Glenn's First 90g Reef Build [Archive]

RedHeckle

10-21-2009, 09:59 PM

After 15 years of working a 55g planted freshwater tank, the timing arised (ie: we replaced the carpet wit hardwood floors) to finally put an AGA 90g tank to use - This time attempting a saltwater reef!!! - The wife and I initially were thinking freshwater planted again, but she "gently" pushed me to go with a SW reef.

The tank has been sitting in the basement for 6 years, so I've had the tank moved to the garage and filled to perform a leak test. 5 days later - all good!!

What I have so far:
- AGA 90g tank (soon to have back drilled)
- Aqueon (AGA) Mission Oak stand/canopy, thanks to SWE for the deal!
- Solar T5HO 4x54w (need to get new bulbs, was rigged for FW)
- Koralia 4 powerhead
- 30g long for a sump (thanks to SaltRooky)

What's on order:
- 1500gph overflow from glass-holes.com, should get it by end of week, so I'll be drilling this weekend!

What's the next purchase:
- new bulbs for fixture, still need to determine combo
- 5 stage RO/DI unit
- 2 used 55g plastic barrels from Western Container in New Hope
- Reef Octopus Extreme 160
- glass baffles for sump

Not sure when the tank will be ready for it's final SW fill (with sand and dry rock), just taking it slow so I have time to research and plan so I can get this right.

Thanks to those folks who have already provided their wisdom to me!!! :beerchug:

I'm sure this SW reef newb will have more questions, until then, here are some pictures. It ain't real pretty, but everyone loves pictures!!!

Cheers,
Glenn

smetzger68

10-21-2009, 10:26 PM

Have fun setting it all up.

When you say "It ain't real pretty" you are not talking about the stand and canopy. I was in admiring that one today as I was getting ideas for my DIY stand and canopy. :beerchug:

RedHeckle

10-21-2009, 10:40 PM

Thanks Steve,

By "ain't pretty", I was referring to how stuff is not quite to where I wish I was in the project. But yes, that stand and canopy is pretty nice set up.

I was torn between doing a diy stand/canopy but the wife wanted a more "furniture" look, and time to build is dicey with a 3yr old and an 18 month old. Plus, the wife is still recovering after fighting breast cancer, so it's me pulling alot of child care duty while she finishes physical therapy.

She's the one pulling for a SW tank (she even "donated" her bonus check:biggthumpup:), but knew that it would be me to plan/maintain. So, this tank is dedicated for her and for what she had to endure and the unknown road ahead. My hope is that this will bring her joy and calm, plus keep our imagination going until we can go scuba diving again - she wants to vision herself diving within the reef as she looks into the tank.

Cheers,
Glenn

lr9788

10-21-2009, 10:48 PM

Hope your wife continues to recover!
Looks like you are going to have a really nice setup there

smetzger68

10-21-2009, 10:50 PM

I have a 3 and 5 year old, so I know all about not having time to do project.

I wish your wife a full recovery,I've been through a major medical issue with my wife as well.

Hope you both get years of enjoyment out of the tank.

jesse5.0

10-22-2009, 02:15 AM

I love the scuba diving effect, especially in the dead of winter, its like a cube of summer combating against the cold outside! Look forward to see how it comes along!;)

RaysReef

10-22-2009, 02:30 AM

Hi Glenn,

good start so far ;) I would get the 200 extreme if space is not a issue. Its a difference of $20 from the 160 to the 200 and its always nice to have a bigger skimmer. Also I feel the 160 is great for tanks up to 75 realistically with mid-bioload.

I would also run my return pump around that 500gph after determining your head pressure, the longer it can stay in your sump the more it can skim and filter. I would get more flow in your tank itself by adding maybe 2 more K4 pumps.

As far as bulbs and R/O unit. Checkout BRS since your already in Golden Valley. Ryan *seamonkey* is great to work with.

RedHeckle

10-22-2009, 12:56 PM

Thanks for the info, plus the well wishes folks!

Well, I'm home today with a not so feeling well 18mn old. So, looks like a bit of Infants Motrin for him and a little side trip to SWE for a protein skimmer.

FYI, thanks, I'm definitely checking out BRS; they have a special on RO/DI units - get 5 FREE sediment filters with a unit purchase. I'll be going that route.

Does anyone know if I order today, can I go pick up today? What the order/pick-up process?

Thanks,
Glenn

noeldokken

10-22-2009, 01:01 PM

As long as it's placed before 2pm. That's what I did a few days. they charge for shipping, but indicate in the comments you would like to pick up and they will email you to let you knwo it's ready. They are open until 5pm. They will refund the shipping within a few days. They did for me and I didn't even have to say anything.

RedHeckle

10-22-2009, 09:43 PM

Well, it was a busy afternoon getting some equipment at SWE with a fussy 18mn old; at least he had fun with door to the backroom and running laps around the store - overall, a successful event (thanks for being understanding Fritz!)

Here's what I picked up:

Protein Skimmer - 1 Reef Octopus Extreme 200
ATI T5 bulbs - 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI 12K Aquablue, 1 ATI ProColor

Also, from Bulk Reef Supply:
1 - 75GPD RO/DI 5 Stage *PLUS* System (will pick this up Friday)

And, as a bonus my 1500gph overflow from Glass-holes.com came in!!!

Next steps:
-Take a short breather from the spending spree
-Install the overflow this weekend
-Attempt to assemble the skimmer (I may need a beer for this one).

Of course...pictures of the goodies!!!

Enjoy,
Glenn

RaysReef

10-22-2009, 10:46 PM

nice glenn, glad u could go with the extreme 200. You will be adjusting that skimmer for the first 2 wks constantly. AFter broken in it should be easier to dial it in.

acharpenter

10-23-2009, 07:23 AM

Great build thread, looks like your making sure to get it right the 1st time around!

Did you say "beer" and "SCUBA"?? Awesome!!!! :gay1::greenguy:

Welcome to the SW addiction!!!

Bob1

10-23-2009, 08:57 AM

Best wishes for the wife, children and yes the tank is coming along great!

noeldokken

10-23-2009, 10:45 AM

oh sweet...you got the fun dip too with your glass-holes order? :beerchug:

RedHeckle

10-23-2009, 11:07 AM

Great build thread, looks like your making sure to get it right the 1st time around!

Did you say "beer" and "SCUBA"?? Awesome!!!! :gay1::greenguy:

Welcome to the SW addiction!!!

Thanks!!! Just make sure it's beer AFTER SCUBA, no sense "feeding the fishes" through a regulator...;)

RedHeckle

10-23-2009, 11:19 AM

Thanks everyone for the props!!!

I plan on taking a tons of build pictures if possible - especially of assembling the overflow and of the sump/skimmer. Being a "picture person" in both visualizing things and of taking pics in general; I found that I needed/wanted more "in-process" pics of these things - mostly due to being a reef :lots:

Hopefully this will help others but if anything it's pretty cool to see a tank's progress from dream to reality.

Cheers! :beerchug:

Glenn

RedHeckle

10-23-2009, 11:34 AM

Any thoughts on heaters?

I have a glass 200w from my 55g but I plan on using that for the RO/DI water storage barrel or the SW mix/storage barrel.

I planning on 2 titanium heaters (failure redundancy); I just don't know what wattage. I know their will be some heating from pumps/powerheads and the tank room does hover around 72 degrees F (sometimes warmer if the TV or PC is on) - but I need to account for our lovely Minnesota winter temps.

Inputs appreciated!

RedHeckle

10-23-2009, 10:24 PM

Well, picked up my 75gpd RO/DI "Plus" unit from BRS. Not too bad to find - just use Google satellite maps!;)

Here are pictures of the unit, the "plus" adds in a dual TDS meter, pressure gauge and a flush unit - not too shabby.

I'll be installing this in the basement near the laundry sink into a 55g barrel. I plan to stall a float switch for that barrel.

More pics...

PaulTushaus

10-24-2009, 12:53 AM

I got that same ro/di last spring and love it, I got my float valve for the reservoir at swe.

acharpenter

10-24-2009, 01:06 PM

Thanks!!! Just make sure it's beer AFTER SCUBA, no sense "feeding the fishes" through a regulator...;)

Amen dude!

Curious, cant find it listed anywhere - have you looked into an aqua controller? With all your doing to get this right the first time I would think that may be on your list. Not a complete necessity but definetly worth the money

RedHeckle

10-24-2009, 04:53 PM

Amen dude!

Curious, cant find it listed anywhere - have you looked into an aqua controller? With all your doing to get this right the first time I would think that may be on your list. Not a complete necessity but definetly worth the money

I've been kicking it around; I believe at some point I will. I think I'll silicone in a holder for the probes in the return section of the sump for now - it'll just make it easier in the long run.

