New project is underway:180g SPS w/ 150g macro sump

[aquavista99]

My 75g and 90g reefs will be shut down soon with all the livestock going into our new system. We decided against an in-wall aquarium because we will be moving in a few years to another house and my wife figured the next owner would not want a saltwater pond as a basement.

Here are a few pictures of the transition. With the help of an electrician, we recently added 3 new 20 amp circuits to run the new reef project. My unfinished, custom solid oak stand and canopy arrived on Thursday. More updates and pictures to follow.

[Reefinmike]

lookin nice. what are you doing for filtration, lighting and flow?

[aquavista99]

lookin nice. what are you doing for filtration, lighting and flow?

4 tunze streams; 3 400 watt metal halides w/Icecap electronic ballasts and 14 k Hamilton lamps; either a EuroReef or Deltec recirculating skimmer (I decided against going with a larger AquaC) ...not sure about the return pump. We plan to purchase a GEO calcium reactor soon as well. The 150g macro sump will have 1 250 watt metal halide w/ Icecap electronic ballast and a 10k lamp. I already have the tunze streams, just need to purchase the sump, lights, skimmer, ballasts and calcium reactor.

[ohioreef]

Nice canopy!

[aquavista99]

Nice canopy!

The canopy is 21" tall which will allow more than enough room for the Lumenarc III reflectors. However, I think I may just leave the top cover of the canopy off and have the reflectors hang from the ceiling. I plan on staining the stand and canopy this weekend.

[micki]

Looking Good!

[bigfalcon36]

Very, Very nice.  Obviously this is in your basement.  What is the silver liner on the basement walls?  I am starting to finish my basement and want to add a moisture barrier, but am unsure of what to use.

[aquavista99]

Very, Very nice.  Obviously this is in your basement.  What is the silver liner on the basement walls?  I am starting to finish my basement and want to add a moisture barrier, but am unsure of what to use.

The silver liner is insulation with a protective outer shell, similar to aluminum foil, but stronger.

[aquavista99]

I took this picture today under 10 K 250 watt MH lamps (no supp lighting). Looking forward to moving all the livestock over to the new system.

[aquavista99]

Just finished the first coat of stain on the stand. The canopy is next. I purchased the stain today from WoodCraft Furniture in Centerville. The stain color is called warm cherry.

[aquavista99]

Stain project is now complete. May add a second coat in 24 hrs or so.

[ohioreef]

Looks nice.

[verper]

Stain project is now complete. May add a second coat in 24 hrs or so.

And then 2-3 coats of poly 

[aquavista99]

I finished the second (and final) coat of stain today........the top coat is next.

[Secondgen]

Lookin good.

[aquavista99]

Lookin good.

Thanks! I am almost finished with the stand and canopy project. Here are a few updated pictures.

[bigfalcon36]

That's unbelievable...great work.  This should be really nice to see once you get water in it.

[Joel]

Looks great!!!!

Did you seal the inside of the stand? In the pictures that showed the inside, it still looked bare. If it is bare, it wont hold up real well against the moisture and salt creep.

[aquavista99]

Looks great!!!!

Did you seal the inside of the stand? In the pictures that showed the inside, it still looked bare. If it is bare, it wont hold up real well against the moisture and salt creep.

I used an outdoor Olympic brand clear waterproofing sealant (designed for fences and decks) for the entire inside of the stand and canopy. I used this product before on my last stand and canopy with very good results.

[aquavista99]

I removed all my livestock from my 75g & 90g reefs this weekend. My 180g is still not ready (IE, I still need to add a skimmer, new lighting system, calcium reactor, return pump, sump and do the plumbing) but the fish and corals all made the transition well. Right now, I am skimmerless and sumpless and the tank is being powered by just two 250 watt MH lamps, two heaters and four Tunze streams. 


Anyone else notice my little green clown goby in the first picture?

[micki]

Tim just curious, why did you move them if it's not ready? 

[ohioreef]

Yup, I found him! Our own version of "Where's Waldo."

[aquavista99]

Tim just curious, why did you move them if it's not ready? 

It's kind of like, in order to buy a new house, you have to sell your old house first type of deal.My reef, right now, is ready to hold live stock.
 
 Just look at it as a skimmerless SPS system. I have lots of flow (about 10,000 gal/hr), 500 watts of metal halide lights, and plenty of mature liverock (over 250 pounds) to serve as natural filtration. In a few weeks, I will have more flow, more intense lights and skimmer.

