115 gallon rimless shallow build

[Joeb1983]

Time has come to consolidate and as the title says I am currently having a 72x24x15, ~115 gallon, shallow, rimless, glass tank built; that hopefully should be here in the next week or two.

After countless emails, phone calls and debating; I felt Planet Aquariums in Arlington, TX best fit my needs in regards to both build quality and the almighty budget.

The tank is being built 1/2" sided and 3/4" bottomed regular glass. Black silicone, center trapezoid overflow with black vinyl backing.

Simple 1.5" overflow BH and 1" return BH to be split into two 3/4" returns.

(I looked at a up and running mixed reef rimless tank that had regular 1/2" sides, but a Starphire front and honestly I couldn't hardly see a difference between the two to justify the additional cost. )

To get a 7 year warranty on the tank I had to opt for Coastal Aquarium Design stand in traditional mahogany. (Also out of TX.)

I went with their classic series 36" tall version seeing how the tank is only 15" tall, plus more room inside the cabinet. (I've heard a lot of people dislike their 30" tall stands)

Trying to keep this clean and simple and supporting equipment is either on hand or currently in transit for delivery.

Control:

Reef Keeper Elite (Trying to sell some stuff for an APEX)

Lighting:

* 4 x AI Vega colors in white (Will eventually be upgraded to Hydra 52's)
* 4 x AI EXT Tank Mounts and 12" rails all in silver.
* AI Nano in white, mounting arm and wireless adapter (refugium)
* AI director.


Filtration:

* Eshopps R-300 sump (refugium) I know their faults, but at a cost standpoint I couldn't beat it...
* Bubble Magus C6 skimmer (I actually like BM skimmers)
* Reactors if ever needed.

Flow:

2 x MP40's with upgraded QD drivers.
Vectra M1 return pump.

Purchased a 16 gallon rectangle FDA approved poly tank for the Tunze ATO system.

(Currently researching heaters)

Will be plumbed simplistically with flex PVC.

So... I am sitting in limbo until the tank and stand arrives.

Will post pictures when the time comes. (Hopefully soon)

Stay tuned for those interested... :thumbsup:

 

[Joeb1983]

Since I have downtime and will be having a single 1.5" bulkhead for the drain; I decided to run a Durso setup.

They can be loud, but with a little tuning/tweaking gets them pretty quite.

I made 2 versions. One full 1.5" and one 2" reduced to 1.5".

I know I will only flow only what the 1.5" BH will allow, but I remembered reading something regarding a larger standpipe.

(Even though Durso's website states there isn't any real benefit to go larger on the standpipe with 1.5" BH's).

We will see which one works best, or which one fits in the box for that matter.

Still waiting on the tank and stand... Was told 3 - 4 weeks. (Next week will be the 4th).

 

[Joeb1983]

Here is the poly tank I mentioned I purchased for the ATO.

Again, it is 16 gallons, so I'm hoping it will last a week or close to it. :hmm2:

 

[mgoulding]

Following along

 

[Joeb1983]

Pump, drivers and mounts came in today.

140 pounds of Fiji pink on order as well.

 

[Joeb1983]

A simple paint doc showing planned lighting setup.

Have all the rails and lights; just waiting on tank and stand...

 

[Joeb1983]

Sump came in (36x16x16). Skimmer fits nicely.

 

[Joeb1983]

160 pounds of Fiji Pink "live" sand.

Planet Aquariums makes trips up to my city every Tuesday.

Unfortunately, my tank will not be coming in on this shipment...

Maybe next week.

 

[Joeb1983]

AI Nano for the refugium.

I tried mounting the arm to the sump any which way you could imagine.

It was either positioned too much forward or too much back.

I will utilize AI's single module hanging kit and center it dead over the chamber.

 

[Joeb1983]

Anyone have any suggestions on what to put in the refugium to make it truly effective?

Sand, "Miracle Mud", live-rock, macro (if so; chaeto?), Ceramic bio spheres, sponges, etc...?

Obviously, I have no clue... Just naming things I see others run.

Not sure how much of an impact it will have seeing how the chamber is only 12" x 9.5".

I've never ran one before. Always mechanical, so any input would be appreciated. (I'm researching as well)

 

[Joeb1983]

^ Eshopps figure illustrating flow throughout the sump.

 

[Joeb1983]

Picked up a 4" Niger Trigger last week as it will be my centerpiece fish. (Ive always like them, but never had a tank large enough).

It is in my 60 gallon QT tank currently and will remain for until the tank is up and running and ready.

As Ive read with most triggers it is very hardy and so far has ate everything Ive thrown at it. (Pellets, Mysis, Krill and even Nori)

Ive never had to dose copper (knock on wood) so I have 2 cleaner shrimp and a few hermits in there as well.

It pays them no mind and actually lets the shrimp crawl all over it.

It has its spot in a cave and sleeps upside down... Spends a lot of time in there and comes out when I walk in the fish room. (most likely associates that with feeding)

Camera phone sucks as you all know when taking tank shots...

 

[Joeb1983]

75 pounds of Pukani on order. I asked for some gnarly pieces; not the typical Pukani triangle clumps. (See if they listen seeing how its only 75 pounds)

Fingers crossed for tomorrow being the day. :bounce2:

 

[Joeb1983]

Ordering an Apex Jr tomorrow. Can't afford the full unit right now, so I will upgrade as time goes on.

For the time being it will simply run the heaters and monitor temp.

 

[Joeb1983]

Here is the AI Nano mounted on the sump.

You can see it sits a little back, but it might be ok. You think?

If it decide to go this route I will re-enforce the back acrylic of the sum as it is pretty thin and bends slightly with the lightweight of the Nano fixture.

 

[Joeb1983]

Non tank again this Tuesday...

 

[Joeb1983]

The 75 pounds of Pukani dry rock came in today. Nothing too fancy.

It was a little damp and smelled, so I will definitely have to be rinsed and cured.

I spent a few hours this evening chiseling away making caves and fitting rocks to get an idea of what I have to work with.

Its definitely more than enough rock that's for sure and I have an entire box full of rubble.

I did notice A LOT of dead organic materiel inside the rock while working with it. Much like dirt compost; best way I can describe it.

I also pick up Apex's AWM and WXM modules to add on to the Apex JR.

That way I can control all my AI fixtures and MP40's via Apex's app.

Not much more to do really other than pick up some flex PVC, bulkheads and wait for the tank...

I did pick up some ammonia to dose for the cycle and a 200 gallon box of salt.

Hopefully, I will have some good news on Tuesday.

 

[rickztahone]

Very cool build. Had never seen the fuge in a section like that where the water flows through the bottom of it. Pretty good idea actually. Very nice, and following along.

 

[Joeb1983]

Took all the rock outside and removed all the dead materiel that I could and thoroughly rinsed with the hose yesterday evening.

The rock was placed in my salt mixing brute trash can with fresh saltwater, heater and mag 7.

Its been 24 hours so far and the water is NASTY and STINKS to high heaven!

I just did a 10 gallon water change and threw a skimmer in there to help pull some of those decaying organics out.

The skimmer is going nuts!

Definitely a note to all who are picking up BRS Pukani dry rock fr there tanks: CURE this rock!

 

[Joeb1983]

So far my skimmer has pulled over a gallon of the nastiest, smelliest crud I've ever skimmed.

Here is how I have it setup. Simple, but effective.

Between skimming and water changes, the water doesn't smell near as bad as it did and is clearing up nicely.