new2sw776784
New member
Let us know how you like the glass cages tank. Please
Sharp's 450g Plywood Build (finally getting closer)
- Thread starter masharp1126
- Start date
masharp1126
New member
Met Glasscages yesterday and picked up the starphire glass as well as a 40 gallon frag tank. Didn't get a picture of the starphire, as I stashed it in my wife's craft room for safe keeping before I thought to take a pic.
Here's a pic of the 40g. It's the perfect dimension for the space I'm going to have for it at 36"x18"x13". Looks great too.
Also found a heck of a deal on a dehumidifier a couple of weeks ago at Lowes. Got a Frigidaire 50 pint model that was regularly priced $199, for $ 79.
Here's a pic of the 40g. It's the perfect dimension for the space I'm going to have for it at 36"x18"x13". Looks great too.
Also found a heck of a deal on a dehumidifier a couple of weeks ago at Lowes. Got a Frigidaire 50 pint model that was regularly priced $199, for $ 79.
masharp1126
New member
AcroSteve - I have been following your thread, though I have to admit, that I've been so busy with work and I am a few pages behind. Will try to catch up tonight.
EBOLII - thanks again for the comments and interest. I've dragged this thing on for so long, that I've got to get it finished. Our local club here in Dallas (DFWMAS) recently had Nextwave 09 and it sure was hard looking at all that SPS and not being able to buy.
Mr.Biggs - Got a suggestion from Marc Levenson (Melevsreef.com) for an acrylic box to mount on the wall under the AC to catch the condensation. I'm not running the unit yet, but will build one and mount before the summer.
Here's some updated photos of the tank tonight.
The last coat of epoxy is on. Let it dry and start painting. Will be using black epoxy paint for the inside. But wondering about the outside. Maybe someone knows the answer. Can I use just a basic latex acrylic paint to cover the epoxy on the outside???? Had thought about leaving it the natural wood covered with 3 coats of epoxy, but the more I think about it, the more I'd like to paint it a different color. Something to match the room colors (does this sound like my wife coming through?).
Lastly, here the Calcium Reactor I picked up a couple of weeks ago. It's an Octopus dual chamber. I do need to empty it and clean it out.
Currently have 300# of sand sitting in the garage and just ordered another 180# on a groupbuy with some other local reefers. So should have plenty for the refugium now.
One thing I need some advice/help on is the selection of Protein Skimmer. Knowing that the bioload is going to be limited for at least the first year, I had thought about going with something like a MSX300 or Octopus Extreme 300, and then upgrading in a year to something larger, maybe an Octopus FDNW400 or Orca 250. Any thoughts or other suggestions?
EBOLII - thanks again for the comments and interest. I've dragged this thing on for so long, that I've got to get it finished. Our local club here in Dallas (DFWMAS) recently had Nextwave 09 and it sure was hard looking at all that SPS and not being able to buy.
Mr.Biggs - Got a suggestion from Marc Levenson (Melevsreef.com) for an acrylic box to mount on the wall under the AC to catch the condensation. I'm not running the unit yet, but will build one and mount before the summer.
Here's some updated photos of the tank tonight.
The last coat of epoxy is on. Let it dry and start painting. Will be using black epoxy paint for the inside. But wondering about the outside. Maybe someone knows the answer. Can I use just a basic latex acrylic paint to cover the epoxy on the outside???? Had thought about leaving it the natural wood covered with 3 coats of epoxy, but the more I think about it, the more I'd like to paint it a different color. Something to match the room colors (does this sound like my wife coming through?).
Lastly, here the Calcium Reactor I picked up a couple of weeks ago. It's an Octopus dual chamber. I do need to empty it and clean it out.
Currently have 300# of sand sitting in the garage and just ordered another 180# on a groupbuy with some other local reefers. So should have plenty for the refugium now.
One thing I need some advice/help on is the selection of Protein Skimmer. Knowing that the bioload is going to be limited for at least the first year, I had thought about going with something like a MSX300 or Octopus Extreme 300, and then upgrading in a year to something larger, maybe an Octopus FDNW400 or Orca 250. Any thoughts or other suggestions?
masharp1126
New member
My daughter just called and my skimmer has arrived. Can't wait to get off work and check it out. I'll post pics tonight.
Decided to go with an Octopus TDNW-300. It's rated for 600g, so it should be fine for now. As my bioload grows, I might have to upgrade later, but I think it'll last for at least a year or so. Here's the one I got.
http://wholesaleaquaticsupplies.com...heel-recirculating-skimmer-wpumps-p-4281.html
Some other updates:
1. Ordered and received 12 - 1" tru unions ball valves. Man, I've got tru union valves coming out the "you know what". But I got all of them off Ebay at really great prices, a lot cheaper than retail. I think this gives me (4) 2" TUBVs, (16) 1" TUBV's, and (14) 1.25" TUBV's. Sounds crazy to have so many, but they really add up quick, especially with 2 OM 4ways on a closed loop.