[aquavista99]

Yup, I found him! Our own version of "Where's Waldo."

The green clown goby came in as a hitchhiker on the first Acropora coral I purchased by mail order in the Summer of 2005. The coral didn't last long, but this fish is really neat (moves from coral to coral all day long).

[micki]

It's kind of like, in order to buy a new house, you have to sell your old house first type of deal.My reef, right now, is ready to hold live stock.

Gotcha.  That makes sense. 

We had a yellow clown goby and pulled it out of the tank because it was bothering the acros too much.  I put it in the 40 gallon and it jumped out. 

[Viggen]

looks great!

Have you decided which skimmer, pumps, etc you are going to go with?

[aquavista99]

looks great!

Have you decided which skimmer, pumps, etc you are going to go with?

Thanks, Viggen! I finally selected a skimmer, and will be ordering everything this week. I may go with two smaller return pumps instead of one larger one as well. It may cost more but I like the idea better.

[Viggen]

FWIW you have been a slacker!!!  I think the last 3 or 4 times I have been at Joel's shop you haven't been there??  I mean what's up with that  

Anyways, what pumps & skimmer??  or will we all find out when we see pics

I use 1 pump as a return however I almost always have a extra pump laying around somewhere that I can throw in there in case it fails because it does happen

 

[aquavista99]

FWIW you have been a slacker!!!  I think the last 3 or 4 times I have been at Joel's shop you haven't been there??  I mean what's up with that  

Anyways, what pumps & skimmer??  or will we all find out when we see pics

I use 1 pump as a return however I almost always have a extra pump laying around somewhere that I can throw in there in case it fails because it does happen

 

As for the equipment, you will have to wait until I post pictures because nothing is final until the check is in the mail. I stopped by Joel's shop to pick up 120 lbs of sand and a 30g  breeder QT tank
on Wednesday ....where were you? Today, I helped a friend set up a reef aquarium. I change my mind quickly...now leaning towards just one large return pump again for my new system.

[aquavista99]

I now have a sump! I decided to go with a 125 gallon sump instead of a 150 gallon version. I also ordered my new lighting system, return pump and skimmer yesterday. The skimmer will take a few weeks to arrive, maybe longer. I should have the sump up and running when the new return pump arrives.

Here are some updated pictures.....The reef was setup just a few days ago (last Friday).

[micki]

Very cool Tim!  I like how you have the tank aquascaped.  I think reefs look cool with the middle open. 

[Slicktrax]

it looks very nice!

[cbell]

not to down your skills as a photographer but the pictures don't do it justice. I have only seen one other sps tank that can compare.

[aquavista99]

not to down your skills as a photographer but the pictures don't do it justice. I have only seen one other sps tank that can compare.

Thanks again for stopping by last night, Chris. I hope those green birds nest frags work well for you ...they are very hardy and fast growing! I imagine my reef will see dramatic improvements once I hook up my new lighting system and calcium reactor. Right now, I am feeding the system  kalkwasser and turbo calcium.   

Thanks for the compliments, Micki, Slicktrax & Cbell! I really like the open look in the center of the reef as well. It looks better in person.

[micki]

Do you routinely frag the green birdsnest? 

[aquavista99]

Do you routinely frag the green birdsnest? 

Yes, I sold a lot of frags and colonies on Cincyreef over the past few months.. I attached a few pictures of some of the larger colonies I grew from small frags and sold to others in the area.   

[ohioreef]

Looking good!!

[micki]

I would be interested in a frag when you are selling again.

[aquavista99]

I would be interested in a frag when you are selling again.

PM sent

[Joel]

Things are looking great Tim.

Man, that new sump looks awfully familiar 

[aquavista99]

Things are looking great Tim.

Man, that new sump looks awfully familiar 

If you like the sump, you should check out Aquariums Etc. There is a guy who builds them at the shop and he does a pretty good job.....I can't remember his name, but he acts like he owns the place!

[aquavista99]

Update: I have my new lighting system installed....still waiting for Premium Aquatics to drop ship me another ballast though. I installed the new 400 watt Galaxy electronic ballasts with 14 k Hamilton bulbs. I really like the look of the 14k lamps (no supplemental lighting is needed in my opinion).

Here are a few updated pictures of my new lighting system ....still waiting on the return pump (arrives Monday), skimmer, and calcium reactor.

