Starting a new 90 Progress will be updated
- Thread starter Dano999
- Start date
db_triggerfish
Premium Member
Nice thread, i should be setting my in the next few weeks, i am learning here. I like the AGA Classic Mission Cherry stand and canopy a lot i almost got it,but didn't like the very soft particle board under the veneer or laminate not sure what it is. At a local Petco they have one on display and the particle board bubbled up from water damage. I will show my carpenter your detailed pictures of the canopy so he has an idea of what i want for my caonpy. He has never done a fish tank so he has no clue. But he does nice work and cheap, he completed my entertainment center which will match the reef tank, since they are going on the same wall. Thanks again for posting you may have save me some pain when you mention the power draw of your plasma, i will check my out. It is going on the same line as my tank, and i too already got 2 x IC 660.
Island1Day
New member
nice setup! makes my 90 look like crap!!!!
Dano999
Premium Member
Day 10
I was out of town a couple of days and came home to of bunch of packages for this tank project. I don't know what they are yet but it kind of feels like Christmas only more expensive.
I want to install the lights this weekend so I hope my fans are in one of these boxes.
I was out of town a couple of days and came home to of bunch of packages for this tank project. I don't know what they are yet but it kind of feels like Christmas only more expensive.
I want to install the lights this weekend so I hope my fans are in one of these boxes.
Dano999
Premium Member
Day 11 LIGHTS
The main project for today was to install lights on the canopy. I purchased the 48" 6x54W SLR T5 Very High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs. Not quite sure how this was going to go since I haven't seen any detailed installation threads. I tried to capture most of the progress.
Tools needed not included with kit
Flat head screw driver
Phillips Screw driver
Wire strippers and cutters
Scratch Awl
electrical tape
16 - 9 X 3/4" wood screws
24 - 8 X 1" wood screws
12 - 8 X 5/8' wood screws
12 - 1/2 " cable clamps
10' of 3/8" Split wire loom tubing
optional moon lights
First thing was to see what was included. Everything seemed to be there including the candy that comes with each order from Reef Geek.
This one had tootsie rolls. I guess this is to keep up your energy since this project lasted most of the day. A six pack would have done just as well.
At his point I went to ACE hardware and picked up the non included items listed above. I also stopped off for a six pack for when the job was done.
The first thing to do is remove the coating from the reflectors.
Next install lamp clips. I slightly adjusted the metal flaps so the opening was just big enough to allow the screw to screw into the hole. Then attach the nut and tighten down. This made sure the final product was flat and even.
Next I placed the end caps with the bulbs in the canopy to see how it would fit. After aligning all the main canopy end caps I marked each position with an scratch awl through the screw holes.
Make the ends slightly less than 47" apart (not the holes). 47" will barely make connections when installing the bulbs.
Also the end caps connect to the standoffs with either the short end or long end pointing out away from the bulbs. I chose the short end because I was limited to 47".
Next I installed Moon Lights. I used the Current USA Lunar Light: Nocturnal Blue Moon Light and Lunar links. I forgot the main light when I placed my order and only received the links as in the picture. When the Main Lunar light comes next week I will then add it to the canopy.
to be continued
The main project for today was to install lights on the canopy. I purchased the 48" 6x54W SLR T5 Very High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs. Not quite sure how this was going to go since I haven't seen any detailed installation threads. I tried to capture most of the progress.
Tools needed not included with kit
Flat head screw driver
Phillips Screw driver
Wire strippers and cutters
Scratch Awl
electrical tape
16 - 9 X 3/4" wood screws
24 - 8 X 1" wood screws
12 - 8 X 5/8' wood screws
12 - 1/2 " cable clamps
10' of 3/8" Split wire loom tubing
optional moon lights
First thing was to see what was included. Everything seemed to be there including the candy that comes with each order from Reef Geek.
This one had tootsie rolls. I guess this is to keep up your energy since this project lasted most of the day. A six pack would have done just as well.
At his point I went to ACE hardware and picked up the non included items listed above. I also stopped off for a six pack for when the job was done.
The first thing to do is remove the coating from the reflectors.
Next install lamp clips. I slightly adjusted the metal flaps so the opening was just big enough to allow the screw to screw into the hole. Then attach the nut and tighten down. This made sure the final product was flat and even.
