Actually I didn't know what it was called good to know! And you're really making some quick progress here, it's coming together really nicely.
My Project ★ GENESIS ★ 110G (Miracle) SPS Dream Tank - (I) Pre-Build Thread
- Thread starter Wally.B
- Start date
Actually I didn't know what it was called good to know! And you're really making some quick progress here, it's coming together really nicely.
shred5
Premium Member
Yep they just chew what ever they pass over and digest what they can. Mine ate the glue on the side of the aquarium.
Wally.B
Active member
STALLED!! (In Deep Thought) THIS WALL MUST BE (Perfect)
I put up the Supporting Board for the Floating Wall above tank and stalled.
STALLED!! (In Deep Thought) since THIS WALL MUST BE (Perfect)
Been staring at it (For 1.5 hours) with my Tablet on Ladder with Photo of OLD SUMP ROOM Setup.
This wall is the most important piece of the Sump Room since the CENTER OF OPERATION (from Above)
(Safely above tank BUT.... must be within Cord reach AND Hand Reach Access/Tank access/Lighting Options and MOST IMPORTANT Maintenance)
....One of my 2nd greatest mistakes/oversights of last renovation (Not terrible mistake, just not ideal).
THE #1 mistake last build (was the access to clean Tank GLASS). That I will get 100% right this time.
I have lots of ideas while staring at wall:
-> Hinged Access Panels
-> Conduits for Wiring, Plumbing possibilities
-> Extra Storage Space Shelving (within wall) ** NOT FOR MICE
**
-> Many, MANY other Options/Possibilities.
Wish I had the tank already, but I can't wait that long.
So I need to build something flexible, adjustable, and modifiable for the future.
Thinking on how to do things right.
Can't rush, since this is for the next 5-10+ years or more.
I put up the Supporting Board for the Floating Wall above tank and stalled.
STALLED!! (In Deep Thought) since THIS WALL MUST BE (Perfect)
Been staring at it (For 1.5 hours) with my Tablet on Ladder with Photo of OLD SUMP ROOM Setup.
This wall is the most important piece of the Sump Room since the CENTER OF OPERATION (from Above)
(Safely above tank BUT.... must be within Cord reach AND Hand Reach Access/Tank access/Lighting Options and MOST IMPORTANT Maintenance)
....One of my 2nd greatest mistakes/oversights of last renovation (Not terrible mistake, just not ideal).
THE #1 mistake last build (was the access to clean Tank GLASS). That I will get 100% right this time.
I have lots of ideas while staring at wall:
-> Hinged Access Panels
-> Conduits for Wiring, Plumbing possibilities
-> Extra Storage Space Shelving (within wall) ** NOT FOR MICE
**-> Many, MANY other Options/Possibilities.
Wish I had the tank already, but I can't wait that long.
So I need to build something flexible, adjustable, and modifiable for the future.
Thinking on how to do things right.
Can't rush, since this is for the next 5-10+ years or more.
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Wally.B
Active member
Staring helps.......
But writing these posts and posting my photo's helps too.
It just hit me. The NEW TANK will be 24" deep, not 18" like old tank.
THAT CHANGES a Lot . (from last TANK setup)
----> The lights will be 3" further from wall (CENTERED ON TANK).
-----------> Good thing about that is more space Behind Center MH fixture!!
----> Also means cords will need farther reach to get to back wall for pumps
----------> THUS RIGHT SIDE WALL will be just as important (FOR TANK, NOT SUMP...on LEFT SIDE)
-------------------> I need to NOT co-located the TWO APEX EB8's (One on Back Wall, One on Side wall)
hmmmmn.....I just need to build flexibility. I'll never get things right till tank is in place (IMPOSSIBLE).
But writing these posts and posting my photo's helps too.
It just hit me. The NEW TANK will be 24" deep, not 18" like old tank.
THAT CHANGES a Lot . (from last TANK setup)
----> The lights will be 3" further from wall (CENTERED ON TANK).
-----------> Good thing about that is more space Behind Center MH fixture!!
----> Also means cords will need farther reach to get to back wall for pumps
----------> THUS RIGHT SIDE WALL will be just as important (FOR TANK, NOT SUMP...on LEFT SIDE)
-------------------> I need to NOT co-located the TWO APEX EB8's (One on Back Wall, One on Side wall)
hmmmmn.....I just need to build flexibility. I'll never get things right till tank is in place (IMPOSSIBLE).
