dday80's 70 CAD lights build

swk said:
I always preferred the litermeter myself.
Click to expand...

Hey Sean,

Good to know. I'm between this and the neptune DOS. The neptune has 2 pumps for $350 and integrates into my system. The advantage of the litermeter is the three pump option, but it's a little more expensive to get it started with two pumps. $368 for litermeter vs $350 for neptune dos. I'm thinking this is going to be a cyber monday purchase.

-Drew
 
Make sure you check for the DOS reviews...

Seems like a slick product if you have an apex, but the lm3 has certainly more than passed the test of time. Jmo. I have a few LM around if you want to come over and see some in person. We can plug it in and you can check out the programming, etc. let me know.
 
So that initial rock was not live rock and then you added live rock? Why have both? Only non live rock can be glued together? What sand is that? How do you like the radion's? I initially heard nothing but positive now I've got people saying check out ATI or t5's. My goal was to have a tank light that will last me a long time, no need for upgrade and that will grow things, the ez things.

How's the light bleed on the radion? The lid you have showing above is not the cad lights lid? Any advice on their lids or clips? You have modified plumbing? Why? Was it hard to change? Thank you so much. eric
 
Any way you can list and explain all the electronics and the outlet device you have in your stand? How are they working out? Do you recommend them or something different for someone with a 50 gallon cube sized stand?

Thanks OP or anyone.

eric
 
How do you like the screen top. I have some from another shop buy no frame because I have a bowfront so I'm still trying to figure out how to make a top. My latest thought is to use temp sticky back picture frame hooks around the outer edge of my tank and hook the mesh onto them, making them as tight add I can.
 
champion6sigma said:
Any way you can list and explain all the electronics and the outlet device you have in your stand? How are they working out? Do you recommend them or something different for someone with a 50 gallon cube sized stand?

Thanks OP or anyone.

eric
Click to expand...

Hey Eric,

The white rock in the tank was not live when I got it. I got it from Marco Rocks so that I could create the aquascape you see by cementing pieces together. I added live rock in order to start the cycle so that I can support the life in the tank. The sand is Tropic Eden Aragonite. So far I really like the Radions. I don't have any experience with them as far as corals yet, but friends have had success using them. By light bleed I assume you are talking about outside of the tank. The light definitely bleeds over, but it's not something so outrageous that I would take them down, but it is noticeable. The lid I have I created from clear mesh and window screen frame from a kit bought at bulk reef supply. I don't have any advice on the cad lights lids or clips because I haven't used them. From what I understand they have a glass lid, which would keep the fish in, but would not allow gas exchange. The plumbing has not been modified.

As far as the electronics go, everything is run with an Apex controller that I can program through their website. Each electronic power cord from each piece of equipment is plugged into the energy bar that is controlled by apex controller. The controller can turn a piece of equipment on or off depending on how it is programmed. I also have expansion modules that let me control the radions light spectrum and intensity throughout the day. That same module (WXM) allows me to control the vortech mp40 powerhead also. It enables me to control what flow patter it's using and what intensity. So for example, right now it is winding down for the night and will run at 10% all night to give the fish a break from the current. During the day it really ramps up in order to stir up waste to be sucked down into the sump. Another module on the apex is the breakout box. This has allowed me to hook up float switches to control my auto top off, which adds fresh RO/DI water to the tank as it evaporates. I have programmed my protein skimmer to turn off if the second(higher) float switch is activated so that it doesn't overflow. Another advantage to the apex is it controlling my heater. It turns it off and on as needed to maintain the water temperature. The temp in my tank for the last week has been from 77.7 to 80.6. I can dial this in even further if I wanted to make it more stable. There are endless possibilities it seems to using this controller and I've barely scratched the basics. Now that I have this I wouldn't ever go back to not using one. The only trouble is not having enough space! I plan on expanding and will need another energy bar to accommodate more equipment. Staying organized and neat will really help you in the long run if you plan on going this route. The investment has been well worth it.

-Drew
 
mav3rick478 said:
How do you like the screen top. I have some from another shop buy no frame because I have a bowfront so I'm still trying to figure out how to make a top. My latest thought is to use temp sticky back picture frame hooks around the outer edge of my tank and hook the mesh onto them, making them as tight add I can.
Click to expand...

The screen top is working well for the moment. The real test will be when I have some fish that like to jump. It was a real challenge to put together because of my rear mounts for the lights. This made me have to modify the corner pieces so that they fit correctly. A few days ago I noticed that it was dipping into the water because it was too loose. After tightening it, I have gaps in the back because the frame isn't strong enough to hold the tension because of the crazy angles.

I can see how a screen top for a bow front would be difficult. Finding a way to bend the frame to match the curve is going to be a challenge. The temp sticky back picture frame hooks would work, but you might run into the mesh tearing after pulling it on and off.

I would experiment with figuring out how to bend the aluminum frame. A torch would heat it up enough, but you might run into trouble with the track for the spline getting too pinched. Might be worth a shot though. Its' relatively inexpensive. Let me know what you go with!

