Author Topic: Boon's Tanks and Builds (Read 14704 times)

Boonjob · « **on:** May 26, 2011, 12:29:30 »

Ok so after some long thought I think I am gonna rip down my 55gal, and restart it or maybe go bigger(I'd like to go to 75 or 90 on the display). As many already know I am having a terrible nitrate and phosphate problem(which is leading to other troubles such as the mass aiptasia I have, the algae, etc) this was a preestablished mature tank that ran for 2 years... the rock is quite large and I think laden with phosphate. I did a live move at the begining of the year and everything survived and is doing well...I have added a lot of filtration equipment since setting it up and my numbers are still far into the red(nitrates consistantly over 40ppm and can be as high as 200+; phosphastes consistantly at .5 no matter what I do- water changes included).

I haven't tested the water in about a week since doing the 40% wc and adding the scrubber... I am gonna run the numbers again tonight and if they remain unchanged I'm about 99% sure its coming apart. I plan on taking out my live stock and storing them in a 29 gall tank with a skimmer and small koralia(I plan to do atleast 10 gallon changes weekly). The rocks I plan to let dry in the sun(if it ever comes out) and then soaking in muradic acid before placing back into the dt to recycle.

I would like some input and thought on how I am gonna store my live stock over the next few weeks to months while the dt recycles. Or if this process of tearing down and restarting will actually yield the results I'm looking for...which would be no more aiptasia and stable water parameters...

cyberwollf · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2011, 12:41:18 »

how soon do you plan on switching tanks? I plan on eventually tearing down my 75G with (smoked glass coast to coast overflow), and selling it before i move .

Boonjob · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2011, 12:49:10 »

I Was looking to tear it down relatively soon... when you looking to tear yours down and what are you looking at in price?

Kenn · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2011, 14:01:15 »

Quote from: Boonjob on May 26, 2011, 12:29:30

I would like some input and thought on how I am gonna store my live stock over the next few weeks to months while the dt recycles.

I could prob babysit any frags and corals in my frag tank when you do the break down until you get the new DT cycled.

cyberwollf · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2011, 19:24:21 »

Quote from: Boonjob on May 26, 2011, 12:49:10

I Was looking to tear it down relatively soon... when you looking to tear yours down and what are you looking at in price?

Probalby not until after summer. Im not even sure on price. What does a new 75G go for these days?

bkvreef · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2011, 20:01:45 »

Quote from: cyberwollf on May 26, 2011, 19:24:21

Probalby not until after summer. Im not even sure on price. What does a new 75G go for these days?

I'd say about $15 - $20?

Boonjob · « **Reply #6 on:** May 26, 2011, 20:05:53 »

Quote from: cyberwollf on May 26, 2011, 19:24:21

Probalby not until after summer. Im not even sure on price. What does a new 75G go for these days?

Like 10 bucks

Reefpete · « **Reply #7 on:** May 27, 2011, 16:45:48 »

~Reefchick~ is selling her complete 90gal. set up in the classifieds boon, she is excepting offers and needs it gone soon. Just trying to help!

Boonjob · « **Reply #8 on:** May 28, 2011, 02:48:34 »

***UPDATE***

So would it appear that my relentless and tiring efforts of resolving my phosphate and nitrate problems are looking like they might start paying off...?

My phosphates tonight read in just below .25

My nitrates came in just over 25ppm

These numbers are still high for my likings... but they are essentially cut in half since the last reading a little over a week ago...I would assume the combination of the algae scrubber(which is doing amazing) and the strenuous 36hr phosphate sponge changes are at the most to contribute to these numbers.

I plan on doing a smaller 20gal water change tomorrow(last time was 40 gal) which is about 50%dt and 25% overall

I am happy with the curve of these numbers on my spreadsheet, they aren't dropping as fast as I would like but they are clearly dropping... I am gonna put off ripping it down atm and just keep running it like this till I can set up a deal to increase the DT's size, at which I will just soak these rocks in muriatic acid just to rid them of the aiptasia and recycle the tank with the addition of more new dry rock

Reefpete · « **Reply #9 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:32:43 »

I'm very happy that your strenuous efforts are yielding a change for the better.

I guess the moral of all of this is patients...which is one of the few things I have in spades.

micki · « **Reply #10 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:54:16 »

Glad to hear some progress!!! Personally I think it's the addition of the frogspawn!

Kenn · « **Reply #11 on:** May 28, 2011, 10:43:18 »

Awesome !!

