View Full Version : New Tank Build
I've been running a sump based system for about 10 years now. During that time, I've probably used most types of equipment and changed the setup many times. (See Tank of the Month (October 2003) for my old system).
I want to simplify things now and so have gone for an Aquamedic Chromis. Very similar gallonage to the old system, but now without a sump.
I've also always liked cube shaped tanks and the Chromis fits the bill.
The system will consist of:
Deltec MCE600 skimmer,
Stream 6000 / Maxijet 1000 for flow,
Giesemann 250w halide,
Calcium reactor (DIY off old system)
Auto topup
Here's some pictures of the build so far:
The base. Sand will go around the sides. The base/some of the sand will be covered by rockwork:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0787.jpg
Where the powerhead (maxijet 1000) will sit on the base to provide flow up through the rockwork. The powerhead connects to a small tube going through the base to minimise plumbing as elbows, etc can restrict flow:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0788.jpg
Rear view of tower. This will house a stream, the maxijet and the heater:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0789.jpg
In the tank. The tubes are bigger than I wanted, but the 50mm nozzle on the Stream dictates this. It'll get hidden by rockwork though.:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0790.jpg
View down the wier. The pumps can be removed from here:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0791.jpg
Rear view showing the stream in place:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0792.jpg
A Deltec MCE600 mounted on the back of the Chromis. Once the small cover glass is in place, it looks neat:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0793.jpg
The MCE600 in operation (testing on my old tank). That's more bubbles than any other skimmer I've had:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0795.jpg
:thumbsup:
At the moment all acrylic is held together with sticky tape, the tank filled and the pumps/flow being tested.
All looks well - good flow and no noise so I can now permanently glue the acrylic panels together.
More updates as things progress.
Tim
looking very good there Tim (you are the diy man).
where did you source the acrylic? (neat job there)
craig
stan.the.man
21-06-05, 22:20
Tim
Looks great.
The people at work have pursuaded me to setup a tank for them, so
I have a Chromis, waiting to be setup. Probably going to be in the Autumn before I get around to it though. It will be fairly basic though, with just a few fish and a few hardy corals. So I will probably stick with the 150W Halide. See you have also ditched the skimmer that comes with it. Would you say it would be sufficient for hardy corals and not too much fishy livestock.
Stan
Neat. Keep us updated Tim.
Craig - the acrylic came from hindleys.co.uk. £14.95 for a 600x1000 5mm sheet.
Stan - I've heard mixed reviews about the skimmer that comes with a Chromis so decided to buy the tank only, so can't really comment on how it would perform. Many are running a standard Chromis setup without problems so I would think it would be OK though.
Deltec have a very good reputation so that's why I bought one of their skimmers. I also already had the Giesemann 250w halide on the present system.
Tim
All stock from my old tank was transferred last night. Time will tell if they survive the move. I had loads of live rock left over that I just didn't have enough space to fit in.
The blue tower now houses, 2 maxijets for flow up under the rockwork, a stream, heater and small internal canister filter.
Here's the stock in place in the new tank:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0805.jpg
Tim
Looking great.. :thumbsup:
That is looking fantastic m8 :thumbsup:
Kris
mariusz621
03-07-05, 16:21
Nice Acros!!! ;)
Looking really nice.
Like the idea with the Stream.
Nice Tank....
Do you have Update Pics? Pics of Complete Stand and Setup?
Do you have a sump?
That looking very nice Tim. :bow:
What did you use to cut the slits in the Acrylic sheets?
What colour is the sheets, Royal or Sky blue?
Cheers
Hal
darrylmcerlean
22-07-05, 19:59
looks amazing.. :wub: a credit to you!!
Great looking tank Tim , Brilliant bit of diying.
Glenn :thumbsup:
very nice, any update piccies?
chris.
Thanks for the replies. To answer some of the questions:
Titan - No sump. That's what I found a pain with my old system so wanted to go sumpless.
Hal - Slits were cut with a 4mm (double bladed) router bit. I tried a 3mm single bladed but it took ages to cut. The colour is Royal Blue.