-Drew
 
dday80 said:
The screen top is working well for the moment. The real test will be when I have some fish that like to jump. It was a real challenge to put together because of my rear mounts for the lights. This made me have to modify the corner pieces so that they fit correctly. A few days ago I noticed that it was dipping into the water because it was too loose. After tightening it, I have gaps in the back because the frame isn't strong enough to hold the tension because of the crazy angles.

I can see how a screen top for a bow front would be difficult. Finding a way to bend the frame to match the curve is going to be a challenge. The temp sticky back picture frame hooks would work, but you might run into the mesh tearing after pulling it on and off.

I would experiment with figuring out how to bend the aluminum frame. A torch would heat it up enough, but you might run into trouble with the track for the spline getting too pinched. Might be worth a shot though. Its' relatively inexpensive. Let me know what you go with!

-Drew
Click to expand...
Haha the torch with metal frame bending is a definite, "here hold my beer...." moment! [emoji482]
 
thank you

thank you

dday80 said:
Hey Eric,

The white rock in the tank was not live when I got it. I got it from Marco Rocks so that I could create the aquascape you see by cementing pieces together. I added live rock in order to start the cycle so that I can support the life in the tank. The sand is Tropic Eden Aragonite. So far I really like the Radions. I don't have any experience with them as far as corals yet, but friends have had success using them. By light bleed I assume you are talking about outside of the tank. The light definitely bleeds over, but it's not something so outrageous that I would take them down, but it is noticeable. The lid I have I created from clear mesh and window screen frame from a kit bought at bulk reef supply. I don't have any advice on the cad lights lids or clips because I haven't used them. From what I understand they have a glass lid, which would keep the fish in, but would not allow gas exchange. The plumbing has not been modified.

As far as the electronics go, everything is run with an Apex controller that I can program through their website. Each electronic power cord from each piece of equipment is plugged into the energy bar that is controlled by apex controller. The controller can turn a piece of equipment on or off depending on how it is programmed. I also have expansion modules that let me control the radions light spectrum and intensity throughout the day. That same module (WXM) allows me to control the vortech mp40 powerhead also. It enables me to control what flow patter it's using and what intensity. So for example, right now it is winding down for the night and will run at 10% all night to give the fish a break from the current. During the day it really ramps up in order to stir up waste to be sucked down into the sump. Another module on the apex is the breakout box. This has allowed me to hook up float switches to control my auto top off, which adds fresh RO/DI water to the tank as it evaporates. I have programmed my protein skimmer to turn off if the second(higher) float switch is activated so that it doesn't overflow. Another advantage to the apex is it controlling my heater. It turns it off and on as needed to maintain the water temperature. The temp in my tank for the last week has been from 77.7 to 80.6. I can dial this in even further if I wanted to make it more stable. There are endless possibilities it seems to using this controller and I've barely scratched the basics. Now that I have this I wouldn't ever go back to not using one. The only trouble is not having enough space! I plan on expanding and will need another energy bar to accommodate more equipment. Staying organized and neat will really help you in the long run if you plan on going this route. The investment has been well worth it.

-Drew
Click to expand...

Thank you for the extensive response Drew. That sounds like the ultimate setup in control and safety. I don't know if I'm prepared to go that route yet, due to the expensive nature of getting the APEX, the outlets, and all the modules, and specific modules for the equipment I have, and the sensors. I've been talking to some very kind people here on this website, and I'm looking at the possibility of spending more for some necessary upgrades, like my skimmer and return pump. For lighting (xr30w pro) and my powerheads (two MP40 wqd), in my little 50 gallon tank, I thankfully made some smart choices. A lot of the included items in my cad lights system may not be worthy parts. I'm now worried about possible problems, and overflow.

As far as the mesh, that sounds very interesting, I look forward to seeing the finished product, whatever you decide to accomplish that, I"m sure will look nice. I've got to give the glass a chance because we have excessive dust and dander flying through air. We have two dogs and I have to dust our furniture and floor almost daily. Doesnt help our furniture is dark and we have dark wood colored flooring. The top of our red sea all in one gets filthy. I think the best thing for the water and fish is to keep it securely covered as much as possible.

I don't understand just yet what happens when water gets to low, and running a powerful return pump, using an ATO, or if water runs out in AtO reservoir.....I just don't ever want to see water on our new hard flooring, or have all of our new furniture ruined. We have a brand new home actually, so I don't want any disasters! LOL.

I'm just so inexperienced in aquariums, that I"m not sure how worried to be about a sump setup like what we are getting....or the parts.

I'm waiting on the cadlights system to arrive as I type this, so coupled with some stress and anxiety, I am excited. Our little girl loves looking at our current tank, even though it is fairly disgusting and old and disgusting rock and lighting which is dimming. This new tank will be kept as clean as I can keep it...
 
mav3rick478 said:
Haha the torch with metal frame bending is a definite, "here hold my beer...." moment! [emoji482]
Click to expand...

