Stand build [Archive]

fivesmallworlds

05-17-2008, 06:55 PM

Well it's begun! Today started the build on the stand for my 75g setup. I decided to custom build for a couple of reasons. I wanted to build it wide enough to use a 40B as a sump, and I wanted something that looked a bit better than the standard AGA pine stands. (no offense intended for those using them)

Today we (my uncle and I) had some pretty good progress, especially considering we were designing as we go. We've gotten the majority of all the framing done, now we just need to add the face plate pieces, doors, trim and then stain. Here are some of the pics of the build thus far. I'll update again tomorrow with what has been completed then. Next weekend we tackle the canopy.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding002.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding003.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding004.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding005.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding008.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding009.jpg

More to come

bkoppes

05-17-2008, 08:42 PM

Looking great. Keep the pictures coming!

Boker420

05-17-2008, 09:06 PM

I know I'm a picky person when it comes to stands but it looks like your going to have over 600 pounds pushing down on whatever screws you used to attach the plywood to the top horizontal frame.

I would strongly suggest putting some 2x4 vertical supports inbetween the top and bottom horizontal framing.

And if someone leaned up against your design to much that might make the tank go crashing to the floor because it would just fold over.

NandKBlock

05-17-2008, 09:42 PM

Looks very nice!

I would strongly suggest putting some 2x4 vertical supports inbetween the top and bottom horizontal framing.I would second that notion.

One thing I wish I would have done now that I'm living with the one I built would be to paint the inside of the sump area with exterior paint to waterproof it, maybe even creating a small 'tub' of sorts to hold any small spills.

It's looking real good though, keep the updates coming!

fivesmallworlds

05-19-2008, 10:27 AM

I would strongly suggest putting some 2x4 vertical supports inbetween the top and bottom horizontal framing.

Maybe I should elabrate a little, I'll post some more pics tonight. I will be putting some 2x2 bracing in the 4 corners as extra support but the pictures above make it look like a little rack, it is not. These pics were of a work in progress. We built the front faceplate yesterday out of 1x4 and 1x8 select oak boards and mounted the 4 cabinet doors. There will not be any movement of the tank should someone lean against it. Hell even if I try to shove it, the thing wouldn't budge now that the face is on.

But I understand your concern. If the stand were "finished" as is in the last pic, I would show concern as well. You'll have a better idea of what I'm talking about later tonight when I post some more pics.

RaysReef

05-19-2008, 12:49 PM

Sure...don't call your partner in crime ;)

fivesmallworlds

05-19-2008, 01:10 PM

Sure...don't call your partner in crime ;)

Lol Sorry. I honestly thought about giving you a call, but then I wasn't sure if my Uncle wanted "strangers" walking around his place. I will definitely be giving you a call when it comes time to move it in. :gay1:

Plus I'm going to need your help with the plumbing, thats for sure.

RaysReef

05-19-2008, 05:12 PM

:fritz: what kind of plumbing you had in mind? Tell your uncle I'm your long lost distance mafia asian cousin :coolmad:

fivesmallworlds

05-19-2008, 10:55 PM

^^ Lol!

So here's some more pics as promised. I said I'd post them tonight, didn't think it would be this late.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding012.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding013.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding015.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding017.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding016.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding020.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding021.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding022.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding026.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding028.jpg

RaysReef

05-19-2008, 11:04 PM

That is some piece of work! Very nice...I need a canopy made for my tank. Now I know who to go too ;)

bob_trrnt

05-19-2008, 11:13 PM

Sweet. that is one nice stand. What $$$ did you have into materials? Did you biscuit join the seems? a stand like that would look great with my hardwood floors. :biggthumpup:

bkoppes

05-19-2008, 11:41 PM

Very nice work!!

Fish'InMN

05-20-2008, 12:08 AM

The top frame of 2x4s is still only vertically supported by whatever fasteners you used (I didn't spy any 2x2 supports), as Boker mentioned earlier. Not to ruin the party or anything, it still looks fantastic!

Steve77

05-20-2008, 08:51 AM

The craftsmanship on the stand is fantastic.

The structural support leaves a lot of room for improvement. You need to have boards supporting this in vertical compression, not by screws. You can fix this by putting 2x4's in each corner vertically under the framework that you built for the tank to sit on. This WILL fail when you get your tank full of 600 pounds of water if you don't spent the extra $5 on 2x4's.

