Mike's 300 Double-D

[prop-frags]

Looks good Mike
I am glad you chose the black quartz I think it looks stunning.

Thanks Matt! The quartz is also very durable and resistant to stains and scratching, too. We don't have to seal it the way that granite requires.

Very nice! I like the black and white contrast

Thank you, Scott. We really fretted over the color choices, but lucky for us, Terry is very persistent and has a fantastic eye for such things.

Beautiful! Nothing like presenting a display with top notch cabinetry. :thumbsup:

Brett, we're so fortunate the cabinets weren't damaged by the "big leak of 2010". Hopefully they continue to hold up. The quality construction and paint helped a lot.

those blastos are so colorful cant wait tilll this tank gets redone again lol each time its better and better

Hahah John - thanks for the compliment! We got those blastos from Dr Mac many years ago, and have always babied them. i wish there was a "safe deposit box" for corals, cuz those would be one we would surely put a frag away.

I'd bet they werent laying dormant, just in such low populations for a long period that they were of no consequence.

Congrats on the new rock and other progress. One word of caution, that both drummereef and I've experienced; that marco rock makes for great aquascaping but will take some serious time to cure. We've both enjoyed some good algae bouts in the first few months of lighted use (I cured mine for 8 months or more in a simple system with a little seed rock, and I didnt have any algae until I fired up my metal halides). It hasnt caused me any other concerns that I can obviously tell, though time will be the ultimate truth. Good luck moving forward!

Thanks for the advice, Chris. With all the work we've been doing on the live rock, we're going to have some cycling in the new 300, no doubt. We scrubbed all the rock today, rinsed it in fresh salt mix, and put it back in the vat with some Stability to help get some bacteria colonizing.

What I did with my Marco rocks is soak it in a diluted solution of Vinegar and water and then rinsed it in freshwater as well. I believe I did this about 4 times. I did end up having, however, were some dinos. I think it was because my skimmer was undersized as well though. Add circulation and I think you would be good to go. Good advice though CRVZ. Oh yah, I also used the Key Largo in my biocube with the cheap BioCube skimmer. I did not have algae either.

Good to know! We have been curing in salt vats, but have not heard about an acid bath. Need to do some more reading! Good to hear from you again MG!

That stand is so nice. Can't wait to see some water in the tank.....well, saltwater.

Ahh, thanks LN. We're getting pretty excited too...tired, but excited!

:fish2: :fish1:

We were busy today. The goal was to get busy on the rock work for our new aquascape. We started just like we did before with a scale model of the tank on the floor of the garage:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5559598707/" title="DSC_4963 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5559598707_b1997ffabe_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_4963" /></a>

First, just trying out a few ideas and getting used to the fiberglass rods, the base pieces, and the tree assembly techniques:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5559777017/" title="DSC_4968 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5559777017_ae85bb65e2.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_4968" /></a>

After a couple of hours (or three or five hahah), here's what we landed on for the right side:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5559599087/" title="DSC_4971 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5559599087_f794572e0d_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_4971" /></a>

A different perspective:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5559600141/" title="DSC_4976 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5559600141_d00a4ec659_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="DSC_4976" /></a>

Tomorrow: more rock work and perhaps finishing off the display tank plumbing. Thanks for watching! :beer:

 

[Bamm Bamm]

looking god just read through the whole thread man what a tragedy Im glad to see you rebuilt the stand I had concerns when I saw the original design.. I must've missed it but what are the dimensions of the tank. It looks beautiful!!!
hve you had any problems with that angel nipping at corals or clams?

 

[prop-frags]

looking god just read through the whole thread man what a tragedy Im glad to see you rebuilt the stand I had concerns when I saw the original design.. I must've missed it but what are the dimensions of the tank. It looks beautiful!!!
hve you had any problems with that angel nipping at corals or clams?

Thanks Dan! As for the stand, we were shocked when we pulled it out and discovered how it was put together, especially knowing how much we paid for it and the cabinetry and how little the extra materials would have cost to beef it up to an acceptable level - live and learn! We're just glad that we were able to re-use the skin and cabinetry with the new stand.

The tank dimensions are 72 X 36 X 27". As for the Regal, we have not tempted her with a clam... We discovered the hard way that she has a taste for brightly colored Zoa's and Elegance LPS coral. She also feels the need to "taste-test" SPS corals when they are added to the tank, but thankfully doesn't do any real damage.

