Steve's 150 Long [Archive] - San Diego Reef Forums

SteveParkinson

11-13-2012, 08:52 PM

My new 150 gallon Leemar setup and build, thanks to Patrick for a killer deal that made moving almost 300 gallons in aquariums in two weeks worth it!

Tank is a Leemar 150 (60 x 24 x 24) eurobraced with 3 starphire panels, a black back, and trapezoid overflow box.

Day 1
- Picked up and moved tank and stand inside house, this tank is HEAVY!!

Day 2
- Repaired and reattached rock wall to the back of the glass with silicone (note the buckets and plastic pitcher holding it in place)!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8093.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8102.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8101.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8103.jpg

- Installed bulkheads, drains and return lines.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8100.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8104.jpg

- Installed 55 Gallon three chamber sump, skimmer and pump, return pump, all plumbing, electrical outlets with built in timers and refugium grow light.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8108.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8109.jpg

- Installed two SEIO 1000GPH power heads and wave-maker.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8107.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8106.jpg

Sorry about the picture quality, they reflected the water stains and dirt/sand inside the tank.

Steve

SteveParkinson

11-14-2012, 09:28 PM

Tonight I worked on getting the sump up and running and checking all of the lines for leaks. My last two tanks I put together and never had a leak, tonight I had two hose fittings on the returns that just kept leaking - guess it's payback for the other times I lucked out. I think I managed to get them to stop but only time will tell, I may just take them back off tomorrow and redo the teflon from scratch to be safe. Especially since I only tested them briefly tonight without constant water running through them under pressure.

Day 3

- Sandbed is in the tank, it's probably close to 100 pounds and I still have more to add if needed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8115.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8114.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8113.jpg

- Sump and refugium plumbed and skimmer running. I am temporarily using a phosban reactor/pump to circulate the water from the return chamber back to the skimmer chamber. I wanted to get the sump running so I could get the refugium back online and the lights and chaeto going once again. I also added the sandbed and liverock I had in my old refugium.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8110.jpg

Skimmer is already doing it's job!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8111.jpg

Refugium with three types of macro algae (not sure on the ID's), I like this fuge because it is dead center under my tank and I can see what's going on in there better. I was thinking about adding a paired pistol shrimp and goby to my fuge down the road.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8112.jpg

Tomorrow I plan on moving my live rock and water from the holding tank and hopefully even some of the livestock. I saved about 125 gallons of my old water so I figure I may need to add 50-75 gallons of new water to this one!

Steve

LotsaFishies

11-14-2012, 09:30 PM

What a gorgeous stand, wow!

Really nice rockwork too! This is going to be a beautiful aquarium!

SteveParkinson

11-14-2012, 09:36 PM

What a gorgeous stand, wow!

Really nice rockwork too! This is going to be a beautiful aquarium!

Thanks! I wish I could take credit for it, but I bought it from another reefer breaking it down. He did the rock walls and built the stand. He did an amazing job on them and I can't wait to see how it looks fully stocked.

Steve

CDAquariums

11-14-2012, 09:45 PM

Looks really good, if you ever need any help let me know! Live right here in Temecula

seareef

11-14-2012, 09:46 PM

Love the rock wall Steve. Keep the pics coming. :party:

KorL

11-14-2012, 10:23 PM

Cool rock wall

SteveParkinson

11-15-2012, 05:07 AM

Thanks for the feedback and comments guys. I'll keep the pics coming!

Steve

SteveParkinson

11-16-2012, 11:21 PM

Day 4

- Finally got those leaks to stop after many many attempts. Called it a day after that!

Day 5

- Filled her up and added most of my live rock..... used about 100 out of the 125 gallons from my old tank and mixed another 60 gallons or so. I also added about 75 percent of my live rock I had from my old tank. Did a water change and added water to my holding tank and left about 50 gallons for the livestock. I was going to put them in tonight but I think they were stressed enough for one day. Tomorrow I should be adding some more water to top the sump off, the remainder of my live rock and hopefully the livestock.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8116.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8120.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8122.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8124.jpg

Added two of my Koralia 1400's and a heater to aid in circulation and get the tank up to 78F. I kind of put them in fast tonight, so tomorrow I will put them in their proper location and also work on the rockscaping when the tank clears up some.

That's it for tonight, I'm beat!

Steve

Jhuneke

11-17-2012, 05:33 AM

Another Murrieta Reefer.. :) What a beautiful showpiece! LOVE the cabinet..and am super jealous of your rockwall! :) been wanting that in my tank soooo bad, but was too anxious to start 'er up, and now it would be a huge hassle to add one... Can't wait to see it all cleared up and stocked! Congrats on a gorgeous new set up.. Watching for updates! :) Jami

50 cube

11-17-2012, 08:05 AM

awesome set up, sent you pm

SteveParkinson

11-17-2012, 09:03 AM

Duncan - pm replied and thanks!

Jami - thanks for the feedback, once it's up and stocked you're welcome to check it out in person too!

Steve

Jhuneke

11-17-2012, 09:13 AM

:) thanks! Would love to come take a peek.. Gonna be looking forward to it! :)

SteveParkinson

11-17-2012, 05:17 PM

Had a pretty good setback today! :curse: When the lights came on I saw that the rock wall had come loose around the overflow and floated up about 2 inches. I tried to use live rock to keep it down and pushed against the back wall but no luck. So I drained 150 gallons back into my holding tank and containers in the garage. I went through 4 tubes of aquarium silicone on the rock wall so hopefully that will hold it. Now I have to play the waiting game for it to cure before I can fill her up again.

So much for today being an easy day and not having to do much with the tank!

Steve

Jhuneke

11-17-2012, 05:55 PM

:( sorry to hear it..but hey! it's better it did it now than after a few months of being stocked,right?:angel: (silver lining?) No worries... It will all be worth it in the end..I'm sure!

SteveParkinson

11-17-2012, 06:22 PM

:( sorry to hear it..but hey! it's better it did it now than after a few months of being stocked,right?:angel: (silver lining?) No worries... It will all be worth it in the end..I'm sure!

Very true, and I almost moved livestock last night too. I was just too tired to do so and was going to wait until today. Guess it was a good thing I didn't move them last night.

unbereefable

11-17-2012, 06:33 PM

SteveParkinson

11-17-2012, 06:43 PM

Look into RTV silicone. It can be had at grainger. Much better holding power then the stuff at HD/Lowes/LFS. Just for next time or incase the wall comes back up. Everything is looking really good so far. Also, if you switch out the T on the return line to a Y, you'll probably get at least another 100gph of flow from the pump. A T run that way is like your water hitting a brick wall then going left and right.

Thanks for the tips, do you have a link for the RTV silicone specifically? I googled it but there seems to be many different types, I want to make sure I get the aquarium safe version. Hopefully I won't need it but it doesn't hurt to have some handy just in case.