Jubei

05-20-2008, 09:52 AM

Depending on the placement of the stand, you might have some problems getting out the 40BR sump for cleaning it. I would be safe and put some vertical support in the corners. Fantastic stand, would hate for it to fail on you.

mrbill

05-20-2008, 10:13 AM

Looks very nice but I too would also add some vertical supports in the corners. I think some strips of 3/4" material screwed and glued between the top supports and the bottom would give the added support needed and still look good. You don't want to depend on just the screws to hold all the weight of the top. What kind and color of Minwax did you use?

fivesmallworlds

05-20-2008, 11:45 AM

Yup planning on adding the support I was just too gunghoe about seeing it stained. Adding the supports even now will not be difficult. It sounds like I'll be putting some oak 1x4's in each corner. I just haven't made it back over to my uncles place to actually put them in yet. I'm not in any rush though, just because I still have A LOT of equipment to purchase. Skimmer, T5 retro's, 40B, Plumbing, return pump.... etc etc.

I just thought I'd throw up the pics so you could all see how pretty it is so far... lol I do thank you again for the constructive criticism, I'd rather have someone tell me what I built won't work and fix it rather than end up with a bunch of water all over the place, not to mention the death of so many beautiful creatures!

NandKBlock

05-20-2008, 12:09 PM

You're going about this the right way and your woodworking is excellent.

The inside may not be as glamorous as the outside but that's where it all 'happens'. Do make sure to waterproof the interior so salt spray, condensation, and general moisture doesn't wreck your beautiful stand from the inside out.

Todd

05-20-2008, 12:59 PM

Working on a stand myself for an in-wall 90. Here's an excellent thread discussing the general design I'm using:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1169964

Chris Goetz

05-20-2008, 01:00 PM

I used white kilz paint on the inside of my stand and sealed the seams with white silicone.
It held water a few times more than I'd care to admit and saved the carpet. :)

mrbill

05-20-2008, 01:21 PM

I also sealed the bottom of my stands like Chris. I then added a cheap,
9V water alarm I bought at Fleet Farm. Nothing like that thing going off in the middle of the night to get your heart thumping but at least the floor didn't get wet..

fivesmallworlds

05-30-2008, 04:41 PM

Thought I'd update with a pic. Nothing fancy, just the 75g sitting on top of the stand. (additional vertical supports have been added just not pictured) I'm excited to start the canopy build. Hopefully soon...

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/tankonstand.jpg

fivesmallworlds

06-04-2008, 01:05 AM

-Update-

Finished all the polyurethane inside and out and brought it home today. BIG thanks to Ray (Sogonerg) and My wife for helping me to get it all up to the 4th floor. (yay elevator) Also found myself a 40B for the sump and put it in as well. I still need to cut and insert the baffles, but here's some pics of it thus far.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding029.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding034.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding036.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding037.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding038.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding043.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/StandBuilding044.jpg

Off to bed!

RaysReef

06-04-2008, 02:20 AM

Nice and tall stand...what was it again 3ft high or 38 in.?
Definately great woodwork and finish...:goldfish: Can't wait to see the entire setup

mattb

06-04-2008, 04:32 PM

Nice stand..... wish I had some of those skillz...

fivesmallworlds

06-09-2008, 12:11 PM

Yup the shelf that the tank sits on is 38" then +2" for the lip to cover the tanks trim. This puts the tank at a GREAT viewing height. No more bending over to look into the aquarium.

Bubble trap and divider for the refugium have been put in the 40b, will post some pics later. This was my first time working with silicone and it turned out alright. Definitely a bit messy looking but hey, it's a sump...

Unfortunately the build will have to wait a good week or two until any real progress can be made while I wait for the bank account to recover from the expenses thus far. I hope to run the plumbing during this time so it at least feels like I'm getting something done as that shouldn't run too expensive. All I really have left to do is purchase the Skimmer (Octopus 200), Return Pump (OceanRunner 2500) and build the canopy so I can wire up the T5 retro. It's sooo close to getting filled, but I put it up to a test of patience.

fivesmallworlds

06-09-2008, 08:22 PM

The sump pics as promised... Again not the greatest work in the world, but it all holds super strong.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Sump1.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Sump14.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Sump17.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Sump18.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Sump20.jpg

fivesmallworlds

06-10-2008, 11:09 PM

Tonight I started on the plumbing... After running around Home Depot Scavenging for the pieces I felt I needed I returned home and put together what I have thus far. Below are the pics, please give me all the feedback you can as this is my first plumbing job EVER! I have talked with a few very informative people regarding plans, but am doing it all myself. Nothing has been glued yet so if there's changes to make I can.

