DustinC's Rimless SPS Reef

[dustinc]

Ok, so I've been in the hobby for about 10 years now and I've had my fair share of tanks. I've owned standard tanks, every AIO ever created, ELOS, & most recently a RedSea Max 650 and I've always had things about them I didn't like. So, my wife told me I just need to go custom and get exactly what I want and be happy, so I could not argue with that and immediately started making plans. Below is what I came up with. Enjoy

Display Tank
48"x26"x22"
118 Gallons from Planet Aquariums in Dallas, TX
3 Sides Starphire Glass, Black Vinyl on Back, PVC Bottom
Off-Center Right Internal Overflow w/ 2 x 1" Drains & 1 x 3/4" Return
1/2" Glass all around

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8230943571_ca6f1c4ce2.jpg" width="500" height="294" alt="Rimless Aquarium Front"></a>

 

[dustinc]

Sump
Custom Acrylic Sump
I am still getting quotes from different manufacturers and can hopefully order this week. Below are drawings of what I have in mind

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8231406155_7ce5318478.jpg" width="500" height="292" alt="Sump Front 40x18x16"></a>

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8232468888_fb5be774a5.jpg" width="500" height="292" alt="Sump Top 40x18x16"></a>

 

[dustinc]

Stand
I will be getting a custom wood stand by the cabinet maker who built the cabinets in my home

Lighting
8 x 54 Watt T5 ATI Sunpower

Water Movement
Sicce 3.0 Return Pump
2 x Tunze Turbelle 6105 controlled by ReefKepper APC Module

Skimmer
Vertex Omega 150

Other Equipment
ReefKeeper Lite
Tunze Osmolator
Phosban Reactor
Eheim Jager 250 Watt Heater

 

[dustinc]

today I received a very small portion of the order I placed for equipment for the new tank. Most of it will be in later due to being out of stock. I did receive 2 bags of reefflakes, APC module, Tunze Osmolator, T5 bulbs, and the heater.

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8233370691_28afe721bb.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="image"></a>

 

[reefscape15]

I wish the women in my life were as understanding! Looking like a great tank according to your plans. What do u have in mind for livestock?

 

[dustinc]

I wish the women in my life were as understanding! Looking like a great tank according to your plans. What do u have in mind for livestock?

Ha ha. She just said I'm not changing again so get what I want this time.

As for livestock, I'm planning on SPS dominant with a nice mixture of fish. I would like to get a Blenny, 3 x Anthias, Dwarf Angel, and not sure what else. I'll take any suggestions...

 

[bobkill]

Hey mister - following

 

[clowndude]

Looking good. Can't wait to see it all come together.

 

[dustinc]

Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to it myself. I did receive an American DJ power strip as well that will allow me to easily power off equipment if need be.

 

[Frost3839]

Man, Looks like its getting off to a good start! I LOVE rimless!!!!!!!!! lol

 

[Singlefin]

This is going to be a nice build. Like the dimensions.


Slow your roll..

 

[dustinc]

Small Update...

Today I received a few more items for my build. Still waiting on a few things to come in, but the majority of stuff is ready to go. Quick shot of the stuff I got today.

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8253428711_3685c2c85e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Untitled"></a>

 

[littleguy210]

Shaping up to be a great build. Keep it coming.

 

[laredo300c]

i live in south texas and have been considering this builder for some time, where they easy to work with, and how bout shipping costs. i havent personally called them because it is just not time yet, but have heared very good things about them

good luck with your build, tagging along

 

[dustinc]

Shaping up to be a great build. Keep it coming.

Thank you!

i live in south texas and have been considering this builder for some time, where they easy to work with, and how bout shipping costs. i havent personally called them because it is just not time yet, but have heared very good things about them

good luck with your build, tagging along

They were extremely easy to work with. I'm not sure how much shipping played into the equation because they had to go through the LFS for me to order. I do know this tank was $400 cheaper than the same tank through Miracles. This amazed me because it included some mark up for the LFS and the miracles was a direct price. To this point I would recommend them, but we will see how it all turns out.

 

[REEF SMAC]

Shopping spree looks we'll done so far. Keep it up....

 

[dustinc]

Shopping spree looks we'll done so far. Keep it up....

Thank you. It would be nice if everything I ordered was in stock, but it builds suspense as I wait. Ha ha.

 

[dustinc]

Update:

Well... I received a call on Thursday that my aquarium was ready and waiting for pickup so I was excited and bummed at the same time because my stand hasn't been built yet because I was not expecting such a fast turn-around. So I go to check it out and it is beautiful. The Starphire glass is amazing and the seams look great, and......

CRAP! The holes for the overflow are incorrect. They did a single drain and 2 returns, when I needed 2 drains and a return. So, it looks like it will be going back and I will wait a little longer for a new one. I am very excited though because it looked very nice.

I do have my rock curing in my saltwater mixing brute can. So it should be cured when I get the new tank and we will be ready to roll.

 

[sahin]

Nice system. Look forward to seeing this progressing. Well done for sticking to T5's. In all honesty I dont think LED's are quite there yet. PAR wise, LED's are quite adequate; but I think a lack of full spectrum on the current units is the cause. Maybe in the hands of well seasoned SPS keeper LED's can produce decent results. But so far good results are not that apparant for SPS.Keep the updates coming.

 

[E.intheC]

Looks like a great start. :thumbsup: