50g Corner - Build [Archive] - San Diego Reef Forums

JHAI4

05-25-2007, 08:24 PM

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/8537/ftsp.jpg

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Start of Thread:

Okay so I am finally upgrading from a 12g Aquapod to a 50g 24"x24"x24" corner tank. I spent way to long buffing out the corner tank I bought from demetre (cheers), but the work has paid off. I am customer building it into my bathroom to match all that cabinetry.

So here goes... I am going to post the process in the hope to get quality feedback for you experts! I am creating a closed loop system powered by a Poseidon 1, and the return powered by a Poseidon 3. I am going to use try to use the ProClear Aquatics 125 i bought with the tank as a sump/refuge. Having said all of that my first question to the group is in regard to lighting... I think I want to go with

175w SE 14000k Iwasaki, also known as Aqua2 powered by a Icecap 175w ballest

Two T5 artinics (any suggestions as to make model - website for purchase etc.) Plus moon lights.

Now I don't know much about the lightoing side of the hobby so if any one can shed some light :D on the subject that would be great!

Here is my tank a week ago, being preped for the plumbing.

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5524/cornertankak4.jpg

The top two bulkheads are the returns, the two on the bottom right are the CL return and the single hole on the left is the CL intake.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1700/dsc0862hx0.jpg

TripleP

05-25-2007, 08:26 PM

that is gonna look good Justin

Nick_Kun

05-25-2007, 08:38 PM

its looking good, can't wait to see it running....:)

JHAI4

05-27-2007, 07:26 PM

Okay, so I have this Proclear Aquatics 125 sump. In my 12 gallon nano I took out all of the bio media and used just a bag of carbon. Should I modifiy this ProClear to become a sump/refugium? If so what is the best way of doing it?

Can anyone give me some solid suggestions? I have to drill the tank to allow the Poseidon 3 to take in the water to pump back up to the main tank, so there will be no in sump pumps.

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/4697/sumpev7.jpg

JHAI4

05-28-2007, 06:58 AM

Bump....

Redeye

05-28-2007, 08:35 AM

do you have more room for a larger fuge below
(i know i need to come over and look)

using that sump, you would need to add some baffles, so your macro and micro-bubbles are'nt making to your skimmer/return section

mmoore0803

05-28-2007, 08:56 AM

Justin, you might be better off getting a 20g tank and use that as a sump.....then you can make your own baffles and silicone them into place....Then, if you want a refugium, either get an external skimmer, or plumb in a 10g.

Nick_Kun

05-28-2007, 09:38 AM

will a 20gallon tank fit under that stand though?

mmoore0803

05-28-2007, 09:42 AM

don't know ;)

JHAI4

05-28-2007, 02:41 PM

I am not using that stand, currently I have a 40" x 40" corner shelf that is 30" off the ground that I want to customize for this diplay. My 12 gallon is on there currently. Below is an image..

Here is what I came up with as a design so far.... I think I can fit a everything I need under the tank... It would be nice to use the Proclear Aquatics 125 sump since I have it, but as pointed out it maybe better to purchase the SC11 from So Cal Creations. (http://www.socalcreations.com/scc1.htm)... Thoughts?

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/2466/picture2ch1.jpg

victortrav

05-28-2007, 02:50 PM

once you get this set up let me know its going to make it totally worth while to have some mex food or some hot hot wings:eek: :D:D:D looking really good justin

mmoore0803

05-28-2007, 04:57 PM

Just make sure you can get to those pumps with the sump in :D
Love the look so far....you're going to brace that table...right (50g of water=400lbs)

JHAI4

05-28-2007, 07:46 PM

You're going to brace that table...right (50g of water=400lbs)

Definitely, I am going to add a couple of 2"x4"s to take on the load. I just laid out the holes for the tank on the marble counter I was going to call a few stone yards in town tomorrow to assist in the drilling, but does anyone out there know someone that can drill and router out marble? If so please hit me up...

I addition I was thinking of adding small 12" platform to hold the sump/refuge and under that place the pumps as there is lots of room height just not a lot of floor space... the pumps are more then powerful enough the handle the extra 1' of pipe. :) I figured that at worst I could get a custom corner sump/refuge. I am running a little tight on space behind the tank so I think I am going from the elbows to flex piping to help with the tightness of space, any concerns there?

Cheers.

Diver Dan

05-28-2007, 08:09 PM

That is going to be so cool.

lucubrator

05-28-2007, 09:36 PM

If I were you I would switch the two pumps. There's no need to run 10-15x your display volume through the sump.

JHAI4

05-29-2007, 06:29 AM

If I were you I would switch the two pumps. There's no need to run 10-15x your display volume through the sump.

What would you suggest...? Currently, I spec'd a PS1 (CL) + PS3 (return). I estimate that the return will have approx 12' of pipe (6' just from the bulk heads down to the shelf) and the CL will have approx (5') from the bulk heads to the pump. Do you add the sumps water volume to the gph calc?

Volume (sump included in return calc)
PS1 (CL) @ 3' (540gph/50g = 10.8x)
PS3 (R) @ 3' (800gph/74g = 10.8x)

Quite is the name of the game, how about two PS1s?

Volume (sump included in return calc)
PS1 (CL) @ 3' (540gph/50g = 10.8x)
PS1 (R) @ 3' (540gph/74g = 7.3x)

Redeye

05-29-2007, 03:07 PM

you are going to have one hell of a bathroom! :)

davocean

05-29-2007, 05:14 PM

Hey Justin.
For your sump you want 3-5x turnover.
I think I would have gone w/ an oceanrunner, quiet, cool, can run ext or int.
Rest of flow (30-40x overall) should go through loop and/or PH's
I'm not familiar w/ poseidons.
I may be able to look at your tank this weekend to see about brace and stand.

lucubrator

05-29-2007, 08:31 PM

12' of pipe != 12' of head, unless you have a ton of flow.
Here's a calculator that will help you figure out how much head loss you actually have. ReefCentral (http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php).
Eheim makes quality pumps, ocean runner seems to get good reviews, and the quiet one 4000 is decent as well. Mags can be loud, heat the water, and have a higher failure rate. Worst of all is the rio powerhead series; their HyperFlow pumps don't seem to get quite as many complaints.

As a general rule, I think the submersible/external pumps are better than external only pumps for the <1500 gph range. Once you're up there, the ReeFlo line is awesome. Kamil has a snapper (2500 gph max, 98w) that's silent, and the Dart (3600gph max, 160w) is just as quiet.

JHAI4

05-29-2007, 10:21 PM

Lucubrator,

As posted on Marine Depot web site "Most experts recommend turning the water of your tank over 5 to 10 times per hour in a fish-only system. In a reef tank, we recommend turning the water over least 10 times per hour (many hobbyist go up to 40 to 50 times/hour). For example, a 30 gallon reef aquarium should be at least 300 gallons/hour of turnover."

Why is my x10 too much?

Also , just so I am clear you are suggesting alternative brands of pumps for larger tanks? Or have I mis read your posting

Quiet one 4000 = 575 GPH
Snapper is 2500 GPH @ 11'
Dart is 3600 GPH @ 12'

Thanks for the guidance...

lucubrator

05-29-2007, 11:33 PM

When they say turnover, they mean movement in the tank. What you're planning to do with the PS3 through the sump is to expend more energy than you need to. As davocean said, you want 3-5x turnover through your sump. The main reasons for this are that you can get micro-bubbles coming from the splashing water going back into your tank and making things ugly, the possibility of excessive noise, and wasted energy. The sump is mostly a place to put heaters and your skimmer. The skimmer really only needs 1-2x tank water volume turnover per hour, and the heater only needs a bit more than that to sufficiently maintain temperature.

