Susan Edwards
5000 Club Member
I ordered the caribsea rock as well and way too much of it. Also some Real Reef. Using about half lol's. My new tank won't be here until September! Can't wait to see yours with water
My Build Thread
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OP
OP
It’s funny how new tanks excite people. There could be cheaper hobbies, but this one is just so fun and fascinating. Watching your existing build thread, excited to see your adventure with the new tank!
I’ll probably offer the rock and extra ordered stuff for discount to local reefers maybe I can make some new friends. I don’t have any I’m Denver! LOL
Susan Edwards
5000 Club Member
I'll have to see if there is a local reefers club. Trouble is, they are 1 to 2 hrs away! But I was thinking of trying to sell the excess once I know what I want for the sump.
Be fun to share your excitement!
flyfisher2
Valuable Member
Looks good. Enjoy the process
FrontRangeReefer
Active Member
Your build is looking amazing. I have always wanted one of the Peninsula style tanks. Can’t wait to see how this is progressing!
Very Nice build. Its looking great.
OP
OP
Finally completed rock work after waiting out my fing back issues!
The tank is also now filled. I stopped short of filling for sump since I am still missing the right fittings for COR20 > 1” hose > 1” barb
I’ll need to break those items in anyway, so it’s fine.
My order for plumbing of the mix station was cancelled due to an item issue. So rather than bother with that, I had LFS come out to quote building that for me. I’m afraid I just don’t have the time for that nor the equipment to drill through my floors into the garage where the mix station will reside.
What do you think of the rock scape? I took into consideration feedback from my local Facebook reef keeping group as well. I had to rotate the larger structure and then reform the second structure since the shelf rock was a little trickier to find good locking points. This did allow me to securely connect the structure via an arch to the larger structure supported by the “tree.”
360 view of rock scape
The tank is also now filled. I stopped short of filling for sump since I am still missing the right fittings for COR20 > 1” hose > 1” barb
I’ll need to break those items in anyway, so it’s fine.My order for plumbing of the mix station was cancelled due to an item issue. So rather than bother with that, I had LFS come out to quote building that for me. I’m afraid I just don’t have the time for that nor the equipment to drill through my floors into the garage where the mix station will reside.
What do you think of the rock scape? I took into consideration feedback from my local Facebook reef keeping group as well. I had to rotate the larger structure and then reform the second structure since the shelf rock was a little trickier to find good locking points. This did allow me to securely connect the structure via an arch to the larger structure supported by the “tree.”
360 view of rock scape
OP
OP
So my tiny plumbing job for the COR20 return pump to the 1” barbed hose came in and I tried my hand at cutting and glueing myself. I wish I was neater because it isn’t attractive I’ve. But I have to say I had fun.
I also received a quote for a LFS to build my mixing station. I was blown away by the numbers.
They didn’t listen to the fact that I already have storage vats. So that reduced the station parts quote down by about 800$.
Needless to say, while I have certainly spent a lot of money for this build I am trying not to be stupid about it. I know that this part of the project doesn’t require that amount of effort or expense [for me].
So that will be an adventure I’ll get to use to hone my plumbing skills! LOL
3,500$ to 5,000$ what the heck. I planned out the system before reaching out to LFS and order from BRA came up to about 700$ with a more costly mixing pump and schedule 80 just for giggles. The quote didn’t include an itemized breakdown so really I’m not sure what was being marked up. From their demo builds, I recall seeing schedule 40, but I may be mistaken.
Okay, now that shock has subsided…
After a period of testing and letting my sad looking adaptor I created circulate water in test tank, I’m finally filling the sump!
I’ve also started the cycle and am going to give fishless a try. We’ll see how that goes. Once sump is filled I can see about accelerating that by by bringing some rock from my existing tank. The biggest hurdle is that the rock is glued. I also have media I can use, so I might try that.
It’s also time to start cleaning up work space (dining room) and focus on cabinet/ controller board. So that will be fun.
I was still hung up on lighting. I like what I hear and see about the Neptune Sky, but it’s availability is going to be a problem I think. That and the costs… just not sure where I’m at with that. I’m already a LED user so other concerns don’t bother me. I’ve been using AI Hydra 32 on my existing tank and everything definitely seems happy. I might just go for an array of AI 32s. I’m happy to entertain suggestions!
A few pictures of what things looking like now…
I also received a quote for a LFS to build my mixing station. I was blown away by the numbers.
| Service | Estimate |
Mixing station:
| 3,000$ |
Labor
| 1,500-2,000$ |
They didn’t listen to the fact that I already have storage vats. So that reduced the station parts quote down by about 800$.
Needless to say, while I have certainly spent a lot of money for this build I am trying not to be stupid about it. I know that this part of the project doesn’t require that amount of effort or expense [for me].