I plan to replace the "T" with a "Y", good call on that one!

Steve

SteveParkinson

11-18-2012, 09:59 PM

Let's try this again..............

Day 7

- Refilled 150 gallons worth of water from multiple containers and tanks in my garage! I guess things happen for a reason but I really like my rock work the second time around. Tomorrow I should be adding the corals and livestock from my holding tank in the garage.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0669.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0670.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0671.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0672.jpg

Left side closeup
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0673.jpg

Center closeup
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0674.jpg

Right side closeup
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0675.jpg

Disregard the heater, it will get moved to the sump tomorrow too. I just had it there temporarily to get the temperature up to 78F.

Thanks for all of the comments and feedback so far!

Edit - I used my iPhone for these pictures so they aren't the best quality!

Steve

cohenderson

11-19-2012, 12:57 AM

I love it.. The back is awesome.. Good job bro!!!

duecejt

11-19-2012, 08:19 AM

Tank looks good man. Just something I noticed....It looks like the check valve you have on the pump is NOT a flap check it looks like a spring loaded check valve. The springs will rust and give you problems down the line as well as not allow the check valve to function properly. If its a flap disregardful my post! Good luck!

davocean

11-19-2012, 06:26 PM

That rock wall looks awesome!

SteveParkinson

11-19-2012, 08:56 PM

I love it.. The back is awesome.. Good job bro!!!

That rock wall looks awesome!

Thank you for the comments!

Tank looks good man. Just something I noticed....It looks like the check valve you have on the pump is NOT a flap check it looks like a spring loaded check valve. The springs will rust and give you problems down the line as well as not allow the check valve to function properly. If its a flap disregardful my post! Good luck!

Thanks for pointing that out, I had to check to make sure. I looked it up online and it is the flap version. http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/KBI-Swing-Check-Valve-4GTW1

Steve

SteveParkinson

11-21-2012, 06:40 PM

I moved all of my livestock over the past few days and everything seems to be doing okay so far. The water checks good and the livestock don't seem to be stressed anymore! Here are a few pictures of it stocked. I hope my frags and smaller corals start to take off with my LED lighting, they seem to be slowly opening back up more each day.

Full tank shots and then some closeups going left to right:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8146.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8135.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8134.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8133.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8132.jpg

Some random coral and livestock shots:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8152.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8143.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8142.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8140.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8139.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8138.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8137.jpg

Steve

50 cube

11-21-2012, 06:54 PM

WOW! looks awesome, love the back wall!!!!!!

Vince

11-21-2012, 06:57 PM

Scape looks good ---makes the tank look huge..nice work.:party:

SteveParkinson

11-21-2012, 07:28 PM

WOW! looks awesome, love the back wall!!!!!!

Scape looks good ---makes the tank look huge..nice work.:party:

Thanks guys, I really like the way the scape came out too. I guess I can't really complain about anything with the tank at all. I hope to have the rocks all covered in corals one day like so many of the other tanks shown the forums.

Steve

Jhuneke

11-21-2012, 08:10 PM

Steve! That turned out amazing! I can picture that wall packed full of frags! It's gonna be a fun tank to watch grow..MUST take progress photos! :) Congrats :)

SteveParkinson

11-24-2012, 03:33 PM

Steve! That turned out amazing! I can picture that wall packed full of frags! It's gonna be a fun tank to watch grow..MUST take progress photos! :) Congrats :)

Jami,

Thanks I will be sure to take some progress pictures as it matures! I am going to wait for the tank to stabilize a bit before adding more frags.

Steve

SteveParkinson

11-24-2012, 03:40 PM

Tank is doing really good so far other than a recent algae bloom, the corals really seem to love the new LED lighting and I can see new growth already in a matter of days. They sure beat the old T-5's and stunner strip!

I hooked up both my two little fishies reactors on the sump - one is filled with chemi pure and the other is running phosban. All the water parameters are good so far and everything is eating and healthy. My zebra moray eel ate for the first time today so she has her appetite back.

I'll post some more pictures once this algae bloom dies down!

Steve

SteveParkinson

11-27-2012, 06:02 PM

Here are a couple shots of the Zebra Moray Eel, what a great addition and such a docile Eel. The cleaner shrimp often comes and cleans the inside of the Eel's mouth. The shrimp also likes to hang around the Eel at feeding time for scraps!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0698.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0696.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0694.jpg

Steve

50 cube

11-27-2012, 06:24 PM

OH MY, what a big beautiful eel you have there. I'm jealous!

Jhuneke

11-27-2012, 06:56 PM

The Eel is AWESOME! Wish I could keep one :( How big do they grow?

SteveParkinson

12-19-2012, 05:42 PM

Haven't posted any updates in a while. Not a whole lot has changed since my last posts other than I had to replace a return pump impeller and a lot of tweaking to fight off an algae bloom. I had a brown algae diatom bloom on my sandbed and it seems to be getting better. I reduced the lighting on the whites by an hour on each end and now it's blues only for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. I did lose the Foxface and I thought I lost my Green Coris Wrasse and then he turns up almost a month later????? I also bought a few frags locally - thanks again John!

Some new full tank shots:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8258_zps1231ff1f.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8259_zps78acdd2d.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8260_zps55a511f9.jpg

Blues only:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8284_zpsf8f8bdd5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8292_zps7d9aeb8a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8293_zpse9539726.jpg

Some new corals and coral shots:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8274_zpsa76a0705.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8271_zps245156dd.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8270_zps6855008e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8269_zps3a0ef8f6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8268_zpsd68123fb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8267_zps1bc2f38f.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8266_zpsdcd7a14b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8265_zpse898f236.jpg

EDIT-corrected links for pictures.

Steve

SteveParkinson

12-19-2012, 06:18 PM

A few more.....

I've got to get some brighter zoa's and paly's, it seems like most of mine blend in with the live rock!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8262_zpsd7effbae.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8261_zps408c32ef.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8263_zps0e0f037b.jpg

My new Yellow Coris Wrasse, I bought it because my Green Coris Wrasse went missing about a month ago:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8282_zps7b73da92.jpg

As soon as I add it guess what shows back up..... yep my Green Coris Wrasse! Strange for him to hide for almost a month in the sand but you can tell he has lost color!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8264_zpsa1a0828b.jpg

My Gobies always get brave and try to attack the camera!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8278_zpsabd561ed.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8252_zpsdd57ea4d.jpg

Another cool edition, fighting conch. Great for stirring up the gravel, really cool to watch
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8275_zps1ece9fe4.jpg

Anyone have an ID on these two corals?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8248_zpsbb844378.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8247_zps8f491278.jpg

Thanks
Steve

Jhuneke

12-19-2012, 09:19 PM

h20poloman

12-20-2012, 07:22 AM

looks great Steve, I did that rock wall. Please tell me you have a cover over that tank though? I can't see one but with any eel that is a must have or you are going to find it carpet surfing at some point.

