Aquatics Elite
Registered Member
Tank looks great Dusty! Glad everything is coming together again.
A Customdusty Rimless Build
- Thread starter customdusty
- Start date
customdusty
New member
Thanks jbanks, I appreciate it.
customdusty
New member
Thanks, although it still has a long way to go.
customdusty
New member
Re: A Customdusty Rimless Build
It is a radiant wrasse, really a neat fish and one of the few that survived through everything that happened in my case.
jbanks said:
It is a radiant wrasse, really a neat fish and one of the few that survived through everything that happened in my case.
customdusty
New member
Just an update to share now that I've had some time now to get used to the new Sfiligoi fixture. Obviously from an aesthetic perspective, the fixture is really sweet - I find at times that I am looking at the fixture more than the inhabitants of my tank! I really like the look, I'm happy with the color and size, and the corals are starting to adjust. My LPS and softies seem much happier with the T5 lighting, and my SPS have paled a bit and will probably take a bit longer to become acclimated to the new lighting.
One thing I believe I overlooked and that I am growing more unhappy with at this time is how the 4 point hanging kit works with the 2 hanging arms. Because of the unadjustable triangle shape formed by the two contact points on the fixture that go to one point on the hanging arm, the remaining distance is too short to allow me to raise and lower the fixture. This renders the fixture at a permanent, fixed height and location. This really stinks from a maintenance/tank access perspective as it leaves little space to access the tank. Because the fixture is 20" wide, and my tank 24", it only leaves 1.5 inches in the front to reach in - and unfortunately my hands and arms are much larger than 1.5 inches. It is even difficult to use a long handled algae scraper to clean the glass, let alone reach anywhere in the tank. Access to mount new corals and replacing corals that have been broken off of rock (due to me struggling to manuever inside the tank) is extremely limited. This is incredibly frustrating.
Overall, this has really impacted my maintenance routine, which I can definitely say is slowly taking its toll on the tank. I'm just not sure at this time that this fixture/hanging set-up is right for me - something is going to have to change. I'm open to any advice anybody has, but here is what I feel my current options are:
1) Drain the tank and move it, remove the hanging arms, and design some type of wall mounted hanging system that is higher above the tank and will allow me to raise the fixture. (Needless to say, a huge project I'd rather not do.)
2) Sell the fixture and get something else that is more condusive to my mounting method.(Easy way out.)
3) Do nothing, continue to be frustrated and complain as well as continue to slack off.
Decisions, decisions. I just don't think I can settle for option 3.
One thing I believe I overlooked and that I am growing more unhappy with at this time is how the 4 point hanging kit works with the 2 hanging arms. Because of the unadjustable triangle shape formed by the two contact points on the fixture that go to one point on the hanging arm, the remaining distance is too short to allow me to raise and lower the fixture. This renders the fixture at a permanent, fixed height and location. This really stinks from a maintenance/tank access perspective as it leaves little space to access the tank. Because the fixture is 20" wide, and my tank 24", it only leaves 1.5 inches in the front to reach in - and unfortunately my hands and arms are much larger than 1.5 inches. It is even difficult to use a long handled algae scraper to clean the glass, let alone reach anywhere in the tank. Access to mount new corals and replacing corals that have been broken off of rock (due to me struggling to manuever inside the tank) is extremely limited. This is incredibly frustrating.
Overall, this has really impacted my maintenance routine, which I can definitely say is slowly taking its toll on the tank. I'm just not sure at this time that this fixture/hanging set-up is right for me - something is going to have to change. I'm open to any advice anybody has, but here is what I feel my current options are:
1) Drain the tank and move it, remove the hanging arms, and design some type of wall mounted hanging system that is higher above the tank and will allow me to raise the fixture. (Needless to say, a huge project I'd rather not do.)
2) Sell the fixture and get something else that is more condusive to my mounting method.(Easy way out.)
3) Do nothing, continue to be frustrated and complain as well as continue to slack off.
Decisions, decisions. I just don't think I can settle for option 3.
