hate staining wood but I'm getting better at it.

[The Grizz]

Oh sure!!! I had to wait weeks to get my pumps and now it seems like EVERYONE is getting them like going to the store for bread :twised:

Are you going to run them externally Steve? When I read the instruction manual it only said submerged :noidea:

[sphelps]

Oh sure!!! I had to wait weeks to get my pumps and now it seems like EVERYONE is getting them like going to the store for bread :twised:

Are you going to run them externally Steve? When I read the instruction manual it only said submerged :noidea:

Yeah I'm using them external, everything I've seen online suggests external/internal use and they appear to be properly sealed so I guess we'll see. Would kinda suck if they are internal only.

[Skimmerking]

Steve looks great man well done. always love the way you bring things
together.

[sphelps]

Another hole :mrgreen:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/490163D9-2DC2-45D6-A6C5-0BB343F1A1A1-280-0000000AA77E07AA.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/725F06F6-4A3F-487D-84BA-3985D17622D6-280-0000000AA0050160-1.jpg

The hole will be used for the return line/manifold, already partially built and painted black. Both pumps will tie into the same line for now.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/9C18A5EB-A5D7-4DE8-BC03-193EB7E2713F-307-00000010A4A6EE28.jpg

Here's a quick look at the cabinet work above the tank so far. Doors will be put on later and the ceiling will continue out in this style. Either some drywall painted white or some white melamine will be cut to fit into each opening. They will be screwed in place and made to be removable for any needed future access. The screws will be covered with some kind of finishing trim which will also be removable. Also contemplating a cove style light concept for accept as well as pot lights in some areas which is still TBD.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/0D473625-8866-45E6-AA75-FC29AEA76557-307-0000001160489627.jpg

[sphelps]

Got the overflow box remade and installed the other day. Big thanks to Dave again for rushing that through the shop for me.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/0D9B384C-DFE0-4926-81A6-38CA006BB423-8543-0000040A0519CCE2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/F7F10B6A-E9BD-44DE-BD3C-3867D34DBDFC-8543-00000409FEEBEE02.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/F62AD630-917D-4DE0-A3FA-259B1729F041-8543-00000409F8D1EDAB.jpg

Looks like I forgot to turn the light when I took those pics :redface:
Anyways the overflow is pretty big but for good reason, one so I have access being that it has to protrude through a wall and the other relates to volume needed for the two pumps. The idea here is rather than running a traditional return pump I run a large return pump direct from the overflow to to the tank for circulation, the head loss here is very minor. Then I run a second smaller return pump from the sump to the overflow. Sort of like an overflow in an overflow or something you might do as a mod to an AIO tank. My reasoning for it is as follows;

Take advantage of external pumps for circulation without adding an actual closed loop.
Being able to separate the sump system from the tank without effecting the actual tank flow, good for maintenance and/or future additions or changes.
Separate control of sump turnover rate.
Possible gains in efficiency and lower noise levels.
Possible gains in simplicity and reliability when compared to closed loop.
Double surface skim effect (water from tank skimmed at high flow, then overflow skimmed at low flow and fed directly into skimmer intake).
Possible to add variable pump control if later available.

I'm running two pumps just for redundancy, if one fails then I still have circulation. Also being DC pumps I figure someone will release a module for external control with 0-10V so having two pumps will allow alternate flow patterns.

[lpsreefer]

very nice!

[reefwars]

looks incredible man .....umm i hope you know how all that works lol i pity the tank sitter:P:P:P

[Aquattro]

looks incredible man .....umm i hope you know how all that works

When I see stuff done like this, my head hurts!! In my mind, my builds start out like this, but end up as a pipe draining my tank and length of hose going back in :)
Nice job!

[sphelps]

Thanks guys.... I think :neutral:

I'm planning on a decent amount of remote monitoring so I can keep an eye on things when I'm away, I just can't go anywhere without internet access or cell service. The room is a little overwhelming, there are 17 valves so far but for the most part they are just for maintenance stuff. Not like I'm in there turning valves all the time :razz:

Plan is to setup a quarantine system this weekend and start a 6 week quarantine for the fish I have now so I'm starting fresh, hopefully without any parasites. Never done this before but being that this tank is mostly about fish and some will likely be pretty expensive and sensitive it just makes sense.

[sphelps]

Qt all setup

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/F481FA1C-41CC-4387-8DC0-C53EF2586BC1-499-0000017331A59DC8.jpg

I'll be setting up an identical tank below

[Enigma]

Any prophylactic treatments being done? Hypo? Paraguard?

Also, for remote monitoring I love my IP camera. I set a bunch of preset locations on it, which really helps. I can see water levels in the tank and sump, and the floor around the system. I can even see the polyps on most corals. It was worth every penny. :)

[JDigital]

What type of Butterflies are those Steve?

[sphelps]

Any prophylactic treatments being done? Hypo? Paraguard?

Also, for remote monitoring I love my IP camera. I set a bunch of preset locations on it, which really helps. I can see water levels in the tank and sump, and the floor around the system. I can even see the polyps on most corals. It was worth every penny. :)

Just copper treatment for parisites.

Your camera sounds interesting, I'll have to check it out when my frag is ready :boink:

[sphelps]

What type of Butterflies are those Steve?

Golden, not reef safe in the slightest way.

[Enigma]

Just copper treatment for parisites.

Your camera sounds interesting, I'll have to check it out when my frag is ready :boink:

:lol: I got some more of the acrylic plugs today from OC. I'm going to try to get you a bigger frag than the ones I've got. They're around 1.5 inches, which is too little (I think).

Oh, I just that about something. Is it to use as a test to see if anything eats it? In that case, smaller might be better?

[sphelps]

It won't be a test although it could go that way but hopefully not, either way smaller ones are fine, it grows fast.

[sphelps]

The return line branches into three lines that enter the tank through the rear Euro-brace and extend down to the base to push water upwards. I coated the lines with purple primmer and then painted them back. This way if urchins peal off some of the paint it will be dark purple underneath rather than white.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/281280FD-542E-4DEE-ABF4-3B10A628B20E-7940-00000279DE8CC26E.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/DCAC0F5A-68A8-49AC-A477-34DA29D9C009-499-000001733C09E7D7.jpg

[Skimmerking]

ya baby looking sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet stevie

[Zoaelite]

Subscribed and watching!

Odd question but are you using a wine cooler or a wine rack? Only reason I ask is if the bar fridges rears are left open to vent into the wine racks all of your wine will be warm when you go to grab it.

[sphelps]

Subscribed and watching!

Odd question but are you using a wine cooler or a wine rack? Only reason I ask is if the bar fridges rears are left open to vent into the wine racks all of your wine will be warm when you go to grab it.

Wine cooler on the left, beverage cooler on the right and a wine rack in the middle. Should be about 12" of space behind the coolers and there's space behind the tank for war air to naturally vent out. Wine rack should remain around room temp which is how I like red wine. I'm not expecting a heat issue there but I'll keep an eye on it once it's all setup.

