40 Gallon Custom Setup

Got my squirt today!

Here it is with a 12" Ruler...

DSCN1318.jpg


And as you can see it's only 4 inches tall!

DSCN1319.jpg
 
Well I went ahead and got a 15W UV Sterilizer... Price was just too good of a deal to pass up, still looking for a 50mg/hr Ozone unit though. Prefer a Red Sea unit so I will probably end up buying a new one. The Chiller should be here on Monday (I can't wait!) and the tank should start construction next Saturday (1 week from today). Still need to buy my sump 10 or 15T (guess I can go to PetsMart???) The Stand and Canopy can't get started until the tank arrives, plus I'm still working on the final design... I still haven't ordered my lights, keep tossing around the color. I've got a 250W SE 14K on my 23, but my Dad's got dual 250W DE 10K's w/ actinics and I think the color just shows more on his tank... I'll post more pics on Monday when the Chiller get's in. :)
 
Okay, I need some suggestions for lighting... for about the same money I can either go with a 250W SE 10K MH with VHO Actinic's or I can go with a 250W HQI 14K without VHO's... Will a SE bulb be enough or should I need the HQI for this tank? I know 1 MH for every 2 ft, well the tank is 2ft x 2ft... Thoughts? Opinions?
 
Here are some new pics for ya, the tank is almost completed, Scott has a very ingenious idea on his over flows to help control the water level in the display tank without having to rely on increasing the return flow. He's designed an adjustable baffle on the overflow box (will be on the two outside walls of the overflow) a quick twist of a hand screw and the baffle and can raised or lowered to change the display water level. :) Hopefully the picture helps explain.

All 4 walls glued up
shell-1.jpg


Overflow cut and layed out
overflow-1.jpg


Overflow assembly
overflow-2.jpg


Overflow installed
overflow-in.jpg


overflow-side.jpg


corner-view.jpg
 
Adjustable Baffle in the down position (from the inside)
baffle-view.jpg


Adjustable Baffle in the up position (from the inside)
baffle-up.jpg


Adjustable Baffle in the up postion (from the ouside)
baffle-up-outside.jpg
 
I was able to rig up a DIY Kalk reactor with one of my canisters for my Dad's tank the other day (figured he could test out the proto-type). Well I went and check on it, and it looks like it's going to work perfectly! Nice powder settled on the bottom, and clear lime water on the top. Just enough flow; the rodi must pass through the powder to enter the canister and it doesn't create a constant cloud. I'll get some pics when I can.
 
Got an update on the tank:

The shell was routed flush, the top template was built, routed out, and was bonded and curing last night. The bottom w/ bulkhead holes will hopefully be done today, and then buffing can begin. Should be crated this weekend, and ship on Monday hopefully! :) I'll post more pics as I get them.
 
Just got some of the latest pics...

Here's the bottom with holes drilled for the bulkheads.
bottom-detail.jpg


Here's a top view showing the closed loop intake.
closed-loop-intake.jpg


The overflow box with the top on.
top-detail-2.jpg


The overflow box with the bulkheads for the closed loop pass-through and the sump drain and return.
inside-box-w-bulkheads.jpg


Closed Loop couplers installed in the top.
top-detail-coupler-in.jpg


Entire tank completed showing the 5 Closed Loop returns in the top.
Top-detail.jpg


All the edges and corners are still to be rounded over and then buffed and polished, not flamed. :)
 
Okay, I just got done building a kalk reactor... It took less than an hour including testing, installing, and keeping my son under control. :)

Here it is step by step...

Installing the 3/4x1/2 Threaded Bushing
DSCN1335.jpg


Installing the JG fitting 1/4 OD x 1/2 MIP
DSCN1336.jpg


Another angle
DSCN1338.jpg


Tightened down with teflon tape
DSCN1341.jpg


All the pieces layed out ready for assembly...
DSCN1342.jpg


3/4" PVC which runs top to bottom through the middle and drilled at the bottom for water to enter the reactor and mix the kalk powder at the same time.
DSCN1344.jpg
 
Assembled
DSCN1345.jpg


With Kalk Powder
DSCN1346.jpg


Closer
DSCN1347.jpg


And here's me and my buddy!
DSCN1348.jpg


Cost break down...
Water Filter Canister ebay for 8.99 + Shipping
3/4x1/2 Threaded Bushing 1.04 (for 2)
JG Fittings 5.40 (for 2)
Teflon tape (everyone already has)
3/4" PVC already had, but I'll guess it's 2.50???
1/4" tubing 1.82

So that's less than 20 bucks plus the shipping for the canister! Just add a water source and run it to the tank either on a drip or float valve. :)
 
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