Patience is the greatest tool to have in your box when it comes to this hobby

Boonjob · « **Reply #12 on:** May 28, 2011, 10:53:45 »

Quote from: micki on May 28, 2011, 09:54:16

Glad to hear some progress!!! Personally I think it's the addition of the frogspawn!

lol the frogspawn is in another tank at the moment till I can get this one situated but maybe my inhabitants heard it was on the way so they started straitening things up.

And I have patience... But they start to run thin after I have made all these changes and not seen even the slightest change in the numbers in over 3 months.

micki · « **Reply #13 on:** May 28, 2011, 10:56:03 »

Quote from: Boonjob on May 28, 2011, 10:53:45

maybe my inhabitants heard it was on the way so they started straitening things up.

I'm sure that was it!

Boonjob · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2011, 18:36:27 »

From this.....(yeah I know.... yuck right?, It's ok to hate)

Too (drum roll please)...... THIS!...

It is still missing a few things, but I will post more pics as I go... Power heads are on order for monday, I need to work on the vertex, and set up the ats yet.... more to come!!!!

slandis3 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 10, 2011, 18:45:28 »

So you haven't filled it with new coral yet, whats taking so long? LOL Looks good, what kinda lights are you using?

Boonjob · « **Reply #16 on:** June 10, 2011, 18:46:05 »

Also you can't see them, but the first pic(my 50gal) has over 100 aiptasia in it... the 1st pic of my 90... I couldn't find a single one to post.... i had found 2 from the move last night... but the Kleins ate them while I was at work.

Boonjob · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2011, 18:54:54 »

Quote from: slandis3 on June 10, 2011, 18:45:28

So you haven't filled it with new coral yet, whats taking so long? LOL Looks good, what kinda lights are you using?

No lol But I am itching soo bad to start adding corals.... aside from Micki's frogspawn I have yet to purchase or place a single coral in the last 8 months I have been in this hobby....I have the par meter right now and I am mapping out the PAR on various locations so I know where I can add certain light intensive things. My wife is gonna buy me a maxima clam which I couldn't be more excited about(just have to wait to make sure the Kleins got all the aiptasia for sure, so I can move him).

As for the Lights they are 2 metal halide 175w(not sure of the K, but they are rather blue so I would venture 14-20?) and then it has 3 fixtures of PC, actinics all around on those.

The model number on the unit comes up as this(48 inch Current USA Outer Orbit 2x150W 10K HQI-MH w/ 2x130W Dual Actinic & 6 Lunar Lights)... but someone has been into it and replaced and changed alot of the internals. I just added two fans to it yesterday, and plan on replacing the lights all the way around sometime this month

slandis3 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2011, 19:27:34 »

It looks like a 20k color to me. Looks good, I have a tear drop maxma I got for aquariums ect back in 2006 still doing great. They are pretty hardy clams.

Kenn · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2011, 19:45:13 »

Looks really great Cody

Just a suggestion ... Place your mushrooms on the sand bed next to a rock. They will start growing up it. and they will like the lower PAR. Just IMO

micki · « **Reply #20 on:** June 10, 2011, 21:39:15 »

Looks great Cody!!!

lazylivin · « **Reply #21 on:** June 10, 2011, 23:05:23 »

What a great improvement! Nice work man.

Love the rock-scape

Sunny · « **Reply #22 on:** June 11, 2011, 10:49:06 »

Nice !! Looks great. Love the rock work.

Boonjob · « **Reply #23 on:** June 11, 2011, 12:53:12 »

Quote from: Kenn on June 10, 2011, 19:45:13

Looks really great Cody

Just a suggestion ... Place your mushrooms on the sand bed next to a rock. They will start growing up it. and they will like the lower PAR. Just IMO

Thanks for the suggestion Kenn I will be sure to do that... do they just pluck off the rock? I have never moved em(they came on the rock) and don't want to hurt them.

And that supposed ricordia looks 100% different under these lights, I will try to get a pick he is a real vibrant green

Kenn · « **Reply #24 on:** June 11, 2011, 13:04:49 »

I wouldnt pluck it off ... It looks like it is attached to small rocks. you could just place the small rocks on the bottom.

Boonjob · « **Reply #25 on:** July 24, 2011, 20:02:16 »

UPDATES:

I have unfortunately not done ANYTHING to my tank in the last 2 weeks(just due to lack of time), Feeding it about it. I have since stopped running the GFO, and haven't done a water change during this period. Alot of at home problems have kept me from doing this. Though I am not pleased with the way my tank appears I am pleased that it only looks the way it does with this much neglect imo. I have not touched my glass in over 3 weeks, I have not doctored or prepped my tank for anything on my photos(as I never do). The photos were shot on my phone through the glass whose cleanliness is being maintained solely by my clean up crew.

