drummereef's 180g in-wall build

I also placed the conduit box at eye level so I had a secure, convenient place to view the Apex display. I used a couple pieces of Velcro to secure the display to the box cover plate.


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All fired up! :D


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The bigger picture. The cardboard above the EB8 is where the 2nd EB8 will be located which will allow me to control the lights and return pump. I will post the completed project when I receive the parts to finish it up. ;)


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Great project Brett.
Remind me where/how you've installed your apex base unit...
You've inspired me to design a project to re-work my messy sump room now. The wires are in the way a lot (practical) and don't look nearly as sexy as your install (aesthetic)! :artist:
 
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Great project Brett.
Remind me where/how you've installed your apex base unit...
You've inspired me to design a project to re-work my messy sump room now. The wires are in the way a lot (practical) and don't look nearly as sexy as your install (aesthetic)! :artist:


Thanks Mike. :D I haven't permanently mounted the base unit yet. I was waiting to see how many wires are connected to the unit and how long the pH and Temp probe wires are. Obviously it needs to be in a safe/dry place so I'm thinking I'll put it on the wall left of the display. I might make a mounting panel for it and make it big enough to house any extra modules I might add to the system. The Vortech module is making me drool... :inlove: but I have to pay off my Apex before I dive into that. :lol:
 
UPDATE:


I added a couple friends for the Yellow Tang, a Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp and a few Astrea snails. My LFS didn't have any Trochus but maybe next time I'm in I can pick up a couple of those too. If I get a chance I'll post a couple pics of the new guys.

Does anyone think it's a little strange I haven't seen any appreciable algae cycles yet? I'm mean nothing! :confused:
 
You have a pretty sterile system, so I wouldn't expect much of a cycle. Just take it slow with adding things and keep a close eye on levels and other things like diatoms:D
 
You have a pretty sterile system, so I wouldn't expect much of a cycle. Just take it slow with adding things and keep a close eye on levels and other things like diatoms:D

Exactly, I thought I would have at least seen a diatom bloom by now but not a thing. Crazy... Everything seems stable and is testing out OK but I'm definitely taking it slow with the fish as you can tell. :D Might add some blue/green chromis when the LFS gets them in but won't be a for another week or two.
 
i didn"t doubt any less than an awesome install on your ac brett! great work everything is coming together so nice to say the least!
 
i didn"t doubt any less than an awesome install on your ac brett! great work everything is coming together so nice to say the least!

Hehe, thanks j-dizzle. Believe me, there's plenty of loose ends. Still need to address a few things but slowly but surely it's coming together. :)


what an outstanding build, i will be stealing a few of your ideas for my current build :D

Thanks eon! Good luck with your build. :)
 
Exactly, I thought I would have at least seen a diatom bloom by now but not a thing. Crazy... Everything seems stable and is testing out OK but I'm definitely taking it slow with the fish as you can tell. :D Might add some blue/green chromis when the LFS gets them in but won't be a for another week or two.

It'll come...bacteria are kinda like neutrons...once you reach critical mass... :blown:
 
UPDATE:


Well I spoke a day too soon. :lol: Today I woke up to the beginning of the first algae outbreak. Man that was quick... It went from absolutely nothing to what you see in the pics in less than a day. Also tried to snap a quick shot of the shrimp but I think he's taking cover from the imminent algae cycle ahead.


It's everywhere, on the rocks...


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And in the overflows. What do you think it is?


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It's a bad pic but just to prove there is a shrimp. :D


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And one of the Astrea snails.


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nice work on the tank dude, that aquascape rocks . . .lol. . . and it'll be even better in years to come when the corals grow out, very inspirational ;)
 
Well, took me about 5 1/2 hours, but I am up to speed with your build. Very nice and I have learned a bunch. Looking forward to the next update.
 
nice work on the tank dude, that aquascape rocks . . .lol. . . and it'll be even better in years to come when the corals grow out, very inspirational ;)

:lol: Thanks for the kind works legolas100. :)


Well, took me about 5 1/2 hours, but I am up to speed with your build. Very nice and I have learned a bunch. Looking forward to the next update.


Thanks for catching up strout. Should have some more stuff to share in a bit... :)
 
UPDATE:


The algae cycle continues...

Amazingly the display doesn't look very bad, just some stringy algae on the rocks and on the backs of the snails - poor little fellas. :D On the other hand it seems like all the gunk is collecting in the return section of my sump. Here's some pics, let me know what you think. :)


Skimmer seems to be pulling a little out even though it's still skimming wet. It's about as dry as I can get it but I'm sure the lack of bio load is dictating it's behavior somewhat.


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Here's the layer of scum in the return section of the sump. I'll probably take a net and scoop as much out as I can. All the algae is white/clear in color and is floating on the surface. The water underneath is relatively clear.


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Another angle.


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