[micki]

Very nice.  I like the hamilton bulbs. 

[aquavista99]

Very nice.  I like the hamilton bulbs. 

Me too.  I think I found the bulb I will be using for a long time. Previously, I was running Ushio 10k lamps w/ supp. lighting. I had my canopy designed with a removable center top to allow me to run an open lighting system with lots of ventilation w/out the need of adding aquarium fans or a chiller. I still need to install another reflector and ballast, but here is a look from the top......love the design of the canopy.

 

[micki]

Cool!  I used XM bulbs which I thought I liked. Travis finally convinced me to try the hamiltons.  My corals started changing color immediately with the hamiltons!   

[slandis3]

I am really impressed with my blue line 14k. Theirs just enough blue theirs no need for atnics IMO. when we make our final decision on our new tank i will run the same bulbs

[aquavista99]

*****Updates******

I hope to finish the sump project this weekend. I also just received another 400 watt ballast for the display aquarium. My display has been running on two 400 watt MH lamps since last week. I hope to add the third 400 watt MH lamp this weekend as well.
 
The skimmer is being built right now (2-4 weeks for delivery???). I will be picking up the calcium reactor next weekend.

I think I am on week three without a skimmer and sump, and my fish and corals are doing great. Here are some updated pictures taken just a few minutes ago of my unfinished reef and sump project....More updates to follow....

[bigfalcon36]

I love the 180...looks great!  Can you give the specs on your sump, return pump, tunze set-up, heaters, and what you plan on doing with the different chambers of your sump.  Looks great though!

[aquavista99]

I love the 180...looks great!  Can you give the specs on your sump, return pump, tunze set-up, heaters, and what you plan on doing with the different chambers of your sump.  Looks great though!

Thanks, Travis! I have been working on this project since late December and can't wait until I am finally finished.  As for the specs... I am running two tunze 6100s (3,200 gph X2 )on a single controller plus another two tunze 6060s (1,600 gph X2). The return pump is an Iwaki MD RLT 55 (Japanese model...additional 1,000 + gph) . The sump is 125 gallons and will be used as a macro algae scrubber w/ cheato and mangroves. Will be using either one  175 watt or 250 watt MH  for the sump as well with a lumenarc III reflector.  I also added the new hydor theo heaters as well (two total at 400 watts x 2). The heaters will be moved to either the overflows or sump soon.

I am also building a 30 g QT system for newly added corals.

[bigfalcon36]

So you're going to use a slow flow sump, which is a great idea.  I am still trying to determine which return pump to get...I like both the Iwaki series and the Eheim 1262.  I am also wanting to get some more info/feedback on the Tunze stuff.  Since I am going with a 4' tank, I was wondering if 2x6100 would be too much for it or if 2x6000 would be enough?  Your thoughts would be nice...

[aquavista99]

So you're going to use a slow flow sump, which is a great idea.  I am still trying to determine which return pump to get...I like both the Iwaki series and the Eheim 1262.  I am also wanting to get some more info/feedback on the Tunze stuff.  Since I am going with a 4' tank, I was wondering if 2x6100 would be too much for it or if 2x6000 would be enough?  Your thoughts would be nice...

Travis, I am going with a slow flow sump because of two reasons :1) I will be using a very large skimmer (IE, less flow means more time to skim) and 2) I will also be growing lots of macro algae in the sump, which prefers low flow.

 As for the tunzes,  I would recommend going with two tunze 6100s for your 120 gallon system. I ran two tunze 6000s on my 90 gallon, then ran two 6100s, which was overkill. However, your tank could handle it. I think Scott (Verper) is running two tunze 6000s on his 120g and he has lots of flow as well. Keep in mind that you can adjust the speeds/flow on the tunze 6000s and tunze 6100s, so either one will give you great results!

Both return pumps you selected are great! If you go with the Iwaki, make sure you purchase the Japanese pump (not American version). The Japanese version runs quiet and is built better, hence it costs more. You could go with the same pump I am using or the MD 40 RLT model, which is one size smaller.

[bigfalcon36]

What kind of critters are you going to have in your sump?  I suspect that the skimmer is going to be an external one with the sump design that you have.  By the way, PM sent.

[aquavista99]

*****Update*****

I am almost finished with the plumbing. Sure hope nothing leaks!

[aquavista99]

What kind of critters are you going to have in your sump?  I suspect that the skimmer is going to be an external one with the sump design that you have.  By the way, PM sent.

