270 gallon reef / basement remodel has begun

[skippyreef]

Its been months in the planing but it came to life this weekend. We have started to finish the basement and also build the tank (in wall) this weekend.

The tank is 72*36*24 acylic (pics will be posted) and will be a dedicated acropora / montipora reef with a heavy focus on stags and tables.

I am using all reef ceramics from www.CaptiveOceans.com (thanks Garry) instead of live rock. The equipment line up will follow in a few days.

Here are a few pics of the begining. Nothing really exciting yet but the stand when its done will hold a Semi

It will be braced in the front just like a wall but 12" OC not 16" and will be incorparated into and supported by two walls. We are building a soffit of sorts around it to allow it to be viewed length wise on one end. There is a really good reason for this and you will see it as we progress and the tank is filled and running

and this is just a little area I am thinking os using for a fitness area or WiFi computer area.

 

[Purple Haze]

are those 400's? What color bulbs? Is that the only lighting you'll be running?

Nice choice on that width.

 

[skippyreef]

Those are 250 Hamilton 20K (german) bulbs on PFO PULSE start Ballast.

I am going to use VHO as well for the middle and also have an HQI pendant if I need it but I dont think I will. I am focusing on water quality and flow in this tank and I believe the lighing in the luminarcs will be adequate to get nice colors and growth woithout having the las vegas strip and the electric bill to support a bunch of 400's LOL

 

[skippyreef]

this is the top bracing that is under the OSB.

and this is the stand wrapped is the 1/2 inch exterior grade plywood.

 

[skippyreef]

some progress!

The stand is sealed with a mildew resistant paint.

Some of the doors for the basement for access to sump pump / and other storage areas. The French door is for the fish viewing room

Test fit today!! plus we needed to get it up off the floor so we could frame in the viewing room. I am doing built in book shelves and will adorn them with corals of the world by Vernon first!

From the back LOL

More to come later on this week as we finish it al up.

 

[NexDog]

Love seeing someone's dream materialise.

Who built your tank? And I'm going with Hamilton 14k moguls on those PFO pulse start ballasts. How are you digging those?

 

[skippyreef]

I like them (the 14k's) in the Luminarcs.

I worked a little more tonight on it and am going to bust out some more tommorow down there so I can start wiring this weekend I hope.

I have decided to use Zeovit on the tank also. I have a custom reactor coming for it.

I also ordered a custom sump with a large frag area. the sump is 48*30*18 acrylic. Will post pics when it comes in.

 

[derrikd]

nice start, cant wait to see more pics

 

[skippyreef]

thanks,

Will have more after the weekend. Going to really work tommorow and the Weekend to get it all framed in.

 

[skippyreef]

here are a few more updates. I will be working tommorow towards getting more of the framing done. But I am getting closer..

 

[zemuron114]

Does that rock seed like live rock or dead base rock??? If so that is incredible. Save a ton of money. Keep up the good work!

 

[skippyreef]

It does seed the same way.

some more pics

Where did the wall go LOL

starting to frame in the maintenance room now.

 

[skippyreef]

new updates:

getting closer!

will be wiring tommorow

Put up fascia (OSB) to make drtwalling easier around the mechanicals in the ceiling.

 

[skippyreef]

I have things wired ane will be insulating this weekend are starting drywall.

Here is my sump. It is 48-30-18 (112 gallons) and is fed by 4 bulkheads on the top from the tank. The sump is really a 2 in 1 though with a common feed to the return chamber.

The only problem is the manufacturer has to do a mod on it The forgot that the overflow baffles needed to be 13.5 inches and they made them 17.5! SO they are going to fix it.

exhaust fan

Sump

 

[skippyreef]

reef ceramics preview

reef ceramics preview

This is all but one piece that I ordered from Gary at www.captiveoceans.com

this stuff is amazing to say the least! We are waiting on the large outcroping (island) before he ships it to me but he was kind enough to snap a few shots and mail them to me.

The aquascape will be kept low in height so the corals can grow up more. Back wall will be use to attach corals to as will the side. This will be viewable down one long end so in reality there will be two pieces on one end then the three on the back wall of the tank.

enjoy these pics

 

[NexDog]

What is it made out of?

 

[skippyreef]

calcium and magnesium are two ingredients. The Germans use ot with great success. Go to www.captiveoceans.com for pics of tanks with this product in use.

here are a few more updated pics. Got teh insulation in and will be wiring the exhaust fan this this weekend. The wiring is essentially done with the exception of the recessed lights in the utility room behind the tank. I am doing those after I place the fan in final posistion.

October 7-9 will hang the greenboard down there.

 

[skippyreef]

few update pics. I am mounting the exhaust fan this week and because of that I am leaving a few areas open on the wall in the utility room. beyond that I am done insulating. Need to wrap a few areas though with a vwapor seal where I used unfaced insulation.

I also think I might set up this frag tank that I put between the chairs in the pic. tried to gauge space and I still have plenty to work if I set it up.

 

[skippyreef]

new pics.... hope to finish this area tommorow

 

[drjrose]

Re: reef ceramics preview

Re: reef ceramics preview

This is all but one piece that I ordered from Gary at www.captiveoceans.com

Impressive product. I was planning on making my own out of oystercrete, but this looks better than what I could make. Do you know what it weighs compared to real live rock? How tall is it compared vs your tank?