NEW Tank Build !!!

[Aqua-Digital]

I am pleased to announce the new tank build can now finally start. Thanks to Dave at Concepts for the amazing tank and stand, both are the best quality I have ever seen! The tank having a one piece Euro Brace and 100% star fire with unique total clear silicon.

The tank is 36x32x24 with external overflow. The sump will be in the basement about 8 feet below the tank.

The system will run everything we distribute one way or another but also form the basis for all future marketing photos for GHL equipment, for example the Mitras. The tank will run just one single silver Mitras HV.

Here are some photos I took at 1.45am this morning after getting off a plane back from Turks and Caicos getting in the door at 1.30am!! Something was bugging me! Did I measure our door gap right? will the stand fit? 30 minutes in the garage with a jenny bar and a tape measure confirmed my thoughts. Yep I measure wrong the stand wont fit, so it has to go through the patio doors, so now I have to snow blow the side of the house and around the swimming pool and get some lads over to get the stand through the rear patio doors. But before that the stand is off to a local cabinet makers to have a little mod done to it I did not get done during manufacture.

This will be a painstaking slow build, so next update will be a while

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/421396_437923109619472_1507056181_n.jpg

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/539678_437923129619470_415203398_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/35467_437923139619469_2128170635_n.jpg

[ckmullin]

Have fun!

:smile:

[Ram3500]

Nice tank ! I am waiting for a tank from Concepts too looks cool nice stand :)

[Aqua-Digital]

The stand is pure artwork, high end cabinetry.

[Jakegr]

Wow that stand is gorgeous. Is it a metal frame with a cabinet exterior?

[Aqua-Digital]

No solid wood.

[lpsreefer]

Wow! When are you going to put water in it?

[Aqua-Digital]

Not for a while, a lot has to happen before then for example get it in the house ;) and then build a sump room in the basement. I doubt it will see water for 2 months.

[ckmullin]

Like the tank dimensions...

Cute frag too.

[lastlight]

those vertical seams are noticeably clearer. everything looks great so far.

[Aqua-Digital]

sorry had to remove post due to warning about trolling ped's looking for kids online, will post new pictures shortly.

[Aqua-Digital]

new photos - the lower edge will have 2" beading to hide the bottom edging

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i159/monitors-direct/IMG_8725_zpsf44afbc2.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i159/monitors-direct/IMG_8724_zps2b390325.jpg

Single piece glass star fire Euro brace

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i159/monitors-direct/IMG_8723_zps88736a78.jpg

[Aqua-Digital]

Planned work this weekend on the marine tank build

1. Get two 6' lengths of 4"x6" and bolt them together
2. Collect 1 x Floor support acro

support floor under fish tank in basement so we can still party without risk of said tank making sink hole through living room floor and becoming an uninvited guest in the basement.

If i am lucky enough I might get the Aquascaping roughed in.

Need to get work bench for sump in the basement.

[Aqua-Digital]

Aquascaping complete! I decided to go for a canyon in the end, its tough trying to be original without going off the wall and creating an unnatural scene. When sitting in the viewing seat ;) the canyon draws you through, more so as it narrows to a small opening. The photos do not really show this off well as they are 2D

I also wanted to keep rock well away from any of the sides to make maintenance easy.

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313739_441395555938894_393559168_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/557865_441395659272217_914453126_n.jpg

[Aqua-Digital]

We are through!

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/482367_443785929033190_1788755716_n.jpg

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/69196_443785952366521_285690053_n.jpg

Not glued yet so looks a bit wonky
http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/69823_443785909033192_1293148603_n.jpg

[Duker]

The stand is pure artwork, high end cabinetry.

i'll say, its a beauty!:biggrin:

[reefgirl189]

What a sexy eurobrace. Nicely done!

[Aqua-Digital]

sump position and support strut

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/74480_443855379026245_1295782524_n.jpg

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/537546_443855319026251_691476077_n.jpg

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/578180_443854439026339_1851919185_n.jpg

[AquaticFinatic]

Didn't see any foam under it....... Did you forget :mrgreen: nice tank build :biggrin:

[denny_CC]

for most of our tanks we build on a plywood base, our tanks do not require foam underneathe but customers can choose it if they like.



cheers


denny
concept aquatics

[Aqua-Digital]

Someone has been busy!

Sump plumbed to tank.

The sump return line has been plumbed using 45 degrees bends to reduce the flow restriction of 90 degrees where possible.

The two drain lines have a 5% drop so there are no real dead static points that could create issues.

The return lines are now being wet tested prior to water pressure testing.

The two canisters on the wall or for GFO and Carbon.

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1829_444153645663085_859559598_n.jpg

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/601539_444153688996414_412315515_n.jpg

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http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/486013_444153725663077_612498178_n.jpg

[Aqua-Digital]

The tank is now half full (well nearly) the RO unit even though 100gpd is struggling due to the cold water going in, my water bill is going to be insane! I replaced the cartridges prior to filling to make sure the TDS was at 0

The sump looks cloudy due to force feeding the Marco rock chips, it has had a huge dose of bacteria courtesy of Prodibio StartUp.

