View Full Version : My First, Last And Only Marine Tank!
MaidstoneMarine
02-04-05, 00:42
Finally, after much planning, I can now put my own post in the Members section! I've been lurking on Ultimate Reef now for a while now soaking up as much knowledge and meeting as many people as possible so thanks go out to one and all! :thumbsup:
Description of my setup
The tank is made from 12mm starfire glass and will be a room divider between the lounge and dining room, it's 72'' x 36'' x 30'' and viewable from three sides.
The sump is 48'' x 24'' x 18'' with three sections, the first for two 300w heaters, the top up return and pumps to drive the skimmers and cooler. The second with a 4'' dsb and caulerpa lit both day and night by two 18w T8s, the third section will contain the return pump(s) and float switch for the top up system.
Outside there'll be a small hut which will contain a 200 litre container that is also be online to increase water volume but the main purpose of this is as a water change container. I've designed the plumbing so I can isolate this container from the system, drain it, mix up some fresh water and when its ready bring it back online. This container will house a 50w heater and a couple of maxijet 400s for the mixing process.
Also in the hut will be a large deltec eco cooler hopefully keeping the system at a steady nice temperature!
There is an 18'' x 5'' x 18'' reservoir for fresh RO water for the top up system which is a deltec one! The RO unit will be controlled by two solenoid valves on timers to keep the reservoir full. On the output there is also a ball valve which will control the water flow to the water change container and another ball valve which will allow me to run off RO water into any other container - just in case its needed! On the output I'll have it set with one valve above the other so the order of priority is defined by gravity - the most important being the solenoid valve for the reservoir.
The tank will be lit by three 250w 10k MHs supplemented with two 58w actinics. The hood is completely enclosed to cut down on noise and light spilling into the room, because of this I've planned for an air ventilation system to continuously move fresh cool air in and hot air out whilst the lights are on. The fans will be placed in the outside hut to cut down on noise in the house, one fan will be blowing in and the other will be extracting from both above the tank and the cooler.
I plan on having quite a heavily stocked tank so the tank will be skimmed by two Deltec 850s each fed by its own supply pump.
At this stage the tank will be mainly softies so I've not planned for a calcium reactor or kalk stirrer (I've got to give myself something to think about and plan for in the months to come!). I have allowed for a section in the stand for these when then arrive and i'm sure they will!
At present I've only got one eheim 1262 as a return pump but i'm thinking i may need another. In the tank there'll be two 6100 streams running which including the return pump gives me 25,000lph turnover which is about 20x the tank volume.
The bottom of the tank will be lined with sheet of acrylic with sand stuck to it to cover any bare patches which may appear in the substrate - bare bottom is not for me! On top of that there'll only be 1/2'' aragamax sugar sand substrate in the display tank. There is 130kg of dead coral skeleton to go in plus an initial 40kg of live rock, although the plan is to swap the skeleton for live rock over time.
We've had a few power cuts down here in Maidstone so I've got a small UPS which should give me a couple of hours protection but I'm also building a tank alarm to telephone me if the power fails. And... I'm looking into a generator which is big enough to power the essentials should we have a long power cut.
But before any work could be done on the above I needed to remove the wall between lounge and dining room which meant a structural engineer, council approval and buying a steel beam to hold the house up - not to mention having builders in to do the work - all this for a fish tank!!
Time for a few drawings now...
Tank design
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/tank_design_for_web5.gif
Sump design
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/sump_design_for_keith.gif
RO water flow
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/ro_unit_water_flow.gif
Hopefully the end product should look something like this.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/3d_view_with_tank.jpg
But in the meantime it looks like this!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/large_DSC02984.jpg
More pics to follow!!
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy following the setup of my first, last and only marine tank!
Chris
Nick Derbyshire
02-04-05, 00:54
:lol: Oh God here we go again :lol: good luck mate n keep us posted, You guys are just determined to make me jealous over n over again.
:thumbsup:
JasandJules
02-04-05, 09:29
That is going to look chuffin fantastic !!
Nice indeed..
If you stop putting well thought out, proffessional looking drawings up which make mine look pants... i won't tell anyone about the relay ;) :D :lol:
Looks fantastic, please keep the piccies coming we want to see how this progresses.
>>Outside there'll be a small hut which will contain a 200 litre container that is also be online to increase water volume but the main purpose of this is as a water change container. I've designed the plumbing so I can isolate this container from the system, drain it, mix up some fresh water and when its ready bring it back online. This container will house a 50w heater and a couple of maxijet 400s for the mixing process.<< I like that idea, mmm. Suggest you make sure the container is very well insulated (box in 2" polystyrene sheet?).
Good luck and keep up the good work
:thumbsup:
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
02-04-05, 19:35
Nick: For ages now I've looked on with envy at everyone elses tanks. I'm just glad I finally got to post in the members forum!
JasAndJules: Cheers - I hope it'll look nice too!
Chris: I actually preferred your plans to mine - hand drawn always looks better to me - done on a computer is always too precise and perfect! Have got another relay - finally spoke to a qualified electrician in there and got the right part. Have put it all together but don't seem to be able to trigger it off yet - will have another look tonight. Thanks for your help with that!
Just sorting out a few more pictures to post.
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
03-04-05, 21:50
A few more progress pics for you all.
With the beam in place there was lots to clear up!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03000.jpg
With the room papered I started on the stand. On the bottom I used 4'' x 2'' and 12mm ply and for the top i used 6'' x 2'' with two layers of 18mm ply.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03044.jpg
This is the base in position.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03049.jpg
This is the frame for the top of the stand waiting for the top layers of ply to be fixed.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03057_1.jpg
The stand has twelve legs in all and I had to build a jig to cut them all exactly the same length.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03068.jpg
The base with the legs prior to the top cuts being made. The position of the legs for the dining room was altered slightly after realising that there wasn't much room to get in under the stand and work if needed!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03081.jpg
The top in place being levelled, note the new position of the centre legs.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03101.jpg
Coming on now... view from the lounge.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03116.jpg
Making sure the skimmers fit! My two 850s waiting to be fired up!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03121.jpg
Getting there slowly...
Chris
Very exciting!! It's also making me very jealous!!
I reckon this is going to be one fantastic tank. Hope everything goes as well as it seems to be so far
:thumbsup:
fantastic tank.. its gonna be a looker....
its everything my 3 sided viewing tank should have been but i did it without knowledge and screwed up lol.... :dance:
absolutely stunning mate.
people like you make me sick, 3 pics of wood and you have a cracking stand built. i've been hacking up bits of wood off and on for a month or so now and i'm still no closer. do have a big pile of wood tho' :ph34r:
i'm only down the road, don't suppose you fancy putting all mine together for me do you. :lol: in fact sod it, even that sounds like too much effort, i'll rent a room if thats ok.
MaidstoneMarine
03-04-05, 22:18
Cheers guys, I hope this will be a looker when its done.
Scoob - I'd offer you that room but at the moment it's floor to ceiling full of bits for the fish tank!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC02950.jpg
:lol: :lol: :lol: its bloody tidier then my place.
i'll kip on that packed shed thingy, no problems.
was them both 850s one looked like 600apf any way i like all the pic will be great when done keep all the pics comeing we love em :thumbsup: :cheers: :cheers:
MaidstoneMarine
04-04-05, 19:40
Both 850s and the tank's so high of the ground that I've even got room above them!
More pics shortly...
Chris
EDIT: grammar correction :D
Looking good, like the stand... that ain't going to give way! :D I wish i could 'do' woodwork. :rolleyes: :wacko:
2 x 850's thats' going to be some skimming capability (good)
When you say you are going to put acrylic sheet in the base of the tank, what are your plans there? will it be a single sheet, or a number of smaller sheets? How will you stick the sand down? PVC cement?
Cheers
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
05-04-05, 07:44
Chris,
Wood working is not too bad providing you take your time and have a suitable area in which to work - I've been doing most of this outside and had to cut up quite a bit of the wood during the snow storms we had a few weeks back! I'm pleased with the way the stand has turned out so far.
I've still got some thinking to do around the acrylic in the bottom, I was hoping to get it in the tank in one piece but I don't know if it's flexible enough to roll up and unroll in the tank. The other option is to have it in four sections, each 36'' x 18''. I've looked at the faux sand beds but think thats a bit too much as I'm only trying to hide the glass and I still want a sand bed so I was thinking about smeering some silicon over the sheet(s) and applying sand to it - don't know if thats going to work but I'm planning to test it in the next few weeks. How does PVC cement work? Could that be an alternative to the silicon?
Cheers
Chris
As far as I know using PVC glue is a case of getting a pot of PVC solvent weld (pipe glue), smearing it over the sheet and then quickly pouring a thin layer of coral sand on. Downside is be careful of the fumes as you are working (plenty of ventilation perhaps using a fan)
I suspect that silicone will come off acrylic after a while (??).
Like you've already said it's a case of testing these ideas out on a scap piece of sheet first and seeing what works.
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
05-04-05, 07:56
Originally posted by Yakdriver@Apr 5 2005, 06:50
As far as I know using PVC glue is a case of getting a pot of PVC solvent weld (pipe glue), smearing it over the sheet and then quickly pouring a thin layer of coral sand on. Downside is be careful of the fumes as you are working (plenty of ventilation perhaps using a fan)
I suspect that silicone will come off acrylic after a while (??).
Like you've already said it's a case of testing these ideas out on a scap piece of sheet first and seeing what works.
Chris.
I've got plenty of pipe glue - bought too much for the plumbing - will run a test with that too. Cheers for the idea! :thumbsup:
Chris
For the extra couple of pounds.. dont buy 300W heaters.. .get something a little more reliable...
Chances are you wont need heating anyway!
E
MaidstoneMarine
05-04-05, 08:29
Elliot,
Too late I've bought them! I'm hoping that they're not going to be on given the heat from the lights and pumps.
Out of curiousity what are you thinking of?
Cheers
Chris
some titanium heater units - unbreakable.. and seperate thermostat - just no point risking a quality setup with 30 quid tosh
e
MaidstoneMarine
05-04-05, 09:08
Elliot,
Any idea what the cost implications are for titanium heaters?
Cheers
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
08-04-05, 23:31
More pictures for you all to peruse...
You can never have too many clamps!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03129.jpg
The ceiling was battened so a layer of ply could be added to it. This was to protect ceiling and also to allow me to screw anything anywhere without having to worry about where the beams were!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03138.jpg
I finally got some help along the way! I built a timber frame which replicated the tank size so this allowed me to work out the panels above the tank.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03154.jpg
Beginning to get a feel for how the tank will look - the view from the dining room.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03166.jpg
...and the view from the lounge
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03175.jpg
The lounge side canopy lid being offered up.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03196.jpg
...and the dining side canopy lids in place.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03203.jpg
The electric cupboard at the back of the tank now ready for the plugs
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03205.jpg
Weight testing the stand! Have been jumping all over this and it's not moved so hopefully that’s a good sign!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03219.jpg
That’s it for now... enjoy!
Chris
Looks good, looks good.
What are you doing for ventilation/cooling in the hood? If it's enclosed with MH it will obviously get very very hot.
I'm suprised you are not putting an extrator fan in the wall there (.... unless there's another house behind it :rolleyes: :D )
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
09-04-05, 20:02
Chris,
There is indeed another house behind that wall - can only afford a semi-detached at the moment!!
The hood will be ventilated by two fans, one pushing air in with the other pulling air out. Along the wall that you can see in the last picture I'll be running the water pipes that feed the cooler and outside water container plus the air ducting.
The fans I've got are not your normal run-of-the-mill extraction fans - these look like mini jet engines and they should move about 160 cubic metres of air every hour when they're on! Am thinking that they'll switch on and off with the last halide when that is switched on and off.
Chris
How about wiring the fans in parrallel with
1. the Halides (via a relay)
2. a thermostat
3. a humidistat
That way they'd be on when the halides were on, on if the temp was high even if light were off and on if it got too humid eben if the lights were off.
otherwise you might find that the hood got hot/damp, after lights off, esp in summer.
C.
MaidstoneMarine
09-04-05, 20:16
Chris,
Now thats a much better way of doing it! didn't really take into consideration the humidity. Given my basic knowledge of electronics I'll have to give that some thought as to how its set up but thanks for the idea! :thumbsup:
Cheers
Chris
Bit of info for you Chris following the point earlier in this thread ref fitting a sheet in a tank with sand glued onto it.
I went to B&Q yesterday and bought a 6x2 sheet of 2mm acrylic, the type that is sold for glazing panels and marked as suitable for outdoor use, as it is UV stabilised.
Although it is only 2mm thick it appears to be very tough and I've no doubt if laid on the floor of a tank and held in place with a few dabs of silicone would protect the tank bottom against rocks etc.
There is no way you would be able to roll the sheet up to for putting in a tank, for this reason I'm asking my tank builder if he can fit it in as he builds the tank. I guess you could cut it into several sheets and fit, if there was no option.
I took an offcut from the sheet to see if I could successfully glue coral sand onto it and the result was very good.
I used PVC pipeweld solvent glue. The first test I put a thin layer on and it did not work very well as the sand did not stick fully and there were bare patches. However on the 2nd test on a different piece of acrylic I put a thick layer of pipeweld on, a good 1 - 1.5mm thickness of glue. I then imediately sprinkled a thick layer (4- 5mm) of coarse coral sand onto the glue and pressed it into the glue by dabbing it with my fingertips.
Result this morning is there is a 2mm layer of sand stuck firmly to the sheet, even when trying to remove the sand as hard as I can with my fingernail it won't come off.
I reckon if you were doing this for real you would have to have a pot of glue and brush, apply the solvent very quickly accross the whole sheet in a very thick layer and then without delay to quickly add the sand, pat the sand firmly down and then leave for 24 hrs. Yo'd then have to brush all the surplus sand off. Whilst doing this you'd have to have a fan running and good ventilation.
I reckon if you covered this with approx 15mm of coral sand in your tank. you'd have a nice sand bed where any bare patches would apear as 'false sand' rather than bare plastic or glass. The only issue would be if they were left uncovered for any length of time, sa I've no doubt coralline etc woiuld start growing on this surface fairly quickly.
You could also just try running this as a BB, it would be interesting to see what this looks like after 6 - 8 months and has corralline growths etc on it, Might look very nice.
Here's what the sample I did looks like.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/gluedsand.jpg
I think Fit Filtration, a few years ago (10 ish ?), used to stick sand onto vertical side of in tank filter in order to hide the filter. Think they used silicone, seem to remember some sand used to come off but even then it did help to hide the filter.
MaidstoneMarine
18-04-05, 08:02
Chris,
Thanks for the details on your sand test - the pic looks good, what camera have you got? For the tank I was thinking along the lines of sugar-size sand - do you think that would stick as well? I'm unable to do a test at the moment as I've not yet ordered the sand. I suppose though, I could use the courser sand for the acrylic and then place the finer sand on top of that.