With your tank that means you want 150-250gph through the sump, and then the other 400-2000gph circulating in the tank alone. Those 40x figures are for people with bare-bottom tanks and sps. They're also often produced using things like the hydor koralia, and the tunze streams and nanostreams.
Head loss is a frictional loss combined with a loss from pushing water against gravity. In your case, you'll have something like 5-6' of head from the sump to the tank, assuming you use 1" pipe. With the pump that you use for a closed loop, you'll have something like 1', if that.
With the quiet one 4000 as a closed loop, you'll have something around 8-900gph, which can be distributed via a manifold. That pump is good value for money, and uses 50 watts.

The PS1 uses 65watts and is $50-60 more than the quiet one. It also takes up more space, or reduces your sump volume because it can't go in the sump.
They also say, "Please note that it is normal for this pump to increase the aquarium`s water temp by 4–6°"

The eheim 1260 has similar specs to your ps1, but is submersible, and dead silent.

I think with the tank size that you have it's not necessary to run external pumps, and that you'll get less headache and trouble from a smaller pump.
If you aren't set on having a closed loop, you can look into the tunze/hydor/seio lines (in order of decreasing quality), for powerheads that can move as much as 3000gph.

SDGuy has a setup with a ton of outlets:
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19667

Here's kamil's tank with the snapper:
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16904

Here's another old thread on pumps that I guess I'm digging up again, maybe marde can let us know how his PS4 turned out:
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14454

davocean

05-30-2007, 05:53 AM

Lucubrator's got it right there.
More than 5x in sump isn't efficient.
Also, watts=heat.
I have an eheim myself and it's one of the best pieces of EQ I've bought.
And even though I have a loop, I also added tunze nano's which I'm also very impressed with.

JHAI4

05-30-2007, 08:19 AM

Lucubrator & Dave....Now that's the best advice I have been given, thank you for spending the time to explain that this to me in detail. I very much appreciate it.

So based on your suggestion I will use the "eheim 1260" for the in sump return and the snapper for the CL... OR is this still too much? Please explain the manifold concept.

Regards,

davocean

05-30-2007, 03:10 PM

You could even go down to the eheim 1250 @320gph @6.5' head which is only 28 watts, like $70.
Or if you're concerned about head loss the 1250 is 634 @12' and 65 watts, $120.
The 1260 is a little high, but you can tune it down w/ a ball valve.
I'm not familiar w/ snapper, but depending on what you want to keep, 30x is good for softies, 40x+ for sps.
Keep in mind flow direction, that's why I added tunze nano's, I couldn't hit all dead spots w/ just loop.
Nano's are awesome, small, cool, and like 7 watts.
Modded nano's can pump 1,100+ gph on 7 watts (5 min. mod)

davocean

05-30-2007, 03:11 PM

Oh yeah, I order from Marinedepot.com, they're in OC and almost always next day delivery, and good prices.

JHAI4

05-30-2007, 03:33 PM

Great advice... I just picked up the G1 for hte skimmer and now need to look at lighting soon. Dave are you available this weekend to go over the hood and cabinet design...?

davocean

05-30-2007, 03:51 PM

I know I'll be available suday afternoon for sure.
May have to work sat.

JHAI4

05-30-2007, 08:39 PM

Okay so I am going with the Eheim 1260 for an internal return, which according to the Head Loss Calculator on reef central should result in a 4x.

I am having more difficulty deciding on the CL pump, I plan to do a mixed reef. So its either the Snapper at 2500gph generating 26x with some head loss integrated into that calc. Or since I already have a PS3 which will generate 14x at 800gph with some head loss and substitute with some Hydor.

Again, thanks for the assistance this seems to be so subjective...

JHAI4

06-14-2007, 01:00 PM

I have the tank all plumbed in the back, Jon "SDA619" built my sump, awesome job Jon thanks! Purchased the ASM G1 skimmer and the Eheim 1260 as the return pump.. Have decided to go with the PS3 for now and if I need more flow I can either bump up to the Snapper or add an internal power-head.

I am waiting on the marble guys to drill the numerous 3" holes on my counter top then we shall start to add the LR, LS and H20.

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/4650/dsc0016wm8.jpg

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8355/dsc0013et6.jpg

j_electric

06-14-2007, 01:11 PM

what are the demisions of tha sump and were did you get it?

JHAI4

06-14-2007, 01:21 PM

I designed it and "SDA619" aka Jon built it. It's 24"x12"x16"

j_electric

06-14-2007, 01:34 PM

how much if you don't mind me asking:)

JHAI4

06-14-2007, 01:39 PM

Well let me put it to you this way, the price was unbeatable! I suggest that if you are interested that you contact SDA619 and ask for a quote, just let him know I sent ya :D .

kjsreef

06-14-2007, 03:16 PM

I've got the exact same tank. I run a 250 SE bulb with 2x55watt pc's. I've posted a pretty old pic but i'll post a newer one tonight. Have fun your gonna love this tank, although it will get too small way too quick

MrKrispy

06-14-2007, 04:10 PM

looking good! I am planning a pentagon corner tank also, but I like shallower tanks so I am gonna have socal creations build me one. I'm not a big fan of acrylic but custom glass tanks are even more expensive.
Keep us updated!

JHAI4

06-14-2007, 06:37 PM

Yeah, I've been debating the glass thing now for a while!!! I'll give the acrylic a shot this will be my first one....

JHAI4

06-14-2007, 06:38 PM

Nice looking tank! I would love to see a shot of the lighting setup and the hood? Please :D

I've got the exact same tank. I run a 250 SE bulb with 2x55watt pc's. I've posted a pretty old pic but i'll post a newer one tonight. Have fun your gonna love this tank, although it will get too small way too quick

kjsreef

06-14-2007, 07:03 PM

Here is the tank as it is today

JHAI4

06-14-2007, 07:05 PM

Wow, Full!

kjsreef

06-14-2007, 07:07 PM

Here is a full tank shot and I'll get you one of the hood and lighting setup.

kjsreef

06-14-2007, 07:14 PM

Like I mentioned, I run a single ended 250 watt 14K hamilton with 2x55 watt pc's for supplemental light when the halide isn't running. I've also got led's in the reflector for moonlight. I think the reflector was a PFO that I cut down to size. I put two fans in the hood (stealth brand) to remove heat and I also have a locking hinge and spring loaded hinge to keep the top from slamming down.

Let me know if you have any other questions and keep up the good work, the tank is looking great.

JHAI4

06-14-2007, 07:27 PM

Thanks for the info.... Here are some questions in regard to lighting that I am wrestling with myself so maybe you can help me out by answering some of them for me... Do you really need the PC's? Why did you not go with atinics?

I am thinking of a 250MH 14K pendant, with moon lights no PC's and no atinics due to space... Whats the advantage of atinics and PC's?

MrKrispy

06-14-2007, 07:31 PM

are you guys running chillers?

JHAI4

06-14-2007, 07:37 PM

I run a titanium chliler on my nano see #10 on this thread! I don't plan on using one on my 50g.

Nick_Kun

06-14-2007, 09:03 PM

man, kelly your such a shower off :) Man your tank looks soooooo much better in person.

seahorse_man

06-14-2007, 09:12 PM

Looks great:) more pics:D

kjsreef

06-15-2007, 06:56 AM

Thanks Nick, yeah the picture I took didn't do it justice and the halide was off.

Justin, the pc's I run are 50/50 10K/Actinic. I run the 250MH about 8 hours per day and use the pc's to fill in two hours on either end for a 12 hour photoperiod. I suppose you could run a 175W for say 10-12 hours per day.

Lastly, yes I do run a chiller. I'm out in Poway with no central AC, at least not yet. So the chiller is a must!