Wally.B
Active member
EUREEKA (BINGO - Solved the ORIGIN of Wiring Mess/Problems)
** THINGS ARE GOING TO BE GOOD. EASY PEASY ***
I've been banging my head what went wrong with my LAST SUMP ROOM RENO.
I was all good when I did original did the SUMP ROOM RENO.
I NOW REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED after 2014
-[#1] ---> AFTER THE BUILD (2015) I got a 2nd (USED APEX Classic) for Kitchen tank.
-[#2] ---> Built new SUMP (2016) ** AND I Swapped SUMPS (LOCATIONS) **
That made all the wiring DISTANCES to APEX's offset, and things didn't reach. SO I have to patch, and use extension cords, Apex Display Extender, etc
*** SOLUTION is SIMPLE for this SUMPROOM-RESET/REBUILD ****
MOVE APEX closer to SUMP and NEW TANK.
This will be easier than I thought.
I can start building now...
** THINGS ARE GOING TO BE GOOD. EASY PEASY ***
I've been banging my head what went wrong with my LAST SUMP ROOM RENO.
I was all good when I did original did the SUMP ROOM RENO.
I NOW REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED after 2014
-[#1] ---> AFTER THE BUILD (2015) I got a 2nd (USED APEX Classic) for Kitchen tank.
-[#2] ---> Built new SUMP (2016) ** AND I Swapped SUMPS (LOCATIONS) **
That made all the wiring DISTANCES to APEX's offset, and things didn't reach. SO I have to patch, and use extension cords, Apex Display Extender, etc
*** SOLUTION is SIMPLE for this SUMPROOM-RESET/REBUILD ****
MOVE APEX closer to SUMP and NEW TANK.
This will be easier than I thought.
I can start building now...
Wally.B
Active member
Some Progress (SumpRoom ABOVE-TANK WALL) SECURE & Flexibility Design
This may not seem like much progress, but it is.
Now that Wall is Secure to Ceiling and Really Secure at Left Corner (Steel Bream)
....I can cut off Bottom Stud/and Old Frame Portal
The spacing is for future "TIDY but Easy Pull-OUT" Wiring Concept (Wire Tucking into Wall)
This may not seem like much progress, but it is.
Now that Wall is Secure to Ceiling and Really Secure at Left Corner (Steel Bream)
....I can cut off Bottom Stud/and Old Frame Portal
The spacing is for future "TIDY but Easy Pull-OUT" Wiring Concept (Wire Tucking into Wall)
Wally.B
Active member
OOPS (Small Tank Design Problem) Not a big issue (OVERFLOW Position From Tank Front) DRYWALL Alignment
After doing the TANK FRONT Wall, I noticed a small Tank Design problem.
ALL was fine with original plan!! Till I change my plan (and now am receding tank fully into WALL // Perfectly Flush will Wall on Office side)
THE GREEN areas in diagram is the DRYWALL
The External Overflow Box (Starts 4" away from Tank Front). Matching the 4" EuroTop Trim.
OVER THE TANK is (no issue at all, since I have plenty of space above tank)
The issue is the Wall beside the Tank. It will stick out and not be flush with the overflow (1/2" overlap).
Plus I notice now that the 1/2" drywall at front of tank will take away from Overflow Access/Cleaning Space.
I can cut away more of the STUD/DRYWALL to compensate.
I just emailed MIRACLE AQUARIUMS to see if that part of tanks hasn't been done/cut YET, and if OVERFLOW can be reduced by 1/2" from the FRONT SIDE OF TANK.
After doing the TANK FRONT Wall, I noticed a small Tank Design problem.
ALL was fine with original plan!! Till I change my plan (and now am receding tank fully into WALL // Perfectly Flush will Wall on Office side)
THE GREEN areas in diagram is the DRYWALL
The External Overflow Box (Starts 4" away from Tank Front). Matching the 4" EuroTop Trim.
OVER THE TANK is (no issue at all, since I have plenty of space above tank)
The issue is the Wall beside the Tank. It will stick out and not be flush with the overflow (1/2" overlap).
Plus I notice now that the 1/2" drywall at front of tank will take away from Overflow Access/Cleaning Space.