Cheers.
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
18-04-05, 08:03
The outside shed plans have changed slightly due a tree/bush being in the way. The wife wants it kept and seeing as she's let me have everything so far this is my concession to her! Only trouble is I need some more plumbing parts!
Shall sort out some more pictures soon...
Cheers
Chris
JasandJules
18-04-05, 08:56
keep the piccies coming............
HI Chris
This tank is going to be the Dashounds Danglies
Full credit to you this looks like its going to be a bumper
If you are looking to build another setup, head up to Aberdeen and bring a hammer
PS. How much you paying you little helper.
:lol: :lol:
Oh and one more thing
PICS PICS PICS PICS PICS PICS PICS PICS PICS PICS
Don't add a nail without taking a pic.
We love them
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
MaidstoneMarine
22-04-05, 07:59
Hi Hamagogo,
Thanks for comments. The little helper is helping loads :D but he's getting a little too strong now and having learnt to throw things, heavy things like a hammer, having him around whilst the tools are out is a nightmare!!
Have got loads of pics but didn't want to bore you all by posting too many!
I'm promised the wife that this will be the only fish tank in our house but that doesn't stop me helping others build theirs - how frequent are the trains to aberdeen!!
Cheers
Chris
Hi Chris,
Just re read this, hows things going,any updates on your progress?
well impressed it already looks top class!
thanks atb
adz
Yeah, come on Chris, show us where you are up to!!
:rolleyes:
MaidstoneMarine
22-05-05, 19:54
Hi there guys and gals.
Sorry for the delay in getting more pictures up for you to view! Progress has been slow. After 4 weeks holiday I'm now back at work and getting the building work done in the evenings is a no-no with the wife and a young child!
Anyway, progress has been made so enjoy the pics!
Stand and canopy sanded and ready for varnishing. Here you can see the plug wall ready for the sockets!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03280.jpg
The day finally came when the tank was built on site. Still not entirely sure whether or not I'm entirely happy with the build quality as it was built late in the evening and I felt the process was a little rushed buts its here now!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03303.jpg
This is the view from the kitchen looking into the dining room. You can also see the sump and the top up reservior.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03314.jpg
A closer shot of the sump and top up reservior.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03324.jpg
Hanging the lights was fairly easy but nerve wrecking when holding the drill above your newly built tank!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03352.jpg
All the bits and pieces pushed in and around the sump for the time being!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03394.jpg
The back of the plug panel.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03400.jpg
... and the front! There are 25x 2 gang plug sockets in total, they are split into two seperate rings each with an RCD spur. There are 4x 2 gang sockets which are powered by a 700 watt UPS (I figured this would keep the bare minimum going for at least a couple of hours).
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03407.jpg
With the plug panel in place the lights were tested. Note the first two fish have been added prior to the tank being cycled or even having water in!! (Courtesy of my father but they're still there as my son loves looking at them!)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03425.jpg
I can't wait for this to be filled. This is the view looking from end to end - should be nice when it's stocked!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03429.jpg
Okay thats it for the moment. Stay tuned for the next exciting editionof Chris's first last and only marine tank as we'll be looking at the outdoor shed and the plumbing!!
Cheers for now...
Chris
looking good, more pics , more pics!
Chris
Nice one Chris,
all the hard work is coming together now, love the front to back depth of the tank. Superb.
Keep up the good work (and those pix) :D
Like it as a room divider, love that plug panel - great idea!
What are you thinking of stocking as its your first and only (yeah right)?
Simon
hi,
this tank is going to look great, i was wondering if you could post more info about the plug panel, as my electrics are a bit dodgy on my tank :o , and somthing like that would be perfect :thumbsup: . could you possibly do a simple wiring diagram, and how do you connect it too the mains?
thanks, paul
Wow! great thread - great pics, fantastic attention to detail and planning! Keep the pics coming - fantastic to watch!
Cheers
Finfax :thumbsup:
MaidstoneMarine
23-05-05, 22:33
Simon,
Stocking plans for the moment are still not finalised but are in no particular order we're considering...
Banggai Cardinals, Yellow Longnose Butterfly, Percula Clownfish, Chromis, Fairy Wrasse, Midas Blenny, Yellow Clown Goby, Fire Goby,
Powder Blue Tang or Sohal Tang, Naso Tang, Regal Tang, Yellow Tang and, if I can find one, a Sargassum trigger fish.
Those are what we're considering at the moment but depending on compatibility and stocking order that list could change!
Cheers
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
23-05-05, 23:02
Chris, Adz, Finfax,
Cheers for the comments. Most of the building work is nearly done so pictures should be a little more frequent from here on in.
Cheers
Chris
Edit: spelling correction!
MaidstoneMarine
23-05-05, 23:47
Paul,
The back of the plug board may look complicated but its not! I could've simply plugged in one extension lead and then plugged another in to that and another into that and so on & on, this is what I've seen and heard many people do and what I've got is not far from that solution.
Hopefully this diagram will indicate how its all wired up.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/wiring_diagram.gif
To connect it to the mains was fairly straight forward as the wall which was removed had a plug socket that was simply disconnected, rerouted and rewired into one of the tank RCD sockets, I also dropped a wire down off of one of the upstairs sockets which happened to be directly above where the plug panel is situated. This was then wired into the other RCD socket and from there all the sockets are wired to each other. The UPS is simply plugged into the mains and the outputs are wired directly to the bottom four sockets.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Chris
DISCLAIMER FOR ALL: I am not an electrician so please before undertaking any electrical work consult a qualified electrician!
thanks, this has helped a lot.
I could've simply plugged in one extension lead and then plugged another in to that and another into that and so on & on
this is what i have at the moment, but im not happy with the mess of all the wires and plugs as much as anything,
thanks, paul
MaidstoneMarine
24-05-05, 09:55
Paul,
Glad to have helped out. But although it looks neat and tidy now just wait until everything is plugged in and the light ballasts are there along with the stream transformers - in short I'm sure it'll get messy in time!!
Chris
wooow! another great tank in the making!
more pics more pics more pics more pics man u not 4 sale...*0ops*
looks fantastic already.very well planned out and you're wiring for the electric is suberb.
:bow:
i must say thisis a fantastic thread keep the pics coming!!! i dont think theres anyway i'd aver be able to make anything look nearly as proffesional as that!
MaidstoneMarine
07-06-05, 23:47
wooow! another great tank in the making!
looks fantastic already.very well planned out and you're wiring for the electric is suberb.
dont think theres anyway i'd aver be able to make anything look nearly as proffesional as that!
:blush: Cheers! I've started the plumbing and boy is there a lot to do! Below are pictures of all the joints I've got plus my plumbing diagrams!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03558.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03652.jpg
Chevvy Lover
08-06-05, 07:21
By the time you have fitted all that you could be a qualified plumber!
Just the corgi registration to go!
Go on ya mate :thumbsup:
Anthony
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 00:29
Thought I'd throw a few pictures your way... hope you enjoy!!
Knocked a hole in the dining room wall! There'll be 2x 40mm pipes, 1x 25mm pipe, 2x 100mm air ducting, 4x RO tubes plus electrical cables being passed through here!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03520.jpg
The frame for the outside shed was built using 2'' x 2''
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03527.jpg
This is the shed in position with the roof on - checking that the outside water container and the fans do actually fit without problem! This was originally going to be a plastic ketler tool store but when I bought the cooler it was just a couple of inches too small which meant I had to build something instead.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03550.jpg
The shed - almost finished!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03630.jpg
The shed - lined with polystyrene and showing the position of the water container and the cooler. All thats left to do now is plumb it all in!!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03634.jpg
Yet another plug board - this time its outside!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03639.jpg
The plumbing parts - again!!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03655.jpg
Cutting the holes for the water and air pipes.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03649.jpg
The plumbing begins. The three dursos that will be draining the tank.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03664.jpg
The pipes running along the dining room, going to and from the outside shed.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03754.jpg
The plumbing and fans in the outside shed, you can also see the pipework for the cooler.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03780.jpg
Under the tank, showing a few of the plumbing runs plus the ro unit and top up tank.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03757.jpg
Getting in here to do the pipework was tough!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03758.jpg
And finally... water!! Although its just tap water I was so excited!!! It seems to have taken an age to get to this point!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03777.jpg
Hope you've enjoyed the pictures.
Cheers
Chris
RedevanceUK
16-06-05, 08:13
Look's amazing can't wait to see the updates :thumbsup:
For gods sake Chris! get that baby out of the tank before any more water goes in. :lol:
Seriously though I am very impressed, you seem to be very well organised. I cant wait to come and see it.
Cheers
Paul
Well, well, well.... who's been busy then :D
Looks great, like the shed and glad to see someone else knocking holes in their house walls for the sake of a fish tank :rolleyes: :lol:
The plumbing and ducting looks very neat.
3 dursos (50mm by the look of it?), wow, you have worried me now as I'm fitting a single 50mm in my new tank... will it be enough? What sump to tank flow rate are you planning? Why 3 of this size?
My new 6x2x2 tank and sump arrives tomorrow AM, so I hopefully should have something to 'compete' with yours soon :P . In saying that I'm going to have to cut back on my bodging if I'm to stand a chance!
Are you having two 100mm fans extracting air from the top-of-tank void to outside?
Keep the piccies coming.
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 11:40
Look's amazing can't wait to see the updates
Cheers - I'll try and keep progress going and the pictures coming!!
:bow: :bow: it looks the bees knees 10 out of 10 ........
ive just got a 7*5 shed for my filter room how thick is that polystyrene and do you think it will be able to cope with the winter , i was going to use the stuff that you get in the loft floor comes in a roll
keep them pics coming they are brill :bow: :bow: :thumbsup:
WOW - looking mighty fine there Chris ;)
Anna
very nice and very tidy :thumbsup:
how much and how quiet are the extraction fans if you dont mind me asking.
:thanx: Andy.
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 13:22
For gods sake Chris! get that baby out of the tank before any more water goes in.
Reading that made me smile!
Paul - you are more than welcome to come down at any time given the help I've had from yourself! I think you've got my details so whenever is fine.
Cheers
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 13:37
Originally posted by Yakdriver@Jun 16 2005, 11:12
Well, well, well.... who's been busy then :D
Looks great, like the shed and glad to see someone else knocking holes in their house walls for the sake of a fish tank :rolleyes: :lol:
The plumbing and ducting looks very neat.
3 dursos (50mm by the look of it?), wow, you have worried me now as I'm fitting a single 50mm in my new tank... will it be enough? What sump to tank flow rate are you planning? Why 3 of this size?
My new 6x2x2 tank and sump arrives tomorrow AM, so I hopefully should have something to 'compete' with yours soon :P . In saying that I'm going to have to cut back on my bodging if I'm to stand a chance!
Are you having two 100mm fans extracting air from the top-of-tank void to outside?
Keep the piccies coming.
Chris
I've not been as busy as I'd like but at least progress is being made now!
The dursos are only 40mm each and the original plans were just to have two but I figured that it'd be easier to have three and not use one if it was too much as opposed to having two and needing a third! As it happens the three will be used as two of them each feed a skimmer and the third feeds the outside container.
I have two 25mm returns each fed by an Eheim 1262 (3,400 l/h) so the turnover is quite high. People did recommend having just one sequence as a return pump but I felt two would be better just in case one pump should fail.
There are two fans but one pushes air in and the other pulls it out - hopefully this will help keep the temperature build up from getting too much. On extremely warm days when heat will be a problem then I'll open up the canopy lids and turn the extracting fan around so it pushes air in.
Am looking forward to seeing your tank so hurry up and post a few more pics!
Cheers
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 13:43
Originally posted by S~~~~D@Jun 16 2005, 12:03
:bow: :bow: it looks the bees knees 10 out of 10 ........
keep them pics coming they are brill :bow: :bow: :thumbsup:
:blush: Thanks
The polystyrene I've used is 1'' thick however I did consider using 2'' but I figured that if it cools it too much then I could always lag the tank with hot water sleeve.
You might find the polystyrene on a roll is too thin and you'll have to layer it up. Might be worth lining the shed using the 8' x 4' sheets that wickes do (this is what I've used) or simply boxing in the individual components within the shed.
The shed is a great idea - a place to get away and doing work on the system without disrupting the main tank or your house!
Cheers
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 13:47
Originally posted by Anna@Jun 16 2005, 13:13
WOW - looking mighty fine there Chris ;)
Anna
Anna,
Soon you'll be able to see your neptune controller running this tank! Have been reading the manual and think I know what I'm doing but only time will tell!
Cheers
Chris
dark_stranger
16-06-05, 14:04
wow, what can i say. Thats one hell of a project you have taken on there & just how out of interest, how many times has the misses threaterned to leave you due to the mess & ever increasing groans from the ever decreasing wall space supporting the roof.
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 14:06
Originally posted by andy j@Jun 16 2005, 13:22
very nice and very tidy :thumbsup:
how much and how quiet are the extraction fans if you dont mind me asking.
:thanx: Andy.
Thanks.
The fans sound like a quietish tumble dryer at the moment but this is because I've not filled in the hole in the wall or have any of the panels on to dampen the noise.
If I remember correctly you're up by brands hatch so if you're considering getting some then you're more than welcome to pop in and see how noisy they are for yourself?
I got them from TLC (http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SLTD250.html) and they cost each £64 +vat. I found TLC to be the cheapest for a lot of things, for example each of the joints are £2 cheaper than wickes so worth checking out if you're in the market for bits and pieces!
Cheers
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 14:13
Originally posted by dark_stranger@Jun 16 2005, 14:04
wow, what can i say. Thats one hell of a project you have taken on there & just how out of interest, how many times has the misses threaterned to leave you due to the mess & ever increasing groans from the ever decreasing wall space supporting the roof.
Its a big project for a first tank but its what I wanted so I thought I should do it properly right from the start!
My wife, Donna, has been pretty good throughout this considering the time it has taken and the mess that I've made plus she didn't even want the tank in the first place! It has also been difficult because we've got a one year old, george, who wants to be everywhere and get into everything but so far we've managed to keep him at bay!!
Now that the tank is in and there is water in it people who weren't really interested or keen on it are actually starting to see what I've been seeing for a long time and their opinions are beginning to change which is a good thing.
My son keeps looking at the tank and saying 'woaw' and it really is the cutest thing! I'll have to record it one of these times!
Cheers
Chris
thanks chris, ive already got one but might add another but they look slightly bigger than ive got,id def like to pop up and see it.
:thanx: Andy.
Chris,
are you going to paint the (outside) of the tank end where the weir/piping is?