I'll post some updated pictures shortly. Tank has settled down very well with no lossed from the move.
The Acros are growing better than in my old tank. There's a few changes from the old system, but not sure which is the cause of the improved growth/colouration:
Large water change (as part of the move)
Lower salinity (was 1.025, now 1.022)
Improved skimming from the Deltec MCE600
Improved water flow
Much higher calcium/dkh due to addition of peristaltic pump to calcium reactor. Water flow through the reactor was inconsistent previously.
Or any combination of the above.
The 250w halide is 14" above the water. Thats 4" higher than the old system to minimise heat problems, but still the better growth/colours and thats after only 3 weeks.
Tim
Tim,
Thanks for the reply, can you post shots of how controlling the CA Reator and topups.....
With the 250W Halide does the tank temp raise alot? Would a 175W or 150W lower to tank be better overall?
Thanks
TiTAN
Tim
Very nice work fella :D
Always loved the cube tanks, have a real symmetry (sp)
What did you use to glue the acrylic together?
Also did you silicone the acrylic to the glass?
Cheers :thumbsup:
Stuart
Titan - the tank stays at 25c with a clip on fan, so hasn't been a problem even during the recent hot spell.
CA reactor is pretty standard really. It is fed by a peri pump from the tank to the reactor in the cabinet (Diy from a Spaghetti jar - my plans are on UR somewhere).
The top up is controlled by 3 float switches. 2 in the tank (the 2nd one is in case the first one fails) and the 3rd is in the top up tank to switch off the pump when the water runs out.
Stuart - the acrylic is glued using Devcon Devweld 531. Probably the best glue I've ever used. Only the base plate is siliconed to the tank as the tower is glued to the acrylic base.
Tim
Are we going to be seeing any Pics?
BTW, how is that Stream Doing in there? What model Stream is it?
A few pictures taken today.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0881.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0883.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0888.jpg
Couldn't resist this one:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF0871.jpg
No problems to report since setting up. I've added a few frags from Fishman, so once they start growing, they'll fill out a few gaps.
Tim
mariusz621
01-09-05, 21:09
The urchin, acros :wub:
how much turnover do you think you have in there tim?
The stream is rated at 6000lph. There's 2 maxijets rated at 1200lph each.
The stream goes through a T and a couple of 135deg elbows so that will restrict the flow, but no idea how much. Someone suggested 10-15%.
If I said a 3rd was lost, then thats 4000lph + maxijets = 6400lph total.
Tank is 125l so that would be a turnover of 51 times. Put like that, it sounds like it would be like a washing machine in there, but the flow is very evenly spread. 2400lph comes up through the base and the rest is circulated around the corals.
Tim
thats the kind of turnover im looking at for my trigon 190, did you have any problems with sand being stirred up?
No problem with sand movement as the pipe outlets point from the bottom of the tank up towards the surface. Often, Streams are mounted in the mid to upper part of the tank (I did in my old tank) and this causes a problem once the current has deflected off the sides.
The way I split the Stream output and directed it with elbows has eliminated this problem.
Tim
What size and where did you get that plastic piping on your streams?
thanks.
What size and where did you get that plastic piping on your streams?
thanks.
It came from Taunton Aquarium Centre. I think the pipe is 2" and then there's a 50mm adaptor to fit on the stream. They'll know at Taunton the sizes as they have supplied the kit to several people now.
Tim
:thanx: tim
for answering my questions i didnt realise you had started your own thread youve got a really nice set up :bow:
:cheers: nick
I'll get the camera out and take some new pictures.
Looking at the pictures taken in September, the corals have grown quite nicely.
The tank has proved to be a very low maintenance system, in comparison to my last sump based system.
My only real problem is still the evaporation problem, which is now the only real tie if I need to leave the tank for holidays, etc.
Tim
Hi Tim,
Looks a superb setup and vibrant and healthy inmates. Shows size doesn't always matter!
Couple of questions: As the Tunze Stream looks effectively hard-piped is there any hum from it at all?
