ReefSentinel’s 200g Mini Barrier Reef build.

[ReefSentinel]

This build has very elaborate and thought out planning. This whole tread is an inspiration when I build my "Forever tank" I will use this thread for help.. GREAT THREAD!!

Thanks for the comments,
I think my brain is starting to feel the elaboration,
Plumbing is next and between the US fittings and what is available here in Australia I hope everything goes together and fits nicely without too many issues.
Unfortunately I am running a few months behind where I wanted to be as our summer is starting soon and I was hoping to QT fish over winter when I wouldn’t need to chill the water,

 

[samnaz]

Man that sump is a work of art!

 

[ReefSentinel]

Man that sump is a work of art!

Thanks,
So far i think it looks a little clinical, however does have a crisp look about it.
I when with a lot of white so i could see what was going on in there and any build up of stuff, I think once it has plumbing, skimmer & refugium is done white will not be as strong.
From the pictures received the the sump looks to be coming along thanks to Eric at Hmahli Australia he puts a lot of care into the build and the customers requirements as I had a desing which was a little different most of his standard kind of sumps.
If anyone in Australia is interested the following links are for Hmahli Australia, I believe he will be so exporting, for the US based reefers the exchange rate may.

https://hmahliaustralia.com.au/

Hmahli Marine Life Support System

Hmahli Marine Life Support System. 7,249 likes · 1 talking about this. Specialising in acrylic filtration systems and accessories for the aquarium industry

www.facebook.com

 

[ReefSentinel]

Hi All,
Quick update on the sump build, sump is all but finished, awaiting bulkheads and water test.
I should be able to pick it up next week some time, for now there are the latest pic's with the fitted LED lights on.

 

[ReefSentinel]

More shopping turned up today, nothing too exciting

Filter socks for the Sump
Aquatic Experts Filter Socks 200 Micron - 4 Inch Ring by 10.5 Inch Long - Medium - Aquarium Felt Filter Bags, Custom Made in The USA
Amazon product

Additional Loc-line pieces so I can increase length if needed.
Loc-Line 3/4" N.P.T. ROBO-ARM Adjustable Dual Return Nozzle for Aquariums w/Flare Ends by A 2 Z Aquatics
Amazon product

Silicone Tubing for the return pump to sump bulkhead.
uxcell Silicone Tube 25mm ID x 31mm OD 3.3' Silicone Rubber Tubing Water Air Hose Pipe White for Pump Transfer
Amazon product

and some imperial unions & fittings to match the Neptune FMK

 

[ReefSentinel]

Been busy with work but quick update, I HAVE A SUMP!
Picked it up last night.
Couldn't help do a demo of the lights, I know they don't help the tank but it's a fun thing to have, I may set it up to come on if there is a alarm from Apex come on and when the doors open.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Shopping therapy today,
Picked up the brain of the system NEPTUNE APEX, on opening the package I was surprised to find the EB6 power board, for some reason I didn’t think it came with one, o well now I have 3.
Also purchase a light shade for the AI Fuge light.
Thought I would post some trial-pics of it in action.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Another weekend gone, but everything is coming together.
Vent for the chiller 95% finished, just need to silicon the outside top and sides, slow far it has worked out ok.

Also starting on what I think is going to be one of the largest challenges of the built - "Plumbing"
Having seen some great examples of plumbing on reef2reef and I have a picture of how I would like it all to work and look, issue being is my anal-retentive side, I will try to do what I can.

Challenge being the following
- space and how everything I going to come together.
- Metric & imperial gear, what a nightmare, luckily I can have the items turned (on lathe) at works to make custom fittings.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Quick update between 60hr work and the weekly driving kids everywhere on the weekend.
Alum trays made for under chiller and Sump.
Chiller tray does drain but will have a leak sensor in it for a little safety.
Sump tray does have a small drain that will go outside, it's only a small diameter but can only help if something was to happen, plan to put sensor in this tray as well.
Both tray to be primed & painted white.

Whilst working on the sump items during the week I was playing around with the Level float switches what I thought were water proof which they are for the float section but not to back where the wires go in.
A little research and found that when people wish to put these under water they normally screw the sensor in the end of a piece of pvc & seal to be able to place to complete sensor into the water.
As I wanted to use the sensor tree made for the sump I turned up two holders that extend the length of how far I place them under the water level, these are only about 4" long which is enough for what I need.