[sphelps]

The view from above
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/newtank20121001.jpg

[sphelps]

And from the front

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/newtank20121001_1.jpg

Tank is lit with two LED spotlights so just bright enough to get an idea.

[sphelps]

Well I braved driving 30km one way in a blizzard to pick up my mail, well worth it :mrgreen:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/8E49AD8E-0B16-402F-9CE9-8175A2C951FD-1177-000003566A616F7C.jpg

Picked up
3 GHL Mitras
1 upgraded Profilux 3
2 New float switches
2 Used Tunze 6105s (Thanks John)

Now I just have to magically find a bunch of time this weekend to hook everything up.

[subman]

Can't wait to see those Mitra's all lit up!
Great looking build Steven

[sphelps]

You and me both, tank is currently lit with 2 measily T5s

[kien]

WHOA! Sorry to hear about your crash :-(

Seriously tho, those Mitras look hot!

:pop2:

[Mandosh]

They come with sunglasses?

[sphelps]

They come with sunglasses?

Yeap

[subman]

I have a severe led addiction problem....I have radions, Vega's and a sol on my tank now but I'm starting to want to sell them all and get Mitras.

(I'm a complete moron)

[Skimmerking]

more pic Steve lets go

[lastlight]

Howzabout reef meet at your place? I need a tour of your plumbing maze and those crazy sweet looking lights.

[kien]

I have a severe led addiction problem....I have radions, Vega's and a sol on my tank now but I'm starting to want to sell them all and get Mitras.

(I'm a complete moron)

Seems like fairly typical OCD reefer behavior to me :lol:

[reefwars]

hey man looks great im obviouly lacking i didnt even know you had water in it lol

thats it....subscribed!!

[reefwars]

is that a carbon reactor i see??:P

[mrhasan]

is that a carbon reactor i see??:P

Carbon gives you nightmare isinit Denny? ;)

On the serious note.....................Subscribed :D

[FishyFishy!]

DROOOL. I'm totally jealous of your plumbing/sump setup. I hope that mine turns out the least bit as beautiful as yours! lol. Can't wait to see those lights in action!

....Do they actually come with sunglasses??... or am I missing a totally obvious inside joke haha

[xtreme]

Let us know your thoughts on the Mitras. Been thinking about pulling the trigger on a few myself.

[kien]

Wow those Mitras are hot cakes! Steve needs a Mitras meet up at his haus!

[sphelps]

OK, lights are up

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121111_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121111.jpg

Initial thoughts, freaking sweet! That is all :mrgreen:

[sphelps]

Seriously though the lights are awesome, if you're thinking about buying them you need to stop thinking and buy them already.

The spread is great, I was limited to a max of 8" (water level to bottom of fixture) mounting space above the tank due to the cabinet above. The three fixtures easily cover every area of the tank which is 62x32. Two lights may even be enough but three seems like the right amount for this tank.

Color blending is flawless, you can't see any disco effect at all, even will all colors active. To make sure my eyes haven't just adjusted to LEDs I used my camera to test, it also had issues with manual WB set with LED tanks, no issues with these fixtures.

Color is awesome, you can't go wrong as you can set to any spectrum you want.

Brightness, they do in fact come with sunglasses.

Software is probably my favorite part, the composer feature is sooooo slick. You can set what seems to be an infinite amount of points and define preset or custom CCTs for different times and brightness levels and each color channel is automatically set accordingly. It's actually quite overwhelming at first yet still very easy to use. It's something you can play with forever but I just don't have the time right now to go to town just yet so I can't say much more but you can easily save your composer settings so I suspect sharing will become pretty popular.

They of course all connect wireless to each other and to the PC with a temporary cable for programming, this procedure was 100% flawless for me.

The fixtures themselves are really nice, you can dim the display to whatever level you want and even have different settings for day and night. The touch key pad is really nice and on board programming is possible but I'd stick with the PC software for most of that. Single Cables are nice and have pretty slick quick connects to the power supplies which I noticed have an IP-67 rating which is nice to see.

So now the bad stuff...
There is absolutely nothing I can find with these lights I don't like or would want to add, pretty much a dream LED fixture.

[sphelps]

A couple other updates in the fish room

The frag tank was replaced with a larger one, plumbing was changed a bit as a result and the two return pumps have been relocated in the overflow box. The upper sump was removed as I'm not feeding a tank on the main floor anymore, considering leaving the plumbing roughed in there encase this changes but it's unlikely. Still a work in progress, Profilux 3 partially hooked up but still lots to due and I still need to build and setup a new ATO for both fresh and saltwater.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121111_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121111_3.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121111_4.jpg

[Coralgurl]

Wow this seems to be coming together quickly! The lights look awesome and sound like a great fixture. Nicely done!

[sphelps]

Howzabout reef meet at your place? I need a tour of your plumbing maze and those crazy sweet looking lights.

Sure but note nobody has ever come to my house without telling me how far from the city I live :lol: I know where I live people! And serious not that far, it literally takes me 4 seconds to get to work.

[riceboy]

Sure but note nobody has ever come to my house without telling me how far from the city I live :lol: I know where I live people! And serious not that far, it literally takes me 4 seconds to get to work.

Lol that's why u should pick us up and drive us there lol we'll break of a frag when u pick us up lol. Then none of us will complain and u get a free frag. Love the lights man and sick build.

[sphelps]

Lol that's why u should pick us up and drive us there lol we'll break of a frag when u pick us up lol. Then none of us will complain and u get a free frag. Love the lights man and sick build.

Well I do need some frags :mrgreen: Thanks man

[sphelps]

A couple room shots, as you can see lots to do besides the tank

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/20121113.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/20121113_1.jpg

[mseepman]

Wow, I really love how this is coming along! Your attention to detail is admirable...I know from doing my build that thinking of all these things really takes some time. Those Mitras look pretty rocking...I got to see it at MACNA and it was very nice.

[ocean diver]

does having that door right beside the tank cause any issues with direct light on the tank and an algae problem?

[sphelps]

It's a window and it doesn't receive direct sunlight so no issues there. There is a reflection issue during daylight but I'll add window treatments once things are more developed.

[ocean diver]

OH yes I see it now, a window, OK so when you get things more finished just add some curtains. Great looking set up, and awesome fish room.

[Delphinus]

Sure but note nobody has ever come to my house without telling me how far from the city I live :lol: I know where I live people! And serious not that far, it literally takes me 4 seconds to get to work.

Well, in all fairness, man alive you do live way out there! Have you looked at a map? Because, wow, you live way out there. In fact, I was starting to worry I had overshot the mark and might be landing in Saskatoon shortly, but then I saw your turnoff and thought ... Ohhhhh .. he's trying to be closer to where he came from. I understand now. But wow, that really is way out there. I got in all kinds of trouble for being late to pick up my kids because I figured the detour wouldn't cost me much more than an hour but I was wrong because, wow, your place is so far out east (has anyone mentioned that? Because wow, it's way far away from anything. I'd say "anything that matters to me" but that's not true, in actual fact I store my sailboat very close to where you live, I get a smokin' deal on storage because it is so far away from anything.)