So that will be an adventure I’ll get to use to hone my plumbing skills! LOL
3,500$ to 5,000$ what the heck. I planned out the system before reaching out to LFS and order from BRA came up to about 700$ with a more costly mixing pump and schedule 80 just for giggles. The quote didn’t include an itemized breakdown so really I’m not sure what was being marked up. From their demo builds, I recall seeing schedule 40, but I may be mistaken.
Okay, now that shock has subsided…
After a period of testing and letting my sad looking adaptor I created circulate water in test tank, I’m finally filling the sump!
I’ve also started the cycle and am going to give fishless a try. We’ll see how that goes. Once sump is filled I can see about accelerating that by by bringing some rock from my existing tank. The biggest hurdle is that the rock is glued. I also have media I can use, so I might try that.
It’s also time to start cleaning up work space (dining room) and focus on cabinet/ controller board. So that will be fun.
I was still hung up on lighting. I like what I hear and see about the Neptune Sky, but it’s availability is going to be a problem I think. That and the costs… just not sure where I’m at with that. I’m already a LED user so other concerns don’t bother me. I’ve been using AI Hydra 32 on my existing tank and everything definitely seems happy. I might just go for an array of AI 32s. I’m happy to entertain suggestions!
A few pictures of what things looking like now…
Looking good.So my tiny plumbing job for the COR20 return pump to the 1” barbed hose came in and I tried my hand at cutting and glueing myself. I wish I was neater because it isn’t attractive I’ve. But I have to say I had fun.
I also received a quote for a LFS to build my mixing station. I was blown away by the numbers.
Service Estimate Mixing station:
- Tank stand
- Storage tanks
- Pump
- Pump
- Plumbing
3,000$ Labor
- Several days
- 4-6 hours per day
1,500-2,000$
They didn’t listen to the fact that I already have storage vats. So that reduced the station parts quote down by about 800$.
Needless to say, while I have certainly spent a lot of money for this build I am trying not to be stupid about it. I know that this part of the project doesn’t require that amount of effort or expense [for me].
So that will be an adventure I’ll get to use to hone my plumbing skills! LOL
3,500$ to 5,000$ what the heck. I planned out the system before reaching out to LFS and order from BRA came up to about 700$ with a more costly mixing pump and schedule 80 just for giggles. The quote didn’t include an itemized breakdown so really I’m not sure what was being marked up. From their demo builds, I recall seeing schedule 40, but I may be mistaken.
Okay, now that shock has subsided…
After a period of testing and letting my sad looking adaptor I created circulate water in test tank, I’m finally filling the sump!
I’ve also started the cycle and am going to give fishless a try. We’ll see how that goes. Once sump is filled I can see about accelerating that by by bringing some rock from my existing tank. The biggest hurdle is that the rock is glued. I also have media I can use, so I might try that.
It’s also time to start cleaning up work space (dining room) and focus on cabinet/ controller board. So that will be fun.
I was still hung up on lighting. I like what I hear and see about the Neptune Sky, but it’s availability is going to be a problem I think. That and the costs… just not sure where I’m at with that. I’m already a LED user so other concerns don’t bother me. I’ve been using AI Hydra 32 on my existing tank and everything definitely seems happy. I might just go for an array of AI 32s. I’m happy to entertain suggestions!
A few pictures of what things looking like now…
I would build it your self. Save lots of money. Its not hard BRS has everything including diff colored pvc if you want.
Easy to do. Look at my 900 build thread, all BRS except Pan World pump.
OP
OP
Oh, right on! Thanks for the feedback. I’ll take a look at your build. I will most certainly go down that path.
OP
OP
Had my first scare yesterday as I opened the cabinet:
I did a leak test of the tank in the garage. But I didn’t do one for the overflow area once it was assembled and “quick” plumbed.
Throughout the day I spent time trying to get my bloody hand to the union furthest from the door (where the leak appeared to originate). So hard to reach already and my hands while not large a they are also not tiny. Every time I managed to get a slight turn I’d let it sit for a few hours. I didn’t want to somehow over tighten (if you can with hand tightening) and make things worse.
Each time… drip. Slower, for sure. But… drip nonetheless.
Finally, I managed to grasp just enough to get another slight movement in the tight direction.
So far, since that last one last night… no more drips.
Let’s hope that is the end of that!
I did a leak test of the tank in the garage. But I didn’t do one for the overflow area once it was assembled and “quick” plumbed.
Throughout the day I spent time trying to get my bloody hand to the union furthest from the door (where the leak appeared to originate). So hard to reach already and my hands while not large a they are also not tiny. Every time I managed to get a slight turn I’d let it sit for a few hours. I didn’t want to somehow over tighten (if you can with hand tightening) and make things worse.
