James404
I <3 Acros
Moving along, haven't had a chance to take any pictures until today. Updates incoming :spin1:
James404's 80g Rimless SPS Build
- Thread starter James404
- Start date
Moving along, haven't had a chance to take any pictures until today. Updates incoming :spin1:
James404
I <3 Acros
Initial Aquascaping and Sand
Got the initial aquascaping done using the 60lbs of BRS Pukani. I knew I wanted an open area in the middle, and to avoid just the "Wall of Rock" look. Overall I am pretty happy with it.
The sand was about 50lbs of Caribsea Special Grade Sea Floor Aragonite. I've used this sand in my previous tanks and always was happy with it.
Got the initial aquascaping done using the 60lbs of BRS Pukani. I knew I wanted an open area in the middle, and to avoid just the "Wall of Rock" look. Overall I am pretty happy with it.
The sand was about 50lbs of Caribsea Special Grade Sea Floor Aragonite. I've used this sand in my previous tanks and always was happy with it.
naimasreef
New member
nice
nice
I'm loving it!
nice
I'm loving it!
James404
I <3 Acros
Thanks for following along!
James404
I <3 Acros
Cycle
The cycle is under way!
Usually I have always just gone with ghost feeding to cycle, this time around I only placed the BRS pukani rock in the tank. I figured there was enough dead organic matter, and sure enough it's moving along.
Another first for me was the use of Dr. Tim's bacteria. I'm amazed that only 2 days in, and Ammonia and Nitrites are already being converted. I will take plenty of caution of course, but it definitely seems like a great way to jump start a cycle.
The cycle is under way!
Usually I have always just gone with ghost feeding to cycle, this time around I only placed the BRS pukani rock in the tank. I figured there was enough dead organic matter, and sure enough it's moving along.
Another first for me was the use of Dr. Tim's bacteria. I'm amazed that only 2 days in, and Ammonia and Nitrites are already being converted. I will take plenty of caution of course, but it definitely seems like a great way to jump start a cycle.
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James404
I <3 Acros
Thank you for following along!
James404
I <3 Acros
I finally got my Canon 6D back! Expect much better image quality from this post forward 
Basement
Work has been slowly coming together on the rest of the build. The sump will be located in our unfinished basement. This gives me plenty of space for current equipment needs and expansion in the future.
I am still awaiting some critical pieces to arrive to complete the plumbing as well as some other equipment that has been ordered.
I attached some 1/2" ply to the concrete walls, and mounted the Apex, FMM and a raceway for cable management.
I began initial rough in of electrical as well, this will ultimately be a waterproof box, with 2 GFCI 20a circuits.
Heres some shots of the Tideline 48 sump and rest as it sits now:
Basement
Work has been slowly coming together on the rest of the build. The sump will be located in our unfinished basement. This gives me plenty of space for current equipment needs and expansion in the future.
I am still awaiting some critical pieces to arrive to complete the plumbing as well as some other equipment that has been ordered.
I attached some 1/2" ply to the concrete walls, and mounted the Apex, FMM and a raceway for cable management.
I began initial rough in of electrical as well, this will ultimately be a waterproof box, with 2 GFCI 20a circuits.
Heres some shots of the Tideline 48 sump and rest as it sits now:
Frictionless
New member
Its coming along NICELY!
James404
I <3 Acros
Thank you, I wish it was coming along faster, but part of that has to do with my OCD, also patiently waiting for the rest of equipment
James404
I <3 Acros
Sump
The return pump used for this build will be the Reeflo Yellowtail. I calculated the head pressure needed to be about 15-16ft. This pump seemed like the best option, although it definitely is a bit overkill. I will need to keep it dialed down quite a bit.
Of course, since I am using an external return, my sump will need to be drilled for the 2" input the Reeflo requires. I admit this definitely gave me some anxiety. I've drilled plenty of glass tanks before, but never a brand spankin' new acrylic sump that costs a pretty penny.
I opted to use a 75mm diamond drill bit, paired with my Dewalt hammer drill, set to regular drill mode.
I made a template and secured it with some pipe clamps.
Success!
The return pump used for this build will be the Reeflo Yellowtail. I calculated the head pressure needed to be about 15-16ft. This pump seemed like the best option, although it definitely is a bit overkill. I will need to keep it dialed down quite a bit.
Of course, since I am using an external return, my sump will need to be drilled for the 2" input the Reeflo requires. I admit this definitely gave me some anxiety. I've drilled plenty of glass tanks before, but never a brand spankin' new acrylic sump that costs a pretty penny.
I opted to use a 75mm diamond drill bit, paired with my Dewalt hammer drill, set to regular drill mode.
I made a template and secured it with some pipe clamps.
Success!
James404
I <3 Acros
Of course what use is a build thread, if we don't show some of our mistakes and failures?
Was working on some of the plumbing under the tank today, gluing in the return lines. Normally I'm used to bulkheads and fittings having a lip inside them as a "stopper". Well I ended up gluing the pipe way too high into the bulkhead, and the rest of the piping won't fit inside the overflow!
By the time I realized what I had done it was too late, and getting that bulkhead off would be a PITA...
With every problem, there is always a solution. I ordered up an internal coupling to connect the two pipes. Now it's just a matter of waiting for delivery.
Was working on some of the plumbing under the tank today, gluing in the return lines. Normally I'm used to bulkheads and fittings having a lip inside them as a "stopper". Well I ended up gluing the pipe way too high into the bulkhead, and the rest of the piping won't fit inside the overflow!
By the time I realized what I had done it was too late, and getting that bulkhead off would be a PITA...
With every problem, there is always a solution. I ordered up an internal coupling to connect the two pipes. Now it's just a matter of waiting for delivery.
MMOORE0324
Member
Everything is looking great, James! Following along!
James404
I <3 Acros
Thank you!