I opted for the regular old white Sch. 40 PVC vs. the Sch. 80 due to cost. I wish I could run true union valves and all that jazz, but cost is prohibitive at this point, and I figure if I REALLY need to I can change it in the future. On to the pics...

First off the Durso Style Stand Pipe. I live in a small apartment so keeping noise down is a must. I'll probably cut down the height of the cap yet.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing1.jpg

Another angle. Here you can also see the return line coming up. I'll add flexible tubing, or locline, most likely. I might just put a couple of elbow their instead, haven't decided
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing3.jpg

The return line coming up. The T with the extra ball valve is for aide in the water changing process or to fill an emergency hospital tank if needed.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing5.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing6.jpg

The Drain line. (not yet finished) It will T off to go down into the skimmer section and then into the Refugium. After the T and the Last 90 degree elbow I'll have a ball valve for each section to tune in the flow.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing8.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing9.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing11.jpg

RaysReef

06-10-2008, 11:19 PM

why the 2 valves on the return pump again?

fivesmallworlds

06-10-2008, 11:37 PM

The first valve (starting from the bottom, going up) is to allow me to shut off any flow in case of an emergency or maintenance. The T going to the valve is to allow for aid in water changes and so forth.

Do you think I should just go with the one on the T and not worry about the emergency shut-off?

karlos

06-10-2008, 11:50 PM

Looks good. That tank realy cleaned up well.

RaysReef

06-11-2008, 12:33 AM

NandKBlock

06-11-2008, 12:37 AM

I'd keep that tee on your return line. Your plans for its use are right on track and in the future you may even want to tee off that tee to divert some return flow back into your fuge.

Having just done the plumbing thing myself for the first time several months ago I'd caution this, the Durso Standpipe just moves the noise from your display to your sump. Be prepared to monkey around with bubbles/spray/noise where your drain line enters your sump. Since the drain isn't under pressure, I'd suggest running for a why with things just dry fit (shouldn't leak IME) until you decide on a final drain config. I ended up re-doing mine at least three times and it was without a doubt the most frustrating thing I've dealt with bar none as we've ventured into this hobby. I'd also raise the height of your durso as the water level in your overflow chamber will be about halfway up the horizontal portion of the durso and depending on your flow rate into the sump the water spilling over the overflow into the overflow chamber may be too noisy for you. If it helps, I have adjusted mine so that the top of the horizontal pipe is even with the overflow wall.

Oh, one more VERY important thing, if you go with the Durso Standpipe method you need to upsize the pipe from 1" to 1-1/4" or even better 1-1/2". If you use the same size pipe as your bulkhead it doesn't work very good. I lived, I learned, and it does mention this on the durso website.

I struggled with this so I hope I can help you avoid some of my pitfalls. Your setup is looking great! Keep the updates coming.:biggthumpup:

fivesmallworlds

06-11-2008, 04:06 PM

Karlos, yup the tank did clean up pretty well. There are some scratches on the face but they'll be pretty unnoticable once completely filled. I'm happy with it.

Thanks NandKBlock. I'll increase the diameter on the Durso then and take that opportunity to raise it up a little bit as well. I just hope I can find a Friggin Street Elbow for the 1-1/2" setup. That thing was REALLY difficult to locate.

I assume I just run a reducer then from the 1-1/2" to the 1" to go through the bulkhead. But can I still leave the rest of the drain the 1" or should I also increase that pipe diameter as well? I wouldn't think I'd gain anything by increasing the diameter as the flow is restricted by the bulkhead.

Did you hard-plumb (glue) all of the durso parts or did you use the teflon tape to make it removable? I was thinking of just using the cement although the durso site says to do the teflon, just wondering.

As for noise in the sump, I'll have to tackle that issue when it arises. I may just use one of those "socks" to help or maybe I'll build a LR rubble column. It's all part of the fun as far as I'm concerned.

Thanks to those who gave input I appreciate it!

NandKBlock

06-11-2008, 04:47 PM

I see you're in Circle Pines so you're not too far from the Blaine Menards, I think they have a way better selection of plumbing parts than Home Depot. Surprisingly, Lowes has a decent selection too and very sturdy ball valves.

As far as reducing through the bulkhead you've got it, just find a 1-1/2" to 1" reducer. The drain pipe below the bulkhead can be 1" or larger, I don't think that makes any difference.