Tanks status:
-Perimters:(Have not run tests yet, will up date this section in a little while)
-Noticed a small outbreak(bout dime size of bubble algae, this has been confirmed to be bubble algae)
-DSB Has a Crust forming over it(pics to come)
-Hair algae seems to be nominal
-Diatom algae seems to have resided
-Appears Red slime experienced from adding DSB has cleared on it's own(as i have done absolutely 100% nothing to this tank since the outbreak)
-Klein's is missing,Seen late last night last.
-Aiptasia population has dropped since adding Kleins, still some present.
-Sand in DT is starting to grow an algae on it
-New Bulbs are going to be needed!

So here are the picks...

Whole setup

Right side of Tank

Left side of Tank

Coral/misc

If things look small(IE Frogspawn), It is because I have been moving stuff around all day looking for the kleins. Also the trumpet coral is a very nice green not really sure why it is showing up white on that pic.

Boonjob · « **Reply #26 on:** July 24, 2011, 20:19:56 »

Sump Pics...(the bubbles in the pics are just normal air bubbles and bubbles released from the DSB they are NOT bubble algae

You can see the crust here... you can also see a piece of it hanging fromt he cheato cage(I get chunks of this blowing through my DT all the time as it breaks off from the DSB)

slandis3 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 24, 2011, 20:27:35 »

For not doing anything for 2 weeks your tank looks pretty good.

Boonjob · « **Reply #28 on:** July 24, 2011, 21:28:12 »

Thanks slandis...

Just ran the Tests....I didn't believe the results so I ran them again...

Ammonia-0
Trites-0
Trates-5
Phos-.03
ph-7.8
SH Gravity 1.027 (little high for my liking but I haven't done a W/C just using top off water.)

I can't believe I am seeing these numbers... I'm gonna test the tank tomorrow again, I certainly hope the Kleins isn't dead cause if these numbers are true he's gonna blow em up.

micki · « **Reply #29 on:** July 24, 2011, 22:26:22 »

Is the kleins missing? Tank still looks good!

Boonjob · « **Reply #30 on:** July 24, 2011, 23:19:23 »

Quote from: micki on July 24, 2011, 22:26:22

Is the kleins missing? Tank still looks good!

yeah he is, I have still not seen him... I don't have very many places for him to hide and I checked every where he could get stuck and didn't find anything, short of ripping all the rock out of the tank I dunno... all I can think of is he got out of the tank and my dog ate him.

lazylivin · « **Reply #31 on:** July 25, 2011, 01:12:44 »

Looks great! Those Nuclear Green Zoa look great.

Boonjob · « **Reply #32 on:** July 25, 2011, 07:59:25 »

Quote from: Lazylivin on July 25, 2011, 01:12:44

Looks great! Those Nuclear Green Zoa look great.

Thanks Brian, Those are steve's zoa's I couldn't pass em up, I think he has another set just like it if anyone likes em alot, plus he had some other really nice looking frags for sale to support the orphanage in kenya.

Boonjob · « **Reply #33 on:** January 28, 2012, 22:41:04 »

Well tank rests in my basement....

Making new stand will take pics of new stand and process of making it.

Special thanks to Wusue! Thanks for helping move the tank buddy, I owe you one.

Tank got down the basement and moved just fine with 4 people. Buti don't think I could pay em enough to get it back out though lol

Myreef55 · « **Reply #34 on:** January 28, 2012, 23:09:45 »

Lest see some pictures of this sucker!!

lazylivin · « **Reply #35 on:** January 28, 2012, 23:34:28 »

That is a nice tank, looking forward to seeing pics to

Neogenesis · « **Reply #36 on:** January 29, 2012, 01:08:54 »

That sounds like a nice setup......can't wait to see it come together.

micki · « **Reply #37 on:** January 29, 2012, 08:42:31 »

Look forward to watching this one progress!

HUNGER · « **Reply #38 on:** January 29, 2012, 11:19:13 »

its about time u get a tank

Boonjob · « **Reply #39 on:** January 29, 2012, 12:36:35 »

Here is the tank sitting on my floor in the basement while I build the new stand and I am going to clean and reseal the tank which I think will be much easier on the floor instead of on a stand

HUNGER · « **Reply #40 on:** January 29, 2012, 12:46:38 »

u havent clean it yet?