Any new pictures of the butterflies? I love C. semilarvatus, very nice choice!

[sphelps]

Well, in all fairness, man alive you do live way out there! Have you looked at a map? Because, wow, you live way out there. In fact, I was starting to worry I had overshot the mark and might be landing in Saskatoon shortly, but then I saw your turnoff and thought ... Ohhhhh .. he's trying to be closer to where he came from. I understand now. But wow, that really is way out there. I got in all kinds of trouble for being late to pick up my kids because I figured the detour wouldn't cost me much more than an hour but I was wrong because, wow, your place is so far out east (has anyone mentioned that? Because wow, it's way far away from anything. I'd say "anything that matters to me" but that's not true, in actual fact I store my sailboat very close to where you live, I get a smokin' deal on storage because it is so far away from anything.)

Any new pictures of the butterflies? I love C. semilarvatus, very nice choice!

Yeah, yeah it's a little east but let's not go crazy and use the S word. It's 20min to country hills and stony so if you lost more than an hour you drove the wrong way which I can't be blamed for :wink:

But for those who get dizzy from driving more than 30min on an empty highway I do have a guest house, just built it this summer. You're welcome to stay there until your recover from the exhausting drive.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/0B851736-33E9-4EB7-8C14-7058B3639D4D-948-000003A71E4E564A.jpg

[kien]

Hey, is that your old house where you used to live in Saskatchewan?

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/sphelps_saskatoon.jpg

[sphelps]

As for the butterflies, they didn't make it through QT. Had them in the previous 100gal and they were doing really well besides eating every type of coral or anemone that is. I decided I wanted to quarantine all new and existing livestock for 6 weeks prior to placing them in the new tank as I had seen occasional signs of ich and suspected the butterflies might even have gill flukes. Regardless the goal was to start fresh without any disease, unfortunately the butterflies didn't do well in quarantine while all other previously established fish seemed to do just fine and pulled through the process without issue. A couple new fish also didn't fair well so my new QT experience has not been great. As a result taking a break from fish for a while, going to stock up on coral in meantime and work on improving the quarantine tanks.

[sphelps]

Hey, is that your old house where you used to live in Saskatchewan?


Come on Kien, that's north not east

[Delphinus]

That's too bad about the butterflies. I've heard more failures with that species than success. My one attempt also was a quick fail, he didn't survive the hazing from the established butterfly (in all fairness, it was less vicious hazing than what tangs do to each other or even fairy wrasses. They must stress out VERY easy. :( )

[Ross]

Come on Kien, that's north not east
:lol:

Great looking setup!

[Seriak]

Your tile work in the main room looks amazing as well!

[kien]

That's too bad about the butterflies. I've heard more failures with that species than success. My one attempt also was a quick fail, he didn't survive the hazing from the established butterfly (in all fairness, it was less vicious hazing than what tangs do to each other or even fairy wrasses. They must stress out VERY easy. :( )

Same experience here with those gorgeous fish :( Tried a couple of times. Quarantined one time, FAIL. No quarantine a second time, FAIL. Just one of those fish that definitely belongs in the ocean in my opinion.

[sphelps]

Your tile work in the main room looks amazing as well!
Thanks! Believe it or not the shower down there took me longer than the floor :surprise:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/House/04_03_2012.jpg

[Delphinus]

Come on Kien, that's north not east

Too bad, if you were closer to Saskatoon you could totally capitalize on this sweet gem of a deal:
http://saskatoon.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-musical-instruments-guitars-Brand-new-never-used-air-Guitar-W0QQAdIdZ424819207

[sphelps]

Same experience here with those gorgeous fish :( Tried a couple of times. Quarantined one time, FAIL. No quarantine a second time, FAIL. Just one of those fish that definitely belongs in the ocean in my opinion.

Yeah you might be right, I knew someone that kept them before in a reef tank without issue before and all my books listed them as more hardy butterfly once established so I kind of jumped on the opportunity to get a pair.

[sphelps]

Too bad, if you were closer to Saskatoon you could totally capitalize on this sweet gem of a deal:
http://saskatoon.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-musical-instruments-guitars-Brand-new-never-used-air-Guitar-W0QQAdIdZ424819207

Hey I know that guy!

[Seriak]

Thanks! Believe it or not the shower down there took me longer than the floor :surprise:



I am going to assume you are one hell of a handyman or you do that for a living. Amazing.

Oh and I just bought that guitar for $10. Sorry to anyone who wanted it.

[kien]

I am going to assume you are one hell of a handyman

sphelps got mad skillz!

[sphelps]

I am going to assume you are one hell of a handyman or you do that for a living. Amazing.

Oh and I just bought that guitar for $10. Sorry to anyone who wanted it.

Thanks. Engineer but I prefer to work with my hands. It's really just practice and will, when I bought the house it didn't even have a bathroom and at the time I had no money to hire anyone.

[sphelps]

Here's the new little tank I setup upstairs in place of the old 100gal. I think it's about 25 gallons or so, no sump just a heater and a powerhead. Lit by DIY LEDs.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121113_4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121113_2.jpg

[mseepman]

Wow...nice little nano setup. It appears you have been permanently coerced to the LED dark side (or light side depending on who you speak to). :)

[kien]

As for color, I don't think you get better results from LEDs but this tends more to be personal preference. I find that MH's have the potential for a more broad spectrum which gives a better balance for various coral colors. T5s are also really good for coral color for similar reasons and that you can mix and match various bulbs to meet your preference. I find that with only using white and blue LEDs the colors in many corals are not spectacular by any means, you could add other color LEDs for better results but preforming this experimentation isn't as easy as changing a T5 or MH bulbs.

Also pictures can be misleading, I can take a picture of any coral under any light and make it look way better than in person. Cameras can adjust color and light balance much better than our eyes.

:lol:

Seriously though the lights are awesome, if you're thinking about buying them you need to stop thinking and buy them already.

The spread is great, ...

Color blending is flawless, you can't see any disco effect at all, even will all colors active...
Color is awesome, you can't go wrong as you can set to any spectrum you want.

sorry, I couldn't resist! Excuse me now while I go buy some new LEDs for my tank..

[Ross]

:lol:

sorry, I couldn't resist! Excuse me now while I go buy some new LEDs for my tank..

Just like he never left...

[sphelps]

:lol:



sorry, I couldn't resist! Excuse me now while I go buy some new LEDs for my tank..

I stand by it, the color from my DIY LEDs sucked at first, it wasn't until I added red, green, blue, yellow, UV and cyan before I was satisfied with the color but then controlling 8 channels on a DIY fixture is a nightmare and then things starting becoming problematic, ie some channels started flickering or stopped working all together. It was a constant project that never ended sucking up money and time. When I first heard about the Mitras it immediately sparked my interest for obvious reasons and with the timing on the new upgrade making the right choice was easy.

