Building My 375gal Glass Reef

[Elliott]

I have a closed loop with 4 eductors run by the following:

Iwaki MX-250 with baldor 1/2 hp 230V 3-phase motor

Seimens 1/2 hp variable frequency drive with 200-240 volt single phase input and 3-phase output

repeat cycle timing relay, wired to the variable frequency drive. It automatically signals the vfd to "Ramp up" and "Ramp down" the pump rpm over time intervals of a few seconds to a few minutes. Ramp up-ramp down time is adjustable on the timing relay. This creates a wave surge every time the pump rpm peaks and then a quieter period as the pump rpm drops

Though the 1/2 hp pump is large it's only running at peak for 10 seconds and is off for 5 seconds between cycles. Current draw goes up and down with each ramp up and down. So the net draw is actually less than a DART. The result is very similar to ocean current that I have felt when diving

 

[GlassReef]

Thanks Elliot - that sounds fantastic. I originally wanted to go in that direction, but I couldn't find enough info to make me feel comfortable with applying the technology to a saltwater tank. Obviously, I should have done more research. In any case, congratulations on what sounds like a great setup.

Do you have a build or info thread?

 

[Elliott]

thanks Tom, no time for a thread, not really enough time for this Hobby unfortunately, lots of fun nevertheless

 

[mflamb]

Tom, it was a pleasure meeting you this evening. I'm really enjoying the great details posted in your thread, and looking forward to seeing it all in person.
Mike

 

[GlassReef]

Hey Mike - great meeting and the pleasure was all mine! I really enjoyed Jim's presentation - interesting stuff.

 

[edandsandy]

GlassReef,
how is the leveling of the stand going?

 

[Steven M]

Looking good. Thanks for the ride. When your ready you can stop by for frags.
Steve

 

[GlassReef]

Steven M (Looking good. Thanks for the ride.) - thank you and your most welcome - any time. I enjoyed our discussions.

edandsandy (how is the leveling of the stand going?) - well I went down to Home Depot and bought some 1/8" aluminum bar stock. Stopped by at Wally World on the way home and picked up some plastic playing cards. Cut the aluminum up into 1 1/2" lengths and the cards into similar sized pieces. Went around the stand about 100 time adjusting this and adjusting that. Finally got it to the point that it seems level and flat and not twisted. Guess I'll see how well I did when the tank gets here and I pump 4000lbs of water into it.

 

[ReefEnabler]

Great build man.... I'm really impressed so far. Especially that light rack with all of the disconnects that you built, it's very nice!

I'll be along for the ride. I still haven't read every post, just did a cursory lookover, but I look forward to soon reading everything since I'm sure there will be lots of goodies in here.

 

[i2ik]

Top notch setup! Clean and simple! Cant beat that Will be watching this thread closely

 

[mflamb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13530715#post13530715 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
Hey Mike - great meeting and the pleasure was all mine! I really enjoyed Jim's presentation - interesting stuff.

I can't wait to get my Quantum meter and try some testing myself.

 

[GlassReef]

mflamb - mostly, my decision to buy the Apogee was based on my purchase of the four LumenBright reflectors in am using. I was worried that they would "funnel" the light too tightly and not sufficiently cover my tank's 36" depth (front to back). Testing with the meter has shown that, beginning at a bulb height of 16", light spread is fine. Boy, what a relief.

 

[GlassReef]

ReefEnabler, i2ik - thanks for the compliments. I'll be adding more very soon.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

Wow man, fantastic build. Very humbling lol.

 

[EriksReptiles]

That light rack is amazing!

I used that aluminum tubing to make a custom reptile cage! Awesome stuff!

Thanks Erik

 

[PaulieWalnuts]

that light rack is sweet along with everything else wish i has skills like that.

 

[JRaquatics]

Any more updates? I really enjoyed going through your build and dig how clean and professional everything is. Can't wait till you get the tank set up. Great Job so far.

 

[GlassReef]

thechad21, EriksReptiles, PaulieWalnuts - thanks for all the kind words. Helps to make all the work worth the effort!

JRaquatics - hey, Jeremy. Thanks - appreciate the comments.

Well - I just bought another Orca 250 from Mike (ReefSpecialty.com) - with custom cup and needle wheel, of course. I figured with the number of fish I plan to have, I better make sure I get the crud out of the tank as quickly as possible - and what could do that better than two Orcas. I ordered six 120mm fans for my light rack. I'm going to be using three on each end. While I've gotcha on the line, what's your recommendation on flow direction? (I'd appreciate feedback from everyone)

I'll be documenting the installation of the fans into the rack in the next couple of days.

 

[TRITON1]

Wow two Reeflos.......How many fish DO you plan of having?

 

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13552896#post13552896 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TRITON1
Wow two Reeflos.......How many fish DO you plan of having?

Well, I'm far from making a final decision - but I'm thinking around 5-7 large Tangs, 2-3 Angels, 10 Anthias, 2 Clowns, 3-5 Wrasses, plus a good number of the usual suspects.