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/374551_444929098918873_1287213384_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429583_444929118918871_1549314109_n.jpg

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/487908_444629832282133_390864482_n.jpg

[The Grizz]

Looks great Michael, are you putting a mitra on that little beast?


Stay clear..... this Bear bites off limbs!!

[sphelps]

Not to start a debate but I think I need to state a few things to prevent other readers from developing false concern regarding there tanks being improperly supported.

The support post is 100% not required, the advice given by your engineering friend may be partially accurate if the tank weight 10X what it does, but it doesn't. 1200lbs over two beams is not substantial, especially when the load is so close to not only the main engineered support beam but also the support posts underneath of it. You also have 3/4" hardwood that will run perpendicular to the joists adding substantial strength and stiffness to your floor. Our floors are already designed for both dead load and live load. 1200lbs is no where near the limit for dead load and additional live load wouldn't be affected. Lateral twisting would require a huge load off center to create a torsion moment, realistically it's not possible which is why no beams are ever connected from below. Also support posts should installed on piles to prevent movement, from an engineering point the post is doing more harm than good but realistically it's not doing anything close to worth it's value in steel.

Just want people to know the full story and not be mislead thinking they need to add support posts under there tanks. Everything else looks awesome.

[Aqua-Digital]

Looks great Michael, are you putting a mitra on that little beast?


Stay clear..... this Bear bites off limbs!!

Yep for sure, only lamp we have not had above a tank yet ;)

[Seriak]

Not for a while, a lot has to happen before then for example get it in the house ;) and then build a sump room in the basement. I doubt it will see water for 2 months.

A little ahead of schedule. :)

[subman]

Great looking setup Michael! I can't see I'm the pic but how does the water get into the far right section of your sump? The area with all the rubble.

[lastlight]

Great looking setup Michael! I can't see I'm the pic but how does the water get into the far right section of your sump? The area with all the rubble.

looks like the reactor feeds that compartment and it falls back into the skimmer chamber thru a curved notch in the back...

[kien]

:pop2:

[Aqua-Digital]

A little ahead of schedule. :)

Er hum yes ;) kind of got busy this weekend, now paying the price my back has given out! Just got back from my pain management specialist.

[jorjef]

Er hum yes ;) my back has given out! Just got back from my pain management specialist.

Who needs a specialist when you have a spare post downstairs you could use to support your back..That's the build that would be interesting..Back in the day my 'pain' specialist Dr. Molson was never far away... fortunately he has retired.. anyways de-railing again.

[Aqua-Digital]

Epidural fibrosis thanks to spine surgery is not pleasant I am now doing Prolotherapy (check spelling)

Now I am derailing. ;)

Back to the tank - just got heater, will install later as tan should be flowing by midnight.

Time to install the 2 x MP10WES's :)

[lastlight]

Time to install the 2 x MP10WES's :)

What's the glass thickness on your display? I'd be surprised if Dave built that with 10mm?

[Aqua-Digital]

No idea but if its gonna start another debate I am not telling :lol::mrgreen::biggrin::wink:

[lastlight]

i only ask because i've read that they don't work on anything thicker than 10mm.

[sphelps]

No idea but if its gonna start another debate I am not telling :lol::mrgreen::biggrin::wink:

I think he just want to warn you that MP10s don't work well on glass thicker than 10mm if at all.

[Aqua-Digital]

Correct 10mm is the thickest they will work on and yes the glass IS 10mm thick ;)

The included Rubber Spacer must be used between the Dry Side and the wall for thicknesses of 1/8” (3mm) and 3/16” (5mm). The Rubber Spacer is not needed for thicknesses of 1/4” (6mm) or 3/8” (10mm). Failure to use the Rubber Spacer can damage the pump, which WILL NOT be covered under warranty.

[denny_CC]

No idea but if its gonna start another debate I am not telling :lol::mrgreen::biggrin::wink:


if you go to put the mp10's on the acrylic it wont work its to thick tried with my cube which is the same as yours pretty much, on the glass and your good to go though:)

looking stellar michael man cant wait to see what you do with this puppy:)


cheers


denny
concept aquatics

[Proteus]

Great looking setup Michael! I can't see I'm the pic but how does the water get into the far right section of your sump? The area with all the rubble.

looks like the reactor feeds that compartment and it falls back into the skimmer chamber thru a curved notch in the back...

Was wondering the same. But thought originally used for ato. I like though

[Aqua-Digital]

crap you are right I forgot about the acrylic that adds 3mm.

MP40's way overkill, looks like tunze is going to be the route sadly.

[lastlight]

mp40s for your needs would run pretty low which also means semi quiet.

[sphelps]

If you can pick a permanent location you could use a hole saw with a drill guide to remove the acrylic where the MP10 will sit.

[Aqua-Digital]

mp40s for your needs would run pretty low which also means semi quiet.

true, will have to think.

[Aqua-Digital]

If you can pick a permanent location you could use a hole saw with a drill guide to remove the acrylic where the MP10 will sit.

The acrylic is inside the tank.