DO NOT GLUE YOUR DURSO!!! I did this on my first 1" one and when I had to remove it I couldn't rotate it inside the overflow. i had to cut it off and you can imagine the mess and cleanup from that. I have since glued the vertical portions (which thread into the bulkhead) so I can unscrew and get all the parts off from the top without having to reach down into the overflow to reach the bulkhead adapter, but have left the wye, cap, and street elbow just dry fit. There's no pressure and the salt creep eventually seals them, plus you're letting air in the top anyway so there's no need to use tape or silicone or anything else IMO.

I have made one modification just recently. The holes you drill in the top of the cap to let the air in always gum up with salt creep and so you either have to clean them everyday or have the amount of air going in vary which in turn changes the dynamic of the durso eventually creating a siphon. I got sick of doing that so I got a new cap, drilled a single 1/4" hole in the top and fitted a short piece of 1/4" tubing from my RO/DI unit into it. I then attached a SpeedFit/JohnGuest valve on the end of that tubing and adjusted the airflow using that. It works beautifully and I definitely recommend it.

We're not too far away from each other, if you want to swing over and see what I'm trying to explain you're more than welcome just let me know when. Heck, I might even have some spare plumbing parts you need laying around. ;)

Nate

RaysReef

06-11-2008, 05:54 PM

+1 on Menards in blaine...better selection and sizes. IMO Ace hardware by us blows

fivesmallworlds

06-11-2008, 08:23 PM

Grrrrrr!!! Don't you love plumbing? So I get back from Home Depot which surprisingly had almost all the parts I needed to set myself up with the 1-1/2" parts. Got it all back and the darn thing won't fit inside the overflow. I knew it would be close but it just won't work. Looks like I'm heading to Menards to find the 1-1/4" pieces. I know HD doesn't have them...

Nate I'd love to swing by, even just to check out your system sometime, but I'm trying to get this all done tonight so I can finish filling with water over the rest of the week.

Great idea on just dry fitting. I was thinking about that as well. I'll probably adopt the air intake idea you mentioned as well if I can find one of those SpeedFit/JohnGuest valve things.

Thanks again for the input!

fivesmallworlds

06-11-2008, 08:25 PM

+1 on Menards in blaine...better selection and sizes. IMO Ace hardware by us blows

They have helpful people when you can actually get them to help you. But 9 times out of 10 they have some punk teenager that doesn't know what they're talking about anyway...

fivesmallworlds

06-12-2008, 12:24 AM

Got some more of the plumbing done today. As it sits now I'm ready to cement the pieces that need to be cemented, just thought that I'd post up the pics to get any additional needed input.

I changed the Durso to 1-1/4"

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing12.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing13.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing14.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing17.jpg

The beefed up Durso
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing15.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Plumbing16.jpg

You probably noticed some tape holding things in place, this will be replaced with permanent straps after cementing. Any other concerns before I glue it up?

NandKBlock

06-12-2008, 12:32 AM

Lookin' good. I tried that strainer you've got on your durso but it restricted the flow too much. What are you planning for a total flow-through rate of your sump?

RaysReef

06-12-2008, 12:36 AM

Nice Colin...I think I'm more excited than u, lol.

fivesmallworlds

06-12-2008, 09:37 AM

Flow restriction was a concern with that piece for me as well. I was considering using a razor and cutting out every other tooth to open up the flow a bit. I just want to make sure to have some sort of strainer on there so that I don't get a snail sucked into the plumbing. This is my only drain line, so if it clogs I'm Screwed!

NandKBlock

06-12-2008, 09:57 AM

Instead of a strainer on the pipe I'd think about covering the whole overflow with something like eggcrate or even better, that plastic cross-stitch mesh. I've got some of both I can set you up with when you stop by tonight.

fivesmallworlds

06-12-2008, 09:58 AM

Sounds good!

fivesmallworlds

06-23-2008, 06:26 PM

Well the tank is full of RO/DI and Salt. I threw in a few pieces of LR from my 29g and about 3 gallons of SW from Rays system to help jumpstart things a little. Still a lot to go, but this makes me feel like there's some progress going on anyway. More to come!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/TankFull1.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/TankFull2.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/TankFull3.jpg

RaysReef

06-23-2008, 08:46 PM

kewl!

*Hint* Black/blue Back

NandKBlock

06-23-2008, 09:24 PM

Looking good. Progress is good. :biggthumpup:

fivesmallworlds

06-24-2008, 09:33 AM

kewl!