Wall_Tank · « **Reply #41 on:** January 29, 2012, 12:47:49 »

Quote from: Boonjob on January 29, 2012, 12:36:35

....I am going to clean and resel the tank......

Some of you need to read what you write........I first read this as clean and Re-Sell the tank. All I could think is why the hell would you put it in your basement. Anyway, I finally figured out you were missing an "A" instead of an "L".

Boonjob · « **Reply #42 on:** January 29, 2012, 12:47:53 »

I went out last night, so I didn't get home till about 4am lol just wke up haha

lazylivin · « **Reply #43 on:** January 29, 2012, 13:02:08 »

That is HUGE!

larrynews · « **Reply #44 on:** January 29, 2012, 13:18:19 »

i think it would be sweet to have a big cube tank

Boonjob · « **Reply #45 on:** January 29, 2012, 13:20:57 »

Quote from: Wall_Tank on January 29, 2012, 12:47:49

Some of you need to read what you write........I first read this as clean and Re-Sell the tank. All I could think is why the hell would you put it in your basement. Anyway, I finally figured out you were missing an "A" instead of an "L".

It was just a typo, just left out an A... I have fixed it.

HUNGER · « **Reply #46 on:** January 29, 2012, 13:51:14 »

Quote from: Wall_Tank on January 29, 2012, 12:47:49

Some of you need to read what you write........I first read this as clean and Re-Sell the tank. All I could think is why the hell would you put it in your basement. Anyway, I finally figured out you were missing an "A" instead of an "L".

no i seen that just given him a hard time

Boonjob · « **Reply #47 on:** January 31, 2012, 08:57:46 »

Ordered some new Black silicone to reseal the inside of the tank

aswell as some rtv108 clear to fix the euro brace at one of the corners

It appears the silicone has deteriorated on one of the euro braces corners, I can get the joint to wiggle when I apply a fair amount of pressure, the others are rock solid. Will post up some pics of the reseal and euro brace repair once materials come in.

Also planned out the stand... Picking up materials hopefully today Scrapping the wood stand for a metal stand with a wood facia on the front. Stand will be open in the back. Due to sizing restrictions I was going to do a 2 part stand so that I could get it through a door, but I have decided to sacrifice height for a one part stand. So stand height will only be 32" which should still be favorable, as It will be in the same room as the comp and tv so you will be at viewing height seated... furthermore I wanted to be able to reach into the tank easier... any higher will require a ladder and lots of leaning on the tank lol.

SapperChris · « **Reply #48 on:** January 31, 2012, 14:55:33 »

Well I think it will be sweet when it's all together and running. You will have to post pics as you go so we can see the progress. Really cool tank.

Myreef55 · « **Reply #49 on:** January 31, 2012, 16:05:02 »

Whats the deal with the holes in the bottom? Drain is one one side correct? Are the two in middle covered?

Boonjob · « **Reply #50 on:** January 31, 2012, 16:16:15 »

The tank used to have a center over flow... it was converted over to a bean system... The holes are still there, so I can use them for closed loop, and I also have plugs for the ones I don't intend to use for the loop, but I don't want it to sit on the plugs, so they just aren't in.

Myreef55 · « **Reply #51 on:** February 01, 2012, 09:10:31 »

Sorry not trying to steal the thread but are the holes in the middle just covered by flat piece of glass? I am thingking of trading for a tank but it is drilled on its bottom. I would like to cover them but not sure if its a good idea. Just seems like a mess waiting to happen. Cant just bulkhead and cap in bottom either. May just pass on the trade and get undrilled from lfs.

Boonjob · « **Reply #52 on:** February 01, 2012, 09:17:48 »

The bottoms holes don't have any glass over them, but I do think a good piece of glass siliconed flat to the inside bottom of the tank over the hole would work just fine.

I would adhere it to the glass, then run an additional bead of silicone around the edges and smooth it just to help seal in case any air pockets developed on the inner seam, it woul dbe no different than the walls of tank...

I'll play the devil's advocate and say that method would be better than a bulkhead...

Viggen · « **Reply #53 on:** February 01, 2012, 10:49:28 »

bulkhead or silicone with a piece of glass works

you could always use a bulkhead on one of the holes & plumb it as a drain for water changes. I drilled a hole on the bottom of my tank for that reason, makes h20 changes a lot easier.... that is if I don't need to clean the gravel

Boonjob · « **Reply #54 on:** February 11, 2012, 12:50:37 »

Got the steel for my frame, 5 - 20ft 2x2 steel sections. Going to the shop Monday to be cut,welded,blasted,and primered... Also picked up a dart nw skimmer yesterday for the tank, thanks Joe

Neogenesis · « **Reply #55 on:** February 11, 2012, 13:35:13 »

dang...and I thought mine was big....that's a massive skimmer!!!!