[kien]

When I first heard about the Mitras it immediately sparked my interest for obvious reasons and with the timing on the new upgrade making the right choice was easy.

tru dat! It still blows my mind how advanced LED lighting options have become and how brisk they are coming to market now.

[sphelps]

Well I found the cure for empty tank syndrome today :mrgreen:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121116.jpg

Anyone happen to know the cure for angry wife syndrome? Strangely enough it seems to be a side affect of my cure. :sick:

[sphelps]

The pic ain't great but that's what 21 sps colonies looks like as well a couple LPS corals. I'll get more pics up as I move them into the display.

[Delphinus]

:lol: Can't help you there, I'm trying to find the answer myself.

Where'd you find those nice little gems?

[sphelps]

:lol: Can't help you there, I'm trying to find the answer myself.

Where'd you find those nice little gems?

Concept, I suspect Denny will be busy tonight :lol:

Get-em while they're hot!

[lastlight]

christmas came early you must be stoked!

guess you need to make your trips count seeing as you need to prep with the extra jerrycans of gas and food rations when you hit the road.

[sphelps]

guess you need to make your trips count seeing as you need to prep with the extra jerrycans of gas and food rations when you hit the road.
This should be your new avatar
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jOerwh-E6V4/S-jT8LKkmOI/AAAAAAAAARg/j-Q679oO9Pg/s1600/Ass.jpg

[riceboy]

the cure is everything costs 5-10 dollars each and it was a sale buy 1 get one free lol

[sphelps]

the cure is everything costs 5-10 dollars each and it was a sale buy 1 get one free lol

lol, we share a bank acount

[riceboy]

lol guess ur sol unless u stop by and get her flowers everytime u buy something lol just say ur always thinking of her and quickly run downstairs lol

[sphelps]

lol guess ur sol unless u stop by and get her flowers everytime u buy something lol just say ur always thinking of her and quickly run downstairs lol

Haha nice

She'll be fine once she sees all the pretty colors :surprise:

[riceboy]

the cure is everything costs 5-10 dollars each and it was a sale buy 1 get one free lol

this is my go to trick lol

[sphelps]

this is my go to trick lol

Oh man I hope she does read this forum.

[riceboy]

Oh man I hope she does read this forum.

lol i hope not

[Bayside Corals]

Hey Steve awesome tank and build! Very impressed on an awesome looking setup! And don't forget all the best corals come from Sask. :)

[Bayside Corals]

I also still have some of your Cali Tort from back in the day if you want some back?

[JDigital]

Concept, I suspect Denny will be busy tonight :lol:

Get-em while they're hot!

Nice stuff Steve.. Got some big colonies there. :mrgreen:

I took my fair share of stuff tonight as well (not 21 :lol:). 3 SPS colonies, 2 Chalices, and the Ricordia rock.

[sphelps]

I also still have some of your Cali Tort from back in the day if you want some back?

Yeah I do want some for sure and yeah I know where the best corals are. I try to explain it to these Calgary guys but they just don't get it. Thanks for the comments we'll have to talk soon!

[sphelps]

I got my two fridges in place this weekend. The plan was to get proper front vented ones so they could be built in but unfortunately the choices came down to a lower priced Danby unit which was still over a $1000 a piece for a compressor that would likely fail after a year or better models for $1500-$2000+ a piece. Luckily we found a standard non-front vented Frigidaire model that only required 2" of clearance (most others are 5" +) which is something I can live with.

Next issue was they looked like this
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/5C2578E6-DB24-40E4-993C-F7B7199EB24C-516-00000131CB695C7C.jpg
Stainless steel isn't really something that fits in our house or our bar plans and these fridges don't have optional wood door kits.

So I took upon myself to remove all the stainless and fit a wood frame in it's place.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/8D61E67A-AEBD-402D-879F-F5F3272A0763-516-00000131D3267E40.jpg

Routered the outside edge to be flush with the door, a little stain and two custom fridges in place for less than a $1000 combined.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/D5DB4D86-08E8-49EB-A824-0CC38C42E2B9-516-00000132009068EF.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/CAC2558F-65E1-42B3-A659-70D461271A37-516-00000132A9B6C871.jpg

They'll look built in once I trim around them.

[kien]

well, I guess I don't have to ask you what method of carbon dosing you'll be employing on your tank..

[sphelps]

well, I guess I don't have to ask you what method of carbon dosing you'll be employing on your tank..

Is there any other way?

[Zoaelite]

I have so much more respect for you after seeing this photo :razz:!
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/D5DB4D86-08E8-49EB-A824-0CC38C42E2B9-516-00000132009068EF.jpg

Ever take the brew tour that they offer?

[riceboy]

lol i guess thats one incentive for us to drive out there lol
I got my two fridges in place this weekend. The plan was to get proper front vented ones so they could be built in but unfortunately the choices came down to a lower priced Danby unit which was still over a $1000 a piece for a compressor that would likely fail after a year or better models for $1500-$2000+ a piece. Luckily we found a standard non-front vented Frigidaire model that only required 2" of clearance (most others are 5" +) which is something I can live with.

Next issue was they looked like this
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/5C2578E6-DB24-40E4-993C-F7B7199EB24C-516-00000131CB695C7C.jpg
Stainless steel isn't really something that fits in our house or our bar plans and these fridges don't have optional wood door kits.

So I took upon myself to remove all the stainless and fit a wood frame in it's place.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/8D61E67A-AEBD-402D-879F-F5F3272A0763-516-00000131D3267E40.jpg

Routered the outside edge to be flush with the door, a little stain and two custom fridges in place for less than a $1000 combined.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/D5DB4D86-08E8-49EB-A824-0CC38C42E2B9-516-00000132009068EF.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/CAC2558F-65E1-42B3-A659-70D461271A37-516-00000132A9B6C871.jpg

They'll look built in once I trim around them.

[sphelps]

I have so much more respect for you after seeing this photo :razz:!

Ever take the brew tour that they offer?

Don't get too excited, they were on sale :mrgreen: but a personal local favorite none the less, except for the lime.

I have not taken the tour, is it worth it?

[sphelps]

lol i guess thats one incentive for us to drive out there lol

You're easily impressed, you haven't seen nothing yet, much more planned for this bar.

[Zoaelite]

Don't get too excited, they were on sale :mrgreen: but a personal local favorite none the less, except for the lime.

I have not taken the tour, is it worth it?

I have to agree here, I'm a big fan of most of the Big Rock products (especially the Rock Creek cider in bottle) but there lime tastes too artificial for me... I feel this way about most beer with lime in it though.

This will be my fourth year in a row going, you pay just over $40 for a wicked tour and then you get unlimited drinks when you get back to the club house!
I go with all of my Geo buddies though, not sure if its the brewery or the geologists that make it enjoyable probably a nice combination of both!

[sphelps]

I guess you like geologists? Enough to say they really rock and that you really dig them?

[Zoaelite]

My sediments exactly, geologists are the schist! It's their fault I've turned into the bloodly alcoholic that I am :razz:.