[Seriak]

Epidural fibrosis thanks to spine surgery is not pleasant I am now doing Prolotherapy (check spelling)

Now I am derailing. ;)



At the risk of derailing again. Please ensure you do your research on Prolotherapy. It was recommended to me, but after doing my research, I found the advantages / viability of it is still up in the air as to whether the injections actually do anything for you. In the studies where it did work, people were also doing core exercises/ adjustments for the area. I found that the exercises alone were enough for my specific problem without getting rather long needles put into my spine at the same time.

[sphelps]

The acrylic is inside the tank.

I know where it is :lol: You can easily get a drill and a guide in there, yes you'll have to drain the water but it's an idea if you're set on using MP10s

[Aqua-Digital]

At the risk of derailing again. Please ensure you do your research on Prolotherapy. It was recommended to me, but after doing my research, I found the advantages / viability of it is still up in the air as to whether the injections actually do anything for you. In the studies where it did work, people were also doing core exercises/ adjustments for the area. I found that the exercises alone were enough for my specific problem without getting rather long needles put into my spine at the same time.

Good advise ;) will report back in pm when I am done.

[dave_C]

Correct 10mm is the thickest they will work on and yes the glass IS 10mm thick ;)

The included Rubber Spacer must be used between the Dry Side and the wall for thicknesses of 1/8” (3mm) and 3/16” (5mm). The Rubber Spacer is not needed for thicknesses of 1/4” (6mm) or 3/8” (10mm). Failure to use the Rubber Spacer can damage the pump, which WILL NOT be covered under warranty.



nope 12mm lol

[sphelps]

nope 12mm lol

Should probably have the structural engineer confirm :wink:

[jorjef]

GET YOUR POPCORN HERE $1.00/ BAG, GET YOUR POPCORN....

[Aqua-Digital]

MP40's installed :) x 2

[denny_CC]

MP40's installed :) x 2

i think youll find the mp40's are a perfect fit , on my cube i went with one 40 and one 10 i run the 10 on 100% and the 40 on 70% ,this is with a large substrate sandbed and a mixed reef , i imagine your going sps? if i had my time back i would have went with two 40's the 10 gets hot and is loud running on full.

the 10's dont have spacers, just the rubber spacer;)


cheers

denny
concept aquatics

[Aqua-Digital]

mixed reef this time steering clear of acros other than some stags.

[Aqua-Digital]

Durso suggestions for a silent life?

running two drains 1" tried the normal T piece with elbow down and hole in a end cap for air intake, but they are sooooo loud and the amount of air getting down to the sump is turning it into a jacuzzi.

The 8' drop has a lot to do with it.

So one for the experts here ;)

[Duker]

MP40's installed :) x 2


why wouldn't ya...after all vortechs rock!!!

[The Grizz]

I found that the 1" durso was way to loud so I went with 1 1/2" and made all the difference in the world.


Stay clear..... this Bear bites off limbs!!

[lastlight]

herbie will work. can't beat the silence of a siphon...

[Aqua-Digital]

herbie will work. can't beat the silence of a siphon...

I guess I need to put a balancing valve in? If so can this go near the sump or has to go up by the tank?

[lastlight]

I always put the gate valve at the pipe's end before it enters the sump chamber. it needs to control the sihpon properly and because the water throughout the pipe is pulling downwards I think it has to be at the sump.

[Aqua-Digital]

Ok so what I have learned is this

drain 1 Durso style with balancing gate valve at sump?
drain 2 = open acts as overflow

You balance drain 1 until it stops sucking in air and drain 2 takes the excess water?

http://gmacreef.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/herbie-overflow-diagram-gmacreef1.jpg

[lastlight]

you don't need dursos really. the full siphon can just be thru bulkhead. i tune the flow so it just barely trickles into the secondary standpipe. You make the standpipe / emergency drain taller to raise the water level in the overflow box and make it as quiet as possible.

[Aqua-Digital]

so the emergency also allows you to balance the height of the water in the tank?

[lastlight]

the height of water in the overflow box. the standpipe/emergency should still be a bit lower than the overflow weir / cutout so you don't raise the display's levels.

[Aqua-Digital]

my cut outs give too much gap between euro brace and water height thats why I asked, instead of closing off the depth of the teeth I thought it would be easier just to raise the standpipe?

I need to raise the tank level basically

[lastlight]

i guess you could but would that scenario skim the surface as well? i'd personally silicone a strip of glass inside the overflow to raise it up a little. it could be glued behind the existing teeth.

[Aqua-Digital]

argh yes you are right, time to get the silicon gun out ;)

Brilliant help thanks.

[Aqua-Digital]

How much gap you guys leave from water height to Euro Brace? I dont like seeing much of a gap but also need room for turbulence.

[Skimmerking]

How much gap you guys leave from water height to Euro Brace? I dont like seeing much of a gap but also need room for turbulence.