Any recommendations? I haven't really thought that far ahead yet.

-Glenn

RedHeckle

10-24-2009, 05:01 PM

Well, I worked on the overflow while everyone slept (everyone, besides myself, is sick - and it's pretty hard to work wearing a biohazard suit).

It went pretty smoothly, maybe 8-10 minutes per holes. I did just a dry fit to see how things get together. The bulkhead nuts in the overflow are going to be tough to get tightened - ah, perhaps a trip to the hardware store is needed!

Not sure what color the rest of the plumbing should be, there has to be some WAF, so I may go gray, or black to blend into the black background I'll be spraypainting.

-Glenn

acharpenter

10-24-2009, 05:01 PM

RedHeckle

10-28-2009, 04:42 PM

Well not much to report since both kids have been pretty sick for the past several days.

I did get to pick up a 2'x4' acrylic sheet, silicone plumber's grease, and some bits for the RO/DI unit install.

For the sump, I found an interesting article on installing the baffles HERE (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i1/Baffles/bafflesart.htm)

Not sure if I'll try it but I'm going to dig around more regarding potential mold inhibitors in the weatherstripping.

Next few steps:
1) apply Krylon black spray paint to back of tank.
2) tighten down plumbing of overflow
3) assess weight distrubution of tank stand

Regarding #3, the stand has 5 points of contact with the floor (4 corners and 1 middle "peg"). Given my floor type - floating interlocked wood planks, I'm debating about adding some wood "stretchers" (?) to the underside of the stand to evenly spread the tank weight across a larger contact "footprint", instead of the corners (using 1"x 4" oak to form a rectangle base for the underside of the stand).

This should evenly spread the tank weight evenly across the entire section of flooring. Reason being due the floor connection method, I'm afraid the total tank weight will compromise where the floor planks connect.

I'll also be staining the "internal base frame" so it blends in more with the stand.

Unfortunately/fortunately, still no water in the tank... :coolmad:

At least it's giving me more time for research and planning, er, right?

RedHeckle

10-29-2009, 10:30 AM

I have an AC JR and love it, but there are pro's and cons to it

Like just about anything in this hobby there really is no canned answer here.

How much do you want to spend?
What all do you want to control?
Do you want the option to have it call/email you with alarms?

Plenty of opinions on this....here is a quick thread with the basics...

http://www.tcmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=19674&highlight=controller

Thanks for that thread link!!! After more research, I'm leaning towards a Neptune controller; just not sure which one. I guess I still need to figure out what I really want to do now and what I want to do in the future. I do like the built in ethernet - def. a plus.

RedHeckle

11-01-2009, 11:37 PM

Evening all, hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!!!

Made some progress this weekend:

- Finished painting the back of the tank, used 2 cans of Kylon flat black and I didn't get too high from the fumes.

- BRS RO/Di unit installed and flushed out; it was really easy to install. I had picked up a Y-split from Menards to feed off from the washing machine cold water feed. Running at 60psi (even with washing machine filling), TDS In = 9ppm, TDS Out = 0 after flushing the system.

Now just waiting on 2 55g plastic barrels from my wife's work.

Next up this week:
1) add "weight-dispersing" boards to base of stand
2) final install of overflow
3) calculate plumbing needed and decide on a return pump
4) install sump baffles

Night all, just finished watching most of the V series replay on SciFi channel while installing the RO/DI unit; ah, not bad for cheesy 80's America aliens story. The remake should be interesting to watch!

RedHeckle

11-04-2009, 10:38 PM

Here's the painted tank and the new bulbs swapped out.

Hopefully after this weekend (see you all at the Swap), I'll be able to finally bring in the tank and put it on the stand!:biggthumpup:

Getting closer to first water...!!!!

irish02bk

11-04-2009, 10:40 PM

Did you make that canopy? I like it!

RedHeckle

11-04-2009, 11:06 PM

Did you make that canopy? I like it!

Thanks, but sorry no I didn't build it.

The stand and canopy are AGA's Mission Select series in oak. Time did not allow for a build and it needed a high WAF factor; plus we got a great deal from SWE!

This way I may have actually have fish before 2010.... :biggthumpup:
...well at least very early in 2010.

irish02bk

11-04-2009, 11:26 PM

Its ok it, i know how that goes took me about 7 months to actually get my 75 setup and its still not done completely.

RedHeckle

11-05-2009, 05:11 PM

Well, it's a sad day today. We just had a mass layoff at work, myself included. Just a skeleton crew left to maintain equipment/systems until the place is sold or liquidated.

This will probably affect my tank build progress. I think with where I'm at; I can get as far as filling the tank with water but I'm going to have to get LR and sand small portions at a time. If anything, I have the time now to work on the tank plumbing since I have the PVC already and finish up the sump...

Oh well, must move on...

Bob1

11-06-2009, 08:42 AM

First, I am sorry about you lossing your job. I have some dried out rock and sand if you like it. I live in Farmington. Just PM me.

lr9788

11-06-2009, 08:48 AM

Sorry to hear about your job.
I have been without full time work for 7 months now.
Keep your head up!!!

PaulTushaus

11-06-2009, 08:54 AM

Bummer Glenn hope you find a new job really soon so you can keep this build going.

RedHeckle

11-09-2009, 12:26 PM

Thanks everyone for wishing me luck! It's hard to go and do other stuff and not worry about job hunting for several weeks (decent compensation package); but there's that "what if" it takes longer than expected to find a job. A bit nerve racking but I'm working out a schedule to where I have a set time every day strictly for job hunting/networking/etc. I'll increase the time as the weeks go by.

As for the build, I plan to keep moving forward as money allows; wife would like me to keep going also to keep me busy aside from other "honey-dos" that have shown up. Hopefully this week/weekend I can get my tank on the stand and start working on the plumbing.

-Glenn

RedHeckle

11-13-2009, 03:52 PM

Well, the tank is on the stand, thanks to truvkngfan; thanks again!

Also wanted to thank Bob1 for some dry rock/sand; so I now have about ~40lbs of dry rock and about 10lbs of dry sand.

Here's a full shot of tank and stand/canopy:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/Sv3CSXyfjvI/AAAAAAAAERo/TjdLyunof5c/s800/IMG_7524.JPG

Full shot with open doors:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/Sv3CPFL5wCI/AAAAAAAAERM/g7J-4849yN8/s800/IMG_7517.JPG

Close up of the 30g sump with Octopus Extreme 200 and Eheim 1262 return pump (thanks hypertech!):
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/Sv3CPbLq1YI/AAAAAAAAERQ/sWymV78vBzU/s800/IMG_7518.JPG

That Ext-200 takes up quite a bit of room, not sure what the final position of the skimmer will be. I just need to make sure there's room for the two drain lines. Any suggestions as to how the skimmer should be positioned?

The baffles are installed via this method - Pressure locking baffles (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i1/Baffles/bafflesart.htm)

Baffle height from left to right is: 8.75in/9.75in/8.75in/5.5in. The last baffle creating the return section will have another 3in of egg crate added on top of it so it will be close to 8.5in; this is to prevent the potential creature from getting sucked up if I put one in the middle section. The middle section will also have live rock.

Any constructive criticism on the sump layout? I'm going to water test the sump either this weekend.

Thanks again everyone!!!

lr9788

11-13-2009, 03:59 PM

Looks really good!
I am looking forward to seeing water in it.

I like the idea of the 3" of eggcrate

acharpenter

11-13-2009, 04:10 PM

That is gorgeous!!! Nice work!

hypertech

11-13-2009, 04:15 PM

RedHeckle

11-13-2009, 11:33 PM

Thanks for the props everyone!!! It great to finally have the tank in-house and to start the plumbing.

-Glenn

RedHeckle

11-13-2009, 11:43 PM

You are probably going to want that 3rd baffle taller. That pump may suck a vortex down at that height and it isn't going to give you much room for evaporation. Id also slide it over further and put the pump perpendicular to the way it is now with the intake pointed towards the glass. This should keep it from sucking up any bubbles that might form from the water going over the baffle. Bubbles into the pump make microbubbles in the display.

Matt,

Thanks for the suggestion of rotating the pump 90 degrees with intake aimed at glass, will do.

Now when you say "3rd" baffle, do you mean the 8.75in (last bubble trap baffle) or the 5in baffle seperating the pump? The area after the bubble trap will have a depth of 8.75in so it will be 3.75in over the last baffle seperating the pump (that's the baffle that will have an additional 3.75 of egg crate added to its height). So the water height over the return pump with be 8.75in. Hope that makes sense.

Will vortexing still be an issue? Or maybe still increase water height of the return area for the sake of countering evaporation rate.

Thanks again for the input!