 

[drummereef]

Those look great already! I can't tell from the pic but I'm assuming the large rock on the bottom is what keeps it from falling over? Is the structure fairly stable?

 

[prop-frags]

Those look great already! I can't tell from the pic but I'm assuming the large rock on the bottom is what keeps it from falling over? Is the structure fairly stable?

Thanks Brett. For each "tree" we work up from a sturdy piece (or two) of base rock. The design relies heavily on having the fiberglass rods buried into the rock deeply enough to provide a sturdy mounting pole, then using a binding action for shelf pieces to lock onto the rods. Close inspection will reveal small rock spacers that we use to elevate shelves and create vertical spacing between the levels. For heavier shelves, we will usually find a crafty way of using both a rod (or two) and support on another base rock or lower shelf.

Here's a look at the left side that we built yesterday. This sprawling design relies more on layering of rock (supporting by stacking), as well as the rod support method.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5566461823/" title="RW 952 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5566461823_7a6b32d4c3_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="RW 952" /></a>

 

[prop-frags]

Thought we'd share a pic of our new babes:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5562443230/" title="borbs 948 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5562443230_1a7dcde978_z.jpg" width="640" height="566" alt="borbs 948" /></a>

They arrived Friday AM in great condition and are chilling out in our refugium with the Leather Jacket. They already recognize the food bottle and come out to greet us when we walk in the room, lol. They are tiny, so we'll probably fatten them up a bit before introducing them to the rest of the pack.

-Terry

 

[hpfunk]

Prop, I saw you posted and I thought I recalled the name so I revisited your thread and remembered your beautiful tank and horrific disaster. Good luck with the rebuild, I'm tagging along. I would have killed to have caught the flood while it was happening.

 

[prop-frags]

Prop, I saw you posted and I thought I recalled the name so I revisited your thread and remembered your beautiful tank and horrific disaster. Good luck with the rebuild, I'm tagging along. I would have killed to have caught the flood while it was happening.

Thanks hpfunk! As bad as our disaster was, it would have been much worse had we not been home and had we not had such an AWESOME reef club and friends willing to help us out during our time of need.

We're finishing up the plumbing this week and it shouldn't been much longer before we're ready to cut over to the new tank.

 

[NewSchool04]

Just spent the last hour reading through the whole thread. Condolences from Chicago for the bad luck and great to see it all coming back into shape. I especially like the cabinets and the over all look of the system!

I had a question about the 300DD. Why did it take so long to replace? Without going back and checking dates, it looks like you waited over 3 months for the tank.

 

[MarineGirl411]

It is going to be beautiful! I cannot wait! =)

 

[prop-frags]

It is going to be beautiful! I cannot wait! =)

Thanks MarineGirl411! We sure hope so!

Just spent the last hour reading through the whole thread. Condolences from Chicago for the bad luck and great to see it all coming back into shape. I especially like the cabinets and the over all look of the system!

I had a question about the 300DD. Why did it take so long to replace? Without going back and checking dates, it looks like you waited over 3 months for the tank.

Thanks NewSchool04! It took just shy of 6 months to get the custom replacement when it normally should not have taken more than a couple of months tops. The custom order request was submitted approximately 3 months after our disaster. We were given multiple reasons for delays, some were reasonable, others not so much...

Our situation was a bit unusual. The tank was less than 6 months old, but the warranty was voided when our LFS drilled custom bulkheads for extra drains and the closed loop. Our LFS worked directly with the distributor and manufacturer to get us the custom replacement at no charge to us. Had it been a stock tank, I'm sure it would have been replaced much more quickly.

We are very pleased with the custom work that Perfecto did on the tank. As frustrating as the delays were, we are just glad the tank is here and we can continue to move forward.

 

[john90009]

i love the rock work i wish i had a bigger tank with a 75 gallon tank you cant make pillar like that : /

 

[NewSchool04]

The wait was long but the final product looks to be worth it! I will be following as it fills up and grows.

I built pillars in my 180 and thought I'd share some pics. This system has worked great, all three pillars are connected under the sand by the PVC skeleton. One can not fall without all of them falling, it would be impossible. It has worked like a charm for almost three years now with never a problem and can always be expanded for a larger tank. I hope you don't mind me posting these.

The rocks were drilled and basically shish kebobed onto the fiberglass rods. The rods were cut to size and the whole base burried under the sand. No need to use epoxy or glue.

