Smaller place, bigger tank...My 200DD build
- Thread starter E.Rude
- Start date
E.Rude
New member
Thanks man! I'm looking forward to aquascaping this thing.
E.Rude
New member
I probably won't need all 24 switches, but I plan on replacing that middle strip...the switch fell off at some point during the move and it bugs the hell out of me.
I got the bottom halves of the 3 overflows glued today, still have to do the standpipes. Hoping to glue the return tomorrow.
I got the bottom halves of the 3 overflows glued today, still have to do the standpipes. Hoping to glue the return tomorrow.
hey there E. Rude, I'm not trying to upset you, but I was surfing threads here on RC and came across this one:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2451768
Since you said you planned on the right OF just being an emergency, I figured I would bring this to your attention.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2451768
Since you said you planned on the right OF just being an emergency, I figured I would bring this to your attention.
E.Rude
New member
Thanks for the heads up. I've thought of this and I have a Korallia 4 that I'm going to put in there. I figure it will cause enough turbulence in there to maintain at least a little water exchange.
E.Rude
New member
Got the box primed with Kilz and painted. Put the reservoir tank and box in the stand with no issues. Everything went in real nice. I'll be able to remove everything from the stand, including the sump, without having to drain the tank. You can't see it well, because the switches aren't in it, but it's sitting in the front right of the stand. Switches will go in tomorrow when I connect all the equipment for the FW test.
Also put some egg crate down. This is something I wanted to do with my last build was in too much of a hurry to actually do it.
Also put some egg crate down. This is something I wanted to do with my last build was in too much of a hurry to actually do it.
discoreefer
New member
Congratulations. Looking great, exciting time. Looks forward to seeing the aquascaping.
E.Rude
New member
Thanks! I have a few ideas as far as aquascaping goes. I'm hoping to be able to get away with just two MP40's on the back glass and I think it'll be a bit of a stretch. Unfortunately, the next time I will have two days in a row off from work won't be for another two weeks, so the aquascaping will have to wait until then. But that will give me time to work out any kinks with the system. I work full time and go to school full time so I'm a bit short on time.
E.Rude
New member
Got everything hooked up and tested the overflows which run as they should. I cracked two bulkheads, though. I had one extra and ordered a replacement for the second cracked one and another back up earlier today. Luckily the second one only dripped slightly and was directly over the sump so I was able to putz around with the tank even though it was broken. The manifold works well and overall the system is about as quiet as they get with VorTechs...I can hear the whirl of the ceiling fan that's over my tank when the system is running.
I have to get some velcro to put the controllers and monitors on the side/top of the electrical box and a few other small things to iron out, but as long as those bulkheads get here by the weekend, I'll be set to aquascape and start the cycle. All the rock is from my old tank and has been cooking for the last few months in trash cans but the sand is new (160#s of Carribsea Seaflor Special Grade). I'm not expecting a super long cycle.
I have to get some velcro to put the controllers and monitors on the side/top of the electrical box and a few other small things to iron out, but as long as those bulkheads get here by the weekend, I'll be set to aquascape and start the cycle. All the rock is from my old tank and has been cooking for the last few months in trash cans but the sand is new (160#s of Carribsea Seaflor Special Grade). I'm not expecting a super long cycle.
E.Rude
New member
There's a pretty sweet aquascape in there. You'll just have to trust me for now...
I have a spare MP40 wet side that needs serviced and I was planning on getting a new one too, so I'd have two back ups. Seeing the new Maxspect Gyre, I'm wondering if that's my answer. It's early yet, but the reviews I've read on them say that they are louder than VorTechs. If that's the case, I'll stick with my MP40's.
I have a spare MP40 wet side that needs serviced and I was planning on getting a new one too, so I'd have two back ups. Seeing the new Maxspect Gyre, I'm wondering if that's my answer. It's early yet, but the reviews I've read on them say that they are louder than VorTechs. If that's the case, I'll stick with my MP40's.
stevenson22
New member
I use the wp60.. to me that are much better.. a whole lot cheaper and they are directional... move tons of water with the same motion options.. youtube them... the gyre thing I saw in person at macna not impressed.... it would be my last option... just my opinion...
stevenson22
New member
But forgot to mention.. your tank is coming along nicely
E.Rude
New member
Thanks! I'm happy to have the cycle starting and to have some organization back to my apartment, lol. I'm going to see how people like the Gyre. I think I'll at least get the wet side I already have serviced so that I have a back up.
E.Rude
New member
I snapped a quick pic of the aquascape before I stirred up the cloud again by moving the sand around. There is a one-rock island in the front that is covered by sand in the pic that will be for a zoa garden.
I'm impressed with the bubbles the Skimz produces. I was a little skeptical when I was just running FW through it, but once the SW started flowing my hopes went skyward.
I'm impressed with the bubbles the Skimz produces. I was a little skeptical when I was just running FW through it, but once the SW started flowing my hopes went skyward.
stevenson22
New member
Nice rock work.. looks like you keep space around the rock for good flow which is very important for long term health off your inhabitants...