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 23:12
Originally posted by Yakdriver@Jun 16 2005, 20:30
Chris,
are you going to paint the (outside) of the tank end where the weir/piping is?
Chris
Chris
I wasn't but now you've started me thinking that maybe I should! What do you think black would look like at that depth?
Chris
I would if I were you, as I think it would finish it off nicely and hide the pipework etc.
I'd suggest a fairly neutral colour, as I guess you don't want to make the back panel stand out and spoil the open/3 sided viewpoint when someone is looking at the tank (I think leaving it unpainted will distract the eye to see the pipes etc)... blue as per most tank backs would look good, but it's a personal choice I guess.
For what it's worth I'm going to be painting not just the back but also the two sides of my tank, for similar reasons as i'm suggesting to you. As my tank will (eventually) be built in a false wall, I don't want somone looking at the end of the tank (through the front glass panel) and seeing pipes, cables etc, i think that would spoil the 'illusion' of a reef. If an tanks' end panel can be used to view the tank, then obviously it should be unobstructed, if it isn't used for viewing then I say paint it.
HTH
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
16-06-05, 23:29
Chris,
You put forward a good point there. The area beneath the overflow drain will be covered with rock just leaving either side exposed but that is where the white air ducting is and that most definitely stands out!
Might have to do some colour experiments next week!
Cheers
Chris
Deanobeano
22-06-05, 00:13
chris when you made that socket board and you have the normal sockets what are the 3 boxes underneath the 1st row that attacth to the timers? and whats that little box at the bottom? saftey cut off point?
where did u get these items form? just i'm having to make a socket board myself.
cheers
deano
Originally posted by Yakdriver@Jun 16 2005, 22:24
For what it's worth I'm going to be painting not just the back but also the two sides of my tank, for similar reasons as i'm suggesting to you. As my tank will (eventually) be built in a false wall, I don't want somone looking at the end of the tank (through the front glass panel) and seeing pipes, cables etc, i think that would spoil the 'illusion' of a reef. If an tanks' end panel can be used to view the tank, then obviously it should be unobstructed, if it isn't used for viewing then I say paint it.
HTH
Chris.
they wont be able to see the wires as looking through the front to the side panels creates a mirror effect due to the refraction of the water
MaidstoneMarine
22-06-05, 08:03
Originally posted by scarface1979@Jun 22 2005, 00:13
chris when you made that socket board and you have the normal sockets what are the 3 boxes underneath the 1st row that attacth to the timers? and whats that little box at the bottom? saftey cut off point?
where did u get these items form? just i'm having to make a socket board myself.
cheers
deano
Deano,
The areas I think you're referring to are those marked C and RCD on the image below?
The C are the contactors for the Metal Halide lights. These allow you to use timers to turn your lights on and off by having a relay inside the unit that only allows current through when the timer is activated. Without the contactor a timer would more than likely fail/melt over time because of the amount of current needed when starting the halides. I could've used just one contactor for all three lights but I wanted the ability to turn each light on and off independently. I got these from marine-lighting.co.uk (http://www.marine-lighting.co.uk).
The RCD is a breaker that trips when something is amiss with the equipment. Ive got two just because I split the load between the upstairs and downstairs circuits. If you've got an RCD for the house mains then you don't really need these but I decided for safetys sake I'd put them there. Its important that if you buy these then you get latched RCDs as in the event of a mains failure these will remain 'on' and turn all the equipment back on when the power supply is restored. I got these from tlc-direct.co.uk (http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CM4904.html)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/wiring_diagram.gif
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03407.jpg
Hope that helps!
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
22-06-05, 08:05
Originally posted by weegaz22+Jun 22 2005, 03:25--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (weegaz22 @ Jun 22 2005, 03:25)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Yakdriver@Jun 16 2005, 22:24
For what it's worth I'm going to be painting not just the back but also the two sides of my tank, for similar reasons as i'm suggesting to you. As my tank will (eventually) be built in a false wall, I don't want somone looking at the end of the tank (through the front glass panel) and seeing pipes, cables etc, i think that would spoil the 'illusion' of a reef. If an tanks' end panel can be used to view the tank, then obviously it should be unobstructed, if it isn't used for viewing then I say paint it.
HTH
Chris.
they wont be able to see the wires as looking through the front to the side panels creates a mirror effect due to the refraction of the water [/b][/quote]
I thought that too but from certain angles believe it or not you can actually see the pipe work!
I've decided that I won't paint the back of the tank simply because I can't really get to the far side easily enough to ensure an even coverage of paint but what I will do is cut a panel of wood and paint that - black one side and blue the other!
Cheers
Chris
Another thing to consider in your Plans Chris (only saying this cause I'm doing it! :lol: )
If your chiller feed pump or circuit ever fails, or even if the chiller fuse goes, with the closed hood and MH lighting on your tank I reckon your tank will heat up big time, especially in summer. If left unchecked on a hot day this obviously could be disasterous.
It might be an idea to buy an external thermostat and another mains contactor and have the mains to the three existing MH contactors fed by this. In other words as a temperature controlled master contactor for the MH's.
You could set the thermostat to say 29 deg C (on heat cycle) and this way if the water temperature ever reached 29 degC the MH lighting would be shut down until the temp dropped again below the thermostats' hysteresis (ie if 1 degC down to 28 deg C).
Temp controller approx £29, contactor £25? (I'm impressed by the thermostat from Highland electronics for this type of application).
HTH
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
22-06-05, 09:35
Chris,
It seems we think along the same lines! :thumbsup:
I've bought anna's neptune controller which has 11 X10 modules that I'll be using to control the lights, fans, heating and cooling. I'm going to replace the manual timers that I've got on the lights with an X10 module so that will allow me to shut each of them down should the temperature get too high.
I wrote the program commands on the train yesterday! I'll post them up when I type them up!
I'm also going to run the fans for 15 minutes every sixty to ninety minutes when the lights aren't on.
I've been running some tests over the last week with the tank full of water with series of different combinations ie the lights on/off, the streams on/off, the pumps on/off and the fans on/off but without the cooler and over a four hour period during the hot part of the day (external temp between 29 and 32) the tank water has risen by 1 degree to 25 whilst the temp above the tank has risen and stablised at 35 degrees which is an increase of degrees. I think the outside container has helped in keeping the temperature down and it seems to remain a degree cooler than the main tank. I suppose the 'proof in the pudding' will be when the complete system is running but at the moment its looking ok. :D
Cheers
Chris
Good skills, like your logic.
But.... ;)
You may want to consider what would happen if something goes wrong with the neptune...
Unlikely I know, but if it locks and crashes (some users of IKS have had this so it can happen) and the lights are on and the chiller is off - you will have a major problem at this time of year.
Feed the X10 modules via a thermostat controlled contactor... go on, you know you want to. :rolleyes: :D :D
:thumbsup:
Chris.
Deanobeano
24-06-05, 22:17
cheers chris was those marked C and RCD on the image i was on about
printed off that bit on the socket board and the wiring and gonna order them parts and get me mate to hook up all the wiring as hes a sparky.
let u know how i get on
cheers
deano
MaidstoneMarine
27-06-05, 00:35
Just a quick update...
I've siliconed 4 panels of acrylic covering the bottom of the tank without the sand attached. Believe it or not but I actually got into the tank to do this!! The original plans included having a layer of sand stuck, with either silicon or pipe glue, to the acrylic to cover any bare patches that may occur but after a couple of experiments that was proving near impossible which I think was because I was using sugar sand and not something slightly larger.
I'm having fun and games with the RO and top-up reservoir. Finally I've turned on the RO unit and it seems to be working apart from it's painfully slow but I've got a faulty TDS meter and the water pressure is showing up slightly lower than the recommended operating pressure so I may have to invest in a booster pump!
On top of that my top-up reservoir is not functioning as hoped! The idea was that the RO unit with its solenoid valves would be on a timer and switch on a couple of times a day to top up the reservoir. Rather than using a float switch to stop the unit the reservoir has a tank connector with RO tubing attached leading to the drain - the idea being the excess would simply drain away - this is not happening!! The water is simply rising above the connector and would overflow into the stand had I not have been there to turn it off! The pipe has no blockages as you can blow through it and pass water through it. The end of the pipe is lower than the connector so I'm a little bit stuck on this one - I think I'll end up having to buy a float switch or two! If anyone's got any ideas about this I'd be grateful to hear them!!
Almost forgot! - the transformers that operate the solenoid valves have died after almost 12 hours of use! Now trying to find another 12 supply as those transformers just don't seem up to the task!
Blimey, its all happening with the RO unit and this was meant to be a quick update!!
I'm going to change the plumbing slightly as, following the wet test, the skimmers cannot handle the entire flow from the tank so rather than close the ball valve before it and have the water back up the pipe which would slow the turnover I'm going to put in a tee piece prior to the ball valve which would allow the water that cannot get to the skimmer to exit into the sump.
I'm also changing the return pipe work as the ball valves are in the wrong place which means that water simply runs into the sump and not return to the tank.
I think thats about all thats happening or going wrong! I think what it shows is that even with the best made plans you need to be flexible when putting the plan into action and be ready to make amendments where necessary!
Cheers
Chris
good update, it's nice to hear you're busy busy busy.
SuperBlades
27-06-05, 12:43
WOW!!!
Missed this! That is going to be superb, well planned out
whats say we take a trip up the m20 will and pinch that chiller shed and skimmers. they'd save me a fortune :lol: :lol:
Glenn@home
29-06-05, 09:47
FWIW
Using small diameter tubing with little or no head is the problem, it could be that because the increase in water level is slow and initially there is no head (pressure due to depth of water) then the water wont flow through the pipe due to friction/forming a meniscus.
If you could allow the water depth to increase it would begin to flow, unofrtauntely from what your saying the depth over the outlet isnt great enough fro this to occur.
Either use bigger piping for the overflow or altenratively turn the ro unit on/off via float switches.
FWIW my ro unit is controlled by electrical float switches connected to a solenoid and works fine.
HTH
Glenn
PS my overfow is via 25mm pvc piepwork and works fine.
MaidstoneMarine
29-06-05, 13:04
Just another quick update!
I've started filling...yippee!!! After 2 years of planning, preparation and building work the day has finally come! I started the RO unit yesterday evening and expect it to be pumping water out for the next 10 days or so whilst the tank, sump, skimmers and outside container fill up. If anyone in Kent has any spare RO water that they wish to donate to a very good cause then I'd be grateful!! :D Watching the RO unit water output is just torture - I'm wishing it would somehow speed itself up!
There are still a couple of little jobs remaining like glueing the return pipes, organising the wiring in the electric cupboard and not forgetting that I've still got to sort out the overflow issue on the top up reservoir but those will be done shortly!
Using small diameter tubing with little or no head is the problem
After a little thought I came to the same conclusion. I also spoke to Chris (aka Yakdriver) who said the same thing and provided a similar solution to yourself with the float switches but in terms of time and simplicity I'll give the bigger pipe solution a go first!
Thankfully, the hole for the overflow connector was cut too large, which at first I cursed but this now may be a stroke of luck, as hopefully it'll accept a marley tank connector which means I'll be able to hard pipe the overflow using some 22mm marley plumbing that I've got laying around!
Will get some more pictures sorted out soon - that is if I've still got my chiller shed after Scoob and his brother offered to come and relieve me of it!! :D
Cheers
Chris
5061litres
29-06-05, 23:19
chris,
can i ask what pump/pumps u will be using for the returns??
it's just that 3 durso's will be good for around 10,000GALLONS an hr.. u may well be in for a very noisy time.
may i suggest that u try it with just 1 durso to start with, then if needs be open a second one.
i gave a detailed (kinda) tutorial about how and why durso's work recently. u may want to try and find yakdrivers post on it.
tony.
:thumbsup:
MaidstoneMarine
30-06-05, 08:02
Tony,
I'll be running two eheim 1262s which should give me about 4000 l/h going back to the tank once you take into account head loss/pipe friction etc etc...
I figured it would be easier to build in three pipes and only need two rather than build in two and wish I'd added the third!
Given that I've got about 4000 l/h going to the tank I'll be having approx 1300 l/h dropping down each durso. Two of which will feed two AP850 skimmers and these require 1000 l/h to operate and the third will be going to the outside water container and then dropping back to the sump. I had a wet test a couple of weeks ago and with some minor tweaking of valves it was fairly quiet given that I had no doors on the stand to contain any noise! But as they say the proof is in the pudding and the pudding is slowly filling up!!!
I read the noisy durso post with interest as Chris and I are almost neck and neck with setting up our systems at the moment.
Cheers
Chris
where abouts is your water level up to. i'm not really free til sunday mornin but in that time i can probably get 30-40 gallons together, don't know whether that will be too late tho'. your call.
MaidstoneMarine
30-06-05, 11:20
Scoob - mate - that would be awesome!
By the end of today the sump, skimmers and outside water container will be full and I'll be starting on the main tank which is 280 gallons worth of RO water so any contribution would be fantastic! :thumbsup:
hi chris
nice thread mate, tank is coming on very nice,
just a little question about your ups battery back up i see that you have a few
sockets wired up to your ups, in the avent of a power cut are you going to unplug
heater/pump etc, and plug them into these sockets is that the idea.
you said that this ups is 700watt can you tell me what you would keep running,and how long you would get out of this device,
and can you tell me where you found it and how much are they going for
thanks dean
ps keep up the good work m8 :thumbsup:
MaidstoneMarine
30-06-05, 14:20
Hi Dean,
Cheers for the comments :thumbsup: although I don't think there has been as much building work involved compared to yours!
I've got eight plugs connected to the UPS but I don't intend on having anything to heavy in terms of power usage connected to them. All that will be connected will be the skimmer pumps, one of the return pumps and one stream which should give me at least a couple of hours of water movement and oxygenation, and a chance to get home and see whats happening.
Ideally I'd have liked a bigger unit but I got it for free so I'm making do for the moment. When the tank is full I'll be running a test to see just how long it does last.
I don't know of anywhere specific to purchase a UPS from but a google search should reveal somewhere! Ebay is another place to try.
Hope this helps!
Chris
Originally posted by MaidstoneMarine@Jun 30 2005, 11:20
Scoob - mate - that would be awesome!
By the end of today the sump, skimmers and outside water container will be full and I'll be starting on the main tank which is 280 gallons worth of RO water so any contribution would be fantastic! :thumbsup:
righto, well i'm at work at the mo, but as you probably know by now my brother should be back soon so i'll bell him and he can start off the first one. i'll just keep filling til the weekend. i've got about a dozen 5 gallon barrells so i'll see how many i can fill in that time. fill the car and pop up on sunday morning. gives me a chance to do a bit of reconnaisance for chiller room pinchin'
:lol: :lol:
Originally posted by Yakdriver@Apr 2 2005, 09:42
If you stop putting well thought out, proffessional looking drawings up which make mine look pants... i won't tell anyone about the relay ;) :D :lol:
Looks fantastic, please keep the piccies coming we want to see how this progresses.