Secondly, I think you said that you wanted to run a sumpless system as a sump caused you problems on your previous system. What sort of problems did it cause?
Cheers :thumbsup:
John
Thanks John.
Yes the stream is hard piped and there is no hum at all. As for the sump, if ever there was going to be a flood, the sump was the culprit. On the other hand, the sump could also run dry. Gurgling was a problems some times. Condensation and damp problems in the cupboard was another. Salt creep, splashing, and many small annoying things. I ran with a sump for 10 years, but just felt it could be done better.
I wanted a self contained system, but with no equipment on show.
I think I've managed to achieve that.
Pictures to follow.
Tim
tim as always its looking very impressive.. nice one.. :thumbsup:
Here's some pictures taken today:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF1196.jpg http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF1198.jpg http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF1188.jpg http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF1189.jpg http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF1190.jpg http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF1191.jpg http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF1199.jpg
Tim
Hmm i feel a tank of the month coming on!
Originally posted by Shinken@Dec 9 2005, 07:07
Hmm i feel a tank of the month coming on!
Ha :lol: Don't bother..He's been there already. Tim's got this magic wand he waves at reeftanks and they just look stunning.. always kept so clean
TIM HUNT TOTM (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=15514)
That is indeed stunning - the water looks so so clear!
Beautiful!!
It is an inspiration as to what can be done in a small space.
No reason Tim can't have TOTM again! :thumbsup: :D
:bow: superb, can't believe I have missed this thread.
A real credit to you and a great inspiration to show what can be done in a small tank. :thumbsup:
v.nice :wacko: look better in my house though :P
Absolutely gorgeous tank, congrats! Can I ask what the yellow fish is? I feel like I should know but I can't remember seeing one before. I'm guessing the other is a tomato clown.
Thanks for all the comments. It makes it all the more worthwhile.
Yes, the clown is a Tomato clown I've had for 12 years now.
The yellow fish was sold to me as a yellow chromis or damsel - can't remember now. It's a really nice looking fish (although it does attack me when I put my hand in the tank). Never seen it in my books though so open to suggestions as to what it is.
Tim
For me this is what reefing is all about. its all about problems and over coming them.
The sheer amount of lighting on a real reef is a problem to recreate. The water motion is a problem.
Now we have to get around these things in a mannor that suits us and our lil boxes of water.
And i think you do this beautifully Tim!
Hope you dont mind as i am planning something simular! :cheers:
Ash
Cheers Ash. Good luck with your tank - feel free to use any of my ideas.
Quick update.
I've just bought some copepods from Reefworks. Some will be cultured outside the tank, but then I got thinking how I could create an environment for them to breed and populate the tank naturally.
Here's what I've done.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF1222.jpg
I knew that little plastic box would come in useful! It's about a 3" cube filled with ceramic rings. Two small holes are drilled near the top for slow water flow. I poured the copepods in and as expected, they went down to the bottom and plenty of places in the ceramic rings to hide and breed, hopefully. This will feed the mandarin that's been in the tank for about 4 months now and also the corals.
That's the plan anyway. Time will tell and I'll be able to easily see if the population of copepods has increased.
The box is positioned in the weir, so hidden from view and will be free from predators, like so:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DSCF1225.jpg
It's easily removable for inspection.
Tim
Another cool idea! I have used something simular. But it was used to place rock onto
Suffolk Reefer
29-01-06, 17:32
I also seem to have missed this thread, and I am very impressed with your handy work. A lovelly looking tank Tim, well done.
tim, how high is your light from your water and do you get much light spill?
cheers
ben
Just posting my pictures again lost in my previous posts. They're a bit out of context without the text but hopefully they'll be of interest.
Base and Weir:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0787.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0788.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0789.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0790.jpg
Base and Weir (more):
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0793.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0792.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0791.jpg
Tank as at July 05 (immediately after the transfer of stock from old tank):
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0805.jpg
Tank, as at Sep 05:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0888.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0883.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF0881.jpg
Tank as at Dec 05:
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF1198.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF1196.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF1188.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF1199.jpg
Tank as at Dec 05 (more):
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF1191.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF1190.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f312/TimHunt/DSCF1189.jpg
stunning m8, great lttle reef! credit to you!