JohnnyAirtime

12-21-2012, 08:03 AM

Amazing....

I fed my Zebra shrimp! I can't believe yours hasn't eaten the cleaner yet.

Here are a couple shots of the Zebra Moray Eel, what a great addition and such a docile Eel. The cleaner shrimp often comes and cleans the inside of the Eel's mouth. The shrimp also likes to hang around the Eel at feeding time for scraps!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0698.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0696.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0694.jpg

Steve

SteveParkinson

12-21-2012, 08:21 AM

Wow Steve! The set up looks awesome..gotta get over there to gawk at at it and turn green soon! lol LOVE the Goby shots! funny..mine does the same thing..they must all be camera hogs! :) Great work ..can't wait to see more updates, keep em comin!

Thanks Jami, sounds good - anytime!

looks great Steve, I did that rock wall. Please tell me you have a cover over that tank though? I can't see one but with any eel that is a must have or you are going to find it carpet surfing at some point.

The wall is awesome, you did an amazing job on it. I was just lucky it came with tank. I have the glass braces that extend out from the sides towards the center of the tank about 3 inches all around, I also have light diffusers from HD cut to fit on top. They probably weren't on in those shots.

Amazing....

I fed my Zebra shrimp! I can't believe yours hasn't eaten the cleaner yet.

I keep him well fed on Krill and Silversides, the eel actually opens it's mouth and allows that cleaner to pick the inside of his mouth. It's super docile right now, but I am worried if it gets much bigger I may have to find a new home before it starts taking my livestock out!

SteveParkinson

01-21-2013, 10:05 AM

Couple of new fish and a few changes in the past month....

I bought a pair of Fire Clowns, I figured they are different than the ordinary clown!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0764_zps0f5a1bdc.jpg

I also removed my reactor that had the chemi-pure, I figured it's one less pump running and I could just add the chemi-pure bags directly in the flow within the sump. I also built an acrylic diverter that bypassed a good portion of the water from the skimmer chamber over the refugium to the return section. I used to have all of the water flowing through the refugium since it was designed in the middle of the sump. This was too much water flow and was pulling my chaeto into the return section, I had also noticed that the pods were not setting up shop in the fuge with full water flow. Since adding the diverter I only have about a third of the water flowing through the fuge and the chaeto and pods seems to be doing much better populating.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0791_zps9b99d3e2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0790_zps44e370c1.jpg

I also bought a new iPhone5 and noticed the camera is really good and the aquarium shots come out really good. Couple FTS with the new camera!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0771_zps1261a423.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0754_zpsd9857be9.jpg

A few other random shots with the new camera...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0739_zpsecceff85.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0744_zpsa4ab0c5e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0778_zps96e763b1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0779_zps70922e16.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0781_zps7e6e3a4a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0786_zps340ae285.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0788_zpscd2399cb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0789_zpscbb288a5.jpg

Steve

SteveParkinson

03-20-2013, 01:26 PM

Couple new random shots....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1-1_zps04189830.jpg

Found this bristleworm behind my rock work, must have been about 10 inches long!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo2-1_zps7659d546.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3-1_zpsa70298e2.jpg

Frag rack full of new frags to add to my rock wall, thanks John and reefs2go!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo4-1_zps5a327f3e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo5-1_zps6beae862.jpg

Thanks for looking!
Steve

SteveParkinson

03-30-2013, 04:50 PM

Haven't really posted any new updates in a while so here are a few with some new additions.....

New Skimmer, picked up a Warner Marine AS150 with a Sedra 7000 pump (thanks again Daryl). I replaced my ASM G4 with this for now to see which I like better.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0924_zpsa5625763.jpg

New Blue Eyed Tang, this was taken right after I got him. The blue has really come out since!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0885_zpsc20af26c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0879_zps0bc4ef88.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0864_zps4e386194.jpg

New Diamond Bar Goby (thanks again Jami), this guy keeps the sandbed spotless!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0878_zps29761a29.jpg

Large rock encrusted with Blue Digi, (thanks again Tim)!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0853_zps6e1b2ae2.jpg

Pink Birdsnest on the right hand side (thanks again Tim).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0859_zps5f175303.jpg

Pair of Yellow Tangs too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0867_zps7fbe957b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0868_zpsb3e92da6.jpg

Added some Ricordia Mushrooms too, hopefully they will spread!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0880_zps33fa31f6.jpg

Couple other random shots of the tank....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0881_zps8541454e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0877_zps0c37de7f.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0875_zps117203a5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0872_zps30c8e3fb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0871_zps58c4279c.jpg

Steve

50 cube

03-30-2013, 11:27 PM

Very nice but I still see damsels!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SteveParkinson

03-31-2013, 07:31 AM

Yep, unfortunately. I trapped one last night, only five more to go!

Very nice but I still see damsels!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jhuneke

03-31-2013, 08:04 AM

Steve, the tank is GORGEOUS!! Glad the Goby is happy, and i'm sure stoked to get a big sandbed..! Told ya he was ocd! lol That gsp looks great too! :)

SteveParkinson

03-31-2013, 08:19 AM

Thanks for the feedback Jami, he's definitely very happy with the sandbed. It keeps him busy for hours too!

The tank is coming along, but there is always new stuff to try and other upgrades to buy - I still need to invest in the RODI and ATO. The corals are spreading and getting larger so that's a plus. I guess I just don't see it as much seeing the tank everyday but compared to older pictures I do.

SteveParkinson

05-02-2013, 06:11 PM

I added a pair of these 1 inch MPT accelerators for my returns. I am really impressed with the flow and rotation so far. A good investment for anyone looking for a substitute for the standard locline returns.

http://www.petstore.com/hydra-aquatics-twist-water-flow-accelerators-mpt

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo2-1_zpsa2468310.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo2-1_zpsa2468310.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1-1_zps4ff1dbc9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1-1_zps4ff1dbc9.jpg.html)

Steve

LotsaFishies

05-02-2013, 06:23 PM

Money well spent! I highly reccomend eductors / flow accelerators. Cheap, they don't break, and they can significantly increase your circulation!

mcdonaldtj

05-03-2013, 09:26 AM

Will these work with and Ehiem 1262? I don't think that it is a pressure rated pump.

V/Tim

SteveParkinson

05-03-2013, 12:24 PM

Will these work with and Ehiem 1262? I don't think that it is a pressure rated pump.

V/Tim

Tim,

I don't see why not, your dimensions are pretty close to my return pumps dimensions.