-Glenn

hypertech

11-14-2009, 12:09 AM

The short one right before the pump. Make that higher. You want more space to make sure there is no vortexing. Also, all your evap water will come out of that section. So, if you lose a gallon a day (or two days), you want to be sure you have enough volume in there the pump won't run dry if you forget to fill the tank (or reservoir in an ATO) for a day or two.

As it is, it doesn't look like you have any extra water in there for evaporation.

If you were planning on 3" of egg crate, maybe change that to 1" of egg crate and 2" more baffle.

RedHeckle

11-14-2009, 07:55 PM

Well, I decided to NOT go with the "pressure locking" baffle method mentioned in an earlier post; so I'll be using silicone to lock in the baffles:

Here's why:
1) leaks - sides and bottoms; I even had 2 panels just shy of 11.75in (wider than in article) in width that I thought fit pretty snug -> leaked. I just couldn't get the leaks to stop.

2) loose baffles - I had one baffle (1st one after the skimmer) at exactly 11.5in (width) and it gave in during filling of the skimmer section and got pushed towards the 2nd baffle.

I was warned by David about potential loose baffles but I really wanted to give the method a try for really one reason - ability to easily move/replace baffles. I figured worst case - I silicone - and that's where I stand now. On the plus side, it gave me a chance to see how baffles work and also how a sump chambers work in general. It gave me a chance to change up spacing/positioning of the baffles to my liking - so I made some final placement measurements. So not all was a waste.

So, a question - I have about 1/4in gap on each baffle side from the glass, is this too wide to silicone in? I don't think it will be but I'll looking for those with experience siliconing in baffles.

FYI, Matt, I'm taking your suggestion of raising up the baffle for the near the pump.

Thanks,
Glenn

hypertech

11-14-2009, 08:10 PM

1/4" is pretty big, but there shouldn't be that much pressure on the first baffles. I'd cut a new one for right before the return pump though. Out of all of them, that one has to hold back the most water.

I don't think you need all three of those baffles by the skimmer. Just put the first in and if you need to add the other two, its no big deal to glue them in later. I don't have them in mine and once the skimmer broke in, I have not had a bubble problem.

RedHeckle

11-14-2009, 08:39 PM

Thanks again Matt!

I'll go ahead and make a new baffle for the return section and also go with one baffle to seperate the skimmer.

I'm now debating if I should go higher than 8.75in for the baffles to help with evaporation, the Octopus Extreme 200 has a recommended operational depth of 8-10in. I could probably go as high as 11in on the baffles and still have room for drainback during an outage; this would require raising up the skimmer. Not too big of a deal since I extra acrylic laying around anyways. ;)

Thanks again,
Glenn

hypertech

11-14-2009, 08:54 PM

I used a little egg crate to adjust the height of the skimmer. I like tall baffles and run my sump pretty deep. That said, make sure you have enough volume for all the water that drains out of the skimmer, down the pipes, and out of the display before the siphon breaks for a power outage.

If you are running a herbie, make sure you have enough space for the water in the overflow that will drain down too.

So long as you have space for that, make them as high as you can.

Timmy77

11-14-2009, 11:26 PM

Looking good:cool:

RedHeckle

11-16-2009, 11:08 PM

Well I've finished the sump:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SwITG95sM-I/AAAAAAAAE8g/rWqvAwN13Qg/s800/IMG_7525.JPG

The skimmer chamber is 15in wide and the baffle is 11in high, I'll need to raise the skimmer up a few inches. I'll be making an acrylic base with the scrap pieces I have.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SwITFUOvkYI/AAAAAAAAE8I/pRChuss4LIQ/s800/IMG_7526.JPG

Here's the return section, with an 11in high baffle which has 1in cuts into it (my okay 1st attempt at using a router for this design); per Hypertech's suggestion, I've rotated the 1262 (this chamber is 9in wide):
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SwITF3136UI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/vZ9ZP3ChgpY/s800/IMG_7527.JPG

The PVC is just dry fitted so I can tweak positions, I also need to make a brace attached to the stand to support the PVC.

So, I'll be performing final fitting of the drain PVC, create the PVC brace and make the acrylic stand for the skimmer. Also, I'll finalize layout for the return plumbing. I'm going to have a T fitting off the return pipe to a valve which will feed water back to the middle section of the sump. The return output will go to a LocLine Y-split as you see in the right corner of the FSS (full sump shot).

With any luck, I'll be performing full leak testing by the weekend. I'm still waiting on those free 55g barrels from my wife's work but there's some red tape to deal with. Hopefully soon; otherwise, I'll be filling this tank the hard way with two 5gal carboys.

Thanks again for hitching along and for the suggestions!

-Glenn

RedHeckle

11-17-2009, 11:42 PM

Now that I've been tinkering and researching more on sump layouts, should I switch the drain lines to the far left of the sump (away from the 1st baffle)?
(The skimmer's position would reverse also - the collection cup would face closest to front of the sump, at least it'd be easier to clean).

Would this reduce bubbles vs my current layout?

Thanks,
Glenn

hypertech

11-18-2009, 08:43 AM

I don't think it would change bubbles much especially if you are doing a Herbie. With two drain lines, you are doing a herbie right? I don't see the gate valve.

I prefer to use 45 elbows over 90s, but I couldn't say if 90s cause and problems.

RedHeckle

11-18-2009, 09:40 AM

hypertech,

Can't really say if it's a Herbie design, I'm using a glass-holes.com (http://www.reefercentral.com/whyglassholes.html)1500gph overflow. With their design, they recommend no valves to control drain flow (I'm controlling flow at the return side via a T return + valve to the sump); this is to avoid clogging.

Is there a way to water test PVC layout without having to glue? I may go with the 45 elbows for the drains, I would think this would cut down on "gurgling".

I am using 45s on the return line, FYI.

Thanks,
Glenn

hypertech

11-18-2009, 10:06 AM

RedHeckle

11-18-2009, 02:38 PM

Can you put a street elbow on one of the drains in the overflow to make it higher than the other? If you can, you can do a Herbie and I highly recommend it. NO air = NO bubbles = NO gurgling = NO noise.

You may be able to get away with water testing the drains. That return may blow apart an unglued joint. For testing, you could have someone hold a long line of PVC for the return into the tank and keep your finger on the power switch for the pump. Remember that once it is in the tank, it is going to drain whether or not your plumbing falls off.

I went through several iterations on mine and I am happy with it now. Most of it was on the return. Have a nice long piece of flex tube to a barb on a union before switching to hard pipe. That way, you can undo the union and remove the whole assembly for cleaning vs trying to undo the tube/barb under the tank.

Also, install an under cabinet light on the bottom of your tank. You'll be happy about it later when you need to do a little work or clean the skimmer and it is dark out.

Unfortunately, no, the overflow is only about 1.25in in internal width and their design involves baffles (supposedly the design mimicks a durso set up, though don't quote me on that - though it is a cool set up, if you want picks, I can take some).

I think I'm going to glue the drain pipes (unions and a straight run) upstream of that 2nd upstream elbow - that section will not change anyways. This way I can play around with drain spout location; the unions will allow me move the pipes in a Left/Right fashion until I finalize placement.

Funny, I also thought, my biggest challenge is the return plumbing since I want to have a T off the return to dump back into the return section which is controlled via a valve - the idea being to control return flow to tank but not stress the return pump.

So, I think for now, I'll just work on finalizing the drain position while just using flex tube for the return.

Thanks again Matt for your input! I just want to try and get it right and ideally as quiet as possible.

-Glenn

RedHeckle

11-19-2009, 11:57 PM

WooHoo!!! Drain plumbing to sump is DONE! Return line is semi-complete, enough that I can perform a full tank leak test and test run the equipment!!!

Going to bed now, way too light headed from PVC primer and glue....:greenguy:

acharpenter

11-20-2009, 08:32 AM

:beerchug:

SaltRooky

11-20-2009, 08:55 AM

Let me know if you need an extra pair of arms for lifting. You know I am near by....

RedHeckle

11-20-2009, 10:45 PM

Well, the tank is filled!!! with tap water:nuts:

Testing for leaks and switched the position of some of the drains. I changed the 90 degree elbows to 45 elbows for the bottom part of the drains (thanks hypertech!). I used spa-flex for the entire return line.

A gate valve controls flow to tank while a ball valve controls the T-split return to the sump.

Filling the tank up:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SwdcNfd0S8I/AAAAAAAAFtU/nYHTRWTSdR8/s800/IMG_1280.JPG

Sump in action:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SwddA_ZXEiI/AAAAAAAAFts/IC-FUUM7wsg/s800/IMG_1283.JPG

Return line valves (gate is gray, ball is white):
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SwddB41eUDI/AAAAAAAAFt0/IaNXNx1YkIE/s800/IMG_1285.JPG

Vid of sump running, that Octopus Extreme is pretty loud. (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gt7idbqaaqTD5nc13r8rMA?feat=directlink)

The return pump is an Eheim 1262, this sucker kicks out some flow - at full bore, the overflow and drains are noisy, but some tweaking with the valves correct that.