*Hint* Black/blue Back

Yeah I know, I left myself enough room to get back there and add it in. Probably going to pick up some window tint or something. I thought about it...

fivesmallworlds

06-25-2008, 11:04 PM

lol So tonight I was messing around again... I put some "miracle mud" into the refugium section last night and I obviously didn't really rinse it well and it made everything pretty cloudy. So just for kicks I thought I'd throw the ol' SeaClone 100 into the sump and see if it would pull anything. After 10 minutes, foam....

NO this is not the skimmer I intend to use full time on this system. There is no life in the system yet other than bacteria so there is no bioload yet. The Octopus 200 will be taking the seaclone's place as soon as I find the funds for it, then the livestock will be added. I just thought it looked funny so I'd post it here for comments...

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/SumpSeaclone.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/SumpSeaclone2.jpg

NandKBlock

06-25-2008, 11:35 PM

Isn't it cute.:gay1:

fivesmallworlds

07-01-2008, 10:43 PM

I was hoping to take pics as I went along with the canopy build, but the camera battery died on the first day and the second day I forgot to bring the camera with the charged battery. My wife snapped a couple quick pics with her sidekick so here they are.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/NoStain1.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/NoStain2.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Stained1.jpg

I made sure to leave enough room to add MH in the future as well as space for my fans to cool the T5 retro I'll be putting in. The front half flips open for maintenance / feeding. This was loosely based off of the canopy that mrbill made, but I just kinda winged it after looking at his pics a couple of times. Thanks for the inspiration on the build mrbill.

RaysReef

07-01-2008, 11:10 PM

Add hydraulics ;)

RaysReef

07-01-2008, 11:10 PM

Adding vents Colin?

fivesmallworlds

07-01-2008, 11:35 PM

I'll add them if necessary but the whole back is open, the tank and canopy sits a good 6-8" from the wall and there will be plenty of fans in there. I bought a lot of 10 case fans. The plan for now is to have 1-2 fans per T5 bulb and two blowing out the back.

At the moment I don't feel vents will be needed. If I ever add in MH then I will certainly add them.

NandKBlock

07-02-2008, 12:17 AM

Looking real nice. :biggthumpup:

fivesmallworlds

07-08-2008, 11:24 PM

Well the canopy came home today! It's all set up but then came installing the T5 retro kit. Really not too hard, but very tedious! I wanted to throw my pliers a few times. Anyway, I only have 2 bulbs at the moment, so I only wired up half of my retro kit. But they fired on the first try and work great! I scored a couple of 6500k daylight bulbs cheap off of Ray and I'll be adding a couple of Blue+ bulbs to get a better look as well. But at any rate here's the pics.

I made the canopy big enough to incorporate MH if I indeed decide to add those in at some point although I have no plans to do so right now.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Canopy1.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Canopy3.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Canopy5.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Canopy7.jpg

Now I just need to Buy some bigger pieces of LR to do the aquascaping, and beef up the skimmer a bit. Then the fun really starts finding the most beautiful frags I can find! Thanks to those that have helped me get to this point, and to those that I'm sure will be helping me in the future.

RaysReef

07-08-2008, 11:35 PM

congrats! ;)

NandKBlock

07-09-2008, 12:12 AM

That's a BEAUTIFUL stand and canopy. You know that all you've done is set the bar really high as far as what your aquascaping needs to look like right? :biggrin: And then the corals too. :biggrin::biggrin:

Seriously though it looks great Colin, you must be really excited.

fivesmallworlds

07-10-2008, 03:26 PM

^^ Oh I've thought about the aquascaping... I've been mulling over idea over idea, arch here arch there, cliff here, valley there... Now I just need to go cherry picking some nice shaped rock. Is it possible to just go to BRS and pick through the eco rox? I don't even know where they are.

It's coming together. I still need to do my ATO and the like.

hypertech

07-10-2008, 03:41 PM

Yes, you can go pick through. They are located off of 169 and Plymouth in Golden Valley.

kaluden

07-10-2008, 04:17 PM

Do you need to call them in advance? or are they a general walk in store as well as internet supplier?

fivesmallworlds

07-10-2008, 04:58 PM

Yes, you can go pick through. They are located off of 169 and Plymouth in Golden Valley.

Thanks I'll have to head their way sometime soon then.

