drummereef's 180g in-wall build

[drummereef]

Ok Marc, so I scrolled back through about 20 pages to find that writeup again in your thread (same chart as above) and now I'm really leaning towards the Lumenbright Mini Wide reflector. Seems like even BigJay seems to think they will distribute light better on a 24" wide tank than the Lumenmax Elite. And provide more par to boot.

Would you recommend the Mini over the standard Lumenbright on a 24x24" area?

 

[melev]

I think the Mini would be fine for a 24" wide tank. And the idea is that the Mini Wide would be good for a 30" wide tank.

Sorry I didn't keep the distance the same when I did that test last month. It was when I was done that I realized the bulb was 2" further away. Had I had it the same, the PAR numbers would have been higher in that final test.

 

[scaryperson27]

I would definitely agree with Marc's results. I would going to say, LumenArc Reflectors are more widespread than the LumenBrights. Both are good reflectors. I have a 26" by 24" footprint on my tank and I do notice a small depreciation in light from the center the side of the tank if I really concentrate. I don't think it would be noticeable if you put three in a row however.

I am using the Mini Retrofit.

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15521489#post15521489 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
I would definitely agree with Marc's results. I would going to say, LumenArc Reflectors are more widespread than the LumenBrights. Both are good reflectors. I have a 26" by 24" footprint on my tank and I do notice a small depreciation in light from the center the side of the tank if I really concentrate. I don't think it would be noticeable if you put three in a row however.

I am using the Mini Retrofit.

Thanks scaryperson27. How far is the bottom of your Lumen Bright Mini off the water surface? Trying to figure out if I have enough room for what I want to do...

 

[drummereef]

Ok guys, here's the situation... I want to build a track system for the lighting so I can move it out of the way when I need to work in the display. I plan on using pocket door rails for the system. It's going to be tight as you can see from the pic below, I only have 25" from the top of the tank to the ceiling.

For those that use Lumen Brights, how far is the bottom of your reflector from the top of your tank? The way I see it, if I have 25" to play with minus the 7" for the height of the reflector I have 18" left for the height between the bottom of the Mini and the tank's rim. And a bit less, maybe 15", for the amount of space for the rail system.

 

[melev]

I have mine set up so the reflector is 14" off the water, which is 12" off the top edge of the tank. I have yet to need to pull my lights out of the way to work in there. You could create a system that let's you elevate it higher since you have 25" available.

Usually it's the T5s or VHOs that are in the way.

 

[scaryperson27]

from the bottom of the reflector to the water level, I would say it is 6".

Where are you planning on putting your ballast?

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15524612#post15524612 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
I have mine set up so the reflector is 14" off the water, which is 12" off the top edge of the tank. I have yet to need to pull my lights out of the way to work in there. You could create a system that let's you elevate it higher since you have 25" available.

Usually it's the T5s or VHOs that are in the way.

Thanks Marc. I think I'll have a couple of inches to spare with the LB Mini's. Definitely going to move forward with those reflectors.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15527837#post15527837 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scaryperson27
from the bottom of the reflector to the water level, I would say it is 6".

Where are you planning on putting your ballast?

Thanks scaryperson. I plan on putting the ballasts on the right wall, the wall where the return pump is. Probably close to the ceiling to keep the wiring out of the way. GlassReef has one of the sickest lighting rigs I've seen. Check it out if you haven't HERE. I plan on a miniature version of that.

 

[jungliztkruger]

i just read through 29 pages tonight... outstanding

got a little more excited at the end to see you decided to use the lumenbright ( i have two in my closet as i collect pieces for the dream tank) and am anxious to see how you use them in this build

keep up the good work

 

[Burly]

Drummereef
Like jungliztkruger I just read through 29 pages last night - impressive! Your in-wall design is exactly what I have been looking for. I am new to this hobby and am planning on jumping "all-in." I have a similar basement circumstance, and I plan on using your amazing work as a model.

I may have lots of questions seeking your advice. For now: Would the same design work as well for a taller tank (72x24x31) ? How much space is there between the top of your tank and the top of the wall cutout? Is your stand slightly larger than your aquarium base? (looks like it)

I am trying to educate myself through RC and books but I would like to at least get the ball rolling with the carpentry side of things before my space gets turned into a sewing room or something!

I look forward to seeing the evolution of your system.

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15536842#post15536842 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jungliztkruger
i just read through 29 pages tonight... outstanding

got a little more excited at the end to see you decided to use the lumenbright ( i have two in my closet as i collect pieces for the dream tank) and am anxious to see how you use them in this build

keep up the good work

Thanks jungliztkruger! Hopefully I'll have some updates soon. Still looking for the best deal on the lighting package.