Nick_Kun

06-15-2007, 07:12 AM

hey kelley, next time I comeover to your house, I'll bring my camera so I can take some pictures for yah.

Thanks Nick, yeah the picture I took didn't do it justice and the halide was off.

Justin, the pc's I run are 50/50 10K/Actinic. I run the 250MH about 8 hours per day and use the pc's to fill in two hours on either end for a 12 hour photoperiod. I suppose you could run a 175W for say 10-12 hours per day.

Lastly, yes I do run a chiller. I'm out in Poway with no central AC, at least not yet. So the chiller is a must!

JHAI4

06-16-2007, 02:22 PM

Holes have been drilled, pending reinforcement to the shelf. Hoping to get H20 tested within the next 5 days....

JHAI4

06-16-2007, 06:51 PM

Just thought you all may be interested to see my 12 gallon nano...

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8850/12gnanojc5.jpg

pnguy3n

06-16-2007, 10:55 PM

nice tank justin, the cap looks sweet in that spot.

seahorse_man

06-16-2007, 11:01 PM

Great nano:) Those green w/red zoos are cool:eek:

JHAI4

06-20-2007, 02:02 PM

Okay supports will be built on Monday (5 days and counting :D). I need to decide on lighting, the tank is 24" deep (50g) so I was thinking of 1 DE 250MH PFO mini pendant running off a ice cap or PFO ballast, a Phoenix 14K bulb and some white moon lights controlled by a Reefkeeper 2. What do you think?

Next topic sand? Can anyone recommend a good brand, for my nano I took a bag given to me by Ron at OG but never wrote down the brand.

demetre

06-21-2007, 10:06 AM

Wow, definately amazing what you're doing with that tank, and I'm glad you're using it to it's potential!

JHAI4

06-21-2007, 08:24 PM

Thanks... looking into the lightiing alternatives currently, but enjoying the research!

Redeye

06-21-2007, 08:29 PM

Monday should work, lemme contact you later this weekend when I know for sure

(I have 1 other install on monday, but it's all dry-fit, I just need to glue it and should be done early)

JHAI4

06-21-2007, 08:30 PM

Cool... I chat with ya over the weekend...

JHAI4

06-26-2007, 06:38 AM

Yesterday the stand/shelf was convertied to a cabinet/stamd and reinforced. This evening the plumbing will be dry fitted and glued up for a water test on Wednesday. I plan to order the lighting today and order the Reefkeeper2 which completes the purchases of equipment . The conceptual scale model of the hood had been completed and the hood will be built within a week or two, the finishing panels for the hood and cabinet are being created and stained.

With luck there will be live rock aquascaping and LS in place and cycling well under way be July 4th.

Here are some pictures of the great work done by Dave yesterday! Yes the sump can be removed and the vertical braces are screwed in so if absolutely necessary can be removed without a big ordeal.

QUESTION: Where does the ballest go? Can I mount it to the wall (on the left by the outlets or do I place it on the floor next to the CL pump?

P.S. Those outlets are on a GFI circuit.

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/7562/dsc0001ub6.jpg
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5346/dsc0002xl4.jpg
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3013/dsc0003ux7.jpg

coral diver

06-26-2007, 06:45 AM

just a suggestion put a couple more vertical stand on the back just in case better be safe than sorry

Redeye

06-27-2007, 06:33 PM

Jojo, you made Dave nervous, so we spent 2 hours chatting (you know how it is with 3 reefers in a room), 15 minutes reinforcing
we even squeezed a 250wHQI in that space too!

I'm excited to see the finished product

JHAI4

06-27-2007, 07:00 PM

Pictures coming soon...

JHAI4

06-27-2007, 08:27 PM

I am a little bummed... I took off the protective paper and found that a drip of the PVC glue has dripped onto the bottom quadrant of the lower left front panel... Not too much but it's about 2" long going horizontally and about .25" wide.... Bummer after being so careful for so long... I tried buffing it out but it didn't help much. I guess I will live with it and I am sure many scratches are to follow regardless how careful I am...

Anyway, here are the pictures, I am going to Home Depot tomorrow to add a pond liner to the bottom of the stand to give an extra layer of protection since this is on the second floor and then, yes, I am going to fill the tank with water and start the cycling process....

A special thanks to the following people for all their help with the construction and installation, you guys are awesome... Now pray it doesn't flood my house! LOL

Redeye
Daveocean
SD619

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2120/dsc0006em6.jpg

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3637/dsc0008hs0.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9945/dsc0011an5.jpg

Redeye

06-27-2007, 08:34 PM

how the heck did we get glue inside?! we were'nt even gluing around the tank

JHAI4

06-27-2007, 09:09 PM

I think it came from the bulkhead... When the tank was laying on its front panel.

Chanas4

06-27-2007, 09:19 PM

How did you get the stone drilled?

JHAI4

06-27-2007, 09:23 PM

Masonry/Stone manufacturing company came over and drilled it.

JHAI4

06-30-2007, 10:34 PM

Okay so the 25% to the refuge doesn't work I need to re-design it to eliminate the horizontal and utilize a 45º. Water doesn't want to flow in that direction because of gravity... Duh... Makes sense after the fact...

The skimmer was making a horrid noise so I added a DIY muffler out of an old pill bottle, cotton wool and some tubing, it works like a charm. Unfortunately, the stand pipe sucks... it's not quite so I am looking into other techniques, any suggestions? the drain is just so noisy!

Also the return pump is closed off by 65% because at 100% it's like a tidal wave in the sump. Lucubrator was right on the money with the pump size, but even then the Ehiem 1260 is too much I'm going to step down to the Ehiem 1250, because shutting the ball valve down so much cause too much back pressure on the pump.

Anyway, the tank is filled with water, sand and 23lbs of rock so far, I will add more LR next week. Looking to cycle the tank while fixing the noise issues. Also I have to wait for Dave to come back over to build the hood so I can mount the light fixture.

JHAI4

07-01-2007, 09:32 PM

Update...

I read a lot about the Herbie method on RC last night and started to tweak the system accordingly. Yes it really works, it's all about tweaking the water volume between the fall in the overflow to the fall in the sump with the gate valve on the down pipe.

It doesn't help that I have too much flow in the sump and that will be addressed on Tuesday when I go up to Irvine to switch back to the Ehiem 1250 pump at Marine Depot. However, at full volume on the return pump (ball valve 100% open) the return has so much flow the water goes cloudy...:D Lessons learned!!!

I also built a permanent muffler for the venturi today out of 1" pipe and caps. This muffler system also works wonders and cuts all the noise out of the venturi. You can see the prototype in the picture with the green hose coming out of it... Once all of this is setup and functioning (thinking thursday after the holiday) I will be tweaking the vibration noise but at this point the tank is pretty quite.

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/7369/dsc0014sm1.jpg

There is black pond liner on the floor, extra precaution since the tank is on the second level of my house.

As you can see the tank is cycling, with 50% of the LR in the tank LS and Scripps Water.
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5439/dsc0018kw7.jpg

kinktao

07-02-2007, 02:37 AM

Okay, good job so far, I'd love to see the final results.

Anyway, i have multiple suggestions.

For your return pump, you will destroy your pump with a lot of back pressure if you plan to use just a ball valve, which is a common mistake. What you need to do is have a tee in there and make a bypass. That bypass should have the ball valve so you can limit how much water is being returned to the tank. It should look like this:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z120/kinktao/bypass-ecomm-1.gif

also, the cool thing about by passes is that you could easily use them to supply water to phosban reactors, chillers or what not without having to add a second pump. I like systems that can run off one pump and be sufficient. Using an Ocean motions could aid in that.

