75gal build

Wildman · Jul 20, 2013

I have been slowly working on this for probably 6 months already and still have a ways to go. Having a baby sure slows down progress on your hobbies.

This build is pretty much all DIY and pieced together from some things I had and lots of help from locals. 75gal tank - MacClellan; 20gal tank for sump - Gladfelter; skimmer - Cory; overflow - Sluf. Rock, sand, pump I already had. LED lighting still in progress.

I decided after trying to silicone rocks to the back wall in my last build I would do a complete DIY background for this one. After some research I decided to go with cement that cured fast and would not raise the PH for months. I drilled the back of the tank to leave more room for display. I went with one full siphon with gate valve and one safety overflow then ran the return up and over the back. I decided on a 20gl tall for the sump for extra volume. DIYed all the baffles from scrap I had. I wanted to go with a manifold on my return which turned out pretty well. I did make a stupid mistake in planning the sump by making the return side so small. I was planning on doing an auto top off anyway and in 24 hrs I still have plenty of water. I just can't leave it for more than a day until I get the top off hooked up.

I know I know, no one cares just show the pics.

full tank shot

detailed background

sump

Return

Djannel · Jul 20, 2013

Nice !!

k2parkstar · Jul 20, 2013

Looks good, that background will be great for frags!

Runner · Jul 21, 2013

Very nice project. I really like the background and how you could attach corals to it easily.

Gladfelter · Jul 21, 2013

Looking awesome!

Wildman · Jul 21, 2013

That is the plan. After my first build I decided I didn't like the pile of rock look so this time I want the coral to grow more out of the back wall more like a shelf look. I also went with minimal rock to give me more grow out room and leave plenty of open water in the front for fish.

Wildman · Sep 3, 2013

Made some progress.

made screen top

LED build

Power connectors

Wildman · Sep 3, 2013

Groove for glass pane

box on outside of stand for drivers. I decided to move the power bars due to space restrictions.

Looks like I will have to study up on white balance correct for Iphone but here it is running about 70%.

Rob.D · Sep 3, 2013

Very nice, care to share the details on your LED's?

k2parkstar · Sep 3, 2013

Nice work, lookin good

Gladfelter · Sep 3, 2013

What did you make your lids out of?

CastAway · Sep 3, 2013

Where can I get some of the clear mesh for a top? Nice...

gwhook · Sep 3, 2013

Looks great!!

Rob.D · Sep 4, 2013

JeffBowlin said:
Where can I get some of the clear mesh for a top? Nice...

Clear Netting - Bulk Reef Supply

Runner · Sep 4, 2013

Good looking work. I like how those bulkhead connectors turned out.

Wildman · Sep 4, 2013

I guess details might be helpful.:tongue:

LEDs:
12 Cree XP-G cool white
6 Cree XP-G neutral white
22 Cree XP-E royal blue
8 Violet UV
2 red Osram, 2 cyan cree, 2 green Cree
Lenses:
60 degree across the front to keep the light off the glass
80 degree on everything else
no optics on UV and color LEDs
Drivers:
2 Mean Well 60-1050
3 Mean Well 35-700
1 0-10V Dimmable Nano driver for the 6 colored LEDs
Everything came form Rapid LED. With what I spent I could have purchased two Chinese fully dimable fixtures. I think these LEDs are still supposed to be a little more efficient and I knew exactly what I was getting bin wise. I am extremely happy with the color ratio and see no need in adjusting. Hopefully I can get some pics that show the color temp appropriately.

Wildman · Sep 4, 2013

A little additional info. Rob is correct. I got the netting from BRS. I chose to get the from pieces form Lowes because due to having to build two seperate screens it was a little cheaper. The corners are plastic so I was able to notch them for cables to my power heads.

I am really happy with the bulk head connectors. However, on my next build I will upgrade to a more industrial grade. The inside connectors you solder to are flimsy. The outside of the connectors and pins are just fine. I don't think it is a problem because I won't be disconnecting them very often, but if you were I think the inside connectors might bend and short out.