Eheim 1262
Pump Output: 900 gph
Delivery Head: 11`6"
Power Consumption: 80 W (120V/60Hz)
Hose Connection (Suction Side): 1"
Hose Connection (Pressure Side): 3/4"
Dimensions: 8.6" x 4.6" x 6.3"
Weight: 5.7 lbs

Blueline Aqua 30X
Model: 30 HD-X
Max Head: 13' MAX HEAD
Flow: 1110 gph @ 0'
In: 1" MPT
Out: 1" MPT
Watts: 90 WATTS
Pressure Rated: No
Drive: Magnetic

Steve

mcdonaldtj

05-04-2013, 03:37 PM

Thanks Steve just bought some from Marine Depot

SteveParkinson

05-24-2013, 07:26 AM

So my GSP has been slowly spreading on the left side of the tank and I really like the growth. However, I am a bit concerned because recently I have noticed it is starting to encroach on one of my pink birdsnest. I don't think it has attached itself yet but it could be anyday now. My question is will the pink birdsnest keep the GSP from getting too close or do I need to move the birdsnest or trim the GSP back? What's the best way to trim back GSP and its mat without destroying it, just want to be prepared now in the event I have to trim it.

Here are a couple shots of the GSP and birdsnest.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/GSP1_zps00b58fb1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/GSP1_zps00b58fb1.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/GSP2_zpsecfcf3ae.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/GSP2_zpsecfcf3ae.jpg.html)

I was also looking at the old pictures from when I first set this tank up to see the amount of growth....

December 2012:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_8244_zps15c44a52.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/IMG_8244_zps15c44a52.jpg.html)

May 2013:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_0869_zpsbb36462c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/IMG_0869_zpsbb36462c.jpg.html)

Steve

Jhuneke

05-24-2013, 08:11 AM

50 cube

05-24-2013, 01:37 PM

Steve, nice growth! I got rid of most of my GSP cuz it stung & killed any part of any coral it came in contact with. Better move that birdsnest soon. Not saying it will kill the colony but will harm any part it touches.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SteveParkinson

05-24-2013, 02:50 PM

WOW! Not sure about the gsp.. but wanted to say GREAT GROWTH! ..and those shrooms are taking off! I might have said this before..but if u EVER breakdown for any reason ( not that you would want to upgrade I'm sure! :) ) I wanna be first in line!.. love this tank! What is the footprint you have? It always looks so huge! BTW,..the cave that the gsp is covering is awesome! Might need to put a sun coral colony in there..perfect spot :)

Jami, thanks I'll let you know if I ever get rid of it. The stand is about five and a half feet long, two feet deep and sits 3 and a half feet tall. Tank is 5x2x2 I believe, I'll have to break out the tape measure to get the exact dimensions.

Steve, nice growth! I got rid of most of my GSP cuz it stung & killed any part of any coral it came in contact with. Better move that birdsnest soon. Not saying it will kill the colony but will harm any part it touches.

Thanks Duncan, how did you remove the GSP mat? Mine is starting to grow up the wall too, just want to be able to trim without killing the entire GSP. I'll go ahead and move the birdsnest in the meantime.

Rob619

05-24-2013, 02:58 PM

gsp is pretty hardy you can just rip it off and glue it down somewhere else

50 cube

05-24-2013, 04:20 PM

Jami, thanks I'll let you know if I ever get rid of it. The stand is about five and a half feet long, two feet deep and sits 3 and a half feet tall. Tank is 5x2x2 I believe, I'll have to break out the tape measure to get the exact dimensions.

Thanks Duncan, how did you remove the GSP mat? Mine is starting to grow up the wall too, just want to be able to trim without killing the entire GSP. I'll go ahead and move the birdsnest in the meantime.

I ended up trading the rock with GSP for an equal sized rock without it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SteveParkinson

05-25-2013, 07:50 AM

gsp is pretty hardy you can just rip it off and glue it down somewhere else

Thanks I'll give it a try this weekend and trim it back.

I ended up trading the rock with GSP for an equal sized rock without it.

Ha, great answer! Don't think I can do that without replacing half the rocks in my tank.

naso tang

05-25-2013, 08:23 AM

Awesome tank Steve, really beautiful. Eel is awesome!

SteveParkinson

05-25-2013, 03:57 PM

Awesome tank Steve, really beautiful. Eel is awesome!

Thanks John, I only wish my corals had the growth yours have! That green/yellow tort is really taking off now, branches going every which way!

naso tang

05-26-2013, 07:22 AM

Glad to hear it, got more sps frags and that lobo if you want it...

BetosREEF

06-09-2013, 10:04 PM

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

SteveParkinson

06-14-2013, 09:05 PM

Here's my latest update for my tank, this was a DIY project for a much needed item - an ATO. I added the ATO with a 50 gallon reservoir that is out in my garage. When the ATO comes on it turns on the pump in the garage to pump water up a three foot pipe and then gravity takes over as it just trickles through PVC that runs from the garage to the return section of my tank. I added a checkvalve in the vertical pipe within the reservoir to keep that pipe primed. The unit was tested tonight and works perfect, I just need to go fill up my jugs with RODI water tomorrow. The project only cost me about $60 total ($40 for the ATO and $20 for the PVC parts).

A couple pictures of the project as it went together!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/Reservoir8_zps0de5c823.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/Reservoir8_zps0de5c823.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/Reservoir10_zps737bc9b7.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/Reservoir10_zps737bc9b7.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/Reservoir11_zps16439eb2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/Reservoir11_zps16439eb2.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/Reservoir2_zps961d08b8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/Reservoir2_zps961d08b8.jpg.html)

Finished reservoir and plumbing in the garage, I need to run a single power cord and make it permanent by mounting it to the wall. Just wanted to make sure it worked! Once the cord is permanent I will fill the drywall on the walls.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/Reservoir4_zps128734eb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/Reservoir4_zps128734eb.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/Reservoir5_zpsb8dad239.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/Reservoir5_zpsb8dad239.jpg.html)

PVC coming through the wall, needs some touch up paint to blend in with the wall and something else to hide it!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/Reservoir7_zpse04c8f51.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/Reservoir7_zpse04c8f51.jpg.html)

PVC running the length of the wall behind the tank/stand that dumps into my return section.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/Reservoir9_zps58ece061.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/Reservoir9_zps58ece061.jpg.html)

I plan to add an RODI unit soon, my water heater is located right next to the reservoir in the garage. I'll end up mounting it on the wall above the PVC pipe and then tapping into the supply side of the water heater and use it to keep my 50 gallon reservoir full.

Steve

50 cube

06-14-2013, 10:08 PM

Nicely done Steve! I know you've been wanting to do it for a long time. You'll be amazed how much easier it will make it to maintain your tank.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SteveParkinson

06-15-2013, 07:24 AM

Thanks Duncan, I'm definitely not going to miss adding that water manually!