1.5"

[denny_CC]

there should be no need to make adjustments , heres how it works


your primary drain is your workhorse , this is going to be a full syphon. basically open your gatevalve all the way and then slowly close it untill water level is rising not falling. once the water height is about 2" above your standpipe fine tune the gatevalve closed so it matches your return, now you have a bubble free super quiet drain,fine tuning may take a little bit.

the height of the primary standpipe sets the water level in the box , shoot for about 1/2-1/3 of the overflow box so there no noise of rushing water.

no durso is needed imo and its easier to fine tune the water level looking directly at the top of the standppe, we designed your tank in a way that no fish or snails are getting in unless they are under 1/4" in size.

the water in the box wont have a lot of flow as its all syphon and it collects ditrius so be sure to clean in reguarily.

for the emergency set it at water height , i like to keep this dry untill emergencies arise, never restrict your emergency or use it for more than a trickle.

the weir is 1 1/2" deep from the eurobrace this allows for a 1" water line in the tank.


be sure to test it before walking away , test the emergency and i use marks to fine tune my primary, if after a few hours it goes down slightly ill just barely tune it....after a while the sweet spot is found.


cheers


denny
concept aquatics

[lastlight]

Denny he wants to raise the level in the display...

[subman]

just close the valve slightly to raise the water level. (I skimmed through I'm assuming it's a herbie now)

[sphelps]

Water level in the overflow needs to be lower than the display for effective surface skimming so you can't use standpipes or the gate valve to adjust tank level. The tank water level is set by the notch depth for the external overflow, you can raise it with a layer of silicone or a piece of acrylic however you obviously can't lower it. A higher flow rate from the return pump will also lift the level a bit.

[subman]

ahhh misunderstood sorry. what Steven said lol

[lastlight]

ahhh misunderstood sorry. what Steven said lol

Steve copied me!

[denny_CC]

Water level in the overflow needs to be lower than the display for effective surface skimming so you can't use standpipes or the gate valve to adjust tank level. The tank water level is set by the notch depth for the external overflow, you can raise it with a layer of silicone or a piece of acrylic however you obviously can't lower it. A higher flow rate from the return pump will also lift the level a bit.


yeah a thin strip of acrylic siliconed to the back side of the teeth will work good:)

[Aqua-Digital]

yep that's what ive done 1/2" gap now, still would prefer no gap but leaves no room for MP40 wave fun!

Should be fully running by Friday with some fish, the Mitras will be installed at the weekend providing I can get the bracket overnight from by FedEx.

[sphelps]

Steve copied me!

Yeah but you rambled on for two pages so I didn't see all your posts

[lastlight]

yep that's what ive done 1/2" gap now, still would prefer no gap but leaves no room for MP40 wave fun!

Should be fully running by Friday with some fish, the Mitras will be installed at the weekend providing I can get the bracket overnight from by FedEx.

Must be nice! Maybe send a few Mitras to Calgary so I can do the same :sad:

[Seriak]

Must be nice! Maybe send a few Mitras to Calgary so I can do the same :sad:

I'll make it even easier. Send a couple more my way and you may get an even better discount on all of them. :)

[Aqua-Digital]

Must be nice! Maybe send a few Mitras to Calgary so I can do the same :sad:

are you waiting for one? or wanting for one?

[lastlight]

are you waiting for one? or wanting for one?

Yeah I should be in on concept's next batch...

[The Grizz]

providing I can get the bracket overnight from by FedEx.


It was in Martins hands yesterday afternoon so fedex better have picked it up already this morning.

[Aqua-Digital]

not yet got to get label to him

[Aqua-Digital]

We are up and running (after small Tsunami and electrocution that I will swiftly skirt over!)

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/62478_446229392122177_1314637872_n.jpg

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/577197_446229408788842_1846304336_n.jpg

I will post a video in a minute

[Aqua-Digital]

Quick video
http://youtu.be/Tu6Rvenp4bA

[Seriak]

Looks so good when it's first setup and all clean like that.

[Aqua-Digital]

Got to keep it like it, the tank is to be used for demos, so it has commercial use also.

[FishyFishy!]

What feeds your rubble section? Just the media reactors?

[Aqua-Digital]

for now yes, but by tomorrow it will have its own flow.

[Aqua-Digital]

Mitras LED lamp hung! Please don't judge the colour! This is straight out the box no setting up what so ever, also crappy camera does not work well in this light.. Too tired. Will dial it in tomorrow.

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/487646_446535072091609_876237337_n.jpg

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/526673_446535095424940_831704936_n.jpg

[Ram3500]

Looking good nice and clean ;)

[Aqua-Digital]

11.50pm I can confirm the lights are now dialed in - time for bed!

[subman]

Is that Tunze's I see?????

[lastlight]

looks really nice! my unit came with a default setting that was very much white with no red hue. i'm surprised they don't all come preconfigured the same? or maybe your camera is really off.

Your guests sitting on the couch right next to the tank are going to need the shades that came in the box for sure! Is it going to remain that high?

[Aqua-Digital]

its the camera its nothing special.

[Aqua-Digital]

Is that Tunze's I see?????

For now yes this is a temporary solution. There is a slight wave to the backing black acrylic, due to this the MP40's resonate real bad because of this, Ecotech and I are desperately trying to find a solution.

If put on the side glass of course they are perfect but I cant mount the pumps there.

[Aqua-Digital]

Advise corner :)

My aim is to avoid as many hitch hikers as possible in the system, hence the reason for the first time ever I decided to use dry rock (Marco) but of course its virgin with not a single critter in sight!

Other than live rock (which defeats the purpose) are their critters on the market foe this?