Yes, I already ordered a Euro-Reef RC 500 skimmer. It comes with three Eheim 1262 pumps and is rated for aquariums much larger than my existing system.  As for the critters in my sump, mostly pods, small snails and worms. I purchased 80 lbs of Fiji Pink reef sand for the sump and it will be all open air/look down.

[bigfalcon36]

That's going to be one badass system, your skimmer will open up a lot of options for you to add on later down the road if you wanted to.  I can't wait to see that monster once you get it in and set up.  Where did you order it from?

[Reefinmike]

controller?

[ohioreef]

Wow!! I wish I had the room to set up a larger sump/refugium for my system.

[aquavista99]

That's going to be one badass system, your skimmer will open up a lot of options for you to add on later down the road if you wanted to.  I can't wait to see that monster once you get it in and set up.  Where did you order it from?

Aquariums Etc is now an authorized Euro-Reef dealer. I purchased my skimmer through Joel.

[aquavista99]

****More updates*** The plumbing is 95% complete and the sump is now hooked up. I will be building a large stand behind the sump to house the calcium reactor and skimmer.

[aquavista99]

controller?

All Tunze pumps with a driver can be controlled electronically to simulate various marine flow conditions in the aquarium. I am using the Tunze Single controller 7091 with a branch adapter.

[Emily]

Where did you get your pink fiji sand from?  Chris and I are looking to buy sand in the next week

[aquavista99]

Where did you get your pink fiji sand from?  Chris and I are looking to buy sand in the next week

Aquariums, Etc. Joel sells 40 lbs bags of sand (various types, including the Fiji sand). 

[Reefinmike]

why not use a tank controller. it makes it so much easier keeping track of tank pH, having timers for lights and other equip which will shut off when the tank goes above a certain temp and a heater control which makes virtually impossible for your tank to overheat... when you're already spending all the money to make it top of the line, why not go all the way?

[aquavista99]

****More updates****

The lighting on the display is now finished!!! I added a third ballast and reflector over the weekend and removed the heaters to the overflows. Here are a few updated pictures ... Now running three 400 watt 14k Hamilton lamps on three Galaxy ballasts.

[verper]

Looking good.  I like the hood.  Might have to copy yours. 

[aquavista99]

Looking good.  I like the hood.  Might have to copy yours. 

Copy away, Scott. Open air hoods in basement set ups = no heat issues! I copied my canopy design after Hugo's (snipersps) TOTM  set up on Reefcentral. I posted some pictures of Hugo's canopy below.

[ohioreef]

Looking awesome!!

[aquavista99]

Looking awesome!!

You must be talking about Hugo's tank, huh? Just kidding. My project is a work in progress and a financial strain....but as long as my corals and fish are happy, it is worth it.

[ohioreef]

Nope, talking about yours!!

[aquavista99]

Nope, talking about yours!!

Thanks, Gary! It is hard to finish the project because I spend so much time just looking at the reef now (and need more funds) ... but it looks much better in person.

[aquavista99]

Finally took a close up picture of one of my clowns today. My wife named all the fish and this fish is called "Lucky" because she jumped in the overflow when we first purchased her in 2005 and we thought she did a peter pan!

[Reefinmike]

sorry to derail a little but this beautifully matured tank is all dead now. i believe it was from a power outage.

Copy away, Scott. Open air hoods in basement set ups = no heat issues! I copied my canopy design after Hugo's (snipersps) TOTM  set up on Reefcentral. I posted some pictures of Hugo's canopy below.

[micki]

That would suck... 

[ohioreef]

sorry to derail a little but this beautifully matured tank is all dead now. i believe it was from a power outage.

That's sad.

[aquavista99]

Unfortunately, power outages occur. Some people in the Cincinnati area lost power for up to 18 hours during the recent snow/ice storm. I am looking at purchasing a 1000 watt battery backup system (power invertor) in case my power goes out. 

[slandis3]

Tim, for a system like yours i would look into getting a small gas powered generator. You can get a small one for a few hundred $'s and run your whole system.

[micki]

We have a generator ready to hook into if need be.

[aquavista99]

Tim, for a system like yours i would look into getting a small gas powered generator. You can get a small one for a few hundred $'s and run your whole system.

