Doug's 300DD Starphire Reef Build

Great Build...How high do you have the reflectors from the water surface?

I have the reflectors about 12" from water surface. I think that is a good distance from surface and to still hold the par... I am considering LED's for supplimental lighting.
 
Thanks for visiting. I really do like these lumenmax reflectors alot. I had the lumen brights on my old 156 and they were really nice but I do like these elites now that I have something to compare them to.



Yes, these accelerators I have are wonderful... I run from 1.5" and then tee off to 2 1" main inlets to the tank. Then I run 3 accelerators of main inlet to the supply. First of all what pump are you using and how much gph is it rated? Depends on your pipe size from your pump and how the pump is rated as to how many accelerators you can run. Maybe I missed it but what size is your tank? Ask away if you have more questions. I will do my best to let you know what worked for my setup.


Well I have a couple questions. I have a mag 9.5 and the way it returns to the tank is 3/4" spaflex to a slip 90 to a 1" long piece of 3/4" tubing to a slip 90 with a female end. I'd like to add a male 90 with a hose barb on the end and add a 6" piece of 3/4" locline and on the end of the lock line another hose barb fitting on the loc line side with either a male or female end to attach to the accelerators as I don't know which I need how does this sound? Do you have any pictures of just the returns? Also I'd like to use a 10g tank I have laying around for a refugium(i may get a 20 long). What is the best way to get water to and from the fuge? Tee off the drain or off the return? I guess If I tee of the return I can use a valve(what kind?) to throttle it back and then once it travels through thru the fuge how do I get it back to the tank? another pump? Then tee back into the main return? Is there an easier way?
 
During the past week I have been busy building on the cabinet. Today the granite guy is here cutting pieces to go around tank and putting bullnose on the edging. More pictures to come.

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Cabinet2.jpg


Granite1.jpg


Granite2.jpg
 
Great update, Doug.
We're so happy for you and how your build has turned out. The surround adds a wonderful touch. Are you happy with the overflow size and drain capacity? Looks like we're back to square one, so we're gonna get that eurobrace after all!
 
Very nice Doug. Next time I'm in town I will have to stop by.

Thanks Bill. Nice seeing you again at the crase this past weekend. Thanks again for the nice frags. Anytime you are in town you are more than welcome to drop by. I am sure I have something for you since the last time you came by.

Great update, Doug.
We're so happy for you and how your build has turned out. The surround adds a wonderful touch. Are you happy with the overflow size and drain capacity? Looks like we're back to square one, so we're gonna get that eurobrace after all!

Hi Mike. Thanks for the compliments. Yes the granite was a nice touch. You know I got the idea from you!!!

I have been on the forums only a few times lately. Got married a few weeks ago and it has been busy to say the least with all the things to do before and after. I was on last week to see your thread and the tragic loss you experienced. Have you determined where the leak was in the tank. I am assuming it must not be good since you are back to square one. I am very happy with my overflow size and the capicity. You will like the eurobracing. I would recommend double layering the eurobracing. I ended up adding another 2" layer below the factory eurobracing. Now have a total of 1" thickness.
 
Just wanted to say great thread and tank! It has really helped me out with a Marineland 250 that I am just about to start. I love the look of the Euro-bracing and will be doing the same (although everytime I call or email Marineland to see what they do or don't do with custom build no one ever calls back).

I plan on building my own stand also and that's where my question is. It looks like you built yours strictly out of 2x4? Thanks again and good luck!
 
Just wanted to say great thread and tank! It has really helped me out with a Marineland 250 that I am just about to start. I love the look of the Euro-bracing and will be doing the same (although everytime I call or email Marineland to see what they do or don't do with custom build no one ever calls back).

I plan on building my own stand also and that's where my question is. It looks like you built yours strictly out of 2x4? Thanks again and good luck!

Thanks for your visit. It is best to work through your LFS and give specifics of the custom tank you are looking for. This will speed up the process.

Yes, I built stand with 2x4 and beefed them up. You will find some that build with both 2x4 or 2x6.
 
LED fixtures came in yesterday. The two Reefbrite fixtures are 48". I am ordering the tubing to build light rack. That will all come together after I get back from honeymoon Cabo trip next week.

LEDLights.jpg
 
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I have all the oak rail and stile material and oak materials to make doors for cabinet and canopy. I have always done flat panel doors on cabinet work. This time I have decided to go with the large ogee style raised panel doors. Again this will all begin when we get back next week from honeymoon.

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Were did u get those bits and were they pricey?
Got the bits locally from WOODCRAFT in Oklahoma City. And yes they are pricey. As much use as I will get out of them I got the good ones.

min 150+ for a 3 piece set like that... (for a good set, its not uncommon)
150+ is right. This 3 piece set was 200.00 I believe they have stores all over. And you can go to their website www.woodcraft.com just about anything you could possibly want or need as far as woodworking you can get it there.
 
So I'am not going to the store to get them....out of my range! But I was wondering if you had any pics of how you put your canopy together? I dont want to copy but I like our style!
 
you'll certainly enjoy those bits. I used some similar when I built my previous stand and canopy. look forward to seeing the progress!
 
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