HUNGER · « **Reply #56 on:** February 11, 2012, 13:44:54 »

Sweet skimmer

lazylivin · « **Reply #57 on:** February 11, 2012, 14:07:23 »

That is a really big Skimmer.

aquavista99 · « **Reply #58 on:** February 11, 2012, 15:41:06 »

Looks great. Can't go wrong with a larger skimmer!

Boonjob · « **Reply #59 on:** March 31, 2012, 22:17:08 »

This is for my series of micro and nano tanks....

First up is the fluval edge 6gal.

-Change light from 30 watt halogens
- upgrade filter
- add auto top off
- powerheads

so I decided to change out the halogens to something more reef compatible.

I ordered leds from rapid led. I went with a 12 led dimmable kit added another eln 60-48d meanwell and 4 more leds...bringing this tank up to 16 cree leds. I have 8 cw and 8 rb each color on a dimmable driver. I wanted each color to be dimmable and decided going with the larger drivers and a couple more leds to allow me to go to the bigger driver was better than capping myself with the smaller deivers, in case I ever want to use this light system else where, at no extra cost but for the newer leds.

First I needed to mod the stock hood to allow it to sit further out on the tank and also horizontal to allow a better spread for the leds... I made a smaller box to fit over the filtration unit that snaps into the original hood.

Before

After

Now I needed to mod the 8x9 hood to allow my 6x9 heatsink to fit....

Ignore the eding around the heatsink the camera picked up on the pencil line that was left over from the cuts.

leds soon to come as soon as I get them wired..... Taking a break for the little one at the moment.

lazylivin · « **Reply #60 on:** March 31, 2012, 23:20:45 »

Looks like it is going to be a nice build Cody. Thanks for sharing

HUNGER · « **Reply #61 on:** April 01, 2012, 00:14:03 »

Looks cool

The WuSue · « **Reply #62 on:** April 01, 2012, 12:12:56 »

Very cool! Can't wait for updates.

Boonjob · « **Reply #63 on:** April 03, 2012, 18:08:18 »

Got the power heads and upgraded filter in today... Got em from Dr foster&Smith with the entry gc we got from swap...

Cant believe the size of these koralias... They werent kidding when they said they were only slightly larger than an egg.

Upscaling the stock AC 20 for an AC 30... Requires a little modding but should fit like a glove in the stock housing.... Will allow me better filtration and filtration flow while allowing for more chemical filtering and space for a heater.

2x Koralia Nano 240's
1x AC 30

HUNGER · « **Reply #64 on:** April 03, 2012, 21:10:00 »

Ya i got 4 of them in the frag tank love them

itsalifestyle · « **Reply #65 on:** April 03, 2012, 23:17:43 »

Nice looking forward to seeing when done Think would make great office tank

Boonjob · « **Reply #66 on:** April 04, 2012, 00:45:55 »

Quote from: itsalifestyle on April 03, 2012, 23:17:43

Think would make great office tank

I would love to keep it at work(might actually make me interested to go in) lol, but I work for the gestapo so they are bums about having anything other than a pc on your desk.

Boonjob · « **Reply #67 on:** April 04, 2012, 00:49:48 »

Hoping to have this thing pumping before the weekend.... Then off to make a Nano Fuge/Planted DT for the cave, take up a little space till i get the cube going.

Boonjob · « **Reply #68 on:** April 05, 2012, 23:50:32 »

Got leds done and mounted in the hood

16 cree leds
8 CW
8 RB
80 degree optics

Leds are at about 75% with pot up to 100%... Whites are running at anout 55% with blues at 75% here... They are blinding at 100% as the tank sits higher than the couch they glare in your face.

ready for water sand and rock.

joncat24 · « **Reply #69 on:** April 06, 2012, 07:05:46 »

Lookin good!

HUNGER · « **Reply #70 on:** April 06, 2012, 08:17:29 »

Looks great

micki · « **Reply #71 on:** April 06, 2012, 08:28:40 »

Schweeeeet!!!

rploaded · « **Reply #72 on:** April 06, 2012, 14:43:48 »

You will have rock Monday....enjoy

Boonjob · « **Reply #73 on:** April 07, 2012, 15:44:15 »

Made all the plugs modular for leds,powerheads, heater, and filter

mounted the dimmer on the back of the tank

lazylivin · « **Reply #74 on:** April 07, 2012, 17:10:23 »

Nice job Cody, looks professional

Boonjob · « **Reply #75 on:** April 07, 2012, 18:53:17 »

Thanks

HUNGER · « **Reply #76 on:** April 07, 2012, 19:26:38 »

Great work

Twizted1 · « **Reply #77 on:** April 14, 2012, 23:25:15 »

What all do you plan on putting in it?