[Proteus]

I get good critters from other reefers

[Aqua-Digital]

how do you know what you are getting? Surely this is no different than seeding with live rock?

[Proteus]

Sorry should clarify.

I got stomella snails and brittles from other people. As for seeding the rock it'll be whatever you introduce through live stock

I added a piece of live rock and ended up with army of collinista snails. Though good hitchhiker they .... Like rabbits

[nrosdal]

Tank looks great.

Adding cheato (from a clean source)or something along those lines will bring things like pods in while allowing you to look through it for anything bad(aptasia, ect.) depending on the size of the ball of course.

you could also do a bit of live sand from another tank(but it is pretty hard to tell what all you are getting in that).

[Aqua-Digital]

Ive added seachem live sand and of course a bucket load of Prodibio Start Up ;)

really looking for critters.

[Aqua-Digital]

Well I got the tank sparkling which is a good sign, then promptly dumped a load of live sand in, so now we wait for clarity to come back

First photos of the system up and running in a few days.

[Aqua-Digital]

Quick update then photos at the weekend.

I have a few fish in the system and had to retrieve what was left of my few corals from my LFS who was care taking them, they did not do too well, and the reason why they are now in a tank that really should not have any corals in it yet, but a do or die situation they are no worse off here and probably better.

The balling system using the GHL dosers, bubble magus containers and also the Ocean fresh salts is now also set up.

Slowly getting over the cloudy period with the water.

The Prodibio start up did its job, all parameters at zero amazingly, talk about good stuff.

Reef Aquatica is supplying me with a stack of live copepods and other clean goodies to kick start the system.

Corals will come from various sources, mainly dealers I trust and know exactly where they get them from, I am not into photo-shopped corals ;)

Been playing with the Tunze pumps, I so wish I was running Vortechs I just cant get good waves with the Tunze.

Everyone is admiring Concepts tank build skills, I cant thank him enough for such an awesome tank.

Photos and video to follow in a few days when I feel more comfortable with the look of everything.

[Aqua-Digital]

So some pictures finally now things have settled.

The photos show the GHL balling system now in place using the 3 channel GHL doser, Bubble magus 5L containers which will be filled using Ocean fresh ionically balanced balling salts. All wiring now complete on the system and it all seems stable.

Not happy with the Tunzes I wish i could use MP40's but the acrylic pushes it past their tolerence and not being a solid fixture creates resonance. May look at routing a hole in it to fit the MP40's

Yes the flower pot coral is in way too soon but had to rescue it. And the chunk of monti that used to be bright green with purple edge is acting as a guinea pig to the system

Not the best of cameras, when we start doing promotional work with the tank we have photographers on stand by!

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/3428_448404575237992_1374945419_n.jpg

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[Skimmerking]

Mike what's that chamber on the right on the sump

[Aqua-Digital]

you are either referring to the 3 x balling containers or the in sump biological trickle feed stage?

[FishyFishy!]

Looking great!

[The Grizz]

Looking very nice Michael, would have loved to see the light hanger on this build but the ceiling hanger kit look so clean.

[Skimmerking]

Nope it's the trickle feed stage that is cool I like that

[lastlight]

looks great and the touch screen fits in without being in your face i like it.

[Aqua-Digital]

Looking very nice Michael, would have loved to see the light hanger on this build but the ceiling hanger kit look so clean.

Yep 100% with you on that I would of loved to show off your amazing handy work and it is so annoying I have had to wreck our ceiling by two hangers, but the damn soil pipe from the upstairs front bathroom is slap bang in line with the center of the tank along with the two hot and cold feeds :( I was not going to risk murphys law and guarantee hitting one when I went to bolt the steel bracket :(

But one thing is for sure if anyone needs a wall bracket for their Mitras or other LED's talk to Greg or martin and Modular LED these units a re awesome.

[Aqua-Digital]

Nope it's the trickle feed stage that is cool I like that

Its a trickle feed rubble DSB.

[Aqua-Digital]

To explain the secondary bio chamber better -

Buried Under the rubble at one end is a small flow pump, this creates turbulance and flow through the rock as well as keeping it free of gunk.

The other end where flow is limited is the DSB.

The carbon and GFO returns into this secondary stage which is the water feed for this area at a low flow rate, so the water is circulated many times before re-entering the system.

There is a small weir to the rear of the sump where the water is returned to the main sump

[lastlight]

you've got to be the only person using vortech shrouds to prop their skimmer up LOL. ballin'!

[Aqua-Digital]

:lol: these are from old wet sides we accumulate. good recycling!

Trouble is they move about so will have to think of something more inventive.

[Aqua-Digital]

One thing I would like to mention is the ATO and how it is direct feed from a solenoid.

BE VERY CAREFUL here, if you install them the wrong way round they will not work for long, jam open and flood your system, mine came with a red mark on the feed side, if your does not, please ask the supplier.

I will be fitting a secondary higher level mechanical ball **** (Oh please!! the word C-ock is not aloud! ref **** Ball Co-ck there ive said it!) supplied by Bubble Magus as a get out of jail card also.

[The Grizz]

With your dosing system Michael, can the Profilux doser actually pull fluids up that distance? I know the holding containers should never be above the doser but that seem like a long ways to draw. I only ask for reference to when I get around to setting mine up.