[sphelps]

My sediments exactly, geologists are the schist! It's their fault I've turned into the bloodly alcoholic that I am :razz:.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aLk564CkBx8/TOpn-2A029I/AAAAAAAAASM/1l2n0YVWSiY/s320/072510_SiesmicGeologist.jpg

[Zoaelite]

Haha, best.

Sent from my HTC Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

[sphelps]

Some coral pics! :mrgreen:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121119_6.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121119_5.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121119_4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121119_3.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121119_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121119_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121119.jpg

FTS
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121118.jpg

[mrhasan]

Awesome :D :D

BTW what's the yellow thingy on the left?

[sphelps]

Yellow Fiji leather, fully open during most of the day but I can only take pics at night so it's usually closing up by then.

[mrhasan]

Oh! But why at night?

[sphelps]

Reflection on the glass from the window next to the tank that doesn't have shades yet.

[Stones]

Looking great Steve! Your new system is coming along very nicely. I'm glad someone finally tried out the GHL Mitras and posted a review as I had been curious regarding their performance.

I'm a big fan of the tile you used in the basement and if I may say, that is one top shelf looking shower! Did you use a mastic to stick the tiles to the ceiling or mortar and some sort of prop to hold them in place while the mortar set?

[Coleus]

beautiful setup and I really like those shots

[mseepman]

Wow...the tank is looking awesome! You have a knack for great pictures.

[sphelps]

Looking great Steve! Your new system is coming along very nicely. I'm glad someone finally tried out the GHL Mitras and posted a review as I had been curious regarding their performance.

I'm a big fan of the tile you used in the basement and if I may say, that is one top shelf looking shower! Did you use a mastic to stick the tiles to the ceiling or mortar and some sort of prop to hold them in place while the mortar set?

Thanks Stones, the shower was all lined with kerdi first which is best described as a waterproof fleece membrane. It's attached to tile backer with non-modified mortar. The tiles are then stuck to that with a modified mortar, no mastic or prop was used to hold them up. I just watched it for a few minutes before stepping away and I did one tile at a time on the ceiling so I didn't risk bumping it with the next one.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/House/16_01_2012_8.jpg

[sphelps]

Who likes granite?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/85F8D8B6-D2F4-46AA-A841-1D341876D434-1635-00000325CEE9D85D.jpg

[Mike-fish]

Nice piece where's that going

[sphelps]

Nice piece where's that going

On top of this

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/4D53D807-C8F4-408A-9DAA-2E35BB2F5093-1635-0000032F2CB60A86.jpg

[BlueTang<3]

Wow once again this is a sweet thread to follow along your doing a great job. That pattern in that granite looks crazy.

[Stones]

That's gonna be one sweet looking bar!

Thanks for the info on the tiled ceiling in the shower as well. Must have been a painfully slow process putting it up one tile at a time. It's a ton of work to mix up the mortar to just do one tile. Are those quartzite tiles you used in the shower?

[sphelps]

That's gonna be one sweet looking bar!

Thanks for the info on the tiled ceiling in the shower as well. Must have been a painfully slow process putting it up one tile at a time. It's a ton of work to mix up the mortar to just do one tile. Are those quartzite tiles you used in the shower?

That's the idea.

The tiles are travertine, unfilled so they were super porous and extremely delicate. They would often crack while being cut which was the most frustrating part since I went with 18x18 tiles and as you can probably tell there are very few tiles that didn't require cutting. Mixing up small batches of mortar wasn't a big deal and it was only the ceiling I did one tile at a time.

[sphelps]

Wow once again this is a sweet thread to follow along your doing a great job. That pattern in that granite looks crazy.

Thanks bud, I'm watching your build closely as well which is looking awesome. I actually went into the granite warehouse to pick out a slab of the same more basic Bianco Antico which is what we used in the bathroom but it turns out I'm easily distracted.

[sphelps]

Does it look like a bar yet?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121207.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121207_3.jpg

6'x8' L with no seems :biggrin:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121207_2.jpg

[sphelps]

Oh and the tank is coming along nicely.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121207_4.jpg

I think I need something for the sand.

[reefwars]

nice they did it in one piece:)


dude the tank looks fantastic:)

[gregzz4]

That looks fantastic :biggrin:

What are your ceiling plans ?

[kien]

That looks dope yo!

Glad to see I'm not the only one fighting sand bed diatoms :lol:

..seriously, let me know when you figure it out :neutral:

[lockrookie]

Sand sifting star helped me with my issue and a couple straw erry conches which had a recent demise to a couple crabs


Sent from my porcelain aquarium

[sphelps]

nice they did it in one piece:)


dude the tank looks fantastic:)

Haha yeap! I snapped a quick pic as they stumbled with in in the front yard. 6' x 8' L in 1.25", must have been pretty heavy.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/9F9E0072-9026-43D6-82C2-C30B64012C43-927-000001840D02B11F.jpg

Thanks bud!

[sphelps]

That looks fantastic :biggrin:

What are your ceiling plans ?

Thanks, Here's a preview of the ceiling.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121208_1.jpg

Building a wood frame to match the cabinets with a sunk in ceiling panel that's around 3'x3'. It's all completely removable for access and has integrated cove lighting :biggrin:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/CoveLights.jpg

I've only got 2 of a total of 8 panels complete that will be over the bar area.

[sphelps]

That looks dope yo!

Glad to see I'm not the only one fighting sand bed diatoms :lol:

..seriously, let me know when you figure it out :neutral:

Thanks yo! Probably just get a goby or something to deal with it.

[daplatapus]

That ceiling is awesome!

[fishoholic]

Gorgeous! :thumb:

[lastlight]

Totally wish I had your woodworking skills everything is looking top shelf! Tell me your ceiling lights are profilux controlled...

[sphelps]

Tell me your ceiling lights are profilux controlled...

hmmm, then I could have clouds and lighting stores :surprise:

[Coralgurl]

You are definitely go big or go home type guy! This is going to be amazing once completed, very cool!

[sphelps]

and lighting stores

lighting stores? Come on Steve get it together. Lightning storms :redface:

[kien]

lighting stores? Come on Steve get it together. Lightning storms :redface:

Talking to yourself is the first sign of madness..

[sphelps]

Talking to yourself is the first sign of madness..

Sounds about right, what's the second sign?

[Trigger Man]

It sure is looking great, but it will not look like a bar until there are a couple of cold ones cracked open on top of that granite. Throw in a little spill and you would even have the bar christened.

[sphelps]

It sure is looking great, but it will not look like a bar until there are a couple of cold ones cracked open on top of that granite. Throw in a little spill and you would even have the bar christened.

In due time but the first beers served at this bar won't be from a can or bottle :wink:

[gregzz4]

Wow, gonna be one helluva nice bar

[Stones]

Nice work with the ceiling man!

What type of material are you using for the frosted inlays in between the woodwork? Looks pretty slick with the RGB led backlighting.

[lastlight]

In due time but the first beers served at this bar won't be from a can or bottle :wink:

body shots or keg i need to know?

[kien]

body shots or keg i need to know?

you meet the guy once and you're already asking for body shots? Get it together man!