>>Outside there'll be a small hut which will contain a 200 litre container that is also be online to increase water volume but the main purpose of this is as a water change container. I've designed the plumbing so I can isolate this container from the system, drain it, mix up some fresh water and when its ready bring it back online. This container will house a 50w heater and a couple of maxijet 400s for the mixing process.<< I like that idea, mmm. Suggest you make sure the container is very well insulated (box in 2" polystyrene sheet?).
Good luck and keep up the good work
:thumbsup:
Chris.
JUST A QUICK QUESTION ....HOW DO YOU ADD ALL THE DETAILS OF YOUR SYSTEMS SO THAT IT DISPLAYS WITH YOUR POSTS?
I read the noisy durso post with interest as Chris and I are almost neck and neck with setting up our systems at the moment
Sounds like a race :D (joke)
I'm sure you'll sort the dursos out if they are noisy, backing them up by closing a valve in the downpipe has worked for me. In saying that, where your tank is you really want it as quiet as possible... or the missus will intervene. :lol:
Good luck,
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
30-06-05, 22:30
Originally posted by SCOOB+Jun 30 2005, 16:40--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (SCOOB @ Jun 30 2005, 16:40)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-MaidstoneMarine@Jun 30 2005, 11:20
Scoob - mate - that would be awesome!
By the end of today the sump, skimmers and outside water container will be full and I'll be starting on the main tank which is 280 gallons worth of RO water so any contribution would be fantastic! :thumbsup:
righto, well i'm at work at the mo, but as you probably know by now my brother should be back soon so i'll bell him and he can start off the first one. i'll just keep filling til the weekend. i've got about a dozen 5 gallon barrells so i'll see how many i can fill in that time. fill the car and pop up on sunday morning. gives me a chance to do a bit of reconnaisance for chiller room pinchin'
:lol: :lol: [/b][/quote]
Scoob
What can I say -you're a top banana. It is very, very much appreciated!
I'll pm you my details if you're still happy to come here - failing that I'm more than willing to come and collect!!
Cheers
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
30-06-05, 22:34
Originally posted by Yakdriver@Jun 30 2005, 19:53
I read the noisy durso post with interest as Chris and I are almost neck and neck with setting up our systems at the moment
Sounds like a race :D (joke)
I'm sure you'll sort the dursos out if they are noisy, backing them up by closing a valve in the downpipe has worked for me. In saying that, where your tank is you really want it as quiet as possible... or the missus will intervene. :lol:
Good luck,
Chris
'the missus will intervene' - you're not wrong there!!
Will be interesting to see what happens with the noise when everything is going. I could always line the stand/canopy with something to kill any noise if anything can't be quietened down!
I'm now watching your tank cycling post with great interest!!
Was good to chat the other night - if you're ever down this way you're more than welcome to pop in or if you're in london gimme a shout and we'll meet for a beer!
Cheers
Chris
Very meticulously planned setup. Looking forward to it's progress. I do like the idea of a room divider.
S.
I'm now watching your tank cycling post with great interest!!
Yes, why does nothing go 'as it's supposed to' :rolleyes: :lol: I guess though it's all part of the learning process.
I've only cycled a fresh water tank from scratch before. My past reef tanks have all been started up with lots of well cured LR, so cycling (for me anyway) was a non-event with these tanks.
Chris.
Originally posted by MaidstoneMarine+Jun 30 2005, 22:30--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (MaidstoneMarine @ Jun 30 2005, 22:30)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by SCOOB@Jun 30 2005, 16:40
<!--QuoteBegin-MaidstoneMarine@Jun 30 2005, 11:20
Scoob - mate - that would be awesome!Â*
By the end of today the sump, skimmers and outside water container will be full and I'll be starting on the main tank which is 280 gallons worth of RO water so any contribution would be fantastic!Â* :thumbsup:
righto, well i'm at work at the mo, but as you probably know by now my brother should be back soon so i'll bell him and he can start off the first one. i'll just keep filling til the weekend. i've got about a dozen 5 gallon barrells so i'll see how many i can fill in that time. fill the car and pop up on sunday morning. gives me a chance to do a bit of reconnaisance for chiller room pinchin'
:lol: :lol:
Scoob
What can I say -you're a top banana. It is very, very much appreciated!
I'll pm you my details if you're still happy to come here - failing that I'm more than willing to come and collect!!
Cheers
Chris [/b][/quote]
no problem, already on my second drum. by the way, i can get my hands on a karcher jet washer if you still need it.
MaidstoneMarine
01-07-05, 10:56
Originally posted by SCOOB+Jul 1 2005, 09:37--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (SCOOB @ Jul 1 2005, 09:37)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Originally posted by MaidstoneMarine@Jun 30 2005, 22:30
Originally posted by SCOOB@Jun 30 2005, 16:40
<!--QuoteBegin-MaidstoneMarine@Jun 30 2005, 11:20
Scoob - mate - that would be awesome!Â*
By the end of today the sump, skimmers and outside water container will be full and I'll be starting on the main tank which is 280 gallons worth of RO water so any contribution would be fantastic!Â*Â* :thumbsup:
righto, well i'm at work at the mo, but as you probably know by now my brother should be back soon so i'll bell him and he can start off the first one. i'll just keep filling til the weekend. i've got about a dozen 5 gallon barrells so i'll see how many i can fill in that time. fill the car and pop up on sunday morning. gives me a chance to do a bit of reconnaisance for chiller room pinchin'
:lol: :lol:
Scoob
What can I say -you're a top banana. It is very, very much appreciated!
I'll pm you my details if you're still happy to come here - failing that I'm more than willing to come and collect!!
Cheers
Chris
no problem, already on my second drum. by the way, i can get my hands on a karcher jet washer if you still need it. [/b][/quote]
Scoob - you are certainly the man to know!! :thumbsup:
The jet wash would be great if you can get it. I figured that it would be a good way of cleaning the dead rock up.
The sump, skimmers and outside container is all full now so the RO tube is now in the tank! Put it at 5.30 this morning so will be interested to see how much it fills up today - at least it'll give me an idea of when the tank will be full.
Cheers
Chris
EDIT: Scoob - forgot to say - please don't flood your house filling up these containers!!
:lol: :lol: :lol: too late, when my brother started to fill the first one yesterday he undid the securing nut and so for every pint of water going through the RO unit a table spoon was dripping into the cupboard. i went to tighten it up but lent all my tools to a mate so have no spanners. hes now gone on holiday. in the end i tightened it by hand using a towel but it still drips. just keep rotating the tea towels ive wedged around it :lol: :lol: i go round there every day to feed his cats but haven't seen my tool boxes yet, time to have a rummage me thinks, can't imagine hes taken them to turkey :lol:
waterfalls
01-07-05, 15:10
Awesome. Very methodical. Impressed
Words fail me.
Dhiru
MaidstoneMarine
04-07-05, 08:41
Very meticulously planned setup. Looking forward to it's progress. I do like the idea of a room divider.
Awesome. Very methodical. Impressed, Words fail me.
Thanks guys!
Not much to update you all with other than to say that the tank is still filling. Thanks to scoob :thumbsup: who has sorted me out with some RO water. The tank is filling up slowly but its over half full now which means hopefully by the end of the week salt will be in!
Short and sweet for now!
Cheers
Chris
Originally posted by ahoy@Jun 30 2005, 22:36
Very meticulously planned setup.S.
this statement doesn't do it justice, you really have to see it in the flesh to see how well everything is planned and slots together, the fact that its all been done by someone thats never kept a tank before is astounding.
gorgeous tank chris, and ta for the tea.
p.s got a ticking off when i got home. "whats the point in having camera phones??? you coulda sent me a pic of it!!!!" :lol:
Come on, come on, for g*ds sake.... :D :D
Is your front room not smelling salty yet???????
:evil:
Chris.
quite agree!!!!
a picture paints a thousand words, how about some visual updates sir???
MaidstoneMarine
07-07-05, 00:16
An update... ok just got a few pictures then!
Salt shall be going in today (thursday) night once all is quiet on the western front -after which there's no turning back! Rock at some point next week. Once I've got it to the required levels how long until I should put the rock in?
A few pics now...
Fixing the acrylic on the bottom. A bit of a reach but I made it!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03915.jpg
Now I never thought I'd actually get into the tank!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03920.jpg
Turning the water on!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03901.jpg
After 36 hours the tank was approx 20% full. The zig-zag lines on the bottom of the tank are where I've siliconed the acrylic to the bottom.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03947.jpg
But now early (very early) on Thursday it's almost full - just a couple of gallons to go!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03964.jpg
Looking down through the length of the tank. Two streams either side of the weir. Two of the three dursos disabled so that the water flows through middle on to the outside container where there's an overflow for when the water has reached the required level!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03966.jpg
A shot of the lights showing the connectors I've wired between the lights and the plug which enables me to remove the lights leaving the plugs in place. I've also added chains to each light which are screwed to the ceiling to act as a safety net should something happen to the hooks above.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03936.jpg
Shot taken with all the tank lights on but no flash. I so love the way this tank looks at the moment - really like the colours!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03956.jpg
Lots of insects being attracted to the lights and water!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03880.jpg
Another...
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03894.jpg
And then this thing!!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03910.jpg
Hopefully the next set of pictures should have some rock in them!
Cheers
Chris
5061litres
07-07-05, 10:44
thats bloody great that.(scouse accent)
keep up the good work old chap!!..(posh accent)
tony.
looking good, I reckon 48hrs of aeriation/heating after getting to the right SG, then add LR.
If you are adding Reef bones then I'd put it in straight after the salt mix is made up.
Like the insects, nice piccies.
First shot looks like you are in training for the ballet at 2012 olympics :D
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
07-07-05, 22:07
Thought I'd let you know that the salt is on hold for the time being :(
Having turned on all the pumps to test it all and work out the levels I've discovered the plumbing in the outside shed is not working as I'd hoped. The cooler and the outside container share the same return pipe to the sump but the flow from cooler is not letting the water from the outside container enter the pipe. The result of this is that water is entering the outside container and its just filling up and draining away via an overflow installed for when I fill it with RO for the water change.
Possible solutions include rejigging the piping so that the cooler feeds the outside container which means a couple of ball valves being added to control and direct the flow. And the other solution is to run a second return pipe but I'm not sure I've got the room for that as things are pretty tight across the back wall.
Anyway... given the day that I've had working in London and working for the NHS I'm absolutely shagged and feel too tired to decide on a solution tonight. Besides I'm not going to rush things at the end - its taken this long to get to this stage and a few more days is not going to kill me!
Gonna get some sleep now!!!
Chris
RedevanceUK
07-07-05, 22:17
The tank looks great Chris, by that first shot you can really tell that all those hours spent in heels have certainly paid off...nice strong calfs lolol.
Good luck at work tommorow hope you get your problems sorted with your chiller :thumbsup:
nice strong calfs lolol
what have I said before about your essex girl comments, eh? :D :D
Tank looks outstanding looking forward to seeing it stocked
:bow: :bow:
RedevanceUK
07-07-05, 22:25
Sorry really inexcusable behaviour...i'm gonna go dance round my handbag now in my white heels :lol: :lol:
Sorry really inexcusable behaviour...i'm gonna go dance round my handbag now in my white heels
send us a piccie won't you :rolleyes: ;) :D
RedevanceUK
07-07-05, 22:28
:lol: :lol: :lol: I'll pm you later ;)
MaidstoneMarine
08-07-05, 07:46
Originally posted by RedevanceUK@Jul 7 2005, 22:28
:lol: :lol: :lol: I'll pm you later ;)
I'd like to see that picture also!!
Thanks for the comments guys and gals! I've got a solution to the plumbing problems which I shall be sourcing parts for today. Hopefully if I can make the changes tonight then tomorrow will be salt day! Horray!!!
MaidstoneMarine
08-07-05, 07:48
Originally posted by Paul_T@Jul 7 2005, 16:56
Looks fantastic. :bow:
Tank looks outstanding looking forward to seeing it stocked
:bow: :bow:
Thanks guys. We're getting there slowly!!
waterfalls
08-07-05, 09:25
Once again the pictures are very impressive.
It has also highlighted a potential problem. It is not a good idea to have electrical wire touching the casing of lights as the casing gets very hot. Especially several loops on top of each light. If possible make the loops much bigger and away from the casing.
Ultimately, if not moved, the insulation becomes brittle and will be live. OK a RCD will trip.
JMO
Dhiru
MaidstoneMarine
08-07-05, 09:37
Dhiru,
When I took that picture the cables were only coiled and tucked up on top of the lights to keep them out of the way whilst I was organising the rest of the wiring in the electical cupboard.
The cables are actually run across the ceiling suspended by the hooks that also hold the lights to the ceiling which leaves none of the cables in contact with any of the casings.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03936.jpg
However, the point you make is a valid one and one that all should be aware of. :thumbsup:
Cheers
Chris
Edit: I'll take a picture tonight to show what it does look like.
:thumbsup: looking brill carnt wait for the next set of pics 10 out of 10 mate :bow:
Looks very promising.. nice build well done.. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Looking good, hows the return plumbing going?
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
10-07-05, 02:49
Another update to say progress has been made!!
The plumbing rejigged in the outside shed. The cooler nows flows directly into the outside container which then returns to the sump. When I'm preparing a water change the ball value above the container will be closed which will direct the water down to the return pipe directly. Also in bottom middle of this picture you can see a rigid white pipe which is now the overflow pipe from the top up reservoir.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03969.jpg
This is the plumbing at the skimmer end of the sump. I've moved the ball values and added T pieces before them which allows me to control the flow into the skimmers and let the held back water escape into the sump. You can also see the skimmers working here. The green tubes lead to two phosban reactors.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03973.jpg
This is now the plumbing at the return end of the sump. I've moved the ball valves which now allows me to control the flow back to the tank. One of the returns now runs to a fluidised reactor for my carbon.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03974.jpg
Thought I'd post in reply to an earlier posting. This shows the cables suspended from the ceiling with none of the cable in contact with light casing.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03977.jpg
I've finally added the salt tonight and have put in 2 1/2 buckets of reef crystals over the course of 4 hours. S.G. is now up to 1.024 with the water temp at 22.8 c so things are looking good.
Have also set up the computer that I bought but have yet to input the program that I've written to control the tank.
Thats is for tonight and after two years of planing and doing I've finally got a salt water tank!
Cheers
Chris
Absolutely fantastic mate. :o
An inspiration to us all :bow:
Well done mate., looking brilliant.
Your plumbing setup is the mutts nuts so to speak.
What rock are you adding in and when?
:thumbsup:
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
12-07-05, 01:47
Cheers for the comments guys - much appreciated!