RaysReef

07-11-2008, 12:21 AM

It's best you call Ryan (seamonkey) first before going...They are busy most times. 9-3pm are there hours I believe.

fivesmallworlds

07-23-2008, 05:53 PM

I ended up picking up about 15 lbs of rock from Jake at Discovery Aquatics about a week ago. Great deal and already cured and ready to go! I'll tell ya though, 15 lbs is a lot bigger than I would have thought walking in. I'll be sure to take some pics and post later, my sister in law is borrowing our camera at the moment.

I also bought a new (and much needed) toy... My Octopus NW-200 skimmer also from Discovery Aquatics. I just put it all together and plugged her in. Turned over on the first try and I'm working on dialing it in. I'll post pics once I start getting some nice gunk! I'm sure it won't be long.

For those of you who still haven't made it out to Discovery Aquatics (shame on you... lol) seriously stop on by sometime if you're in the area. It's a small shop, but he's got a pretty unique thing going on there and Jake is an honest stand up guy that will do right by you. Plus it's fun to see how the store develops over time, things change there CONSTANTLY...

Thanks again Jake!

fivesmallworlds

07-27-2008, 12:38 AM

The pics of the new skimmer up and running, started pulling some green yuckness.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPhotos056.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPhotos054.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPhotos055.jpg

NandKBlock

07-27-2008, 01:11 AM

Much better! :biggthumpup:

fivesmallworlds

08-18-2008, 10:37 PM

I was planning on updating with some shots but they turned out REALLY poor quality wise. I'll work on getting some decent shots in.

Red Gorg bought from SWE about 3 months ago (this one turned out OK)
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Florida2008003.jpg

reeftanktime

09-12-2008, 12:20 AM

Awesome work on the stand. How is the aquascaping coming along? I have some very nice large rocks to get rid of. ;)

fivesmallworlds

09-12-2008, 11:59 AM

Thanks!! The aquascaping is going alright. I think I could use a little more rock, but unfortunately I'm pretty tapped for extra $$$ right now. I saw your tear down thread and considered it, but what I really need right now is a phosphate reactor and a phosphate test kit.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPhotos003-1.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPhotos008.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPhotos007.jpg

oyam123

10-15-2008, 03:06 PM

Nice work.....love the tall stand.

fivesmallworlds

10-15-2008, 03:58 PM

Thanks Oyam, I like it too! I'll have to take some updated pics sometime soon and get em posted. I got a few things from the swap that I haven't taken pics of yet and I moved around the rockwork a little.

Adam G

10-15-2008, 11:18 PM

You should have plenty of skimmer,nice choice. I think this makes all the difference in the world. Nice workmanship on the stand and canopy.

thepollock

10-15-2008, 11:19 PM

fivesmallworlds

10-16-2008, 03:33 PM

Yup, everything has made the move. All opened up and comfy. Thanks again for picking it all up for me.

thepollock

10-16-2008, 08:08 PM

Yup, everything has made the move. All opened up and comfy. Thanks again for picking it all up for me.

iam glad everything made it. you welcome i have no problem helping others out.

Zekester

10-19-2008, 04:25 PM

Looks very very nice!

fivesmallworlds

10-19-2008, 09:48 PM

Thanks!

RaysReef

10-21-2008, 06:12 PM

haven't talked to ya in a while...looks like your tank is progressing well

fivesmallworlds

10-21-2008, 10:25 PM

FastFish720

10-21-2008, 10:44 PM

Looking good :)

RaysReef

10-21-2008, 11:05 PM

Hey Ray! You're alive... lol

We haven't talked in a while that's for sure. How's the job going? You still working crazy hours? It's 4th quarter so I'll be crazy busy for the next couple of months, but I'd love to have ya over sometime to check things out, or I could stop by your place again.

The tank is due for a WC (badly) but I'm working on that. I still have a ways to go (auto top off, fans etc..) but it is coming along and I'm getting some growth.

It's the busy season for me too. Luckily I have most of my setup done because I have no time to really monitor anything even WC. Things are growing but the glass is dirty, scrub scrub (Coraline) lol

fivesmallworlds

11-07-2008, 05:01 PM

Some update shots. Nothing special. Still battling some nuisance algae.