Aquatics Elite
Registered Member
Here is a very simple solution to your problem. Unscrew the end plate and slide out the hanging loops from within the tracks. Cut a few inches of one end of each to reduce the height of the triangle to be more suitable. Purchase two new wire clamps(crimp/compression type) and clamp the new stop to the end of the wire.
customdusty
New member
I thought about that, but in order to create enough of a distance for it to be worthwhile I would have to cut out almost all of the triangle. I think at some point it would become too difficult to keep the fixture stable if that triangle is cut to be too shallow, in addition to the high stress that would be put on the cable and connectors to the fixture. As the triangle becomes shorter, the less robust the whole system becomes.
Last edited:
customdusty
New member
Not really, the ceiling is 19 ft high.
customdusty
New member
Thought about the arms on the wall too, but the are pre-made to extend over and be centered on a 24" tank. If I mount them to the wall, they won't stick out far enough and the light will hang over my overflow box back wall of the tank. Maybe I could use spacers or something. Either way, I'd have to drain and disconnect the tank to move it.
customdusty
New member
I figured I was due for an update, as I usually feel I am due for after tinkering around with the tank for an entire weekend.
Pictures will be coming soon, but my Elos Mini is up and running. I went with about 20 lbs of sand and 15 lbs of live rock, which are currently in the tank cycling. I equipped the tank with a 70w HQI clamp on light, made by JBJ. This provides a nice shimmer and a good aesthetic look for the tank, although I purchased it with the intent that it would be insufficient for corals and prevent me from turning this tank into a second reef. Again, the intent for this tank is to be an "observation" tank for all new fish additions. Since I did have an ich outbreak with ran through my tank like a wild fire, I vowed to not repeat that experience and practice proper quarrantine, along with hosiptal tanks, etc. The set-up for this tank at this time is very simple, but it could certainly use a few upgrades along the way once it is cycled and ready to starting supporting inhabitants. Right now, the it is simply a light, heater, and return pump. I stuck a MaxiJet in the tank as a make shift powerhead, this will eventually be replaced by a Vortech MP10 or something of that nature. The Elos skimmer has proven to be a challenge in itself, and is currently not powered up. I can't seem to dial this thing in and get it working properly - it either does nothing and creates little to no bubbles, or overflows. I think I am going to scrap it and go with a Tunze Nano skimmer long term, or perhaps just go the skimmerless route. Only time will tell. The last piece of the puzzle I am missing right now is an auto-top off. You really don't appreciate these things until you don't have one. I really need to figure out a place to keep a fresh water reservoir before I can get the ATO. There just isn't space in the stand or near the tank to place something, I'll have to get creative here. In addition to this "observation" tank, I have put together the necessary pieces for a hospital tank. This includes a heater, sponge filter, powerhead, and some PVC. Although it won't stay up all the time, I have made a space for it in the "fish closet" where doing water changes with old water from the main tank will be easy, and likewise will keep it out of sight.
Now onto the main tank, which I re-aquascaped this weekend. Mainly, I did this in an effort to move the large leather toadstool that is in the back of the left island. This large softie has gotten big enough where it began shadowing about a dozen other corals, and actually I believe was struggling just a bit with the new T5 lighting being a bit too intense. (I took the opportunity to get some rough measurements on it and it stands roughly 14" tall, 15" in diameter, and the trunk/stem of it is nearly the size of my forearm.) Not wanting to get rid of it, I dug out the sand bed in the back left corner and buried it nearly as deep as I could (only a couple of inches) to shorten the height while also moving it as far into the corner as possible. This changed the balance of the tank from being two nearly symetrical islands to being a small island nearly touching the left side of the tank, a visible gap about 1/3 of the way from the left side, and a larger and now slightly taller island that starts at roughly where the old left island ended and goes to roughly the same spot on the right. Although I moved quite a bit around, I believe it gives the tank a more filled in look while still maintaining the minimalistic and shallow look. I also created a significant amount of hiding places for fish that simply didn't exist before, in addition to consolidating space to expose areas of rock that are begging to be covered with coral. It will take some getting used to, but I am generally happy with how it turned out. It definitely looks more my own than did the two island look, which is becoming increasingly popular due to the success of SunnyX's tank (my inspiration) and others on the rise like Reefsahoy's among many others.