Tonight I've added 8 bags of caribsea aragamax sugar sand to the tank and the sump. I've washed each bag in ro water before adding it and now the tank is looking mighty cloudy! Tomorrow I shall get some filter floss to try and help it clear after that the rock will be added.
Given that the tank will take a couple of days to clear I've got time to jet-wash the dead coral skeletons. I think on the fragile pieces I'll pour boiling water over them rather than risk breaking them with a powerful jet wash.
Tonight I got to test the overflow on the top-up reservoir and I'm pleased to say that it works! I'm also pleased that I added the outside container with its ball valve in the bottom as it allowed me to drain the excess water from the tank, after adding the sand, with ease.
Any comments always welcome!
Cheers
Chris
absolutely awesome, bet it looks terrifying from the street tho' :lol: :lol:
so you've plumped for putting sand in the main tank now then, welcome to the dark side :lol: :lol:
never gonna lift that chiller shed now its full of water, how thoughtless of you.
RedevanceUK
12-07-05, 08:47
Looking good Chris :thumbsup:
Whats on your fishy list ?
Snappy-marine
13-07-05, 07:09
Chris,
I've been following your exploits with intrigue ! Certainly a fantasic and well thought out set up !
Congratulations on your successfull commissioning with salt water !
>>> I am interested to know where you got your water container and cooler from ?
Regs,
pj
Snappy-marine
The Escaped Ape
13-07-05, 07:40
Very, very impressive. :D
Don't see any mention of adding corals, but if you decide to, I can't see you'll need to add much...
Good luck with the next steps!
MaidstoneMarine
13-07-05, 07:49
Originally posted by SCOOB@Jul 12 2005, 08:43
absolutely awesome, bet it looks terrifying from the street tho' :lol: :lol:
so you've plumped for putting sand in the main tank now then, welcome to the dark side :lol: :lol:
never gonna lift that chiller shed now its full of water, how thoughtless of you.
I think it looks awesome from the street. Would you believe that I'm sad enough to have already taken some pictures of what it does look like! I'll dig them out and post them!
Will be attempting tonight to wash the dead rock with the jet-wash so fingers crossed there'll be something else to take pictures of tomorrow!
MaidstoneMarine
13-07-05, 07:53
Originally posted by RedevanceUK@Jul 12 2005, 08:47
Looking good Chris :thumbsup:
Whats on your fishy list ?
Cheers for the comment! :thumbsup:
These are my stocking plans at the moment so if you, or anyone, has any comments/suggestions/thoughts I'd be glad to hear them!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/stocking_order_20050704.gif
MaidstoneMarine
13-07-05, 08:05
Originally posted by Snappy-marine@Jul 13 2005, 07:09
Chris,
I've been following your exploits with intrigue ! Certainly a fantasic and well thought out set up !
Congratulations on your successfull commissioning with salt water !
>>> I am interested to know where you got your water container and cooler from ?
Regs,
pj
Snappy-marine
Hi PJ,
Thanks for the comments. Its just one long learning experience at the moment but I'm enjoying every minute of it!
I got the water container from Excelsior Roto Moulding (http://www.excelsior-ltd.co.uk/product_detail.html/Materials_Handling_Range/9/Tanks_&_Troughs/6/Liquid_Storage_Tanks/24/). Was very happy with the service and quality so I'd recommend them if you're in the market for a something like this. I actually bought two storage tanks - a 100 litre and a 200 litre. The 200 litre is the one I have plumbed into the system whilst the smaller one is tucked away just in case I need a large container for whatever reason. They cost £62 and £56 respectively plus a delivery charge but worth it!
The cooler I bought second hand through the the equipment forum but it'd have never been used and was still packed!
Hope this helps!
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
13-07-05, 08:16
Originally posted by burntom@Jul 13 2005, 07:40
Very, very impressive. :D
Don't see any mention of adding corals, but if you decide to, I can't see you'll need to add much...
Good luck with the next steps!
Cheers!
Initially the tank will be mainly softies with only a couple of hard corals but as time and my knowledge progresses I imagine I'll move more towards the hard corals. When the time comes I'll look at the usual kalk stirrer/calcium reactors to meet the increased calcium demand. Apart from a few pipes running across the back I've left the last section in the stand completely empty for this very reason.
This is the best picture to show the area/space left for this.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03280_1.jpg
Thanks
Chris
can't wait to see it full of rocks, it'll just come to life.
nowt wrong wih admiring your efforts from afar, i bet it'll look awesome from outside. post them pics :thumbsup:
The Escaped Ape
13-07-05, 09:00
Awesome stuff. Being in Kent, you're not so far from a pretty good SPS supplier from what I've heard. B)
I'm thinking I should maybe start saving for the next tank (I'll be selling my current one at a bit of a loss when I move back to the UK in February). This thread is inspiring stuff! Keep up the good work! :thumbsup:
RedevanceUK
13-07-05, 10:52
Really coming on now Chris, will you keep a Spiney Urchin with those cardinals :wub:
MaidstoneMarine
14-07-05, 08:38
Originally posted by RedevanceUK@Jul 13 2005, 10:52
Really coming on now Chris, will you keep a Spiney Urchin with those cardinals :wub:
Oh yes - will just have to be careful when I put my hand in the tank!
The tank should be clear tonight so out will come the jet wash and in goes the rock!
RedevanceUK
14-07-05, 12:08
Great some new pictures coming soon methinks :thumbsup:
MaidstoneMarine
15-07-05, 01:17
I'm meant to be working right now and instead I'm sat here with a beer posting an update knowing full well that I have to be up for work at 5.30am.
Anyway...
Woke up this morning to a bubbling sound, went downstairs to find one of the skimmer cups had overflowed. Thought nothing of it so emptied, reduced the flow and then went to work. Come home tonight moved the sofa to get to the tank and found that the lounge carpet was soaked! I've forgotten to seal the base with silicon around all the joints so the water, instead of staying and accumulating in the base, has actually found its way out into the lounge - oh what joy! Now that everything is in place guess what I can't do! Yep - I cannot get to the back of the base to run a bead of silicon!! I knew it was going all too well!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03995.jpg
Ok... on with the happy stuff!
I managed to jetwash all the rock and its looking pristine now! Even managed to get some into the tank which the following pictures will show! This is my first attempt at aquascaping and it's not as easy as you think it would be! All the rocks are just fitted together without any milliput but when I'm happy with the structure some will be added! I should add that the structure is by no means finished - this was all I could do tonight!
The boxes of rock waiting for a clean!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03985.jpg
The washed rock now drying outside - scoobs jetwash was the business - cheers mate!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03983.jpg
The sand now cleared and settled. The big hole in the middle of the sand is where the return pipes are pointed. It won't matter though as you'll see in a bit.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC03986.jpg
Lounge View - Left hand side.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04013.jpg
Lounge View - Entire tank
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04015.jpg
Lounge View - Again!!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04020.jpg
Dining Room - Right hand side
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04022.jpg
Dining Room - Left hand side
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04023.jpg
Dining Room - Entire Tank
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04025.jpg
Walk way between Lounge and Dining Room - The cave and over hang!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04024.jpg
Lounge View - Entire Tank taken with just actinics.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04032.jpg
Hope you like - will post some more tomorrow if I get the chance to do some more aquascaping!
As always - any comments/suggestions/questions gratefully received!
Cheers
Chris
RedevanceUK
15-07-05, 08:56
I'm meant to be working right now and instead I'm sat here with a beer posting an update knowing full well that I have to be up for work at 5.30am.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
It is very much appreciated though.
I cannot get to the back of the base to run a bead of silicon!! I knew it was going all too well!
:o So what are you going to do ? :(
Rock works is looking good :thumbsup:
that rock is superb :o any chance of a link to where you got it from. absolutely stunning pieces once coloured up etc etc.
tough luck with the beading issues, still, it makes mere mortals like me feel a bit better. by the time you read this, i know full well you will have already thought of a way round it, written it down, developed a program to simulate it, drawn up 3D graphs to demonstrate it and have it implemented before breaking a sweat. :lol: :lol:
not long now til it clears.
..... I thought your skimmers were in the sump? Like they really should be...? ;) time to change a few things methinks (tank for skimmers to sit in?)
Rockwork looks damn amazing, you've got some fantastic pieces. i wish, like you I could have visited the source and hand picked.... you lucky, luck person!
Anyway, when you've re-arranged and aquascaped that lot it will look brill.
Good luck and keep it up.
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
17-07-05, 23:42
Thought I'd post a few more pictures showing my rock. This being my first time I'm very happy with it and keep looking into the tank to imagine what it'll be like when there's some live stock in there! Still got to add the live rock at some point.
Dining Room view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04066.jpg
Dining Room - cave at rear of the tank. This cave is huge - inside its about 18'' high by 6''-8'' wide. Ignore the centre piece on the top for the minute as this is where I plan to add some live rock!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04071.jpg
Kitchen/Dining Room view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04070.jpg
Walkway view - cave and overhang. Would you believe that under the rock in the top left of the pile is completely hollow. Worried about this potentionally becoming a dead spot but would be a great hideaway from the world!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04073.jpg
Lounge View.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04077.jpg
Lounge View - Right hand side - close up of the back of the cave. This is actually quite open with lots of entrances and exits to the cave. I've made sure also that there is no rock touching any of the glass. Because of the shapes and sizes of rock that I've got those that are in contact with the sand bed the contact is minimal.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04079.jpg
Lounge View - Left hand side - close up of caves and overhangs
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04083.jpg
Lounge view - middle of tank. I've adjusted the brightness just to show you the layout as the picture was too dark to post as normal!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04084.jpg
Hope you like.
Cheers
Chris
Edit: Should've said that I'm not sure about what I'm going to do with regards the beading but I've decided to modify the skimmer cups and put an overflow trap in there.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :bow:
5061litres
18-07-05, 11:08
i personally think that there is too much base rock.
how much live rock will u be putting in there??
tony.
i personally think that there is too much base rock.
how much live rock will u be putting in there??
tony.
Intersting, from which perspective? Filtration or biodiversity?
Filtration shouldn't make any odds after it's cycled properly ( 1 - 2 months). Biodiversity is arguable, but even if he added in a comparatively small ammount of LR now, I'd bet that given a year you won't be able to tell one type from the other.
JMO
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
18-07-05, 11:21
Originally posted by aragongod@Jul 18 2005, 11:08
i personally think that there is too much base rock.
how much live rock will u be putting in there??
tony.
There'll be 40kg of live rock being added at some point which is not a great deal given the size of the tank.
Edit: Should've added that there is just under 100kg of dead rock in there at this point and the total volume of water is about 350 gallons.
i personally think that there is too much base rock.
how much live rock will u be putting in there??
I have to agree.
What you have got in there at the moment looks awesome! :bow: It looks like just the right amount but if you are going to add live rock then it I think it may look too much.
MaidstoneMarine
18-07-05, 11:29
Originally posted by PeteD@Jul 18 2005, 11:23
i personally think that there is too much base rock.
how much live rock will u be putting in there??
I have to agree.
What you have got in there at the moment looks awesome! :bow: It looks like just the right amount but if you are going to add live rock then it I think it may look too much.
Hmm... interesting - I do like the look of it at the moment and the thought of more rock could possibly spoil that. However I've looked at 40kg of rock and didn't think it was that much but I suppose what I could do is to remove the middle section of dead rock and replace it with live rock.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04084.jpg
Keep the thoughts and comments coming!
Cheers
Chris
I presume that what you are hoping for is that the live rock you add will seed the remaining rock which will become live in time?
It is a personal choice of course but I like lots of open swimming space in a tank and I think it is easy to get carried away and add too much. Bear in mind that you will be adding corals etc and I know from experience that it can get out of hand quickly!!! :blink: :blush: Eventually there isn't enough room left for any water!!! :lol:
The rockwork looks fantastic, very unusual, very effective. I've no idea what the denitrifying ability of that rock is. Is it as light as liverock? Obviously you'll need some nitrate removing ability somewhere, but liverock isn't the only way to do it.
Also, I think your fish wish list is a bit predictable, nice, but nothing unusual. Personally I'd look for something a little rare or unsual, as the tank itself is outstanding, if it was me, I'd like the livestock to be outstanding too.
Fantastic job though, don't get me wrong. Best setup I've seen in ages.
MaidstoneMarine
18-07-05, 12:04
Originally posted by PeteD@Jul 18 2005, 11:53
I presume that what you are hoping for is that the live rock you add will seed the remaining rock which will become live in time?
It is a personal choice of course but I like lots of open swimming space in a tank and I think it is easy to get carried away and add too much. Bear in mind that you will be adding corals etc and I know from experience that it can get out of hand quickly!!! :blink: :blush: Eventually there isn't enough room left for any water!!! :lol:
Pete
Thats exactly what I'm hoping for.
And... we have similar views as I too like having a large swimming area for the fish. I've left the central area with a large sand bed for a clam or two but also so that area remains open following the addition of corals.
Cheers for the thoughts and comments - very much appreciated!
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
18-07-05, 12:13
Originally posted by popsock@Jul 18 2005, 11:54
The rockwork looks fantastic, very unusual, very effective. I've no idea what the denitrifying ability of that rock is. Is it as light as liverock? Obviously you'll need some nitrate removing ability somewhere, but liverock isn't the only way to do it.
Also, I think your fish wish list is a bit predictable, nice, but nothing unusual. Personally I'd look for something a little rare or unsual, as the tank itself is outstanding, if it was me, I'd like the livestock to be outstanding too.
Fantastic job though, don't get me wrong. Best setup I've seen in ages.
Cheers Popsock - top comments!
I'm always thinking ooo that would be nice or how about one of those but have you got some particular fish in mind?
The rock itself is very light weight and porous - in fact you can blow through parts of it!
Cheers
Chris
Let me think...
maybe some kind of super-tasty flasher wrasse such as paracheilinus filamentosus or carpenteri.
Possibly moorish idols. Zebrasoma desjardinii are great in reef tanks. Convict Tangs are good in groups too. Acanthurus japonicus is a lovely fish.
If you really want to splash out you should be able to get some gorgeous and/or rare dwarf angels from Hawaii, including some nice crossbreeds and variants.
Obviously getting some of these fish is not as easy as walking into any store and asking for them to be bagged up, but, if I had gone to the trouble and expense that you have, I'd be pretty keen to have the bees knees of livestock to go in it.
THere's some great books around now, the Reef Fishes Series by Scott Michael might be worth picking up, so you can have a good browse.
All the best,
Andy
I just love the rockwork B)
What an amazing tank this tank will be when it matures!