[lastlight]

that was time three do your homework boss. the last time around i stalked him at big als undetected though so not sure it counts.

[kien]

that was time three do your homework boss. the last time around i stalked him at big als undetected though so not sure it counts.

sorry, I didn't know you had previously targeted him for stalking. Carry on then.

[lastlight]

he bought coral off me too during my last rape'n'pillage fest.

[Ross]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121208_1.jpg


What are the orange pipes? Fire suppression?

[lastlight]

how do you make the beams? Are they reg lumber or plywood covered with a stained veneer?

[Stones]

how do you make the beams? Are they reg lumber or plywood covered with a stained veneer?

+1

Was wondering this myself looking at that sweet ceiling again. My suspended ceiling is looking more ghetto every time this thread gets updated.

[sphelps]

It's just maple plywood (3/4"), corner maple pieces hide the plywood edges. Here's a beam I haven't put up yet:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/80BDFB6C-07FF-43A6-ACFF-AC6A92FC41CB-2207-000003EB64D9AAC4.jpg

[lastlight]

Maybe the pic is too small to see but I swear the grains are continuous edge to edge on all sides? You're staining the ends that show the plys? To my eyes all sides look like nice maple?

[lastlight]

Wait by corner maple pieces you mean 3/4 veneer strips? Still can't even see those if that's the case.

[sphelps]

Most of the pieces up there have edge banding on them to cover the edges. Originally I just planed on doing that without the corner covers but I later decided to add the corner covers because it looked better. By corner covers I mean these:
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQMeUtismt0pvOVnhAwhYjdftOdf7-ySSzYoO76g_977BIBSMaH
So I won't be bothering with edge banding for the remaining beams.

[Coleus]

I like your ceiling beam, i should have done something like that.

[sphelps]

Nice work with the ceiling man!

What type of material are you using for the frosted inlays in between the woodwork? Looks pretty slick with the RGB led backlighting.
It's not frosted inlays, it's just drywall cut to size and painted white, here's a pic of one of the LED covers removed. You can see one of the screws holding the drywall up and the led strip light.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/BD4BD97B-7093-4A26-B963-77835F17CBB6-2340-0000043090593F10.jpg

body shots or keg i need to know?
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/8DC17E36-5B6D-4EDE-9402-42691C8B4D61-2340-000004309C17ADF7.jpg

that was time three do your homework boss. the last time around i stalked him at big als undetected though so not sure it counts.
he bought coral off me too during my last rape'n'pillage fest.
It was actually Pisces :surprise: and for the record I just bought some corals, I don't need a jealous kien crying at my doorstep.

What are the orange pipes? Fire suppression?
Yeap, my house has sprinklers installed in every room and closet. Ties straight into a 2" water line at 100psi so I only need to worry about drowning in my sleep and not smoke inhalation.

[sphelps]

I like your ceiling beam, i should have done something like that.

If you did you'd still be working on it. I am developing a severe problem relating to extending the amount of time and money involved to finish this basement. It was suppose to be done by Christmas.... 2011. A year over schedule and I'm half done.

[ChizerBunoi]

Looks amazing. That is some very nice tile work also.

[FishyFishy!]

Yeap, my house has sprinklers installed in every room and closet. Ties straight into a 2" water line at 100psi so I only need to worry about drowning in my sleep and not smoke inhalation.

^^^
LOL!

Looking killer mang. If only I had half the DIY skills you do.... MAYBE I would be half done my build! lol

[Stones]

Thanks for posting the explanatory pics regarding the ceiling tiles. Man you are going to be needing alot of LED strip lighting to do the edges of all 8 panels!

[sphelps]

Thanks for posting the explanatory pics regarding the ceiling tiles. Man you are going to be needing alot of LED strip lighting to do the edges of all 8 panels!

30 meters give or take, 432W total

[Stones]

That's alot of LED strips indeed.

Where are you sourcing the led strips from if you don't mind me asking?

I did RGB controllable LED backlighting on my wall mounted TV and got a kit from barlighting.com but they were pretty pricey.

[sphelps]

That's alot of LED strips indeed.

Where are you sourcing the led strips from if you don't mind me asking?

I did RGB controllable LED backlighting on my wall mounted TV and got a kit from barlighting.com but they were pretty pricey.

They are 5050 72W 5 meter strips, looks identical to that website but I bought mine from ebay (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/5M-300Leds-Waterproof-5050-RGB-SMD-Flexible-Strip-DIY-/150618478791?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item23118f98c7#ht_4150wt_902) for significantly less. I'm still deciding on what controller to use as the standard ones are pretty crappy and only power 5m unless you use signal amplifiers which I did order but they are total crap and no way I'm trusting them.

[Scythanith]

That's looking sweet Steve! Heather said you were knee deep in a new tank so I thought I'd log on and check it out. Very impressive buddy! I like where your heads at with the bar! Next time Wendy and I make it that far west we will have to get together.

On a side note, any interest in advising me on some of my plumbing/sump set up? We are getting the basement designed and I have my fish room set aside. I'm not going for anything near what you have put together but I value your input.

Cheers!
Scott

[sphelps]

Bar done before Christmas.... check

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121224_zps80f6f925.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121224_1_zpsf07fac05.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121224_3_zps7b01003d.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121224_2_zpsa2c0fef9.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121224_4_zps7b1ab718.jpg

Well except the doors but they're on order :redface:

[sphelps]

That's looking sweet Steve! Heather said you were knee deep in a new tank so I thought I'd log on and check it out. Very impressive buddy! I like where your heads at with the bar! Next time Wendy and I make it that far west we will have to get together.

On a side note, any interest in advising me on some of my plumbing/sump set up? We are getting the basement designed and I have my fish room set aside. I'm not going for anything near what you have put together but I value your input.

Cheers!
Scott

Thanks Bud, I sent you a PM but contact me anytime if you need anything.

[riceboy]

Dude that looks amazing, we should do the next reef meet here. Wonna pick us up and drive us home after lol. Nice work dude

[lastlight]

Holy crap you suck Steve! Frig that is so sweet it angers me lol. Reef meet sounds good if you serve wings at the bar.

[Aquattro]

That's a nice looking room!!

[sphelps]

Thanks guys, I have to agree it did turn out quite well :mrgreen:

As for meeting my house, I can handle wings and beer but not taxis :lol:

[Delphinus]

Why, because you live far away? I thought you said it wasn't that far. :)

Very nice work by the way! I might have missed this but what are the panels themselves?

[sphelps]

Why, because you live far away? I thought you said it wasn't that far. :)

Very nice work by the way! I might have missed this but what are the panels themselves?

Yeah it's not THAT far but still far.

The panels are just cut to size drywall painted white.

[JDigital]

Wow! That bar is impressive man! It almost takes away from the tank. :lol: Nice work.

[sphelps]

Wow! That bar is impressive man! It almost takes away from the tank. :lol: Nice work.