My friend has a gas generator I could borrow, but I am concerned the neighbors would complain about the loud noise. I recall someone from Southern California on Reef Central last year who lost his reef due to a major power outage and had the police come to his house for noise complaints from running a generator...he lost everything. Home Depot has a nice selection of gas generators and power invertors, both reasonably priced.  A good invertor hooked up to a marine battery could run one tunze pump and two 400 watt heaters for at least 12 hours (most likely longer depending on the battery size and whether it was fully charged).  

If noise was not an issue, I would definitely go with a gas generator....although it does void the warranties on most electronic ballasts (if you decide to power up the lights as well).

[micki]

We live down in the woods all by ourselves.  Noise wouldn't be a problem at all.  I probably wouldn't power up the lights unless the outage went on for more than a day.   

[aquavista99]

Tim, for a system like yours i would look into getting a small gas powered generator. You can get a small one for a few hundred $'s and run your whole system.

I think I am going to look into the Honda generators as a possible back up system...they make some quiet ones that can be used for computers and other sensitive electronics.

[aquavista99]

Here are a few close up pics ... still waiting for the skimmer, halide lamp/ballast for the sump and calcium reactor.

[micki]

Very Nice Tim!

[verper]

I think I am going to look into the Honda generators as a possible back up system...they make some quiet ones that can be used for computers and other sensitive electronics.

    Honda generators   

[aquavista99]

Very Nice Tim!

Thanks, Micki!

[aquavista99]

    Honda generators   

I am looking at the EU2000 .... not in my  budget but I will sleep better knowing that my reef has a back up system that is dependable and quiet to operate.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/gensup.asp

[verper]

I am looking at the EU2000 .... not in my  budget but I will sleep better knowing that my reef has a back up system that is dependable and quiet to operate.

I think we have that one at work, and of course available for me to borrow if needed.  We have quite a few of the larger Honda generators or generator/welders.  It's one of those "you get what you pay for" deals.  Very reliable and quite generators.

[aquavista99]

I think we have that one at work, and of course available for me to borrow if needed.  We have quite a few of the larger Honda generators or generator/welders.  It's one of those "you get what you pay for" deals.  Very reliable and quite generators.

Thanks for the feedback, Scott! I have always had good luck with Honda products, whether it is with cars or lawnmowers.....very reliable and built to last a long time. I think the EU 2000 could provide basic life support for my reef (IE, run a few pumps or heaters until power is restored) and not piss off the neighbors at 2am with loud noise.

[reeffiend]

Nice tank!!  I have an extra euro reef skimmer not in use at the moment if you would like to borrow it until yours comes in.

[aquavista99]

Nice tank!!  I have an extra euro reef skimmer not in use at the moment if you would like to borrow it until yours comes in.

Thanks for the offer, Mike! I have been without a skimmer for a while now....should be okay until the new one arrives.

[aquavista99]

***More updates***

I finished the stand for the SPS QT system and the stand behind the sump to hold my new calcium reactor and skimmer (still waiting for both to arrive).

I also added another 80 pounds of Fiji sand to the sump last night.

Tonight, my mangroves arrived and I added an Ice Cap fan to the display (will mount the fan later).

[micki]

Very nice!  What is taking the CA and skimmer so long?  Where are they coming from?

[bigfalcon36]

What size lights are you going to go with on the breeder?  Go with a 400 watt and watch the water boil

[aquavista99]

Very nice!  What is taking the CA and skimmer so long?  Where are they coming from?

Euroreef...the size I ordered is built to order, so I don't know how much longer it will take . As for the GEO Calcium reactor, for the size I want, everyone who carries it has been out of stock for weeks. Bummer. I paid for the skimmer and reactor, just waiting, and waiting.................

[aquavista99]

What size lights are you going to go with on the breeder?  Go with a 400 watt and watch the water boil

Either a 250 or 400 watt. Not sure yet because I am not ready to add new corals anytime soon.

[bigfalcon36]

what type of products do you use in a coral QT system?  I would like to set something like that up, once i get everything going.

[aquavista99]

what type of products do you use in a coral QT system?  I would like to set something like that up, once i get everything going.

All SPS corals are dipped in Iodine for about 15 minutes, then they go into QT for a few weeks to make sure they are healthy (no flatworms, etc). I use Tropic Marin Pro-coral Cure for my iodine treatments. I also treat all Acropora corals w/ Interceptor to prevent red bugs from coming into my display. Interceptor treatment runs for a 5 days with three 12 hour treatments.

