A Golden Reef Tank (v2)
- Thread starter halmus
- Start date
tripdad
Frustrated Stick Gardener
Wow, That's a ton of update, glad to see it going well. I'm a fan of your build for many reasons but my main one is because your really going after what you want, including the room decor and woodwork. It's really cool to watch someone execute what was once just a vision into a reality, and so well.
halmus
New member
Xoomer- about the Abyzz pumps: I have obviously spent a lot of money on this system. However, I have still tried to consider the cost/benefit of each component. I don't like spending money just to spend money for fancy gear. For the main returns, I really only want a fixed flow rate so that controllable function of the DC pump would be wasted once it was set. The Dolphin pumps supply all of the flow I need at an impressively low power draw. They seem to have a good reputation for reliability.
I obviously am using Vectras as returns for other sections of the reef but they will be variable based on how many tanks I'm trying to supply. Again, those systems don't justify the price tag in my mind. Maybe in the future I might migrate that direction to cut down on noise. Thanks for following and for the good question.
I obviously am using Vectras as returns for other sections of the reef but they will be variable based on how many tanks I'm trying to supply. Again, those systems don't justify the price tag in my mind. Maybe in the future I might migrate that direction to cut down on noise. Thanks for following and for the good question.
I understand your approach; makes sense.
I am considering the Abyzz in my next build for all of its strong points; its ultra quiet, ultra efficient and has high head, not to mention its tiny by comparison to these old school pumps and it comes with 10 year warranty. The price is little too high for most budgets (including mine) but reading the reviews and seeing the feedback at different fora I get that feeling that it would be the last pump I'd need.
I am considering the Abyzz in my next build for all of its strong points; its ultra quiet, ultra efficient and has high head, not to mention its tiny by comparison to these old school pumps and it comes with 10 year warranty. The price is little too high for most budgets (including mine) but reading the reviews and seeing the feedback at different fora I get that feeling that it would be the last pump I'd need.
karimwassef
Active member
Beautiful build. Great workmanship.
halmus
New member
A Golden Reef Tank (v2)
Thanks James. I owe a lot of inspiration to past builds that others have completed here.
Thanks James. I owe a lot of inspiration to past builds that others have completed here.
halmus
New member
Thanks Karim and Vadajo.
Karim-I've read through parts of your thread. I need to start over and review from the beginning. You've got some major aspirations. I wish you the best with the project. It will be incredible to see come together.
Vadajo- Do you have anything being planned right now or running already? Any build threads? I'm afraid my work would would require more in terms of time than 99% of hobbyists would be willing to tolerate. 300 hours is a conservative estimate of how much time I have in the aquarium and back room and it's still not done. Another 300 hours in the woodwork out front and there are still small things to complete there. That's why the tank was dry for 18+ months.
Karim-I've read through parts of your thread. I need to start over and review from the beginning. You've got some major aspirations. I wish you the best with the project. It will be incredible to see come together.
Vadajo- Do you have anything being planned right now or running already? Any build threads? I'm afraid my work would would require more in terms of time than 99% of hobbyists would be willing to tolerate. 300 hours is a conservative estimate of how much time I have in the aquarium and back room and it's still not done. Another 300 hours in the woodwork out front and there are still small things to complete there. That's why the tank was dry for 18+ months.
karimwassef
Active member
Thanks. Just watch the latest videos - that'll catch you up fast 
I'm still captive to my budget- need to clear under $50k to get started.
I'm still captive to my budget- need to clear under $50k to get started.
halmus
New member
I picked up the Neptune Apex system for the display tank and for the QT systems. I've spent the last month focusing on prepping for and installing these systems. After two days of finishing up minor issues and cleaning the filtration area, I can finally do another pan of the room. I had a few minor issues like a J-Guest fitting leaking due to a misaligned O-ring, I have both the display and QT tanks running on cruise control. Those minor issues are taken care of.
halmus
New member
I built another cabinet for the Energy Bars that support the QT systems. Like a lot of aspects of this build, I've tried to leave things modular and easily modifiable. I still need to build holders for the ReefBreeder light remote controls. They will be mounted on the second panel up. I will eventually add input buttons, switches, and/or output light indicators as needed to these panels that interface to the Apex. For example, I might add a large red "EMERGENCY STOP" button. I will be adding a cheep tablet to the other electronics cabinet that focuses on the display system. I might end up adding a cheep tablet to this cabinet so that I can tweek the QT system quickly and easily. For now, I'm going to spend some time working with things as they are and figure out exactly how I end up using the systems over time before making major changes or additions.
halmus
New member
The large cabinet for misc electronics has been prepped and sealed up. I will be mounting a tablet next to the Apex display head. Long term, I will be interfacing all of the other electronics I plan on building into this cabinet. I purposely built this cabinet larger than needed so that I can easily expand as needed.
I installed some equipment from Avast Marine on the MRC skimmer. I'm really impressed with their products and highly recommend them! I am considering ordering some more of their pressure sensors to use as high/low water level indicators.
I installed some equipment from Avast Marine on the MRC skimmer. I'm really impressed with their products and highly recommend them! I am considering ordering some more of their pressure sensors to use as high/low water level indicators.
I finished the mixing station for now. I made acrylic boxes for the electronics and easy access to the pump controllers. Later on, I will be integrating more electronics into those boxes. For now, they're mostly empty.
Very IMPRESSIVE! In awe of how thought out every part of your build is.
Do you mind providing link for the metal brackets you used to mount acrylic box above? And the shelving you used through out fishroom? Current shelving I have is starting to rust and needs to be replaced.
Look forward to following along with your tanks journey
o2manyfish
o2manyfish
Spectacular project. Awesome skills you have with wood, acrylic, and other materials.
The Fibergrating is awesome stuff. I have been using it for 10+ years. When I build my new wall I am using it for the wall/shelving as well. I don't want anything that rusts or rots.
Great thinking on the whole project - Look forward to seeing this tank mature.
Dave B
The Fibergrating is awesome stuff. I have been using it for 10+ years. When I build my new wall I am using it for the wall/shelving as well. I don't want anything that rusts or rots.
Great thinking on the whole project - Look forward to seeing this tank mature.
Dave B
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