55 Reef on a Budget

[adnup]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7321427#post7321427 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bklinefelter
By the way, when is the new top due to arrive?

I'm hoping today! I know its not good in this hobby but I dont have patience

 

[bklinefelter]

where are the pics of the top on?

 

[meco65]

still waiting on the updates.

 

[otterpop510]

following along.. great project..

 

[mslade1979]

doing a great job keep it up buddy!! gona tag along if ya dnt mind!!

 

[cb9tunerguy]

Exelent job so far. you are quite the craftsman. i cant wait to see how it comes along!

 

[beck_bail]

Love it,

My real hobbies wood working, so I can't wait to see what you're gonna do for doors on the stand.

 

[adnup]

Sorry everyone....I haven't done too much to the tank this past week. I cut the top trim off, got the new top trim on, did a fresh water test, added salt and sand. Photobucket isnt working right so I only have 1 new pic

Fresh water test

 

[six.line]

Where'd the lights come from and how much?

Plus, why is the maxi-jet stream mod so effective?

 

[PVitty77]

Niiiiiiiiice! im gonna tag along and see how it comes out. looks great so far!

 

[adnup]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7324669#post7324669 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by adnup
Looks like I'm at about $162 out of pocket

$20 tank
$17 new top trim
$20 ish for 2by's
$20 ish for pine and luan
$10 pvs, valve etc...
$75 for power compact lights (good deal I couldn't pass up)
$0 sump - I had it, could have used a rubbermaid tote for @ $5
$0 Mag 9.5 - I had it, could have used a smaller mag or gen-x @$50

A RC member was moving and sold them cheap. I think they are alittle loud(the fan that is). I'm thinking of gutting out the lights and mounting them inside the canopy I'll make, with new fans.

The MJ mod works so well because of the prop you install. It is incredible! I have pic of the stream from that...WOW...MJ 1200 modded is WAY to strong for a 55!!

 

[adnup]

Alright
I got photobucket to work.

Heres a pic of how I cut the top trim off. I read somewhere is was a pain in the a$$ to get off. This way was quite easy. I just used a dremel and cut alone the top (you can feel when your down to the glass). I used a gasket scraper and got it off

Also heres a pic with the sand in the tank

 

[bklinefelter]

Looks good!!!!!

 

[adnup]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7253628#post7253628 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mdisalvo55
You might wanna put an adjustable valve on the flow going to the tank from the mag 9.5, I have a mag 5 as my return and it empties the sump pretty quickly if the overflow isn't pullng enough water in...

I just wanted to reply to this post. With a 1 1/2" drain and a 3/4" return and the mag wide open everything works great! I throttle it back alittle just because I only have one line on the return and it blows the heck out of the tank.

 

[Maker]

Adnup,

could you show us the tank plumbing and water movement?

maker

 

[PVitty77]

yea id like to see the plumbing job as well.

 

[bklinefelter]

lets see the plumbing.

 

[meco65]

Here is the plumbing on mine.
plumbing test

after test test ok.

 

[chip721]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7324669#post7324669 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by adnup
Looks like I'm at about $162 out of pocket

$20 tank
$17 new top trim
$20 ish for 2by's
$20 ish for pine and luan
$10 pvs, valve etc...
$75 for power compact lights (good deal I couldn't pass up)
$0 sump - I had it, could have used a rubbermaid tote for @ $5
$0 Mag 9.5 - I had it, could have used a smaller mag or gen-x @$50

Hi my name is chip. You need to seek help. In case no one's told you yet ...you're addicted:eek2:. Good luck and keep us posted with more pics.

 

[adnup]

Addicted? I am not addicted!

Am I?

LOL I know...its bad..I look for tanks all of the time, dont know where I'd put them but I look anyway.....