Custom Cabinet for 90g Reef (Build Thread)

[surfjeepzx]

Suggestion for the ro reservoir bucket. Instead of installing a bulkhead and wasting ro water, install a float valve. Just a simple float stuck through the side of the bucket will shutthe water off when it's full and retop it as you pull from the bucket.

http://www.kentmarine.com/waterfilters/accessories/float-valve-kits.htm

 

[cannarella]

you are going to be thinking about the tank the whole time you are gone...

 

[beef3333]

Install both and never have to worry. That way if the float fails it will still just go to the drain. Oh and by the way great build here it is inspiring me to get started on my own build.

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11428002#post11428002 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cannarella
you are going to be thinking about the tank the whole time you are gone...

Yeah I know...I already have anxiety and I haven't even left yet.

I will have plenty of top-off water for 10 days, and there is a backup float switch in case the first fails...

I bought an automatic fish feeder from Wal-Mart that will feed flakes every 12 hours...

The Aquacontroller will keep the temp in check, and shut off the metal halides if neccessary...

I'm going to have friends check the tank every other day, and feed frozen food....

...but still, I know I'm going to worry about it pretty much nonstop until I get back. My only real complaint about the reef hobby is the fact that it takes away your ability to completely enjoy going out of town.

 

[cannarella]

Just get your buds to send you pics.

 

[lakee911]

Get an IP camera (network connection over Ethernet) and a controller that has an Ethernet interface. You can then pull them up over the Internet too see what's up and check the stats.

Jason

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

Being able to see the water on the floor from 1,000 miles away doesn't help much

I have a friend who is reasonably intelligent checking on the tank every 2 or 3 days and calling with updates. So far, so good.

 

[H20ENG]

Hope your "reasonably intelligent" friend doesnt read RC and see you calling him names:lol:. Your tank will get bleached!

 

[Brandon Cassidy]

I may have missed it on here, but what are the dimensions of your 90 gallon tank?

 

[Ratpack]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11464771#post11464771 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Brandon Cassidy
I may have missed it on here, but what are the dimensions of your 90 gallon tank?

A 90 typically has the same footprint as the 75, but is 5" taller.

 

[Brandon Cassidy]

Thats what I thought. I figured a 90 was 24" mine is 20" I was thinking of upgrading again, but i just did so I'll wait for 120 or something. Thanks.

 

[saltydragon]

wow...love the cabinet....it looks really good where it stands......now i have ideas when i upgrade

 

[wmfsoll2]

Great setup!

You did it right by planning ahead. That is how i have done my tanks. There will always be things that come up during the build, but they will usually be minimal when you have planned ahead.

I may use that program for building my cabinets in my garage.

Take Care, keep up the good work, Bill.

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

I just got back in town from the 10-day holiday break, and was relieved to see the tank with no immediate problems.

I say no immediate problems because the auto top-off pump wasn't responding to the float switch (it wouldn't turn on and pump water). Apparently it malfunctioned within the last two days, because the water level in the sump was about 4 gallons low.

Needless to say I replaced the Maxi-Jet 1200 pump with another one, and everything seems to be working normally now. The fish and corals are all fine, and the live rock has a good coating of green algae. Looks like the "new tank" bloom is taking place....either that, or my UV sterilizer deserves credit for keeping algae at bay in the past. I turned it off before leaving for the holidays because the plumbing was leaking and I didn't feel like messing with it at the time. I'll see if I can trace down the leak tomorrow, get it turned back on, and see if the algae clears up. Otherwise I'll be adding an "algae attack pack" from Drs Foster & Smith.

Interesting tid-bit, my last name is Smith, my girl's is Foster.

Take care gang-
Dustin

 

[Cprowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11398624#post11398624 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RedEDGE2k1

[/B]

Looks good! :thumbsup:

I built one that is not too different, here's a pic and all the details are in my thread if your interested. I like yours way better.

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

Looks good....I don't have the carpentry skills to do stain-grade work

Is that a cat on top of the cabinet?

 

[Cprowler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11489343#post11489343 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RedEDGE2k1
Looks good....I don't have the carpentry skills to do stain-grade work

Is that a cat on top of the cabinet?

Your far too kind....it looks like you have the skills to do what ever you want, and mine is good from afar but far from good.

I just skimmed through your thread last night, it was getting late. I want to see if there are any ideas I can borrow. I still have minor heat issues in the summer.

Keep up the good work and documentation of course.



Yes the cat had to get up there fist day it was together and now it is his favorite spot.....stupid cat.

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

This afternoon I finally got around to tweaking something that has been annoying me since the tank was first setup & running.

The drain & return lines on my Perfecto Corner-Flo tank are in the same overflow box as usual, with the return nozzles spitting water back into the tank right in front of the overflow box. This design is common I've learned, but it doesnt make much sense to me -- seems like having the return line on the opposite side of the tank from the drain would make for much more efficient water circulation to the sump. Another thing about this original design is the water isn't skimmed from the top properly, because the return nozzles keep slime & sludge blown to the opposite side of the tank.

Before this turns into a novel, I replumbed my tank so that the returns would be opposite the overflow. I did this with only a couple dollars worth of 1" PVC & fittings from Lowe's.

This simple mod is unseen when the canopy is closed, and really keeps the surface of the water clean & clear. Note I didn't glue the PVC pieces together, I only used teflon tape for a good tight seal so that the pipes can ever be removed if needed.

 

[kfisc]

Fascinating modification on the return- was adjusting the flow at all an issue? is it as easy as using a gate valve on the return line? Thanks-

 

[kfisc]

oops- double post.