Steve

SteveParkinson

08-28-2013, 06:12 PM

Finally got around to uploading a video.... hopefully this works!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/th_IMG_1224_zps86a4ee7a.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_1224_zps86a4ee7a.mp4)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/th_IMG_1227_zps3922feae.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_1227_zps3922feae.mp4)

Steve

SteveParkinson

08-28-2013, 06:30 PM

Another video of the tank, just click on the image below. Hope these are working!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/th_IMG_1228_zps956b2c3e.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/IMG_1228_zps956b2c3e.mp4)

Steve

naso tang

08-28-2013, 08:06 PM

Holy Gsp! Looks really cool Steve, love the fish and the scape!

Sun&Ocean

08-28-2013, 08:22 PM

You have cool setup there Steve, nice video!

Jhuneke

08-29-2013, 05:42 AM

Wow Steve! Great video.. the tank looks amazing! Really filled out now :) all your fish look fat and happy :)

SteveParkinson

08-29-2013, 02:02 PM

Holy Gsp! Looks really cool Steve, love the fish and the scape!
Thanks John, I really do need to trim the GSP back. Got a few rogue pieces on the right side and center I need to remove too before they surround everything.

You have cool setup there Steve, nice video!
Thanks for the comments, it's come a long way but still has a way to go!

Wow Steve! Great video.. the tank looks amazing! Really filled out now :) all your fish look fat and happy :) Thanks Jami, we need to exchange some frags one day, maybe I can get some of that color your tank has so much of! Still got those old 4in filter socks if you want them.

Jhuneke

08-29-2013, 02:39 PM

Lol .. For sure! Sorry, just gettin back into the swing after NY, maybe I can swing by this weekend? Lmk if ur not too busy with the holiday :)

SteveParkinson

08-29-2013, 03:47 PM

Lol .. For sure! Sorry, just gettin back into the swing after NY, maybe I can swing by this weekend? Lmk if ur not too busy with the holiday :)

No problem and no rush, they're not taking up space. I should be around all weekend if you're in the area.

Jhuneke

08-29-2013, 04:29 PM

Thanx :) will text ya and coordinate..

SteveParkinson

12-01-2013, 06:00 PM

So I've been thinking upgrades and modifications on my tank for some time now and I think I've finally got most of them on paper I plan to do. There are a few I'm on the fence over but since I will probably already be tearing my tank down to do most I may as well do the others at the same time. Jami is going to let me use her old 60 gallon tank/stand/sump which will act as a holding tank while I do my upgrade.

Here's a working list of items I would like to change or redo for the upgrade. Any thoughts, suggestions or other ideas are welcome....

- remove all GSP
- remove eel
- remove damsels
- remove Melanurus wrasse
- no rock against glass, 2 standalone formations (1 on each side) open sand bed
- change refugium to left side of sump instead of middle
- remove sand from refugium - chaeto/LR only ????
- move drain side to right side away from outlets
- move return side to middle chamber
- install wet box around outlet cover
- replace T fitting with Y
- redo drain plumbing
- redo return plumbing
- build light box/canopy to hide all light fixtures (no more hanging lights)
- replace current 6 powerheads with 2 WP25's
- remove rock wall????
- install DJ strips vice surge protectors

I'm really on the fence about removing that rock wall that lines the back wall, around the overflow and lines the right side. It looks really cool but it has both it's pros and cons keeping it. I'm trying to go for the look of just several rock formations and a wide open sand bed. Decisions decisions on the wall!!!

Steve

50 cube

12-01-2013, 07:08 PM

That's a pretty big can o worms there Steve! I like the idea of getting rid of the GSP & the two island idea.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SteveParkinson

12-01-2013, 07:47 PM

That's a pretty big can o worms there Steve! I like the idea of getting rid of the GSP & the two island idea.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Duncan, I think I'm just due for a change. This has probably been the longest ever I have gone without rearranging everything! What do you think about getting rid of the rock walls mounted to the back of the tank?

50 cube

12-01-2013, 07:55 PM

I think it's a good idea

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SteveParkinson

12-01-2013, 09:21 PM

It has begun.... Ordered a pair of Jebao WP25's tonight. Thanks again for the info on yours Jami!

50 cube

12-01-2013, 09:33 PM

Have you seem the new program " tank wars"? There is a link to it on reef central. Maybe some day we will get a Jami vs Steve face off!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

50 cube

12-01-2013, 09:33 PM

I think you can also see it on you tube.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jhuneke

12-01-2013, 09:36 PM

lol.. It'll never happen! I suffer from tank envy.. Just ask Steve .. His setup is GORGEOUS! Id go against his sump tho.. Anyday, and twice on Sundays! ;)
Have you seem the new program " tank wars"? There is a link to it on reef central. Maybe some day we will get a Jami vs Steve face off!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jhuneke

12-01-2013, 09:38 PM

No problem! You'll love em! When u come over to grab the 60 setup u can play around with the 2 in my tank.. Check out the dif settings :)

Jhuneke

12-01-2013, 09:40 PM

Funny, that guy Thomas is way cool, he talked me into putting on a tank wars tshirt at rap and pose for a photo op w him! Got a free tshirt and some shwag :)
lol.. It'll never happen! I suffer from tank envy.. Just ask Steve .. His setup is GORGEOUS! Id go against his sump tho.. Anyday, and twice on Sundays! ;)

SteveParkinson

12-01-2013, 09:42 PM

Never seen it, guess I'll have to check it out now!

SteveParkinson

12-01-2013, 09:45 PM

No problem! You'll love em! When u come over to grab the 60 setup u can play around with the 2 in my tank.. Check out the dif settings :)

Definitely will do, I need to see how your tank turned out in person too! The pictures looked great, can only imagine how much better it is in person.

Jhuneke

12-01-2013, 09:57 PM

Still tweaking it here and there.. But pretty much done :) added 4 Anthias tho.. They are doin great.. Everyone is getting along .. And 2 nems split! So back up to 6 now! Lol

case_cam

12-05-2013, 02:58 PM

If you are removing some of your live rock, and going for more of a more minimalist style, I'd remove your back wall.
Good luck!

SteveParkinson

12-05-2013, 09:00 PM

If you are removing some of your live rock, and going for more of a more minimalist style, I'd remove your back wall.
Good luck!

Thanks Casey, kind of going for this type look now. Keep an eye on your GSP or it will end up like mine!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/DSC_0075_zps30a6b7a9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/DSC_0075_zps30a6b7a9.jpg.html)

SteveParkinson

12-07-2013, 01:08 PM

Got some GSP and a Zebra Moray Eel for sale if anyone is interested....... Please don't reply here for them, see link below.

http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?105914-Feeler-Corals-and-livestock

Thanks
Steve

SteveParkinson

12-07-2013, 07:10 PM

Upgrade Day 1.

Started breaking down the 150 today to do my modifications. I forgot how much work is involved with this again, here's some pictures of what I have got done so far today.