Update:
I've just lost all but one of my SPS corals. I tested the tank for everything but couldn't determine the problem so looked on as the SPS corals slowly died off.
I now think the problem was down to temperature. I have a fan that runs on a timer running for 15mins every half an hour. At some point, I must have switched the fan off whilst doing some maintenance and then forgot to turn it back on. Although the temperature didn't rise drastically, the overall environment must have been a few degrees higher than normal and for quite some time.
Gutted - some of those corals took years to get to that size.
Tim
truly..truly gutted for you tim as i have watched this system from the beginning with great respect for your work.
:(
Sorry to hear it, that was a nice tank - I'm sure you'll get it back ;) good luck
simon garratt
02-11-06, 15:05
Looked stunning Tim. a real credit to you m8.
Nice clean, Unclutterd.....Just what i like.....
Hats off sir..:D
But a real shame about the hickup. hopefully you can pull it back round...:(
That is such a shame, This was a really inspirational cube tank. Hopefully you'll come back with an even better tank.
Tom http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif
I thought it was about time I posted an update, so here are some pictures of my tank now.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2484.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2494.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2495.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2548.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2556.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2561.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2569.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2574.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2575.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2577.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2578.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2580.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2581.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2590.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2591.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2599.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2601.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2606.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/DSCF2607.JPG
Tim
stan.the.man
22-10-07, 07:07
Tim
Glad to see your chromis is back to its very best. This is one of my favourite setups on this board. Inspirational.
Stan
simon garratt
22-10-07, 09:31
Tim, absolutely stunning set up youve got there....
very very impressed...
regards
Si.
Craig - the acrylic came from hindleys.co.uk. £14.95 for a 600x1000 5mm sheet.
Stan - I've heard mixed reviews about the skimmer that comes with a Chromis so decided to buy the tank only, so can't really comment on how it would perform. Many are running a standard Chromis setup without problems so I would think it would be OK though.
Deltec have a very good reputation so that's why I bought one of their skimmers. I also already had the Giesemann 250w halide on the present system.
Tim
Hi Tim that looks mighty fine.
I replaced my stock Chromis AM skimmer and bio wheel when the the pump went kaput with a Deletc MCE600. I can report that the Deltec does out perform the stock AM one but then again so it should. However the main advantages the Deltec has over the stock AM one are.
More gallonage rated, you get a seperate chamber for the likes or Rowa but most of all IMO is you get that soddfing great AM pump out of the tank which IMO makes a big difference.
mrobo770131
22-10-07, 16:18
all i can say is wow
great tank fella
Having the media chamber in the Deltec is really useful on a small tank and like you say Les, it removes the big pump out of the tank. The MCE600 is totally over specced for the Chromis, but it does sit neatly behind the tank.
Tim
SpanishTony
27-10-07, 11:52
Watch out for the Tang police
Tang police?
Tang police are people that can get very upset if they see tangs in a tank that they think is too small.
Ah, I see. But then any tank is only ever a small slice of a huge ocean.
I am quite happy that all my livestock live in a very good environment. Both tangs have been in there for 18 months or more, the mandarain more than 12 months and the clown I have now had for over 15 years. All are well fed, and well looked after. The regal, which are very prone to whitespot, has never suffered with it in my tank. As I think whitespot is brought on by stress and/or incorrect parameters that also reassures me that the conditions are favourable.
Tim
Well, I'll be the first to say congratulations on getting published, just finished reading the writeup in ultraMarine and kept thinking - I'm sure I've seen that tank before. And here it is.
Truly stunning.
SpongeBobSquarePants
19-02-08, 12:39
Same goes Alan, i was reading that only lastnight also.
S
Thanks guys,
Just found out my tanks in this months mag, but haven't seen it yet. There doesn't seem to be any stockists of Ultramarine down here in Devon.
