PaulytheReefer - Rimless Starfire Build Thread

[pwoller]

I figured it was time to start my build thread, so here is what I have so far.

I had a local wood worker build it for me. I like the fact that he added a couple little things to make access and maintenance easier for me such as the side doors. Overall I am very pleased with the job he did, lets just say he went above and beyond my expectations, here's to hoping that the whole build continues that way.

I ordered the tank from Aquarium Obsessed, its going to be 48x24x20, starfire, and rimless. I hope it gets here soon so that I can get all of my corals and fish out of the 2 small tanks I have set up for now. My corals are all starting to grow into each other and there has been alot of stinging going on.

I am going to build my own sump, I want to keep it fairly simple. I am going to use my BubbleKing Mini 160 and haven't decided if I want to run a 2 part dosing system or the MRC calcium reactor that I have. I am also waiting on my lighting until a couple of new fixtures come out that I have been hearing about. If I need to, I have a Nova Extreme 8 bulb fixture sitting in the garage that I can use until I decide on the fixture that I want to run over this tank. I have heard that ATI is releasing the Sunpower in the US soon and I would like to also see how the new Constellation performs.

So for now that's all the information that I have, I hope to be updating this thread soon!

 

[pwoller]

The Tank

The Tank

It was schedualed to arrive next week but during the final cleaning they notice some sort of imperfection in one of the panes of glass. They called and asked me what I would like them to do and I advised them to remove the pane and replace it. I was glad that they noticed it before it got all the way here, preventing it from having to be returned. So for now a picture will have to do.

 

[InsaneClownFish]

Looking good so far.

 

[pwoller]

The new piece of glass is supposed to be to Aquarium Obsessed early this week. Hopefully the tank gets here next week sometime.

For now I am trying to decide if I want to make my sump out of glass or acrylic. I really like working with acrylic but it's so expensive that I have entertained the idea of making it out of glass. Either way it is going to 24x22x16. There will be an area for a filter sock and skimmer, then frags, refuge, probes, and a bubbletrap before the return area, which will also have room for the ATO.

 

[pwoller]

Still waiting on the tank, but I have been busy getting ready for its arrival. I ordered the glass for my sump and bought a light fixture that I am in the process of hanging. Originally I was deadset on running all T5's, but a local reefer had a deal on a Maristar 2 x 250 watt MH and 2 x 54 watt T5 fixture. I couldn't pass it up, if heat becomes an issue then it will be replaced with a T5 fixture. I really like the look of this fixture and hopefully sense the tank is open topped heat won't become a concern.

 

[surge19us]

I thought a solid stand top was a no-no for glass aquariums. I thought the bottom needs to have room to flex. Thats why premade stands only support the rim. You might want to check with the manufacturer if the solid top will void your warranty.

 

[pwoller]

I did check with the tank builder before having the stand built. They recommended a solid base and 3/4 inch foam padding.

 

[surge19us]

Well in that case it looks nice. Is that gonna be a 120g? Whoops just reread first post looks like a 100g.

 

[austin93]

Great dimentions, good luck on the build. I will be following closely.

 

[pwoller]

I started building my sump last weekend. I decided to go with glass due to the cost of acrylic. I was a bit nervous about building it out of glass because I have never worked with glass and silicone but I'm very happy how it turned out. I haven't added baffles yet, I need to order some glass pieces for that but soon enough. Oh and I heard from aquarium obsessed the tank shipped!

 

[pwoller]

Tank arrived on Friday. One of the side panes was cracked during shipping. They are building another one to replace it but its going to be another 4-6 weeks.

 

[IridescentLily]

Oh no. So sorry. Alot of waiting in this hobby it seems.
Keep us posted.
I'll be following your thread. I may have to order from a place like AO someday if I wish to have a bigger tank in the future.

I was liking the Maristar fixture also, after looking at every conceivable lighting fixture I liked that it had capability of a MH 250 (250 is perfect), and vho.
Does your Maristar accept vho bulbs or T5 bulbs, or either.

Thanks for sharing your build.

 

[pwoller]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14351177#post14351177 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IridescentLily
Oh no. So sorry. Alot of waiting in this hobby it seems.
Keep us posted.
I'll be following your thread. I may have to order from a place like AO someday if I wish to have a bigger tank in the future.

I was liking the Maristar fixture also, after looking at every conceivable lighting fixture I liked that it had capability of a MH 250 (250 is perfect), and vho.
Does your Maristar accept vho bulbs or T5 bulbs, or either.

Thanks for sharing your build.

Mine has 2-54watt T5's. The thing that sold me on the Maristar is that the T5's have individual reflectors and the unit has 2 cooling fans that draw hot air out the top of the fixture. Other than that the fixture is super well built.

 

[IridescentLily]

Yes, it seems the individual reflectors are what I see people recommending here. I'm glad you think it's well built as I can't see one in person, that's good to know.

Thanks again.

 

[pwoller]

While a nice feature as supplimental light to the metal halides, I dont think it is as big an issue. It just showed me the quality of the fixture itself.

 

[the_blue_tuna_2]

You say they recommend 3/4 inch foam for the bottom? Is ti that real soft foam that you see in furniture alot , kind of a tan/brown stuff. That would colapse quite a bit would'nt it.Sorry to hear about your tank being cracked. Can you replace the pane and have another tank or do you need to send it back ? That might work out well for you depending on if you need to return or not.

 

[pwoller]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14356931#post14356931 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by the_blue_tuna_2
You say they recommend 3/4 inch foam for the bottom? Is ti that real soft foam that you see in furniture alot , kind of a tan/brown stuff. That would colapse quite a bit would'nt it.Sorry to hear about your tank being cracked. Can you replace the pane and have another tank or do you need to send it back ? That might work out well for you depending on if you need to return or not.

No its the type of foam that is at the hardware store. Its residential foam sheeting for insulation. It will compress some but not all the way down.

The tank was loaded back up on the truck and sent back, it was insured. I think the whole tank has to be rebuilt.

 

[Corndork2]

Great start man! I cant wait to see more. The dimensions of your tank are perfect! Im glad to hear youre considering the ATI sunpower. Grim reccomended it to me and I cant wait to be able to buy one. One of those over a rimless tank would be so clean and modern. Keep up the great work!

 

[pwoller]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14357701#post14357701 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Corndork2
Great start man! I cant wait to see more. The dimensions of your tank are perfect! Im glad to hear youre considering the ATI sunpower. Grim reccomended it to me and I cant wait to be able to buy one. One of those over a rimless tank would be so clean and modern. Keep up the great work!

I see T5's in my future with this tank. The 2- 250 watt metal halides are so hot. The room that there in warms up pretty quickly with them on.

 

[pwoller]

Water Test

Water Test

Well I figured while I was waiting for the tank, I might as well water test the sump I built. So far so good. Oh and the silicone in the return chamber was done on purpose. I figured it would reduce any pump vibrations.