[Reefinmike]

hmm, i always read to treat for 6 hours? it seems the medication isnt too harmful to sps(you can dose quite a bit more than reccomended), so i guess double the time wouldnt be too bad.

[aquavista99]

hmm, i always read to treat for 6 hours? it seems the medication isnt too harmful to sps(you can dose quite a bit more than reccomended), so i guess double the time wouldnt be too bad.

Eric Borneman has conducted a lot of research in this area, and my interceptor treatment protocol is based on his findings and what my Veterinarian recommends.

Per Borneman, " Treatment dosage appears to be flexible, if not variable. Given the apparent low toxicity to corals even at elevated dosages, [Borneman] suggests a dose level equal or higher (up to 10x) than suggested by Dorton. Dorton suggests three separate treatments of six hours. Upon examination of treated colonies, six hours appears to be insufficient for a 100% kill rate, while 12 hours seems to be more effective. In the one test where coral mortality was observed, the treatment time was only six hours, and in all other tests, no ill effects to the coral were seen with extended treatment times. It appears that time, and not dosage level, is the critical variable towards providing 100% kill rates for the copepods. "

[aquavista99]

Now have three  of five pieces needed for the calcium reactor. Four and five would be the reactor itself and the media.

[micki]

Cool! 

[Reefinmike]

what kind of media are you planning on using in the reactor? the super expensive schuran stuff (i believe that's what phisy uses)

[aquavista99]

what kind of media are you planning on using in the reactor? the super expensive schuran stuff (i believe that's what phisy uses)

I went w/ ARM for the media. The other stuff was back-ordered for weeks and didn't want to wait any longer. Now I just need to put the Calcium reactor together. It is a big one.....GEO 624 ...built like a tank!

[micki]

Wow cool!  So do you have everything now?

[aquavista99]

Wow cool!  So do you have everything now?

Thanks, Micki! Just picked up the calcium reactor today. Still waiting on the skimmer.

[bigfalcon36]

Get the DARN skimmer in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[micki]

Too bad they are taking so long.  Glad to hear things are going well though.

[Joel]

I forgot to call and ask what the status on the skimmer is. I'll try tomorrow but I bet it'll be Monday before I can get anyone to answer the phone.

Your system is looking awesome Tim, can't wait till to see everything together.

Keep the pictures coming!!!!!!

[aquavista99]

I forgot to call and ask what the status on the skimmer is. I'll try tomorrow but I bet it'll be Monday before I can get anyone to answer the phone.

Your system is looking awesome Tim, can't wait till to see everything together.

Keep the pictures coming!!!!!!

Thanks, Joel! I am sure it will be worth the wait on the new skimmer!

[aquavista99]

I finished the SPS QT system this weekend. It is a 30 g breeder with one 400 watt halide lamp. The macro algae sump is looking good as well. The mangroves are responding well to the Ushio 175 watt lamp. Hope to get the calcium reactor hooked up sometime this week. Going to Weiler Welding in Moraine to get my CO2 tank filled soon. 

[micki]

Looks cool!  I love the look of new tanks! 

[aquavista99]

Looks cool!  I love the look of new tanks! 

Thanks, Micki! It is a labor of love and right now I am working overtime without pay just to finish the project.

[micki]

LOL I hear that Tim!  Been there done that...

[aquavista99]

I filled the CO2 tank this evening. Here are a few new pictures of the reef. Still no skimmer but I am told the skimmer will ship soon.

[aquavista99]

With help from Chris (cbell), my GEO 624 calcium reactor is now up and running.

[bigfalcon36]

looking great Tim.  You're still not out of the woods yet.  I want to see that skimmer!

[aquavista99]

looking great Tim.  You're still not out of the woods yet.  I want to see that skimmer!

Delivery date is 3/8  for the new skimmer!  Of course, I will need to order a feed pump for it, just don't know what size yet until everything is in place.

[aquavista99]

My new skimmer arrived today. Special thanks to Joel and Aquariums Etc for getting the skimmer for me. I hope to finish my new reef project this weekend. I need to modify the stand I built behind the 125 gallon sump to hold my new calcium reactor and skimmer. 

[verper]

Impressive to say the least.  Where did you find the minature diet pepsi can? 

[aquavista99]

Impressive to say the least.  Where did you find the minature diet pepsi can? 

Thanks, Verper. I am just glad this project is almost over so i can start enjoying the reef instead of working on it all the time.