Tim
Some updated pictures taken last night. I'm running out of space now:)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2845.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2822.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2830.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2832.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2836.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2842.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2852.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2853.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2866.JPG
The tank is in this months Ultramarine Magazine and so thanks to Simon Garratt who wrote a really good article. It was great to meet with him just before Christmas.
Tim
Tim the tank is amazing and the write up in the mag is good as well, i have a spare copy as got 2 this month (other half bought 1 without knowing i had subscribed) so can post one to ya if you pm me your address. FREE!! :thumbsup:
very nice tank, but i think its a shame to keep a regal tang in a tank with such little swimming space, sorry.
I fully take on board what you are saying about the tang, but I can assure you the fish is in no way stressed. I had it from the size of a 50pence piece and he(she?) is continually browsing and picking at the rockwork. Not racing end to end like I have seen with some stressed fish.
If one day, the tang should look oversized for the tank or in any way looks stressed, then the tang will be moved to someone elses tank.
Until that day, I am more than happy that the tang is being well looked after.
I can't say fairer than that.
My main goal is for the welfare of the stock I keep and I think the pictures suggest there is no poor livestock management going on in my tank.
There was also an article recently about not necessarily having loads of swimming space for certain tangs, but a variety of nooks and crevices in which the fish has to carry out a range of swimming manoeuvres. There is a separate post about this, so we'll leave that debate there please.
Tim
Bazman - that really is a kind offer. Thanks.
I do now have a copy of the magazine though.
Cheers
Tim
fair enough, good luck catching it when the time comes
Some top down shots using Simon Garratt's brilliant (but rather risky) suggestion of putting clingfilm over the camera lens and then dunking it!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2883.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2902.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2904.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2905.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2906.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2907.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/DSCF2909.JPG
Some top down shots using Simon Garratt's brilliant (but rather risky) suggestion of putting clingfilm over the camera lens and then dunking it!
Lovely pics Tim, and I aspire to having my Chromis as full and 'grown-in' as your tank! :D
Oh yeah and saying using clingfilm is risky- I bricked my back-up point and shoot when I dunked it a little too far(I decided to use a money back though)! :o
Jeff.
Tim i saw the artical in the mag and now have read through your thread, i just love the inventiveness and creativity. Practical elements like having ugly equipment performing so well and still hidden from the viewer but accessible for maintenance take foresight and great skills.
everything looks so clean and healthy.
You have truly created a reef that has made me aspire towards
Legend :worship:
Came in from work and the starfish was just asking to be photographed!:)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/20080623.jpg
Tim
JOHN & CAM
24-06-08, 20:37
Very, very nice. The corals look more than happy and so do the fish.
Hi tim
I am in australia and just bought the AM Chromis. Just wanted to ask you apart from the new deltec skimmer, what other upgrades have you implemented in the tank
Cheers
Sorry for the late reply - only just seen your question.
I have added a calcium reactor, the tower housing all the pumps and a temp controller that controls fan/heater. The light is also a Geiseman 250w halide instead of the standard 150w halide that comes with the Chromis.
Tim
Have you got any up-to-date shots available Tim? :)
Jeff.
I've just pruned the Acro's as they were over growing the tank, so I'll let them colour up again and post some updated pictures.
Tim
chris_sufc
22-02-09, 12:05
Hi Tim, fantastic looking chromis, i am in the process of setting mine up. I am looking at doing the same as you, i have a deltec mce600 etc..
Quick question about the tunze you have, is this model around anymore? if so could you point me in the right driection, if not what alternatives would you suggest?
How did you securely connect the Tunze to the piping whilst still making it removeable for any maintenance?
The maixjet - is it a simple flexi tubing youve connected to the pump and just threaded it under the acrylic?
Lastly - if you were to approach this setup again woudl you have done anything different?
Thanks for your time mate, if mine ends up looking anything like yours ill be chuffed!
The Tunze is the 6000 model if I remember correctly. I went for this as it was the 6000lph model and I thought anything higher would be too much. Using the large tubing though, I think the tank could handle a higher flow.
