I think most of us seen that tank at Concepts!

But I have to ask, just because it's me :biggrin: I see a Miller Mig welder in the pic of the stand build & just have to know......why wood & not metal for the stand?

Can't wait to see more!!!

Honestly it was cheaper to build out of wood, most likely going to weld the stands for the other six aquariums :wink:

Sorry if I missed it but what sort of coral will be occupying the coral flat?















Cmoonnnnnnnnn ALL zoanthids!!!

Going to be mainly SPS in this one; planning on another coral flat for LPS and one for softies.

Ah I see, for me metal is cheap the wood being in the industry & able to get whole sale pricing.

:pop2::pop2:

Yes I bet you get a fantastic deal on metal man.

Quick update,

Some goodies arrived a while ago and I've only just now had the time to get at it.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1021.jpg

Excellent packaging

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1022.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1025.jpg

Few plumbing supplies
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1026.jpg

RODI
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1028.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1030.jpg

Sump room still needed a little love
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1035.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1047.jpg

Finished up all the plumbing ( 24hrs ago ) decided to have run a little water though the system and pressure test some fittings.
** no leaks **
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1050.jpg

I am going to change the way the skimmer draws water from the sump tomorrow, I forgot a coupler as I am going to draw from the other side of the sump... however still could not help myself to test things out :twised:

Got the water system all hooked up, works like a charm, trying to source two blu drums, have a couple of float switches and JG bulkheads on the way.
still have not decided what to use for an ATO.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1051.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1049.jpg

Test run with creek water

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1052.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1053.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1055.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1058.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1059.jpg

Those black pipes...are they ABS instead of PVC? There is a running debate as to whether there is bad leaching from ABS...Google it and check it out for yourself.

There is a mix of both, I've had no problems in the past; however I do share your interest in the subject, thank you for sharing :wink:

Lookin' awesome with all that space
If you haven't decided yet, I love my Tunze ATO
It can pump as much as 250-350ml per cycle and, if that isn't enough for you, you can add the external pump adapter and run whatever pump you desire on 110-120vdc
I wouldn't trade it for any other ATO controller I've seen yet
I even have one on my 20g QT :wink:

viewing your coral in that thing is going to be so much fun! looking good so far!

I will read up some about the Tunze model, thanks :)

Its good to see passionate words like "I wouldn't trade it for any other"

It's a bunch of garbage and a complete myth that will never die. ABS plastic is not only completely safe but actually used for most plastic parts you already find in your aquarium like bulkheads, power heads and those reeflow pump housings. ABS plastic is also superior against chemical exposure and is a thermoset plastic so it won't deform with heat, realistically it's better for our application hence its popularity in products designed for aquarium use. ABS pipe from your plumbing store was manufactured for one purpose and it's not going to meet regulations for residential potable water sources as it's not made for pressure applications. As a result many warnings regarding ABS pipe not being suitable for potable water applications exist but these are in place for obvious reasons that relate to the prevention of installing ABS pipe in your home source waterlines.

The latest buzz on this is the use of mildew inhibitors on ABS pipe, not sure where it came from but there is zero evidence of this and simply not true. ABS pipe is designed with a smoother surface on the inside which promotes better flow for drainage applications and it also reduces mildew and mold growth as there is less surface area. Perhaps this is the source of the inhibitor myth.

In reality, ABS pipe is cheaper than PVC, promotes better flow with smoother pipe and larger radius fittings, more available in larger sizes, resists chemicals better, and is easier to glue. People should really conclude it's better for our application but as long as there are people with keyboards there will always be a stream of misinformation to follow.

Anyway build is looking good bud!

^we should make that a sticky! :biggrin:

I agree totally; I did indulge in a little google search last night and pretty much came to the conclusion there is much BS about ABS as I've not had a problem in the past 15 years using it; and the search actually had me second guessing my decision to plumb with it once more.

Sphelps had a sound answer in my opinion, I think it should be placed somewhere to help remove the confusion and worry from people new to the hobby, and a few old salties too.

it would cut down on the number of people trying to paint their pvc too lol.

Flipped on the RO system a few hours ago.... ( going to take a while ! )

The Vertex Puratek 100 GPD system is actually making water at a rate of 5g every 27-30 minutes, so it's working much faster than advertised, the source water is room temperature and that does help somewhat for sure.

Ordered roughly 900lbs of dry rock ( will be plumbing another 180 ToughTub in for the rock), salt and 2x 1000w JbJ True Temp systems, Apex with 4 of 8 slot power-bars.

Thinking about going this direction for ATO... anyone familiar with this model?
http://www.genesisreefsystems.com/pr...d=01-000156-02

I emailed the company with a couple of questions, however still not committed :wink:

Next I am at a toss up over calcium reactor or dosing, I've never used dosing pump method before; however quite familiar with CA reactor and I would be interested to hear from people whom have switched from one to the other or back.

If you don't mind some more input ...
That ATO unit seems kinda pricey considering it only comes with float switches and no pump
I own no shares in Tunze :smile: but I'd say they don't compare
The Osmolator uses 1 float for backup and a sensor eye for the pump trigger. Plus it comes with a pump, and the latest models have an adjustment pot ( internal ) that controls the DC output to the 12v pump

PM me if you want some user feedback/install tips

Quite right you are about the pump, and I do fancy the idea of the sensor eye system, well seems I've been on the fence about what system to use, I think I'm sold on the Tunze.

Will get one up on order tonight, when I receive it I might take you up on the installation tips mate.

Thanks.

Not to question Tunze...cause their stuff is excellent...but you could also look at the Elos Osmolator. It is also a very good ATO...available at J&L.

I'll wait and see if the OP wants some feedback about the Elos before I clutter up his build thread more :smile:

Please, the more the merrier !

At least he has water in his Tank :lol:

OK then ...
I've looked at the Elos ATO and see some issues vs buying the Tunze ....
The Elos doesn't appear to come with hose, or a hose mounting system, and correct me if I'm wrong but I also don't see any kind of backup float or sensor for overfilling/high level

The only thing I see of note that the Elos has over the Tunze is the manual button for adding water, but the Tunze performs a pump cycle every time you plug it in, so that's covered
As stated earlier, there are tricks for setting up the Tunze, so I'll cover that if the OP PMs me, or wants to see it here :wink:

The Tunze has it all

Maybe some Elos users will chime in

Here is the suction modification for the skimmer so it will draw from the dirty water side.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1067.jpg
http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/...s/IMG_1066.jpg

Going to play around with some baffle ideas possibly until the other Tough Tub is plumbed in.

Ouch!! Haha...way to go for the jugular! A point well taken though.

Well it was dirty creek water :wink: