jemw's 90 gallon

[jemw]

Been away from the hobby since June 2012. Doesn't appear to be much change since then. I'm currently in the process of purchasing an aquarium. Right now the SCA 90 Gallon Cube Starfire PNP is at the top of my list. I still have some questions and dimension issues to be answered. I'll be driving out next week to meet with Steve at SCA to get the final information. I have already started with purchases for the system, listed below. I have a semi-dedicated electrical connection with 20 amps most of the time with occasional drop to 10 amps when the other device (microwave oven) is fired up. The circuit has built in GFI at the wall connection for the aquarium equipment.

One observation that is troubling to me being that equipment mfgs. don't post complete power requirements any more. Wattage would be easy and nice. I'm still waiting for some mfgs. to respond to my request. I need some of the information to properly size a UPS for critical functions.

My list doesn't include a spare return or skimmer pump. Will have to wait for the final selection for that.

But here is what I have on order as of today (should be arriving next week):

EchoTech Marine

Radion XR20w Gen3 Pro LED Light Fixture with Tank Mount
Reef Link WiFi Controller
VorTech Battery Backup
VorTech MP40wQD Propeller Pump w/Wireless QuietDrive Driver​

Tunze

Osmolator Universal 3155
USA 5074.000 Calcium Dispenser​

Jebao

Programmable Auto Dosing Pump
Dosing Pump Mounting Bracket (acrylic)
Soft Tube Fixture Holder for Dosing Pump
Acryli Made Liquid Storage Bucket 3 Rooms 4.5 Liters​

Neptune Systems Apex AquaController System with Standard Grade PH Probe
Sun 13 Watts In-Tank Submersible UV Sterilizer/Clarifier
100 Pound Key Largo Dry Rock (Macro Rocks)
Misc pump and heater to cook my dry rock

Can't order a reservoir for the ATO until I see how much space is available in the cabinet. Suspect I may not need a chiller as our house has AC, perhaps some clip on fans for the sump if needed.

Hope to be up and running in a couple of months. Will post pics as I go.

 

[jemw]

Bio Pellet Reactor added

Bio Pellet Reactor added

Ordered my Bio Pellet Reactor today consisting of:

AquaMaxx BioMaxx BioPellet Reactor
Taam Rio+ 1100 Powerhead/Pump UL
Two Little Fishies Ball Valve w/ Hose Barbs for 3/4 Inch I.D. Tubing
Plastic Hose Clamp 3/4 inch
NP Biopellets All In One Biopellets 1000ml​

 

[GfordQC]

Looks like your going for the same setup as I. I have been going back and forth with Steve here lately their service/discussion is good. I'll be following along.

 

[jemw]

Chosen SCA 90 PNP

Chosen SCA 90 PNP

Concluded my visit with SCAquariums today. A bit of a drive with the heavy traffic, but well worth the trip. Steve and his crew were more than helpful in answering my questions, and displaying the tank and stand I was interested in. After seeing their stock, I am opting for the 90 gallon PNP. I was really impressed with the dimensions of the sump (and obviously the tank and cabinet). One of the questions I had was how much room was available on each side of the sump, and as I suspected, not enough for an ATO reservior. Steve indicated he had a source for a 5 gallon which would fit on the top of the sump. Another piece of information was the size of the three chambers in the sump. As I measured: 10 1/2 inches for the skimmer chamber, 12 1/2 inches for the center chamber, and 8 inches for the return pump chamber. There is more than enough height in the two overflow partitions in the center chamber (lost my paper with measurements) for a deep sand bed if you want one or perhaps a refugium. There will only be 6 1/2 inches in front of the sump for other equipment, so check out the dimensions of equipment before you order it. If you order the new 36" tall cabinet, you will have about 16 inches above the sump to also place equipment. I placed my order requesting the Cherry color, so it will take about 3 weeks before I see it. :dance: But I'll still be cooking the dry rock when it arrives. It should be here next Tuesday (7th). I start making RO/DI water tomorrow in prep. The other equipment I ordered is arriving already.

 

[GfordQC]

How was the size of the overflow? Others that I have talked with this about said it took up quite a bit of room inside the tank.

 

[jemw]

How was the size of the overflow? Others that I have talked with this about said it took up quite a bit of room inside the tank.

Didn't measure it specifically, but didn't look to be Huge. About what I've seen on other tanks this size. Center overflows are usually larger than corner ones, but there are usually two corner ones. I like the center because it allows for even distribution of the return water.

 

[jemw]

More items ordered

More items ordered

Ordered my UPS today. Selected:
CyberPower OR1500PFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS 1500VA 1050W PFC Compatible Tower. Amazon has it for $291. It is a PURE Sinewave UPS which is what we need for our pumps.

Also ordered: Red Sea Test Kits, DIY Mesh Screen Lid

That puts me down to the polyboard (going bare bottom) and spare return and skimmer pumps. I'll wait until the aquarium arrives for these to make sure I get the right size outlets. I'm looking at the 1585 GPH Waveline Apex Ready DC Adjustable Flow for the return pump. A bit pricey, but offers better control of your flow through the tank.

I'm sure there is something I missed, but will find out as the build progresses.

 

[jemw]

Ready for the rock

Ready for the rock

Made the RO/DI water to cook the dry rock which is scheduled to arrive Tuesday the 7th. The RO/DI maker has been hanging idle for a while now, was concerned that it might need all new filters. Fired it up and powered on the TDS meter which displayed momentarily and then went blank. Thought I would have to purchase another TDS, but decided to open it up and see what kind of batteries were involved. Problem turned out to be the batteries, but they cost $10 for replacements. That out of the way, made a gallon to throw away, and started the process. Amazing, after sitting for over a year, the TDS output was 000. Made 40 gallons, still reading TDS 000. The unit is a BRS 5 Stage Plus RO/DI. I must say that I am happy with that purchase.