That's not such a bad thing :biggrin:

[sphelps]

Beer anyone?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20121224_7_zps1012979d.jpg

[guitarjeffy]

me please....from one home brewer to another, :mrgreen:

[sphelps]

me please....from one home brewer to another, :mrgreen:

I don't home brew, I just buy kegs :biggrin:
I placed a subtle hint of this in the pic ;)

[guitarjeffy]

I don't home brew, I just buy kegs :biggrin:
I placed a subtle hint of this in the pic ;)

Oh rich guy eh? lol.....hint?,,,,the glasses? I use different branded glasses than the beer Im dinkin. :razz:

[kien]

Wow, mad skills right there man. I should have asked for your basement for Christmas.. At least now we know where the next reef meet will be. :-D

.. But only if you serve wings.

[Nano]

Wow. I'm diggin it for sure. Love the ceiling well done

[The Grizz]

HOLY SHYTE Steve! That look absolutely incredibly awesome!! Big change since I dropped off the stand, very very nice.

[Ginu]

Well done, that bar looks amazing.

[sphelps]

Got busted buying some plumbing parts yesterday during Brett's regular stalking routine so I figure I should probably post a little update.

Decided to rebuild my sumps since I pretty much have the equipment I want figured out and I was getting tired of how it was setup before. Always room for improvement and with the help of a friend I came up with a more efficient and simplistic way of setting things up. I've also been itching to build some acrylic sumps again :mrgreen:

Here's what it looked like before I started:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130303.jpg

Here's the new acrylic sumps to replace the old glass ones:

This one is basically a frag tank, the black boarder around the base will support my new custom frag racks that I still need to make.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130303_1.jpg

This one will hold all the equipment.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130303_3.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130303_2.jpg

Here's some midway pics from this morning

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130303_4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130303_5.jpg

And here's my progress so far, plumbing pretty much all done.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130303_6.jpg

Here's my basic plumbing layout

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/47e4080b-615f-496c-9df2-0c0efdd336c1.jpg

[Scythanith]

Looks good Steve! I can't wait to give the setup a try on my tank. Denny said he was going to send me some pictures of the tank soon.

Where is your overflow water draining into? I see a line that runs along the bottom of your top sump but can't tell where it connects to. The return from the lower sump is on the top right corner correct?

[lastlight]

What happens at rona stays at rona I was giving you a free pass :)

Did you build the sumps yourself? Those look sick! What thickness did you use?

[Madmak]

Very nice Steve!

[sphelps]

Looks good Steve! I can't wait to give the setup a try on my tank. Denny said he was going to send me some pictures of the tank soon.

Where is your overflow water draining into? I see a line that runs along the bottom of your top sump but can't tell where it connects to. The return from the lower sump is on the top right corner correct?

Two 1.5" lines from the overflow tie directly into the frag tank. Here's some close up pics

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/4F3E9F5A-BF00-4598-90A3-E44B884A55C3-1168-0000028FAEC352B8.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/115BA606-8CB4-4D8C-B77A-154DDD9E8A96-1168-0000028FB4E1D7B3.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/C69A5C46-B4F7-4462-8810-DFB8E14D7D5B-1168-0000028FC428DDAE.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/B5D1B930-C3A6-420E-8CDA-5E9ADDFC10D3-1168-0000028FCB9696A3.jpg

Only issue is I don't have enough pressure drop to run both pumps full power, but I have 2 more holes in the overflow I can use. When you do yours make sure you use 2" lines and set the sump a little lower than we originally planned. We'll go over details closer to the time.

[sphelps]

What happens at rona stays at rona I was giving you a free pass :)

Did you build the sumps yourself? Those look sick! What thickness did you use?
Sorry still learning the rules. Yeah I built them, sort of a past life for me. It's all 1/4" Cast.

Very nice Steve!
Thanks bud!

[Scythanith]

So you put the returns on opposite sides of the sump mostly due to space constraints on the left side of the upper sump correct?

I wonder if I should ask Denny to change my design to have the two returns on the sump side by side? The stacked design may give me similar issues. If we lower the sump then we take away the silent aspect of the overflow box to sump don't we?

[sphelps]

So you put the returns on opposite sides of the sump mostly due to space constraints on the left side of the upper sump correct?

I wonder if I should ask Denny to change my design to have the two returns on the sump side by side? The stacked design may give me similar issues. If we lower the sump then we take away the silent aspect of the overflow box to sump don't we?

Yeah space constraints mainly, couldn't fit two on one side that's for sure. Not sure if the frag tank will benefit more from opposing flow or single direction, ultimately it probably doesn't matter. I wouldn't change yours as that means you'll probably have to plumb underneath which I only did cause I had to.

Noise won't be an issue, you'll need standpipes in the overflow to maintain the water level in the overflow box but the drop will still be small enough to essentially maintain the lines full of water or at full siphon meaning no air and no noise. With your two inch pipes I'd aim for a 6" height difference between overflow water level and the frag tank water level. Worst case you stick a gate valve on one of the lines and go herbie but I don't see that being necessary. I'll get a plan drawn up for you next week :)

[sphelps]

A little more progress, I lowered the sumps a little and got pretty much everything the way I want it now.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306.jpg

Frag racks :mrgreen:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/F1DFEC62-ECC0-4F47-BAC4-E6A168AA92C0-2083-0000045BE999A94D.jpg

Three of them in place, 381 frag capacity :mrgreen:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_1.jpg

Lower sump, the zeovit reactor has it's own chamber so I can dose the zeoback and such so it's forced to the enter the reactor before anything else. Refugium back left, kalk reactor front left.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_2.jpg

Most the electrical is a cabinet, Ca reactor mounted in the side. I just remembered were I left my beer from last night.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_3.jpg

[Stones]

Nicely organized Steve. That's gonna be a small scale aquaculture facility once you get some frags in those racks!

[sphelps]

Nicely organized Steve. That's gonna be a small scale aquaculture facility once you get some frags in those racks!

Thanks, as you may know I'm predicting an increase in frag value in the future :lol:

[sphelps]

I was playing around with some focus stacking techniques a while ago, not much to show but a few pics. Figured it I need some livestock stuff to balance things out a little. Hopefully get some more up later.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130213_2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130213_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130213.jpg

[phi delt reefer]

your wife must LOVE you...

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130303_4.jpg

[sphelps]

your wife must LOVE you...


She's seen worse and I think she's just happy it was the bar and not the kitchen.

[HaZRaTTy]

She's seen worse and I think she's just happy it was the bar and not the kitchen.


I was going to say are you calling his wife an alcoholic?

Haha kidding - I love your house that is an awesome looking bar... and the setup from what I can see in your basement looks fantastic.

Nice house!

[Delphinus]

Wow, nice work! Did you drill those frag plug holes by hand? That is some patience...

[sphelps]

Wow, nice work! Did you drill those frag plug holes by hand? That is some patience...

Thanks but no I didn't drill them by hand, I had them CNC'd.

[Delphinus]

Oh ok, cool. Is there a place you recommend for that?