The skimmer is the loudest piece of equipment in the sump, I can here it from 20+ft away. I'm hoping this will quiet down in saltwater.

I know things are different when running saltwater and after some biofilm builds up, but I'm a bit concerned on the noise of the skimmer. I'll have to see if things calm down after running in salt water; this will have to wait until after Thanksgiving - heading to Chicago to visit family.

-Glenn

RedHeckle

11-20-2009, 10:46 PM

Let me know if you need an extra pair of arms for lifting. You know I am near by....

Thanks Salt! If you ever want to critique my setup just give me a call and stop on by - yeah, I'm still job searching:brick:

RedHeckle

11-21-2009, 01:57 PM

Hmm, I'm debating adding a 2nd baffle downstream of the skimmer baffle. This would be an "under" baffle (water flowing underneath baffle). When I increase drain flow, large water bubbles flow over the skimmer baffle and carry over into the middle chamber. This may not be a big deal when I'm running saltwater and have LR in the middle chamber; it's just from a timing perspective.

I'll be draining out the tap water and prepping for saltwater fill, so this would be the ideal time to "lock-in" the sump design. I have the baffle cut from the "pressure-lock" design, it's just a little wider than I like; but if I overfill with silicone, it should be fine.

RedHeckle

12-03-2009, 10:35 PM

Finally, saltwater!!! :greenguy:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SxcXtp2fXLI/AAAAAAAAFw8/heajYdv8YA8/s800/IMG_1351.JPG

It's filling slowly and I've added some salt, though I need to get more tomorrow. Also, may go ahead and pick up sand. I already have about 60lbs of dry rock.

If I go with a DSB using 4in of "sugar-fine" sand (~180lbs), should I put the sand in first then the rock or visa versa?

Thanks,
Glenn

acharpenter

12-03-2009, 10:43 PM

About time for an update Glenn!

Sand first dude - since your using sugar fine, expect a couple days of running it just to clear the cloudiness...

IMO - sand first, then lay a plate or something on top of the sand and then pour the water on the plate so as not to stir up more of the sand.

Once the cloudiness clears, then add rock and aquascape (so you can see what your doing)

Glenn - you have water!!!!!!!! Nice job taking it slow!!:greenguy::greenguy:

Candi

12-03-2009, 11:00 PM

RedHeckle

12-03-2009, 11:02 PM

Thanks Ange!!!

Yeah, it's been busy with the Thanksgiving visit to Chicago to see family and then deal with a sick 19mn old boy. Plus, I've been trying the job network scene and attending some career placement courses. So far it's going slow on the job scene.

I kinda figured sand first but sometimes when you research too much; it gets all goofy.:gay1:

So, I've been taking my time but I'm so close now. My wife brought home the 2 55g drums from work - yay FREE!!!. Those will be in the basement as RO/DI storage and saltwater mixing.

So, I'm still sticking to getting it set up to where sand and rock is in - no corals (well, maybe a frag or two;) or fish until I'm working. Worst case if I have to relocate, I just have to sell saltwater!!

Controllers - I'm on the fence here, do I stick it out with power strips until I find work? There will be no fish and coral (maybe) yet.

Two scenarios:
1) I'm eyeing the ReefKeeper Lite (Level 1 for $99) for the lights, return pump and heater. Powerheads will be on a power strip I have laying around.

2) Just go with the RKL (Level 3) - future-proof myself.

3) okay a 3rd, just power strip everything and buy RKL when employed.

Ah, decisions, decisions...

RedHeckle

12-03-2009, 11:07 PM

Sooooo pretty!!! And clean! I <3 it. So very much looking forward to seeing what comes to live in there!

I'm :lots: like whoa but what I've heard is since the sand is super fine you should rock first then sand... I didn't understand the logic when I was told this but - it was what I was told so... I hope it helps you!

Candi

LOL!!! See what I mean, I've heard this route also. Maybe I'll just compromise and put the rock in halfway;)

Thanks though Candi!!! Guess I'll do the SE Metro round-up (Something Fishy, SWE, and OD) tomorrow and get some input.

Cheers!! :beerchug:

RedHeckle

12-06-2009, 10:47 PM

Woohoo!!! I picked up about 30lbs of live rock from OD (thanks a TON Becky, pls forgive me for grabbing that nice Tonga piece! :biggthumpup:).

So, I just added the LR and the other 70lbs of dry rock in the tank to get it all seeded and start cycling. Yes, I'm missing sand; but I have 160lbs of sand on order and will be picking it up next Friday - thanks again to Becky :beerchug:

It's definitely not aquascaped, just tossed in to seed the dry rock; I'll be pulling it out anyways next weekend.

That sicce pump on the Octopus Extreme 200 is still pretty loud; hoping it quiets down some over the next several weeks.

Thanks to everyone for the advice, input and just pure :beerchug:!!!

Oh yeah, pics!!!

Full set up-
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/Sxx2dNwjOKI/AAAAAAAAFy8/093a7YZLdhw/s800/IMG_7588.JPG

Full light:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/Sxx2gQ3gnMI/AAAAAAAAFzU/BO95WXpEvCw/s800/IMG_7583.JPG

Just the blues:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/Sxx2iQhme8I/AAAAAAAAFzc/eadRyRxN82o/s800/IMG_7586.JPG

LOL!! Just realized I need to move that heater to the sump!:nuts:

RedHeckle

12-15-2009, 11:25 AM

Woohoo!!! The tank aquascape has been completed...for now! ;) 160lbs of sand from OD (thx Becky!) and about ~110lbs of rock in place.

Cycling is now the waiting period (it's day 4 after adding sand and final 'scaping). Diatoms are settling in as expected; it's just a waiting game now. So, I'm looking up clean up crew candidates since this expense isn't too bad - though I'll probably keep the numbers low for now.

The layout is pretty straightforward, I can now appreciate how difficult it can be to aquascape. It's definitely hard to see what you're doing and try to see the whole layout while standing on a step stool and dealing with the magnification of the water. Lots of caves and holes and some decent room behind rock for water flow. Overall, I'm excited and so is the wife - we keep talking about our diving and snorkelling in Akumal.

I did cheat and did pick up a RKL which is really sweet, reminds me of the automation I had to deal with at work.

Tank Stats:
Temp: 78 to 80F
pH: 7.79 to 8.0
PO4: .25ppm
Nitrate: 10ppm

The pH is lower than I'd like, not sure if this will increase after cycling; I'm researching up Kalk addition.

The temperature will stick around 78F with the canopy lid open but with the lid closed; it creeps up to 80.7F after 4hrs of full light - need to look into a fan for inside canopy.

Now the pictures!!!

FTS
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SybrvI4e6qI/AAAAAAAAGPE/W9h04lDLqSk/s800/IMG_7720.JPG

Right side angle:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SybrwZwXUWI/AAAAAAAAGOA/wHXKdpk614s/s800/IMG_7721.JPG

Left side angle:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/SybrxXN9d9I/AAAAAAAAGOI/jg_Kwfrwikg/s800/IMG_7722.JPG

Yes, I'm currently cleaning the glass up! :biggthumpup:

RedHeckle

12-17-2009, 05:29 PM

Wow, gotta love just staring at diatoms form :)

I did notice there are at least 2 tiny featherdusters on the Tonga though.

Ah, the fun waiting for cycling completion...

coldwaterreefer

12-17-2009, 05:46 PM

very nice looking

RedHeckle

12-18-2009, 01:31 AM

Thanks coldwaterreefer!!!

It may take longer to get this tank going than expected if I need to relocate out of MN for a job. Hmmmmm....

RedHeckle

12-26-2009, 12:24 AM

So, I'm trying to figure out a Clean Up Crew (CUC) and I'm not sure where to start.

I've looked at liveaquaria.com for ideas and they break apart a CUC into two categories: an Algae Attack Pack and a Detritus Attack Pack
http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=49

I'm guessing that I should focus more on an "algae crew" since I'm got the diatoms and some hair algae (from a piece of live rock). I've been keeping the lights off while the tank completes it's first cycle.

I'm considering Mexian Turbo snails and Cerith snails, plus I'd like at least a few hermit crabs.

Any suggestions or insight?

Thanks,
Glenn

Stoneyj33

12-26-2009, 11:23 AM

RedHeckle

12-26-2009, 02:57 PM

I would put the heater back in the display for the winter. Ive had a few times a pump quit working and the tank dropped to low 60's...I move mine to the display during the winter and sump during the summer.

