IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
Yes, no need to scare them every time the lights go on. I've had fish jump before because they were startled. Living in a glass box is stressful enough, figured I could make it a little better for them.
Ivan's terribly slow 225 build
- Thread starter IvanTheTerrible
- Start date
Yes, no need to scare them every time the lights go on. I've had fish jump before because they were startled. Living in a glass box is stressful enough, figured I could make it a little better for them.
IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
I guess it's time for an update. I've been extremely busy this summer, but lately I've managed to find time to work on the tank project. I was actually able to paint the room.
I also installed the baseboard, crown molding, RODI, and cabinets. Yes, I realize that the RODI is directly over an outlet and that electricity and water don't play well. I'm not real happy with the placement, but I didn't have too many options in this small room. It's a GFI circuit that I plan to turn off when changing the filters, just in case. The mixing station will be directly below the RODI, so I'll be using those outlets for the pump and heater.
Since these pictures were taken, I plumbed in the sink and started the mixing station. I'll get some updated pictures once the mixing station is complete. As you can see from the pictures, I'm already using the room for storage. The door is stained and ready to be hung once the frame and trim are stained (in progress).
Now that the room is essentially complete, I'll turn my attention to the tank itself. I need to drill/install the overflow and plumb it into the sump (which needs baffles cut/installed). Hopefully, my schedule allows me to continue making progress.
Ivan
I also installed the baseboard, crown molding, RODI, and cabinets. Yes, I realize that the RODI is directly over an outlet and that electricity and water don't play well. I'm not real happy with the placement, but I didn't have too many options in this small room. It's a GFI circuit that I plan to turn off when changing the filters, just in case. The mixing station will be directly below the RODI, so I'll be using those outlets for the pump and heater.
Since these pictures were taken, I plumbed in the sink and started the mixing station. I'll get some updated pictures once the mixing station is complete. As you can see from the pictures, I'm already using the room for storage. The door is stained and ready to be hung once the frame and trim are stained (in progress).
Now that the room is essentially complete, I'll turn my attention to the tank itself. I need to drill/install the overflow and plumb it into the sump (which needs baffles cut/installed). Hopefully, my schedule allows me to continue making progress.
Ivan
IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
It's been a while, but I've finally been able to make some progress.
I ordered some plumbing pieces a few weeks ago. It took a while because the valves were backordered, but my pieces finally came in.
So, I went to work on the mixing station. After several trips to Lowe's and/or Home Depot I was able to get everything together.
Originally, I planned to put the pump (mostly) under the sink. That layout would take up less of my valuable floor space. I decided against it though because the plumbing from the tanks to the pump would have been sticking out and unprotected. I was afraid that I would end up kicking it when I was working in the sump. Although it takes up a more floor space, this layout protects the piping more.
I also ordered some glass for the sump baffles. The glass company did a great job and did a nice job finishing the edges. Sadly, most of that nice finish is now buried in silicone, but at least I won't have to worry about cutting myself.
With the sump baffles installed, I was able to put in the overflow plumbing. I still need to cut the final pieces of PVC that will end just below the waterline. I tried to keep them out of the way, but that is hard. It'll be worse once I put the return piping in.
I still need to paint the board that is bracing the pipes and finish a few other small items, but at least my plumbing is mostly done.
Ivan
I ordered some plumbing pieces a few weeks ago. It took a while because the valves were backordered, but my pieces finally came in.
So, I went to work on the mixing station. After several trips to Lowe's and/or Home Depot I was able to get everything together.
Originally, I planned to put the pump (mostly) under the sink. That layout would take up less of my valuable floor space. I decided against it though because the plumbing from the tanks to the pump would have been sticking out and unprotected. I was afraid that I would end up kicking it when I was working in the sump. Although it takes up a more floor space, this layout protects the piping more.
I also ordered some glass for the sump baffles. The glass company did a great job and did a nice job finishing the edges. Sadly, most of that nice finish is now buried in silicone, but at least I won't have to worry about cutting myself.
With the sump baffles installed, I was able to put in the overflow plumbing. I still need to cut the final pieces of PVC that will end just below the waterline. I tried to keep them out of the way, but that is hard. It'll be worse once I put the return piping in.
I still need to paint the board that is bracing the pipes and finish a few other small items, but at least my plumbing is mostly done.
Ivan
sfsuphysics
Active member
Boy howdy! Dual water jugs just looks sexy! (in a weird reef keeping nerd way 
)
)IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
Thanks. It seems like this project has been going on forever, but I'm actually further along than I thought I would be.
Boy howdy! Dual water jugs just looks sexy! (in a weird reef keeping nerd way
LOL. I know what you mean. My wife just rolls her eyes when I'm discussing tanks with other fish nerds.
iced98lx
New member
Being several years into mine I know the feeling. The checklist has only grown over the years not gotten smaller...
acer
New member
Yeah - Progress... I cant be the only one with slow progress. LOL - love the mixing station - mine will not look so professional.
I noticed your not getting into those drawers under the counter top with the mixing station so close to them - oh well. Can you turn the base cabinet so the drawers open into the space under the counter top? Kind of a pain to get to them - but at least not completely wasted.
I noticed your not getting into those drawers under the counter top with the mixing station so close to them - oh well. Can you turn the base cabinet so the drawers open into the space under the counter top? Kind of a pain to get to them - but at least not completely wasted.
IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
Yes, it's probably not worth driving to Pittsburgh. Good luck with your build.
Very nice set up..
Thank you.
Well, at least I don't have to worry about getting bored.
This isn't the original lay-out I had planned. Originally, the tanks and the cabinets were going to be swapped, but that made it too difficult to get through the door. So, the drawers are a loss. I store salt boxes between the cabinets, so turning one isn't a good option. It's not that big of a deal at this point since I have enough storage space. We'll see if that's true in a few years as I collect more stuff. Your build looks nice. Good luck with the transfers.
Ivan
IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
Thanks. I can't wait until I have something worthy of a picture.
houston220
New member
After six years in the house, we are finishing our basement and I hope to start a slow build thread next year. Thanks for documenting the progress. Leaning from others is considerably less expensive.
IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
This project would have been a whole lot easier if I had started with an unfinished room. Unfortunately, I could swing it financially when I finished the basement 10+years ago.
I'm glad to hear you found this thread helpful. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck with your build.
- Ivan
IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
So....my garage doors quick working and I had to call the repairman. Kind of a bummer, but while he was here I picked up some extra garage door track. It was from another job and he was going to throw it out, so I got it for FREE. :dance: So, my plan is to cut it to length, mount it to the ceiling, and make it part of a light rack.
That's a great plan, but requires me to have something to actually construct a light rack from. Garage door rollers can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot, so that's not a problem. I ordered some 80/20 from eBay for the frame. It's anodized aluminum, so hopefully corrosion won't be a problem. So the 80/20 will be here next week or so, but I still don't have any lights.
My plan was to use 3 radions over the tank, possibly supplemented with some T5s. But then, Ecotech came out with the Gen 4s. While they seem like great lights, I don't like buying the first generation of anything. Plus, they are expensive. Three Gen 4 Pros would be $2400 and it seemed strange to buy Gen 3s knowing that they can't be upgraded to Gen 4. Plus, with the many recent house repairs I've paid for lately I was looking to save some funds. So, I started looking at other LED options. A couple of local guys had previously recommended the black box lights available on eBay and from a few other sources. The tanks I saw looked great and it's hard to argue with success so I did some further research. I ended up ordering two 300 watt Mars Aqua lights. Together they were less than $400. So even if I decide to buy something else later, they were at least (relatively) cheap. So the lights are shipping here next week as well. Hopefully, I'll have the light rack finished and mounted before Thanksgiving. That means I just need a skimmer and return pump and I'll have all of my equipment (for now). Hopefully, things will be running before the new year.
Since I was in a buying mood and excited to get this tank going, I went to the LFS and picked up a pair of skunk clowns. They're not the most popular fish, but I really like them. They're unique and will satisfy my kids' desire to have "a Nemo" in the tank.
- Ivan
That's a great plan, but requires me to have something to actually construct a light rack from. Garage door rollers can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot, so that's not a problem. I ordered some 80/20 from eBay for the frame. It's anodized aluminum, so hopefully corrosion won't be a problem. So the 80/20 will be here next week or so, but I still don't have any lights.
My plan was to use 3 radions over the tank, possibly supplemented with some T5s. But then, Ecotech came out with the Gen 4s. While they seem like great lights, I don't like buying the first generation of anything. Plus, they are expensive. Three Gen 4 Pros would be $2400 and it seemed strange to buy Gen 3s knowing that they can't be upgraded to Gen 4. Plus, with the many recent house repairs I've paid for lately I was looking to save some funds. So, I started looking at other LED options. A couple of local guys had previously recommended the black box lights available on eBay and from a few other sources. The tanks I saw looked great and it's hard to argue with success so I did some further research. I ended up ordering two 300 watt Mars Aqua lights. Together they were less than $400. So even if I decide to buy something else later, they were at least (relatively) cheap. So the lights are shipping here next week as well. Hopefully, I'll have the light rack finished and mounted before Thanksgiving. That means I just need a skimmer and return pump and I'll have all of my equipment (for now). Hopefully, things will be running before the new year.
Since I was in a buying mood and excited to get this tank going, I went to the LFS and picked up a pair of skunk clowns. They're not the most popular fish, but I really like them. They're unique and will satisfy my kids' desire to have "a Nemo" in the tank.
- Ivan
acer
New member
Those cheaper LED's will probably be fine unless your trying to grow some of those really light hungry SPS corals. However, I would count on supplementing with T5's. ON my 150 I will be using a ReefBreeder 24 on one side and a XR30 ( gen 3) on the other. I plan on using some supplemental T5's (4-6 hours per day) - especially on the Reef Breeder side. I think it spreads light better and therefore corals grow fuller (360 degrees) and you have less shadows in the tank.
Cant wait to see what you end up making/manufacturing.
Cant wait to see what you end up making/manufacturing.
Ivan, I built a movable light rack over my tank. I provide details in my build thread starting at post 18: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2577596
I used barn door rails but it may give you some ideas.
Ward
I used barn door rails but it may give you some ideas.
Ward
IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
Yes, I can always add T5's. I'll have to see how things look once the lights are hanging.
IvanTheTerrible
Fish Nerd
Thanks for the link. Nice job on the build. I love your tank dimensions.
Your light rack is similar to what I have in mind. Do you have any bowing of the light rack? That's a pretty big span.
- Ivan
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