Elliott
personally i think this is the best aquascaping i've seen in a long time. yes it would be possible to say there's not much room for more live rock BUT there is room for some.
at the end of the day you aren't dealing with tuffa or ocean rock here as a base rock. you are dealing with dried 'live' rock. if you are willing to put in the patient hours for it to seed and become live (which i think you can given the patience and planning up until now) then it will be truely awesome. if you had trieds to do the whole thing in live rock firstly it would have been a damn site more expensive and secondly you would NEVER find those shapes available to the public market.
perfect i say. beautiful plateaus, adverse outcrops and plenty of swimming space. it genuinely looks perfect to me. worse case scenario if you don't want to ruin the good work thus far. add some live rock to seed by just putting it all over the place, then, once it is seeded and on its way to maturation. remove the live rock that doesn't fit and flog it. that way the seeded rocks will continue to seed the rest and you don't have any extra rock that is getting in the way. assuming of course that it is getting in the way. i'll bet with careful placing you could lose 40kg of live rock in there and not even notice.
Scoob, wow, very well put :thumbsup: :D
I agree 100%, until the last few weeks I've never really though about this but why is most LR in the shops 12" -14" boring oval boulders. Personally I'd rather buy 3 - or 4 massive and interesting pieces that would just fit bewteen the bracing bars etc.
I think the rock that Chris has got has to be some of the best shapes and sizes I've seen in a tank on UR. i know that's a strong statement but it's true.
.... even if you could get this in 'real' LR like this in UK shops how much would it cost?
.... idea Chris, seed it for a year or so and then flog it for a massive profit :) :D
I know one thing this tank will open peoples eyes up to what you can do with reef bones.
:thumbsup:
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
19-07-05, 22:40
Wow - awesome comments there - am lost for words! Thank you. I hope this tank lives up to expectation!
Have performed my first set of tests and the results as follows!
Temp: 26.8
Salinty: 1.026
pH: 8.25
Ammonia: 0.25
Nitrite: 0.025
Nitrate: 5
Phosphate: 0.5
Calcium: 480
KA/Alk: 8.6
Cheers
Chris
bunglehaze
19-07-05, 22:47
:D I will agrre with all that has been said so far RE: the rock quality and aquascaping, some of my best rock has been relief rock from Germany (shape wise)
How much room are you likely to have in your sump? Is there any way you can squeeze the extra kilos in there?
cheers
leigh :D
I'd be tempted to go with it as you have it, and add liverock if you run into nitrate problems.
Originally posted by MaidstoneMarine@Jul 10 2005, 01:49
---snip---
Have also set up the computer that I bought but have yet to input the program that I've written to control the tank.
Thats is for tonight and after two years of planing and doing I've finally got a salt water tank!
Cheers
Chris
Firstly - outstanding tank, been watching the progress and it's looking fab! :thumbsup:
I'd be interested in knowing more about the PC X10 set up, in terms of what it is doing, how easy it is to program etc.
I'm starting to plan a reef tank (my first) atm and have a spare laptop that may be suitable for me to do something similar!
Just to add my 2p worth
Love the rockwork - don't spoil it now by trying to fit in liverock. Put the liverock in the sump. 'Rest' it in the main display for a little while first if you want to seed it quicker.
The only niggle is the small rock on the very top of that gorgeous big curving plate, but I think you've said that isn't a permanent fixture? Will be a lovely spot for one or two specimen corals :thumbsup:
Keith
MaidstoneMarine
06-08-05, 00:30
Thanks for all the comments guys!
Keith: that piece of rock is now enclosed by some small live rock so it doesn't stand out like it did!
Olly: I've bought myself a neptune controller (computer) which controls elements of the tank for me. I've got the lights controlled in terms of turning them on and off at set times. It turns the cooler on and off too but should the temperature continue to rise then it'll also turn the lights off. It will also control the heaters when I get to plug them in but they're certainly not needed at the moment! I'll type the program up and post it at some point.
So far I've added 20kg of live rock to the main tank and it doesn't look that bad (at least I think so!). I'm glad I've added it because the life thats come with it is fantastic to watch and I find myself wandering down there in the middle of the night to have a peek. I'm not adding any more at the moment but there's room in the sump for probably 20kg.
I've just realised that I've not got any pics of the whole tank with the rock added so I'll shoot some and post them tomorrow!
Parameters are doing fine at the moment, have been testing and also had it tested at my LFS just to check I'm reading the results correctly.
Have been recommend by two LFS to add some chromis to the tank to help it along but is it too early? I'll have the water tested again tomorrow and then maybe we'll contemplate it!
Cheers for now!
Chris
The Escaped Ape
09-08-05, 09:37
It's up to you of course, but I wouldn't add any fish to help cycle a tank (if that's what you mean by "help along"). Bit cruel to the fish in some ways. :huh:
A lot of people just throw a prawn in there (dead one from the fish counter). That rotting is enough to kick-start the cycle.
Once things have settled down you could start adding fish. Doesn't sound like you've got long anyway and might not even need to use the rotting prawn move...
That... is amazing, I can't wait to see more pics :)
I've just setup a 3ft, and now it seems pointless!
Originally posted by Stonker@Aug 9 2005, 14:58
I've just setup a 3ft, and now it seems pointless!
not at all......some of the finist reefs i have seen are nano's!
keep going and you may have a tank of the month in a year or two!
small is beautifull and all that jazz!!
:dance:
I never thought that I will make my first post ever here as a reply in a thread but this was amazing!! I read all 12 pages today and it was like watching a soap opera---but better of course!!
WOW...this is amazing! Keep up the good work and post...post....photos...photos :thumbsup:
:thanx:
Manogr
Really like it.
That rock work reminds of something by HR Geiger - watch out for Aliens!
Awesome stuff, did you add any Chromis?
Scott
:bow: :bow: :bow:
Chris,
Its looking really good.
I love the rockwork but I cant see a space where you can fit a sunken galleon.
Guess I'll have to bring some frags instead on your birthday bash.
Cheers
Paul
MaidstoneMarine
10-08-05, 00:04
It's up to you of course, but I wouldn't add any fish to help cycle a tank (if that's what you mean by "help along"). Bit cruel to the fish in some ways.Â*
A lot of people just throw a prawn in there (dead one from the fish counter). That rotting is enough to kick-start the cycle.
Once things have settled down you could start adding fish. Doesn't sound like you've got long anyway and might not even need to use the rotting prawn move...
Thanks for the comments burntom; I added two raw tiger prawns a few days after the water was mixed and after adding the dead rock and substrate. It was at this point that I was recommended to add the chromis but I held off!
That... is amazing, I can't wait to see more pics
I've just setup a 3ft, and now it seems pointless!
Stonker. Big is not always beautiful! One thing's for sure - it'll be a hell of lot cheaper and easier to maintain! I considered starting off with a small tank but I've always dreamt of having a big tank and believe it or not this tank is a compromise on that!! I want bigger still but I'm going to learn the trade with this one first!
I never thought that I will make my first post ever here as a reply in a thread but this was amazing!! I read all 12 pages today and it was like watching a soap opera---but better of course!!
WOW...this is amazing! Keep up the good work and post...post....photos...photosÂ*
Thanks for comments Manogr and welcome to UR! I'm glad you enjoyed reading it all - I hope it didn't take too long to get through! There are a few more pictures below!!
Really like it.
That rock work reminds of something by HR Geiger - watch out for Aliens!
Awesome stuff, did you add any Chromis?
Scott
Cheers for the comments scott - you should see some of things crawling out of the rock at night - I've no idea what a couple of things are - so they could well be aliens!! If I could get a decent picture I'd post it!!
Time for a few pictures...
This is a view from the dining room showing the addition of the live rock (20kg).
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04290.jpg
A closer look at where most of the live rock went! The piece of rock that looked completely out of place in an earlier picture is still there!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04292.jpg
A view looking up at one of the overhangs!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04225.jpg
Settling in for the night. The last halide on - illuminating the rock formation at the front of the tank!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04295.jpg
The same rock formation but viewed from the front!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04307.jpg
...and a view from the lounge side!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04311.jpg
The tank has been running for a month now with parameters looking ok so after chatting to a couple of people I've added 4 chromis to the tank on sunday (2x 1'' and 2x 1.5'' in length). Another 6 or 7 will be added later to complete the shoal but its a start for now! I've taken 171 pictures in three days since the fish have been added and this is the only semi-decent shot I've got!! Someone's gonna have to come down here and show me how to use a camera!!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04381.jpg
Hope you enjoyed looking and reading!
Cheers
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
10-08-05, 00:08
Originally posted by pavlo@Aug 10 2005, 00:04
Chris,
Its looking really good.
I love the rockwork but I cant see a space where you can fit a sunken galleon.
Guess I'll have to bring some frags instead on your birthday bash.
Cheers
Paul
Now that would be a cool birthday present!! That is the frags - not a galleon! :D
Looking good mate, I bet those Chromis feel 'lost' in that huge tank, at least for the meantime, till they get some friends to play with :D
Are all the various tank systems up and running now and working out as you planned?
Cheers,
Chris.
The Escaped Ape
10-08-05, 08:27
Originally posted by MaidstoneMarine@Aug 9 2005, 23:04
Thanks for the comments burntom; I added two raw tiger prawns a few days after the water was mixed and the after adding the dead rock and substrate. It was at this point that I was recommended to add the chromis but I held off!
Whoops. Sorry about that.
I'm just off to instruct my Gran in the fine art of sucking eggs now... :whistling:
The Escaped Ape
10-08-05, 08:29
BTW, it's looking better and better. I like your rockwork even better now. With the green chromis in there it looks great.
Keep up the good work! :D
Deanobeano
10-08-05, 14:26
thats a bloody big tank chris didin't think it was so big !
liking the rock work 2 and the shoal of chormis will be nice, i'm getting my big tank sorted 2nite so will be adding live rock soon then hopefully fish tho i still have no idea what to put in !
deano
MaidstoneMarine
10-08-05, 23:15
Originally posted by Yakdriver@Aug 10 2005, 00:17
Looking good mate, I bet those Chromis feel 'lost' in that huge tank, at least for the meantime, till they get some friends to play with :D
Are all the various tank systems up and running now and working out as you planned?
Cheers,
Chris.
Cheers Chris!
The chromis look so small in the tank - when they're in the rock work it takes a while to find them!
Almost everything is up and running now.
I've successfully completed a water change and that worked as exactly as I'd hoped/planned!
The fans above the tank are doing a grand job keeping the air temperature stable and the tank temperature. In tandem with this I've turned the pump on to feed the cooler but have yet to plug the cooler fans in and I'm find the temperature sitting nicely between 25 and 27 even on the hot days!
Despite it being an evaporative cooler I hadn't contemplated just how much water would evaporate even without the fans turned on so I'm finding that the top up reservoir is having to be filled twice a day so I think I'm losing between 5 - 8 gallon a day. How many gallons should a membrane be good for? I think I've pushed about 600 gallons through mine so far!!
The noise level is acceptable given the amount of equipment of running. The fans cannot be heard, you can just hear the skimmers if you listen closely enough but the most noise comes from the dursos which still need tweaking so hopefully when thats done it should be even quieter. However, there'll always be a hum to it given that there's 12 pumps on all the time!!
I've added some lights to the outside shed and to the electrical cupboard which makes things a little easier - especially as its night when I get the time to work on the tank.
I've not yet set up the power alarm which you provided the plans for and assisted me with. One of those jobs that'll only take a couple of minutes when I eventually get around to it!
There's still a few jobs to do as you may have gathered but all the building work is now complete so I'm just taking some time to enjoy the tank at the moment!
There's probably more to add but so far so good!!
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
10-08-05, 23:20
Originally posted by burntom@Aug 10 2005, 08:29
BTW, it's looking better and better. I like your rockwork even better now. With the green chromis in there it looks great.
Keep up the good work! :D
Cheers!
Don't be sorry about the prawns! The more information people pass on to each the better the decisions that we make!!
The chromis have certainly made it more interesting and I can't wait to get a few more fish in there. I watch most football matches on TV but I'm not even watching those at the momentin favour of watching the fish!!
MaidstoneMarine
10-08-05, 23:21
Originally posted by scarface1979@Aug 10 2005, 14:26
thats a bloody big tank chris didin't think it was so big !
liking the rock work 2 and the shoal of chormis will be nice, i'm getting my big tank sorted 2nite so will be adding live rock soon then hopefully fish tho i still have no idea what to put in !
deano
Cheers deano!
We'll have to have a few pictures of your new tank to look at now!! Keep us informed!
hi chris,
havent been on for a while... crikey your tank is really looking good, good to see all hard work paid off. :thumbsup:
hats off to you mate,
atb
I'm losing between 5 - 8 gallon a day
Jeez, that's a lot of water. ie. up to 36 litres a day!
I would reckon the 'average' tank of your size will probably lose approx 5 to 8 litres not gallons a day (mine looses approx 5 or 6 litres a day, with no fans and a titan chiller). Did you mean to write gallons or litres?
If you did mean gallons, can I suggest a quick check (again) for leaks. I'd expect the evapourative cooler to loose some extra water, even with the fans off, but 36 litres a day is a lot (I think).
I'd hate to think what that usage would rise to with the fans on the evap cooler on and the fans on the tank, I would guess that is would perhaps double your evapouration. If that was the case that would be 70+ litres a day, eek.
If it really is 8 gallons a day, you may find it more efficient to run the fans on your cooler and not run any fans on the tank (IMHO there should be no need to run fans on the tank/sump with your setup apart from perhaps a gentle airflow to take away misture/some heat from inside the hood and you might as well have the moisture and noise outside).
Ref the RO membrane, providing the pre-filters a changed as they should (I think every 6 months or ??? gallons) and you flush the membrane often, they should last a few years. Checking the output with a TDS meter will confirm the status of the membrane.
HTH
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
11-08-05, 10:26
Originally posted by Yakdriver@Aug 11 2005, 09:45
I'm losing between 5 - 8 gallon a day
Jeez, that's a lot of water. ie. up to 36 litres a day!
I would reckon the 'average' tank of your size will probably lose approx 5 to 8 litres not gallons a day (mine looses approx 5 or 6 litres a day, with no fans and a titan chiller). Did you mean to write gallons or litres?
If you did mean gallons, can I suggest a quick check (again) for leaks. I'd expect the evapourative cooler to loose some extra water, even with the fans off, but 36 litres a day is a lot (I think).
I'd hate to think what that usage would rise to with the fans on the evap cooler on and the fans on the tank, I would guess that is would perhaps double your evapouration. If that was the case that would be 70+ litres a day, eek.
If it really is 8 gallons a day, you may find it more efficient to run the fans on your cooler and not run any fans on the tank (IMHO there should be no need to run fans on the tank/sump with your setup apart from perhaps a gentle airflow to take away misture/some heat from inside the hood and you might as well have the moisture and noise outside).
