Newbie Aquarist
Reefing is my middle name
Nice work you have going so far. I like that second tower.
Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.
Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.
The Journey - 300+ Gallon System Build - Picture Heavy
- Thread starter bpcardona
- Start date
bpcardona
Trying to hard
The fragile looking pieces are drilled and have acrylic rods in them. They also have 2 part epoxy. I have gone sparenly now, but plan on reinforcing everything. I wanted to create a scene that made viewers ask how.
I am happy with it aswell. I really wanted the rock work to be pleasing without any coral one it.
Feel free to post whatever you want. I have followed your thread and will post when I have some free time.
Okay so I wanted to get the highest turnover rate as possible. So my plan was this:
What is the limiting factor of my turnover rate? With my setup I was given to 1 inch drains and two 3/4 inch drains. I decided I wanted a herbie system. To optimize my return I choose the 1 inch drains to be my full siphon. This gave me a maximum return of about 1800gph (900 each). With that determined, my turnover rate was set at that, and maximized.
With all that said, if your drian is not your limiting factor then 10x is a solid value to go with.
It took me a minute to figure out where you saw my sandles. I have a lot more photos in the account then I have posted here. Also I have a similar set up now with the chamber under the sock and it did collect a lot. However I have since added miracle mud, and a small clean up crew. Since then it really hasn't been bad.
I have already purchased the Tropical Eden flakes. I have a lot, but I thing I might get a few bags of there mini flakes and mix it in. I live the sand Sifters and would hate it if they stirred it up.
Im sure you did your homework..... Both of your returns are Reeflo Darts. Did your research show when to be the best bang for the buck (efficiency, reliability compared to cost?) Im shopping for an external pump now. I am targeting 700 GPH +/- (at 4 foot of head) any suggestions or experience appreciated!
On another note... I have to curse you a bit for this build thread. All of the sketchup work shown here made my wife "suggest" that I do it for my build. After 4 hours of cursing at that software I have a few done. It really does help with the design process.
Great work you are doing here! Thank you for sharing it!
On another note... I have to curse you a bit for this build thread. All of the sketchup work shown here made my wife "suggest" that I do it for my build. After 4 hours of cursing at that software I have a few done. It really does help with the design process.
Great work you are doing here! Thank you for sharing it!
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bpcardona
Trying to hard
Regarding the pump, you need to decide if you want to run accessories off this pump (ie reactors). If so you need a large pump. If this is going to be strictly a return pump then you won't need much larger. Reader ding brand. I personally found a lot of positive review on reeflo, and saw a trend of a lot of reefers purchasing them. I decided early one that I wanted to have a reeflo external dart/snapper hybrid. I just happen to find a great deal, which only made that decision easier. You can look at there blowhole line up which offer three settings. These I believe are very resonably listed, but I bet you can find a used deal. Another deciding factor may be the sound produced. I can personally tell you that I an impressed with the volume level of my pump. Other brands to consider are of course pan world and iwaki. If you get the iwaki, try and get the Japanese version. The impeller housing see to have better construction.
I haven't post in your build, but I will I promise. I have spent many many many hours doing this aquascaping, and have not been keeping up with friends builds.
bpcardona
Trying to hard
So the aquascaping is complete. Please let me know what you think. When build this I tried to adhear to a few ideas:
I tried to create rock formations that made the viewer ask "how?"
I wanted to create rock work that even without coral was pleasing.
I wanted to leave plenty of room for fish to swim
I wanted to draw the eye in multiple directions
I wanted to insure unquie coral placement opportunities.
I wanted to have a wide range of light and flow areas for mixed tank
These ideas were followed to the best of my ability. I have total working time of about 12 hours in the portion of the build. I wanted to spend a lot of time doing this becuase I know that this detrmimes the future apperance of the tank.
So what do you think? Do you think I was able to achieve my goals listed above?
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8580859921/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8580859921_a30cfc75b9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8580859137/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8580859137_9a266c07a4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8581959118/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8581959118_fcaed9a432_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8580856869/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8580856869_372680c365_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8581956670/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8581956670_7ede2424ac_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8581954946/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8581954946_256a32d0e6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
I tried to create rock formations that made the viewer ask "how?"
I wanted to create rock work that even without coral was pleasing.
I wanted to leave plenty of room for fish to swim
I wanted to draw the eye in multiple directions
I wanted to insure unquie coral placement opportunities.