[sphelps]

A couple pics of the tank I took a few minutes ago.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_7.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_1-1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_2-1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_3-1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306-1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_6.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_5.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/20130306_4.jpg

[sphelps]

I was going to say are you calling his wife an alcoholic?

Haha kidding - I love your house that is an awesome looking bar... and the setup from what I can see in your basement looks fantastic.

Nice house!

Ha, she wishes :lol:

Thanks bud!

[zum14]

Here's my basic plumbing layout

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/47e4080b-615f-496c-9df2-0c0efdd336c1.jpg

Ok, so i see that it. wait. no. ok well, no thats not right either. ok wow if this is basic plumbing, wow. Im very impressed at the complexity and the way things seem to be well organized and thought out. maybe a simpler drawing if you ever get around to it might help (system broken apart view). might be one of those ones when you see it in action everything just seems to make sense. Im no engineer, just a mechanic. sweet shots of the fish as well. very impressive. Really like the bar layout too. Nice work.

[gregzz4]

Nice job on the sump room and rockwork :smile:

[Rice Reef]

Nice job on the sump room and rockwork :smile:

+1 :biggrin:

[sphelps]

Ok, so i see that it. wait. no. ok well, no thats not right either. ok wow if this is basic plumbing, wow. Im very impressed at the complexity and the way things seem to be well organized and thought out. maybe a simpler drawing if you ever get around to it might help (system broken apart view). might be one of those ones when you see it in action everything just seems to make sense. Im no engineer, just a mechanic. sweet shots of the fish as well. very impressive. Really like the bar layout too. Nice work.

Yeah that layout isn't self explanatory, doesn't even show pumps. I'll do my best with just some iphone pics rather than drawing up a sketch.

There's essentially two pumping systems:

First is the high flow system from the frag tank. This uses 2 waveline DC10000 in parallel.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/75D8C959-E7DC-4DC2-8CCE-41BB1A416BFE-2517-000005559F9E5222.jpg

There's a removable slotted gate.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/943D7BD0-AE66-475C-88C8-36D45546B7D3-2517-00000555A67284F7.jpg

The pumps have check valves so that if one is off it doesn't back flow through the other one, ball valves really just for maintenance so you don't have to drain the line if you removed the pumps.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/5867F911-6A42-447C-9133-51B5C7DB3299-2517-000005559941665B.jpg

That line from the two pumps runs straight to the display tank.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/C2D15D67-FEFC-4C09-BDFA-EF7A981E87D6-2517-00000555859C7234.jpg

This provides most of the circulation in the tank, there are three branches that extend down into the tank, each has multiple outputs.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/DCAC0F5A-68A8-49AC-A477-34DA29D9C009-499-000001733C09E7D7.jpg

From the display the high water volume overflows into the overflow box. In there I have two large standpipes. There's two extra plugged bulkheads from a previous revision. I'll likely use one as emergency back up overflow.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/493B6AE3-6666-4EB4-9D7C-F0C1B25BC033-2517-0000055592D2D8DC.jpg

The standpipes feed back into the frag tank, there are two lines although one is hard to see here. One line for each side of the frag tank.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/33B0FDAF-249C-44EA-B46A-62BB9FBBE398-2517-000005558BD6E83A.jpg

The frag tank is essentially inline with the two waveline pumps, so it benefits from the same amount of flow they give the display. The original idea was not to have standpipes in the overflow, but rather install the frag tank high enough so it's water level is basically at the same height as the overflow box water level. Unfortunately I was limited to two 1.5" lines so I could run both pumps at full power unless I lowered the frag tank 4 inches and installed standpipes to prevent the overflow box from draining too much, the overflow box is huge so this was an issue.


The second pumping system is for the actual sump, basically just like a typical setup except I pump into the frag tank and not the display.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/17D90EB6-E5BF-4783-86B6-C977EF8B9C94-2517-000005557F3657B3.jpg

The line from the pump runs into the other pumping vicinity so that the water from the sump is forced to through the wavelines and to the display.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/A5B3B8A8-7933-4D7B-89BF-58D73D89063F-2517-00000555781C9070.jpg

Excess water in the frag tank simply overflows into an overflow box that leads to the sump below.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/AD122101-751F-4F39-8A02-A8F5432D9300-2517-00000557387AE260.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/4688DF09-EA31-47BB-93D5-EC4E952A5FD0-2517-000005571C392624.jpg

While it sounds complicated as I explain it, it's actually very simple.

[sphelps]

Also the line that feeds up towards the ceiling is from the lower RD return pump, it will later feed a small tank on the floor above, hopefully it makes it.

The line below the bottom sump is just a drain line that feeds to a sink drain. There's a connected overflow in the bottom sump encase the level ever gets too high for some reason. Also a manual drain for water changes and what not. One of the advantages of this system is I can shut off lower sump while the frag tank and display are unaffected. I can then drain and clean the sump, fill it up, heat the water and add salt before activating it again.

[mseepman]

All I have to say it "wow!" I thought that I had planned things out...but this puts me to shame. Nicely setup and kudos on all the DIY stuff you have going on there. It looks mighty professional.

[reefwars]

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/m3%20tank%20build%202012/493B6AE3-6666-4EB4-9D7C-F0C1B25BC033-2517-0000055592D2D8DC.jpg




is that a sps frag on your cap?


wicked job is all i can say looks awesome, love the simplicity:mrgreen:

[sphelps]

is that a sps frag on your cap?


wicked job is all i can say looks awesome, love the simplicity:mrgreen:

It's in the tank. Thanks bud.

[sphelps]

A little side project my wife and I have been working on is the old making a human thing, although I'm sure she'll say she's doing all the work :rolleyes:

Anyways, had a mural painted in the nursery and thought I'd share, I sure hope new baby likes fish as much as me :mrgreen:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/20130307.jpg

[lastlight]

that turned out hella sweet. congrats again!

[zum14]

Actually that cleared a lot up for me. Very well thought out. That mural is impressive, then I saw the plug and got a feel for the scale. wow. very cool.

[Ginu]

That is very cool.

[sphelps]

Thanks. Yeah it's a full wall, 10 feet x 9 feet.

[kien]

Holy Detritus that's awesome! If your kid doesn't like it can I have it??

[sphelps]

Sorry I already called dibs.

[sphelps]

Here's a another pic with furniture.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/20130308.jpg

[mseepman]

Wow, very lucky kid! Considering how much time little ones take from time spent with the tank...I think that mural was really for you. Wish I had thought of that!

[Madmak]

Nice!

Is Nemo a male or female name...

[sphelps]

Nice!

Is Nemo a male or female name...

Could go either way

[zhasan]

WAO!! That is awesome. I'll have to take a picture of that and hang it in my room! :mrgreen:

[littlewoodchuck]

wow, looks like you have put some thought into the plumbing. I want to read the book you wrote. do you have a diagram that explains the why, how and what you did in the fish room?

Bob

[don.ald]

The DC pumps
Are they running submerged or are the external ?
R.

[sphelps]

Thanks guys, no book but the process is somewhat documented in this build thread :)

The dc pumps are running internally. Had them external at one point but they leaked.