Thanks for the tip!!! I'm pretty much home every day now that I'm unemployed:gay1: ; so what else can one do except stare at the tank and check equipment though!

It's a good idea though and I'll make note of it for when I do get back to work or even go away for an extended amount of time.

Cheers!
Glenn

reef junkie

12-26-2009, 03:42 PM

like the rock work.:beerchug:

RedHeckle

12-27-2009, 12:43 PM

like the rock work.:beerchug:

Thanks! Can't wait to just get a CUC started!! Soon, soon!:cool:

RedHeckle

01-12-2010, 12:01 PM

Well, I've finally added a CUC: Astreas, nassarius, ceriths, blue and red-legged hermits.

First order to my little minions -> GO DESTROY ALGAE!!!!

I'll post some new pics later today.

-Glenn

RedHeckle

01-17-2010, 10:51 PM

WooHoo! It's just over a month with my first reef tank!

FTS:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S1PSVD2639I/AAAAAAAAHSE/S1xm66yiXU4/s800/IMG_7997.JPG

My tiny feather duster and an Astrea snail:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S1PSZ24VMyI/AAAAAAAAHSk/KKUkncbY0LQ/s800/IMG_8005.JPG

Parameters:
Salinity: 1.025
pH: 7.75
Temp: 75.5(at lights on) - 78.5 (at lights off) - only running full lights for 4hrs
ORP: 440 +/- 20 mV
NH4: 0ppm
NO3: 0ppm
PO4: 0ppm
Salt: SeaChem Reef Salt
RO/DI water

Livestock: 8 Astrea, 20 Nassarius, 15 Cerith snails, 20 blue and 10 red-legged hermits. 2 hitchhiker feather dusters and of course my wicked dying hair algae that I'm slowly cleaning off ;)

I'm a bit concerned with the pH. Using SeaChem salt, pH should be around 8.4. I know there are other factors, but I'm at a bit of a loss as to why it's low.

I'm going to be doing small water changes over the next serveral days - I was doing 15g water changes every 2 two; or should I do a few 50% water changes?

I want to figure out the pH issue before I add any fish or coral, also there's a small chance I may relocate so I may not get fish for a while - still, I may get some Ocellaris black and white clowns. My 3yo daughter keeps asking where the fish are :biggrin:

Other fish candidates:
Algae blenny
Watchman goby and pistol shrimp (of course!!! ;) )

Corals:
Everything!! Lol! Seriously, easy beginner stuff: mushrooms, zoas, leathers, some "tree-type" corals.

Thanks folks!!!
Glenn

David Grigor

01-17-2010, 11:32 PM

I'm a bit concerned with the pH. Using SeaChem salt, pH should be around 8.4. I know there are other factors, but I'm at a bit of a loss as to why it's low.

In saltwater, there are only two factors for pH. Alkalinity and amount of co2. Alkalinity you can control. Elevated co2 is very typically in most houses during wintertime. So be sure to test your alkalinity and keep it at or above natural levels ( 7dkh ). If alk levels are good then don't worry about the actual pH too much. It should into an acceptable range for livestock and shouldn't cause an issue. There are some things to do to reduce co2 levels but I wouldn't worry about it for now.

RedHeckle

01-18-2010, 12:07 AM

Thanks David! Now I know which test kit to get next! I used to have to add buffering capacity to my freshwater tank using baking soda due to low kH and dH. So, can one draw correlation that I'll need to do the same with SW?

Yes, I need to test alk first; just trying to plan ahead.

Also, thanks for the recommended alk level!

-Glenn

RaysReef

01-18-2010, 12:10 AM

To help with your algae bloom I'd limit my light time. 6 hrs a day would be adequate.

David Grigor

01-18-2010, 12:16 AM

You will need ALK, CA, and Magnesium testkits.

During calcification ALK and CA lower at a rate of 1 meg/l ( or 2.8 dkh ) to 18-20ppm CA. Alkalinity will fall below much quicker than Calcium so it's the most important one to be checking. You will need a magnesium kit as well but if funds are limited, it can wait for several months yet.

RaysReef

01-18-2010, 12:19 AM

I wouldn't worry about dosing CA yet, just get your alk and ph in line first than mag than CA

RedHeckle

01-18-2010, 12:19 AM

To help with your algae bloom I'd limit my light time. 6 hrs a day would be adequate.

I was wondering would that be with "full" lights?

Here's my light schedule:
11am - actinics ON
12pm - act/aqua blues ON
4pm - aqua blues OFF
6pm - act OFF

With the Actinics on and their low range lighting, does that affect algae growth?

David Grigor

01-18-2010, 12:21 AM

Algae generally prefers yellow/green/red sprectrum but will still grow under the lower ends as well.

RedHeckle

01-18-2010, 12:22 AM

Check a roony! Alk and Ca test kits, I'll have to wait on Mg until I get my first coral I think...er, probably just before I get my first coral.

:beerchug:

RaysReef

01-18-2010, 12:29 AM

RaysReef

01-18-2010, 12:32 AM

Check a roony! Alk and Ca test kits, I'll have to wait on Mg until I get my first coral I think...er, probably just before I get my first coral.

:beerchug:

I'd get the ALK/PH/Mag first for test kits...the CA is not needed until you get hard corals...If you doing softies at first CA can wait. Also you need a decent amount of hard corals too before it starts to really use up your CA. So its safe to say CA would be my last test kit to get out of the 4. Plus if your CA is low it won't affect the corals in anyway other than growth.

RedHeckle

01-18-2010, 08:43 AM

Glenn, how many bulbs are you running again? When you say aqua blues I assume they are 50/50, atinics and 10k combo?

Since you don't have high light demand corals I would maybe go this route:

11:00am actinics
12pm act off/aqua blues
4pm act on/aqua blues off
5pm act off

Once you get more corals I would do your regimen that you have above.

Any lighting affects algae growth...Most likely its the aqua blues thats causing it.

Here's my light setup - 4x54HO Solar
Front:
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aqua Blue (12k)
ATI Blue Plus
ATI ProColor (not sure if I like this one, may change at later date)
BACK

I'm going to change the lighting schedule right now. Thanks for the help and also on test kits.

Hah, just realized that I do have a Alk kit! :brick: Too much going on outside of the reef tank world. I'm going to test Alk whilst the kids watch Jungle Junction... :gay1:

RedHeckle

01-18-2010, 09:05 AM

Here's my Alk/kH - 8dkH. Not bad, I think.

RedHeckle

01-20-2010, 05:52 PM

Well, I picked up a Salifert pH test kit to compare against my Tropic Marin to compare against my pH probe on my RKL.

The test kits are showing a pH of around 8.1~8.2. My calibrated pH probe is reading 7.95. I've checked several times over the day and the pH probe is consistantly off by about 0.2 (towards the lower side).

Is the probe potentially bad? I'm using lab grade pH buffers of 7.00 and 10.01that are freshly opened to calibrate the probe.

-Glenn

RedHeckle

01-20-2010, 05:58 PM

Also, I'm going to be setting up a 10g quarantine tank up by the end of the week. I'm itching for some fish, specifically Ocellaris clowns. Not sure if I should get just 1 or find a pair. Need to shop around next.

RedHeckle

01-22-2010, 10:04 PM

Well, after multiple questions from my 3 yr old and a "go for it" from my wife Monika; I have 2 fish in my QT tank (Petsmart has 10g tanks for $11!)

So here we go, yes they're Ocellaris Clownfish Orange/White that I got from SWE. I was so close to getting the last 2 Black/White Ocellaris there, but could not justify the cost. Still, everyone loves them!!

They'll be in QT for about 3-4 wks. I used old tank water and tossed in some live rock to help seed the filter sponge. Don't worry, I'm pulling the LR out tomorrow - any meds + LR = bad.

Enough chit/chat, here are the pics:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S1pmm3yYk4I/AAAAAAAAHWE/fKlobk0m6KM/s800/IMG_8015.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S1pmnF9G4nI/AAAAAAAAHWI/ag8o_77Wfiw/s800/IMG_8016.JPG

No names yet, just Clown A (more black on dorsal fin) and Clown B (less blk on dorsal).

RedHeckle

02-12-2010, 08:29 PM

So, as you saw I picked up a pair of clownfish from SWE and put them in quarantine. Well, the next day I get a call from a company in Flagstaff, AZ who's interested in my qualifications for a position out there.

After 2 phone interviews, it was quiet for a few days; so I figure what are the chances for a call back if I put the clownfish in the display tank now that quarantine is over?:gay1:

Well, this past weekend I put the fish in the display tank and Monday I get a call that they would like to fly me out; on Wednesday, I'm told that my interview is on 2/12, so I fly out 2/11. I'm currently in Flagstaff right now with the interview complete (it went well I think).