I wanted to have a wide range of light and flow areas for mixed tank
These ideas were followed to the best of my ability. I have total working time of about 12 hours in the portion of the build. I wanted to spend a lot of time doing this becuase I know that this detrmimes the future apperance of the tank.
So what do you think? Do you think I was able to achieve my goals listed above?
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8580859921/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8580859921_a30cfc75b9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8580859137/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8580859137_9a266c07a4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8581959118/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8581959118_fcaed9a432_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8580856869/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8580856869_372680c365_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8581956670/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8581956670_7ede2424ac_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8581954946/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8581954946_256a32d0e6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
Rock is looking good. This is even more motivation for me to get rockwork in place this weekend....
bravo!
I especially like the height! Lots of room on the tank floor for placement.
All the work you put into your build and the rockwork and critters is all most visiters will ever pay attention to. Well done.
thanks for the info on the pumps. Im going with a reeflow Blowhole 1450. Lots of pump for the $$$ and gives me options.
I especially like the height! Lots of room on the tank floor for placement.
All the work you put into your build and the rockwork and critters is all most visiters will ever pay attention to. Well done.
thanks for the info on the pumps. Im going with a reeflow Blowhole 1450. Lots of pump for the $$$ and gives me options.
bpcardona
Trying to hard
I see your framework you have setup. Looks interesting. Leaves me guessing what it will look like. I wish you the best of luck this weekend in completing. This is really where being an engineer stops, and being a artist begins.
You are right about what the viewer sees. It is like we say in surgery, we can spend hours work inside the body and do a great job. However if we leave a ugly scar, then the patient believe we did poor work. And to there defense, this is all they see.
Likewise, despite all the effort we but in our setups, ie skimmer, chiller, ca reactors. All the lay person ever sees is the display. They are drawn to it like a painting on a wall, and for that reason we must understand what is aesthetically appealing. One must be a jack of all trade do be successful in this hobby.
BTW: I think you will be very happy with the pump you have choosen. Have you looked around the used section for a deal. I thought I saw one a couple weeks ago.
Lol. I would be in big trouble! If you see anything else like this point it out. I used several rods, and about 8 large tubes of the 2 part epoxy. I have pushed on all the hanging rocks, and when if it moves, it moves the entire system.
bpcardona
Trying to hard
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8584378798/" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8584378798_3d10ec287b_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Untitled"></a>
So the I wash the sand again, and it out for drying. Hurry up already.
Anyone have suggestion on how to get a even amount of sand under the rock work? I need to make sure the eggcrate get covered.
So the I wash the sand again, and it out for drying. Hurry up already.
Anyone have suggestion on how to get a even amount of sand under the rock work? I need to make sure the eggcrate get covered.
Use a power head. then follow up with a small 2x4 cut so you can use it in the tank.....
BUT....
If you let the PH on 100% NOT angled at the substrate it will take all the fine particles and lock them in with the larger ones. It will help for LESS blow around when you get it filled with fish and things.
BUT....
If you let the PH on 100% NOT angled at the substrate it will take all the fine particles and lock them in with the larger ones. It will help for LESS blow around when you get it filled with fish and things.
Dustin1300
Reefaholic
So true...I like to consider myself a very strong engineer but artist....That's stretching it. Not sure that I saw it but what sand is that? Looks like a larger grain based on the picture but sometimes can be deceiving.
bpcardona
Trying to hard
Aragavive Tonga Reeflakesâ„¢ (3.5mm)
I have a lot of this, but I think I want to mix in Aragavive Deepsea Aragasnowâ„¢ (sugar size, ~0.5mm). I love the look of this but like you said I just don't want to have a snow strom. I won't have a fully SPS setup, but want areas of high flow.
bpcardona
Trying to hard
Did you point the PH under the rock to get the sand under?
owenspackman
New member
aquascaping is looking great, plenty of spaces for frags! Is this the reefrocks.net rock? are you happy with it and how long did it eventually take to arrive?
how long until she's being filled with water?
how long until she's being filled with water?
bpcardona
Trying to hard
I actually got this rock from a local reefer that never got to put it in his tank. He was a super nice guy, and gave me a unbelieve deal Now are you ready for the price? You may need to sit down.
I am writing this line to burry the number in text. $50.00. More text, just skip this stuff.
Did you catch that price? I stole this rock from the guy! It was even pre cut for shelfs. I love it. I want to start the filling process this weekend or at least Monday. It will take a while for it to fill being that I currently have a 75gpd RO/DI. I am considering narrowing a buddies RO/DI system to double up.
