A Reef Tank in the Desert - +/- 1,400 gallon system

[danfeig]

So if I understand this right, one drain is apart of the closed loop system feeding the bottom returns. The other drains are what flow through the sump and rest of the system?

Correct. For my "Closed Loop" water is pulled into my dart from the overflow on the end of my tank. It is pushed out from the lock line in the bottom of my tank. My center overflow drops water into the far end of my sump. On the opposite end, water is pulled into another dart and pushed out of the lock line on top.

Hope that helps!

 

[danfeig]

I thought I read something about you starting a new venture!


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Hey Steve, you are 90% correct. Not so much of a venture as an investment.

A while back I leased some space in one of my retail centers to my LFS for a second location. I spent several thousand dollars on cabinetry, signs, flooring, etc. Unfortunately, they got themselves into financial problems before they ever opened.

So, I became stuck with a store filled with aquariums, nice cabinetry, a non-performing lease, etc. and I ended up being forced to exercise my Landlord's rights, which is never a pleasant experience. Fortunately, everyone was understanding. Now I had a choice: Sell everything, cut my losses and lease the space to another business, or get a little creative.

Before I got the chance to do either, I was approached by someone that wanted to open the LFS in that location. We spent time together discussing the business, disappointments that I and fellow local reefers had with our existing LFS's and were very like minded. I want to have a LFS that follows the same or similar procedures on it's tanks, as I do on my own at home. Proper quarantining, proper acclimations, the use of Ozone, UV, ATO's, hospital tanks, etc. A store that would make custom orders and would be a "one stop" place with pumps, plumbing fixtures... Everything!

I figured that the only way I would get what I want in an LFS was to provide the capital necessary and so I agreed to back this young man that will be an owner/operator of what will be the best LFS in Arizona!

There was one major, major condition (besides the strict policies). I am not going to run a LFS or business. I love the hobby too much and don't want to lose that "love." It's an investment, just like any other investments that I do. I am not going to be promoting the business or any of its products online. I hope that no one asks me to order anything or check on prices... The answer is "No" and "I can't!" I am not even going to mention the name, unless they start advertising on Reef Central!

 

[reef_of_flames]

I noticed a cleaner wrasse in one of your pics Dan. You think it's helped your tangs with any possible ich outbreaks?

 

[danfeig]

Does FexEx friday have any plans for a DaStaCo calcium reactor?
Looks like an amazing piece of equipment:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2132682

Ed, there is no plans to do so, although it looks like an amazing system!

Believe it or not, I am still dosing and things are really rockin!!! Why change things if they aren't broken???

 

[danfeig]

looking great

Thanks David!!!

LED lighting can grow SPS

THAT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!!! The growth that I received with my Radions and now my Radion Pro units is just simply outstanding!

 

[danfeig]

That's pimpin and yes you are sir with those SPS colonies.

Thanks pal!

I am going to consider that as a compliment~ I have been called a "Dude" in the forum and now I am "pimpin!" :lolspin:

 

[danfeig]

lmao, I thought I was a lone reefer, guess not. where im at in the mountains, internet is provided by DSL. and the lowest DSL available at that. any time any post a vid I get sour cause I cant even watch it. takes to long to upload lol....

It's going to get better. I am going to be upgrading a router and increasing some bandwidth!

 

[ERivera65]

Dan, you are truly a pioneer and if i lived in arizona, i would only buy at your place. All the skills and procedures you practice sells me. A local fish store that quarantines their livestock correctly will have way higher success rates with livestock than most stores period. I'm sure customers will feel great and assured about buying quality and treated livestock. One HUGE plus in my opinion.

 

[danfeig]

You have a beautiful tank. =)

Thank you MarineGirl!

I enjoy it beyond words!

 

[dca22anderson]

Your SPS colonies look fantastic Dan! Well done buddy!!! :beer:

 

[danfeig]

wow, can't wait to see the upgrade :eek2:...i wonder whos upgrade build will see water first, you or Newbie Aquarist? :spin3:

Wow dude really putting the pressure on huh?

I def saw this comin! Mayby double up to a 2800 gallon total volume? Now that you have such a large system could you ever downgrade to somethin small again? Like a 120 or anything 4'?

I bet SWMBO inst around huh?:lol2::debi:

Guys,

THERE IS NO NEW BUILD!!!! I said maybe someday, but certainly not in the near future. Perhaps someday when the kids are out of the house or if my wife and I downsized and built a new house...

The question one has to ask though... in a few years if I did do a new build, would I beat Wayne to the finish line???

 

[danfeig]

Finally!!! It took days but I finished reading the entire thread. This is the best thread I have ever read. To me the best part is that your family is part of the odyssey, especially the basketball/Vegas trip which was like a great side story you allowed us to join. The trip to FL where everyone found something they liked was great as well.

Amazing family and tank!

Thank you RJT. I really appreciate the compliments! I try to keep the family as interested as possible. My son is always willing to come with me to new stores. I drag him to different LFS' where ever we go. He has been to many shops here in the states, in Israel, Spain, London, Amsterdam, Italy....

The thread will be continuing. I am always making changes and updates!

 

[worm5406]

Guys,

The question one has to ask though... in a few years if I did do a new build, would I beat Wayne to the finish line???

Yes

 

[danfeig]

How about some Fish Pics!!!

How about some Fish Pics!!!

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[SPotter]

Guys,

THERE IS NO NEW BUILD!!!! I said maybe someday, but certainly not in the near future. Perhaps someday when the kids are out of the house or if my wife and I downsized and built a new house...

The question one has to ask though... in a few years if I did do a new build, would I beat Wayne to the finish line???

hmmmm.....yes

 

[danfeig]

And Some More Fish Pics

And Some More Fish Pics

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[danfeig]

Not Done Yet...

Not Done Yet...

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[aquaph8]

I love that first pic, that's a lotta fish

 

[Adamc1303]

Dan the tank looks really good! I am having an issue keeping my alk up in my tank. I have my calcium reactor effluent valve fully open and i'm melting the media at 6.45 which is pretty aggressive. I am using an octopus reactor which holds 40 lb of media and I run the largest kalk stirrer that deltec makes. What are you doing to keep up with demands on your system, a doser or reactor?

Thanks,

Adam

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

THERE IS NO NEW BUILDThe question one has to ask though... in a few years if I did do a new build, would I beat Wayne to the finish line???

Yes

Haters