New LTA from discovery aquatics doing great.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/November2008012.jpg

My pair of new RBTA's with their Host Sunshine.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/November2008014.jpg

Banana the Pajama Cardinal and Sharkbait the B/W Osc. in the bg.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/November2008005.jpg

My Favorite shot to date, if only it wasn't covered in cyano. Horacio the Sailfin.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/November2008003.jpg

NandKBlock

11-08-2008, 12:37 AM

I hate cyano. Nice pics of the fish, I never get tired of seeing sailfins. Did I mention I hate cyano?

fivesmallworlds

11-08-2008, 02:18 PM

RIP on the LTA! $*&$*&##&#^#^@^@& came home from being away for a couple hours and he decided to roam around right into my MJ! He had been planted for about 3-4 days and was being hosted but nevertheless it's a GONER!

I caught it pretty early so the tank didn't cloud up or anything, but the LTA is TOAST! Total Bummer!

NandKBlock

11-08-2008, 03:09 PM

That sucks dude! It's the risk we run with powerheads and anemones but it's still a bummer, especially since you had just gotten it.

thepollock

11-08-2008, 04:35 PM

that sucks. well it good you got to it quick. lets hope it dosent heart anything else.

fivesmallworlds

11-09-2008, 09:00 PM

Skimmer went berzerk for a while, and it got REALLY stinky for a few hours, but all is back to normal now. It did kinda suck, I'm just glad it wasn't one of the RBTA's.

NandKBlock

11-10-2008, 02:37 AM

Went and checked my RBTA... It's not chop suey yet!

:biggrin:

fivesmallworlds

11-10-2008, 10:02 AM

LOL That's good Nate!

fivesmallworlds

01-16-2009, 06:07 PM

.... move to tank build forum?

I'll post some updates soon.

NandKBlock

04-03-2009, 02:16 AM

.... move to tank build forum?

I'll post some updates soon.

If I didn't like you I'd call you a liar. :gay1:

fivesmallworlds

04-03-2009, 08:24 AM

If I didn't like you I'd call you a liar. :gay1:

lol

Yeah so it's been a while...

I haven't had too many big changes since my last update. The tank has been stable, and all the corals are doing great, honestly better than I thought they would. I did lose my sailfin tang a little while back. Not exactly sure what happened but he liked to play in the current of the K3 by swimming straight at it then dodging to the side. I woke up one morning and he was stuck to the side. I pulled him off and he was a bit stunned and some of his fins had been torn up pretty good. Woke up the next morning to find him there again, this time I didn't catch him in time. My theory is that he was "sleep swimming" and got stuck to the pump and couldn't get off.

Currently as many of you have seen my FS thread, my wife and I will be moving in a little over a month. I've made the decision to sell all the corals in preparation for the move. It is sad to see so many pieces that I love go away for now, but I don't want to take any chances of killing anything in the move, and don't want to be such a burden on my friends and have them hold a whole tank load of corals. Once the tank is back up and stable I don't think there is any doubt that I will start buying pieces again!

Especially some duncans! LOVE THESE!
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/CIMG1800.jpg

I really don't have too many updated shots of the whole tank. I'll say I'll try to take some soon, but we all know how often I remember to updated this thing right...

Thanks Nate!:biggrin:

Bubbles

04-03-2009, 08:30 AM

Very nice!
Wish I knew how to do stuff likethat - looks like fun.

fivesmallworlds

04-03-2009, 08:41 AM

Very nice!
Wish I knew how to do stuff likethat - looks like fun.

Yeah, the whole build process was a lot of fun! Definitely not the cheapest route though. Overall I'd say I'm very happy with how it all turned out!

clownnut

04-03-2009, 06:02 PM

fivesmallworlds

06-20-2009, 07:07 PM

-UPDATES!-

OK so it's been a while since I updated this thread, I know...

Just got done getting moved and settled into our new apartment. Figured I'd snap a couple pics of the new aquascape and such and throw them up here. I'm really in need of some frags to help start to fill this in a bit...

The tank is now in our "study" which is actually a second bedroom that we don't have a need for yet... Has our computer desk, bookshelves and a lounging chair for reading and such, or just gazing side view into the tank...

But anyway, here's some pics for now.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09004.jpg

View from the lounging chair.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09015.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09016.jpg

lizmomdad

06-20-2009, 08:16 PM

looks good!

insacron

06-20-2009, 11:27 PM

Love the shelf!

fivesmallworlds

06-20-2009, 11:31 PM

Love the shelf!

Me too! took some careful positioning, but it's solid. I didn't use any rods or epoxy. Just some crazy jigsaw skills...

Thanks for the coments.

umdivx

06-21-2009, 09:55 PM

Seen the tank myself when Colin was gracious enough to fill me jugs of of RO water.

Looks even better in person.