One last look at the old tank...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1_zps3e333037.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1_zps3e333037.jpg.html)

and plumbing...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo2_zps7fcc2149.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo2_zps7fcc2149.jpg.html)

Started by setting up the 60 gallon holding tank in my garage...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3_zps8cf051c5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo3_zps8cf051c5.jpg.html)

Had to drain enough water out of my DT to move to the holding tank before starting to transfer corals...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo4_zps5e949251.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo4_zps5e949251.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo8_zpsb0a441af.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo8_zpsb0a441af.jpg.html)

Had to move the heater up from the sump to the DT now that the sump is no longer running...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo7_zps84f89034.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo7_zps84f89034.jpg.html)

Had to move the powerheads down below the new waterline...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo9_zpse7343b9d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo9_zpse7343b9d.jpg.html)

Started transferring corals from the DT to the holding tank...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo11_zpsc5dde929.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo11_zpsc5dde929.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo12_zpsfb2044fb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo12_zpsfb2044fb.jpg.html)

Sump on DT out of action, I used a small pump to move the water from each chamber to the return chamber and then turn on the return pump to get as much water out of the sump as possible before moving (55 gallon aquarium)...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo13_zpsdd924ede.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo13_zpsdd924ede.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo5_zps9dba502c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo5_zps9dba502c.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo6_zpsb1a9e8bc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo6_zpsb1a9e8bc.jpg.html)

60 Holding tank running with sump, skimmer, heater, powerheads, return pump all working great, most corals moved over with the exception of my GSP and alot of LR. I'll move them and the livestock tomorrow morning, I think I've stressed them out enough for one day. DT is still running with powerheads and heaters overnight.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo15_zps6688f6aa.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo15_zps6688f6aa.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo14_zpscebaadbd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo14_zpscebaadbd.jpg.html)

Forgot how much fun all of this is, I am sore!! Tomorrow I'll will move the remaining livestock and then be disconnecting the chiller, return pumps, and removing the sump to clean out for starters. I should be able to get the rest of the LR out into coolers/tubs and drain the rest of the DT.

Steve

Jhuneke

12-07-2013, 08:46 PM

Holy cow! Bringing back stressful flashback for me! lol u had a very productive day! Sorry about forgetting the drain line .. Scatterbrained lately ;/ lol .. Keep the updates comin! :)

DaveMorris

12-07-2013, 09:09 PM

I've done that same process way too many times. I know how much of a PITA it is. Good luck with the changeover and can't wait to see the results.

SteveParkinson

12-07-2013, 09:23 PM

Holy cow! Bringing back stressful flashback for me! lol u had a very productive day! Sorry about forgetting the drain line .. Scatterbrained lately ;/ lol .. Keep the updates comin! :)

No worries Jami, thanks again for letting me borrow your old setup!

I've done that same process way too many times. I know how much of a PITA it is. Good luck with the changeover and can't wait to see the results.

Thanks Dave, I feel like I didn't even make a dent in the process today. Should get the bulk of the break down finished tomorrow, then comes the fun part making changes.

SteveParkinson

12-08-2013, 08:11 PM

Upgrade Day 2:

Got all of the livestock and rock out and into the other tank and coolers/storage containers. I also found a home for my GSP (thanks Rudy) and the Zebra Moray Eel (thanks Brice).

Disconnected and cleaned all pumps, plumbing, flushed the chiller, and drained most of the water out of the DT saving as much as possible.

Flushing the chiller since I'll probably leave it in the garage until summer...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1_zpsfc8e0619.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1_zpsfc8e0619.jpg.html)

DT two thirds of the way drained and fishing for livestock and any remaining cleanup crew/corals...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo2_zps3071bfac.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo2_zps3071bfac.jpg.html)

"Hey where did all my live rock go"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3_zps0a691a7a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo3_zps0a691a7a.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo4_zps805d16d6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo4_zps805d16d6.jpg.html)

Acclimating the fish to the temporary tank and drip acclimating the eel before he eventually went to his new home...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo5_zpscfc7530b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo5_zpscfc7530b.jpg.html)

Rock wall out, I had to take it out sooner than I wanted since the lawnmower blenny and two gobies were hiding behind it....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo6_zps562a1fc4.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo6_zps562a1fc4.jpg.html)

Corals, fish, and live rock all moved and doing well in temp home...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo7_zps7bf96b53.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo7_zps7bf96b53.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo8_zps7718d58c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo8_zps7718d58c.jpg.html)

While I was siphoning out water I spent alot of time cleaning off Coraline Algae and adhesive from the rock wall off the glass...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo9_zps765b12fc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo9_zps765b12fc.jpg.html)

Sump ready to come out, I'll pull this out tomorrow. It's too late and I'm too beat to start anything else.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo10_zps1e95b589.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo10_zps1e95b589.jpg.html)

I will probably take the sump/fuge out tomorrow and clean it up really good (that thing is nasty inside). That way it can dry and I can start on some of the changes to it. I will probably also finish cleaning out the DT after doing one last search for any cleanup crew. Any suggestions on cleaning the sand if I'm going to reuse it. I was thinking maybe rinsing it really good and then buying some live sand to reseed it.

Steve

SteveParkinson

12-10-2013, 09:01 PM

Upgrade Day 3:

Got some decent work done today, unfortunately it goes dark so soon right now. I did more stuff that involved being inside today and prepping for other things.

Removed sump from under stand and cleaned out (forgot how nasty they get). Discarded sand in fuge since my next fuge will have no DSB!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1_zpsc6aafc88.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1_zpsc6aafc88.jpg.html)

Removed paint from back of sump (sump will end up going in reversed/return side on left).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3_zps2b8d0fec.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo3_zps2b8d0fec.jpg.html)

Removed lights, hanging fixture, cleaned sandbed in tank and drained residual water. I used a fishing net to catch all the big stuff in the sand and allow the sand to fall back through. Didn't realize how many coral skeletons, shells and other stuff were in the sand. Found a bunch of my frag plugs though!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo4_zps81b4dd6e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo4_zps81b4dd6e.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo5_zps363cbd44.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo5_zps363cbd44.jpg.html)

Started prepping under the stand to clean up, touch up as necessary, and replace the hinges and hardware. I'll also add an exterior outlet cover (splash proof) to keep any spray getting near the outlet in the future. This is also the reason for me rotating the chamber locations on my sump to keep the drain side as far from the outlet as possible.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo2_zpsb72ee236.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo2_zpsb72ee236.jpg.html)

Steve

Jhuneke

12-10-2013, 09:18 PM

Makin some good progress Steve! Keep up the good work.. The fun stuff is right around the corner! :)

SteveParkinson

12-10-2013, 09:28 PM

Makin some good progress Steve! Keep up the good work.. The fun stuff is right around the corner! :)

Thanks, would have made a lot more if it wasn't almost dark when I get home from work. I hate daylight savings, goes dark and gets cold early - ugh! Tip for anyone else planning this, do it in the summer when you can maximize your time working on it in the evenings and it's warm!

