Dotcommer's Reef - 300 Gallon 10' x 2' x 2' Mixed Reef Build, Scottsdale AZ

[dotcommer]

Looking good

Thanks, much appreciated

The lighting system is bananas. I am also glad for you that you finally have water. I can see big things happening. Congrats again.

If anyone in this hobby knows how good it feels to have water in their tank, it definitely is you. I am so happy that your long awaited build is up and running. Thanks for tuning into my thread.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Thanks, much appreciated







If anyone in this hobby knows how good it feels to have water in their tank, it definitely is you. I am so happy that your long awaited build is up and running. Thanks for tuning into my thread.

This is true but it's much more refreshing when you see it happen in someone else's tank. Great accomplishment and always lurking on your thread.

 

[lluv24]

Great work fellow REEFER;-)

 

[dotcommer]

Several people have asked for photos of the MH light Rotation System.

Here are some pics.

This is in the center of the canopy and shows how the linear actuator is hooked up. You can see just to the right the rod is also supported in the center of the frame and it extends to each side of the canopy. This rod rotates freely when the actuator turns on.

The actuator arm extends forward to rotate the lights to the rear of the canopy.

Long view of the canopy

This is how the lights are mounted to the bar.

The bar just sits freely into the end of the canopy.
Since I built the stand to be 30" in depth (front to back) and my current tank is only 24" in depth, I added additional holes, so I can easily move the lights back or forward if I end up putting a larger tank on the stand at some point.

This photo shows how we mounted the light ballast.

Finally the full tank shot once again.

 

[Oldude]

Terrific build. I love the roll out sump idea, genius!

 

[dotcommer]

Terrific build. I love the roll out sump idea, genius!

Thanks, it worked great, but I ended up building a fish room, so I didn't get a chance to put it completely into action.

 

[TigeBell]

Nice build out and definitely following this. I do have a question about the stand. Did you powder coat it? If not, why not and what did you use?

FYI, I'm in the initial stages of a 220 gallon build with a metal stand (upgrading from a 29 gallon Biocube) . We are doing a 2x3 top frame build while everything else will be a 2x2. ;-)

Thanks in advance

 

[saltydog07]

Nice build, I'll be following as well.

 

[maddmaxx]

i like how well the pendants shine the light down. keeps it nice and concentrated into the tank

 

[dotcommer]

Nice build out and definitely following this. I do have a question about the stand. Did you powder coat it? If not, why not and what did you use?

FYI, I'm in the initial stages of a 220 gallon build with a metal stand (upgrading from a 29 gallon Biocube) . We are doing a 2x3 top frame build while everything else will be a 2x2. ;-)

Thanks in advance

Ended up using Truck Bed Coating

Rust-Oleum® Truck Bed Coating is the ideal choice for recoating and restoring worn, unfinished or previously finished metal truck beds. When used with Rust-Oleum Truck Bed Applicator Kit (sold separately), this easy to apply black polymer coating not only helps prevent truck bed damage caused by scratches, rust and weather. It also enhances your vehicle's appearance.

I thought of powder coating it, but didn't want to move the stand, plus we kept adding extra pieces to the canopy. And will still be adding more for things like the Moon Lights, actinic lights, fan support etc...

Thanks for following

 

[dotcommer]

Nice build, I'll be following as well.

Thanks for following.

i like how well the pendants shine the light down. keeps it nice and concentrated into the tank

Once I get the stand and canopy skinned with nice cabinets, then the lights will really direct down into the tank. Thanks for following.

 

[dotcommer]

I purchased a Frag tank and just finished having the stand built for it.

The plan is to have it plumbed into the existing system, with the ability to take it offline when needed.

The tank is built out of 3/4" acrylic and is 36" long x 24" deep x 12" tall.

 

[dotcommer]

I was able to finish most of the plumbing today on the frag tank.

 

[dotcommer]

I also picked up this manifold today that I am going to plumb into my sump to run my reactors off of.

I ordered some 1/2 Union ball Valves that will be hooked up to this manifold. I will post more pics as I get the plumbing done.

 

[Elliott]

looking good Sal, I've not seen an off the shelf manifold like that, where did you get it?

 

[dotcommer]

looking good Sal, I've not seen an off the shelf manifold like that, where did you get it?

I was picking up some crushed coral from Scott and that was sitting on the shelf. I was surprised to find it. It has a total of 8 holes to hook things up to if needed and is threaded on each end. And it was only $22.

 

[slayde2100]

very nice tank and build, had to read the whole thread! the rotating canopy is really impressive.

 

[nikunjpatel]

enjoying your build

 

[dotcommer]

enjoying your build

Thanks for following

very nice tank and build, had to read the whole thread! the rotating canopy is really impressive.

I am really looking forward to putting it to action with fish and corals in the tank.

 

[dotcommer]

The tank has been cycling for almost two weeks and my phosphates are at .03 and ammonia is undetectable.

I just hooked up one of the Algae Scrubbers and will be bringing the second one online shortly.