I can cut away more of the STUD/DRYWALL to compensate.
I just emailed MIRACLE AQUARIUMS to see if that part of tanks hasn't been done/cut YET, and if OVERFLOW can be reduced by 1/2" from the FRONT SIDE OF TANK.
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reefmutt
Active member
You won't have to wait too long.
This de-construction Stuff isn't my thing, but I'm learning as I go along.
Room Setup/Electrical-Electronic-Layout/ is my passion.
This is What I did for the Sump Room back in 2014
(Plan is to make things even better this time, after learning dislikes using room for last 3+ years)
I learned that tight conduits are a pain for maintenance (ie removing a heater, pump, etc), so won't make that mistake this time.
That last reno success was use of the White PVC Deck Posts, for A verticle Condiuit and a shelf.
GOT THOSE POST at Home Depot on Clearance for $5 dollar each.
Still have 4 left, and I'm sure I'll put them to good use.
I have all the Electrical parts for the Wiring work.
New GFCI circuit since I've had a few Overload Trips (with Rec-room Lighting etc)
Soon as the Bad Walls are down, and things clean, I'll start the wiring.
Things are going to start clicking together soon.
The only delay is back to work tomorrow. Christmas break is over.
Hey Wally, happy new year. Progress is looking good!
I always love seeing this before and after. It's amazing. I wish this was my passion, too.. sadly, it ain't.
That overflow issue doesn't look too serious.. don't you think you'll still be able to access the box from the sump room side?
Wally.B
Active member
Happy New Year Matt,
Have no worries about not being the most proficient with a hammer and saw thing. We all can't be Jack of all trades....
...You are a MASTER when it comes to Aquarium & SPS care. I wish someday to be half as good as you.
On that thought. It's still quite too soon but I am thinking what to do when I have the NEW Tank.
The frags in old tank are doing terrible (mostly neglect) and pure lack of care and attention.
The only good thing about them is coralline is overgrowing FRAG dead parts.
One downside is I have some CYANO, SLIME, and possibly a tiny few Cells of DINO. (Dino is only at microscope level, so not a outbreak or anything visible to human eye).
I am thinking...
REUSE/REFRESH:
--> Clean/DIP the rocks and salve some of the frags and move things over (including some of the same water)?
--> Just add the SUMP to new Tank AS IS (with a light cleaning) to keep a portion of the biology, sponges, etc.
FULL RESTART
--> Or really start the NEW Tank Fresh
--------> Do a full clean of SUMP
--------> All new Water (tiny bit come over from film on rocks and in sump coated equipment)
--------> Really purge the rocks (Bayer DIP), scrap the Frags (into Frag tank)
--------> Go Fish only for a while till tank stabilizes (With minimal low level lighting)
--------------> Build up a Fish Stock with ability to Treat/QT
--------> Then after a few months of stability (start some select Frags)
--------> Maybe, MAYBE give up on MH lighting (and go T5/LED)
--------> Change out EUROreef Skimmer with the RLSS DB8i sitting on shelf (made for larger bio-load)
For the 2nd option I'll need some help how to do best.
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Wally.B
Active member
ALL Ready (FOR THE BIG CUT) All things out of Way & Protection In Place
These Panels on Office Side Wall (ARE not the TANK FRAMING)
I put them there to HOLD TOGETHER the Drywall ABOVE.
Just temporarily
As I cut, hack, hammer the bottom Metal Studs away, the shaking COULD Damage/crack the DRYWALL ABOVE which I wish to Keep (and not have to redo)
I did (THE SAME KIND OF PROTECTION) on the INSIDE OF SUMP ROOM
But these panels will remain in place.
The are ATTACHED TO UPPPER (STEEL BEAM, and STEEL FRAMING) to HOLD UP THE WALL (From Above), since all below will be GONE!!
NOW I CAN SAFELY REMOVE THE BOTTOM Wall Portion Where Tank will go.
** I DID WARN FAMILY, Kids, that It's going to get NOISY AS I cut the Steel Framing with a SAW **
** Cutting with Steel Cuters is actually more dangerous since very sharp ends during cutting with a Pair of Sheet Metal Sciscors **
THEN.....I start building the TANK STAND.
These Panels on Office Side Wall (ARE not the TANK FRAMING)
I put them there to HOLD TOGETHER the Drywall ABOVE.
