mpcart's 240G build

[mpcart]

I started my original thread on our local club forum 6 years ago and diddled around with the build since then. However, I've now committed to the build need to document it in a place where I'll get some more activity as I have questions.

-Mike

 

[mpcart]

I have a 6' x 3' x 25" glass cages tank that will go in-wall in a basement build with a dedicated equipment room.

To-scale layout of the equipment room.

View from the front.

-Mike

 

[mpcart]

Got the wall up to separate the equipment room from the rest of the basement, the sink and floor drain are already in place.

Cut the hole in the wall and built the tank stand and the table to hold the skimmer and other equipment.

I cut the hole out right behind my existing 58G.

Tank temporarily in place . . .

-Mike

 

[mpcart]

As I said, I started gathering new/used equipment 6 years ago when we built the house and before I got sidetracked with work, kids, etc. . .

Here's the equipment I have

Reef Octopus TDNW-300 skimmer
Geo 618 Calcium Reactor
Lighting 2-250W and 2-400W MH (don't know how they will be configured)
100G stock tank for a sump that will go under the stand.

More to come . . .

-Mike

 

[Lou Cifer]

Following along!

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Great start. Keep up the good work.

 

[mpcart]

I went out today and gathered supplies for the water change station. I'm mimicking the one in the 'd2mini' thread except I'm going to build my own stand. Hoping to have the stand completed and the piping mocked up by the end of day tomorrow.

-Mike

 

[rpjaws74]

good start!

 

[sirreal63]

I am glad to see you documenting this Mike, is that the old 58 I see from the new tank opening?

 

[mpcart]

It sure is. I started rebuilding it couple months ago and plan on keeping it running.

Here is a recent picture

-Mike

 

[sirreal63]

I am envious of the basement space, it looks like it is going to be a wonderful place.

 

[mpcart]

And right before the "Great Neglect" of '08.

-Mike

 

[mpcart]

I am envious of the basement space, it looks like it is going to be a wonderful place.

Thanks. I enjoy having the space. Been working on the WC station today. Should have some pics this evening.

-Mike

 

[sirreal63]

That's how I remember it, I think I got some frags from you in 2007, I remember the fish room that was holding some stock, I think. I am glad to see you doing this now.

 

[mpcart]

Finished the WC stand today but realized the old Mag 9 I have won't work well externally. Any suggestions for a quiet, reliable external pump to circulate the SW makeup tank? Looking at a Quiet One 3000 or a Panworld 40PX.

 

[mpcart]

Are there any good threads/ideas on movable supports for MH lighting? I have four reflectors that I want to arrange in this pattern and want to be on tracks to slide out of the way for access to the tank. I usually search for "Show me your ????" threads to get ideas but don't see anything for lighting systems.

If no threads, what is a commonly used material? Wood, aluminum, PVC?

-Mike

 

[sirreal63]

See if you can Nanook to show how Capo set his up, there are also rail systems you can buy. I'll see if I can find them and let you know. They are typically sold as barn door tracks.

 

[mpcart]

Fully plumbed the WC station. The top tank is for RO water and the bottom tank is for mixing/storing saltwater. Topoff water will come directly from the top tank while water changes will take place by draining water from the sump and then pumping directly from the bottom tank. Down the road I might look at a continuous water change system but this will do for now.

-Mike

 

[sirreal63]

I had forgotten to send you these links to barn door hardware.
http://www.barndoorhardware.com/
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100658...p=BazVoice-_-RLP-_-100658033-_-x#.UT38V1fotSQ

http://www.stanleyhardware.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=HDW+BARN+TRACK+AND+HANGER
http://www.stanleyhardware.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=HDW+BARN+TRACK+AND+HANGER

 

[mpcart]

Thanks, Jack. I found a store down the street that carries the box rail trolleys and will go either with those or superstrut rails. I saw a design where someone used just superstrut in a design like this.

I'm going to run by the hardware store and see how that works. I like the idea of having a little friction to keep things in place.

I am going to use half-strut to build the frame to attach all the lights.

-Mike