ArizonaReefer's 240 Desert Reef Build Thread

[ArizonaReefer]

What better day to start a build thread and introduce you to our new tank, it’s a 240 84L X 28W X 24H

I’m sure you guys are going to want to see pictures and lots of them. I’ll do the best I can but this is going to be a slow build.

I’m able to put $100 a week aside for equipment so if I want lighting that cost $800 dollars it will be eight weeks until you or I will see them.

It’s important that I do this right and put some thought into it.

So here is the deal, before the tank gets moved in the wife wants me to tile and paint. Must keep the boss happy.

At first I was looking at a 300 (72x36x27) but it was $1100 more than the 240.

Here is my boy Maximus thinking, this is just great another tank that will keep me from going on a walk.

I think I'll lay down here in protest.

Tile is down now for its time for grout, and then paint

That doesn’t mean I can’t put down a little tape, this will not be an in the wall tank just trying to get a feel for the placement.

I’m thinking of having the bottom of the tank even with and up against the knee wall, but may end up moving it more to the center of the room

 

[GlassReef]

Well, you're on your way - thats the important part. Looks like a nice tank. It has a lot of potential. I totally agree, what's important is not how fast you do it, but how well you do it. Good luck and have a lot of fun on the way ....

 

[NaClH20NMYVEIN]

What are your plans for flow and lighting?

 

[ArizonaReefer]

The two overflows have 3/4" returns that I'm thinking of using as input for a closed loop, I have an OM 4-way and a dart on my 120 that will be moved over when the time comes. I'll run the the return from the sump and the OM over the top from the behind the tank.

For lighting I'm thinking three "Lumen Bright 3 DE HQI PENDANT by CoralVue" with "Lumatek 250W/120V Digital Ballast"

 

[ArizonaReefer]

I'm far from being ready for rock but I could not pass up a good deal, I got 125lbs for $100

And here is some rock from my current 120 that will reseed the rock above.

Here is an after I moved some rock from the main display to the sump to free up
some space for the fish to swim

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Do I dare consider drilling the back of the tank for a Closed Loop, My org plan was to come over the top.

I just really scared of a costly mistake.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Here is the plan for the stand.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Do you have lumenbrights on your current tank?
If so what do you think of them?

 

[ArizonaReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14181303#post14181303 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjk_reef00
Do you have lumenbrights on your current tank?
If so what do you think of them?

No, I have Tek-Lightâ"žÂ¢ T5 8X54watts

 

[jgs107]

nice start.what bulb combo do you have on your current tank.thanks

jason

 

[ArizonaReefer]

I have a mixture of

(URI) 12000K Actinic White
&
(URI) Super Actinic (actinic blue)

The fixture is OK but they just don't have the shimmer that you get from halides.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Here is a picture of my new ReeFlo Orca 250 with a Orca needle wheel pump getting a vinegar bath. I picked it up for a fellow reefer who's downsizing.


Specifications:

* Watt Draw: 120 watts
* System Capability (gallons): 200 - 800
* Air Flow: 1,950 liters per hour
* Recommended Water Flow: 400-600 gph
* Footprint: 16" x 20"
* Diameter: 11.8"
* Height: 32"

 

[Elliott]

very nice skimmer, I think you will really like the performance, there are several supportive threads here on it

 

[ArizonaReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14066662#post14066662 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ArizonaReefer
The two overflows have 3/4" returns that I'm thinking of using as input for a closed loop, I have an OM 4-way and a dart on my 120 that will be moved over when the time comes

After talking to Paul of OM it was easily decided that my idea would not work, he said I would need at least five 3/4" feeds for the input to the dart.

He sent me a link showing how to come up over the top, as shown in this picture.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Found a brand new Dart from a local reefer for $150, Thanks Scott

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Here is another little something that I scored recently. This will really help my do a better job on my cabinet and hood, I hope.

 

[Lowredranger]

Looking good.

I am glad you posted a pic of your stand now i don't have to figure out how to draw one for my 280. Is the bottom of the stand flat all around not sure according to the pic looks like it has squares at the bottom?

I wish i had that Orca 250 i am gonna have to start with the 200 i bought from a buddy moving.

Will be following closely will be picking up my tank saturday.

Jason

 

[jgs107]

sent pm

 

[ArizonaReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14258399#post14258399 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lowredranger
Is the bottom of the stand flat all around not sure according to the pic looks like it has squares at the bottom?

Jason

In this design the bottom does have a sheet of plywood on it. My thoughts are to use waterproof paint/sealer so that any water spillage will be contained.

The squares on the bottom are separate pieces that will be screwed on, my thought are that the tile that the stand will rest on may not be level across the span of 84" and this pads will raise it up an little.

Can someone chime in if they think this could cause issues?

 

[ArizonaReefer]

I have a thought of having a platform that the lights rest on instead of hanging them. I think this would keep the heat that comes off the actual fixture outside and above the tank.

Do you think this would be a good idea?