Just temporarily
As I cut, hack, hammer the bottom Metal Studs away, the shaking COULD Damage/crack the DRYWALL ABOVE which I wish to Keep (and not have to redo)
I did (THE SAME KIND OF PROTECTION) on the INSIDE OF SUMP ROOM
But these panels will remain in place.
The are ATTACHED TO UPPPER (STEEL BEAM, and STEEL FRAMING) to HOLD UP THE WALL (From Above), since all below will be GONE!!
NOW I CAN SAFELY REMOVE THE BOTTOM Wall Portion Where Tank will go.
** I DID WARN FAMILY, Kids, that It's going to get NOISY AS I cut the Steel Framing with a SAW **
** Cutting with Steel Cuters is actually more dangerous since very sharp ends during cutting with a Pair of Sheet Metal Sciscors **
THEN.....I start building the TANK STAND.
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Wally.B
Active member
CUT COMPLETE (All Went Well)
No Damage to UPPER Wall. All went safely!!
I used every tool except the Hand Hack Saw.
Here is a MACRO CLOSEUP (SPS Polyp Style ) of one of the Metal Cutting JIGSAW Blades that Snapped. (Glad I had a 2nd to finish things)
You can see how that PROTECTION PLYWOOD prevented any damage, extending upward.
I Did NOT get hurt
But glad I rounded off those Sharp Steel Framing Edges!!!
I banged my HEAD (lightly) while Sweeping (No cut, no bump, just a tap to head)
And if that Photo's ABOVE give you SHIVERS!!....Have no worry....I protected things for me and kids (not allowed anyway) with some Edge Protection.
NOW THE BUILDING CAN BEGIN (I hated this de-construction phase)
No Damage to UPPER Wall. All went safely!!
I used every tool except the Hand Hack Saw.
Here is a MACRO CLOSEUP (SPS Polyp Style
) of one of the Metal Cutting JIGSAW Blades that Snapped. (Glad I had a 2nd to finish things)
You can see how that PROTECTION PLYWOOD prevented any damage, extending upward.
I Did NOT get hurt
But glad I rounded off those Sharp Steel Framing Edges!!!
I banged my HEAD (lightly) while Sweeping
(No cut, no bump, just a tap to head)And if that Photo's ABOVE give you SHIVERS!!....Have no worry....I protected things for me and kids (not allowed anyway) with some Edge Protection.
NOW THE BUILDING CAN BEGIN (I hated this de-construction phase)
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Wally.B
Active member
Time for CLEAN-UP (Basement-Area & OLD 65 G Tank)
Time to clean up SCRAP/DUST and make room for the Build.
I always let CYANO take it's course, but I really want an option to move OLD TANK into NEW TANK (If Possible).
Coraline is spreading like Wild Fire (GOOD)
General Algae has slowed down (with Vinegar Dosing and Extra Snails / Couple Emerald Crabs) (GOOD)
CYANO is spreading slowly due to lack of maintenance, the move, some reason unknown.... (BAD)
A friend on Reef Central (Tenurpro) lent me some CLEMI-CLEAN to try on the tank.
I have nothing to lose. So I'm going to start Treatment and see what happens.
I've never Used CHEMI CLEAN Before.
Time to clean up SCRAP/DUST and make room for the Build.
I always let CYANO take it's course, but I really want an option to move OLD TANK into NEW TANK (If Possible).
Coraline is spreading like Wild Fire (GOOD)
General Algae has slowed down (with Vinegar Dosing and Extra Snails / Couple Emerald Crabs) (GOOD)
CYANO is spreading slowly due to lack of maintenance, the move, some reason unknown.... (BAD)
A friend on Reef Central (Tenurpro) lent me some CLEMI-CLEAN to try on the tank.
I have nothing to lose. So I'm going to start Treatment and see what happens.
I've never Used CHEMI CLEAN Before.
shred5
Premium Member
I like the idea of T5/led.. I am just switching my main tank from led back to T-5 because it is to hard to get rid of shading. My new Tank will have led/t5 also this way you do not have all the shadows and self shading but still get some of the benefits of the led like dimming for dusk to dawn.