Ref the RO membrane, providing the pre-filters a changed as they should (I think every 6 months or ??? gallons) and you flush the membrane often, they should last a few years. Checking the output with a TDS meter will confirm the status of the membrane.
HTH
Chris.
I did mean gallons! Frightening isn't it! :o Because of that significant increase I've been checking almost daily for leaks but there's no sign of water where it shouldn't be!! Plus I've got concerete floors so there's no floorboards to hide a puddle or two so if there was a leak then surely it would've accumulated by now!
During the weekend of Aug 20/21 I'm going to monitor exactly just how much water is being used over a 48 hour period - I'd like to do it sooner but have a stag do this weekend so I can see myself being a write-off for the next few days!
The only fans that I've got running are the ones that move air in and out of the hood and they have to be left on because without them the heat build up above the tank is phenomenal! Those fans run at 78 watts (2x 39) with the cooler fans running at 80 watts (4x 20) so they're both as efficient as each other.
I've been reading the ro water - tds reading thread with interest over the last few days as I'd noticed the same with the first minutes output from my RO unit. I'm thinking of opening the output solenoid valve a couple of minutes after the input one and adding a tee piece before the output valve so initial output water drains away leaving me with pure RO - does that make sense?
The dead coral skeletons are beginning to colour up with algae growing on them so I think a clean up crew will be going into the tank in the next week or so! Any recommendations as to numbers/types?
As always thanks for you help/advice!
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
11-08-05, 10:29
Originally posted by ADZ@Aug 10 2005, 23:38
hi chris,
havent been on for a while... crikey your tank is really looking good, good to see all hard work paid off. :thumbsup:
hats off to you mate,
atb
Cheers ATB.
Hard work it has been and its not over yet! But its been enjoyable!
Superb tank, its a credit to you.
If that's really what the water usage is due to evaporation, then i guess that is what it is. perhaps it's due to the enclosed hood with the MH's and fans, the laws of physics etc ? If so it's a price worth paying IMHO and not worth worrying about (or at least until you get your water bill, if you are on a meter like me!).
My tank will be getting 'boxed in' in the coming months, so I'll be in a similar situation to you.... perhaps my RO uasge will rocket? (or at least in summer).
I've been reading the ro water - tds reading thread with interest over the last few days as I'd noticed the same with the first minutes output from my RO unit. I'm thinking of opening the output solenoid valve a couple of minutes after the input one and adding a tee piece before the output valve so initial output water drains away leaving me with pure RO - does that make sense?
I think this is a very good idea and one I am currently adding onto my system, mainly to extend the life of my DI resin.
Do you have a DI pod on your RO system? - If so I'd fit the solenoid before that, otherwise the resin will expire real quick with TDS spikes.
I'm thinking of adding in a solenoid post RO membrane but before the DI pod, connected to a time delay 'on' relay (set to say 5 mins), the relay would fed by the existing mains feed to my main RO feed solenoid. Like you I am adding a T-piece just before the output solenoid and feeding the 'T' to the drain, making sure that it loops up 3 or 4 feet before going to drain to create a bit of 'head pressure'. This way (hopefully) when the RO switches on, the output solenoid is closed, product water from the membrane will be fed to drain for 5 mins upon switch on , after which the output solenoid will open. The water will then flow through the DI pod to my RO reservoir, rather than to drain through the T piece as the water flow through the DI pod will be easier then climbing up 3 or 4 feet to drain (should work??). Hope this makes sense.
Am planning to use the following £20 'on delay relay' (you can easily alter the delay time and operating mode, plus has screw terminals so should be easy to wire up).
OMRON H3DS-AL on delay relay, farnell part No 3774170 (http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=3774170&N=401)
Would use another aquamedic RO solenoid as the output valve, powered on/off by the omron relay.
HTH
Chris.
I lose 4 gallons a day on a 120gallon tank with two 150w halides. Its the fan that does it, but wihtout the fan the tank would boil. If you do decide to play around with switching certain fans on and off, make sure you're there to watch the temperature. Chris, do you have an alarm system for temperature there?
millermilla
11-08-05, 23:36
Originally posted by popsock@Aug 11 2005, 21:28
I lose 4 gallons a day on a 120gallon tank with two 150w halides. Its the fan that does it, but wihtout the fan the tank would boil. If you do decide to play around with switching certain fans on and off, make sure you're there to watch the temperature. Chris, do you have an alarm system for temperature there?
Just wanted to say, fantastic tank it's a real inspiration to all. As for the evaporation surely you must have a constant rain cloud created by it above your hose :P
MaidstoneMarine
12-08-05, 00:06
Guess what I found - an unintended leak!! And I'm sure this is and has to be the reason why I've been losing so much water!
Water is pumped to the cooler in the outside shed and returns back to the sump via the outside container. Whats happened is that the level inside the container has risen by 1/2 inch and the water is draining out via an overflow thats there for when water changes are undertaken. I've adjusted both the flow and the height of the drain pipe and things seem to have stabilised.
Because of the lost water the salinity had dropped to 1.023 so over the course of three hours I've got it to between 1.024 and 1.025 - tomorrow I'll raise it back to 1.026 and hopefully the water loss query will have been solved!
I have an alarm for a power failure which chris (aka. Yakdriver) posted the plans for but I'm also working on modifying that slightly in conjunction with my neptune controller to have a temperature alarm as well.
Tonight I've also primed the surround of the tank, it'll be sanded down and given another coat tomorrow night then on monday we'll paint it for real! I've put a bag of carbon in the sump and have turned the extract fan around so both fans are blowing air across the tank and hopefully taking any fumes with them! There's also another fan in the dining room blowing the air out through the kitchen.
Somewhere under here is my tank!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04422.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04426.jpg
Also today we've had one the chromis end up in the overflow box but thankfully he never made the trip down to either the skimmers or sump! And, because of this I'm trying to source some eggrate or mesh to put over the top of it to prevent this from happening again!
Got a few pictures of the algae for you to look so my question is should I leave it be as part of the new tank syndrome or should I add some reg legs and snails to start clearing it? Any other suggestions gratefully received! I should point out that these pieces of rock are only the size of a fist - they're not massive boulders!
I assume this is hair algae!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04390.jpg
Slightly blurred but no idea as to what this is? They're like miniature green light bulbs on short stems? Anyone know this?
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04398.jpg
Brown, green and red patches on the sand bed in areas of low flow towards the back of tank below the streams. Am working on having a couple of small maxijets just pushing the water out through the rocks in this area - would that stop the accumulation or is this just something that a new tank goes throughs?
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04411.jpg
And last... sorry for the poor picture! These are growing in places like small ferns - any idea?
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04412.jpg
Hope you can help out with the pictures above! As always any suggestions gratefully received!
Cheers
Chris
Fantastic tank, looking at what you’ve achieved it’s hard to believe that you haven’t had a reef tank before.
IMO when it comes to algae control snails and crabs are over rated and not cheap in the quantities required for a tank that size especially taking into account the amount of white rock you have, I would get a Foxface or Sailfin tang or two both will eat just about anything green and are very greedy.
The Escaped Ape
12-08-05, 06:53
The algae growth looks like the natural cycling process to me. There are different schools of thought on what to do about it. Some advocate immediate addition of grazers to rid yourself of the unsightly algae, whereas others (the famous Eric Borneman included) advocate leaving the algae to grow for a while, so that the micro-grazers (all the pods etc) can increase in number. This should in theory provide your fish (and some of your corals as well if you go down that route later) with a self-sustaining population of pods as an extra source of food.
My opinion is that you should add a limited number of cleaners/grazers now, just to stop the growth getting out of control. I'm not sure what the usual recommended amount is for a tank of this size, but perhaps start at half that and aim to build them up slowly.
BTW, thanks for being understanding about the prawn comment. I just remember some of the mistakes I made when I started out and get a little over-cautious with other posters... :unsure:
an unintended leak
told you! told you! na, na, na, na, na, :rolleyes: :D :D
Glad you've found the problem. Never mind the water loss issue, the salinity change would have soon started to cause serious issues. Glad it's sorted :thumbsup:
The algaes and blooms you are seeing are part of a normal tank break in period and are to be expected. However I would advise not letting it get out of hand (which it will if you don't take steps to control it) otherwise you will really regret this in months to come.
Suggested steps;
I thought you had already added a few clean up crew, but if you haven't - Take a deep breath and your wallet and visit your Lfs and buy 25 red legged hermits, 25 turbos (large as you can get) and also 25 dove, cerith or Nassarius Snails. I'd add these to your tank asap (this weekend). The red legs and turbos will help eat the hair algae on the rocks and the doves/ceriths/nassarius will help turn over the sand bed and keep it clean.
STM normally stock the above and will offer bulk buy packages (see their website).
here's the bad bit.... I'd then wait 2 weeks and do the same again and also add a sand burrowing starfish. I know it's £££ but 25 hermits and turbos in a tank your size with that ammount of rock is nothing. The good news is that should then be enough for some time.
You'll eventually be able to add a few tangs (if that's what you want to stock). They really will help keep most algaes at bay, but it will be a few weeks yet before you can do this (??) and you'll need the clean up crew regardless of the tangs anyway.
If you are not already, I'd run rowaphos in a fluidiser to reduce PO4. This will also help reduce algaes.
HTH
Chris.
great white
13-08-05, 10:17
hi chris,awesome tank mate-what made you go for the starfire glass,instead of just normal float glass...i am thinking of useing it on my next,tank would you recommend it- thanks paul......
Originally posted by MaidstoneMarine@Jul 17 2005, 22:42
Thought I'd post a few more pictures showing my rock. This being my first time I'm very happy with it and keep looking into the tank to imagine what it'll be like when there's some live stock in there! Still got to add the live rock at some point.
Dining Room view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04066.jpg
Dining Room - cave at rear of the tank. This cave is huge - inside its about 18'' high by 6''-8'' wide. Ignore the centre piece on the top for the minute as this is where I plan to add some live rock!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04071.jpg
Kitchen/Dining Room view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04070.jpg
Walkway view - cave and overhang. Would you believe that under the rock in the top left of the pile is completely hollow. Worried about this potentionally becoming a dead spot but would be a great hideaway from the world!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04073.jpg
Lounge View.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04077.jpg
Lounge View - Right hand side - close up of the back of the cave. This is actually quite open with lots of entrances and exits to the cave. I've made sure also that there is no rock touching any of the glass. Because of the shapes and sizes of rock that I've got those that are in contact with the sand bed the contact is minimal.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04079.jpg
Lounge View - Left hand side - close up of caves and overhangs
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04083.jpg
Lounge view - middle of tank. I've adjusted the brightness just to show you the layout as the picture was too dark to post as normal!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04084.jpg
Hope you like.
Cheers
Chris
Edit: Should've said that I'm not sure about what I'm going to do with regards the beading but I've decided to modify the skimmer cups and put an overflow trap in there.
wow im really impressed that looks amazing!!!!!!!!!!!
Originally posted by Stonker@Aug 9 2005, 14:58
That... is amazing, I can't wait to see more pics :)
I've just setup a 3ft, and now it seems pointless!
you need to be a bit mad to want a huge tank lots more work involved trust me i know!!!!!
i have a little tank in my dining room and i love it ;)
that tank is just amazing!!
:bow: :bow: :bow:
mine will be like that next time <<<<<lol I wish!!
na well done mate thats great, just one thing I wanted two know was what make are those power heads iv seen a few people with them and i wanted to know where i can get some.
:cheers:
from matty
Hi djsmito. The powerheads are tunze streams which IMO are the best thing since sliced bread. Unfortunatly they are at present hard to obtain as there is a shortage generally. Some LFS will have some if you do a ring round, they start at about £ 80 for the smallest one and up to over £200 for the top model. HTH. Eric. :thumbsup:
cheers mate ill c if i can order some in at work if not ill have a look round na i liked them because they look a bit smarter than your average powerhead
:cheers:
from matty
MaidstoneMarine
16-08-05, 15:32
Originally posted by great white@Aug 13 2005, 10:17
hi chris,awesome tank mate-what made you go for the starfire glass,instead of just normal float glass...i am thinking of useing it on my next,tank would you recommend it- thanks paul......
Sorry for the delay in responding!
I visited two friends in one night to see their tanks, one of which was normal glass and the other in starphire and the visible difference was quite amazing so after that night there was only one choice! Of course you could use acrylic but the price was too expensive for me!
Cheers
Chris
MaidstoneMarine
16-08-05, 15:33
Originally posted by djsmito@Aug 13 2005, 22:23
that tank is just amazing!!
:bow: :bow: :bow:
mine will be like that next time <<<<<lol I wish!!
na well done mate thats great, just one thing I wanted two know was what make are those power heads iv seen a few people with them and i wanted to know where i can get some.
:cheers:
from matty
Cheers for the comments Matty!
hey what type of rock is in there, it looks really nice
from matty
Chris I added 60kg of dead rock (I think from the same source as yours) along with 60 or so kg of LR to my newly setup tank and I’m still getting a nitrate reading of 40-50 ppm two months later, how’s yours doing :thanx:
MaidstoneMarine
16-08-05, 15:47
Just a quick update to say that I've added a 20+ red legs and 20+ turbos to the tank and they are happily munching through the algae! Am amazed at just how much they're getting through - they're literally getting cutting paths through it!.
The chromis are happily swimming around and everything seems to be going well at the moment so am a happy chap!
Have been painting the trim around the tank and hopefully in the next couple of weeks all the decorating will be finished so they'll be a few more pics coming!
Cheers
Chris
looks brilliant , can't wait to see it say... 6 months down the line. :D
Originally posted by djsmito@Aug 16 2005, 14:44
hey what type of rock is in there, it looks really nice
from matty
??
Chris some interesting and really nice rock structure you've got going on there.. should look a treat when full of fish and all coloured up.. keep up the good work :thumbsup:
djsmito the rock is mostly dead coral skeletons. These make a good base, afterall it is what real reefs are made of.
cheers mate just liked it because it looks very natural
chris bet it took you hours to get it right
from matty
MaidstoneMarine
17-08-05, 22:45
Originally posted by Adam C@Aug 16 2005, 15:46
Chris I added 60kg of dead rock (I think from the same source as yours) along with 60 or so kg of LR to my newly setup tank and I’m still getting a nitrate reading of 40-50 ppm two months later, how’s yours doing :thanx:
Adam,
Things are looking good. I've been doing tests at home and having them done at an LFS and so far so good! Haven't inputted the latest tests but these are the results up until the 9th...
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/20050809_test_results.gif
Cheers
Chris
Edit: Suppose I should say that when the result is between two colours I opt for the higher one!