So, are these lucky clownfish? You decide... If I need to relocate to Flagstaff; I'll be selling these lucky little guys. ;):biggthumpup:

Glenn

cwk132

02-12-2010, 10:02 PM

Good luck with the job, and nice clowns!

RedHeckle

02-16-2010, 06:25 PM

Thanks cwk132!!!

RedHeckle

04-05-2010, 01:34 PM

It's been awhile since an update; I'd had put any tank purchases on hold due to losing my job and potentially relocating.

Well, almost 6 months later; my first day of new work will be on 4/19 hear in Minnesota (north Metro). Yay!!! Let the purchases begin - well, after I get my first paycheck.

Bad news - WTH?! I found an aptasia?!? It's almost an inch in height when it's extended. Might of come from my snail/crab purchase back in December. I did find a smaller 3mm sized one last night, but this morning it went "dark" (ie: it separated from the glass and I have no fricking idea where it is now). So, I'm going to attempt to manually remove/suction the big one out. And, maybe pick up a few peppermint shrimp to hold off the small ones which are lurking around.

I'll post picks soon, especially of the "baddie". Thanks!

-Glenn

RedHeckle

04-15-2010, 04:30 PM

Well, I ended up scraping off the large one off the glass and get it sucked into a bucket. The smaller one I covered in epoxy!! Yeah, we'll see what happens over the next few weeks. I might pick up a peppermint shrimp since if any aptasia are around I know they're small right now.

Most of the hair algae is gone now, just need to do another water change and pick up some test kits once I get paid - looking to add coral probably in May.

Here a FTS. sorry the sand was stirred up a bit after I leveled out some sand:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S8d2lFeTGwI/AAAAAAAALHQ/jQr_rPkmems/s800/_MG_8176.JPG

Here's a close up of my Ocellaris:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S8d3DLPtQXI/AAAAAAAALHU/-QRIyQxY7aY/s800/_MG_8179.JPG

Enjoy!!

Glenn

CaptainGreg

04-15-2010, 05:10 PM

Hey Glenn,

Looks like doing this SW project help dealing with the lay off. I went through the same thing in June 09 and I did lot of re-work on my tanks in between job hunt keep from going nut....

Good therapy...

Glad you get to stay in MN...:greenguy:

RedHeckle

04-19-2010, 09:56 PM

Hey Captain Greg - yes, working on the tank was a nice way to use up time; but it sucked not being able to purchase really anything. It was all just maintanance work: ie - cleaning, feeding, water changes. But now the fun part starts with searching for coral and more livestock!!!

Check out what I found this weekend:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S80G6XFkz3I/AAAAAAAALe0/7c7WPjamNIo/s800/_MG_8193.JPG
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S80G4q-vzoI/AAAAAAAALes/kd0S8BCO_hQ/s800/_MG_8188.JPG

Is it bad - well, if you count that I saw this guy scuttle out of it's hole, grab a red hermit crab and drag it back into it's lair - yeah, I think it's a BAD crab!:mad_3:

So I think I'm going to use one of these traps: 1) the glass jar with shrimp and have the crab hopefully get trapped, or 2) the stocking hose trap. I think the stocking hose trap with get less snails drawn in. Problem is that I dont' know exactly where is new lair is.

Either way - it must be vanquished from the DT and sent to the sump!

Now, what corals to get?!:confused: Considering Zoas, Mushrooms and Frogspawn (wife REALLY liked the purple tipped ones at SWE).

Cheers - Glenn

RedHeckle

04-27-2010, 11:10 PM

Anyone have an idea as to what this is, I know picture isn't the greatest since I was in a hurry but this "invert" has built a tunnel like "shell" about the size of a quarter.

It then protrudes out and secretes some type of web which it then eats I think. I'm going to try and capture some video of this thing. I first noticed it on the live rock I bought back in November '09 where I thought it was some type of tube worm since it's "tube" stuck out from the rock. It's been growing but with it's shell parallel to the rock and doesn't see to cause any harm - it's pretty much stuck to the rock building it's hut.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S9ekp5jGGBI/AAAAAAAAL4E/_zOehmhTnoA/s800/IMG_1620.JPG

RedHeckle

05-06-2010, 05:53 PM

WooHoo!! Evil crab is now gone from the DT and now in the sump and I'm going to pick up my first corals from Jimmy 4 tonight - green striped mushrooms!!!

Can't wait to acclimate and dip with some Kent Marine Tech-D!

Screwtape

05-06-2010, 06:46 PM

Anyone have an idea as to what this is, I know picture isn't the greatest since I was in a hurry but this "invert" has built a tunnel like "shell" about the size of a quarter.

It then protrudes out and secretes some type of web which it then eats I think. I'm going to try and capture some video of this thing. I first noticed it on the live rock I bought back in November '09 where I thought it was some type of tube worm since it's "tube" stuck out from the rock. It's been growing but with it's shell parallel to the rock and doesn't see to cause any harm - it's pretty much stuck to the rock building it's hut.

Might be a type of vermetid snail. Usually harmless but the net/web they use to catch food can sometimes annoy corals.

RedHeckle

05-06-2010, 08:47 PM

Thanks for that, I believe you're right. Just gotta watch where the "web" goes; shouldn't be a big problem since there's only one *fingers-crossed* and it's on a small finger of tonga branch.

Cheers,
Glenn

RedHeckle

05-09-2010, 09:20 PM

Yeah that to Jimmy 4, I have my first every corals; green-striped mushrooms!!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S-ddIaCHdyI/AAAAAAAAMYU/Y8D3o3AF-yM/s800/IMG_1640.JPG

Still working on taking coral pics; the mushrooms have gotten more color after this picture was taken.

And for my wife's Mothers Day gift:
A Six-line Wrasse and purple-tipped frogspawn - she loves them both!!! She loves starring at the frogspawn sway in the water current; she can't wait until "Sixy" is out of quarantine. Thanks to Jake at DA for these guys!!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S-dCTA3w30I/AAAAAAAAMWM/UNxZgSMNcS8/s800/_MG_8312.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S-dCSH9GmgI/AAAAAAAAMWE/_QQKiGh85Q4/s800/_MG_8304.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/S-dCSjdzQgI/AAAAAAAAMWI/ONo7LQoz10M/s800/_MG_8307.JPG

Now I have to rearrange rock to provide more future placements of corals - the cave thing wasn't the best idea, you lose real estate to place corals - lesson learned.

Cheers,
Glenn

RedHeckle

09-28-2010, 11:06 AM

Well, it's been forever and a day since my last update so here's a quick run down:

- Lost 6-line wrasse while in quarantine, I never got rid of the fungus and I think the meds did not help overall.

- Moved around the Duncan and Frogspawn to find a "happier" place for them.

- Picked up some pink pulsing xenia, green button polys, kenya tree, and a free piece of montipora cap.

- Wife wanted fish to replace wrasse, decided on Kole Tang. Nice size ~4in and it survived quarantine! "Max" has been in display tank for 2 weeks now.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TJRGXOknsLI/AAAAAAAANfs/wTJ6GWfnjlE/s800/IMG_2274.JPG

- Added auto top-off system: 13g trash can on left side of stand, Aqualifter pump on top of can lid, float sensors wired to RKL - FYI - I LOVE having this auto top-off set up!!! No more daily refills running up/down the basement.

I'm going to take new pics once I clean up the display tank a bit, I have folks coming over a few weeks.

Current to do list:
- Fall maintenance (ie: cleaning) of skimmer, return pump and sump
- Generate a spreadsheet to better track test results, tank history, maintenance.
- Attempt to get the Kole Tang to eat other things beside stuff in tank and Nori (he's a picky eater right now) - need to get some flake food.
- Time to change out bulbs (about 10 mn old)
- Save up $$$ for Fall Frag Swap!!!! Need more corals!!! ;)
- Replace a Koralia 4 with MP40 (once I receive it, found a great deal).

Cheers,
Glenn

mrblackis300

09-28-2010, 11:43 AM

Nice Kole Tang. I've been wanting one for awhile, but I'm a little iffy to add one with my Purple and Yellow Tang.

diermmen

09-28-2010, 12:09 PM

Nice Kole Tang. I've been wanting one for awhile, but I'm a little iffy to add one with my Purple and Yellow Tang.

I had a yellow and the kole together; they got along great. It really comes down to tank size and who else is in there. :biggrin:

RedHeckle

11-04-2010, 11:46 AM

Just a quick update:

T-5s have been changed out with the same setup but I'm using a Fiji Purple instead of the ATI pro color.

After performing a full skimmer maintenance teardown a few weeks ago, I realized my cabinet space is kinda tight and getting the skimmer out requires me to pretty much take everything apart (ie: cup, pump, pvc). After all that I still end up spilling water onto the floor.