Secondly, about the herbie method, you really need a backup drain. I think the herbie method with only one drain is quite scarey. Even if you match the flow exactly today, it doesn't mean a week later it will be perfectly matched considering outside factors such as things getting clogged or dirty.

It seems that you could easily build a durso with your setup, why not do that instead?

http://www.dursostandpipes.com/Portals/0/images/standpipe.jpg

JHAI4

07-02-2007, 09:31 AM

Kinktao, thank you for your comments I really appreciate them...

Issue 1: I have tried the durso in the tank and it makes a horrendous noise. I'll tried building two or more and the noise just won't go away!

Issue 2: I do have a second drain for the Herbie method as a backup.

I made a simple illustration showing the plumbing. I think I didn't communicate the use of the ball valve on the return side correctly... I have no intention of using the ball valve to restrict flow from the tank on the return, during the first few runs of the system I realized that the pump is too powerful and was playing with the ball valve to see how much over power I have. The design intent is to use the ball valve for maintenance only so there is no back pressure.

I do intend to add a calcium reactor to the system as I don't want a media bag in the sump, so your "tee suggestion" off of the return will be implemented. Thanks!:)

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/9652/picture2is3.jpg

kjsreef

07-03-2007, 02:10 PM

I'm surprised the durso was so loud. I have one in my 50 corner and the only sound I hear is the water running in the spa flex out to the garage where my sump is. Did you put a pinhole in the top and how far down from the water surface was the elbow?

Redeye

07-03-2007, 02:23 PM

the herbie seems to work great on his system, once he has that second "emergency" drain in (tank already has 2nd bulkhead, just plugged untill now)
wish the ppl at AW knew their elbow from their a$$hole, and did'nt drill the return holes at the top of the tank
they drilled them so high, the bulkhead BARELY fit, and then gave a GOOD stream of micro bubbles, since the middle of the bulkhead was even with the water level (fixed with some lockline)

loose-electron

07-06-2007, 11:09 AM

Justin:

Looks like a good effort - glad you could come over and see how quiet the Herbie systems really are.

Jerry

Big Brother

07-06-2007, 11:42 AM

durso's are just as quiet (and arguably safer) than herbies. it just takes a little patiense to get it calibrated correctly.

JHAI4

07-06-2007, 12:24 PM

I don't want to turn my thread into a debate over durso's vs. herbie etc... I've made my choice and I am very happy with it so far. Thank you all for your concerns and feedback, but let's move on...

Regards,

JHAI4

07-13-2007, 02:16 AM

Tank is up and running! I will post some pictures later on today! Ready for some live stock!!! :D

Nick_Kun

07-13-2007, 05:28 AM

nice, can't wait to see how it looks.

RussM

07-13-2007, 05:51 AM

I made a simple illustration showing the plumbing.
Justin, was this done in Visio? If so, where'd you get the stencils w/ Sch40 fittings?

JHAI4

07-13-2007, 07:50 AM

Justin, was this done in Visio? If so, where'd you get the stencils w/ Sch40 fittings?

Sorry, man all made from scratch in illustrator. I can draw your tank for a frag fee if you want :D :D :D

JHAI4

07-13-2007, 08:53 AM

Here are the photos:

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/1715/99081378xv6.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6148/13132946nl7.jpg

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/913/87869888pt3.jpg

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/5030/11122600gu2.jpg

Nick_Kun

07-13-2007, 09:16 AM

nice, you can try and stick the ballast above the canopy and maybe stick the chiller under the stand. Can't wait to see once the doors and canopy is done.

JHAI4

07-13-2007, 09:20 AM

nice, you can try and stick the ballast above the canopy and maybe stick the chiller under the stand. Can't wait to see once the doors and canopy is done.

Cheers! The chiller is gong in the attic, waiting plumbing supplies and the ballast is remaining in the cabinet a lot of wire/cable management to do tonight! :D

Jessy

07-13-2007, 11:17 AM

Wow your aquascaping is nice!!!! How did you get the rocks to look so good and connect? Rods?

swissfish

07-13-2007, 12:14 PM

it is going to loo nice!

Just an idea, when you skin the stand you could just attache it with those door magnets and you'll never have to be upset that the doors are to small.

JHAI4

07-13-2007, 01:25 PM

Thanks, all three panels are removable so access is maximized.

JHAI4

07-13-2007, 01:25 PM

Wow your aquascaping is nice!!!! How did you get the rocks to look so good and connect? Rods?

Got to love that acrylic rod technique!

JHAI4

07-17-2007, 04:12 PM

Here goes - Cabinet and hood facadé is being built... Here are some tank shots
so far!

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/5135/dsc0059sa8.jpg

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6910/fullshotfz8.jpg

JHAI4

07-24-2007, 08:05 PM

Chiller is going up to the attic tomorrow, and the cabinet doors are arriving... All I have to do is stain it and install it!!! YEAHY!!! Can't wait to see this completed.

swissfish

07-25-2007, 06:58 AM

Chiller is going up to the attic tomorrow, and the cabinet doors are arriving... All I have to do is stain it and install it!!! YEAHY!!! Can't wait to see this completed.

Me too, and let us know how the chiller set iu is working.

Jessy

07-25-2007, 06:59 AM

Looks really good Justin. I can't wait to see it finished.

spanko

07-25-2007, 07:42 AM

Tagging along.

swissfish

08-28-2007, 02:12 PM

how did the chiller set up go?

Did you get the doors put on yet?

JHAI4

08-28-2007, 03:08 PM

The chiller works like a dream.... Awesome!!! Have been battling with micro bubbles and or particle specs in the water. Hence the skimmer questions... The cabinet was a redo, but should have it done this week (cross fingers).

Other then not being able to keep SPS alive (no apparent reason why they are dying - water parameters are spot on), the tank is doing well... I'll post some pictures tonight once the sin has gone down...

JHAI4

08-30-2007, 09:01 PM

Main tank shot
http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9314/dsc0006fp6.jpg

Sump and equipment
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/5162/dsc0009vq4.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4914/dsc0010wb2.jpg

The escapee
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/5531/dsc0016rg9.jpg

The clowns - thanks Bigair
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/1627/dsc0017kk5.jpg

Ducky - the sick one, has a good side and bad side, obviously the good side shown.
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3928/dsc0018jv6.jpg

Fraggle Reef Clam from Reef-A-Palooza!
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1859/dsc0025nt9.jpg

Green Zoos
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/5614/dsc0026cu2.jpg

My Candy Canes - splitting/growing another head!
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/1707/dsc0027er0.jpg

Frog-Spawn - Thanks CyberGuy
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2372/dsc0029af0.jpg

Plenty other animals in the tank but didn't want to bore you all!!!

Jessy

08-30-2007, 09:14 PM

Did the Gorgonia make it?

JHAI4

08-30-2007, 09:17 PM

Yes! She's doing well... She's mid tank!

JHAI4

08-30-2007, 09:29 PM

Well this is the update.... My chiller made it to the attic and seems to be doing well up there... My electric bill wasn't to bad this month so I'm stoked! The chiller return was moved tonight from the sump to the main tank (see the center bulkhead in the tank shot) better distribution of chilled water and I hope this will reduce the flow in my sump reducing the micro bubbles...

The water parameters are as follows:
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/1329/picture1pe6.jpg

I have a 250w PFO mini MH running a Phoenix 14K bulb, two Current-USA lunar lights (white). The sump is running on a home depot special and energy efficient, zero heat, cool light. The MH are on from 2pm to 9pm. I run my skimmer for 8 hrs during the day trying not to over skim!

The main issues to date are the ich on the tang and improving the water clarity/removing either the micro bubbles or sand particles in the water that drive me up the wall! I have been feeding the garlic cocktail to the fish and the largest white ball of ich fell off of Ducky this evening, so I'll see if it returns tomorrow morning! I have been siphoning off some of the sand with every water change in an effort to reduce the sand bed as I think this is part of the water clarity issue - (loose sand particles being blown all over the place).

