75g Reef Build

[kevin95695]

This is as much to figure out if I can link to a pic here on RC as it is to get feedback on my new 75g reef build project.

If this pic links correctly, you should see the tank after a preliminary cleaning in it's original configuration -- Before I started modding it.

Yes, that is a sock in my tank and I'm happy to see you.

Thanks to edsimmons for the photobucket help and MANY thanks to KMP for the inspiration and help lugging this tank to my house.

TANKENSTEIN PROTOREEF! IT'S ALIIIVE!

 

[kevin95695]

Here is the next step in the process. I've removed the canopy lid and stand doors. I built a riser out of matching oak to stack on the canopy to allow room for reef lighting & gadgets. This is v1.0 of that mod. I think it will make the canopy look a little too tall in the end, so after I get my lighting set I'll know how much clearance I need and can 'rip' the riser down to the appropriate aesthetic height.

I have since removed the front board of the riser and attached it to the canopy lid. (So I can actually reach down into the tank). I'm waiting for some gas struts I got cheap on ebay before I paint the whole mess and reassemble.

 

[xia]

Looks like what I did to my old 140.

 

[xia]

Yeah I did have to get a step ladder and a long reach grabber after doing that. That's why my current tank is much more shallow.

You'll need at least 500 posts before you can change that label and 100 posts to customize your avatar pic.

 

[kevin95695]

Thanks. Wha' happen' to your 'old' 140?

I didn't want to stand on a ladder and then only reach partially into the tank... So the front board of the riser will clamshell up and away with the lid. Fit isn't as tight, but with black paint: Hardly noticeable.

Struts came in today -- Way too strong. Can't possibly close the lid. Went down to truck parts place and traded for some 28lb struts. Hopefully the lid won't keep popping open. Any advice on how to orient the struts? Tonight I'm laying out the 12v 80mm computer fans I 'liberated' from old hardware and I'm scrounging for a 12v transformer to power them. I plan to put 3 fans in the lid pushing air up and out. Will solder them together w/inline fuse. So far I've only come up w/9v output t'former.

I also don't have a slab house, so soon I'm going to crawl under and see if I can wedge some concrete piers under the floor joists to protect against sag, crick, BANG, sploosh, drip, drip, drip.

 

[Reefugee]

Hey Kevin,

I have a some (30lbs?) dry base/shelf rock that I have been saving for the day when I build my 55G. But I really don't need the expense of another tank. If you like the base rock, you're welcome to them. You can start curing the rock now so that they become live rock.

Minh

 

[kevin95695]

Minh, THANKS. I hope to see you either in carpool to the MARS meeting or the following day at BRIAN PRESTWOOD's place. I'll take you up on the offer. If there is any way I can return the favor, please let me know.

One odd thing I've discovered about this hobby (reefkeeping) is that there is a high degree of 'reciprocity'. If you have patience and an open mind, you can sooner or later trade for just about anything and most other hobbyists can't wait to help you get started.

I'm hooked.

 

[KMP]

kevin, that's pretty neat!

is the lower portion of the hood the color you are going to stain/paint?

dang, that mod-bug is coming alive. i need to sell my truck

 

[Reefugee]

Kevin,

You live close enough to me that we can arrange a time for me either to drop it off or for you to pick it up.

Minh

 

[kevin95695]

KMP! Reef inspirer!

Yep, if you mean the lower black section: Rust-oleum, 'American Accents', 'Canyon Black' in Satin finish. I'm trying to stick to that one finish so I can have a uniform look.

You were lookin' for an "Espresso" finish, right?

Minh: I have a 40g rubbermaid rollin' w/heater & maxi-jet, filled w/RO H20. I plan to mix up as SW shortly. My wife is out of town and the next couple of days/nights are mostly herding kids when I'm not at work. Even so - my kids are as much fish dorks as I am. Just name it. THANK YOU AGAIN!

 

[KMP]

that looks nice kevin. yes - as of lately i'm an espresso finish guy. when you get the rest of that stained up she's going to look great! i have to come by and see it pretty soon.