Lastly, on the situation with the Sfiligoi light and my trouble with not being able to adjust it. I came to the determination that I probably fuss around in the tank more than I often need to, and therefore I am making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. Although very annoying and burdensome with my normal activity, I figured that the factors that make you successful in this hobby do not revolve around whether or not you can raise or lower your light fixture. In order to do the re-aquascaping work this weekend I did need to disconnect and remove the light, but it made it quite difficult to see where I wanted to place stuff - but it was manageable. I think that in general, perhaps this will teach me to go in the tank only when I have to, and to make the best use of the opportunity when doing so rather than comfortably going in whenever I feel like it.
I'll post some pictures soon once the dust settles, and as always, thanks for following along!
Pictures will be coming soon, but my Elos Mini is up and running. I went with about 20 lbs of sand and 15 lbs of live rock, which are currently in the tank cycling. I equipped the tank with a 70w HQI clamp on light, made by JBJ. This provides a nice shimmer and a good aesthetic look for the tank, although I purchased it with the intent that it would be insufficient for corals and prevent me from turning this tank into a second reef. Again, the intent for this tank is to be an "observation" tank for all new fish additions. Since I did have an ich outbreak with ran through my tank like a wild fire, I vowed to not repeat that experience and practice proper quarrantine, along with hosiptal tanks, etc. The set-up for this tank at this time is very simple, but it could certainly use a few upgrades along the way once it is cycled and ready to starting supporting inhabitants. Right now, the it is simply a light, heater, and return pump. I stuck a MaxiJet in the tank as a make shift powerhead, this will eventually be replaced by a Vortech MP10 or something of that nature. The Elos skimmer has proven to be a challenge in itself, and is currently not powered up. I can't seem to dial this thing in and get it working properly - it either does nothing and creates little to no bubbles, or overflows. I think I am going to scrap it and go with a Tunze Nano skimmer long term, or perhaps just go the skimmerless route. Only time will tell. The last piece of the puzzle I am missing right now is an auto-top off. You really don't appreciate these things until you don't have one. I really need to figure out a place to keep a fresh water reservoir before I can get the ATO. There just isn't space in the stand or near the tank to place something, I'll have to get creative here. In addition to this "observation" tank, I have put together the necessary pieces for a hospital tank. This includes a heater, sponge filter, powerhead, and some PVC. Although it won't stay up all the time, I have made a space for it in the "fish closet" where doing water changes with old water from the main tank will be easy, and likewise will keep it out of sight.
Now onto the main tank, which I re-aquascaped this weekend. Mainly, I did this in an effort to move the large leather toadstool that is in the back of the left island. This large softie has gotten big enough where it began shadowing about a dozen other corals, and actually I believe was struggling just a bit with the new T5 lighting being a bit too intense. (I took the opportunity to get some rough measurements on it and it stands roughly 14" tall, 15" in diameter, and the trunk/stem of it is nearly the size of my forearm.) Not wanting to get rid of it, I dug out the sand bed in the back left corner and buried it nearly as deep as I could (only a couple of inches) to shorten the height while also moving it as far into the corner as possible. This changed the balance of the tank from being two nearly symetrical islands to being a small island nearly touching the left side of the tank, a visible gap about 1/3 of the way from the left side, and a larger and now slightly taller island that starts at roughly where the old left island ended and goes to roughly the same spot on the right. Although I moved quite a bit around, I believe it gives the tank a more filled in look while still maintaining the minimalistic and shallow look. I also created a significant amount of hiding places for fish that simply didn't exist before, in addition to consolidating space to expose areas of rock that are begging to be covered with coral. It will take some getting used to, but I am generally happy with how it turned out. It definitely looks more my own than did the two island look, which is becoming increasingly popular due to the success of SunnyX's tank (my inspiration) and others on the rise like Reefsahoy's among many others.
Lastly, on the situation with the Sfiligoi light and my trouble with not being able to adjust it. I came to the determination that I probably fuss around in the tank more than I often need to, and therefore I am making a bigger deal out of this than necessary. Although very annoying and burdensome with my normal activity, I figured that the factors that make you successful in this hobby do not revolve around whether or not you can raise or lower your light fixture. In order to do the re-aquascaping work this weekend I did need to disconnect and remove the light, but it made it quite difficult to see where I wanted to place stuff - but it was manageable. I think that in general, perhaps this will teach me to go in the tank only when I have to, and to make the best use of the opportunity when doing so rather than comfortably going in whenever I feel like it.
