300g dream reef, off to a bad start!!
- Thread starter deuce6371
- Start date
deuce6371
Premium Member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9510419#post9510419 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dogstar74
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9508588#post9508588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by deuce6371
First chance I have had to post my progress. So here it goes. I got the tank installed with the plumbing, pump, sump and Octopus 300 recirculating skimmer.
Me and my new tank
Forgive me if I sound a bit too critical, but since the size of this tank has increased, are the little white doors and surrounding woodwork really necessary? Isn't this a good time to rethink the whole wall as far as interior decorating goes. I mean the utility of that wall as a book case is pretty much shot don't you think? Just my .02.
Good luck
Yeah I do not think I will getting any books back in there. I think it will turn out nice with the wall to wall storage area, plus it wold be a hassle to take it out completely and fix the floor under it and the walls on each side. I do like being able to stand on it on the sides to get into the tank, that is really the reasoning for leaving it.
JB
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
you can take a look at this skimmer.I was going to buy this model till I spoke with the owner about building me a similar model with a dart NW pumphttp://www.protein-skimmer.com/shopping.asp?id=446996&itemid=6706&ct=1&shopperid=34500&merchantid=446996&shop=itemdetail.asp
xinumaster
reef addict
Here is what I did for my wife to convince her
Replaced kitchen counter top to granite
upgraded our carpet floor to solid hardwood floor
upgraded bathroom tops with granite
painted the wall with peach color (thanks God it's not pink)
big diamond ring last Feb valentines day.
bought her a new 2007 honda odyssey
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=988531&perpage=25&pagenumber=1
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
I think if I had all that money I wouldn't have to beg.Kitchen is renovated along with bathroom.House has nice old hardwood floors,She has an older car and there is no way I can afford to buy her a new one.I bought her a diamond when I married her(its enough)House is painted aswell.She wants a bun in the oven badly(she's 44) Have been trying for that but it seems my swimmers don't want to swim past the goal tender.I am still in the begging process.I am currently saving up my nuts like a squirell.
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
yes seems so far luck isn't on my side.I am still in the process of trying to get a tank.I am waiting to see about getting an acrylic tank.The only thing I am nervous about is scrathes.How do you scrape coraline of the front,I have heard acrylic scrathes very easy.I have a quote for a glass tank and I am waiting to meet the builderSeems I am always to busy and so is he.If the acrylic tank turns out to be a very good price I may go that route.
rppvt
rppvt
I used a big MAG cleaner on my 75 and the kids decided to help out by cleaning the glass- so now I have these dandy swirls near the gravel. So, in order to not have that happen again I cut off their little arms... no, that's not it... I actually got a plastic scraper and it works WONDERS on corraline as well as the usual green. I like to do the upper part with the Mag and the area near the gravel with the scraper. Keeps the sweat factor down. Once you figure that out, plexi's not so bad.
BAYONNEREEF
In Memoriam
nice tank and great skimmer
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
thats good to know.Thanks will wait to see the cost of the acrylic tank.for a glass tank the local builder wants $2500 CDN funds with eurobracing and overflows with all holes drilled and plumbing.Glass is 3/4 thick.Acrylic is supposed to be lighter.I looked into ordering a glass tank from the US and the cost of shipping was $670.I am looking elsewhere in the US.Canada seems to be such a rip off when it comes to drygoods.Not everything is expensive but many items in the reef market can be found for less in the US.Its very frustrating seeing the differance in some items.
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ChrisB
New member
Steve,
If you haven't already... look at www.glasscages.com, they have some really good prices, not sure what shipping to Cananda would run though.
If you haven't already... look at www.glasscages.com, they have some really good prices, not sure what shipping to Cananda would run though.
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
I have looked at glass cages.The tank I wanted was $900 and the shipping was $670 plus they have to ship to a building with a loading dock.I could have shipped to my plumbing supplier and then he wouls have to deliver the tank to my house.He was willing to do so but this is one dam heavy tank.I didn't want to put him threw the hassle.Plus if by chance something is wrong with the tankI have to send it back for them to fix it.This is the reason I am looking at a local builder.The guy who is building my skimmer is looking into getting me an acrylic tank.If the price is resonable(with delivery)I may go that route.Plus the acrylic tank isn't as heavy.I already looked into ordering that size tank from Custom Aquatics but the tank was around $1065 and the delivery was $800.In Canada I found tank makers but the quotes I got was around $4000 with taxes and shipping.I am still thinking going more with acrylic because its lighter and it won't ever leak since its welded plus I had planned on getting a wavebox wich shortens the life of the tank.I may go with a closed loop but have 2x 1 inch inlets going to 2 x wavy sea plus units.Then there is the concern of going BB.I like the look of sand but all the water motion will cause a sand storm.I want enough current but not have a sand storm in the tank(wich is what is most likly to happen
rppvt
rppvt
a note on sand storms-- I have a CL with a seq. Dart on a OM 4-way and the outlets are small jacuzzi jet ports. When I first turned them on, the size of the nozzles focused the flow and it created quite a force within the tank; I had that same sand storm. I should have installed the large ports instead. But the answer wasn't to cut back on flow as much as force and I did this by removing the ball directional (nozzle) part of the jacuzzi bulkhead. I kept the flow, but spread it out; more like a natural surge. Since then my sand has aquired algae and critters and stuff to bind it together and I don't worry about sand storms. So, don't forgo a sand bed just because of water movement, there are a number of remedies to that issue. Sand's worth the effort asthetically as well as for the health of any inverts you might want. IMHO
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
thanks.I also thought of using a dart with 2x 1inch returns aimed away from the sand.Have them a good 4 inches away from the bottom of the tank flowing across the tank.I thought of using 45 degree elbows to aim the flow more upwards but across the tank.This would be enough flow but spread out
rppvt
rppvt
what I like about the jacuzzi jets is that they're directional and if you get the big ones, you'll have flow and volume and directionability (sp?). That and the fact that they don't stick out into the tank. I also cut down some black floor drains and cemented (glued) them to my bulkhead returns for a low-profile return about 4 inches off the bottom and behind the live rock. These are 2" flex and t'd to the dart intake, for less of a focused suction which is often the churning death of wandering anemones!
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
Yes I was going to go with a 2 inch basket strainer but try to hide it in a rock formation.I am also going to use pond foam to hide all the back glass plus any pipe that is visible.The jacuzzi intakes are nice aswell as they have a low profile.I am also thinking of using spa flex hosing instead of rigid pvc pipe to run to all the drian inlets and outlets.Its also lighter than rigid pipeing.Do you have any pics of the products?or links were to buy.Thanks
rppvt
rppvt
Here's where I got my flex: http://flexpvc.com/
and pvc fittings: pvcfittings.com
most stuff comes from the local hardware store
and pvc fittings: pvcfittings.com
most stuff comes from the local hardware store
steve the plumb
In Memoriam
thanks I was going to try a local pool and spa dealer but they tend to be a bit pricy.I can ask my plumbing supplier if he carries flex pipe.You would be supprised as to how much you can spend on fittings and pipejust to do a closed loop,nevermind the bulkheads.
deuce6371
Premium Member
finished the plumbing and hung the lights. They look really sleek and professional, those Germans, they really know their stuff. Well maybe not........see the second picture. The plug from the lights does not match the ballast.
Is it just me or does everyone have these setbacks!!!???
Does anyone have a fix for this?
I want to fire them up and now I have to wait, again!
Is it just me or does everyone have these setbacks!!!???
Does anyone have a fix for this?
I want to fire them up and now I have to wait, again!