Other then the ich the only other issue is that I can't seem to keep SPS alive! I thought it maybe my Mag, but I have brought that up over the past two weeks to the 1350 it is today.. This maybe it or it could simply be that the tank is still too new!:confused: I have honestly no idea why I can't keep Montipora alive!

Okay the cabinets are coming... I'm now getting a little annoyed with the finisher, but hope to have them next week if not sooner!

WanaLeime

08-31-2007, 07:45 AM

wow!!! great build!!! awesome thread, keep up the good work!!!!

JHAI4

08-31-2007, 10:14 PM

Seems that Ducky was cleaned up by "pepe" the clenaer shrimp and the ich seems to be under control (for the last 24 hours - at least)....

JHAI4

09-10-2007, 01:32 PM

Cabinets have been completed! Yeah baby! I love it... wow the tank just pops right out at you when you enter the room! Here are some pictures!!!

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1140/dsc0061tk0.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/7039/dsc0054dg5.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8507/dsc0055bv6.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7083/dsc0064wf8.jpg

Thank you everyone for your help and support!!!

Until the upgrade! :D :D :D :D

SDguy

09-10-2007, 01:36 PM

Looks great Justin!

Redeye

09-10-2007, 01:39 PM

Looks amazing!!!

Best Bathroom tank I have ever seen ;)
It will be odd at parties that everyone is hanging out in your bathroom though...just gonna have to put a tank in that entryway by the door;)

barometer

09-10-2007, 01:44 PM

Awesome job Justin,
Those cabinets really make the difference, that tank looked good, now it's fantastic. If I came over and had to use the facilities, you'd have to knock on the door to be sure I was still alive in there from staring at the tank for too long :p

pnguy3n

09-10-2007, 03:14 PM

Justin looks really modern and has a sleek look to it. I'm digging the cabinet.

nahtanoj

09-10-2007, 05:22 PM

nice build, nice thread. i really like the finished look, great job.

JHAI4

09-10-2007, 05:28 PM

Awesome job Justin, if I came over and had to use the facilities, you'd have to knock on the door to be sure I was still alive in there from staring at the tank for too long :p

Looks amazing!!! Best Bathroom tank I have ever seen ;)

Actually... one of the reasons I installed it in my bathroom, is my wife is going to give birth at home this December, a water birth in our bathroom... Well that;s the plan, anyway I told her that it would be further enhanced by the natural beauty of a reef. At least this was the line that won me permission to build the tank!! :D :D :rolleyes:

barometer

09-10-2007, 07:21 PM

Actually... one of the reasons I installed it in my bathroom, is my wife is going to give birth at home this December, a water birth in our bathroom... Well that;s the plan, anyway I told her that it would be further enhanced by the natural beauty of a reef. At least this was the line that won me permission to build the tank!! :D :D :rolleyes:

Man, that is so cool. We had planned a water birth at the birthing center in Hillcrest. Unfortunately our son couldn't wait for the water and was born in the front seat of our Subaru Forester with me playing catcher :eek: :D

JHAI4

09-10-2007, 07:24 PM

Man, that is so cool. We had planned a water birth at the birthing center in Hillcrest. Unfortunately our son couldn't wait for the water and was born in the front seat of our Subaru Forester with me playing catcher :eek: :D

Now that's Cool!

unix858

09-10-2007, 07:36 PM

water birth... hmmmmm is that scientology stuff or something else???? :confused: :confused: :confused:

May i use your bathroom...

Jessy

09-12-2007, 12:50 PM

:) I just noticed something. My new tank is going to be bigger than yours :D... Ahhhhhh the little things in life. :eek: :p ;)

victortrav

09-12-2007, 12:54 PM

:) I just noticed something. My new tank is going to be bigger than yours :D... Ahhhhhh the little things in life. :eek: :p ;)
which is still kinda on the small side do an upgrade dont half ass it with a lil ole 60 :D:D:D

unix858

09-12-2007, 01:32 PM

which is still kinda on the small side do an upgrade dont half ass it with a lil ole 60 :D:D:D

That is where your wrong my friend.... A nano to a 60 is a big gap... hahah well for me it is. In my case I "forgot" there were such things as 55g and 60g and went straight to 240G... well thats what i told my gf and she had look on her face "most likely trying to think whether or not i should sleep in the living for a few weeks"

JHAI4

09-12-2007, 05:01 PM

Jessy go for it! My new system is much easier then my 12g.... You'll love it...

CyberGuy

09-12-2007, 05:51 PM

Justin,

Wow, that looks great. No wonder you told me you spend a lot on the furniture part of the tank system. It was worth it.

seahorse_man

11-22-2007, 01:45 PM

Update Please

acronautical

11-22-2007, 09:31 PM

Redeye said it already, "best bathroom tank ever," and I've got to agree. Very niiiice!

JHAI4

11-23-2007, 06:55 PM

As requested here is an update:

The tank is very stable, and finally it's becoming obvious how each animal is developing. My Tyree is going nuts, as is my pink birds nest and the branching GSP.

Thanks to SW Imports for the recent purchases, great store with good quality animals...

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9792/dsc0008vy5.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4554/dsc0009ak8.jpg

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1134/dsc0004bv3.jpg

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9682/dsc0003qm8.jpg

seahorse_man

11-23-2007, 07:00 PM

Very nice love the green polyp leather.

JHAI4

12-16-2007, 07:53 PM

Okay so after all this time I am unhappy with where the flow ended up in my tank, towards the bottom... I had a brain wave this evening... What if I switched out the closed loop return for the sump return... In other words the high water turnover from the CL will enter into the tank from the top and the sump return (slower water flow) will enter in from the bottom!

Is this a good idea? Below is the original design...

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2120/dsc0006em6.jpg

JHAI4

04-04-2008, 07:56 PM

Would switching the closed loop and the return be a bad idea?

Lcac_navy

04-04-2008, 10:10 PM

nahtanoj

04-05-2008, 06:48 AM

the downside to switching them is your return is then at the bottom of the tank. given a power outage, and a failed check valve, your tank will empty into your sump/onto your floor. i'd leave the return on top.

JHAI4

04-05-2008, 07:41 AM

Good point!!!!

I realized that my flow rate is too low for the majority of SPS's in my tank... My choices are to upgrade my closed loop pump to a reeflo snapper or to add a tunze nanostream...

Obviously, one is cheaper then the other and one is more adjustable then the other... The reeflo may push 95% of the flow from the bottom of the tank. By adding the tunze I will get 60% of the flow from the top and the balance from the bottom with the current closed loop pump...

My thoughts are to go with the Tunze... Can anyone see any reason why I should do the reeflo instead?

swissfish

04-05-2008, 07:46 AM

i think a power head aka tunze/korallia will be more versatile in adjusting the flow pattern to what you need.

Redeye

04-05-2008, 07:47 AM

Reeflo would be smoother (less stuff in tank)
But I would go Tunze, Black powerhead on black back blends well
more adjustable by FAR

JHAI4

04-08-2008, 06:35 AM

Well I just got done looking at your whole thread and man your set up is really nice. I am sorry I can not comment on your new question but just wanted to add to everyones comment that your aquarium looks outstanding.

Thank you!

Well thanks to Peter, I now have a Vortech in the tank and increased my flow from 16x to an estimated 45x (didn't turn the vortech up to the full 3000 gph). What a difference... seems like everyone is enjoying the flow increase.

I have done some changes!!!