So, I felt that it was enough of a pain that I'd might neglect maintenance of it. With that a short trip to BRS and pick up my new Bubble Magnus NAC7 skimmer! It's going on two weeks running now and I'm really enjoying it. It's definitely quieter and I can put and take out the skimmer from the sump as one piece. I also liked that I can take apart the whole thing for a detailed cleaning. Plus, it's pulling nice skimmate; though I think the Octx 200 was more efficient.

I've also picked up some nice corals from Ray's fun auctions and from a trade with Jager for the Pico I had won at SWE's Halloween party.
- Devil's Armor
- Green Scoly
- Red/orange acan
- Purple/green acan
- Elegance coral (wife and I LOVE this one!)
- Chalice frag (these are too cool looking)

I've changed out the Koralia 4s for 1 MP40w and a Evolution 1400. I can hear the MP40 ramp up now that the skimmer noise is less. But the flow is amazing and many of the corals have "perked up". The Evo 1400 is very quiet though I've been tinkering with placement to get the flow I like from it.

My wife and her mom (who's now with us to help Monika out during chemo) just love the new additions for reef therapy. Her mom is always staring at the corals and other livestock, just mesmerized.

Things I'm working on:
1) with more space in skimmer section of sump, I've move my "sump" rock to that section which leaves the center section open - so I'm debating on a refugium for the section.

2) rework the landscape on the right side of the tank. Not trying for the "Ange Rock Rework Award" ;) but it's just not ideal for coral placement. Planning on making some form of tabletop for this side.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TJRGWcOYZSI/AAAAAAAANfk/hJIKxNYAWWc/s800/IMG_2271.JPG

I'm hoping to get pictures of the new additions by this weekend as time allows.

:beerchug:
Glenn

RedHeckle

11-05-2010, 10:30 AM

Sump with new Bubble Mangus NAC7 skimmer and free space in middle for a refugium:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNP0L6cfXbI/AAAAAAAANzo/TbIWUSIc1zM/s800/IMG_2418.JPG

Skimmate after 5 days, a little wet I think; will need to adjust to dry it down:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNP0MvMkFEI/AAAAAAAANz0/KJ_T7Dy0ZZo/s800/IMG_2420.JPG

From Ray's Reef:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNN5k1ZsM0I/AAAAAAAANy0/x2f1mKDL4vM/s800/_MG_9788.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNN5gzakC4I/AAAAAAAANyg/u37RaXKsz18/s800/IMG_2422.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNN5jOOaWTI/AAAAAAAANyo/uCRpk_eDshY/s800/IMG_2425.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNN5kbcyKkI/AAAAAAAANys/QbWwZSdCvDs/s800/IMG_2426.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNN50HHo2nI/AAAAAAAANzA/uUsghvXOEaM/s800/_MG_9812.JPG

Duncan and Blasto are doing well:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNN4wvUzUSI/AAAAAAAANzQ/3uZ75JsoWn8/s800/_MG_9781.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNN55ZqKwEI/AAAAAAAANzE/qLUDlyWrhTU/s800/_MG_9814.JPG

Chalice from Jager, unfortunately it got a bit banged up when I was bringing it home - I'm doing daily feeding to help bounce it back
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNN5mCfUAeI/AAAAAAAAN0Q/mdaac2ODu4I/s800/_MG_9790.JPG

FTS
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNN5rxgpJXI/AAAAAAAAN0E/6n2TCcNNywY/s800/_MG_9802.JPG

FOR3VER_3XILED

11-05-2010, 01:41 PM

did you get the kole tang to eat anything else? Mine only eats algae in the tank and doesnt even try nori so I was hoping you had a solution haha.

RedHeckle

11-05-2010, 02:53 PM

We've had the Kole since September and it took about a month for it to regularly eat the nori. He'll eat Spectrum K pellets (I think that's what it is) and frozen mysis easily.

He initially pecked at the nori if I had in on/near the bottom (I think the clip freaked him out, so I rubber banded nori to some rubble at first - plus it's how SWE fed him), I then moved the clip higher over several days until it was near the top of the tank.
He seems to perfer the nori in the later part of the day, so I put some out around 6pm and take out the leftovers before I go to bed (dusk at 9pm/lights out at 11pm).

I've read of folks rubbing garlic on the nori but I havent' tried it. From what I've read, they'll eventually get it that nori is food - just need to be used to what it looks like and the clip/rock that's holding it.

FYI - I hate my suction cup clip, going to convert or buy a magentic one. The clip always falls off the glass after a few hours.

How long have you had your tang?

did you get the kole tang to eat anything else? Mine only eats algae in the tank and doesnt even try nori so I was hoping you had a solution haha.

RedHeckle

11-06-2010, 03:32 PM

Here's some video comparing noise levels of my former Reef Octopus Extreme 200 and my current Bubble Magnus NAC7. No return pump is running but MP40 and Evolution 1400 powerheads are running in DT.

Recorded from about 1.5ft away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvd4P1VtN3A

RedHeckle

11-06-2010, 03:54 PM

Took a cool very early morning shot of Scoly fully open and very hungry!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TNWv39-0WkI/AAAAAAAAN00/SXhRpwSGqeg/s800/IMG_2415.JPG

Alunai

11-10-2010, 01:53 AM

Beautiful tank. Love that chalice!

RedHeckle

11-10-2010, 07:22 AM

Alunai - thanks!!! :beerchug:

FYI - Wife and I spent 2.5hrs last night rearranging (again) the right side of the tank. Pictures later tonight!

Kyle52288

11-10-2010, 09:21 AM

Awesome can't wait!

RedHeckle

11-10-2010, 10:25 AM

Kyle,

LOL, thanks! Believe me it's not that great, but it is better than before. More like stepped pile of rocks so that there were better places to put coral.

The large tonga branch was difficult to place and I accidentally broke a small piece off trying to get rid of a large vermatid (?) snail. It's web was getting pretty large (4-5in in diameter) and has been a problem.

I'm thinking that the top of the right side needs an arch, so I'm going to see what I can piece together from dry rock from either SWE or BRS.

I know, it's easier with a picture :) I'll get one up tonight.

Kyle52288

11-10-2010, 11:13 AM

That's cool you got the wife workin with you on it! I love the dry figi from brs it was really easy to aquascape.

RedHeckle

11-10-2010, 12:40 PM

Hah, yeah, she rocks - besides it's easier to rearrange rock with two people on a 90g !

Did I mention she enjoys video games? We're replaying the entire Resident Evil game series right now - just started the original Resident Evil; plus we're replaying RE5 - she wants unlimited RPGs!! :biggrin:

Kyle52288

11-10-2010, 12:51 PM

That's awesome!! It's always nice when the wife enjoys the same things. Mine used to play halo with me alot, but I have not played that in a while. I have been more into the Call of Duty lately. When she plays COD she dies right away in multiplayer so she gave up on that, but at least she tried.

Alunai

11-10-2010, 04:41 PM

That's like me playing combat arms. XD I was horrible at it, and could never even dream of beating my (now ex) boyfriend, but I played it because he enjoyed it.

Currently, I'm enjoying learning about cars from my boyfriend as he does custom interior work on my Pontiac. He enjoys teaching me about something he loves, I enjoy learning from him and of course, enjoying the rad new interior in my car! =D

RedHeckle

11-12-2010, 09:24 PM

FTS with rearranged right side:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TN31HuDzwGI/AAAAAAAAN1w/8aCIBd_Y-Ms/s800/_MG_9828.JPG

Close up of right side (actinics are on, so color is off on pic)
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TN31ZlbzNnI/AAAAAAAAN10/CzYJlrm1c5A/s800/_MG_9822.JPG

Still not fully happy with the top part on the right side, I'm thinking a small arch. I'll have to see what I can find dry rockwise to build one.

Kyle52288

11-12-2010, 10:34 PM

Very nice I like!! :beerchug:

RedHeckle

11-21-2010, 03:24 PM

First attempt at a refugium.

Picked up some chaeto from a fellow TCMAS'r and a quick trip to HD for a "daylight" CFL spotlight bulb. It's been running for a week now.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TOOf4nGVxSI/AAAAAAAAN3o/KuBWPBJPAwA/s800/IMG_2610.JPG

RedHeckle

11-21-2010, 09:32 PM

More pics

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TOl-yjGeQyI/AAAAAAAAN4I/d-q4y56bIUE/s800/IMG_2629.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TOOf5B5yXuI/AAAAAAAAN30/si5Xl-U398o/s800/IMG_2613.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TOl-YQtYfHI/AAAAAAAAN4A/wlE-1aoK8f8/s800/IMG_2616.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TOOf5QO7n3I/AAAAAAAAN20/qp6K2OR2YHE/s800/IMG_2615.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TOl-bnXGGBI/AAAAAAAAN4E/qrwOWGiq0C0/s800/IMG_2622.JPG

acharpenter

11-21-2010, 11:49 PM

Dang dude - still cant believe ya forgot your camera for the swap!!