MasonRob · « **Reply #78 on:** April 16, 2012, 08:58:17 »

#1 - So including the cost of the initial tank, LEDs, powerheads, etc. - how much $$$ do you have into this build so far?

#2 - Ever think of building these for other club members who aren't so 'talented'?

Mason Rob

Boonjob · « **Reply #79 on:** April 16, 2012, 11:25:26 »

Twisted - The goal is to keep as much as I can, while still maintaining the water perimeters... The sole intention is to be a anemone and Clown tank for my daughter. I am looking to add some sps, lps, and mayhaps a small bivalve.... I'd really like to see what I can support in it, I have larger tanks so as things get too big I can move/frag them out to the larger tanks. I will throw up some pics/movie shortly... I got about 7# of LR in it right now from rploaded(thanks again!), flow is looking great, and perimeters are coming together better than expected. Due to no skimmer I am expecting to need to perform 20-30% changes weekly/bi-weekly, but I'll know for sure how often once it starts seeing a Bio Load. But 30% on a tank like this is only 2 gals, So no biggie. I have added some decorative macro in behind the LR in the hopes that they will help keep the nitrates down inbetween water changes, only time will tell though.

MasonRob- More than what I wanted to spend, but could be way less, as I went extra on the leds which really threw the cost up. The leds were $250 only because I wanted the led system to be upgradeable if this tank flops(but 6-8 cree leds would do you; I am running 16... you could even keep the stock hood and use mr16 leds bulbs in place of the halogens, and most likely be able to keep softies for less than $8 of lighting) The powerheads were $20 a piece, and you can keep the stock AC20 filter, but I went to an AC30(not needed) was $20. The heater was $10, and then just rock and sand.

I have about $320.00 in the system, But $250 of that is purely LEDS which are overkill imo, I just wanted to be able to use them else where if the tank flops.

You could easily keep a few fish and basic softies for <$100 plus the price of the tank.

I never really thought to market the tank in anyway, and it really wasn't hard to throw together(a dremel,screwdriver, solder iron, and wire strippers; was all it really took) but if anyone wanted me to make one up like this, I wouldn't be opposed to throw it together for them, they'd just need to supply the parts.

Personally I love this style of tank, and kinda wished it came in a 14gal size that was horizontal and not vertical like they have now... But I may make one later down the road if I have some time and a rainy day...

My only gripe is the opening of the tank is only about 7" long by about 4" wide, so getting things in and moved around the tank can be tricky, and when it's full you can't stick your hand in the tank or it will over flow out the small opening... But everything is so small and light a pair of simple tongs work great in place of a hand. On the plus side though, I have a constant great top down view of anything in the tank due to the design.

Boonjob · « **Reply #80 on:** April 20, 2012, 17:28:20 »

Rofl how much par is too much par......getting 650 on sand bed at 75% and over 1100 on the surface of the rock.

lazylivin · « **Reply #81 on:** April 20, 2012, 17:38:15 »

Oh wow that is a lot.

Par According to Advanced Aquarist
Very Low: 15-100
Low: 101-200
Moderate: 201-400
High: 401-700

Boonjob · « **Reply #82 on:** April 20, 2012, 17:59:46 »

Yeah I think I need to turn them down.....

Highest reading was 2800 at the power heads lol

At sand bed

On rocks

At the power head just under the surface of the tank about 2" down...

leds at 75%

Boonjob · « **Reply #83 on:** April 22, 2012, 17:20:35 »

So, Stand is framed, just need to skin it and bring it down to the tank.... Will get some pics up shortly...

I have really been putting off the seams on the tank... Still not sure at all on which way I want to go with this.... The tank has been sitting atleast 2 years years without water, and has been submitted to temp changes, its easy to see that the silicone isn't doing so well... I have confirmed the euro bracing on one corner has failed(not sure if due to age and elements or moving or a combo of both, but I can wiggle this seam with moderate pressure....

My other concern is the actual seams, they are quite frosted which tells me they are pulling away from the glass.... I haven't had the luxury of water testing this as there are about 15 holes in it that will need plugged, and it is currently sitting on the ground....