1) Too the carbon out of the tank and will now run it a few days a month
2) Added some miricle mud and chaeto to the refugium in an effort to reestablish the refuge after a bad first attempt where I had crazy algea outbreaks in the main tank.
3) Added Eco-Phos to the tank - per Mike Paletta
4) Made room for a Jasper Cal Reactor... so I did some repluming down in the sump area to try make some room.
5) Now debating making the pappone food cocktail but my wife will kill me as she hates fish smells and I can imagine this is on the extreme side!!!!

Quesiton: Does any one make pappone now that I can buy from you?

I will post some pictures of the tank and sump later on today!!!!

SDguy

04-08-2008, 06:52 AM

Don't blame me for your spending habits! :p

JHAI4

04-08-2008, 07:43 AM

Don't blame me for your spending habits! :p

How about due to the amazing guidance of Peter, I was guided towards a better choice for flow and control for the desired output. Thank you for saving me the cash by guiding me to purchase the right equipment the first time.

Where were you when I setup an acrylic tank? Oh, well we'll have fun doing the Starfire upgrade....

:ohsnap:

DaveMorris

04-08-2008, 09:12 AM

Your tank looks great. Where did you find the Eco-Phos?

SDguy

04-08-2008, 09:45 AM

How about due to the amazing guidance of Peter, I was guided towards a better choice for flow and control for the desired output. Thank you for saving me the cash by guiding me to purchase the right equipment the first time.

Where were you when I setup an acrylic tank? Oh, well we'll have fun doing the Starfire upgrade....

:ohsnap:

LOL, amen to that!! Don't forget to get the battery backup.

JHAI4

04-08-2008, 09:54 AM

Your tank looks great. Where did you find the Eco-Phos?

Leng at Eco System Aquarium spent some time with me and Mike chatting about the Eco-Phos and Miracle Mud. I took them on there words after listening to Mike's lecture, it's so hard to test for Phosphates to the accuracy level that Mike is talking about without spending a fortune on a Merk test kit...

Leng took me over to the AW booth and told them to charge me "x" amount, from that I learned that AW sells it but it's not on the shelves. Apparently its by the cash register.

JHAI4

04-21-2008, 08:54 PM

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8995/tanksp9.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2467/neonfv0.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/3134/fulltankdc6.jpg

Latest Water parameters:

Temp 77º
Sal 1.024
CA 430
Alk 10.3
Mag 1350
Phos 0.0? (must be a little high as I have diatoms)
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 0
Ammo 0

Latest food for thought in terms of equipment is to replace the PFO 250 ballest for an Icecap and make room in the cabinet for a calcium reactor and possibly upgrade the skimmer.....If you have the icecap ballast in the metal heat sink case hit me up! :) I love the VorTech, can't recommend this piece of equipment enough... I love it so much that when I upgrade the tank to a Lee Mar I will seriously consider just using two VorTechs and eliminate the closed loop! The battery backup (thanks Peter) gives me peace of mind especially with the summer approaching and backups scheduled already by SDG&E.

JHAI4

04-21-2008, 09:09 PM

I found the best baby smoothing device! Honestly, my three month old daughter Jordyn can scream her head off, but the second I bring her the the tank she calms down. So much so I moved in the bassinet to the bathroom (this is where I keep my tank) and she is happy to watch the tank for an hour.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/5059/babyyx5.jpg

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/443/baby2ga0.jpg

JHAI4

04-27-2008, 08:54 PM

This week I added a Becker Tort mother colony from Jasper. Looks like it was grown to fit the spot in the middle of the tank! Due to the difficulty with Monti Caps I switched salts today (thanks Bogg) to the "Reefers Best Salt" from the ZEOvit method in a hope to raise Potassium levels. If all fails I may switch to the ZEOvit system by the end of May.... Anyway here are some tank shots and a Becker Tort close up taken ten minutes ago.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3859/dsc0053ks4.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/9172/dsc0051pe4.jpg

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1125/dsc0050yn6.jpg

SuperDragon

05-01-2008, 08:00 PM

nice tank build.

JHAI4

06-14-2008, 08:13 PM

:crazy::crazy::crazy::crazy:

Okay so my baby is having major issues with water quality! After conversing with a few industry go to people I ripped the tank apart. I found that the flow was not getting to the back and I have collected a years worth of detritus and black sulfur build up in the rocks!!! No wonder I couldn't keep Monti, and or other SPS!

Anyway I redesigned the closed loop and spent the better part of 36 hours, designing, shopping for parts, breaking down, cleaning and building. Here is some images of the new design...

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/2498/dsc0001se9.jpg

In the old design the bottom back right return was used as the closed loop intake. I drilled a new hole directly above it and moved the intake up for ease of access and cleaning. The closed loop now returns either side of the overflow and the loc-line ensures the flow is behind the rocks!

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/1732/dsc0006kh5.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3963/dsc0005ua0.jpg

Do you like my new custom 4g HO2 reservoir?:)
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6065/dsc0010kf6.jpg

I just finished filling the tank up with water and I am starting the acclimation of the animals to the new tank!..... Updates will come all week.

Nick_Kun

06-14-2008, 08:21 PM

very nice justin....really clean. I can't wait until you put all the livestock back in the tank.

- Nick

Chanas4

06-14-2008, 08:45 PM

Look good. where did you put everything while you worked on the tank? What kinds of problems were you having with your water?

Redeye

06-15-2008, 07:05 AM

Now go get some sleep, cause your typing sucks;)

JHAI4

06-16-2008, 01:15 PM

Look good. where did you put everything while you worked on the tank? What kinds of problems were you having with your water?

Hi Chanas4,

I placed everything into Maz's 55g that he gave away two weeks ago and through in a MJ1200 with a eco-mod to generate sufficient flow for the fish and rock (tank was PIF yesterday). I used my 10g QT tank a holding tank for my corals and believe it or not used my VorTech in that tank (toned down obviously :D) I was able to retain 50% of the original water and gave -100% of the sand away and started afresh.

The issues go back a few months were I was having a really tough time keeping Montis, which should be the easiest SPS to keep. My water parameters were perfectly in-line with expected parameters for a reef, my lighting was plentiful, my flow was ridiculous but some how corals were dying, I was losing animals and I had had enough! After speaking to some true experts, they had correctly diagnosed my tank as having to much bacteria and phosphates that are undetectable by test kits. Turns out that I had no flow behind the rocks and I was collecting the nastiest stuff back there and in my rocks. Hence the new design were the closed loop is focused in the back of the tank and the VorTech hits the front of the tank.

Anyway, everything is in the tank now, minus the large Yellow tank, Dusky jaw, Chromis, and a Molly. All of which I gave away, damn I'm a generous guy ;). I have lowered my bio-load and removed and replaced 95% of all plumbing in the tank so I am effectively starting with a super clean system and 18 months experience. I hope it goes smoother this time around.:rolleyes:

kjsreef

06-16-2008, 03:16 PM

JHAI4

06-17-2008, 10:19 AM

I hate to disagree with your industry experts but I'm not buying the flow argument. I have the exact same tank as you and my flow is a K3 and a tunze 6055. I don't have a special closed loop setup and my corals do just fine.

As for phosphate, are you running a phos reactor, I swear by them. As for bacteria, I'm not sure how they diagnosed having too many bacteria.

Anyway, I'm just try to help, I think your monti problem may be something else, nudi's, low calcium, low mg, low pH.

Well, best of luck with the new setup and let me know if you want to discuss setups some more.

That's why we love this hobby right? What works for one may not work for another! I'm glad your tank works for you and looks great, I cannot say the same from my tank after the last 12 months of experience. I've had my ups and downs, but I've learned a lot.

Everything you have suggested I have tried patiently and with no positive outcomes. If you read up a few pages my water parameters are all within the ranges that are acceptable. No Nudi's and yes I did run a phos reactor. As far a bacteria goes you cannot test for it but this is the feedback I received and as far as I am concerned he was spot on!