Awesome pics!!!

RedHeckle

11-22-2010, 10:48 AM

Dang dude - still cant believe ya forgot your camera for the swap!!

Awesome pics!!!

Thanks Ange!!

Argh, I know. I'm still kicking myself about that. Almost as bad as er, someone bringing their camera, but forgetting to put in the memory card...

:gay1:

I did take some video (I did remember the video camera, though) during the swap and during the raffle. Haven't had a chance to look through it all yet; but I do plan on posting some of it this week.

:beerchug:

RedHeckle

03-03-2011, 11:03 AM

Well, sorry for not updating recently. Things have been busy with personal stuff and it's been mainly maintenance work on the tank.

Now I'm faced with another potential layoff where I work - ugh! I (we) could all use a "boring" year or two after all the stuff that's gone on.

Anyways, I'm in the process of cleaning glass and will be taking some pictures of the tank. And, yes, I'll be rearranging the right side of the tank again. I have about 30lbs of dry rock that I'm seeding in the sump right now. I'm hoping to avoid the "pile of rocks" look on the right side; though we'll see how creative I can get with the rock I have.

Hope everyone' is doing well!
:beerchug: Glenn

Fasttalon94

03-11-2011, 10:59 PM

RedHeckle

03-11-2011, 11:53 PM

What I want to know is how did you pick up that crab in the start when you started with dry rock? Did you add cured live rock from someone along the way? I don't understand how we get all these hitch hikers in our tanks.

I started with half dry rock and about 40lbs of live rock from two sources (local). It happens I guess. In the future, I'd probably just start with all dry rock. :cool:

cbort

03-12-2011, 12:11 AM

Looks great Glenn!

RedHeckle

03-14-2011, 11:28 PM

Looks great Glenn!

Thanks!!:beerchug:

RedHeckle

03-14-2011, 11:35 PM

Well, rearranged the right side again :gay1:

I like it much better now. Used some dry rock that I had laying around as part of the rescaping. I'm going to cook 2 pieces that I have left over since they had some bubble algae on it. No rush to put them it.

Just a quick FTS:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TX7YzwOFy3I/AAAAAAAAOM4/j0GTT9VSNO4/s800/_MG_9966.jpg

I'll try to take coral shots later this week. It's still a bit cloudy and the corals are still adjusting from the move.

Cheers,
Glenn

Thle009

03-15-2011, 01:38 AM

The Ric looks great Glenn. I'm going thru some aquascaping myself :)

RedHeckle

03-15-2011, 09:45 AM

The Ric looks great Glenn. I'm going thru some aquascaping myself :)

Thanks! I actually have several more on the left side of the tank but you can't see it with the front view.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TX7Y5XzwLWI/AAAAAAAAOM4/ynfqa0ra610/s800/ricordea_03142011.JPG

The color is actually a little paler than the picture shows. I went with 3 ATI Blue Pluses (instead of 2 with an aquablue plus) and 1 Fiji Purple T5s over the weekend and I've still learning how to adjust white balance to keep the overall bluer look.

I wasn't planning on this being the final spot (it's at mid level and moving up towards light - which has caused it's color to fade some), so I'll have to remove from rock or place the rock elsewhere which will unfortunately ruin the "peak".

Hopefully I can get some nice coral shots later this week to show overall growth.

Thanks,
Glenn

RedHeckle

03-19-2011, 11:54 PM

New shot of the Elegance, it now has 3 mouths! It had semi-retracted for about a month or so and then when it opened up - 2 new mouths!

I moved it near an overhang so it gets some shade; however, I'm not sure if this was a good idea since I'm running 4x54 T5s (3 blue plus, 1 Fiji). Should I get it more in the open for more light?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYVpN5gyb5I/AAAAAAAAOTQ/Gu9IJDFCukg/s800/IMG_0178.JPG

RedHeckle

03-20-2011, 12:08 AM

Here's also a Meteor Shower frag I had picked up (but I can't remember from whom). It's growing pretty well, I'm just curious about lighting. I've looked at other pictures and the mouths look good but should the rest be a darker color (ie: bluish/purple) instead of the yellowish/tan?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYQLUem5g3I/AAAAAAAAOSk/66oL7mXwGts/s800/IMG_0154.JPG

There was a section more in the shade due to rockwork and that area is darker with maybe a bluish hue. I have it in the sandbed under an overhang right now.

Thanks,
Glenn

RedHeckle

03-24-2011, 11:01 PM

Just some pictures from today:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYv8I7fZPiI/AAAAAAAAOUE/ogUug801MbA/s640/IMG_0190.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYv8TXZJwnI/AAAAAAAAOUI/1vaoJLdopmc/s800/IMG_0191.CR2.jpg

Bam Bams from tommylee22
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYv8Zbye07I/AAAAAAAAOUM/uhtL9Roxe4w/s800/IMG_0184.JPG

Tri-color frm tommylee22
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYQK49hKuEI/AAAAAAAAOVE/rfadWdQKPDk/s800/IMG_0145.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYv82BoBJoI/AAAAAAAAOVI/F7HvjYtOqHc/s800/IMG_0193.JPG

The auto top-off
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYQK5-z_HAI/AAAAAAAAOSc/CeC9ScAY9R4/s800/IMG_0116.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TX7Y2-KyD5I/AAAAAAAAOM4/squL2ztiS7Y/s800/_MG_9983.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYv8F9NH5uI/AAAAAAAAOUA/q3S5y33CsG4/s800/IMG_0192.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TYv8idntsvI/AAAAAAAAOUU/t50keCcpZzw/s800/IMG_0197.JPG

Kyle52288

03-24-2011, 11:17 PM

Looks great! I have that same trash can for my ato. :beerchug:

RedHeckle

03-24-2011, 11:32 PM

Thanks!
:beerchug:

kcooley

03-25-2011, 01:21 AM

Awesome improvement on the scoly. the acan and the chalice both look like they are growing great. same with the elegance. keep up the great work.

RedHeckle

03-25-2011, 09:08 AM

Thanks!!! I had some other pictures of the frags that tommylee22 gave me but they turned out like crud. Will try again this weekend.

Pretty much everything is doing well. I did have one acan (reddish/orange center) recede quite a bit before I did an iodine dip (other dips didn't seem to work) and started daily direct feeding with finely chopped mysis and reef chili. It's finally bouncing back and growing again.

The frogspawn has had a hard time bouncing back from a 4 day power outage during last fall's big storm. It doesn't expand as much pre-power outage but I have moved it around a bit to find it's happy spot. I still think I have it near too much flow, I'm going to move it tonight to a lower flow area.

My next addition is going to be a fish - the current contender is a Midas blenny. I just need to set up the QT this weekend and let it run for a bit before I look into purchasing.

I used to consider a sand-sifting goby but after some discussion about my sugar fine sand; it was decided against. So I may pick up another sand-sifting starfish instead - the one I have already is really fun to watch and the kiddies get a kick out of it also.
:beerchug:

RedHeckle

03-29-2011, 11:12 AM

Used some egg crate and an old mag float I had laying around. The egg crate is super-glued to the float with some scrap plastic bits to make the rack fairly level. I also smoothed out any sharp edges/points with a Dremel.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TZE7xnaoQMI/AAAAAAAAOWM/DZDIJsdGDEA/s640/fragrack2_28MAR11.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TZE70EyjedI/AAAAAAAAOWU/z_3V7QaIXN4/s640/greenpoci_28MAR11.JPG

A thank you to Bill (mrbill) for the green poci! The main reason why I made the frag rack after cleaning up the one huge piece he gave me. :beerchug:

RedHeckle

03-29-2011, 11:36 AM

A thanks to Ryan (curlyq) for the teal trumpet coral which needed some TLC.

It's bouncing back well and here's shot of it ready to feed with tentacles out:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_n1S4Gio2-KA/TZE79kqu60I/AAAAAAAAOWY/kFPHQ6yRGpc/s640/tealtrumpet_28MAR11.JPG

Thanks Ryan! :beerchug:

RedHeckle

09-20-2011, 11:20 PM

Just wanted to let folks know I'm still reefing; just really rough year since March - with wife's medical condition, got laid-off in August but found work in early September.

Here's the tank so far, not much; just maintenance mode:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qhO5CliAlrI/TnlXSCHUhPI/AAAAAAAAPow/KNQ8FAsakDY/s640/IMG_1007.JPG

Biggest change is 2 120w 20k Evolution LED modules from Ray (love them LEDs Ray!!!)

Hope to post more updates later this week.

Cheers,
Glenn