As for cyno everyone hates it but it is telling you something. It is warning you of nutrients and is doing you a favor by up taking those nutrients. Cyno is easy to vacuum up. By removing those nutrient will keep adding up and in most cases you will get worse algae problem after a while or the cyano get reintroduced. It is almost impossible to keep out. Cyno seems to be able to uptake nutrients. So if it is constantly on like your gravel you probably have bound phosphates or to much crap in your gravel. If it is on your rocks they probably have bound phosphates. cut off it supply of food and it goes away. Maybe recycle your rock, throw it in a dark tub of water and run lots of phosphate remover and do water changes.. Add bacteria and carbon and let the bacteria consume the phosphate.
Wow this is a way bigger project than it looked... I thought mine was going to be and I am going to TRY and build my tanks. It is going to have several frag tanks and a 48x36x20 main tank made out of acrylic. I have no electrical in the area so I need to start there.
As for cyno everyone hates it but it is telling you something. It is warning you of nutrients and is doing you a favor by up taking those nutrients. Cyno is easy to vacuum up. By removing those nutrient will keep adding up and in most cases you will get worse algae problem after a while or the cyano get reintroduced. It is almost impossible to keep out. Cyno seems to be able to uptake nutrients. So if it is constantly on like your gravel you probably have bound phosphates or to much crap in your gravel. If it is on your rocks they probably have bound phosphates. cut off it supply of food and it goes away. Maybe recycle your rock, throw it in a dark tub of water and run lots of phosphate remover and do water changes.. Add bacteria and carbon and let the bacteria consume the phosphate.
Wow this is a way bigger project than it looked... I thought mine was going to be and I am going to TRY and build my tanks. It is going to have several frag tanks and a 48x36x20 main tank made out of acrylic. I have no electrical in the area so I need to start there.
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Wally.B
Active member
You sparked an idea (that's been brewing in the back of my mind).
When I got Velvet in my Kitchen Tank (all fish Died). I totally shut it down for a Fallow period.
AND I decided to do more during that 3 Month wait.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2476696
I kind of cooked the rocks (Right inside the TANK, after removing everything else).
Wrapped the tank in black garbage bags (after removing corals) and did vinegar dosing.
Then I Rebuilt things slowly with some improvements (lighting) No MH next time.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2489832
Here is a before and AFTER PHOTO (You need to use Chrome Browser to USE THE SLIDER Effect)
http://wworld.atspace.cc/SliderDemo/
IT WAS THE BEST THING I EVER DID. Tank has been stable for years.
Photo of my KITCHEN TANK at the TOP OF THIS THREAD Proves it.
SO THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I AM GOING TO DO (STARTING NOW) (Pause on the BUILD, start now, till tank arrive and then only put good stuff in NEW TANK)
The challenge is a few things:
-> Corals (don't care about most of the frags) but a few are doing GOOD and My Tubinaria is a Keeper
-> Fish (They need a place). Madarin need a mature COPEPOD Tank
-> ROCKS (not a concern)
-> Sump (not sure what I'll do)
I'm going to start this RIGHT NOW:
-> START UP the FRAG TANK (Simple, just CARBON, no skimmer)
------> Remove Frags from OLD 65GAL TANK (and put into Frag Tank)
------> Just put my 2 T5's over it. Maybe add 3rd bulb (Ballasts can handle 4)
-> ROCKS (In stages, I'll cook them in bins. Good flow, carbon, GFO water change)
-> OLD TANK (Keep it running. Just Room Lighting)
------> Fish stay in TANK
I THINK I WILL END THIS THREAD SOON (Since this is Beginning OF PHASE (2). The EARLY BUILD-PREP)
Wally.B
Active member
Luke... I am your father....
Yoda: Grow SPS, you will!
Looking good W! I am also of the idea of ditching MH and planing for LED lighting... don't fight the future, embrace it
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hey Dad
Are you on the Dark Side or Light Side?
Oh yeah. LED is Light Side.
I really think things will change on the LED technology. It has matured but will mature more.
More and more LED is leaning toward mimicking T5 (Better spread, less shadows/discoball from Point Lighting). Still not here (so I'll wait)
My thoughts are just to expand my T5's (for the short term)
Wally.B
Active member
I'd love to see your Frag Tank ideas.
Mine got started. Built one, but shut it down.
Here in last thread was the FRAG TANK Build.http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2636608&page=7
As mentioned above, I'll start the Frag Tank up Isolated.
But long term Plan/Hope is to join it to master tank. (Someday)
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