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15547074#post15547074 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Burly
Drummereef
Like jungliztkruger I just read through 29 pages last night - impressive! Your in-wall design is exactly what I have been looking for. I am new to this hobby and am planning on jumping "all-in." I have a similar basement circumstance, and I plan on using your amazing work as a model.

I may have lots of questions seeking your advice. For now: Would the same design work as well for a taller tank (72x24x31) ? How much space is there between the top of your tank and the top of the wall cutout? Is your stand slightly larger than your aquarium base? (looks like it)

I am trying to educate myself through RC and books but I would like to at least get the ball rolling with the carpentry side of things before my space gets turned into a sewing room or something!

I look forward to seeing the evolution of your system.

Thanks Burly. The wall opening is about 2" taller than the height of the tank. And yes, the stand is roughly 1/2" bigger than the tank's footprint. There was many reasons for this but I wanted the tank to sit directly on top of the 2x6 frame for maximum support. I added a 'lip' with the plywood top for looks mostly. You'll just have to design the wall around the size of your tank. There's no best way to go about it other than design and plan.

 

[kipher]

Any Progress on the tank? I read the whole thread recently and am really impressed with how patient and thorugh you are being with your build. (although I'm sure that pump was trying your patience pretty badly). Great build, I'll be watching as you finish your build.

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15646979#post15646979 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kipher
Any Progress on the tank? I read the whole thread recently and am really impressed with how patient and thorugh you are being with your build. (although I'm sure that pump was trying your patience pretty badly). Great build, I'll be watching as you finish your build.

Thanks kipher! I've definitely learned the virtue of patience in this process for sure. No new updates yet... We have our first little one on the way so I'm spending every waking hour fixing up the house for the new arrival. I'll keep you posted on updates as they come.

 

[H.Veras]

hey sup brett where have u been dude????? JESUS u have been really patience with you build hahahah; i guess i have learned something from you been patience; i'm still taking my time with my tank... but it's coming along really nice too..

any new pictures?

 

[Taqpol]

Any updates?

 

[Saltcity]

I have a question.... How did you laminate the double 2x6's that you used for the stand at the rear of the tank?? Glue and clamp, glue and screws.....?

Do you have any closer pics of the stand/legs?

Awesome build thread!!

 

[110galreef]

yeah updates....way too much talk & not enough new PICS!! LOL
Good thing i missed viewing this thread for the last 3 months.......

ASIDE NOTE......I had a Dart a while back on my old tank and it to always has some light salt creep coming out of the impeller shaft like you too. Never leaked, just always a fine light dusting, when i din't see/clean it for like 6 mos, i could 1/4 way fill a salt shaker! :bigeyes:

But never had any issues...kind of annoying tho......You probably always had more of a leak & rust probably due to the fresh water.....oppsed to salt water.

 

[gradth]

Some updates Brett. Like to see how its going.

 

[drummereef]

hey sup brett where have u been dude????? JESUS u have been really patience with you build hahahah; i guess i have learned something from you been patience; i'm still taking my time with my tank... but it's coming along really nice too..

any new pictures?

Haha, thanks H! Yeah patience is a virtue for sure. We are awaiting the delivery of our first born so the tank has been put on hold for a bit. Also remodeled the basement some so that's taken most of my time lately. I'll post some pics of the new look and how it looks with the tank if I get a moment.

Any updates?

I wish. Been busy remodeling to get ready for the baby. New carpet came this week so it's about a wrap. Have to paint some door and such but it's pretty much there. I'll post some pics of how the tank looks with the new surroundings soon.

I have a question.... How did you laminate the double 2x6's that you used for the stand at the rear of the tank?? Glue and clamp, glue and screws.....?

Do you have any closer pics of the stand/legs?

Awesome build thread!!

Yeah, I used PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive, clamped and screwed together. The weight is distributed between the two back legs of the stand. The PL Glue is awesome. Way better than liquid nails. I don't have any other pics than the ones I've posted in the thread. If I get a moment I will put some more up for you.

yeah updates....way too much talk & not enough new PICS!! LOL
Good thing i missed viewing this thread for the last 3 months.......

ASIDE NOTE......I had a Dart a while back on my old tank and it to always has some light salt creep coming out of the impeller shaft like you too. Never leaked, just always a fine light dusting, when i din't see/clean it for like 6 mos, i could 1/4 way fill a salt shaker! :bigeyes:

But never had any issues...kind of annoying tho......You probably always had more of a leak & rust probably due to the fresh water.....oppsed to salt water.

Sorry for the lack of updates. :sad1: Awaiting our first born and have been busy fixing up the house. Wow, that was about the same symptoms my Dart was having. Cross my fingers that battle is over....

Some updates Brett. Like to see how its going.

I wish I had an update for you... How's your tank doing gradth? Been a while since I've seen pics of it.