The Hawaiian inspired over-build ( 300g system)

[TellyFish]

The plan for this new build is essentially to try and fix everything I did wrong on my first try and hopefully end up with a successful reef somewhere along the way.

One of the things I found I disliked most about my first system was how cramped everything was. It was a 80 gallon bow-front with a 40 gallon sump. I set rocks too close to the glass in several places, so cleaning became difficult or impossible in some areas. I didn't use any true unions in my plumbing so when I moved, I had to cut everything out. I realized after buying some large SPS colonies from a friend that I didn't really have anywhere to fit them. All passable errors for a first-timer, but I resolved to one day build something more functional.

Which brings us--thankfully--to the new aquarium.

300-ish system gallons
40x30x20 110g Display (Miracles in Glass)
30x31x15 60g Sump
72x24x12 100g Prop. Tank
36x18x20 40g Refrigum

Circulation Pump - Reeflo Super Dart Gold
Lighting - 250w MH
Skimmer - ATB 840
Flow - Tunze / Vortech
Cal/Alk - Masterflex Dosing Pump
Controller - Apex / Audrino Custom

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=standD.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/standD.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=standB.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/standB.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

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Inspiration for this build comes from many places. Those who have established the style of modern reefing know who they are. Inspired by these amazing tanks, my display will feature a rimless aquarium on a steel stand, shallow rock formations, and an open sand bed. I will also be over-building everything possible. For me, this will include thick materials and industrial components throughout. Not only because it's stronger and makes me feel like more of a man, but because I love all things industrial. I live in a old Chicago warehouse and I want the aquarium to reflect this character.

The second source of inspiration for this build comes from the tropical depths of Hawaii's reefs. In particular, the island of Kauai, other-wise-known as "˜the garden isle'. I am particularly fond of the potters angel and I have kept one for the past 4 years. I am planning to make fish selections based on what would be found living with Centropyge potteri in the wild. Corals will not be species-specific to Hawaii for various reasons but I will be taking care to include pocilipora coral, dendros, other stony corals, and additional species "˜similar' to what would be found around the island of Kauai. However, this will only be a true "˜biotype' aquarium in regards to the fish.

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=kauaiMap.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/kauaiMap.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

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[dzfish17]

There is nothing wrong with overbuilding if it gives you peace of mind. I agree that tru-unions are a good idea. You only make that mistake once. Have fun on your build.

 

[TellyFish]

My current livestock is holding out in various temporary tanks while the new system is being constructed. So far, no major problems with them, but I do occasionally catch everyone impatiently eying their new home from across the room.

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=clown.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/clown.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=holdingTank.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/holdingTank.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=holdingTank2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/holdingTank2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The first major hurtle was to find a good welder to build my stand. I found a local guy who did a great job. The finish is a marine-safe epoxy coat in gloss black.

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=standBuilding.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/standBuilding.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=standBuilding2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/standBuilding2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=stand-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/stand-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=welds.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/welds.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I have been collecting parts for this build for some time and I am finally ready to begin construction!

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=plumbingA.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/plumbingA.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=plumbing2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/plumbing2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

… and so it begins. :rollface:

 

[TellyFish]

Needed a few helpers to get the display on its final resting place.

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=tank-in-place.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/tank-in-place.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=disaply4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/disaply4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=display2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/display2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=display.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/display.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=overflow.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/overflow.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The cat giving me his 'approval' (if that's what that look means...) on the propagation tank.

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=catFragTak.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/catFragTak.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=frag2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/frag2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=frag3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/frag3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

... and finally a pic of the sump waiting to go in. Again with the cat, lol.

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=sump.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/sump.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I am currently working on the plumbing, so Ill post some more photos ASAP. Thanks for looking!

 

[coolname1]

that's a nicest looking steel stand I've seen

 

[teacherthomas]

Is the tank still being built or did everything come to a stop?

 

[TellyFish]

It has been a long process, but the plumbing is now finally done. The first step for me was to prepare both of the system's sumps. My acrylic sump is a salvage from a local pet store that went out of business, and the other is a glasscages rimless tank. Both will need to be drilled to accept the 2" feed lines for the Reeflo Super Dart.

This will be my first time drilling glass so I was a bit nervous. However, I followed the directions I found here on Reef Central and it was a piece of cake.

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0579.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0579.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I used silicone caulk to form the water dam.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0589.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0589.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0591.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0591.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Next up- cutting the acrylic baffles for the glasscages sump
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0600.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0600.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Marking the silicone line with a dry erase marker
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0607.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0607.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0608.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0608.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0602.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0602.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Ready to go. In retrospect, and as many online will recommend, I should have used thicker acrylic to prevent bowing from the force of the water in the sump. It does seem to be holding, at least for now.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0611.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0611.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Dry fitting the main pump to the butterfly valve which will divert unused flow back to the sump.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0597.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0597.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[TellyFish]

Next up is the old acrylic sump. As you can see, it isn't in the best of condition. The top brace has been cracked clean across and then someone attempted to repair it with silicone. I will be removing the brace all together and welding in 1/2" acrylic rod to reinforce the top.