 

[prop-frags]

i love the rock work i wish i had a bigger tank with a 75 gallon tank you cant make pillar like that : /

Thanks john90009! We're really pleased with how the structures turned out.

The wait was long but the final product looks to be worth it! I will be following as it fills up and grows.

I built pillars in my 180 and thought I'd share some pics. This system has worked great, all three pillars are connected under the sand by the PVC skeleton. One can not fall without all of them falling, it would be impossible. It has worked like a charm for almost three years now with never a problem and can always be expanded for a larger tank. I hope you don't mind me posting these.

The rocks were drilled and basically shish kebobed onto the fiberglass rods. The rods were cut to size and the whole base burried under the sand. No need to use epoxy or glue.

Thanks NewSchool04 for sharing the pics with us. That is a great and innovative idea to use the PVC skeletons as the base of your structures. :thumbsup:


I got home late this evening from a grueling day at work to find a large empty box sitting in our foyer... My wife decided we needed a newer, bigger skimmer and ordered the Super Reef Octopus 6000! :bigeyes: :bigeyes: :bigeyes: I found her in the garage in the middle of assembling it. :mtool:

Now I'm not complaining, but I sure was looking forward to a laid back night of jamming out w/Rockband 3 instead of setting up the new, big boy skimmer, LOL

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5578576484/" title="RW 958 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5578576484_3f3621fd24_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="RW 958"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5578576976/" title="Skimmer 961 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5578576976_6a313a56fc_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="Skimmer 961"></a>

 

[drummereef]

Mrs. prop-frags for the WIN :celeb1::bounce1::beer::celeb3:::crazy1::rollface::bounce3::fish1:

 

[launchnukes]

Thought we'd share a pic of our new babes:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5562443230/" title="borbs 948 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5562443230_1a7dcde978_z.jpg" width="640" height="566" alt="borbs 948" /></a>

They arrived Friday AM in great condition and are chilling out in our refugium with the Leather Jacket. They already recognize the food bottle and come out to greet us when we walk in the room, lol. They are tiny, so we'll probably fatten them up a bit before introducing them to the rest of the pack.

-Terry

where'd you get them?!?!?!?!? i want.

 

[prop-frags]

Terry purchased them from an LFS in New Jersey.

 

[yoccm]

OK my wife has been a trooper about the tank but I don't think I will ever come home to find her assembling a rockin new skimmer in the garage!!!

Your wife rules!!!!!!!:bounce1::bounce2::bounce3:

 

[prop-frags]

Yep, I'm a lucky reefin' dude!

So we finished up the display tank plumbing, and tonight did our leak test of the closed loop.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryl93/5581226338/" title="nt 963 by terryl93, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5581226338_d33f588f47_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="nt 963"></a>

The sch-40 threaded bulk heads are leaking. We tried teflon tape first, then took that off and tried the Rectorseal soft set #5 pipe thread sealant. It's better, but still leaking a bit.

So, took the closed loop outlets out again and gooped 'em up heavily and reinstalled. We'll let that cure overnight and try another leak test tomorrow. If that still leaks...well, not real sure what the next step is. Maybe go with slip-fit bulkheads, but that will mean re-working the connectors for all four ball valves and that will be more cost and time consuming! ARGGH! Anyone have any tips on preventing leaks with these sch-40 threaded bulkheads? We're really starting to regret not insisting on sch-80 sized holes in the bottom! :rolleye1:

 

[rick s]

Hi Mike,

Are they leaking at the seal to the tank, or through the threads?

If you are considering going slip joints and permanent glue: Why not just PVC Cement your current threaded pipe bulkheads and adapters? I've done that in the past.

I'm pretty sure the bulkheads and PVC adapters are the same material whether they are molded to be slip joint or threaded.

The threaded pieces are National Pipe Thread (NPT), which means the pitch of the thread changes as the threads go further along the pipe (the threads get closer together). That is how NPT pipe seals to each other. They automatically "tighten up" as they go.

1. Please contact a PVC supplier or plumber and verify all that.
2. You would have to clean all the Rector Seal off all the pieces really well.
3. You would have to use PVC Cleaner before the Cement.
4. If/when you do this: The PVC Cleaner and Cement will really soften-up all the threads. As you tighten, go ahead and snug the connections; but don't overdue it, or you will twist the threads right away (off).
5. HOLD the pieces stable for a good 2 minutes to help it bond crack free.

6. Again, please verify all that with a pro!