Inwall tank build with corals that "Sway"!

[blide]

where did you but the cement? online or did you find some locally...

I've seen the mortar online, but I was trying to avoid shipping fees so I called up BASF customer service (800-433-9517) and they gave me some contacts for the DFW Area. It was around $28 a bag and I only used one bag.

One thing that was awesome about this mortar was the PH being stable at 7.5 in about a week. The process I followed was to it cure 24hrs in open air, soak 24hrs later in RO water, and then put it in the tank with saltwater for a week.

 

[psusocr]

Looks like a great build

 

[slapshot]

Everything looks great. Just a tip, when you frame in the tank raise the bottom frame about 1/4 above the sand. It works great so you never see that unsightly coraline built up on the glass where you can't see.

 

[JrocReef]

Very nice set up. Cool wifey for letting you do this.Looking forward for more updates.great job!

 

[j2me5ku]

awesome set up! tagging along

 

[blide]

Thanks for tagging alongs guys!

Here's an interesting rock in the tank that I'm not sure about because I'm usually not the kind of person to put symbols or attractions in my tank. My wife kept calling it the skull rock and even the neighbor noticed it when I pulled it out of the acid bath. I ended up placing in the front, but off to the side so hopefully it's not to distracting. What do you guys think do you see the skull?

 

[slapshot]

Thanks for tagging alongs guys!

Here's an interesting rock in the tank that I'm not sure about because I'm usually not the kind of person to put symbols or attractions in my tank. My wife kept calling it the skull rock and even the neighbor noticed it when I pulled it out of the acid bath. I ended up placing in the front, but off to the side so hopefully it's not to distracting. What do you guys think do you see the skull?

That's funny! Once you cover it with corals and the coralline starts in you won't even notice it. Now here is a creepy thought......maybe it was. :hmm2:

 

[Charley Diesing]

Looking sweet! Can't wait to see more!

 

[blide]

Some equipment updates:

Here some pic's of the skimmer out of the box and during the vinegar bath:

 

[blide]

Next is the Tunze 6105 and I still can't believe I was able to get this due to them being on backorder for 6 weeks.

All I can say about this stream is that it's a monster! I can't even turn it up half way on the 18v setting on my 72 inch tank without causing a sand storm. I'm actually thinking this is going to be my only water movement device in the tank.

Here's a pic of the unit out of the box (I looked online forever to find a size comparison and couldn't find one so I took a pic with a soda can for others who might be wondering about the size.).

 

[CheckSix187]

Love the idea your wife had for a "swaying" look, im going for the same thing for my first tank im setting up now, 90g, i love the movement softies add to a tank, makes everything look very lively.

Good luck with everything, it looks great so far. Looking forward to more!

 

[kidkams]

great looking build, deff tagging along with this one

 

[bdare]

You still don't have water in that thing?

 

[Bud Reeferman]

In-wall w/ "Sway"

In-wall w/ "Sway"



Sway comes from the Wavemaker, not the powerhead

 

[joejoe1055]

nice video
love the music
very good motion

 

[blide]

Got a new piece of hardware! Sunpower light fixture - 6 X 54w - 48' version. I choose this unit because my main viewing window is only 54' and the cave area is going to be for low light corals (I may do some small led's just to fit with all you new lighting guys. )

The main reason I went with T5's is because I know I always like to change of the lighting every year and with t5's it gives me that option. Plus, I decided to buy the ATI unit because after pricing the retro kit, fans, and DIY material for a light rack it was going to cost the same, so I thought this would be easier and it's seems to be well made.

 

[blide]

Sway comes from the Wavemaker, not the powerhead

Hehe... Thanks for the input Bud, but I think I'll be fine with my Tunze stream and returns to accomplish the task. :fun2:

 

[blide]

I also finished up the top of the canopy and was able to hang the light. With a confined space it's definitely a challenge to create enough ventilation , but here's what I came up with to allow cool air in and exhaust the hot air. Basically the ATI sunpower fixture fans suck cool air in through the top of the unit and the hot air is exhausted on the opposite end through a opening between the fixture and the acrylic shield (Which I must say the unit does very well, but the fans are a little loud). To create an optimal flow of air in the canopy I cut an oval shaped opening above the intake fans and then cut another vent hole at the opposite where the fixture exhaust the hot air.

 

[sasharotty]

Great looking buils so far! Your going to love that skimmer.

 

[meatball87]

Looks great so ur not going to use a wavebox just powerheads