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0646.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0646.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0647.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0647.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0649.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0649.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Good thing I have the cat to help cut out the center brace. (Yes, there is sarcasm in there somewhere...)
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0648.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0648.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0665.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0665.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

With the center brace removed:
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0667.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0667.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The sump had some large chunks broken out of the acrylic and they were also siliconed back in place by a previous owner. I wanted to weld them in properly, so first the old silicone had to be cleaned out.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0670.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0670.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0675.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0675.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Gluing in the broken chips.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0676.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0676.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

A little polishing (nothing close to perfect, but I had it laying around)
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0681.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0681.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[TellyFish]

Welding in the 1/2" acrylic bracing. This will give me piece-of-mind since I removed the original factory center brace.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0686.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0686.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0683.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0683.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Repaired.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0679.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0679.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

The 1/2" bracing welded in place:
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0694.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0694.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0693.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0693.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0695.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0695.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Drilling the acrylic sump proved more difficult than the glass one. Since I was enlarging an existing hole there wasn't any material for the drill bit to grab onto. The solution was to clamp down a piece of wood so I could center the bit.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0653.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0653.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Another giant hole in another aquarium...
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0655.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0655.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0658.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0658.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Success. The ball valve will be used in the event that the sump needs to be removed for maintenance.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0662.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0662.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[TellyFish]

In the middle of plumbing, I got distracted by 2 large boxes from BRS...

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0698.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0698.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0699.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0699.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I am pretty impressed with the quality of their dry rock. Very lightweight rock with a good mix of small/large.
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0700.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0700.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

First shot at the aquascape:
<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0710.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0710.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0715.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0715.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0709.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0709.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/?action=view&current=IMAG0706.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z332/tellyFish/IMAG0706.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[HiImSean]

i love the idea of a Kauai inspired tank, i was there last summer snorkeling

 

[TellyFish]

i love the idea of a Kauai inspired tank, i was there last summer snorkeling

Thanks HilmSean, this is the first time I am stocking a tank on anything but a whim and it has made planning the tank more enjoyable for sure. Right now the stocking list is looking something like:

Potters Angel
Yellow Eye Kole Tang
Long nose butterfly
Bi-Color Anthias

Heteractis Malu + Percula pair
Coral Banded Shrimp

 

[TellyFish]

Does anyone have other good ideas for Hawaiian fish/inverts? I was also toying with the idea of a gold rim tang.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Problem with Hawaiian fish is the only ones I could identify with any reliability were way too big a species for your tank (orange shoulder tangs, nasos, seargant majors etc), all the super cute and colorful tiny fish scatted whenever I got with arms length so I couldn't say.

That said, Perculas are an exception? Pretty sure they're not Hawaiian in nature.

 

[SpencerG]

Great idea for your tank, Tellyfish! Hopefully Snorkel Bob won't get wind of it. You may want to either continue research or just contact some of the Hawaiian suppliers and ask.

There's a great article in the latest Coral Magazine about Hawaii. I think they are currently collecting over 100 different species, though that may change. You should be able to find something very interesting, though it may take some work getting the connections made (Hawaii to LA to Chicago LFS or direct to you). It probably wouldn't hurt to tell them about your project, that you're posting progress on RC, that you'll give credit due for their assistance, etc. Good luck! I'm really looking forward to seeing how this turns out!

 

[Haffs09]

I dove the southern shore of Kuaui in September of 2009, and two memories that come to mind are seeing a Bandit Angelfish and a school of pyramid and pennant butterflyfish. Check out some of my pics from my trip, you may get some ideas http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1728512. Although I saw them in Maui, an Arc Eye Hawkfish or Redbarred Hawkfish are two candidates for your tank.

 

[IndoorOcean]

There are a multitude of Wrasse species found in the Hawaiian islands. Can't remember any one in particular at the moment though.

A book you may find of interest is The Ultimate Guide to Hawaiian Reef Fishes by John P. Hoover. It should give you some great ideas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sfsuphysics]

Hmmm forgot I had a copy of book on Molokini (granted not Kauai but close enough )...

Looking at some suitably sized fish from the area
fire fish
flame angel
four line wrasse
flame wrasse
longfin anthias
longnose hawkfish

There are a multitude of various butterflyfish as well but those would be a bit on the big side for your tank.

 

[TellyFish]

That said, Perculas are an exception? Pretty sure they're not Hawaiian in nature.

I am still researching on this. I fear you may be correct, but I have seen it claimed both ways. I know clarkii clowns are naturally symbiotic with H. Malu and not perculas. Then again, most of my info is found on the internet, so...

If anyone has any sourced links on this subject, or first-hand experience, please feel free to chime in.

 

[TellyFish]

Hopefully Snorkel Bob won't get wind of it.

Haha, hopefully he does!

If you have taken the time to read this thread, then your a step closer to caring about the reefs of Hawaii and proving ol' Bobby-boy wrong.

Awareness is half the battle, IMO. There are a lot of oblivious people out there (not that your one of them, lol :beer.