Ha yea dude. It's going to get hot quick! I was thinking of bending it in many small increments. Maybe cut out a cardboard box in the shape of the bowfront footprint and bend the frame within that. Might work.
 
champion6sigma said:
Thank you for the extensive response Drew. That sounds like the ultimate setup in control and safety. I don't know if I'm prepared to go that route yet, due to the expensive nature of getting the APEX, the outlets, and all the modules, and specific modules for the equipment I have, and the sensors. I've been talking to some very kind people here on this website, and I'm looking at the possibility of spending more for some necessary upgrades, like my skimmer and return pump. For lighting (xr30w pro) and my powerheads (two MP40 wqd), in my little 50 gallon tank, I thankfully made some smart choices. A lot of the included items in my cad lights system may not be worthy parts. I'm now worried about possible problems, and overflow.

As far as the mesh, that sounds very interesting, I look forward to seeing the finished product, whatever you decide to accomplish that, I"m sure will look nice. I've got to give the glass a chance because we have excessive dust and dander flying through air. We have two dogs and I have to dust our furniture and floor almost daily. Doesnt help our furniture is dark and we have dark wood colored flooring. The top of our red sea all in one gets filthy. I think the best thing for the water and fish is to keep it securely covered as much as possible.

I don't understand just yet what happens when water gets to low, and running a powerful return pump, using an ATO, or if water runs out in AtO reservoir.....I just don't ever want to see water on our new hard flooring, or have all of our new furniture ruined. We have a brand new home actually, so I don't want any disasters! LOL.

I'm just so inexperienced in aquariums, that I"m not sure how worried to be about a sump setup like what we are getting....or the parts.

I'm waiting on the cadlights system to arrive as I type this, so coupled with some stress and anxiety, I am excited. Our little girl loves looking at our current tank, even though it is fairly disgusting and old and disgusting rock and lighting which is dimming. This new tank will be kept as clean as I can keep it...
Click to expand...

I would shop around for the apex. You can get a used system for a decent price. There are always used systems in the buy/sell forum of this site. That's where I got mine. I would go with a controller system instead of having 2 MP40's My single MP40wqd in the 70 is more than enough. I have it dialed down to to 75% at the most during the day (courtesy of the apex controller). It was causing waves in my tank at 100%!

Disasters with a tank are possible, but unlikely if you have redundancies built within the system. For my auto top off, there is a second float switch in case the water level in the sump is too high. This float switch will turn off the power to the auto top off pump. Water from the auto top off container will run out as it is used by the tank. You just have to keep an eye on it to make sure the auto top off pump isn't running dry.

I'm excited to see your unpacking of the system when you get it. You should definitely start a thread and take plenty of pictures.
 
Or look at the reef angel. Same thing but much cheaper to get started. Open source programming and a great forum as well.
 
Update

Update

Hey everyone!

I've had an eventful few days since the arrival of my bio pellet reactor from Aqualund! It unfortunately needed a little wrangling to 1) not leak and 2) evenly distribute flow through the pellets. Tonight I contacted the owner and gave me a few tips to try. Thankfully, they worked out and I have a biopellet reactor up and running! Attached are pictures of the reactor. The first pic is from last night when I had the small leak that can be seen on the bottom of the uniseal. The second one is of the reactor hooked up and tumbling those pellets! The last picture is a mystery to be unveiled tomorrow! Have a good veterans day everyone!

Drew




 
dday80 said:
Hey everyone!

I've had an eventful few days since the arrival of my bio pellet reactor from Aqualund! It unfortunately needed a little wrangling to 1) not leak and 2) evenly distribute flow through the pellets. Tonight I contacted the owner and gave me a few tips to try. Thankfully, they worked out and I have a biopellet reactor up and running! Attached are pictures of the reactor. The first pic is from last night when I had the small leak that can be seen on the bottom of the uniseal. The second one is of the reactor hooked up and tumbling those pellets! The last picture is a mystery to be unveiled tomorrow! Have a good veterans day everyone!

Drew

Thats a big box!

Cool reactor you have. I didn't realize that it can be placed outside the sump! I may have to copy your idea.

I'm still waiting on cadlight to send me mine that they have had in stock for many days now. I think I will try begging tomorrow. I simply don't understand why it takes me so much effort to receive things that were bought, parts, receipts, assistance with possible issues, etc....they had no problem running my payment through 60 or 70 days ago. I didn't have to wait at all for that.

Glad you got the equipment fixed up, hope I can get mine working correctly when it comes in.

I'm looking forward to seeing new live stock additions in your tank. Any upcoming plans on that?
Click to expand...
 
Hey Guys!

The first of many SPS is in! Sean was nice enough to start me out with a frag of his orange digi. Also, I forgot to post what's in the box! It's a masterflex brushless pump to go with my geo calc reactor. I'll wait a while to set up that system.




 
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