SteveParkinson

12-15-2013, 06:45 PM

Okay time for another update, this one is about three/four days worth..... I haven't been working on the tank full time due to work commitments and I had a term paper due I almost forgot about! I have been making some progress each day though just trying to knock out a little each night. I also slowed down a bit because my 160 pounds of sand I ordered won't be here until Tuesday and the pair of WP-40's I ordered should be here early this week too.

Upgrade Day 4:
- Removed and replaced old bulkheads and cleaned out overflow box, be sure to clean it good so there is no residual sand trapped in between the new bulkhead and glass...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3_zps95bf3fdc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo3_zps95bf3fdc.jpg.html)

Upgrade Day 5:
- Spent the evening purchasing all of my PVC plumbing for the new returns, drains and so on.

Upgrade Day 6/7:
- Cleaned inside of stand and removed all of old salt creep/dust.
- Replaced all hardware on stand, installed new hinges, door clasps/latches and installed new handles.
- Installed plumbing inside overflow box...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/a6a0c78b-2c34-416d-bd17-c8161394c134_zpscd934330.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/a6a0c78b-2c34-416d-bd17-c8161394c134_zpscd934330.jpg.html)

- Reinstalled sump, return pump and new plumbing. The return used to be on the right side but is now on the left so I had to modify the return plumbing coming out of the 55 gallon sump to the return pump....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1_zps6a29a952.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1_zps6a29a952.jpg.html)

- Cut and modified the plumbing for my ATO that runs from a 50 gallon reservoir in the garage. I had to cut it and move it from the right side of the sump to the left so it is also on the new return side....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo5_zpsf7a2ac0c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo5_zpsf7a2ac0c.jpg.html)

- Installed brace and support for sock holder...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo4_zps444c9c5e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo4_zps444c9c5e.jpg.html)

- Finished up installing the return plumbing...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo7_zps55917320.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo7_zps55917320.jpg.html)

- Here's a look at the drain plumbing, haven't glued this in yet because I was still playing around with possible changes. I think I've got it all set now, the return will split and a portion will drain into an old 8 gallon acrylic tank I will use as a refugium. The refugium will drain into the return side bypassing the skimmer and sock section so my pods don't get caught in them. By doing this it allowed me to set up my 55 gallon into three sections - return (left), skimmer/heater (middle) and sock/rock (right)...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo8_zps4134cbd8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo8_zps4134cbd8.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo9_zps3d6f2cc8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo9_zps3d6f2cc8.jpg.html)

Still got some work to do tomorrow..... I plan to cut/build the base for the small acrylic tank (refugium) to sit on. I also need to drill the tank to plumb in the 3/4 in bulkhead/drain. I hope to be able to start filling up with my old sand and new sand, water, and LR on Tuesday. While the tank starts cycling I can hook up all of my lights, timers, heaters, and everything else! At least then I can hopefully start getting things put back to normal....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo10_zps9e9392af.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo10_zps9e9392af.jpg.html)

Thanks for looking!
Steve

Jhuneke

12-15-2013, 06:57 PM

Lookin GOOD Steve! Can't wait to see the outcome if all that hard work :)

SteveParkinson

12-17-2013, 09:04 PM

Upgrade Day 9:

Tonight I finished installing the drain plumbing and leak test all bulkheads and lines. All lines leak tested good! I also cut the base for my refugium to sit on, I need to drill and install the fuge bulkhead drain tomorrow and finish the drain plumbing for that. I also put all my old powerheads, accelerators and any other items covered in coraline in vinegar/water to soak. Received my sand tonight - all 160 pounds of it. Put in 120 pounds so far and then I will probably seed the sandbed with my old sand tomorrow. I think I ordered too much sand!

Close-up of the refugium on the base that rests on top of my 55 gallon sump. It will trickle through the fuge and then drain into the return side when plumbed...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3_zps327c016c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo3_zps327c016c.jpg.html)

Underneath look at the tank with plumbing 95 % complete, I have already started putting things like the heater, surge protectors and other misc stuff back in...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo2_zps9f126633.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo2_zps9f126633.jpg.html)

Tank with 120 pounds of sand sitting about 2 inches deep, I still have another 40 pound bag of sand and two 5 gallon buckets of old sand. Not sure if I should add more or leave it at this level...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1_zps657992d6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1_zps657992d6.jpg.html)

Should be installing accelerators, rest of plumbing, live rock and filling with water tomorrow to start cycling!

SteveParkinson

12-22-2013, 08:08 PM

Upgrade last two days (total 14 days):

I got the tank up and running and everything moved back over this weekend! It's good to have everything back in running order again. I got most of the changes made that I really wanted to do, there were a few I decided to pass on or was able to do them but maybe just a different way.

Started moving my water from containers and the holding tank in my garage (slow process)....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1_zps9f8c69e8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1_zps9f8c69e8.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo2_zps8d828f49.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo2_zps8d828f49.jpg.html)

Getting close to being able to turn on the pumps, at this point I already had powerheads and heaters running...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3_zps48b99d22.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo3_zps48b99d22.jpg.html)

Finally able to turn on the return pumps, still awful cloudy though...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo4_zps475ce928.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo4_zps475ce928.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo5_zps5b5528f2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo5_zps5b5528f2.jpg.html)

Aquascape done...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo11_zps2d87f193.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo11_zps2d87f193.jpg.html)\

Left side...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo8_zps11cf56c5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo8_zps11cf56c5.jpg.html)

Middle...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo9_zps9011e7e3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo9_zps9011e7e3.jpg.html)

Right side...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo10_zps3e0cab47.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo10_zps3e0cab47.jpg.html)

Side view...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo13_zps0b83ee89.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo13_zps0b83ee89.jpg.html)

Sump running, still need to find a new acrylic tank to use as a fuge, I split this one...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo6_zps8c76d2cd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo6_zps8c76d2cd.jpg.html)

More to come...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo14_zps7f407338.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo14_zps7f407338.jpg.html)

Steve

Jhuneke

12-22-2013, 08:27 PM

Looks great!! Never thought I'd warm up it tearing out the rock wall.. But I'm really liking it! lol hit me up when u need the Chaeto :)

SteveParkinson

12-22-2013, 08:33 PM

Looks great!! Never thought I'd warm up it tearing out the rock wall.. But I'm really liking it! lol hit me up when u need the Chaeto :)

Yep, I think it looks like it has more depth too. I really did like the rock wall but it was starting to break down, it smelled really bad and the hermit crabs were picking at it non stop. Figured I would get it out while it was on my terms before I was forced to remove it due to it failing or becoming toxic.

case_cam

12-28-2013, 08:49 PM

Its looking good!