2. Received the sliding hardware for my light rack. It has 8' rails which will allow me to slid the lights completely behind the tank for easy access into the tank. Will be building a light rack similar, and with the same type of tubing as Tom did in this RC thread.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1482007&perpage=25&pagenumber=3
3. We had a group buy for sand recently here at DFWMAS and my wife is picking up my remaining 6 bags of sand this afternoon. That will give me a total of 500# of sand. Enough for 5-6" DSB in the Refugium and about 2" in the tank.
4. Starting to paint the outside of the tank. Once that's done, I'll start on the inside. Will try and get some pics of the tank painting posted this weekend.
Decided to go with an Octopus TDNW-300. It's rated for 600g, so it should be fine for now. As my bioload grows, I might have to upgrade later, but I think it'll last for at least a year or so. Here's the one I got.
http://wholesaleaquaticsupplies.com...heel-recirculating-skimmer-wpumps-p-4281.html
Some other updates:
1. Ordered and received 12 - 1" tru unions ball valves. Man, I've got tru union valves coming out the "you know what". But I got all of them off Ebay at really great prices, a lot cheaper than retail. I think this gives me (4) 2" TUBVs, (16) 1" TUBV's, and (14) 1.25" TUBV's. Sounds crazy to have so many, but they really add up quick, especially with 2 OM 4ways on a closed loop.
2. Received the sliding hardware for my light rack. It has 8' rails which will allow me to slid the lights completely behind the tank for easy access into the tank. Will be building a light rack similar, and with the same type of tubing as Tom did in this RC thread.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1482007&perpage=25&pagenumber=3
3. We had a group buy for sand recently here at DFWMAS and my wife is picking up my remaining 6 bags of sand this afternoon. That will give me a total of 500# of sand. Enough for 5-6" DSB in the Refugium and about 2" in the tank.
4. Starting to paint the outside of the tank. Once that's done, I'll start on the inside. Will try and get some pics of the tank painting posted this weekend.
EBOLII
New member
<b>Octopus TDNW-300. It's rated for 600g</b>.....what is the watt total with 3 pumps? Right now I am reviewing the Bubble King Supermarin 300.....it is around 1800+ give or take.....different specials from different vendors.....the i-net is sweet that way. I am not sold though...kind of high on price
masharp1126
New member
They are rated at 38w each. Just pluged it into my kilowatt in the sink and it ran at about 25w. Once I mesh mod it, I'm guessing the wattage per pump will go up some, probably closer to the 38w. Some sites say it's rated for 600g and some, like Aquacave, say 800g.
masharp1126
New member
Okay, here's the pics.
Octopus TDNW-300. Stands 31" tall and should fit perfectly in the sump under the stand. It's also got a 12" diameter body, huge. Picture doesn't do it justice.
Here's an update on the cabinets. On the bottom is where the 40g RO tank, and 105g water change tank will sit. On top will be the frag tank, and then shelving above.
And finally, my junk table. Accumulation of lighting, plumbing, pumps, controllers, etc. With a couple of boxes of TUBV's under the table and my 2nd Dart.
Octopus TDNW-300. Stands 31" tall and should fit perfectly in the sump under the stand. It's also got a 12" diameter body, huge. Picture doesn't do it justice.
Here's an update on the cabinets. On the bottom is where the 40g RO tank, and 105g water change tank will sit. On top will be the frag tank, and then shelving above.
And finally, my junk table. Accumulation of lighting, plumbing, pumps, controllers, etc. With a couple of boxes of TUBV's under the table and my 2nd Dart.
tgunn
Active member
Hey man, looking awesome! I can't wait to see this one up and running!
I have the exact same skimmer; it was on my 140g setup (lol, it's probably capable of holding all the water in the 24g Aquapod I have on the way).. I'll share a few tips with you that I figured out along the way:
- Unscrew the venturi part from the pumps and check to see if the o-ring is partially covering the venturi hole. When mine came it was partially covered so I have to cut a little notch in the o-ring to make sure it wasn't covered.
- Every few days, dunk the venturi tubes for the airlines into a cup of RO/DI water; this will help clear out any salt creep from the venturi and help keep the skimmer performing well.
- the venturi nipples don't seem to be ozone safe; I ran ozone in mine for a long while and all the nipples got brittle and snapped off.
- if you're planning on mesh-modding, try it on one pump first. The mesh mod worked great but I was never able to get the pumps to start up on their own if the power failed; I had to blow the venturi lines clear to get them sucking air. NOT fun. I don't know if I could've fixed that but I tried and never was able to.
Enjoy the skimmer though! It's a beast -- I can't wait to see how it works on your setup. It was underwhelming on my 140g, but I think it was just plain WAY too big.
Tyler
I have the exact same skimmer; it was on my 140g setup (lol, it's probably capable of holding all the water in the 24g Aquapod I have on the way).. I'll share a few tips with you that I figured out along the way:
- Unscrew the venturi part from the pumps and check to see if the o-ring is partially covering the venturi hole. When mine came it was partially covered so I have to cut a little notch in the o-ring to make sure it wasn't covered.
