LeeMar starfire 290 mixed reef build

Beefy_Reefy said:
Tunze 7095 controller over 7096? Is it better or just like not having to use computer?
Click to expand...

I use Mac computers ONLY! I just didn't want to have to hassle with getting windows, etc. Hoping the 7095 will give me everything I need.

@Garage......Thank you, it's nice to hear of another LeeMar tank that you love. The bracing is what they recommended for max strength, so I didn't argue. I actually LOVE the look, however keeping the bracing clean could be a challenge? We'll see.

@ Chef......thanks! I LOVE the height now that it is in. I was very nervouse about it, as it is much higher than most people go. However.......It is gonna be a PITA to get the rock in there. :( I currently have a couple two step stools, however I am clearly gonna need to get some 3 step ones soon. LOL!
 
kmooresf said:
I use Mac computers ONLY! I just didn't want to have to hassle with getting windows, etc. Hoping the 7095 will give me everything I need.

@Garage......Thank you, it's nice to hear of another LeeMar tank that you love. The bracing is what they recommended for max strength, so I didn't argue. I actually LOVE the look, however keeping the bracing clean could be a challenge? We'll see.

@ Chef......thanks! I LOVE the height now that it is in. I was very nervouse about it, as it is much higher than most people go. However.......It is gonna be a PITA to get the rock in there. :( I currently have a couple two step stools, however I am clearly gonna need to get some 3 step ones soon. LOL!
Click to expand...

I think past 240, lee-mar said something about having to have the center braces so makes sense. Mine is all eurobrace as it is smaller. I was really worried about keeping the area between the water and top glass clean if that makes sense.. Turns out it is no biggie and very easy to keep clean! Stays wet, so I just use my magfloat on it when needed.

On the dual return pumps, may be to much. Not for the drains but for the overflow itself. I have the same size overflow in my tank by the tooth count and a single wb5000 is perfect and keeps the water 1/2 way up the teeth. That is with dual 1" returns and dual 1.5" siphon / emergency drain setup. Maybe a single 7000 would be better for you or a single WB5000. On another note, going dual WB5000's and having a WB5000 per 3/4" return will choke them down quite a bit.
 
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Water!!

Water!!

Thanks everyone.

I had to get the drain in the display plumbed, so I could get some water in there.

This drain will be for easy water changes and to get the tank drained easily and quickly if ever needed.

IMG_1819.jpg


This was from yesterday.......this morning the water is 2" from the overflow teeth. Tank has become slightly off level with the weight, but I don't think it will be a problem......other than me being obsessive about it!

IMG_1818.jpg


Sheet rock today, and hopefully get some more plumbing done.
 
On the level....

On the level....

Good day today. Finished the sheet rock. Starting to look clean and a bit easier to see how it's gonna all lay out.

IMG_1823.jpg


Now that the tank is full it is settling in and showing a bit off level. Just under 1/4" lower on the right than the left.

IMG_1827.jpg


Also a bit off from front to back

IMG_1828.jpg


Bought some shims today and will drain the tank and level it tomorrow.
 
Level!

Level!

So I got the tank drained and level today.

This is how far it was off level! LOL! However it was enough to make it very noticable....Almost 1/4" higher on one side.

IMG_1830.jpg


Used a boatload of shims and it is now sittin level. Feels good to have it sittin right. ;)

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I had to finish plumbing the drain before I could.....well.....drain the tank. ;) Thought I would show you the built in drain. Makes it so I can do water changes from behind the tank, and I emptied the tank in less than 20 minutes with this.



Of coarse it took a ton of bins to hold all that water.

IMG_1834.jpg


Now for more plumbing. ;)
 
kmooresf said:
Good day today. Finished the sheet rock. Starting to look clean and a bit easier to see how it's gonna all lay out.

IMG_1823.jpg


Now that the tank is full it is settling in and showing a bit off level. Just under 1/4" lower on the right than the left.

IMG_1827.jpg


Also a bit off from front to back

IMG_1828.jpg


Bought some shims today and will drain the tank and level it tomorrow.
Click to expand...
piece of mind in this hobby is priceless!!! nice set up..
 
Nice Build

Nice Build

Hello,
Nice system you are putting together:) I am doing a 300 now and want to use Water Blasters too. A couple of months a way from start up lot's of DIY's so i can't wait to see how they work for you.
Your other tanks look nice also!
If you will be using any pvc fittings, or pipe it will finish you quality build off if you paint them with fusion.

Your time is here!:beer:
 
Thanks Reef. I'm pretty impressed with it myself. Very well put together.


Well I spent today working on my drains. The space I have is not quite enough to do what I had planned, so I spent several hours weighing the options. Seems it's just gonna have to be simple and clean. Can't fit the ball valves where I had hoped, and the sump sits just a half inch or so from where I need it. LOL! I'll figure it out tomorrow I hope. I'll get pics when I do.
 
Drains are plumbed....

Drains are plumbed....

What a huge PITA!!!! :hmm5:

Plumbing has been difficult. Not as much room as I had anticipated. I wasn't able to use the Ball valves on the drains for lack of room. The 1.5" true union ball valves add 7" to the overall length and I just didn't have that. So I ended up just plumbing a simple drain. Easy right?? LOL! Not so much. But it's DONE!

Un-forseen benefits of having a GIANT sump. :thumbsup:

DSCN1287.jpg


DSCN1293.jpg


Getting in and out however was difficult. LOL!

DSCN1300.jpg


I opted to keep them as two seperate drains....the double will be the primary and the single will be more of a safety.....I hope.

DSCN1305.jpg


Nothing like I had planned it, but it's done. Hopefully it won't leak. :worried:

DSCN1306.jpg


Just have to plumb the returns and then I can work on the plumbing on the other side of the wall. I won't get nearly as HIGH I hope! That glue is a bit much in that small space. :mixed:
 
Dahenley.....I considered it, however felt it would be more likely to collect debrit and cause a back up. I may very well regret that decision depending on how loud this drain is. Fingers crossed it will be ok. ;)
 
More plumbing....

More plumbing....

Slow and steady progress on the plumbing.

Finished plumbing in the primary pumps. Two Waterblaster 5000. Go easy on me, as I am NOT a plumber, but I am pretty happy with how it turned out.

The tree's are a bit tall as I was working to avoid any 90's. There will be some small 1/2" ball valves off the T at the base to run my reactors. Just don't have the valves yet.

This was the dry fit..

IMG_1841.jpg

IMG_1845.jpg


The pumps are next to a high traffic area, and the tree's are very tall, so I felt some protection / support was indicated.

IMG_1846.jpg


Each of the pumps is sitting on 3 layers of an old yoga mat! LOL! Oh YES I DID!!

IMG_1847.jpg


Kind of a crazy design, but I am stoked that it is done and I was able to make it work in the space I had.

Now to finish up the skimmer plumbing tomorrow. Waiting on parts for the overflow before I can crank this baby up. Excited things are moving along. More to come!
 
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