SteveParkinson

12-29-2013, 12:06 PM

Couple new shots of the tank now that it's cleared up some and things are starting to color up. I've added a few more chromis, two more yellow watchman gobies and a trio of peppermint shrimp to hopefully take care of the remaining aptasia. I still need to replace the refugium since the one I had split before adding water (better then than later) and install the new light rack once it's complete.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1_zpsf490a952.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1_zpsf490a952.jpg.html)

FTS...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo7_zps5df5fbe6.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo7_zps5df5fbe6.jpg.html)

Left Side...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3_zps7b509985.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo3_zps7b509985.jpg.html)

Center...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo4_zpsee176392.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo4_zpsee176392.jpg.html)

Right side...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo5_zps48eb8cbb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo5_zps48eb8cbb.jpg.html)

New Yellow Watchmans...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo8_zps753932fc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo8_zps753932fc.jpg.html)

New and the old Yellow or "not so yellow" watchman...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo9_zpsddb26ff2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo9_zpsddb26ff2.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo14_zpsc0755048.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo14_zpsc0755048.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo10_zpsc9afa65b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo10_zpsc9afa65b.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo11_zpsaac72124.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo11_zpsaac72124.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo12_zpsad14728c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo12_zpsad14728c.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo13_zps72dca28e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo13_zps72dca28e.jpg.html)

Looking through the right side glass...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo16_zps4b31d2bd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo16_zps4b31d2bd.jpg.html)

Looking through the left side glass...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo17_zpsa82fd6df.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo17_zpsa82fd6df.jpg.html)

SteveParkinson

01-11-2014, 06:56 PM

Finally hooked my reactors back up and finished off my refugium.

Running two reactors daisy chained together right now, both with GFO to hopefully bring down this mild algae bloom.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1_zpsf1dd8240.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1_zpsf1dd8240.jpg.html)

Refugium finally plumbed in, got the water just trickling in and it drains over to my return chamber (thanks again Chris/Lotsafishies for the acrylic tank)...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo2_zps60817b7d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo2_zps60817b7d.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3_zpsbbaf9afd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo3_zpsbbaf9afd.jpg.html)

Up and running (thanks again Jami for the chaeto)....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo5_zpsaf914f31.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo5_zpsaf914f31.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo6_zps53f7fa71.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo6_zps53f7fa71.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo7_zps8e153abd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo7_zps8e153abd.jpg.html)

FTS (things are finally starting to color up again) sorry for the crappy iphone pics...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo4_zps062959d3.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo4_zps062959d3.jpg.html)

Jhuneke

01-11-2014, 09:51 PM

YW :) anytime.. Sump looks awesome, love the remote Refugium , nice job!!

SteveParkinson

01-11-2014, 10:16 PM

YW :) anytime.. Sump looks awesome, love the remote Refugium , nice job!!

It makes for a great little hospital tank too, I moved that clownfish that was getting beat up in to the fuge to recover.

rudy

01-11-2014, 10:17 PM

Looks really good Steve.
Now if you only had a mount for those lights http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-rolleyes010.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

SteveParkinson

01-11-2014, 10:23 PM

Looks really good Steve.
Now if you only had a mount for those lights http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-rolleyes010.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

Thanks Rudy and no sweat, the current fixture still works just fine. How's the GSP doing? I did end up keeping one rock full of corals/mushrooms that had some GSP on top only. Hopefully I can keep it from migrating all over the tank.

SteveParkinson

01-18-2014, 04:22 PM

Today I installed my new light rack, thanks again Rudy for the awesome job building it!

Old wood painted light rack that lights were hanging from.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo1_zpscf7f2531.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo1_zpscf7f2531.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo2_zpsd8d35df9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo2_zpsd8d35df9.jpg.html)

New aluminum powdercoated fixture that the lights sit recessed in.....
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/21/u3edy2ev.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo3_zps6e723162.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo3_zps6e723162.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo4_zps6db0088b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo4_zps6db0088b.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo5_zps0aaebfe5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo5_zps0aaebfe5.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/texspark/photo6_zps9587f70c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/texspark/media/photo6_zps9587f70c.jpg.html)

Already mounted the four lunar light sets and I also have the option to add a third LED light fixture if needed. This one is so much better and looks so much cleaner, thanks again Rudy for the awesome job you did on it! :beer:

Steve

rudy

01-19-2014, 12:03 AM

You're welcome Steve, and thanks, I'm glad you like it.

SteveParkinson

01-19-2014, 08:27 AM

Oh yeah, it's perfect. I can still get in the tank to work no problem and all my lights look great in a clean professional looking fixture now..... No more cables hanging the lights etc from that big bulky eyesore of a fixture! 😃.

Thanks again!
Steve

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jhuneke

01-19-2014, 09:13 AM

Such a great job Rudy! The tank is looking awesome Steve..super clean,and sleek! :)

RichCotte

01-19-2014, 09:26 AM

I saw that you didn't do the original design on the rock wall, but any suggestions on how to put one together? I love the concept and might try to add it to my 180 gal build I'm working on right now.

SteveParkinson

01-19-2014, 09:32 AM

Such a great job Rudy! The tank is looking awesome Steve..super clean,and sleek! :)

Thanks Jami, I think everything has finally chilled out from the rebuild and the water is back to normal. Starting to see better colors and growth out of everything. Just need to start restocking some fish now, didn't want to overdue at first with it being a semi-new tank!

SteveParkinson

01-19-2014, 09:37 AM

I saw that you didn't do the original design on the rock wall, but any suggestions on how to put one together? I love the concept and might try to add it to my 180 gal build I'm working on right now.

I didn't build it, I was fortunate to buy one with it already done. I did do a lot of research on it before I bought this one because I was going to do it myself at first. I found some really good build threads on the rock walls on RC. I think I searched for "rock wall" or "foam wall" and found some good ones. It's just live rock broken up and zip tied to eggcrate with pond foam used to fill in the gaps. Then they cover it with some reef safe sealant and then sand/crushed coral while wet to blend it. I know you need a lot of rock to make it heavy, the foam will make it want to float first chance it gets. It's mounted to the back glass with aquarium silicone, I think I used 4-5 tubes on mine just for the section that came afloat the first time I filled it up.

I still have the old wall I removed if you want me to send you some pictures of it up close or of the back.

Steve

RichCotte

01-19-2014, 09:44 AM

I didn't build it, I was fortunate to buy one with it already done. I did do a lot of research on it before I bought this one because I was going to do it myself at first. I found some really good build threads on the rock walls on RC. I think I searched for "rock wall" or "foam wall" and found some good ones. It's just live rock broken up and zip tied to eggcrate with pond foam used to fill in the gaps. Then they cover it with some reef safe sealant and then sand/crushed coral while wet to blend it. I know you need a lot of rock to make it heavy, the foam will make it want to float first chance it gets. It's mounted to the back glass with aquarium silicone, I think I used 4-5 tubes on mine just for the section that came afloat the first time I filled it up.

I still have the old wall I removed if you want me to send you some pictures of it up close or of the back.

Steve

That would be great if you don't mind. Would really like to see how it's made.