[Aqua-Digital]

The GHL doser can pump (tested) up to 50' :biggrin:

[Jakegr]

I'm running an MP-40 on the back of my Concepts tank with no issue. I also have an acrylic background and the tank is 3/8" glass. I'm not using the spacer, only the sticky rubber pad. How are you trying to run it?

Anyways, looks awesome. I like the Profilux touch mounted on the wall. I'm still amazed a single Mitras covers a tank that size.

[The Grizz]

The GHL doser can pump (tested) up to 50' :biggrin:

:surprise: Holy crap! That's amazing & good to know.

[Aqua-Digital]

I also have an acrylic background and the tank is 3/8" glass.

My total thickness is 3/4"

The quality of the tank continues to amaze me the attention to detail, the clear silicon and the one piece euro is mind blowing, Dave has the edge here on tank building!

[Aqua-Digital]

The GHL Mitras LED coral test!

Photo uploaded is of a very sorry for itself looking chunk of what used to be green with purple edges plating Montipora. This is what is left from my huge colony. As you can see its not very colourful, yes it has some purple showing through just about, and yes the water is slightly cloudy thanks to Prodibio kicking up a nice bio bloom while the tank matures. But I think we all can agree my camera work does not get good enough for photoshop.

So lets wait a few weeks and see what colour this goes under GHL Mitras LED:) Place your bets please :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310511_449066755171774_894864522_n.jpg

[Aqua-Digital]

Update to my Mitras coral colour transition

not doing bad!

This was taken today!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/c68.0.403.403/p403x403/426503_110254622478252_985639053_n.jpg

[Aqua-Digital]

Tank update pictures. As you can see the Monti colour is coming on fast!

Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 0.005
P04 = 00.00
Phosphorous = 0.036PPB
Ca = 420
ALK = 7.5
Mg = 1260
Salinity = 52.7
tank temp = 26.6c (80f)
Redox = 345 and climbing
pH = between 7.95 - 8.01 depending on time of day

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/884403_450342521710864_794863478_o.jpg

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/882173_450342175044232_795834012_o.jpg

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/901399_450342475044202_1321906308_o.jpg

[mseepman]

The tank is looking great! In reading I saw that you said Prodibio can create a little hazyness to the water early on....I didn't know this before...does that happen each time we dose? I have been thinking that my water isn't as "clear" as I expected it to be.

[Aqua-Digital]

This only happens if you have either a new tank with zero biological action or are dirty tank.

The FIRST bacteria to populate any system is Heterotrophic bacteria this is water born and multiplies rapidly, this bacteria is what you see in new tank syndrome known as cloudy water. This bloom only lasts a few days to a week while the Autotrophic bacteria start to colonies.

Once there is no more water born food for the Heterotrophic bacteria it will die back within hours.

So in a mature system you should not see Heterotrophic bacteria bio blooms unless you over feed or have poor husbandry.

If you do its not a bad thing in fact the complete opposite, it shows there is bio mass in your system that needs to be addressed.

Typically you will not see this bio bloom unless you have a new tank.

My tank just cleared over night!

[Aqua-Digital]

Jobs done today -

Balling system finally set up, just dialing it in now.

ProfiLux on the outside of the network and also Iphone APP set up.

[lastlight]

you can run your profilux on an iphone? i thought it was android only?

[Aqua-Digital]

Nope - Both ;)

[Aqua-Digital]

APP link page on the support forum

http://forum.aquariumcomputer.com/forumdisplay.php?66-App-for-ProfiLux

[Aqua-Digital]

I now have email set up where the ProfiLux emails me directly (not via the PC) the Profilux has its own SMTP server.

I am getting an email every hour updating me of my sensor values. I will now look at adding more funky email notifications

[The Grizz]

Now I know who to ask how to set mine up. :lol:

[Aqua-Digital]

posting how to on the support forum ;)

[Aqua-Digital]

For all the ProfiLux owners -
Email how to set up guide
http://forum.aquariumcomputer.com/showthread.php?6761-How-to-Set-Up-Email-(Outlook)

[Skimmerking]

Hey -Mike u are the man. I can't wait til I can setup my cube and mitral it's sitting in a box waiting your tank is looking excellent

[Aqua-Digital]

whats a Mitral? :mrgreen:

[Skimmerking]

It's what u call when u have big hands and a small phone

[Aqua-Digital]

...Said the Bishop to the Nun!

[Aqua-Digital]

So here is my auto water top off configuration for the aquarium, controlled by the GHL ProfiLux system.

The water is controlled by a solenoid valve seen in the photo, it is important to get these the right way round otherwise they will fail fast, note the red dot marks input.

The solenoid reacts to a low water signal from the optical sensor in the photo, the solenoid is plugged into controllable power bar which is programmed to react to the optical sensors state.