They sell the mini diet pepsi cans at Kroger ....two for $1 special. Makes things look much bigger than they really are. I was thinking about placing my new skimmer in a 10 gallon nano sump. Would give me more room to do other stuff in the basement 

[Joel]

that skimmer sux!!!!!!!

[aquavista99]

that skimmer sux!!!!!!!

 I posted a picture of your new skimmer as well. Looks just like mine ...

    

[micki]

Very Cool Tim!!! 

[bigfalcon36]

What a beast!!!  Joel you should buy every club member a skimmer like that one, just to be nice.  Congrats to Tim, I know you've waited forever to be able to enjoy the tank.  Looks like it's all coming together for you now.  Things still look awesome!

[aquavista99]

Very Cool Tim!!! 

I will let you know if it was worth the wait after I see the skimmer in action but something tells me I will not be disappointed.

[aquavista99]

What a beast!!!  Joel you should buy every club member a skimmer like that one, just to be nice.  Congrats to Tim, I know you've waited forever to be able to enjoy the tank.  Looks like it's all coming together for you now.  Things still look awesome!

Thanks Travis! Appreciate your support on this project as well. Looking forward to just watching the corals and fish grow. New project should be finished soon.

[bigfalcon36]

Finished is one of terms that is over used.  Tanks are never finished.

[aquavista99]

Finished is one of terms that is over used.  Tanks are never finished.

Very true. If everything grows as expected (day by day, week by week, etc), a larger aquarium will be in order within a few years. You are absolutely right. A reef aquarium is never finished. But my days of spending numerous hours in the basement working on the project will be over soon   

[rmstevensiii]

Almost time to kick back with a cold one an enjoy your handiwork.

[aquavista99]

Almost time to kick back with a cold one an enjoy your handiwork.

Very good point, Mitch. Time to relax and enjoy the view type of deal!

[aquavista99]

Almost time to kick back with a cold one an enjoy your handiwork.

Nope, I ended up spending another weekend in my basement working on this project. Decided to take out the existing plumbing and stand I built for my reactor and skimmer (behind the sump) and make things more user friendly (IE, added lots of unions, etc). Built two smaller stands to hold the reactor and skimmer as well. Only four trips to Lowes this weekend!

[Reefinmike]

very nice tim!

however i do not know if that skimmer is large enough to handle your system.

[aquavista99]

About 99% finished with the sump

[micki]

SWEET!!! 

[bigfalcon36]

How's the skimmer working out for you Tim?

[Joel]

is that plumbing a little crooked?

[aquavista99]

is that plumbing a little crooked?

I think you are right about the plumbing....hence 99% finished with he sump. I want to do a mulligan with the plumbing on the skimmer....just need my local vendor to order the replacement parts for me since Euro-Reef, Inc. always encourages you to contact your local authorized dealer first.

[Reefinmike]

looks like its all coming along great. the only pointer i have is that IME cheato grows much faster if you have it spread out into a 4-5" thick sheet, that way light can penetrate down and it can make the most use out of the light. also it will hold less detritus and gunk in a sheet rather than a ball.

[aquavista99]

SWEET!!! 

Thanks, Micki! I am very pleased with the macro algae sump Here are a few more pictures of the sump.

[aquavista99]

looks like its all coming along great. the only pointer i have is that IME cheato grows much faster if you have it spread out into a 4-5" thick sheet, that way light can penetrate down and it can make the most use out of the light. also it will hold less detritus and gunk in a sheet rather than a ball.

Hey Mike, I am actually using my cheato to replace the micron filter socks I used on my old system. It is placed where it is to trap the detritus and gunk. I just rinse it off in a five gallon bucket every week when I do water changes. Works well so far and beats cleaning micron fiber socks which clog up every few days.

[aquavista99]

How's the skimmer working out for you Tim?

Travis, I love the skimmer so far. I am still testing which feed pump will give me the best results. I started off with a Mag 7 and now I am using a Mag 5. May go back to the Mag 7 soon. Would like to move about 300-400 gph through the skimmer via the feed pump.

[aquavista99]

Almost time to kick back with a cold one an enjoy your handiwork.

Agreed. Saved the best for last!

[verper]

Two fine choices 

[bigfalcon36]

Some one stole a Guinness...

[Viggen]

Looking GREAT!! 

So is the ER running with 1, 2 or 3 RC pumps? 

