lockrookies 180g custom build

[lockrookie]

im really hoping my new BM curve 9 skimmer shows up tomorrow and that it performs like its rated.(think the worst he for the best) i will still post in my build thead and a seperate thread my review of this skimmer. all in all im just excited to be trying something out of my comfort zone.

as well new bulbs should be here shortly. im planning on re wireing the lights so that i can unplug them close to the fixture then move the balasts to a close by closet to help with some heat issues ive been having. with the ballasts under the stand and no fans under there it get quite warm during the day.

 

[lockrookie]

bulbs and skimmer hath arrived ..yeah!! my first impression of the skimmer is this i quote "HOLY BLEEP the box is huge.." and now i forsee some modifications to my sump. will post pics later .. off to do a photo shoot...

 

[lockrookie]

my new skimmer that i cant fit into my sump... i failed to take into concideration, when purchasing, a cross beam in the stand for entry of skimmer to the sump..oops ..lol ...ah well a little modificaation and we will be good to go

 

[lockrookie]

with a little butchering of thestand and alot of cursing the skimmeris in the sump. i had to put it together in the sump it was indeed a nightmare. but now that i have an incling im good to go. i should have given the skimmer a vineger bath but too late. one thing i will say is holeeee bubbles so much tht ive had to play with the water level height to below the recomended level once it settles ini should be good to go .. already skimming light green water. this weekend i will hook up the skimmate resavoir. and take another vid. for now here is a vid of the startup

click the pic for the vid thanks

 

[lockrookie]

skimmer is installed barely but we got there. took a bit to get it to settle down and running ..decentlly pleased. also hooked up my resevoir. i can sleep easier at night knowing it wont puke on the floor of the stand. i stillhave to pickup some float switches for backup. but over all pleased. nuff babbling here arethe pics

 

[lockrookie]

so in trying to get a pic of my toadstool everyone came out to play

 

[deebs]

Awesome tank! really like the fact everything is almost DIY! Props to sir

 

[dave.m]

Just a note on the float valves: Clean them religiously, at least once per month. It's not nice when they fail in the open position.

Dave.M

 

[lockrookie]

Awesome tank! really like the fact everything is almost DIY! Props to sir

thank you for the kind words.. diy leds are next on the list just have to scrounge up some cash.

Just a note on the float valves: Clean them religiously, at least once per month. It's not nice when they fail in the open position.

Dave.M

yeah i know this is my fear and i watch it very closely i also have a ball valve on valve lineand im slowly adjustng it now to guage use/flow on the float so that in hopes its more reliable ifthat makes any sense.

 

[dave.m]

Depends on which type you are talking about. I am referring to the Autotopoff.com magnetic-type float valves. They must be kept clean religiously.

If you are referring to the swing arm-type float valves these are only safe with freshwater. I have only ever seen them encrust and fail on saltwater applications.

Dave.M

 

[lockrookie]

i use a kent marine float valve basicpresure flow stop which in my so far impreion is by far not the way to go a toilet bowl float valve works better but not sure itwoudl work in this application hehe. but for now its temporarysolution and i have yet to have to haul ro water to my tank big bonus

 

[lockrookie]

mooooore pictures of old and new additions in the tank

old stock

duncan started out as 3 heads

mushrooms

fuzzy shrooms and palys

paly and zoa rock

pearl bubble coral isnt as happy these days hopefully it perks up

frogspawn again not so happy may have to adjust placment

 

[lockrookie]

new stuff



thanks to some kind reefers



galaxy coral

unkown sps colony

green palys from jan cant rememer the name

capt colby from shroom

unknown monti i thnk possible superman with blue base red polyp

green fuzzy stick

green torch

 

[lilc64]

all i can say is wow, the skills demonstrated in this build is nothing short of amazing. With my large tank build coming up i could save so much money if i man up and attempt to do some of the work myself.

 

[lockrookie]

thank you for the kind words..

i am by far the furthest person from a pro when it comes to tank building. but if you have the will anyone can do it.a few helping hands is helpfull..my only tools was my imagnation and google researching and bravery lol...i saw what tank builders here doing.. and other custom builds on here and my local sites.. thought to myself if they can do it why cant i... im very budget minded with the birth of our twins and not alot of cash flow this was a risky build. thus why i still havent finished the hood.. not to mention i want leds and have to encorporate them into it as i build it. hopefully i get a chance to start the hood this weekend. just need a bit more cash for supplies. it never hurts to try if you have questions i willtry toanswer them to the best of my abilty.

 

[lockrookie]

fts 2 month mark...ish

 

[Rinkrat]

Awesome build love the electrical panel in the stand !

 

[lockrookie]

thank you ..i just ordered my second powerbar and its on route getting a bit cramped but i doubt i need anything else in there.....maybe lol

 

[lockrookie]

So I'm thinking a bit of an update on this build is in order. I really haven't done much but care for the inhabitants as of late. Busy summer and all and since its getting cold no real urge to work in an in heated garage. The main reason for the stall is my hood I don't really want to build it without my future LEDs but having a hard time choking the cost of the heat since I want and contemplating making something myself. Not to mention the whole ups power bar fiasco is still not resolved. I have to contact Neptune to see why they haven't come to deal with my claim

But all in all I'm happy with how things are running skimmer is working decently had a small cyano outbreak I remedied. Contemplating some livestock additions just can't make up my mind.

For now that is all if I get a chance ill take some pics this weekend

That is all


Sent from my porcelain aquarium


Sent from my porcelain aquarium

 

[TripsterAK]

You are very talented. Love the tank! How did you learn to do all of your glass work? just Trial and Error or do you work at a glass shop? I just got a 180 Gallon 2 days ago for free that has a broken pane that Im planning on replacing. Debating on if it would be worth it to do it in StarFire or not.