Next I placed the end caps with the bulbs in the canopy to see how it would fit. After aligning all the main canopy end caps I marked each position with an scratch awl through the screw holes.
Make the ends slightly less than 47" apart (not the holes). 47" will barely make connections when installing the bulbs.
Also the end caps connect to the standoffs with either the short end or long end pointing out away from the bulbs. I chose the short end because I was limited to 47".
Next I installed Moon Lights. I used the Current USA Lunar Light: Nocturnal Blue Moon Light and Lunar links. I forgot the main light when I placed my order and only received the links as in the picture. When the Main Lunar light comes next week I will then add it to the canopy.
to be continued
Last edited:
Dano999
Premium Member
Day 11 Lights continued
Next I wired up each end cap for the main canopy and the lid. Only thing to look out for is to pay close attention to the wiring diagram and cut your wire to the right lengths. Remember to give some room for the lid when the canopy opens.
I put the two bulbs from 430 ballast on the front and back. These will be used for Dawn and Dusk. The middle four are installed on the 660 ballast which will be used for mid day.
I then installed the ballasts to the rear of the canopy. If you have one of these canopies be careful of the center support as it's breaks easily. I used a 5/8" wood screw to fix the area that weakened but it probably won't last. I am doubtful the support is really needed.
After completing the wiring I used the loom tubing and cable clamps to secure the wiring. Anyone else would have probably tested before they did this.
I finished the remaining wires with some electrical tape.
Next I installed the bulbs, reflectors and end caps. Making sure the bulbs were seated properly. Hold the bulbs as you screw on the end cap to make sure it does not turn.
The bulbs used are as follows:
Front
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
At this point I was ready to test so I plugged in the 430 ballast first and YES LIGHTS. I then plugged in the 660 ballast and "CRAP" the ballast shut down immediately. OK so this is where I said anyone else would of tested first.
Now came some trouble shooting. Since I checked the wiring twice before I finished I was thinking it was a defective bulb. When observing the bulbs as soon as I plugged in the ballast I noticed all but one bulb would come on before shutting down. I just so happened to have a spare bulb although not right one for the one I replaced. I replaced the bulb and tested again. and "LIGHTS".
to be continued
Next I wired up each end cap for the main canopy and the lid. Only thing to look out for is to pay close attention to the wiring diagram and cut your wire to the right lengths. Remember to give some room for the lid when the canopy opens.
I put the two bulbs from 430 ballast on the front and back. These will be used for Dawn and Dusk. The middle four are installed on the 660 ballast which will be used for mid day.
I then installed the ballasts to the rear of the canopy. If you have one of these canopies be careful of the center support as it's breaks easily. I used a 5/8" wood screw to fix the area that weakened but it probably won't last. I am doubtful the support is really needed.
After completing the wiring I used the loom tubing and cable clamps to secure the wiring. Anyone else would have probably tested before they did this.
I finished the remaining wires with some electrical tape.
Next I installed the bulbs, reflectors and end caps. Making sure the bulbs were seated properly. Hold the bulbs as you screw on the end cap to make sure it does not turn.
The bulbs used are as follows:
Front
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
At this point I was ready to test so I plugged in the 430 ballast first and YES LIGHTS. I then plugged in the 660 ballast and "CRAP" the ballast shut down immediately. OK so this is where I said anyone else would of tested first.
Now came some trouble shooting. Since I checked the wiring twice before I finished I was thinking it was a defective bulb. When observing the bulbs as soon as I plugged in the ballast I noticed all but one bulb would come on before shutting down. I just so happened to have a spare bulb although not right one for the one I replaced. I replaced the bulb and tested again. and "LIGHTS".
to be continued
Dano999
Premium Member
Day 11 Lights Continued
Amazingly I was still able to lift the canopy by myself and place it on the tank.
Finally finished and now it's time for a beer or three.
Total time for this project was six hours including the trip to ACE hardware and a quick lunch.
Next project FANS!!!
Amazingly I was still able to lift the canopy by myself and place it on the tank.
Finally finished and now it's time for a beer or three.