My guess is a mag 3 or a mag 5

I use a eheim 1250 as my feed pump

[aquavista99]

Looking GREAT!! 

So is the ER running with 1, 2 or 3 RC pumps? 

My guess is a mag 3 or a mag 5

I use a eheim 1250 as my feed pump

Thanks for the compliment, Gary.  My skimmer is equipped with three SPE5/Eheim 1262 pumps. The Mag 5 is working well as a feed pump. I have a ball valve connected to the Mag 7.

[aquavista99]

Some one stole a Guinness...

I think I found the missing Guinness, Travis.

[bigfalcon36]

I bet that smells nice...

[Reefinmike]

hmm... youre one of those of the filter sock haters club . i love mine, just keep 6 on hand, keeps water clear and clears up micro bubbles. i could see how a big chunk of cheato will stop detritus and bubbles also...


btw, Keystone is better.... only $12/30

[aquavista99]

I bet that smells nice...

Travis, I think the skimmer is working out pretty well so far. Here are a few updated pictures.

[Joel]

Now that is some serious waste removal!!!!!!!

[Viggen]

now that looks better

I knew something had to be wrong due to the lack of bubbles in the skimmer body

great to hear you & Joel were able to get it worked out!!

The advantages of buying from one of the local shops/sponsors here in town

[aquavista99]

Now that is some serious waste removal!!!!!!!

I have been cleaning the collection cup every three days.

[aquavista99]

now that looks better

I knew something had to be wrong due to the lack of bubbles in the skimmer body

great to hear you & Joel were able to get it worked out!!

The advantages of buying from one of the local shops/sponsors here in town

The skimmer did a good job with just one pump running, but now it is going crazy with three pumps in operation.

[aquavista99]

Here is a picture of coral you will not see everyday. It came with the live rock from the Gulf of Mexico (found in the Caribbean and Florida). I have several small colonies and they are growing well.

[aquavista99]

One final tank shot. 

[micki]

Tim what kind of coral is that? 

[Slicktrax]

they are tube corals. 

[aquavista99]

I removed my new SPS frags I purchased at the Cleveland frag swap from QT and recently placed them in my reef. Here are a few pictures of the new frags.

[rmstevensiii]

Looking good Tim

[aquavista99]

Looking good Tim

Thanks, Mitch. Here are a few more updated pictures ....lots of cheato, a cleaner shrimp, and sea cucumber pictures. Mangroves and existing coral seem to be doing well too.

[bigfalcon36]

grow them out and start fragging...I'll be home soon!!!

[aquavista99]

grow them out and start fragging...I'll be home soon!!!

Will do, Travis! I noticed a lot of my corals have improved color and growth over the past few months (thanks to the calcium reactor, increased light, more flow and a better understanding on how to keep things alive and well to begin with). It's still a very young reef with potential .....Always room for improvement but I think my new reef project is off to a good start.

I actually have some nice acro frags available now, if you are interested   It may take a while for a lot of my corals to grow out though....

[verper]

Looks good Tim.

[verper]

That red macro two pictures up looks familiar.  Same one?

[aquavista99]

That red macro two pictures up looks familiar.  Same one?

I have two types of red macro algae in my lagoon sump. One is from Aquariums Etc  and the other is from the Gulf of Mexico.  Not sure about the names (pics posted below).

[verper]

The second one looks the same as the one I pointed out at Joel's.  Had you already bought it? 

[aquavista99]

The second one looks the same as the one I pointed out at Joel's.  Had you already bought it? 

I think the  same piece of macro algae you are referring to is still available from Aquariums Etc. The one I have was a gift from a friend who works part-time at Joel's shop.

[Joel]

Who stole that from me and gave it to you?

I still have a few pieces left if any one is interested in some. It is very slow growing, not invasive and seems to be too tough for tangs to eat.

I saw Tim's set up in person the other night, very impressive. Everything looks awesome!!!!

[aquavista99]

Who stole that from me and gave it to you?

I still have a few pieces left if any one is interested in some. It is very slow growing, not invasive and seems to be too tough for tangs to eat.

I saw Tim's set up in person the other night, very impressive. Everything looks awesome!!!!

Pete gave me a sample. Very nice red macro algae. Joel still has some in stock if interested.

[aquavista99]

I picked up another scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp from Aquariums Etc recently and ordered two blood red fire shrimp from Joel today as well.  Here are a few updated pictures of my reef.