Zoo Med "Low Boy"/Deep Blue -160 gallon frag tank system

[tippin.turtle]

My build has been three years in the making and yet, still not complete. That said, the past few months I've been pushing harder to get it closer to completion. My goal is to have this wrapped up in the next 4 months or so, at which point, I can finally add some water and start the cycling process. I purchased these two Zoo Med 50 gallon frag tanks with the intent to grow and hoard as much coral as possible. Ironically, I found that the journey to get there has been much more rewarding; perhaps better than the final destination itself. Time will tell.

 

[Peace River]

It looks like you are well on your way! Nice work - I really like the 50g lowboy!

 

[Mykawl]

Wow no words, absolutely beautiful definitely following : D hype!

 

[tippin.turtle]

I just received my refugium lights(Sansi 70W) in the mail, and man they are monsters! No fans, cool to the touch, and pump out some serious light! And they're waterproof! I haven't seen anyone use them as of yet for a refugium, but I suspect they will be more than adequate. Suspect one would have been plenty but would like to explore how much Chaeto a fella can grow with serious light power...lol.
I went with some dow rods, zip ties, and closet hangers as a means to mount them within the stand canopy. A little cord management and I think i'll be able to cross this off my "too do" list.

 

[tippin.turtle]

Installed, think they look pretty darn good!

 

[tippin.turtle]

It looks like you are well on your way! Nice work - I really like the 50g lowboy!

Thanks Peace! There is so much neat stuff associated with reef tanks. I really wanted to go with the concept of celebrating and enjoying all the equipment that makes them tick. It seems a shame to hide everything behind cabinet doors away from prying eyes. Also, I believe it will probably make me a better aquarist, as lack of maintenance will be painfully obvious. Guess I may be a nudist at heart...lol.

 

[tippin.turtle]

Wow no words, absolutely beautiful definitely following : D hype!

Thanks Mykawl! I've never created a thread before; in fact , I just joined this site. My family has been encouraging me for a while now that I should be posting this stuff online. Now that I have, I can see the wisdom in their words, as this is a fantastic way to share ideas with like minded folks. There are many frags tanks in the world, but this one is mine...lol! Happy reefing my friend!

 

[najer]

Following, great work so far and welcome to reef2reef.

 

[Katrina71]

I just received my refugium lights(Sansi 70W) in the mail, and man they are monsters! No fans, cool to the touch, and pump out some serious light! And they're waterproof! I haven't seen anyone use them as of yet for a refugium, but I suspect they will be more than adequate. Suspect one would have been plenty but would like to explore how much Chaeto a fella can grow with serious light power...lol.
I went with some dow rods, zip ties, and closet hangers as a means to mount them within the stand canopy. A little cord management and I think i'll be able to cross this off my "too do" list.

Smart!

 

[Katrina71]

Beautiful!

 

[tippin.turtle]

Finished plumbing the overflow boxes utilizing the Herbie drain method. Decided to tint my refugium with 5% window tint in hopes that it will cut down/absorb unwanted light and possibly prevent algae growth from occuring in my sump which sits beside and below the refugium.

 

[tippin.turtle]

 

[tippin.turtle]

 

[tippin.turtle]

Having gone the T5 route as the primary source of lighting over the tanks; and not wishing to give up a T5 bulb within the reflector to accommodate a "T5 style" led bulb for that "extra pop, shimmer, moonlight" effect, I found these on Ebay.

I purchased the largest model containing 66 LEDs/13.5 watts. I used the suction cup mounting clips that came with the light to attach to pre existing screws/holes on the side of the fixture.

I purchased all four tubes for $100 dollars. Granted, they are NOT your high end LED's but for
a small investment I get a little shimmer, a little pop, and moonlights for a fraction of the cost!
I'm chalking this one up as a win to all the haters!

 

[Peace River]

The tank continues to look great! The biggest question about the lights is if they cover the right spectrum for coral growth. You likely won't know until you get corals in the tank and see what happens - good luck and let us know!

 

[tippin.turtle]

The tank continues to look great! The biggest question about the lights is if they cover the right spectrum for coral growth. You likely won't know until you get corals in the tank and see what happens - good luck and let us know!

PR,
These are NOT intended to grow coral. I applied this as a "solution" primarily for "moonlight" when
the T5's cycle off. It's for "me" not the coral...lol.

 

[Peace River]

PR,
These are NOT intended to grow coral. I applied this as a "solution" primarily for "moonlight" when
the T5's cycle off. It's for "me" not the coral...lol.

Perfect! Then I’m sure they will work great!

 

[tippin.turtle]

So my next project on my build "to do" list is the RO reservoir.
I ordered this one from Marc Levenson/Melev's Reef.
This is really the "jewel" for me in this build. I found Marc on
YouTube when I first got into reefing looking for knowledge
and insight into the reefing hobby.

This reservoir has the perfect fit and dimension for my stand.
I plan on placing it on top of the black mat in the bottom left corner.
A small piece of reef tank equipment made by a reefing community Icon. That sticker
on the front of the reservoir is sure to catch a "real" reef enthusiasts eye!

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Cool! Following!

 

[tippin.turtle]

Another angle...lol.