Total time for this project was six hours including the trip to ACE hardware and a quick lunch.
Next project FANS!!!
Dano999
Premium Member
I noticed a typo when discussing troubleshooting. The statement should be:
Now came some trouble shooting. Since I checked the wiring twice before I finished I was thinking it was a defective bulb. When observing the bulbs as soon as I plugged in the ballast I noticed all but one bulb would "NOT" come on before shutting down.
Now came some trouble shooting. Since I checked the wiring twice before I finished I was thinking it was a defective bulb. When observing the bulbs as soon as I plugged in the ballast I noticed all but one bulb would "NOT" come on before shutting down.
barngeatbayman
Premium Member
what kind of fasteners did you use on your plastic wire channels. Great job wiring you gave me some ideas. Keep up the pictures, this is a ver well planned out aquarium!!
Dano999
Premium Member
Day 14
Ok although I said the next project was fans I still have not received them so I am moving on.
I ordered the Live Rock this morning. I got 115 lb of Kaeleni from Premium Aquatics. It should go out tomorrow so I have a lot of stuff to finish today.
First thing today was to install an auto top off. I picked up two 15 gallon square polyethylene tanks and one will be used for the top off reservoir.
The first thing to do was to install the float valve in the fuge. First of course I needed to drill a hole in my fuge.
Then I installed the float valve in the sump area.
I needed to make sure I had clearance to remove the pump in the future.
I installed a short piece of ¼ “ hose and a ball valve.
Since I have my study in the room behind the tank I decided to use it for the reservoir. I ran a hose through the wall and placed the reservoir so it was higher than the sump area. I then installed a float valve in the reservoir. This will be used when filling the reservoir from the RO/DI. Initially I will just connect a hose when needed to fill the reservoir (probably once a week) but I may run a permanent hose through the attic in the future. I will have to test it first.
Using just gravity feed the system works fine.
Ok although I said the next project was fans I still have not received them so I am moving on.
I ordered the Live Rock this morning. I got 115 lb of Kaeleni from Premium Aquatics. It should go out tomorrow so I have a lot of stuff to finish today.
First thing today was to install an auto top off. I picked up two 15 gallon square polyethylene tanks and one will be used for the top off reservoir.
The first thing to do was to install the float valve in the fuge. First of course I needed to drill a hole in my fuge.
Then I installed the float valve in the sump area.
I needed to make sure I had clearance to remove the pump in the future.
I installed a short piece of ¼ “ hose and a ball valve.
Since I have my study in the room behind the tank I decided to use it for the reservoir. I ran a hose through the wall and placed the reservoir so it was higher than the sump area. I then installed a float valve in the reservoir. This will be used when filling the reservoir from the RO/DI. Initially I will just connect a hose when needed to fill the reservoir (probably once a week) but I may run a permanent hose through the attic in the future. I will have to test it first.
Using just gravity feed the system works fine.
Dano999
Premium Member
Day 14 Continued
Next I installed the Aqua Controller Jr. Again I ran all the lines into the study and mounted the main control unit on the wall where I can easily see the status. I mounted the Direct Connect 8 high up on the stand and made sure I could access each connection from either side of the tank.
After cleaning up all the wiring with wire ties and checking to make sure I had everything hooked up. I decided I was finished so I put the Aragonite in the tank.
For the next 24 hours I will be filling the tank with water from the RO/DI
Next I installed the Aqua Controller Jr. Again I ran all the lines into the study and mounted the main control unit on the wall where I can easily see the status. I mounted the Direct Connect 8 high up on the stand and made sure I could access each connection from either side of the tank.
After cleaning up all the wiring with wire ties and checking to make sure I had everything hooked up. I decided I was finished so I put the Aragonite in the tank.
For the next 24 hours I will be filling the tank with water from the RO/DI
barngeatbayman
Premium Member
comming together nice!!!
payyourtoll
New member
awesome job with pictures and thanks for explaining each step thoroughly. this is a big help!
ga_reefer_guy
New member
Great thread!!!
Thanks for documenting how to hook-up the t5 it's something I was curious about but never seen it documented step by step.
Gerard
Thanks for documenting how to hook-up the t5 it's something I was curious about but never seen it documented step by step.
Gerard