I bought an adaptor from Taunton Aquarium that allows the Tunze outlet to be a nice push fit. This makes it easily removable for maintenance. Taunton Aquarium took a standard connector and modified it to suit the stream. It works really well.
As for the Maxijet, i found a piece of rigid tube that was a tight push fit on the maxijet nozzle. This I glued into the acrylic base using Devcon Devweld which is a really strong adhesive.
As for whether I would do anything different, I would say not. I've learnt from previous setups what I did and didn't like and I'm pleased with what I now have and how it works. It is very low maintenance (by marine standards anyway). I wish LED's were more advanced than they are as I would really like to have a way of lighting the tank with less heat. In a few years maybe, but for now I'll leave it as is.
Good luck with your setup.
Tim
chris_sufc
23-02-09, 17:10
cheers for that tim, im going to give the Aquarays a go with this setup actually, so we shall see how it goes!
I'd be interested to know how you get on with them.
Tim
Any chance of some new pics Tim? :D
Jeff.
looks really nice mate. I just got a chromis too and I like your various ideas for more water flow.
Hi!
I'm looking at your chromis thread again. Still amaze me :)
I'm going to use the same sirculation modell, but I'm using a tunze 6105.
I just wondered, what did you use between the tunze pump and the PVC T pipe?
Best regards
Kent
Just a few pictures taken today. All corals growing really well and I have to prune regularly to keep them the right size for the tank. Just carried out a major but of trimming to free up a bit of space.
Also taken the plunge and moved over to LED's (KR91's). There's mixed views on whether this is the right move, but I wanted to give it a try. These pictures were under the LED's (the blue ones taken during the lights sunrise mode). Heat is no longer an issue with the cooling fans no longer cutting in.
Anyway, enjoy the pictures (some a bit blurry I'm afraid).
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5093.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5097.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5101.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5104.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5105.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5107.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5109.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5110.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5111.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5112.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5115.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5117.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5120.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5123.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5125.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q3/DSCF5127.JPG
Dave Mc 67
29-09-10, 13:28
Nice to see an update on this tank, always like seeing it. How are you finding the lights?
Dave.
Little bit too early to say really Dave as they've only been on a week. I took the pictures so I could make comparisons later on.
In terms of build quality and function though, they are excellent and very slimline. No heat issues and power consumption significantly less. The heat and the evaporation was the main reason to change though.
Tim
Dave Mc 67
30-09-10, 11:03
Keep us updated as regards to growth. I notice you still have your Clown, he must be a good age now if i remember correct.
Dave.
I've had the clown for 16, maybe 17 years now. Not bad going really.
Tim
Update on the LED lights.
The KR91 is a fantastic light and many of my corals were doing really well - LPS, Zoas, fungia, mushrooms, green montis, pavona, trachyphyllia, etc - even a sebae anemone! Growth was good as well, with fragged corals healing over really well. The lights really showed the colours of the corals and the fish well, although noticeably duller than my halide (not surprising really).
The only thing that didn't look so good was some of the acro's. They still grew OK although I noticed some die back in shaded areas which were no longer receiving as much light. A green acro continued to look really good, but purple and blue acro's went browner. I bought a couple of colourful acro frags from Weston Marine and they too went a little brown in a short space of time but were still growing OK.
I have now upgraded to a KR92 which is as visibly bright as my halide and even after one week of being over the tank, the acro colours are coming back. The blues and purples are returning to the acro's even in this short space of time.
According to my electricity monitor, the 250w halide was drawing 400w and also required fans to cool the tank which results in high evaporation. The KR91 is 50w and the Kr92 is 70w. The heat issue is no longer an issue and evaporation is now minimal. They're also significantly lighter than the halides so not quite as concerning having so much weight suspended over the tank.
In summary, both the KR91 and KR92 are fantastic lights - really well made and the timers are superb, giving you sunrise, sunset, daylight and moon (28 day phase). The KR92 definitely has the edge though as it is definitely comparable to the halide I was using.
