Project status (lots of pics)

[amnesiac]

just wanted to show you guys where im at with everything. if you havent read my previous post or even if you have ill refresh everyone as to what was planned. after many, many, MANY redesigns and new ideas ive finally got everything figured out and have started big time into getting all the equipment and putting it all together. the system is to include a 125 gal display (average to most on here im sure, but my biggest), a 46 gal refuge that after much thought i decided to stick with, a 30 gal sump, a aquaC 180 skimmer (thanks again cerreta), diy auto-waste collector with a carbon chamber up top for odor, an ehiem pro 2028 canister filter to run carbon, a mrc dual nano calcium reactor, a diy chiller (not a converted dorm fridge but the real thing), a diy nilsen kalkwasser reactor, 3 250 watt mh ballast, 3 20k coralvue bulbs, 3 pendants attatched in the canopy, 4 96 watt pc (2 10k and 2 actinic) bulbs and ballast and i think thats it.
heres some pics of whats going on. please let me know if theres something that looks off or any ideas to improve as im no where near a point where its no turning back. there is still lots of room for changes if need be and sometimes i get to close to a project to see that im doing something really wrong..

the tank

the guts

the pendants and ballast (much bigger than they look!! and heavier too)

the circulation pipes (on both sides connected to a scwd and a mag 9.5)

refuge tank

diy nilsen reactor (not mounted to base yet)

the main parts for the the diy chiller (titanium heat exchanger, condenser coils, attic fan)

tell me what you guys think

 

[cerreta]

It's Andrew or Andy? Nice skimmer! Hey, I was thinking of upgrading my chiller. Do you have plans for the one you are building? Cost list and parts supplier too?
Cheers

 

[amnesiac]

i do actually. im surprised more people havent bothered to ask about it. it really isnt that difficult so long as you can get the parts and know a refridgerator repair dude (most repair shops have techs thatll do the work on the side). heres a link for a 1/2hp heat exchanger like mine off of ebay :note mine is the 2hp model http://cgi.ebay.com/THC-012-Titaniu...Z017QQcategoryZ109484QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
finding a cheap compressor is going to be tricky. i got a 1 1/4 hp compressor off of ebay for 40 bucks 3 years ago. i looked just now and a 1/2 hp compressor now is selling for around 200!!!! i dont know if i just got really lucky with mine or what. even if you have to shell out that kinda dough for a compressor, if you figure in the condenser coils (x2 at 30 bucks), an attic fan, various fittings and copper capilary tubes and whatever you choose to mount the whole thing in (im going with plywood) youd probably be just under 700, which is still cheaper than your cheapest 1/2 hp chiller and cheaper by almost half of some of your upper tear brand chillers. shoot me a pm and we'll chew it up.

 

[cerreta]

oh, its anthony, right? Thanks for the info, but I think the project is too big for the problem I must solve three weeks ago.

 

[amnesiac]

no prob scott and yes it is anthony. lemme know if you change your mind. later

 

[AZreefkeeper]

anthony,
looking real good. I got the heat exchanger bookmarked you sent me a while back so I can buy it when I'm ready.

Whats the projected date of completion?

 

[amnesiac]

unfortunately this is where its going to get slow because now i have to start ripping up walls in the house!!! ive still got to run piping to the garage and ive just recently gotten all the studs for framing the room in the garage. ill still have to run a/c back there and wire the room for power, etc. and im sure somewhere along the lines i should be getting some permits lol. not to mention that im having problems with a retailer not sending me product (marine madness). ill let you guys know when and if it gets resolved. with any luck ill have it nearing completion around the end of sept. really appreciate your reply. other than you and scott i havent really had anyone else say anything to me. of course i am the new guys and dont really have a tank set up yet so maybe thats it, lol.