I'll post some pictures soon once the dust settles, and as always, thanks for following along!
customdusty
New member
One thing I wanted to add as I didn't want to cast their products in the wrong light.
Generally speaking, the Elos system is absolutely incredible in terms of its build quality, high end materials and finish, and well thought functional design. The starphire glass and rimless tank is just amazing in itself.
Although also well executed, the skimmer is difficult to understand because it works just slightly different than other skimmers, and adjusting it is very difficult because there are several variables that need to be balanced in order to get it to work properly.
I am getting closer on adjusting it, there is just a bit of a learning curve.
Generally speaking, the Elos system is absolutely incredible in terms of its build quality, high end materials and finish, and well thought functional design. The starphire glass and rimless tank is just amazing in itself.
Although also well executed, the skimmer is difficult to understand because it works just slightly different than other skimmers, and adjusting it is very difficult because there are several variables that need to be balanced in order to get it to work properly.
I am getting closer on adjusting it, there is just a bit of a learning curve.
customdusty
New member
Sorry, I've been travelling and super busy lately - just not enough time to get on here.
Everything with the light is going well. I'll try and get some new pictures posted this weekend. I still can't seem to get my camera to take a picture that really shows the true color - I'm still trying to figure that out. It's frustrating because the color combo is amazing, and I'd like to be able to share it.
customdusty
New member
customdusty
New member
Angled Shot
My favorite bulb combo shot....
My favorite bulb combo shot....
customdusty
New member
customdusty
New member
I also wanted to post a quick update on my current routine as of the last couple months:
Currently I am running my daylight t5 bulbs from 2:00-8:00, and the blue/red combo from 4:30-10:30. A majority of the day, I only have 8 of the 39w bulbs running with the full 12 only on for a couple of hours.
I dose Bulk Reef Supply 2 Part Calcium and Alkalinity via Bulk Reef Supply Dosing Pumps controlled by my Apex. I add roughly 80ml each daily, and I do not use magnesium right now. These keeps my pH at about 7.9-8.1, depending on CO2 levels (seasonal), calcium at about 480, alkalinity at 9dkh. Magnesium tests really high most of the time, high enough where I don't waste the drops anymore.
I feed every other day with Cyclop-eeze and Rod's or baby brine, just enough to try and baste the duncans and let the few fish goggle up the rest. I typically turn off my Vortech's for a half hour then run a long alternating pulse program to stir the food and let it settle on the corals over and over again.
I'm currently doing a 20% water change about every week with Reef Crystals and maintain 1.027. I take 5 gallons of water from the DT and use it in a water 25% water change on my Elos Mini.
For additives, I am currently dosing 5 drops of MicroBacter7 daily. At some point I intend on starting vodka dosing again, so I want to really understand the MB7 first before I compound matters.
And I don't do much more than that. My goal was to have a simple system and routine, and I think I am very close to that. Hopefully my results will be positive, I am anxious to see how the growth is with the new light.
Currently I am running my daylight t5 bulbs from 2:00-8:00, and the blue/red combo from 4:30-10:30. A majority of the day, I only have 8 of the 39w bulbs running with the full 12 only on for a couple of hours.
I dose Bulk Reef Supply 2 Part Calcium and Alkalinity via Bulk Reef Supply Dosing Pumps controlled by my Apex. I add roughly 80ml each daily, and I do not use magnesium right now. These keeps my pH at about 7.9-8.1, depending on CO2 levels (seasonal), calcium at about 480, alkalinity at 9dkh. Magnesium tests really high most of the time, high enough where I don't waste the drops anymore.
I feed every other day with Cyclop-eeze and Rod's or baby brine, just enough to try and baste the duncans and let the few fish goggle up the rest. I typically turn off my Vortech's for a half hour then run a long alternating pulse program to stir the food and let it settle on the corals over and over again.
I'm currently doing a 20% water change about every week with Reef Crystals and maintain 1.027. I take 5 gallons of water from the DT and use it in a water 25% water change on my Elos Mini.
For additives, I am currently dosing 5 drops of MicroBacter7 daily. At some point I intend on starting vodka dosing again, so I want to really understand the MB7 first before I compound matters.
And I don't do much more than that. My goal was to have a simple system and routine, and I think I am very close to that. Hopefully my results will be positive, I am anxious to see how the growth is with the new light.