Tim
quattroman
03-12-10, 01:39
Beautiful tank mate, stunning colours:thumbsup:
It always difficult taking pictures that accurately portray the colours in the tank. I got some decent pictures today though under the KR92 that are really accurate:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q4/DSCF5263.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q4/DSCF5264.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q4/DSCF5269.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q4/DSCF5271.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q4/DSCF5273.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q4/DSCF5290.JPG
Tim
flashpanther
11-12-10, 15:34
Have you got a full tank shot under the KR92 lighting - full lighting and also just under blues?
How far from the waters surface do you have the lighting?
Finding it difficult to get some clear shots, but colour continues to improve under the LEDs:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q4/DSCF5383.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2010Q4/DSCF5384.JPG
Lights are 8" above the water.
Tim
may i ask if you had a shot of the corals under the kr91 before you changed over
The pics on page 10 were taken under the KR91.
Tim
The pics on page 10 were taken under the KR91.
Tim
They look great the colors in page 10, but did u get any before you changed (how they looked jn difference in color to when they first went over the tank, if not were they alot duller than them images on page 10?
Dan
Dan
The shots below were taken just before switching over from the KR91 to the KR92:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/DSCF5235.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/DSCF5237.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/DSCF5238.JPG
Under the KR91, the colours became quite bland. The blue tip acro for example looked a dull brown. Now though, under the KR92 the colours are really vivid - the photo's don't do it justice though.
Tim
The colors look good on them piks mate
Do u feel like they had settled or were they getting duller??
Under the kr91's they had started to go brown especially the blue acro. The colours now under the kr92 are so much better.
Do u think they would have gone completely brown if u stuck with the91
Quite a few had already gone brown. I dont really have any decent pictures to show that though. They were still growing ok but very lacking in colours which is why I upgraded and with much better colouration since. I wanted the kr91 to work but it just didnt quite do the business for my stock.
Was growth as good as other lighting you have used(mh t5???)
KR91 was not adequate which is why I changed to the KR92. I didn't have the 91 for long enough to comment on growth rate. More than pleased with previous MH and current KR92.
I've got a new camera (well a Galaxy S phone actually) that's taking some good pictures, so thought I'd upload a few:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/2011-02-20 15.33.04.jpg
Yellow Gobies now spawning in the Acro's:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/2011-02-20 15.33.21.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/2011-02-20 15.33.39.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/2011-02-20 15.34.41.jpg
A few top down shots:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/2011-02-20 15.40.08.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/2011-02-20 15.40.19.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/2011-02-20 15.40.30.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q1/2011-02-20 15.40.37.jpg
Hi Tim,
I am awaiting delivery of my first marine tank. It will be 900mm x 530deep x 600 high.
With regards to the lighting I have ordered a KR91 30" which will sit inside the lidless hood. Reading your thread on your upgrade, I was wondering what your thoughts would be on my lighting. The 36 " would have been a fraction too big for the hood. We are not in a situation where we can suspend lighting.
Mike :thanks:
Britalstar
20-06-11, 22:15
Well tim I must say this looks bloody good !! But let me tell you all it looks even better in the flesh in fact it looks like he has just picked it up from a reef and placed it I to his tank !! It truly is stunning !!
Here's a few top down shots. Tanks now been under LED's for about 9 months now.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q3/2011-07-24 21.56.50.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q3/2011-07-24 21.57.16.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q3/2011-07-24 21.59.05.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q3/2011-07-24 21.59.49.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q3/2011-07-24 22.00.23.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q3/2011-07-24 22.01.14.jpg
Goby with eggs:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2011Q3/2011-07-24 22.03.51.jpg
Tim
Truelly stunning.
My current tank will be lit by a KR92 with the 93 timer. I really hope I can get results like yours. Amazing :worship:
Great reef Tim!! You must be very pleased withh the KR92 looks like that is a valid alternative for SPS! Could you post a pic of the unit hanhing in situ please?
Many thanks
Simon
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