I talked to Glass cages about the bracing and resealing, and they advised on how to fix the euro brace but advised against tearing the tank completely apart and resealing, said it almost never holds....

But I have also read plenty of thread of "successful" reseals and builds on tanks of this size...

So I am on the fence as to if I want to completely break it down and rebuild, or if I want to just fixe the euro brace and hope the seals are good.... I think its going to be a gamble either way, but I also believe I can play the devil's advocate and say that I can put the tank in better condition than it is right now with a rebuild.

Anyone have any experience with tearing down a large tank like this and putting it back together? My biggest worry is figuring out how to hold up the panels while they dry and insuring I got out all the air bubbles rofl... I'd have to say each panel has to weigh 100+lbs it's 10mm glass

Boonjob · « **Reply #84 on:** April 23, 2012, 16:51:07 »

Decided I am going to rip it apart and rebuild it... Ordering way more silicone going with rtv 103(black) for all the seams now. Going to redo the overflow box with smoked glass, and going to look into pricing for 2 panes of starphire for the front two panels. Or may just get one pane of normal and make it 3 side viewable.

Will update as I go, Sigh... off to order the supplies and figure out how I am going to execute this.

tidepool · « **Reply #85 on:** April 23, 2012, 17:13:20 »

SWEET Tank.... I'm envious already....

The WuSue · « **Reply #86 on:** April 23, 2012, 19:32:33 »

I forget the name of the stuff. But if you are going to tear down and rebuild (I'd do that) there is an apoxy i would use instead of silicone. Its the same stuff they use to build rimless tanks. Just a thought... looking forward to seeing it!

HUNGER · « **Reply #87 on:** April 23, 2012, 20:17:27 »

cool cant wait to see pics

Midwest Express · « **Reply #88 on:** May 03, 2012, 16:33:06 »

Man, that skimmer is no joke! I'm hated seeing that tank go, but I am def glad to see it getting setup again!

What lights are you going to use and what life are you throwing in it? I was going to do small rays in it or some smaller sharks with various other fish. With that much room anything living in it would have fun!

Keep up the good work and get some more pics on here! hah

Boonjob · « **Reply #89 on:** May 03, 2012, 16:46:16 »

Yeah lol you should see the skimmer sitting inside the tank as it is right now.... takes up almost half the space....

It's going to be a reef... I would like to get away with just 2 400w halides above it, though I will have the potential to ramp it up to 2 400w and 2 250w halides if need be...

It seriously looks like a hot tub sitting in the room... so I am pretty stoaked about it's footprint... The plan is to make DIY rock for the tank(I have everything bought I just need to find time to make and cure it) I can make the rock for $0.61 a pound so it will save me greately over purchasing rock, and is reef freindly

I love LPS and bivalves so they will most likely dominate the tank, though I have eye on a few sps that will most likely make an appearance, and an anemone or two...

I have put a little thought into what I'd like to see in there, though I haven't put any time into making the live stock list compatible yet... The only things I know for sure will make their way in regardless what I have to do are a One spot Foxface(i know), mimic tang, Black oynx Percs, achilles tang(may opt for a purple though..., the achiles is my personal favorite tang, but my wife loves the purples, which I like them too so if I get less resistance on buying a purple over the achiles I wont pass up the opportunity)

The biggest thing is getting the Tank resealed and the rock made/cured... other than that it just needs water(that I know of) and we are in business

Midwest Express · « **Reply #90 on:** May 04, 2012, 09:38:02 »

Quote from: Boonjob on May 03, 2012, 16:46:16

Yeah lol you should see the skimmer sitting inside the tank as it is right now.... takes up almost half the space....

It's going to be a reef... I would like to get away with just 2 400w halides above it, though I will have the potential to ramp it up to 2 400w and 2 250w halides if need be...

It seriously looks like a hot tub sitting in the room... so I am pretty stoaked about it's footprint... The plan is to make DIY rock for the tank(I have everything bought I just need to find time to make and cure it) I can make the rock for $0.61 a pound so it will save me greately over purchasing rock, and is reef freindly

I love LPS and bivalves so they will most likely dominate the tank, though I have eye on a few sps that will most likely make an appearance, and an anemone or two...