 

[kevin95695]

I'm havin' a blast trying to DIY a bunch of stuff on the cheap. One thing I'll likely blow money on though is lighting. I'm lurking for a used 48" rig, but I'm toying with the idea of ordering a "you design it" light rig w/MH HQI + 50/50 actinics. Any advice?

 

[KMP]

i had a buddy in the truck club that picked up a 98 or so Ford Ranger for $100. he detailed it and from there on out every "mod" was a budget mod. $30 for stereo, $15 for floor mats, $10 for antenna, home built tonneau, etc. there's a lot of satisfaction and pride creating something on a budget.

48" lights, here's a few:

448watts (5.9 per gallon) - 36"

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=334

692watts (9.2 per gallon) - 48"

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=307

760watts (10.1 per gallon) - 48"

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=333



These guys are in Sacramento and can custom build what you want:

342watts - (4.5 per gallon)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Metal-Halide-po...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

442watts - (5.8per gallon)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Metal-Halide-po...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


All these lights have great prices compared to other lights with the same specs. I'd be curious to hear what folks say about Odyssea - they are half the price of other brands - makes me wonder why we don't read more about them.

Someting else to consider, you may want to go w/36" instead of 48" unless you've measured under the canopy to see if you have at least 49" clearance. Just a suggestion - we know how some folks have difficulty measuring

 

[kevin95695]

For status, see attached pic. Leaning to aquatraders per KMP's link... I know, I know: "You get what you pay for." But I've followed threads, etc. and it sounds to me like even if I have an 'off' experience, it sounds like they're using mostly off the shelf stuff that I could mod/upgrade and still come out 'in the money'.

This weekend I plan to 'rip' the top riser down so it's equal height to the bottom stock riser. Then I'll install spring struts from the RV dude in town for lift and keeping canopy open. Next would be to drill and install an exhaust fan array. Finally, sand and paint the whole assembly. When that's all finished I can begin to douche the tank/sump config, sand/paint the stand and begin to pre-assemble.

I have to figure out where to put the 29g (now FW, future reef QT), then move the 55g FW to where the 29g wuz, then when the 75g is ready (finally) begin install.

I have 48-3/4" to play in for the 75g light slot...

 

[KMP]

Kevins said: "I have 48-3/4" to play in for the 75g light slot..."


I once knew a guy that found a great deal on a fish thank. We were heading out one morning to pick it up - expecting to see his V10 Dodge pull up I was surprised to see he brought the Honda SUV instead. I kinda looked sideways at him, and he assured me he had enough space - even showed me a diagram where he measured it all out. Long story short - we got it all home in one trip although he doesn't dare to tell his wife how

That said, if the light doesn't fit under that canopy, you can always cut a few holes in either side or cut the ends of the light - right

 

[kevin95695]

ROTFLMAO.

KMP you know me.

 

[Dave E]

Kevin/KMP

I have the Aquatrader 48"Odyssea! 1.5 years old.

There is a fellow reefer that says (buy cheap buy twice) and that is what you get with this fixture IMO.

I have mine setting in my hood and a very large ballast box that has to set on top due to size and heat.The bulbs are 175 double ended 20k.the reflector is very cheap.the PCs mounted in the unit are at a angle so I lose some light out the front.

I will be changing my lighting soon and going with a retro kit that I can install in the top of my hood and going with a mogal type bulb.

Again I got what I paid for..

Dave

 

[Reefugee]

Dave,

I agree with you. When you buy cheap, you'll buy twice. But that *could* also be true for expensive things. ;-)

Minh

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9207900#post9207900 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Dave E

There is a fellow reefer that says (buy cheap buy twice) and that is what you get with this fixture IMO.

 

[Dave E]

Minh,

Your right cost is not always the factor!


Dave

 

[kevin95695]

Oh man, I'm gonna have to buy a bag of 'Depends' if I get any more stoked about this build... The canopy is really coming together. Pics soon.