300 gal reef re-do

[pcostanzo]

Hey Eric. Funny you mentioned about the shark bothering any little fish. The shark didn't care but as soon as I added this Clown Grouper that damsel was history. You could see the bulge in his belly. He's only about 4" and the damsel had to be a good 2".

 

[jnarowe]

(URP)

 

[Reeftanks6]

Very nice looking.

 

[oxbeard]

Simply speechless! I just read through the thread this afternoon. Very impressed with the DIY sump and absolutely blown away by the skimmer!!!!

I still a couple years away from a large build myself, 96 x 36 x 24 is the plan. I've been reading and re-reading threads for the past few weeks trying to go ahead and start making a game plan so hopefully when the day comes I'll have some idea of what's going on:lol:

Needless to say, I've definitely learned a lot reading through this one. Can't wait to see more updates come

 

[pcostanzo]

I was re-finishing my floors and painting so I decided to update the look of the tank wall.

 

[cbui2]

that's sweet Paul. i noticed the top canopy can open up, could you show us a pic?

 

[jnarowe]

very nice. I should have you over for a visit!

 

[adddo]

Just wanted to say, nice tank and animals!

 

[pcostanzo]

Thanks guys, Here you go Bart. Just simple cabinet hinges and some lid stays from a chest to hold the doors open.

 

[FFrankie]

Wow the room looks great Paul! The tank looks so nice next to the window like that. It reminds me of a house i worked in upstate NY once in the mountains. Good memories

 

[cbui2]

thanks Paul, so you have 2 doors that open. left, right side and center brace to hold it together.

 

[pcostanzo]

Actually when both doors are open there is nothing in the center. You can access the whole top.

 

[FFrankie]

I ordered my pump today finally. Free shipping also. How is the Marlin holing up for you Paul? It would be great to ge some updates on the equipment when you have a chance.
Spring up north is pretty busy i remember.

 

[pcostanzo]

The pump is great, never a problem. I've been pretty busy so nothing new on the tank.

 

[FFrankie]

Good news. Thanks Paul. I new you were busy My business is out of control down here also. I have 5 guys running now. Looks like the economy is on the rise again.

 

[erics3000]

I was recently scanning you thread too Paul. I picked up a used MRC 4 skimmer . I will be running with a Marlin too. Glad your keeping busy. look forward to your updates down the road.

 

[corivus]

very amazing setup, I don't have a basement where I live but when we get our house in feb. and we setup our big tank I think I'm going to go the same route that you and jonathan have gone with the multi use phosban/kalk/carbon reactor to save some space

 

[pcostanzo]

Shrinkage

Shrinkage

It's been a while and some big changes. I battled the evaporation and humidity long enough. Those of you that remember my 180gal sump is in my shop along with all my woodworking machines. Evaporating salt water and cast iron hate each other. I had to sand rust and apply sealant to my machines every week. Also with business being busy I was really neglecting the cleaning. So, I decided to to downgrade to a small tank with the sump under the tank. I sold off my tank and lights and some other things to some members of my local club. I kept a 55gal QT that is now my sump, My Marlin that was my skimmer pump is now my main pump and aqua-c ev240 skimmer pump, my Neptune and my rock. I bought a 70gal Oceanic Tech series with 1/2" Starfire glass and euro bracing top. An ATI Powermodule 6xT5 light. Vortech MP40w. I made a new cabinet for everything and it looks pretty sharp even though its not big.

Taking out the old tank and bottom wall

New cabinet

Tank

Under Cabinet

Fish

 

[FFrankie]

Wow Paul, that is the best down grade I have ever seen! Well done, well done!

 

[ReefingBuddha]

That does look sharp!

How does it feel getting a smaller tank? A lot easier I'm assuming. Not trying to rub it in or be crass, but honestly interested.