Amazon product

 

[ReefSentinel]

Standard busy week this week, been trying to get a few hours together to work on the built, spent a lot of time thinking about the plumbing arrangement, need to take the following into consideration.
- Position of FMM flow monitor
- UV being the only item after the 1" FMM flow monitor so I know the flow rate through the UV.
- Unions,
- Take offs for future items and chiller (chiller line to have 1/2" FMM

Also purchased a Waterbox 20 for the Fish Qt, still research the best QT method.

I think this will be the final layout of the plumbing, looks like a mess, wait it is a mess but i have a rough plan on paper and in my head.

Also added a skimmer air take line from outside, figured best to put one in the wall before the stand/tank is there.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Sorry for delay in updates, been very busy driving daughter around for sport trials.
This weekend’s plan was to bring stand ready for tank delivery possibly next week.
Stand and canopy are in, had issues with the canopy had the wall isn’t perfectly square and flat.

also fitted the light bracket and lights, of course I had to try the lights for the family.

Unfortunately while fitting the Radions i noticed that all 3 Ecotech Radion's have crack's on the front plastic panel around the screws, being in manufacturing myself these cracks are a result of the assembly line, over-tightening the screws.
They seem to work fine but it's poor to buy something of this quantity to end up with crap, with will advise supplier and see what happens.
A few pic's of what to look for if anyone buys these.

On the bright side the light assembly bracket worked out well.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Update on the Ecotech Radions cracks.
Emailed Ecotech distributor this morning and I had a reply within a hour or 2 advising they will send out “Rework kits” ASAP.
Cracks are disappointing but the service so far for a solution is 2nd to none. 5 Stars to the reseller here in Australia.
Will advise update once I receive the items.
Guessing it must be a known production issue from Ecotech to have a kit ready.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Ecotech Radion G5 update
Within 48hrs I have 3 x new replacement front panels from Australian Ecotech distributor, great service on the replacement items.
A little sad they let the product stay in the market knowing the issues, I guess cheaper for the customer to pull apart rather than bring all the product back to be fixed and repack.

 

[Cwentz758]

Ecotech Radion G5 update
Within 48hrs I have 3 x new replacement front panels from Australian Ecotech distributor, great service on the replacement items.
A little sad they let the product stay in the market knowing the issues, I guess cheaper for the customer to pull apart rather than bring all the product back to be fixed and repack.

They ran into the same issues here in the US in the early stages. Looking great!

 

[MPS]

Mixing station update,
So it took a few nights to make up the RODI water due to the low water pressure, night time was the only time I could get the pressure near 50 PSI, day time was only 40PSI at best.
I was also getting alot of water which was fine as it when to the water tank however the supplier of the RODI unit advised I would go through the resin very quickly resulting in wasting money.
This wasn't going to be quick enough in case I had the need to make water quickly so i ordered a RO BOOSTER Pump upgrade kit.
Once fitted I can how get around 110PSI pressure & one night can almost fill my tanks

Great update. I struggled with the same. I didn’t like all the waste water from the standard setup so I added the 2nd RO membrane in addition to the booster, like the BRS Water Saver. That alone, doubled my output and cut waste in 1/2.

 

[ReefSentinel]

They ran into the same issues here in the US in the early stages. Looking great!

Thanks and interesting to know.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Great update. I struggled with the same. I didn’t like all the waste water from the standard setup so I added the 2nd RO membrane in addition to the booster, like the BRS Water Saver. That alone, doubled my output and cut waste in 1/2.

It certainly helps in making water a bit faster,
Thanks

 

[ReefSentinel]

Quick update, nothing major
Cabling tray added in canopy, stand top and form fitted ready for tank next week hopefully.
Also fitted Netgear 8 port switch as need 1 port for wired connection for Apex.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Quick update, not a big change but doors have been added/fitted to the canopy, tank due to be delivered next week, yes it has taken too long but it is coming together as last.

I always knew I would have a issue with the light coming through the gap between the door, plan is to stick black form in the corner and some plastic strip on the back of one door.

Doors open

Doors closed

view of inside.

 

[ReefSentinel]

Ok, update time.
Well I have good news for the built and bad news to update,
Tank was delivered during the week. "GOOD NEWS"

Now for the bad news, :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
During this built I have had many small changes and things not go to plan however have always found a workaround, don't think I can do much with this.
During cleaning the glass I have found a scratch on the front panel and of course if is in the middle of the front panel.

now to speak to tank builder...