my 500 gallon reef tank

[Myka]

Welcome to CanReef!

That is a great looking tank, lots of work! Being a carpenter though, your framing scares the **** out of me. That tank will have over 4000 lbs of water in it!

[abcha0s]

The video still isn't working. I'm not sure how anyone else could access it?

I'm confused though. You said you took the PAR measurements outside of the tank. I'm pretty sure that the optical characteristics of air and water are completely different?

Maybe I'm just confused about the testing methodology. If you are testing through the air and not water, can you explain the relevance of 26 inches and how this would translate to an equivelant measurement in a tank?

Looking forward to the video.

Thanks

- Brad

[steve the plumb]

I took par measurements outside the tank but I also took par measurements inside the tank I just didn't make a video of it because I was alone and its hard to do both at the same time never mind the fact that
My stand is 3 feet tall
The tank is 28 inches deep
My access cover or opening is 24 x 15 so its kind of hard to hold a video camera,the par meter and try not to drop anything in the tank.

I did place one unit on my tank over the middle of it.So the unit was penetrating though 3/4 inch acrylic and I took a reading at the bottom of the tank (I don't have much sand) and my par reading was between 125-138.You have to understand I am also standing on a ladder while doing this.

It was easier to hang the unit and do a test over the floor just to see the light spread.If my tank was an open style tank or had a single brace and if it was smaller it would be more simple.
You guys have to understand this tank is huge I have trouble getting anywhere in the middle of the tank.I have no step in the back of the tank so I step on a bucket in order to try and do anything.I have to build some kind of step onto my stand because there is no way in hell I could have any way of playing around with the tank or if a coral falls I am up sh*ts creek.

[steve the plumb]

Originally Posted by abcha0s@conceptaquatics

The video still isn't working. I'm not sure how anyone else could access it?

I'm confused though. You said you took the PAR measurements outside of the tank. I'm pretty sure that the optical characteristics of air and water are completely different?

Maybe I'm just confused about the testing methodology. If you are testing through the air and not water, can you explain the relevance of 26 inches and how this would translate to an equivelant measurement in a tank?

Looking forward to the video.

Thanks

- Brad

This video was outside the tank to show the light spread.I will try to fix it.I change the settings to public but someone m,mentioned it didn't work.I will try to take a video of the unit on my tank but I think it will be more simple when I get my brackets.I am waiting for the welder to come to my house to finish a job but I know he was injured while working on another job so I think he will be delayed.

[steve the plumb]

Originally Posted by Myka

Welcome to CanReef!

That is a great looking tank, lots of work! Being a carpenter though, your framing scares the **** out of me. That tank will have over 4000 lbs of water in it!

The frame is pretty strong believe it or not.I added 2 x 4 every 6 inches and I glued them and screwed them.What you saw was pics I took while I was building it but after I placed the tank on the top I went and added even more 2x4 and added more cross braces.I didn't take pics because I was working inside the stand and it was kind of a pain because for every 2 x 4 I had to go in the stand measure go out cut the wood and then go back in and screw and glue it.I can empty my stand and take pictures of the inside to show you.The plywood alone is pretty dam strong.I doubt this stand will collapse.I would be in big trouble this is why I went overboard.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by steve the plumb

What you saw was pics I took while I was building it

Ah, ok! Jeez you had me all freaked out! What I didn't like were the corners where you didn't have both joining horizontal pieces supported with a stud. You only had one on the stud, and the other was free floating. Glue and screws wouldn't hold that together!

[steve the plumb]

Originally Posted by Myka

Ah, ok! Jeez you had me all freaked out! What I didn't like were the corners where you didn't have both joining horizontal pieces supported with a stud. You only had one on the stud, and the other was free floating. Glue and screws wouldn't hold that together!

No No that was just like 1 2x4 in each corner.I added more afterwards.The problem was I was building the stand.My old neighbor was moving so I asked the guys to move my tank from the garage to the tank room.I rushed and placed the top (3/4 plywood) on the stand.The guys came and moved my tank for $100 and some beer so I then had to work inside the stand.I didn't take any more pics because I need a flash and it looks kind of dumb.I can take some pics of the stand if you like to see it.Yeah the way it looks in the pics its like I just placed a 2 x4 in each corner and I have one running along the top.I doubt that would hold 5000 pounds.Like I said if you want I can take pics.The tank hasn't budged.

[steve the plumb]

I will try to do a par video tonight over my tank.I have been a little busy with the family so its hard to get some free time.I will also need my wifes help to video tape while I move the par meter around.We have a small baby so its kind of rough.We have to keep a constant eye on her.

[lastlight]

Bumbo next to tank. Done!

[steve the plumb]

Originally Posted by lastlight

Bumbo next to tank. Done!

I didn't understand that one.Is it a Calgary expression