MaidstoneMarine
17-08-05, 22:48
Originally posted by Jordan+Aug 16 2005, 17:50--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Jordan @ Aug 16 2005, 17:50)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>looks brilliant , can't wait to see it say... 6 months down the line. :D[/b]
Originally posted by narthur@Aug 16 2005, 20:25
Chris some interesting and really nice rock structure you've got going on there.. should look a treat when full of fish and all coloured up.. keep up the good work :thumbsup:
Cheers! Am pleased with the results so far but as you both say when its down the line a little further, fished up and coloured up it should look a treat!! :D
Originally posted by pavlo@ Aug 16 2005, 22:49
djsmito the rock is mostly dead coral skeletons. These make a good base, afterall it is what real reefs are made of.
Cheers Paul! :thumbsup:
<!--QuoteBegin-djsmito@ Aug 17 2005, 22:06
cheers mate just liked it because it looks very natural
chris bet it took you hours to get it right
from matty[/quote]
It took about an hour or so over two nights to sort out the structure in the tank. I did however spend a good few nights shortly after new year playing and arranging the rock on the lounge floor. Believe it or not I did actually come up with a structure and even labelled all the pieces of rock and took a shed load of pictures. And... now the pictures look nothing like the structure in the tank! I've posted them below just show what I did!
Dining room view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/dining_room_view.jpg
Front view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/front_view.jpg
Top down view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/top_down_view.jpg
Much prefer how it looks now!! Dining room view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04290.jpg
Lounge view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04311.jpg
Quick update: The tank is now almost clear of all the algae growing on the rocks. The snails and hermits have done a tremendous job in just a few days. Two of the hermits either died in transit or I'd been given them like that and one has died in the tank. How I'm not really sure but it was outside its shell being eaten but lots of small, almost microscopic, bugs - just got the claws remaining now!
Thats it for now - cheers for reading!
Chris
cheers for the pics chris
MaidstoneMarine
24-08-05, 00:09
Remember this image?
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/computer_image.jpg
How's this for a comparison!! :D
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/real_thing.jpg
Just a quick update with a couple of pictures to say that we're almost finished! The decorating has been done and theres a couple more fish in there!
Dining Room view
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04460.jpg
New Additions
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04450.jpg
Cheers
Chris
:wub: :wub: :wub:
Just fantastic,a real credit to you.Matches the plans perfectly!
Chris
just wondering how do you feed the fish in the in wall tank
RedevanceUK
24-08-05, 08:35
Hayley, you nana he's got access from the top via panels to feed the fish :rolleyes:
Chris it's Looking great :bow: :bow:
JasandJules
24-08-05, 08:45
Wow, that is superb.
I am Exceeeeeeedingly Jealous as that is Exactly the way I wanted tank, but SHMBO says no....
Marine Queen
24-08-05, 09:09
waw waw waw what an inspiration,
well done m8
:bow:
Charlotte
Originally posted by RedevanceUK@Aug 24 2005, 07:35
Hayley, you nana he's got access from the top via panels to feed the fish :rolleyes:
Chris it's Looking great :bow: :bow:
I didnt read the past 15 pages of the topic. :D now i have looked i can see the flap bit :D
Wow, It's all come together hasn't it, mega, well done.
:bow:
Chris.
it's Looking great Chris , well done,looks like all the hard works been well worth it :thumbsup:
The tank looks brilliant :thumbsup: youve done an excellent job :D
that has turned out superbly....comparing the original drawings to the finished product is scaringly accurate!
a credit to you!
:bow:
hey chris
that relly is a brilliant end result, keep it up
from matt
oi ya bugger, i only went away for a couple of weeks and look at the progress you've made. looks stunning. and yes i do remember those original drawings all those months ago, it's almost uncanny. i remember seeing them for the first time and thinking "wow that's flash, but it'll never look like that" i am astounded.
looking forward to your birthday bash now. i would bring frags but i will be coming straight from work so daren't take them with me, still gives me an excuse to pop around again some time after :whistling: got some shrooms and metallic xenia with your name on it if your interested already fragged and ready to go :thumbsup:
MaidstoneMarine
28-08-05, 20:12
Just a quick update to show you a few pictures of the tank and how its looking these days!
Am chuffed to bits at the moment as I got some frags from Paul (pavlo) and Steve (hippolad) when they came down for the 30th birthday bash - cheers guys! :thumbsup: Hopefully a good night was had by all - I had a little to drink and have just been told I was doing the splits at midnight! Anyway on with the pics...
Frags...
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04538.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04509.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04501.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04513.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04512.jpg
Latest additions...
Sand sifting starfish
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04531.jpg
Silver spot tang
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04544_v2.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04554.jpg
Thought I'd post this one as its one of my favorite viewing angles - looking through the front panel at a 45 degree angle at the dining room side. The reflection gives a perception of depth that I simply love!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04522.jpg
Hope you like...
Chris
again, nice nice. well done
from matty
Hi Chris, nice to see the corals coming out already :D
I had a great time and it was a pleasure to see such a well designed setup.
Cheers
Paul
Well I'd like to agree with paul and say that i had a fantastic time, but i wont, party's not a party without a clown imo, and there was no bouncy castle.......good cake tho' :lol: :P
great shots there chris, don't know what you were complaining about, they've come out lovely.
well here's the cheeky chappy's face upon putting in his first frag
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/shrunkchrisfirstfrag.JPG
then being told by 4 other reefers that it should go left a bit, right a bit, ooh i wouldn't leave it there :lol:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/shrunkchrisfirstfrag2..JPG
a very rare moment where there wasn't an audience, only lasted for 16 seconds, burgers must have been finished.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/shrunkchrispanoramic.JPG
chris says he has plans for a sunken galleon to be wedged in that valley in the middle......we suggested divers by treasure chests.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/shrunkfront-on.JPG
chris took extra special care to raise his weir glasses, then to box in the durso outlets with eggcrate to stop escapees turning into skimmer food......please all note the turbo snail that seems to have evaded everything :lol: :lol: :lol:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/shrunkturboescape.JPG
and another one about to do the same
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/shrunkturboescape2.JPG
a common scene around chris's tank. (that dodgy looking chap over on the left with his hands in his pockets s hippolad)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/shrunkcrowd.JPG
quick coral shot
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/shrunkgorg.JPG
on a serious note. nice party, good to meet people and to do a bit of reco for that chiller shed.
:thanx:
JasandJules
29-08-05, 11:44
Awesome shots once more..
BTW, thank you for posting these piccies, I always wanted a tank like this but the missus always refused saying it would look cr&p.. Now she has seen yours, we are looking at doing this sort of thing in our new house !!
Cheers
Jas
you know it makes sense jas :lol: :lol:
is that in addition to your other 5?????? :lol:
MaidstoneMarine
30-08-05, 10:12
Originally posted by djsmito+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (djsmito)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>again, nice nice. well done
from matty [/b]
Cheers Matty
Originally posted by Pavlo+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Pavlo)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Hi Chris, nice to see the corals coming out already
I had a great time and it was a pleasure to see such a well designed setup.
Cheers
Paul [/b]
Cheers Paul - wouldn't mind popping up and seeing an established tank again if thats okay!
<!--QuoteBegin-JasandJules@
Awesome shots once more..
BTW, thank you for posting these piccies, I always wanted a tank like this but the missus always refused saying it would look cr&p.. Now she has seen yours, we are looking at doing this sort of thing in our new house !! [/quote]
Cheers Jas! Can only echo Scoobs comments but don't forget - when you start your tank build make sure you take and post plenty of pictures!!
<!--QuoteBegin-Scoob
chris took extra special care to raise his weir glasses, then to box in the durso outlets with eggcrate to stop escapees turning into skimmer food......please all note the turbo snail that seems to have evaded everything [/quote]
Caught in the act :blush: I'd almost convinced people that everything was working perfectly! Trust you to get take that picture!
I think that first picture of yours shows how chuffed I was! Still am to be honest!!
Was great to see Donna and yourself, not to mention Andy, Sandra, Paul and Steve! Will have to have a trip up to see your tank prior to project bad boy starting up!
Have you booked the reefers weekend yet?
Cheers
Chris
definately mate, you were like a kid at christmas. good to see.
more than welcome to come up, tho' i warn you, the kitchen tank is quite an anti climax to your slice of ocean :lol: :lol:
can't book the weekender, as i said the other day, donna has to work friday and saturday and therefore we could only come up for one night and you can't book that as its against the rules, to be honest tho', we've got so much to be doing over the next couple of weeks we really should spend all our time doing that. long story!!!!
bit of a side note, would you fancy a blue throat trigger??? i've been keeping mine in readiness for my 6 footer, but now project bad boy is in the planning its put the upgrade back yet again. it's not really fair that i keep him in my 4 footer, but only want to let him go to a new home that i know is good enough for him and where he will be looked after properly, don't want anything for him, just to see him in a better environment. if you don't i shan't be offended, just thought i'd offer you first refusal and all that.
MaidstoneMarine
01-09-05, 11:43
Hi Guys & Gals,
This'll probably be the last of the system/non-livestock shots as all the work is now completed with it running 'almost' as planned! Having an issue with a solenoid valve but apart from that we're there!
Hope you've enjoyed watching/reading about the external development of my tank - lets hope it develops internally now!
I thought I'd post these pictures partly in response to Halley's comment about how do you feed the fish and partly because I hadn't done already!! Anyway... on with the pics!
This is what the tank looks like on display!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04589.jpg
... and this is what it looks like when I need access to it! The dining room view with the electric cupboard open, the canopy held up and the doors to the sump open.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04558.jpg
The lounge view - before
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/real_thing.jpg
... and after! The end panel does lift up but does not have ability to be held up (This is intended this way - it's not a design flaw!)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04563.jpg
A view across the top of the tank. I can get access to the tank from all four sides! Excuse the shot glasses - they're not left overs from the party - they're for feeding the fish!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04567.jpg
A view across the tank from front to back.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04571.jpg
After one of the clown fish, on more than one occassion, trying to re-enact the escape scene in finding nemo I've cut some egg crate to sit on top of the overflow. The first attempt didn't really work (thanks for highlighting that scoob!) so this is version two! So far so good!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04572.jpg
A messy electrical cupboard. I've got the cable mounts to install at some point - just another one of those little jobs!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04575.jpg
Beneath the stand.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04576.jpg
A closer look at the left hand section showing the ro unit, two skimmers, two phosban reactors and the left hand end of the sump.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04577.jpg
A closer look at the right section showing the top-up reservoir and the middle & right sections of the sump. The ro pipes wouldn't be on display if not for my solenoid valve issue!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04578.jpg
And last but by no means least the outside shed showing the second sump which is used for water changes, the cooler and the two fans which circulate air above the tank. (something else that needs a tidy!)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_DSC04586.jpg
Now I guess all thats left is to show what this all costs. This list excludes all livestock costs eg fish, clean up crew, etc. The only exception is the live rock which I've added to this list. If you don't want your partner to see how much things like this cost then turn the monitor off now!
Are you ready...
Here we go....
This cost £7,111.82
And this is exactly what I've spent my hard earned pound on...
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/medium_costs.gif
Right, I guess thats it for now. As I said before hope you've enjoyed following this new setup - I've certainly enjoyed building it.
A big THANK YOU to all who've helped me out either in person or via Ultimate Reef.
Cheers
Chris
A STUNNING END RESULT!!!!!!
:bow: :bow:
I am so impressed! This is the most informative thread regarding a new tank setup I ever read! Maybe the best one worldwide :D :bow: :bow: :bow:
This "closing" post was amazing...i never believed that you will inform us about all your costings in such a detail!!
Very good work... Can you please let me know if you will continue posting livestock development pics in that thread as I dont want to loose anything!!!
Best regards,
:thanx:
Manogr
That is a stunning result and regards the costs I thought you where going to say a lot more than that!
Any idea what you electric bill is for the tank? I'd love to do similar but the running costs scare me!
Kev
Hi Chris
This has to be one of the best threads ive read for ages, the attention to detail has really pulled together a great system, great pics too by the way.
Im in maidstone too, & im just setting my tank tank up for the 1st time, and ive gleaned a good amount of info from your thread, its been v interesting to see it all evolve and made me realise how bl**dy slow ive been setting mine up! :lol: :lol:
Im surprised at the build cost, i thought it would be way more than that, well done, kudos for sharing.
atb
:thumbsup:
Great thread, I am suprised about the build cost because I probably spent the same but I have always refused to add it up. Oh god, if the wife reads this post I'm dead.
Cheers
Paul
absolutely fantastic read. love the way you've been very honest, especially when it comes to the costings, you never read about it on here and you should, it helps others to plan their systems properly and it's nothing to be ashamed of. if you ever start another project i think i've sourced a way of saving you money, £100 for beer and bacon sarnies??????? get your bacon from nettos, sure it could be made from cats and squirrels but it would have saved at least £8.48.
as said before, a terrific read and a fabulous set-up. you will have to do progress reports from now on, no way you can let everyone just wonder what happens next in a hollywood cliff hanger styley, give the people what they want :thumbsup:
truley truley awesome.
a future contender for tank of the month no doubt but who says this should be thread of the year???? you'd have my vote. :bow:
:thanx:
:bow: :bow: :bow:
Well done mate, amazing end result, can't wait to see the tank mature and grow out as you add more stock etc.
Very impressed with all the doors and panel work and how accessable the whole setup is. (The 6 P's .... Prior Planning Prevents P*ss Poor performance :) )
I now have to try and emulate (copy) some of your ideas as I'm going to start building the wall for mine soon hopefully.
Cheers,
Chris.
wow..
soooooo nice and excellent work mate :thumbsup:
five stars tank :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Ak.
Just read though the whole thread from start to finish!!
What an amazing tank. :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:
That is truly a tank to be proud of.
I would also wish to thank you for taking the time to post all those pics and the great write ups as i`m sure i`m not alone in learning loads and getting ideas from your experience of setting up your tank. :idea:
Thanks again and please keep us updated with the livestock.
Matt :thanx:
To be honest, I'm really bored with this tank already. I think he should give up and take up gardening.
:wacko: :wacko: :wacko: :wacko: :wacko: :wacko: :wacko:
The Escaped Ape
07-09-05, 06:40
Just to add my congratulations. Incredibly informative thread and commendably honest about the pricing! I'll be looking in more detail at that later. I was budgeting about 4 grand for mine when I get back to Blighty, but I think I may have to factor in all the extras! Good work!
:thumbsup: :thanx: :thumbsup:
Very surprised at the build cost. Having just bought a perc 120, light upgrade and few extras i will be almost to half that when i get my live rock!
Goes to show the power of DIY (when you know what you are doing!)
T
Reefer Madness
07-09-05, 09:47
Well done mate, really enjoyed the thread, got to be a tank of the month when it is fully stocked ;)
Peter.
Fantastic thread and an amazing tank! All the photographs and documentation made for great reading, so thanks for sharing! :thumbsup:
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