- Josh

fivesmallworlds

06-28-2009, 09:37 PM

Just some update pics of some new additions that I got at the OD meeting.

One of the first corals that I ever saw, many years ago, that made me want to do saltwater in the first place. Never actually bought one until now... Thanks Lizmomdad!
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09017.jpg

Apocalypse Palys, care of MSmusicstudios Love these guys!!! Also got another frag of zoos but couldn't really get a good pic.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09020.jpg

Then of course the Acan from Dougers31. These things are AWESOME! Fed him some mysis today and it gobbled them right up. Nice and fat and happy! Dark Red and Mint Green!!!
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09019.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09029.jpg

ShaneDolan

06-28-2009, 09:45 PM

Nice:biggthumpup:

fivesmallworlds

07-12-2009, 11:09 PM

Couple new additions to update.

Purple/Green BTA from SeaMonkey (Ryan) Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09001.jpg

New False Perc (small) to replace the clarkii that had become mr. bossy
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09007.jpg

Also came with a Coral Banded Shrimp named Lefty as he's missing his right pincer. Couldn't get a good pic.

Random angle FTS
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09008-1.jpg

Thanks for looking.

MSmusicstudios

07-12-2009, 11:19 PM

Great Looking tank!!! The rock work is fantastic!!!

fivesmallworlds

07-13-2009, 07:47 AM

lol so I get up this morning to fine my new nem on the back side of the rock holding up the shelf... That'll be turned around today. I freaked at first when I couldn't fine it. phwew

fivesmallworlds

08-03-2009, 03:04 PM

Couple updates.

This is Zoot. our newest fish addition care of Discovery Aquatics. He's a Melnarus.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09009-1.jpg

A better pic of Spot. He's getting pretty curious of the nem, but still not hosting in it...
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09011.jpg

Also woke up the other morning to find this...
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09012.jpg

Got freaked for a second then realized it was a molt, lefty hangs out on the underside of the rock right above the nem.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/AquariumPicsJune09013-1.jpg

fivesmallworlds

10-11-2009, 07:42 PM

Couple updates...

Can't wait for these to start growing out!!!
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/CrazyAcan.jpg

I also sold spot and got a pair of Occ. Clowns instead. What'd they do, hosted the nem right off the bat!!!
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/ClownNem.jpg

Also picked up a colony of Frogspawn off of Dobbs. This thing takes up the right 1/4 of my 75g tank!
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/DSC_0022-1.jpg
Frags of this are available in my FS post for the Frag Swap, just to recoup a little of the cost. The colors in the pic are a little dull but this beast is AWESOME!

reef junkie

10-11-2009, 07:49 PM

love the wrasse

umdivx

10-11-2009, 11:52 PM

what no full tank shots?

Merkurfan

10-12-2009, 12:13 AM

Hows the nem doing? i have the other half, and lets just say.. he's taking over my 75 ;)

fivesmallworlds

10-12-2009, 09:31 AM

what no full tank shots?

Don't have any recent ones unfortunately. I'll have to do that sometime soon.

Merkur - Yup he's ginormous!!! Fully expanded he's at least 12-14". During the day when he's wide open he gets within an inch of my frogspawn colony. I'll be separating them a little bit just to be safe.

The frogspawn dropped a tiny head off the day after I first got it. With my hands in the tank I must have created a little current and it drifted just a little too close to the nem... You've never seen a nem move so fast sucking it in. I pulled the FS head out of the nems clench and they're both just fine.

I thought it was kinda funny...

mrlee

08-21-2010, 10:33 PM

long due for an update...

Merkurfan

08-21-2010, 10:43 PM

the tank was sold off. but I hear he's working on another.

fivesmallworlds

08-21-2010, 11:14 PM

WOW, didn't expect to see this thread bumped back to the top when I logged on... Clint is right, this tank did indeed come down to fund a 70g cube rimless build that never happened. Life got in the way. The new owner has it setup and running in Minneapolis or St Paul, got to see it a week or so after I sold it. He's doing a great job with it.

I do have a new build thread coming, nothing as grandiose as the 75, but a step back in to something wet and salty!

I'm about 3/4 done with the new stand and just cut the first few pieces of the canopy today. The new setup will be a 20l plumbed down to a 20h sump. It will be largely a community tank with lps, softies and a couple sps. Fish list is still being debated (in my head).

Hopefully by next weekend it'll have water in it and I can post the build thread. I've been snapping pics along the way... ;)

acharpenter

08-22-2010, 12:42 AM