Come with me on my Custom 77 Gallon setup

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6701933#post6701933 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Stile2
So the plan for the weekend.

1) Join the two tupperware sump/fuge together with 2" pvc and uniseals

2) Put the tank on the stand in the garage

3) the closed loop plumbing

4) The drain and return plumbing

5) Fill tank with tap water and test for leaks.

6) after it tests ok for leaks I will pull the skimmer from the rocks and increase the output pipe from the skimmer to 1 1/4" to get more through put

7) run the plumbing through the skimmer

8) let the system run for several days and test for any problems


I think I have a idea how to reduce bubbles, using part of Randy's dual tupperware bubble trap and an isolation of the return input.

Well see this weekend. Good thing it is a three day.

Next thing on the list is the wood work around the stand. Then move it inside.

Keith
Click to expand...
Plan for the weekend?? You mean plan for the month of February, right? :eek:

On the 14K question, I started out with Ushio 10K DE lamps. They were very bright white but did not seem yellowish to me personally. When I switched to Pheonix 14K I felt that they were much more blue. More so than I expected. And obviously less overall brightness to me. I am planning to swap one back for a 10K and look at the tank with a 14K at one end and a 10K at the other for comparison. Haven't done that yet though since I want to finish my rockwork first... My advice is to spring for both lamp temperatures and then just hang on to the ones you like least as "emergency backups". At least that's how I justified it to myself :D (didn't have to justify it to the wife, what she doesn't know won't hurt me) :lol:

Can't help you with the ballast types and such.

Looking forward to some pictures of your fuge/sump setup!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6711685#post6711685 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rdmpe
Plan for the weekend?? You mean plan for the month of February, right? :eek:

Looking forward to some pictures of your fuge/sump setup!
Click to expand...

Actually most of the steps in the plan are really small and simple, but I usually bite off more than I chew, habit :D

Thanks for the advice on the bulbs, but I can really only afford one set right now. So we will see.

Thanks Mike for the ARO ballast input. To save $160 would be nice!! :)

I will take lots of pics of the process and testing setup.

Keith
 
I'm not sure if you followed my MH lighting quest in my thread, but the best deal IMO was found at www.DIYreef.com. I got their retro kits with the Icecap upgrade. I also bought the XM 15K bulbs because they were on sale. I have been very happy with them. I think the color is just right. I hear that the XM's can have a lot of variation in color between bulbs so maybe I was just lucky. HTH
 
gkar...well, XM has gotten a little better since they first started. Heck I got one of the first batches that had bad seals.

Plus, the XM15K has a low par compared to other bulbs on the market with similar color.

Mike
 
I figured that was the case, but money was a huge factor for me at the time. Actually it's a huge factor for me all the time! :D
 
Gabriel,

I have been following your thread, but I may have glossed over the MH section, as I have just started to consider them. I'll go back and do some reading.


I right there with you guys on the HUGE factor!! :D :D
Thanks
Keith
 
If you have all actinic PC bulbs now, then I would suggest 10,000K bulbs. 250w SE are easier to work with, and typically cost less.

I've used Ushio, XM, Plus and ReefLux. <b>Ushio</b> is more yellow to me; <b>XM</b> and <b>ReefLux</b> are affordable and look good; <b>Plus</b> is pure garbage I wouldn't even give away.

There are different ballasts, such as Pulse and Probe start. Whatever you choose, you have to get the bulbs that match it. I have used PFO and IceCap ballasts. PFO are magnetic and hum. The IceCap Electronic ballasts run cooler, are small and silent, and will light almost any bulb you buy. IceCap has a excellent reputation for customer service, so I am more inclined to do business with them.
 
My PC bulbs are 10k and my VHO are actinic so I was thinking about the 15k XM's.

Thanks for the advise on bulbs and ballasts, Marc. I like the deal from DIYReef.com with IceCap ballasts and the 15k XM bulbs for $139 and $57.

Do you guys think that 800 watts total would be overkill for a 77 gallon display?

Thanks
Keith
 
It sounds like you'll have plenty of light. Mushrooms will cower in fear. :D

I've never had a 15,000K bulb, but odds are with that you won't need actinics.
 
Well I did it. I just ordered 2 x 250 watt icecap ballast with the 15k XM bulbs from DIYReef.com.

Thanks for all the advice guys. This is definately one of the main reason why I like being on RC. The collective experience on here is amazing.

Keith
 
just been reading your thread from start to finish. well almost skipped some things here and there, but wanted to say I am a newbie just starting in the hobby and learning quick, and its because of people like you give so much to read and just wanted to say thanks and good luck with this weekends projects. You have given me so many ideas for down the road projects. oh 2 250 MH should be just perfect with some acents just use plenty of fans with a canopy aleast 12-15" above water line
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6714148#post6714148 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Mushrooms will cower in fear. :D

I've never had a 15,000K bulb, but odds are with that you won't need actinics.
Click to expand...

Good thing I don't really love mushrooms :D

I think, at least for the moment, that I will mount the 250's first, then add both the 110 w of PC's and 190 w of VHO and play with the bulbs for the latter two. Seeing is the test, I guess.

tfetter and DaveAngie,

Thanks for the compliments.

As far as lights were going I was trying to be cheap and get away with just PC and VHO total of 410 watts. I finally got it through my sometimes thick head that it just wasn't going to be enough. :D


Keith
 
Keith, that is the exact same set up I bought. I have been very happy with it. I am using a 40w Actnic 4' florescent as a supplement but mainly just for sunrise and sunset. I don't think it has any effect when the MHs are on. I think you will love them.
 
RJ

Thanks, I can't wait to just get some water in it.

Gabriel,

That's good to hear. Like I said on the last page, I kept thinking I could cheap out on the lights. I think I'm going to glad I didn't.

Keith
 
Quick update, going to be late for Tae Kwon Do

The tank is finally on the stand. Although still in the garage :D
tankonstand.jpg


Here is the end with the bulkheads installed. I am going to have to drill on of the drains from the overflow to 1 1/2" instead of 1", what with the new plan with the sump in the garage.
bulkheads.jpg


Here is my idea for a bubble trap (tupperware style)
The inner baffle
intrap.jpg


The outer Baffle.
outtrap.jpg


The water will drain into the inner through the holes in the sides and be pushed down out the bottom hole in the outer.

We'll see if that actually works.

And finally the tupperware sump and fuge. The fuge is on the right with draining into the sump/skimmer area. The return will be all the way on the left and straight up.

More progress tomorrow.

Keith
 
I forgot to post the picture of my temporary sump/fuge set up.
tempsump.jpg


Like I said above the fuge is on the right side and the sump/skimmer section is on the left.

I water tested the sump setup and no leaks.

This was the second try. Yesterday I tried to cut the holes with my rotozip (didn't want to buy a hole saw). I got the holes a little off and it leaked like a sieve. So this morning I ran to Lowes got new tubs and a hole saw. You just have to have the right tool.:D :D

Tomorrow I have to run and get a few plumbing parts and I will plumb the drains, return and a simply version of the closed loop.

Have fun,

Keith
 
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