For added security should the solenoid fail open to stop fresh water being dumped constantly into the sump you will see a high level set float valve from Bubble Magus, we will be supplying these soon.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/529992_450864834991966_916856218_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/733938_450864884991961_363429685_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/580431_450864918325291_890476834_n.jpg

[Aqua-Digital]

Fish stock for new tank update.

well we had a few losses sadly, always happens with new import stock. Only one was a suspect loss the others explainable

I nearly lost my large watchman Goby, I have no clue how he managed this. He went missing did not appear for morning or afternoon snack, looked everywhere even checked under sofa for cardboard fish syndrome! Nothing. I was cleaning out my filter sock and there he was, stressed to hell, but what gets me is how on earth did he get through the overflow comb that is less than half his head width! I can only assume he jumped for the moon and amazingly landed in the overflow box! Then swift exit into the sump 11' below! So now he is back in the tank, cant say he is happy.

we lost our royal gramma within 4 hours, stuck to the Tunze pump, either got too close or simply pegged it from new import shock.

The Leopard wrasse was next, he swam from day one with a bend so the writing was on the wall there.

Then the saddest was the loss from being beaten to a pulp by my yellow tang. I had a real nice striped sail fin, all our tangs shoaled from day one no aggression, then came down one morning to find (named by my wife) Samantha giving the poor little guy 10 rounds of the tank side glass. Could not remove him and that was that :(

So Samantha is in the dog house, the sail fin is in the bin and I learnt that sail fins and yellow tangs are not the best of friends!

No more fish for a while, we have a healthy stock, will add some missing links in a few weeks once the corals have settled in, just hardy LPS and some hardy SPS for now, baby steps.

[Aqua-Digital]

well the losses became a bit more of a problem so we have set up a full QT which everything fish related goes through.

The system will be an invert/coral system for the next month or so while we build a good healthy fish stock in QT.

We have a few corals coming down from Colby at Bayside on Thursday, and looking forward to acclimatizing them while the fish go through 6 week QT cycle.

All initial fish will be QT'd at once and further additions for the same period

[Aqua-Digital]

Big switch out this week!

Decided to dump the dry rock and go with some very well cured bali left over that Reef Aquatica has, this was a way too good find not to take up. So I am having 70LB delivered on Tuesday.

I believe dry rock has its uses in this hobby, but its insane cure rates and various reports of leeching are not really what i want in my system, I have seen some strange happenings that in 20 years of using Live rock i have never had before.

I know there will be many here that will come out and say that DR is the best and the way to go, but personally for me, it is not for me, so moving on and going back to old school tactics.

On a plus side the fish are doing really well, the QT system is great, my stock are looking healthy and feeding on New Era Aegis food due to its medical properties.

3 weeks today i can introduce the fish to the system providing the parameters have stabilized with the new rock.

If anyone wants some Bali please let me know, it came in 3 years ago and is sitting in dark vats and pest free.

"Bali Kuta PREMIUM LR is very porous and light and have alot of room for bacteria to colonize, it is almost 50% lighter than the typical Fiji Live Rock used in reef tank.

On top of that Reef Aquatica's price is HALF the price of what is being offered in some national retail chains, making it much more attractive price for setting up that dream tank of yours.

All pieces are hand picked for light weight & shapes; most are medium to large sizes and have some really nice flat pieces for bridges and table top. This whole batch of live rock is CURED and also APTASIA-FREE, we actually employed an army of peppermint shrimp to ensure that there is no aptasia in these rocks, so you can have that piece of mind."

http://www.reefaquatica.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=415

http://www.reefaquatica.com/store/images/rIMG_7770.JPG

My Naso in QT - taken before the daily bottom clean!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546082_457938457617937_765059491_n.jpg

[Aqua-Digital]

So for my next trick ;)

1 x

http://www.valtorc.com/images/automation/dm-07/e.png

+

1 x

http://ghlna.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FlowSensorWithCable_450x218-300x145.png

Automated shut off of return line to tank when return pump is stopped or in the event of failure, thus stopping sump from raising too high, this also allows for accurate auto water changes.

Only thing missing is the availability of the metric fittings required for the flow sensor, you cant buy them in the USA or Canada :( So when i go to the UK I will pick myself up a set.

[Aqua-Digital]

So today I changed from Marco rock to well cured Bali rock! I did not think I would see immediate results. I might add I also did a 50% water change and used IO reef crystals.

Well since setting thank up, my new flow pot would not come out, I thought it was toast, however within 3 hours off doing the switch out check this out! Also sharing my elegance which is stunning

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/522035_459150300830086_1548579776_n.jpg

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/148997_459150320830084_462699797_n.jpg

[Proteus]

I to am using Marco rock with new build. Though its been in water for two months. (Give or take). I was unsure about how coral would react. I decided to add current rock to sump to help

Thanks for sharing this it helped me decide to do such

[Aqua-Digital]

I think with that amount of curing it would be good. Maybe seed the rock with some live for a month also.

I read many people acid washing it also, and other reporting suspect leeching, but nobody can confirm anything, so best to be safe and for sure vat cure it in my oppinion.

[Proteus]

I did add LR to it and sponge that sat in sump for last year.

I asked about acid wash and in the end I think all it does is disolve your rock. As for leach I'm not worried as its been wet for a while


Great build BTW :)

[Aqua-Digital]

Thanks.

Yes I could never understand the acid washing all you are doing is dissolving it, I had visions of peoples rock doing an impression of a Alka Seltzer tablet before their eyes :surprise:

As for rumours of leeching, yep I think a good cooking period can put pay to any risks of that.