- Every few days, dunk the venturi tubes for the airlines into a cup of RO/DI water; this will help clear out any salt creep from the venturi and help keep the skimmer performing well.
- the venturi nipples don't seem to be ozone safe; I ran ozone in mine for a long while and all the nipples got brittle and snapped off.
- if you're planning on mesh-modding, try it on one pump first. The mesh mod worked great but I was never able to get the pumps to start up on their own if the power failed; I had to blow the venturi lines clear to get them sucking air. NOT fun. I don't know if I could've fixed that but I tried and never was able to.
Enjoy the skimmer though! It's a beast -- I can't wait to see how it works on your setup. It was underwhelming on my 140g, but I think it was just plain WAY too big.
Tyler
Reeftanks6
Active member
Very nice looking. Keep the good work up. Tagging along
masharp1126
New member
EBOLII, so far doing good. My wife and I have both been blessed to be employed by stable, strong companies. She's a paralegal in one of the larger downtown Dallas law firms, with over 10 years tenure. And, I oversee receiving and shipping in the Dallas area for the 2nd largest generics pharmaceutical company in the country. Both companies, have been very stable through these tough times. Guess everyone has to have their meds and lawyers. 
Progress continues to be slow. Same story, different day. Currently painting the inside of the tank with epoxy paint. Got some work done in the fish room. Frag tank, RO tank, and saltwater holding tank are all drilled and ready for install. Shelving and cabinets that will house these tanks along with CaRx, and other misc things is almost done. It's built, just have to paint.
Received the railing materials for mounting my lights. They will be suspended from the ceiling on track and rollers. Making them easy to move for maintenance. Plan to order the square tubing for the light rack later this week. I will be building one just like GlassReef did on his build thread. If you haven't seen his thread, check it out. I was impressed with his attention to detail, and there are some great ideas on there.
Received my Reef Keeper Elite a few weeks ago. Bought if from a guy in California, who had bought it for his new tank. He ended up needing money and sold it without ever even using it. So, even though it is brand new, I'm the 2nd owner. Can't wait to get this thing set up and running. Cuddos (?) to Digital Aquatics. One of the PC4's was not working when I got it. Even though the unit is brand new, DA considers them 2nd hand if your not the original owner, so no warranty (not transferrable). They told me to send it back anyway and they would look at it. Did so, they fixed it, and didn't charge me a penny. Great customer service.
Well, better go for now. Will try to get some new pics this week sometime and get them posted.
Progress continues to be slow. Same story, different day. Currently painting the inside of the tank with epoxy paint. Got some work done in the fish room. Frag tank, RO tank, and saltwater holding tank are all drilled and ready for install. Shelving and cabinets that will house these tanks along with CaRx, and other misc things is almost done. It's built, just have to paint.
Received the railing materials for mounting my lights. They will be suspended from the ceiling on track and rollers. Making them easy to move for maintenance. Plan to order the square tubing for the light rack later this week. I will be building one just like GlassReef did on his build thread. If you haven't seen his thread, check it out. I was impressed with his attention to detail, and there are some great ideas on there.
Received my Reef Keeper Elite a few weeks ago. Bought if from a guy in California, who had bought it for his new tank. He ended up needing money and sold it without ever even using it. So, even though it is brand new, I'm the 2nd owner. Can't wait to get this thing set up and running. Cuddos (?) to Digital Aquatics. One of the PC4's was not working when I got it. Even though the unit is brand new, DA considers them 2nd hand if your not the original owner, so no warranty (not transferrable). They told me to send it back anyway and they would look at it. Did so, they fixed it, and didn't charge me a penny. Great customer service.
Well, better go for now. Will try to get some new pics this week sometime and get them posted.
masharp1126
New member
Not dead, just very slooooow going. With work and other things, seems like I'm only getting about 2 or 3 days a month to work on it. I'll be posting pics of the glass installation in a week or so. Actually put the last coat of paint on the inside this morning. Will be renting suction cups and an engine hoist next weekend to install the glass. Will get pictures when I do.
masharp1126
New member
Alright dahenley, your going to force me to update and post pics:lmao:
I actually did update yesterday on my local sites forum (dfwmas), so when I get home today I'll update here as well. My work computer doesn't allow access to photobucket, so I can't attach pics from here.
To summarize, building of the tank is finished. Glass installed. Moved it into fishroom and lifted onto stand. Hole cut in the wall and tank slid into place. Viewing side completed with picture frame molding. Currently finishing my light rack, which will probably take a couple of more days, and will then start plumbing.
I actually did update yesterday on my local sites forum (dfwmas), so when I get home today I'll update here as well. My work computer doesn't allow access to photobucket, so I can't attach pics from here.
To summarize, building of the tank is finished. Glass installed. Moved it into fishroom and lifted onto stand. Hole cut in the wall and tank slid into place. Viewing side completed with picture frame molding. Currently finishing my light rack, which will probably take a couple of more days, and will then start plumbing.
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