Each time… drip. Slower, for sure. But… drip nonetheless.
Finally, I managed to grasp just enough to get another slight movement in the tight direction.
So far, since that last one last night… no more drips.
Let’s hope that is the end of that!
OP
OP
Brief update:
Here are a few pictures of the work today. Getting the danged cables for the lights inside the track was not fun. I used a little vegetable oil to slightly lubricate the track to make this easier.
Also, I really loath that the 72” track or any other length didnt come with cable guides with the correct number of cable slots. In this case, typical installations for a 73.5” track appear to be four Hydras. Why then not offer cable clips that could easily secure four cables? I made it work. But again, the tightness and the clips are definitely missed opportunities.
Tomorrow I get to work on the controller cabinet and start tidying up cables. It’s a rats nest right now!
- Fishless cycle is still underway. It’s making good progress. I’ll share timeline and measurements at its conclusion.
- I decided on lights. I went with what I have on my existing AIO. I really wanted to explore the new Neptune Skys, but I couldn’t justify the costs for an LPS tank and my AI Hydras have been performing well for my LPS and they operate at only 66% max on the highest channel.
- Now that they have arrived (with a small savings of about 35$/each on Amazon versus any other retailer) I just installed them.
Here are a few pictures of the work today. Getting the danged cables for the lights inside the track was not fun. I used a little vegetable oil to slightly lubricate the track to make this easier.
Also, I really loath that the 72” track or any other length didnt come with cable guides with the correct number of cable slots. In this case, typical installations for a 73.5” track appear to be four Hydras. Why then not offer cable clips that could easily secure four cables? I made it work. But again, the tightness and the clips are definitely missed opportunities.
Tomorrow I get to work on the controller cabinet and start tidying up cables. It’s a rats nest right now!
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CMMorgan
Counting my blessings...
I Belieber you are on your way to a great adventure! Welcome!!
OP
OP
So cycling is progressing. Ammonia reached zero, but nitrites remain off the charts. Since this is fishless and therefore not a gradual introduction of ammonia by fish, I’m guessing this will take longer even with some media taken from my existing tank.
yey!
yey!
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OP
OP
Made some time to get some of the cabinets sorted. This is the space on the right side of the tank under the overflow. Most of the stuff will get routed here.
I'm still deciding on what type of concealer/tracks I should install for all of the cord that is still visible. I want to be able to easily remove the controller board and need the slack to do so. I've also decided I'd try mounting the lighting transformers on the hidden side of the tank to help free up space in this chamber.
I do have a second board I plan on setting up on the opposite end of the tank where the ATO reservoir presently resides. Once I build the mixing station and can source ATO and WC from the tanks downstairs, I can remove this reservoir and reclaim this chamber for accessory use. This space would house the DOSes, KW reactor, and any FMMs I require that don't fit on the board in chamber one.
Side note: I was always bothered by the lack of a cover for the included WB reservoir. It gets humid in that chamber enough so I can see condensation on the door. Hopefully not for much longer.
Also update on the display tank side of things: still cycling. Ammonia is at zero. Nitrites are no longer off the charts, but still high enough that I won't bother with a nitrate test just yet. Tank is still cloudy, but it is improving as these readings slowly lower.
I'm still deciding on what type of concealer/tracks I should install for all of the cord that is still visible. I want to be able to easily remove the controller board and need the slack to do so. I've also decided I'd try mounting the lighting transformers on the hidden side of the tank to help free up space in this chamber.
I do have a second board I plan on setting up on the opposite end of the tank where the ATO reservoir presently resides. Once I build the mixing station and can source ATO and WC from the tanks downstairs, I can remove this reservoir and reclaim this chamber for accessory use. This space would house the DOSes, KW reactor, and any FMMs I require that don't fit on the board in chamber one.
Side note: I was always bothered by the lack of a cover for the included WB reservoir. It gets humid in that chamber enough so I can see condensation on the door. Hopefully not for much longer.
Also update on the display tank side of things: still cycling. Ammonia is at zero. Nitrites are no longer off the charts, but still high enough that I won't bother with a nitrate test just yet. Tank is still cloudy, but it is improving as these readings slowly lower.
OP
OP
Cycle has completed! It took longer than I expected. I did take a large chunk of live rock from my existing tank and moved into the sump of my new tank about half way in. I wish I wasn’t so worried about breaking up the rockwork in the existing tank, or I would have moved a chunk sooner. Still, a few weeks is still shorter than my original dry rock cycle, so I’ll take it.
I’ve been moving inhabitants a few at a time.
Excited!
Also, I just ordered the plumbing to build the mix station which I hope to get to next week.
After that, I just need to build a stand and figure out how I’ll run the plumbing from the mix station in the garage to the aquarium on the floor immediately above.