Mine is now in a vat and will be sold off cheap in 6 weeks.

[Aqua-Digital]

Quick photo update under Mitras @ 14k around 40%

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/321341_468537286558054_822868842_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/931330_468537436558039_473382241_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/923396_468537629891353_951524375_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/936266_468537743224675_101887861_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/485605_468537783224671_10443948_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/485642_468537809891335_1534408171_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/295376_468537869891329_1026628812_n.jpg

[Aqua-Digital]

So a while back as you know I was suffering from a curious tank crash, I blamed the Dry rock others blamed me for being hasty!

First I will admit a real dumb ass error how I did this I do not know blame it on life stresses but I have to be open otherwise this will make no sense. I reported before the crash my Phosphate was zero, well on the Hanna meter it was! Well 3 weeks ago I realized I was not using the correct reagent! So once I corrected this dumb ass error I had a PO4 of 70++++ tank crash reason found! So now I have new rock in the tank and low and behold the surviving corals came round in 3 days I started testing the Dry Rock which was now in PO4 free RO water mixed to NSW levels at 28 degrees and well circulated.

The water started at zero PO4. Today it is reading 25ppm PO4 and thats after a 75% water change only today.

I think we can conclude the rock i received to be leeching PO4 and the reason for the crash.

Do yourselves a big favour, before adding any dry rock, leave it in a vat of PO4 NSW and after 3 days test the PO4 level. It may just surprise you.

[Aqua-Digital]

PO4 has been brought down by Ocean Fresh Phoz Down! Now all dry rock is out including the pieces in the sump the PO4 is stable and around .05 and coming down.

[mrhasan]

The water started at zero PO4. Today it is reading 25ppm PO4 and thats after a 75% water change only today.

I think we can conclude the rock i received to be leeching PO4 and the reason for the crash.

Do yourselves a big favour, before adding any dry rock, leave it in a vat of PO4 NSW and after 3 days test the PO4 level. It may just surprise you.

It might be 25ppb PO4 ;P

And I am just too impatient to use dry rocks (maybe that's I don't like it?) and adding another lengthy step to setting up a tank.

[Proteus]

I do see the rock leaching. As I read about Marco rock which is what I choose to use. I kept rock in holding tank and did water changes from the water in display tank. Also used prodibio. After two months I used it to set up new tank and tested today no po4

Down fall is the lack of biological on rock and I am seeing the coral react to the Marco. It'll take time but in long run I'm sure ill be happy with the Marco

[Aqua-Digital]

I think your analysis is spot on ;)

[Aqua-Digital]

My tank under Mitras

http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0661.jpg

http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0666.jpg

http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0649.jpg

http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0652.jpg

http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0655.jpg

http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0672.jpg

http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0678.jpg

http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0683.jpg

http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0689.jpg

[nrosdal]

looking good in there sir.

[mrhasan]

My tank under Mitras
http://marcphoto.ca/AquaDigital/content/images/large/DSC_0689.jpg

CAUGHT!

[Aqua-Digital]

Yep you can see the damage :(

[The Grizz]

Looks great Micheal, nice shots.

[lastlight]

just a little past due for an update no? how are your sps doing?

we need a fts at the very least...

and are you still using a mitras?

[Aqua-Digital]

sorry been so busy, I will take some photos this week.

Only just put two small sticks into the tank and slowly changing from brown to blue/white will try and capture that.

The small experiment frag I put in has gone baby blue deep in the tank really shows the power of the Mitras!

[Aqua-Digital]

Some stick pics and also my big mandarin taken from my tank today. The sticks were pretty brown when I got them 4 weeks ago, not bad growth and changing colour!

Sorry i am no David Bailey with the camera!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t31/1617480_608819865863128_1270405144_o.jpg

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t31.0-8/10012130_608819852529796_1009796315_o.jpg

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/559948_608819762529805_42236522_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/1602176_608819919196456_696644412_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31.0-8/1911256_608819909196457_86935669_o.jpg

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1185521_608819752529806_629818387_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10014580_608819739196474_801365213_n.jpg

[lastlight]

nice thanks for the update.

[Aqua-Digital]

I have also been experimenting with Tropic marin Bio Actif (the stuff in the reef salt) you add two doses a week, its basically a carbon source. I have mixed this with prodibio Bio digest.

Good results thus far

[Ryan]

Michael I sent you a PM about this tank and never got a response.

[Aqua-Digital]

Sorry did not see it. will check now.

[Myka]

Just found this thread Michael - nice looking tank! David takes great photos too!

[Aqua-Digital]

Thanks,

In would love to take photos of some of the people David has in his life but alass neither my talent or Brit connections are that good :(

[Aqua-Digital]

The end is nigh!

We are moving in 8 weeks to our new place backing onto the Golf course in Manotick. Sadly due to the renos involved the tank cant come. So we are saying goodbye to this build this week.

fear not a new one will start in the fall! BIGGER, even more bling!

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31.0-8/981093_633637976714650_6619802537954164012_o.jpg

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t31.0-8/1941378_633638036714644_6730720610910981452_o.jpg