57G Illuminata Build

I have been running Apex Junior with module 1 that has ph probe. I also bought the expanded 8 outlet. It controls my lights, ato, dosers, pumps, and fan. I really love it. Control everything with aquanotes ran through iPhone. Everything can be controlled. If you have funds and want automation it's the way to go!!
 
the only thing is I don't know if it will fit in a 55g stand since they are both 12 inch. :(

I just went through this process...I stuffed as much as I could under my 55gallon stand.

The stand is your basic pine stand from the LFS that measures 48x12, however the interior dimensions are a bit smaller. I only had 10 3/8ths inches interior width. Extremely frustrating seeing as my proposed 10g sump (glass aquarium) was 10 5/8ths...so I had to cut the rear center support beam and re-mount it so it fit entirely on the outside of the stand. Fairly simple carpentry, but just have to make sure you get it right because you are going to be putting roughly 650+ pounds of water, rock, and sand on top of that.

Heres the link to my build thread... you can also see where I removed part of the back right support beam to fit the fuge & sump lengthwise.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2069247
 
@phuster, thanks for the feedback. Automation sounds like the way to go. Appreciate the product recommendation.

@CRC88, I've ordered the Proflex model 2 sump and the Tech Series stand. I've seen where other reefers use the middle section for the return and skimmer because there is more space, and use the third chamber as the fuge by having the return pump T'd to feed the third chamber. I'm leaning towards this config because the third chamber is just too small to house a skimmer and return, and I really want to have a fuge in the system
 
Eheim 1262 run outside the sump?

Eheim 1262 run outside the sump?

Has anyone ever run their Eheim 1262 outside the sump? My sump Aqueon Proflex Model 2, doesn't have enough space to house a fuge, skimmer, and return pump. I was thinking the only way to incorporate the fuge is to run the return pump outside the sump. The Eheim 1262 is 6" x 8.5", and the third chamber is essentially 9.5" x 10". That would leave about 3 x 9 for a skimmer. That's a pretty lot for a skimmer...

Thanks, Ed
 
Pics of my 29g reef

Pics of my 29g reef

While I'm waiting for all the components for my 57G build, I'm posting some pics of the current set up that I plan to convert to a frag tank.

I plumbed the overflow and return through the wall to the sump in the closet. The sump has a Red Sea Berlin Turbo X2 skimmer. I wouldn't recommend this skimmer to anyone who would be paying $$, but I got it for free, and it does create about 8 ounces of scum a week.

Lighting is 2x65W Power CFL's. 1 actinic and 1 10k bulb. I'm looking forward to seeing the T5's in action.

Sorry about the quality of the pictures. I have a Canon Rebel digital SLR, just don't know how to get the settings right yet. If anyone has recommendations on how to set the camera up to optimize for images in the tank please let me know.
 

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@A_Z, 4 bulb T5 HO fixture. No plans to keep SPS, so I think I should be fine, softies, zoas, rics.

After seeing the threads on wrasses, I'll probably start a community of wrasses as well. Crazy the way some of them flash. i'll stick with the stock bulbs for 6 months and upgrade to the ATI bulbs thereafter.

I'm also keeping my eyes on the Kessil A150W LED's.

oh thanks for the reply, know any good ATI bulb combos, I am looking for a purple/blue look?

I just went through this process...I stuffed as much as I could under my 55gallon stand.

The stand is your basic pine stand from the LFS that measures 48x12, however the interior dimensions are a bit smaller. I only had 10 3/8ths inches interior width. Extremely frustrating seeing as my proposed 10g sump (glass aquarium) was 10 5/8ths...so I had to cut the rear center support beam and re-mount it so it fit entirely on the outside of the stand. Fairly simple carpentry, but just have to make sure you get it right because you are going to be putting roughly 650+ pounds of water, rock, and sand on top of that.

Heres the link to my build thread... you can also see where I removed part of the back right support beam to fit the fuge & sump lengthwise.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2069247

Thanks wow that is pretty slim in the middle.

I actually think I am going to buy an RSM 250 now, I saw it and I was extremely impressed and doing the math compared to building a comparable tank is in the same price range. Yeah I think I will go with an RSM 250. Clean and easy to setup and looks great.
 
@A_Z, there's a post, search under ATI T5. A reefer named Grimmreaper or something like that can advise you on bulb combos. Let me know how things go with your RSM250.

I think I've decided to config the Proflex2 with the return (Eheim 1262) running on a small shelf just above the third section, and keep the middle section set up as a fuge.
 
Shipping delayed on my Illuminata and stand until the week of 9/28. So, a bit more time to play around with design of the system. Went to Neptune Aquatics in Milpitas. Best LFS I've been to. Everything for the reefer.

Have some macroalgae issues in my 29g reef, bought a silver dollar sized sailfin tang. If I can ever get a decent picture, will post it. He went to work right away on clearing away some nuisance algae. I know the 29g is going to be too small long term, plan to move him to the 57G once the system is set up.
 
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Sailfin Tang

Sailfin Tang

iPhone camera is not the best, coupled with fast moving tang = poor photo quality, but here is the pic of the sailfin tang...
sailfin.jpg
 

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Has anyone ever run their Eheim 1262 outside the sump? My sump Aqueon Proflex Model 2, doesn't have enough space to house a fuge, skimmer, and return pump. I was thinking the only way to incorporate the fuge is to run the return pump outside the sump. The Eheim 1262 is 6" x 8.5", and the third chamber is essentially 9.5" x 10". That would leave about 3 x 9 for a skimmer. That's a pretty lot for a skimmer...

Thanks, Ed

my tank runs on a proflex 2. plenty of room for a (custom) fuge, skimmer, and return
 
Christmas in September...Picked up the system components

Christmas in September...Picked up the system components

RR 57G Rimless Illuminata
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Overflow kit
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Eheim 1262 Pump
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Proflex Model 2 sump
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DJ lighted power strip
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Tech Series 70G stand (has glass doors on three sides)
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Coralife T5HO 4 bulb fixture with lunar LEDs
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Vortech MP10es
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I need to find the final resting place for the new system, and water test the tank and sump this weekend. I'm still eyeballing the SC-150 skimmer.
 
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