1000 Gallon Rimless Build

[reef_shadow]

Here are some pics of the rock build. After looking at a lot of different ways to do this, I ended up using a product called Z-Spar. Its a two part epoxy that mixes to a heavy clay like consistency. It's commonly used to repair boat hulls. Excellent product. Expensive $200 plus for two gallons

I started off with a larger piece of figi rock and began attaching pieces of Vanavatu rock to it with Z-spar to build a much larger rock structure. Check out the results

 

[reef_shadow]

The other rock structure is made of totoka rock. It looks very different that the Vanavatu. The thought is to place more SPS on the the Vanavatu and go heavier with the LPS on the totoka.

I plan to add a few more touches on the rock before I finish.

The shot with the light is a temporary mounting of the Seashine Plasma light. I'm getting 285 par @ 31 inches of water.

 

[nuccadoc]

Looking good. Are you going to dress up the stand with stone/granite/wood etc, or just leave it as is?

 

[KingNeptunesBou]

Awesome idea. Who would have thought to put to Protein Skimmer outside. Guess that should take care of CO2 issues with ease. Awesome thread keep up the good work.

 

[dainiusiva]

nicely done

 

[j-dizzle]

looking great to say the least! awesome build i love the stand too!

 

[seashark]

great looking build tagging along

 

[chimmike]

I'm thoroughly impressed with the simplicity approach you took to this setup. The Cistern is a relatively elegant solution to "what if I don't have/don't want a fish room?" and the sheer size of that tank with the flow methodology is just great. I can see from the limited pics thus far that the rock structure is just fantastic. Nice job on the aquascaping!

Any idea what your livestock will be? I'm interested to see if you choose any monsters. You could fit a school of anthias in that beast!

 

[reef_shadow]

Looking good. Are you going to dress up the stand with stone/granite/wood etc, or just leave it as is?

I'm going to leave the finish as is. The powder coat is very nice. I like the simple clean industrial modern look.

 

[reef_shadow]

Awesome idea. Who would have thought to put to Protein Skimmer outside. Guess that should take care of CO2 issues with ease. Awesome thread keep up the good work.

I need to insulate the skimmer.

When the skimmer is not running I have a 3 degree variable from room temp. With the skimmer running it goes up several degrees.

The exterior temp has been in the high 90's here lately. I run this room at 74. Without the skimmer the tank maintains 76 to 77degrees.

 

[kcooley]

those plasma lights are amazing. i didnt realize anyone had optimized them or tested them for aquarium use. and 285 par with that deep water is great too. i really like the endcap overflow design.

 

[reef_shadow]

those plasma lights are amazing. i didnt realize anyone had optimized them or tested them for aquarium use. and 285 par with that deep water is great too. i really like the endcap overflow design.

I like the Plasmas alot. Straylight Optical makes these. The technology is very cool. The light is produced when RF energy excites the gas in a sealed bulb. No filament so you get a very long bulb life.

In addition, the bulb can be dimmed down to 20%. Monday the other two plasmas arrive. The next step is to hook these up to an Apex controller.

For mounting purposes, I've used a super strut purchased from HD. I plan to paint the super strut white and cover the thread with Stainless square pipe.

I originally planned to surround plasma light with frosted glass, but I kinda like the industrial look of the fixture the way it is.

 

[drew8]

very nice build

 

[-Scott-]

I am overly impressed with this build. Stunningly beautiful and yet very simplistic, nice job.

 

[reef_shadow]

Thanks everyone for your kind comments. I've have had my fingers crossed every step of the way. I had no idea how big of a project this was going to be.

I still have quite aways to go.

 

[Pylon]

We can't wait to see it happen.
Good Luck! Following along.

 

[dainiusiva]

you have a great feeling on what is an industrial modern design.hats off to you sir.

 

[dca22anderson]

This is coming together nicely!

 

[yifan917]

stunning aquascaping! Very unique and beautiful

 

[billrob71]

Very nice build and very impressive tank. Looking forward to seeing more