50g All SPS Cube w/ SPS Frag Tank

Haha, I definitely will. Thanks for the invite. I'll let you know at a later time after you've had the chance to get the new tank up and running.

It'll be a few weeks before I get everything setup. I am planning on switching from my ati hybrid to Mitras LX7s soon. I think I might start with my display and then move the hybrid over to the frag tank and then eventually do the same with the hybrid.

I have been looking for a complete LED lighting solution for some time now and always disliked the Radions because of the two puck nature of the fixture. I really like how evenly spread the Mitras light is.
 
I'm actually going to be visiting a buddy in Berkeley on Thursday evening to check out his updated lighting. He just switched from a combo of Kessils and AIs over to the Mitras LX7s. He's got 3 of them running over his elos currently.
 
I'm actually going to be visiting a buddy in Berkeley on Thursday evening to check out his updated lighting. He just switched from a combo of Kessils and AIs over to the Mitras LX7s. He's got 3 of them running over his elos currently.

Let me know! I am pretty serious about switching my display over to Mitras and if all goes well my frag tank too.
 
So...

I've been very busy tonight.


My new stand is built out of "10 series" aluminum t-slot. It measures 24x24x35 and has a very open design. I am a big guy, around 275 lbs, and this thing holds my full weight on just one of the cross beams. So, I am positive it will hold the full tank's weight spread over the 4 legs and all the beams.

I still have to order some roll-in inserts so I can screw the HDPE top down. I also have to order a piece of HDPE for below the sump and screw it down. Once that is done, I can place my IM 24x24 self-leveling foam down on both surfaces.

I plan on skinning the stand with ~1/2" Oak Plywood stained to match my desk next to the tank. The skin will just rest in the T-Slot by using metal picture hangers. In order to remove the panels all I have to do is lift up on any one panel to remove that panel. I will do this to all 3 panels even though I only have access to 2 of the 3 panels. I also plan on leaving the back panel open but if the kids start messing with stuff I may have to block it in some way.


New Stand


I also setup a 15 gallon new salt water reservoir under my frag tank stand and installed a Neptune DOS to complete auto water changes daily. I plan on using the DOS to exchange 3500mL of NSW and OSW daily spread over the course of the day.

I plan on using the salinity probe to turn the AWC system off in the event my salinity goes too high or two low.

My program looks like this:
Fallback OFF
If SG > 36.0 Then OFF
If SG < 34.0 Then OFF


I am ok with a salinity in between 34.1-35.9 and I plan on using my refractometer weekly just to check that my conductivity meter is accurate. The conductivity meter is not a controller it is more of a check to turn the DOS off in the event of a problem. I also have an email/text warning to notify me if my salinity is below 34 or above 36, just like my Temperature.


Neptune DOS




NSW ~15 gallons



Stay tuned! I will do a system-wide update video on YouTube as soon as I get everything finished which should take another few weeks.
 
I woke up this morning and no water had been changed. I noticed that I forgot a line of code in the safety feature for the dosing pump.

I forgot:

SET ON
 
Leak Testing and Stand Strength Testing!




I plan on building wood panels very soon. I cannot transfer tank over until I build the panels because the kids will get into the sump.

My 1.5 year old loves my skimmer and eating the NOG from it! YUK!

LOL!
 
Nice set up! Following
 

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1/2" Plywood Skirt before Black Paint




How everything is attached. Each panel needed (1) French Cleat. But I only used the bracket that you mount to the mirror or picture. The wall piece is not being used.

 
Man, I really like black stands and such... But something about that stands surrounding would make me clear seal it and keep its natural color.

Maybe it plays well with the wood floor / brick wall in my mind? don't know, but it looks damn nice just like that to me :)
 
Man, I really like black stands and such... But something about that stands surrounding would make me clear seal it and keep its natural color.

Maybe it plays well with the wood floor / brick wall in my mind? don't know, but it looks damn nice just like that to me :)

It will be next to my walnut stained oak desk. Unless I get oak plywood to match, which I may do in the coming years, I am fine with black for now.

But I agree with you, it would look much better doing a stain and oak. I just didn't know how this was going to work out long term and didn't want to invest a lot of money in something I was unsure of. If the skin works out, I will do it again later with a stain and use oak to match the desk.
 
Update...

Currently in the Process of priming and painting the panels. I am going with a black finish, probably satin. I am taking my time and am giving the panels 3 coats of primer and probably 2-3 coats of black. I will be moving the tank over this weekend or as soon as I get the 1/2" valve I ordered from BRS.

Here are some shots I took tonight. Once I get things switched over I plan on watching a lot of macro "how-to" videos so I can improve my photography skills. Anyone know some good videos or guides?

Shizopolis Sunset


Cali Tort


Snipers Bubble Gum Milli


Shades of Fall


Greg Hiller's Aquadelight


Aquatic-Man Table
 
Nice work on the tank and stand.
And again, nice pe!

Thanks,

I was actually shocked. The other night and currently my Cali Tort has lost almost all of its PE. It is usually out and about but for some reason its been retracted the past few days. Everything else is doing fine though. Pretty Strange.
 
I finally had a chance to swap tanks tonight. The whole process took me 4-5 hours to do it right. I still have some re-wiring to do, to clean things up, but overall it looks pretty good.

Bad News:
I ran out of hanging tabs for my Vortech pumps and one of my MP10 dry sides fell and broke. I plan on ordering a new one Monday.

I also was able to make two accidental frags for my frag tank, lol. I hate accidental frags but also love them.


Good News:
The MP10 dry side that broke was the noisy one and was needing fixed/replaced anyways. I got lucky there!


Things to do!
1. Clean up wires
2. Hang GHL Mitra (Coming Wednesday)
3. Apply 2-3 more coats of paint to panels + clear coat
4. Replace MP10 dryside
5. Build a screen top (I might order a clearview top, havent decided yet)
6. Adjust rockscape


Last but not least, Pictures!

FTS


Right Side


Left Side


Control Board


Sump (Control Board on Right)
 
wow, that's really nice. I like the way everything is set up. I'm sure that's this is gonna be a nice, clean setup. :thumbsup:
 
Very nice. Super clean. The deltec is great too. Look forward to seeing the Mitras. I was tossing up between the Mitras and a few others for my SPS 18" cube. Ended up ordering a Sicce GNC AM366 which has some great results over in Italy and amazing spread. Should arrive next week. :)


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Very nice. Super clean. The deltec is great too. Look forward to seeing the Mitras. I was tossing up between the Mitras and a few others for my SPS 18" cube. Ended up ordering a Sicce GNC AM366 which has some great results over in Italy and amazing spread. Should arrive next week. :)


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Thanks. I love the deltec, its been the best skimmer I've owned. However, I wish I would have had the option for the AC version when I bought this one. The DC version was the only one available and I've already gone through 1 pump. My first pump died or was having issues right before it was about to go out of warranty. The next pump won't be covered and I really hope they worked out the problems with the pumps dying.

I can't wait to get my hands on the Mitras. I really don't want to buy more t5 bulbs.
 
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