"In looking over your setup, the first thing that comes to my mind is what are you doing to remove organics from the tank. In my experience, the single biggest thing we can do to keep up water quality is regular removal of detritus. The need for this goes up with a refugium, which can be a detritus trap. Water changes, skimmers and other filters (like your phosphate filter) won't do it alone no matter how good they are. Think of a carpeted house where a smoker lives. You can open the windows and change out the air all you want, or run air filters all you want, but unless you replace the carpeting it will always smell like smoke. Organics in an aquarium work the same way. They accumulate in the sand bed and counteract the good effects of water changes. I've tried live sand beds, grunge beds, deep sand beds, thin sand beds, sandless bottoms, and the one routine I've found that seems to work is keeping a modest layer of sand (enough to look good aesthetically) and regularly cleaning it. You can use one of those "Python" siphons to remove just the detritus (about once a month does the trick) or you can use a regular 1 inch or so hose and remove and replace about 25% of your sand every month. I found that removing just the detritus each month and then replacing half the sand once a year or so worked well. You'll be surprised how much junk comes out of the sand you thought was clean.

If you're not already doing so, I suspect that after a few months of this new routine, your diatoms will die out and your corals will survive better (although the cleaner water may not do much for corals that have already started dying.) If you want to do more, there are a few other fixes but you shouldn't need any of them if you get the detritus out of the sand. Those fixes would include adding ozone, removing the refugium (they're kind of cool to have and, in theory do all sorts of wonders for our tanks, but I haven't seen tanks with refugiums actually doing better than those without and when I've used them, it's always been harder to keep algae to a minimum but is easier to keep certain fish like mandarins alive), upping your skimmer, doing more water changes. The ozone will help immediately cut down bacterial levels and may do a lot of good in the short term, but once the siphoning has time to rebalance the tank, I'm not sure ozone will be worth the investment anymore."

Again this hobby is trial and error and everyone has an opinion and after trying all the suggestions from people on the boards I reached out to people like, Fenner, Paletta and others. Thanks for your comments, I'm happy with the redesign so far and will post some pictures as soon as I can.

Chanas4

06-17-2008, 04:23 PM

I would be interested to see how it progresses. I havent been having the greatest success with certain corals either. Did you have a refugium?

NewReefer

06-25-2008, 08:23 PM

Really nice set up i love it im new to all this but lovin it, i have the same 50gal tank exept mine does not have the overflow, i have a canister filter, hang on skimmer, and 2 coralia pumps, i thing is doing pretty good for my first tank, but i would like to step it up and drille it, would like to add a sump, i dont really now a basic set up for a sump seen many different ones, also what is the use for a refugium, and will be installing a built-in stand.

da6d2003

06-26-2008, 08:05 AM

I got to see this setup in person last week. I don't think I've ever seen a more thoughtfull setup. And talk about quiet??? I'm sold on posideon pumps now.

Beautiful tank.

JHAI4

06-29-2008, 07:44 AM

Cheers, nice comments... Are you sure you're in the right forum/website? j/k:)

I love the posideon pumps they are great!

I got to see this setup in person last week. I don't think I've ever seen a more thoughtfull setup. And talk about quiet??? I'm sold on posideon pumps now.

Beautiful tank.

Redeye

06-29-2008, 07:49 AM

Yeah, the quietest tank I've ever seen, considering the amount of filtration and what not under it:D

JHAI4

06-30-2008, 05:44 AM

Okay so I finally had a few hours last night to do the aquascpaing.... I am happy it's exactly what I wanted and took a leaf out of Dave's book and predrilled some holes for frag plugs to enable easy mounting!!!

I will post pics this afternoon/evening....

JHAI4

06-30-2008, 07:29 PM

I must say the pictures do not do this tank justice... Finding it hard to get the right angle I need Nick and or Ed!

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8366/frontew0.jpg

The design intent was a vertical islands with plenty of swimming space between the two for fish to hang out and hide behind... The vertical island on the left is held together with an acrylic rod..

Looking up from the tank... Love this angle! :)
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7010/sidezc3.jpg

From the right so you can see the separation of the two islands...
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/1334/hirq4.jpg

Full tank straight on...
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/4420/dsc0345mh2.jpg

Full tank and cabinet shot.
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/5186/dsc0353qk2.jpg

Without cabinet panels (all connected with magnets....
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3197/dsc0354yt4.jpg

Love the new icecap ballast and VorTech backup
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1904/dsc0362lx9.jpg

Can you say cramped.... Yet I still think I can get a calcium reactor and tank in there.....
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/9338/dsc0357no8.jpg

Here you can see the closed loop behind the rocks generating a perfectly clean back of tank! The design worked!
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/2491/dsc0363az7.jpg

KT-150

06-30-2008, 07:50 PM

really nice aquascaping justin. really like the way you designed the whole system.

barometer

06-30-2008, 08:08 PM

Looks sweet Justin. Super clean as usual. I would love to come by to try some pics, let's set something up :)

JHAI4

06-30-2008, 09:05 PM

Ed - anytime!

JHAI4

07-13-2008, 09:45 PM

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9767/dsc0005qb8.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1746/dsc0009lz2.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3456/dsc0011sy5.jpg
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/3065/dsc0014nz0.jpg
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2043/dsc0015qk7.jpg

JHAI4

07-13-2008, 09:45 PM

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9533/dsc0018wx7.jpg
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2922/dsc0019na8.jpg
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/849/dsc0021kw1.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8246/dsc0022ab8.jpg
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/7706/dsc0026lu6.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1299/dsc0028nh3.jpg

JHAI4

07-13-2008, 09:46 PM

Wahooooooo!!!! Monti's Are Staying Alive!!!! It's only taken 1 year!!!!! :D:D

KT-150

07-13-2008, 09:59 PM

lookin real good!

barometer

07-14-2008, 06:44 AM

Very nice Justin. I'm having a hard time seeing why you'd want my help with pic :crazy: :p

JHAI4

07-14-2008, 06:47 AM

Cheers..... Ed, so much to learn, let's try to set something up one evening this week after work if your available. PM me some times that work for you.

JHAI4

07-14-2008, 06:50 AM

The D80, tripod and macro lens is beginning to work for me. Reducing one of two stops really help with the color. It's one thing taking pictures of the family its another through glass and of moving corals with extreme lighting!!!

JHAI4

09-25-2008, 04:26 PM

Pictorial Update.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/FTS.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Acan.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Calice.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/ClowenHost.jpg

JHAI4

09-25-2008, 04:31 PM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Neon-1.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/PinkBird.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Toad.jpg

barometer

09-25-2008, 04:33 PM

Looking good Justin.....tank and photos ;)

Sorry 'bout being absent lately :o, just slammed from every direction and no time for even my family and tank :(. I'll have to hit you up when things settle on my end some.....if you'll still have me

JHAI4

09-25-2008, 04:38 PM

Ed,

Thanks... No worries about the photo shoot, I haven't been on the boards in months! Anytime you want to come over hit me up....

J.

Looking good Justin.....tank and photos ;)

Sorry 'bout being absent lately :o, just slammed from every direction and no time for even my family and tank :(. I'll have to hit you up when things settle on my end some.....if you'll still have me

seahorse_man

09-25-2008, 05:23 PM

I remember when you were first setting this tank up awhile back and boy has it grown:cool:Looks really good Justin,I really like the clown in the polyps:)

Keep it up

-Jordan

JHAI4

10-07-2008, 11:04 AM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0055.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0056.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0059.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0071.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0079.jpg

JHAI4

10-07-2008, 11:05 AM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0081.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0083.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0107.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0082.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0063.jpg

JHAI4

10-29-2008, 09:03 AM

Got the sucker!