I’m post better (daytime) pictures once things settle in a few days.
I’ve been moving inhabitants a few at a time.
Excited!
Also, I just ordered the plumbing to build the mix station which I hope to get to next week.
After that, I just need to build a stand and figure out how I’ll run the plumbing from the mix station in the garage to the aquarium on the floor immediately above.
I’m post better (daytime) pictures once things settle in a few days.
OP
OP
This weekend I added a few corals to the roster of the new tank and also completed transfer of the remaining corals and fish from the existing AIO.
The transfer from the existing tank was a little nerve wracking. I really didn’t want to stress these creatures any more than I needed to, but if I was this concerned I can’t imagine what these guys were thinking.
I’ve also received shipment of the remaining plumbing I need to build the mixing station. The fires and smoke is delaying the arrival of the stand I purchased to hold the tanks. So I guess I’ll just mock layout stuff and work on that this week.
My family visited from Austin, TX last week. It was fun hanging out with my nephew explaining to him various aspects of the aquarium. My mother and aunt were also amazed and had a lot of questions. They had no idea corals were animals and my aunt was creeped out by videos of my cynarina chowing down on a shrimp.
All I need to do is to add some zoa frags for my zoa garden arch, and keep an eye for a few more mushrooms and of course LPS. I also need to work on breaking down the old tank and moving sensors and other Apex equipment that would be useful to this build.
Oh dang, I forgot about the mini carpet. I tried ice, redirecting flow… for an anemone that hid in complete darkness for months he sure seems to want to live and hold on to his spot on the rock work in the old tank. Since he came back out he looks amazing and I’m sure has at least doubled in size since he emerged. I suppose I’ll just have to find another way to coax him off. Sigh.
The next update will show mixing station. Hopefully, I’ll have it hooked up as well so that I can retire the included WB ATO reservoir. Though pH in the new tank has been stable, it is a bit about 0.2 lower than the AIO which had a KW reactor hooked up. For now, I’ve been dosing manually to slowly raise pH. I’m not in a rush as all of the inhabitants have been reacting quite favorably to the transition and don’t seem stressed or worse for wear after acclimation and transfer.
I think the only concern I have is the flow. I have the return (COR20) at 55%. I’m not sure if that is too much as I have the WAVs dialed back enough to create turbulence and flow to the overflow, but not so much that the corals look like they’re being blown away. But it took a lot of effort to find the right spot to protect some of them.
I might try dialing the return pump back a little bit to see if I can create a better environment for the cynarina, catalaphyllias, and plerogyra. Any suggestions for this type of setup would be welcome.
Here are a few pictures…
The transfer from the existing tank was a little nerve wracking. I really didn’t want to stress these creatures any more than I needed to, but if I was this concerned I can’t imagine what these guys were thinking.
I’ve also received shipment of the remaining plumbing I need to build the mixing station. The fires and smoke is delaying the arrival of the stand I purchased to hold the tanks. So I guess I’ll just mock layout stuff and work on that this week.
My family visited from Austin, TX last week. It was fun hanging out with my nephew explaining to him various aspects of the aquarium. My mother and aunt were also amazed and had a lot of questions. They had no idea corals were animals and my aunt was creeped out by videos of my cynarina chowing down on a shrimp.
All I need to do is to add some zoa frags for my zoa garden arch, and keep an eye for a few more mushrooms and of course LPS. I also need to work on breaking down the old tank and moving sensors and other Apex equipment that would be useful to this build.
Oh dang, I forgot about the mini carpet. I tried ice, redirecting flow… for an anemone that hid in complete darkness for months he sure seems to want to live and hold on to his spot on the rock work in the old tank. Since he came back out he looks amazing and I’m sure has at least doubled in size since he emerged. I suppose I’ll just have to find another way to coax him off. Sigh.
The next update will show mixing station. Hopefully, I’ll have it hooked up as well so that I can retire the included WB ATO reservoir. Though pH in the new tank has been stable, it is a bit about 0.2 lower than the AIO which had a KW reactor hooked up. For now, I’ve been dosing manually to slowly raise pH. I’m not in a rush as all of the inhabitants have been reacting quite favorably to the transition and don’t seem stressed or worse for wear after acclimation and transfer.
I think the only concern I have is the flow. I have the return (COR20) at 55%. I’m not sure if that is too much as I have the WAVs dialed back enough to create turbulence and flow to the overflow, but not so much that the corals look like they’re being blown away. But it took a lot of effort to find the right spot to protect some of them.
I might try dialing the return pump back a little bit to see if I can create a better environment for the cynarina, catalaphyllias, and plerogyra. Any suggestions for this type of setup would be welcome.
Here are a few pictures…
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