Sonicboom's 180 build in Tampa

[stewbacca]

I would highly recommend getting an apex. It can do exactly what you are looking for with the ATO. And so much more.



Example. I have a momentary push button that will shut off all pumps and skimmer for 45min while I do some maintenance. Then I have another for lower flow feeding time.

I also get an email and txt message if/when my water level is too low or high.

Just my .02

Your setup looks good. And you helped me with my decision on what tank size to get.

 

[Sonicboom]

Thanks stewbacca, you have my humblest appreciation if i helped you in any way. I will definitely be getting an apex for lights and such, but I want to make sure it can top off based on salinity since my water level will be fluctuating die to the return pump speeds.

 

[Sonicboom]

I just got off the phone with Neptune Systems and confirmed that using the Lab grade salinity probe, IO break out box, and float valve, the AND IF statement will top off based on salinity and or float valve level. woohoo, another obstacle overcome!

 

[stewbacca]

The apex can control your ATO with a conductivity probe and float switches. I just didn't buy the module for my BioCube cause I couldn't justify it. Now with a 180g that's different

 

[Sonicboom]

yea it would be cake if i was running something like my old MAG18 which just ran wide open, all this newfangled technology is making things crazy. now to confirm the AI Hydras are apex controllable...

 

[stewbacca]

From what I have read the Hydras are not. The Sols are though.

 

[animalcracker]

180

180

nice job man I am starting a build myself, trying to build canopy for 155 bowfront

 

[Sonicboom]

From what I have read the Hydras are not. The Sols are though.

You are correct. Right Now they are not but come with a sweet controller which is all I need for now. I will be pre ordering them in the morning.

nice job man I am starting a build myself, trying to build canopy for 155 bowfront

Wow that sounds hard since the wood will have to be bowed. I will probably
go topless and hang the lights from the ceiling.

I just received some gate valves and black pvc to redo some plumbing and replace the loc line with a spray bar. Problem is I think 1" x36" spray bar might drop my flow quite a bit.

 

[Sonicboom]

Just preordered my first AI Hydras, just one with the hanging kit and controller. wifey said to wait two months before ordering the rest... who asked her anyways...

anyway, are there any spray bar engineers out there, trying to figure out how many and what size holes to make for a 1" x 36" spray bar being fed from both overflows and a DC1000k. I have been reading and seeing most are 1" apart and facing forward and down alternating.

 

[Sonicboom]

Managed to start drilling the hole in the sump baffle for the float valve and not crack anything. Waiting on a new set of bits to arrive tomorrow to finish. The painters tape caught about 99% of the shavings.

 

[Stylo328]

Subscribed! Nice clowns.

 

[Sonicboom]

Managed to start drilling the hole in the sump baffle for the float valve and not crack anything. Waiting on a new set of bits to arrive tomorrow to finish. The painters tape caught about 99% of the shavings.

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv145/maldonj1/Tank%20Build/20130616_180708.jpg[/QUOTE]

Oops, photo moved
[IMG]http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv145/maldonj1/Tank%20Build/20130616_180708.jpg

 

[Sonicboom]

Update: received a new set of drill bits, finished drilling out the baffle for the float valve and so far i have a make shift OJ container which will do until i figure out how to plumb it from the second floor of the house. here are some pics, easy as heck to do. with patience.

 

[mrbee2828]

Sorry to hear about the bad luck with Bubble Magnus as well. As for the tank, as said, it's to be expected. These tanks are assembeled by and and mass produced. You'll see hundreds of threads in this section debating the best manufacture for a large or custom tank. Miracles, Glass Cages etc etc and everyone picks apart the silicone, bevels, bracing and clarity. While I'm sure you would like to see a tank with a closer spec (as we all probably would) it's not a "defect" perse.

 

[Sonicboom]

Thanks mrbee: i think everything happens for a reason, with that being said I am extremely happy with the SRO3000 with the exception of the pump. I only wish it was controllable so i wouldn't have to power it off when cleaning the collector cup. As for the tank, Aqueon support emailed me stating the same, tanks are hand assembled and some amount of misalignment is expected.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Man that sucks. Mass production at its finest.

 

[Sonicboom]

managed to get my hands on an Amazon deal this morning of a ContourROAM Waterproof HD 1080P Hands-free HD Camcorder Watersport Kit for 109.00. I should be able to attach it to something and have it get some sweet underwater tank shots.

 

[Stylo328]

Looking forward to the underwater shots.

 

[Sonicboom]

yea i can't wait either, should be interesting, that being said i have another update: had a nice shipment from saltysupply.com on my door but i had to help a friend finish trimming my oak tree that was almost hit by lightning last night. But that's another story...

These are the AI Hydras at 37% and i think the first FTS. they are just standing on the brackets with PVC holding them up. Theres also a crusty piece of glass under them for safety. I should have them hung by this evening.

out of the box, the controller did need a firmware update in order to detect the Hydras and add new features. after that it was set the clock and select great barrier reef, save.

 

[Mark...]

The beam of light in the last picture looks like an alien beaming a light down...