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Harlequin.jpg

JHAI4

10-29-2008, 11:59 AM

Spongodes
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Confusis.jpg

Green Birds Nest
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Greenbirdsnest.jpg

Orange Digi
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/OrangeDigi.jpg

Pink Birds Nest
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Pinkbirdsnest.jpg

Frogspawn
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Frogspawn.jpg

seahorse_man

10-29-2008, 03:45 PM

Nice growth shots,more pics:)

JHAI4

10-29-2008, 07:48 PM

Here is my OCD spreadsheet graphing page.... Trying to see the coloration between dosing and parameters. I need more data so I will be testing every day for a week or two to get some realistic cause and effects. Then back off to testing once a week.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Picture1-1.jpg

Raw Data Spreadsheet
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Picture2-1.jpg

seahorse_man

10-29-2008, 11:24 PM

what program did you use to make those?

JHAI4

10-30-2008, 06:09 AM

Excel.

Nick_Kun

10-30-2008, 08:32 AM

very nice pictures justin. I Love that Harlequin pic. I lost my pair during tank transfer :(

JHAI4

11-05-2008, 08:24 PM

So the drew's dosers are fantastic! They have given the tank a level of consistency that is very apparent. I highly recommend them!

On another note I have slowly switched over to Elos test kits from Salifert and could not be happier. They seem to be more accurate and easier to use with a clear cut easy to see color change for ease of use.

barometer

11-05-2008, 11:42 PM

First off I'd like to say how truly fantastic this little reef setup is in person. You've done one hell of a job Justin, this is a tank to be proud of :)

I could only salvage a measly few out of the photos I took on my visit. You're definitely going to yield better results with a superior camera body shooting at higher stops and faster than me. I should have tried with the tripod :o Anyway, here's what I almost liked out of the bunch

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/JustinHAI/reef/JHAI3_FTS_sm_fr.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/JustinHAI/reef/kryptonite_sm_fr.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/JustinHAI/reef/worms_sm_fr.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/JustinHAI/reef/SPSbranch_sm_fr.jpg
file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/me/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg

ManTis

11-05-2008, 11:48 PM

Yes this tank is beautiful. looks very calm.

Beautiful pics Ed.

seahorse_man

11-06-2008, 03:39 AM

Nice tank,looks very clean......

Justin,
how did you get ed to your house,man I haven't talked/hung out with him in ages:(

LOL

JHAI4

11-06-2008, 07:03 AM

Thanks Ed, nice shots! It's a very hard tank to take a FTS of due to the size and shape, well done.

SDguy

11-06-2008, 07:19 AM

Wow, it looks great when the lights are on!! :D

JHAI4

12-08-2008, 08:35 PM

Some updated images...

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0488.jpg

JHAI4

12-08-2008, 08:40 PM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0485.jpg

JHAI4

12-08-2008, 08:44 PM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0463.jpg

JHAI4

12-08-2008, 08:56 PM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0489.jpg

JHAI4

12-08-2008, 09:01 PM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0470.jpg

DaveMorris

12-08-2008, 09:46 PM

Those are some cool shots, Justin. Nice looking corals.

JHAI4

01-10-2009, 10:37 PM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0042.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0034.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0035-1.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0037.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0039-1.jpg

JHAI4

01-10-2009, 10:39 PM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0027.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0026.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0025.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0021.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0020.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0019.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0016.jpg

barometer

01-11-2009, 07:49 AM

Holy hungry candy canes Batman. Woohoo, your corals are going off Justin. Gotta get going on that upgrade ;) Nice pics too :D

JHAI4

01-12-2009, 10:46 AM

You can see I starve the corals! :D They are just so greedy, as a proud parent I have to say please excuse my children. You know, I try and raise them right these days but with all the rubbish in the media it's just so hard.... :D

I think I am close to needing to frag some of those candy canes. I have two frags of that leather that is going ballistic and a 3"-4" frag of the orange digi. If you look back in this thread one page you can see how that green birds nest has quadrupled in size. However, the real prize has to be the grow rate on the War coral, better financial returns on that baby then any investment available today! :D :D

JHAI4

01-12-2009, 10:48 AM

I totally forgot about the Tyree Blue Chalice, also insane growth - heading up the tank wall.

davocean

01-12-2009, 04:30 PM

Tank looks great, glad that war coral worked out well for you.

JHAI4

01-30-2009, 11:24 AM

Four months growth! You really don't realize the growth unless you document via photos.... Unreal!

Specifically the Becker Tort, Tyree leather and Chalice, War Coral, Pink Birds Nest, Acans etc....

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/FTS.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/DSC_0050.jpg

barometer

01-30-2009, 11:28 AM

:shocked: it's going off more than I suspected. Awesome Justin! :D

I'm ready for that piece whenever you are ready to let it go :angel:

JHAI4

01-30-2009, 11:41 AM

Yeah I have about 1/4" growth all round that little War Coral in just three months. Roughly another 6 mouths... I'm a proud papa!!! :D

JHAI4

03-01-2009, 10:17 PM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/th_Reef.jpg (http://s276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/?action=view&current=Reef.flv)

JHAI4

03-08-2009, 09:35 PM

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk27/justinhai/Test.jpg

barometer

03-08-2009, 09:40 PM

Now that's what I call a spankin' FTS. Nice Justin. How the hell do you keep the back panels so spotless? Oh yeah, your more OCD than I am :p

JHAI4

03-08-2009, 09:42 PM

Thanks man! OCD and a little PS (Shhhh....LOL)

I;m having a problem with my images! When I upload them to photobucket they loose their color saturation and hence they look dull! What's the solution Ed?

davocean

03-08-2009, 09:50 PM

Looks pretty good to me.
Like how you have the purple mushroom growing in the zoos, no stinging?
War coral has gotten bigger, looks nice.

JHAI4

03-08-2009, 10:04 PM

Hi Dave, yeah the war coral has almost doubled in the litle time I've had it. Look at the hibiscus (directly left of the neon candy canes). Remember that used to be brown when you found it behind your rocks! The photo sucks but it is actually dark green with light green polyps. The mushrooms get nucked by me every few months but keep on growing back.... Arggghh, I will never ever put mushrooms in a tank again they pop up everywhere and you cannot get rid of them!

ajn81

03-09-2009, 07:08 AM

I;m having a problem with my images! When I upload them to photobucket they loose their color saturation and hence they look dull!

I was having this problem, and I figured out that it was due to the color profile set in Photoshop. To fix it, edit->Color Settings... and be sure that RGB is set to sRGB IKEC61966-2.1. Then edit->Convert To Profile... and under Destination Space, change the Profile to "Working RGB". HTH.

JHAI4

04-08-2009, 12:06 PM

Spent the better part of last night reconfiguring the sump! I had a spare chamber in the sump that I have used for a refuge (far right side) and was splitting the return so 50% went straight back in to the tank and 50% received skimming.

I now have a filter sock holder with tones of space around it for easy access, the water goes into the bubble trap and into the middle compartment where it is skimmed, and finally to the last compartment where it is returned back to the main display. This enabled me to further simplify the plumbing and at the same time I cleaned out the sump and vinegar soaked the CL and Chiller pumps. (A lot more work then I had anticipated)!!!

Due to the split of the return from 50% to 100% the flow is too fast for my liking... I have an estimated 8X in the sump. I posted a link this morning offering a trade of my Ehiem 1260 for a 1250 straight up... This should bring down my flow to 4X in the sump. I have no micro bubbles but I think the skimming will be more effective.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4853/picture1j.jpg

I am also doing some side experiments on auto dosing vodka. I have another drew's doser on the bench in a test cycle..... Other then that no news... :D