180 custom reef build started 8/15/13 !

[bradokc]

:beer:

 

[fltekdiver]

:beer:

:beer:

Just ordered a new skimmer for the 180

Aquamaxx ConeS-CO3. Rated for 500 gallons

Read some great reviews on these skimmers

It was between the proven Reef Octopus SRO3000 , Or Diablo DCS 200

Then I followed recommendations on the Aquamaxx ConeS-CO3

Same body size, 8" , uses half the electricity as the other two, and the pump new is half the cost also

Also the 9" of water height means it can sit deeper then the other two mentioned. In the sump, so it's not so high on a stand. I'm going to use 16" baffles in the sump, so that would put the total height of the skimmer on a stand
28", where the other two would be at 32" , right against the top of my inside stand

Marine depot is outta stock, says 5-7 days, so I paid for it, and will build the sump this week now and plumb it :bounce1:

 

[yagesz]

Your stand is clean.

Can I hire you to make me one? Nah I'll build my own with yours as my inspiration. I love these sands that have a 2+ inch lip around them. I like the huge front entry to squeeze in the sump. Does it need to be reinforced once the sump is in?

 

[fltekdiver]

Thanks ! No, just for Rocket Engineers designs on the DIY section here on the forms

I made it with 2x8 framing for the top, therefor no center brace are needed

If you goto a 2x6 top frame, then you need center supports

 

[fltekdiver]

Just ordered another 50lbs of dry rock.

First two orders were from Reef Cleaners, John did a great job hand picking what I asked for, received the shipment next day!

I been dying to try Marco Dry rocks also, so I needed another 50lbs , just ordered, I'll probably need another 50 for the sump, and finish up the aqua scaping

BTW, it's coming out great. Acrylic rods, zip ties, foam, and a few hours work, and now letting it dry outside the tank tonight

 

[Reef_RC]

hey fltekdiver - nice build. I have the AGA 210 and in the process of building it out after 6 yrs. break. I am tagging along for ideas.

 

[fltekdiver]

Thanks ! Gpod luck with your build, and welcome back to the hobby !

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Tap Talk

 

[Mark...]

Looking forward to your review of Aquamaxx ConeS-CO3. Rated for 500 gallons. It is a great price for a skimmer that does up to 500g and uses only 27 watts.

 

[fltekdiver]

Being it has a 8" body, I'm not convinced it does 500 gallons, but everything I read for a 180 with 75 sump reviews were great. I'm really excited about it, and love the low power use

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Tap Talk

 

[Mark...]

Being it has a 8" body, I'm not convinced it does 500 gallons, but everything I read for a 180 with 75 sump reviews were great. I'm really excited about it, and love the low power use

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Tap Talk

It seems most are over rated on gallons, but even if it did 350-400 it would be very good.

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

awesome marco. what no pics of the aquascape so far. any pics of the sump you picked up?

 

[fltekdiver]

Didn't pick the sump up, passed on it

Not sure what I'm doing yet with that, got home yesterday at 2pm, was up till 10pm working on the rock work again

We were " roughing it " camping this past weekend for the holiday

Even our dog, which is a Yorkie, ( Teacup ) 13 years old was roughing it, see 2nd pic, lol

 

[fltekdiver]

Ok now back to the tank, lol

Here's some shot, the Aqua Scaping not done, have another 50lbs of Marco Dry Rock this time on the way, which comes in tomorrow

The rock just got wet today after the foam cured over night

I drilled 1/2" Acrylic Rods, used epoxy, and foam to hold everything in place. I also drilled little holes, and used 18" zip tis for extra protection

Rock is not going where it is, I just put everything into the tank, to keep the cycle going

It was all in their for the past week while the tank started it's cycle, but removed 3/4 of it last night, left a few pcs in to keep the cycle going

Wet towels were placed on it over night, so if any bacteria did start to grow on the rocks, they would stay alive

 

[wrxreefer823]

LOVE the aquascape. I also love how you were "roughing" it, while there's a picture of the TV on. Lol

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

awesome man love it. what are you going to try with the extra rocks?

 

[fltekdiver]

Thanks guys,,going to try to tie it all together with some low caves, and try now to make it so man made

Any suggestions?

 

[wrxreefer823]

Not so man made... I'd suggest one of those fancy scuba divers that go up and down.



Oooor look at some pictures of a natural reef and try to mimic things you find interesting in that. Personally, I like to sneak in some shel pieces for overhangs.

 

[fltekdiver]

Good advice. Being I have 500+ dives under my belt, I should be able to come up with something

Talking about the divers, I have a red volcano that spills out red bubbles in my fresh water tank that would look cool as hell

I wonder why in fresh water bubbles are ok, but not in salt?

 

[wrxreefer823]

Mount Wannahockalougie!!!

That's a good question. After all, skimmers make LOTS of bubbles.

 

[yagesz]

My favorite part. Getting the rock in. Yes its not final but it signals the start to the real work about to begin. And the end of overspending on new equipment.