My Piece of the Ocean

[zachrabbit15]

Hello, have been a member for quit some time but this will be my first build log. # years ago I started with a 90 aga set up with taotronics LEDs and a simple 20l sump/Reef Octopus skimmer and pellet reactor. For a simple set-up I had alot of success.

After a bit I got busy with my Discus Breeding and needed to step away from reefing. I was very successful with my Discus but missed my reef. Along came a craigslist add for a "large aquarium" for cheep. Thinking 125 from what they told me, brought a friend and off we went. Got there and turned out to be a 180 and me and a friend were not enough to handle that size tank. Especially considering it was 5ft in the air!! Well jumping ahead got her home and on a custom stand. Also built a custom sump out of some spare acrylic, picked up a nice used Bubble Magus skimmer and some Reef Radiance LEDs and was back in business.

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Now onto the next step in reefing. Me and my wife decided to have a child. This lead to us also looking to buy a house with more space. After quite the serch we found our current home and I decided if I was going to move the reef, well that would be a great time to upgrade. Along came my current 240 custom acrylic tank.

So after all that I will get into the current tank set-uo

240g custom Acrylic tank 65l x 30d x 28t
Custom steel stand
Eshopp 300 sump
Bubble Magus Curve9 skimmer
Bubble Magus BP130 pellet reactor with Eco-Bak pellets
Avast Marine K1 kalk stirrer
Waveline DC-10000 return pump
2 x Reeflo Super Dart Gold closed loop pumps (alternating)
2 x Jebao RW-15 controlled by Apex
Maxspect Gyre 150
Bubble Magus 3-head dosing pump
Milwaukee MP810 ATO pump
4 x Reef Radiance Prostar + LEDs controlled by Apex
Apex with 4 EB8s, 4 VDMs, and Icecap breakout for RW-15s

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Now I just need to get better at taking pics so I can start updating.
Thanks
Zach

 

[zachrabbit15]

After all that, I will be upping the tank soon. Got the OK from my wife to put a tank in the wall between my office and the family room. This new tank will be a custom glass tank built local, 72l x 34d x 26t with a ghost style overflow. Will be veiwable on three side, long picture veiw in family room and corner look in office. Plumbing will go down through the crawl space and into the garage. With a 75g race way style frag tank, 75g sump, and 75g refugium. Plus a couple 55g barrels for RO and saltwater.

This will be a slow progression build, with the goal to have everything done and ready to go over the next 4-5 months. Will also be putting tile into the family room, this is kinda how I talked my lovely wife into this new insanity

 

[mmarti91]

Looking good!! What did you use for the gussets on your stand??

 

[zachrabbit15]

Hello, I used some 1/4 plate steel gussets I picked up off Ebay.
Here is a newer pic, sorry for my very poor picture taking skills.

 

[mhucasey]

Subscribed! You've got upgrade fever! I think you will be happier in the long run dealing with glass rather than Acrylic, so that's a good change to make.


Try setting your LEDs to the most yellowish orangish 6500K type setting then take a picture. That might solve the over blue issue.

 

[zachrabbit15]

Thanks for stopping in!

Two reasons for this upgrade, the 240 is 65" long and want the 72" for some swimming room for a couple bigger tangs. The second is exactly what you pointed out, maint. is much easier on a glass tank.

 

[zachrabbit15]

Well going in-wall is not going to work out. After doing some demo work/drywall removal. The wall is load barring for the upstairs and also caries the ducts for the up stairs heating/cooling. While that is all surmountable, my wife is not at all excited about that much construction. So instead, will be doing a long tank of the adjacent wall to where the current tank is. Plumbing will still be going into the garage this time.

Looking at a 96x30x25, I like this length due to being able to use two 48" fixtures for lighting. Almost have myself convinced to convert the display to T5s or a T5/LED hybrid.

 

[zachrabbit15]

So some better'ish pics, iPhone 6+ and blue LEDs turned down to min setting.

 

[mhucasey]

Way better! Looks terrible to the eye but the camera sees it differently. You have a few nice pink pieces in there, the pink stylo is a beauty.

How has your experience with the LEDs been? Im sure you know I'm a T5 guy but I like to hear info nonetheless, and I wish everyone success!

 

[zachrabbit15]

I like the LED set up, my lights do have a bit to much warm white spectrum for my taste though.
I am looking at T5s or a T5/LED set up for my new tank. After looking at several T5 tanks, I can really appreciate the color and growth they provide. The hybrids do seem to be the best of both worlds, just wish the price was more realistic. If I go that route will do a DIY set up.

 

[zachrabbit15]

Sorry no the best with pics, but do have a up date. Picked up a free 250 gallon acrylic tanks. Will fit my custom stand I built for the 180. Tanks is 72"L x 24"D x 30"T. Comes with a few other accessories. Not exactly the size I wanted, but the price is sooooo right!!!!!

 

[mhucasey]

Sorry no the best with pics, but do have a up date. Picked up a free 250 gallon acrylic tanks. Will fit my custom stand I built for the 180. Tanks is 72"L x 24"D x 30"T. Comes with a few other accessories. Not exactly the size I wanted, but the price is sooooo right!!!!!

That's awesome! Congrats!