 

[jemw]

Dry rock came early

Dry rock came early

Surprise. Opened the front door to check on mail and found two large packages sitting there. Fedral Express delivered my dry rock three days early. Probably had to ship air because of all the flooding across the south. Since I just finished making my RO/DI water this morning, I was ready. Rinsed in one tub and placed the rock in the other two. Now I can make some water for the 5 gallon Home Depot containers to perform the swish and wash every two weeks.

 

[jemw]

Next rock cure

Next rock cure

It's been 12 days of my dry rock cooking in non-salt RO/DI water. Made up a couple of tubs of RO/DI with salt and moved the rock to them today. Would have waited until Saturday, but my SCA 90 is to be delivered this Saturday.

 

[jemw]

Still on the fence about which controller

Still on the fence about which controller

After the announcement by Neptune Systems of their new controller, I returned the Apex AquaController System with Standard Grade PH Probe that I had purchased. But since Neptune Systems is slipping their ship date on the new controller, I am suspicious that they may have discovered issues with the new controller. It could be a part shortage, but their silence on the issue concerns me. I guess I'll just put the tank up without a controller initially and wait for the reviews to arrive. In the meantime, I'm looking at other controllers.

 

[jemw]

It's here

It's here

Steve delivered my system this morning. Here are some pics:

This is the new all wood cabinet with cherry staining. Note the two pieces of foam on top of the tank. Wasn't expecting, but they were included - one for the sump and one for the tank for noise reduction and even distribution of the glass. Note: the doors are not uneven, they are not closed all the way.


Now the real work can begin. After looking at several of the builds where they sealed and painted the inside of the stand white, I have elected to do the same. A quick trip to Home Depot tomorrow for sand paper, paint an caulking material and I'm off to the races. At the same time, will test the tank and sump for leaks.

 

[jemw]

No white

No white

After inspecting the inside of the cabinet more closely, I've decided not to caulk and paint it. Looks very tight on the seams.

 

[jemw]

Starboard

Starboard

Ordered my starboard today from Interstate Plastics. Custom size HDPWEM SH-HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET - WHITE. Sure glad I waited until the aquarium arrived before placing this order. Had I ordered a 24x36, I would be doing a lot of cut down, not to mention the extra cost.

 

[jemw]

Plumbing work for Herbie

Plumbing work for Herbie

The default pipe for the Druso Stand Pipe which ships with the unit sits 4" below the overflow weir. For a Herbie system this pipe becomes the emergency drain pipe, and as such is not suitable for a Herbie system. The recommended setting for the emergency drain pipe in a Herbie system is 1/2" below the overflow weir. So will need to purchase additional pipes for this function. Steve indicated that the 4" distance was to clear the return tee. See the link below for more information.
http://gmacreef.com/herbie-overflow-reef-tank-plumbing-method-basics/

Unless someone can think of a reason NOT to set the distance at 1/2"

 

[jemw]

In the house

In the house

Yesterday saw the move of the stand, sump, and tank into the house. Now that I have everything in place, I can start design of the plumbing. First thing on the list is a reservoir for the ATO. Only have 3" on the one side or the front to work with. After much searching, I found a 5 gallon 3x20x20 which will fit. It can be found here for anyone with the same problem: http://advancedacrylics.com/collections/auto-top-off/products/copy-of-10-gal-black-ato-1

Have a few more plumbing fixtures to locate before I can actually start the plumbing. Letting the weight of the tank/cabinet/sump settle the carpet so I can level it out. Currently looks like a 1/4" drop to the right. Wouldn't it be nice if builders could make level concrete slabs.

Still looking at different controllers.

 

[jemw]

More stuff

More stuff

Ordered the Silicon Vibration Pads for under the skimmer along with a SICCE Syncra Silent 4.0 return pump and Orange Schedule 40 pipe.

I'll keep the return pump that SCA sent as my backup. Surprised that the pump they delivered does not fit (1/2" return for 1" plumbing) with the plumbing provided. Sent an email to Steve, waiting for reply.

My starboard is due to arrive today, so I may be able to start my aquascaping later this week.

Still haven't decided on a controller.

 

[jemw]

Ordered Controller

Ordered Controller

After much looking around, I found the new Apex Controller to offer more at a better price than others. I ordered mine today - obviously on back order, but I hope they ship soon.

 

[jemw]

Starboard

Starboard

Starboard arrived today. Looks like I got the size right. Taking the grandkids to the airport to go home tomorrow, and perhaps I can find some time to start work on the build. Although the rocks are still cooking and have another week before I can put them in the tank.

 

[jemw]

Dry rock cure progress

Dry rock cure progress

Well, today marks four weeks of my dry rock cooking in the garage. I did a test for PO4 today and was most surprised to find it really low (<.03) using Red Sea test kit. I'm pretty sure there aren't any bacteria forming as there is nothing in the container but rock/salt water/pumps. Perhaps I will be lucky when I finally move it to the tank. Still waiting for some items to arrive so I can start my build.

The level of the tank still needs to be addressed. Front to back is right on, but from left to right I have a 1/8" drop. Picked up some plywood from Home Depot this afternoon, will shim (2'x2'x1/8") on the right side tomorrow.

Heard about some of the really bad issues with the new Apex controllers this morning from both posts here and the Neptune Systems Community forum. Sent an email to BSR support asking if they are taking any precautions to isolate and not ship from the batch that has the problems. No response yet.