Reefsi 240 gallon In-Wall Build

[Reefsi]

As far as the 2x4's go, are you trying to install a tank in the wall or?

I cut the drywall then leveled a line 1 1/2" lower than my stand and cut the 2x4's with the FEIN multitool. You can use a sawzall but odds are you will end up going through the drywall lol

If your trying to remove a whole stud from a wall, cut the bottom and top with a sawzall. Right were they nail the 2x4 to the bottom or top plate just run the sawzall along it and it should cut right through the nails and then you can yank the stud right out. Wiggle it back and forth first to pop the glue an screws, dont just "yank" it.

 

[Reefsi]

Also checked tank parameters last night, there was a little bit of browning happening in the tank so I new nutrient levels were finally on the rise. The cycle has begun! Also stirred my sandbed and removed the filter socks.

Ammonia: .25
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: .10(strange considering no nitrite)
PO4: .10(Its a drop from the last 2 days which is good)

Ill post up a pick sometime today, the tank is quite clear.

 

[bmanzie]

Thank you for the explanation. How do you cut the 2x4 below the Sheetrock line?

 

[Reefsi]

I used the multitool, I took the top of were I wanted my tank to set, subtracted my 1 1/2 for the plate, 3/4 for the plywood, and 3/4 for foam. Made a level line at 3 inches lower than my drywall and cut the studs with the multitool. The multitool has a pretty small blade and you can be pretty precise with it, precise enough not to cut the drywall. But then again I used that tool for endless hours prior to his so. Like I said just take your time.

 

[jamroz37]

yea no problem! hopefully it fixes the problem its really annoying when something doesn't work right i feel you on that.

 

[bmanzie]

Thank you for the information.
What do you consider a multitool?

 

[dave.m]

Do a Google on "fein multimaster tool". ("Fein" is the brand name.)

Dave.M

 

[Reefsi]

Ya, I have a Fein, But thats because I used my for everyday work. There are cheapos out there that work just fine for household. Basically its a oscillating tool with a blade on the end that has the ability to cuts into things.

 

[Novice101]

500$ for it is it worth it lol

 

[Reefsi]

Tested the tank last night, Some brown stuff starting to farm on the sand which is a good sign that the everything is starting to happen.

PO4: 0.07
NH4: 0.25-0.5
NO2: 0.0
NO3: 0.10

Also removed the filter socks and installed my two MP-40's, Ill post pictures of them later!

 

[mike810]

Tested the tank last night, Some brown stuff starting to farm on the sand which is a good sign that the everything is starting to happen.

PO4: 0.07
NH4: 0.25-0.5
NO2: 0.0
NO3: 0.10

Also removed the filter socks and installed my two MP-40's, Ill post pictures of them later!

How is the mp40s working for you? I'm really debating on switching out my rke system for an apex.

 

[OutsideBrian]

Got some new couches too I see

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Great craftsmanship on the build. I wish I had those skills and the tools to go with them but I have improved as time went along.

 

[Reefsi]

Mike810: Ya the MP40's are insane. They really are a lot bigger and more powerful than I thought they would be. I will say configuring them to the apex controller is not that easy and I have yet to really tackle it. It added sufficient flow to the tank I believe. I may be going with a third one I am not sure at the moment.

OutsideBrian: Lol, nah GF really didn't like the ones that were up stairs and wanted to switch with the ones downstairs so we did that last weekend haha.

Newbie: Everyone gets better with everything over time! Just put your mine to it and take your time and everything will come together. Thanks for the compliment.

 

[Reefsi]

Some new things arrived this week!

New EB8, PM module, temp probe


Nice tank shot!


2 MP40's


Next to 5lb Co2!




Also got my MP-40's wired next to my apex as well as my WXM module hooked up, haven't done any programing with them yet though!

 

[Reefsi]

Forgot to add in that I added a dozen chromis to get things going in the tank, They have been in there for 4 days and seem to be doing fine, Still waiting a long time before anything else goes in the tank, I just had to get the cycle going, fishless sounds dandy but in all reality without fish what kind of bacteria you going to have? I read in another thread this quote, "Your not trying to disprove darwins theory". Basically without fish the tank cycle time will take 3 months lol

 

[dave.m]

No, you simply add a product like Instant Ocean's BioSpira. I have been able to safely add fish the same day in a new tank.

Dave.M

 

[Reefsi]

Ya I really don't trust/like/have very biased opinions with that stuff. No one can sell me the fact that in one bottle my tank now has the bacteria to provide a sufficient habitat to all organisms that I add. Not even in 100 bottles. Takes time and I'm willing to wait.

 

[Reefsi]

FYI: last night my apex crapped out on me... literally, tank shut off and everything, luckily I was there. Somehow Flash 404 was not found and had to reprogram everything in my whole system.

 

[Atomic081]

FYI: last night my apex crapped out on me... literally, tank shut off and everything, luckily I was there. Somehow Flash 404 was not found and had to reprogram everything in my whole system.

That sucks, hopefully it doesnt happen again.

Are you going to be at the INDMAS frag swap on May 10th?