Vandy's Budget Nuvo 100 EXT Build Thread

[vandy]

This will be the start of my Innovative Marine 100EXT build thread. I'll be adding to this thread overtime because I will be moving in the next couple months to St. Louis. Most equipment has been purchased or is being re-used, except for the plumping and the stand. The goal of this tank is to have a thriving mixed reef with mostly softies and LPS, with a few hardier SPS. This will be my biggest tank to date (I've only had >6 gallon nanos and an IM Nuvo 40.

Background: I was able to find this tank as a really good deal on FB marketplace, and picked it up for around $200 for just the bare tank. Most of the equipment I've found for this tank has been either through breaking down local tanks and re-using equipment, or finding great deals through Facebook. I've tried to find the best deals as possible with used equipment just because I hate buying stuff new lol.

Equipment
Lights: 2x Radion XR30 Gen4's and 30" AI Blade Coral Grow
Powerheads: 2x MQ40s. Might install a IceCap 3K Gyre too if needed.
Return Pump: Jebao DCS12000
Sump: eShopps RS300 Gen3
Skimmer: Reef Octopus 150SSS Space Saver
Fleece Roller: Klir DI-7
Heater: 300w BRS Titanium Heater
Fuge Light: Some random 60W grow light
Doser: Kamoer single dosing pump
Return flow: Random flow generators
UV: Aqua Ultraviolet 25w sterilizer

Next update will be building the stand. I'm going to be welding it out of 1.5" square tubing, with shelves.

Controller: Will be designing a custom Reef-Pi controller with auto top offs, controllable outlets, temp, PH, and salinity monitors

 

[blaxsun]

Either lighting setup would be fine. The pair of MP40s should be more than sufficient without the need for the extra gyre. Good luck with the move/build!

 

[vandy]

It’s starting!! Picked up the metal for a lot cheaper than I thought. Cut all the lengths last night and I’ll be piecing it together today

Cut all the lengths last night and I’ll be piecing it together today.

 

[vandy]

Check out my Frag build that I’m doing alongside too!

 

[larryl]

Great start so far.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[vandy]

Following along!

Great start so far.

Appreciate it guys!!

Planning on making a custom light rack for my XR30s with future addons of an orphek bar. I think I’ll do either extruded aluminum, or angle bar aluminum with rivets.

Anyone know how long I should make the light rack? Total tank length is 48”. Maybe 40”? 42”? Never built one before but from some YouTube videos they look like a great way to add expansion lights vs using the RMS system

 

[vandy]

After a weekend getaway with the wife to Memphis, I decided to work on the steel stand tonight. During the previous work, I had some warpage and had to zip off some of the tacks to get it square.

Unfortunately, my welds aren't the prettiest when I work on 110v, but I'm a glutton for punishment so I'm fine sanding down all the welds flush.

One of the first projects I will be finishing in the new house is a fixture table.. my knees are killing me kneeling on the ground!!

Once the initial framing was done, I put in the center brace supports.

Finally, an example of some of the fixtures and supports I was using to get squared corners and equal spacing all around the bottom.

More updates to come this week! Should be done by the weekend.

 

[vandy]

Hoping to get some help from you all regarding the next step of this stand build. I am conflicted on where I should place my ATO and refugium. Since the eShopps RS300 sump has built in gravity fed ATO float valve, I wanted to have a 10 gal ATO reservoir somewhere to top it off, but I'm not attracted to having it external to the stand. A shelf would more than suffice to hold the ATO, but I don't know if it's too cramped having it in the stand or not, with still leaving enough room to run and route all the plumping and electronics.

Side perk of having the ATO on a shelf would to plumb in an external refugium under it. ATO is on top right, with the refugium underneath.

I know the RS300 comes with a built in refugium, but I'd like to move the skimmer into that compartment to keep the water levels consistent.

Circle and rectangle above the "Sump" (on the left) is the Klir-7 and skimmer with their respective heights above the skimmer.

 

[larryl]

Off to a great start.

 

[vandy]

Well, the stand is mostly done! It’s partially primed, and still needs to be painted. I’m thinking black for the plywood, and charcoal gray enamel for the metal.

Only thing left to do is build the controller board and she will be good to go! Although I am in the middle of moving… next update coming soon!

 

[CasperOe]

Looks like you're off to a great start thanks for bringing us along..

 

[vandy]

With my move complete into my new house, I began to tackle the finishing of the basement so I can eventually set this tank up. Framing and drywall complete, just need to tape/mud, then paint and lay carpet. Expect more frequent updates with the tank being set up soon!

I even ran 1/4" tubing to top off my RODI tub that will sit next to my furnace behind the walls!

 

[vandy]

Here is the drywall hung

Here is where my tank will live. I ran a dedicated circuit to power the 2 gang boxes giving me 8 outlets total. GFCI and waterproof housings will be installed after paint.

 

[vandy]

Finally, I worked on the light stand a little bit. Decided to use 1010 extruded aluminum, and designed my own mount to attach the XR30s and AI blade. The tolerances were pretty tight with the print!

Here is the completed light stand that will hang above the tank. Final dimensions came out to 40"x20". Had to get a little creative with the AI mount. I used menting plates to attach the AI mount off BRS and then T-Slot nuts to attach it to the frame.

 

[sugar]

Following along! Looking forward to seeing everything come together.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Finally, I worked on the light stand a little bit. Decided to use 1010 extruded aluminum, and designed my own mount to attach the XR30s and AI blade. The tolerances were pretty tight with the print!

Here is the completed light stand that will hang above the tank. Final dimensions came out to 40"x20". Had to get a little creative with the AI mount. I used menting plates to attach the AI mount off BRS and then T-Slot nuts to attach it to the frame.

That light mount looks awesome!

 

[vandy]

Thank you! Glad the print came out well.

Couple more updates. This thread will be moving a lot faster now that the basement is practically finished.

Finally got around to stripping the stand down and repainting it with an oil based enamel.

Looks much darker in person. Also I’ll be replacing the plywood with PVC board so it’s waterproof.

 

[vandy]

When I was making the stand, I tapped the bottom to accept M10 screws, and welded together some makeshift leveling feet with grade 8 bolts. I’ll add some pads to the bottom of them.

Also started the aquascape this weekend. Didn’t realize how many hours it would take but I’m about 4 hours in and haven’t even gotten one piece done yet.

More to follow soon!!

 

[vandy]

Update on the first rock. Happy with how it turned out. Lots of caves/passthroughs and lots of space for sticks!! Working on the second one now.

Finally got the stand into place as well!!! I need to touch up a few ding but it’s crazy to think it’s finally in its resting place!