I have put a little thought into what I'd like to see in there, though I haven't put any time into making the live stock list compatible yet... The only things I know for sure will make their way in regardless what I have to do are a One spot Foxface(i know), mimic tang, Black oynx Percs, achilles tang(may opt for a purple though..., the achiles is my personal favorite tang, but my wife loves the purples, which I like them too so if I get less resistance on buying a purple over the achiles I wont pass up the opportunity)

The biggest thing is getting the Tank resealed and the rock made/cured... other than that it just needs water(that I know of) and we are in business

I know Joe ran 2 400w MH on a 4' light mover on that tank. I have both of those 400w ballasts that he ran on that tank. One of them has a popped cap but the other works just fine. I never replaced the cap because I rant 250's on my 75 and never got around obviously to setup the 240 with the 400's. Do you already have ballasts? :-)

What method are you following to build your rock? I was wanting to do that to get a few bigger core pieces for the 75 build.

Boonjob · « **Reply #91 on:** May 08, 2012, 18:38:12 »

Ok took some readings today nefore I perform my very first water change on this tank....

I still remain to feed heavily despite having nothing more than a clean up crew in the tank....

Temp 80 (been running it high for the bacteria)

Sg 1.023 a little low I like 1.026 I assume some lost from spills of me tinkering with tank.

Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 0
Phosphates 0

Will run calc and mag after water change as I want to see what the calc based algae is pulling...

The algae undoubtly is doing its job as I was able to read 5 trates and .28 phos prior to putting them in the tank after the cycle..... this is still the og water....

Added some trumpets, nuclear zoos, and a poker star...(thanks steve) All doing well so far.

All clean up crew is doing well... gote a white leg crab that came in as a hitch hiker on the cc... Pretty cool little dude... Havent seem him killing any snails and he is constantly picking on the rock.

Boonjob · « **Reply #92 on:** May 16, 2012, 00:02:55 »

Just an updated photo... I clipped the flame algae and more than half the ulva...I got gha sprouting, now that the other algaes were cropped back... I am not to worried about it ATM as the tank is still fresh and the more dominant algaes were recently cropped.

The ulva has easily doubled from the size it was cropped to... 5 days double growth.

Got another pencil cap growing in

Twizted1 · « **Reply #93 on:** May 16, 2012, 07:33:08 »

It's amazing how good a 6 gallon tank can look. Looks way better in person.

Boonjob · « **Reply #94 on:** June 19, 2012, 22:45:19 »

Wanna see what happens when your ac 30 overflows on to your leds and you dont notice it? ............. Went out of town for the weekend came home to a 10k tank.... Wtf....

Open the lid to see this awesomeness on my string of royal blues.......

On a side note the 6 gal is coming down for the 14 biocube.... The 6 was fun til it started evapping 2-3 inches a day in water... Leave in the am with a topped off tank come home to power heads sucking air.

lazylivin · « **Reply #95 on:** June 19, 2012, 22:52:38 »

Oh no how many did you loose?

Boonjob · « **Reply #96 on:** June 19, 2012, 23:02:10 »

None actually they all work. the creep corroded the connections and they went out... Cleaning it up now shouks be back up and running shortly letting the vinegar do its thing

lazylivin · « **Reply #97 on:** June 20, 2012, 00:18:26 »

Sounds like you lucked out

Boonjob · « **Reply #98 on:** June 20, 2012, 02:04:12 »

Yeah.. I just ordered 8 more rb anyway as i want to ramp up the k... Im suprised it still works as its kiterally crumbling apart so im replacing it anyway.

Twizted1 · « **Reply #99 on:** June 20, 2012, 07:34:50 »

Man that sucks. Salt is a very unforgiving element.

Boonjob · « **Reply #100 on:** June 20, 2012, 08:14:48 »

Yeah, I am sure the electrical charge running through it didn't help at all either lol.

Boonjob · « **Reply #101 on:** June 23, 2012, 19:55:10 »

so moving the 6 gal micro to the 14 gal nano... the 6 gal evaps way too much I have to top it off every day.... also because of the design the leds have to sit right on the water this has been giving me alot of heat issues not much but I cant get the tank below 80 it stays 80-82 if the ac ever went off i would imagine the tank would fry in a few hours....

the 14 will allow me a little more room to play with and hopwfully have no heat issues or need a constant top off...

i got the diy leds from the micro fitted into the bio cube.

i took out 4 cool white replaced those with 4 rb and relaced one the of rb that was corroded( still works but figured it was best to replace now).... so I am runing 16 led still12royal blue and 4 cool white.

Boonjob · « **Reply #102 on:** July 15, 2012, 21:05:35 »

picked this guy up today... I have an over whelming number of pods right now.... so I am excited to take him on... Gonna aquaculture some pods if I noticed him lowering the in tank count too much.... I left a tuff of gha on a rock and it is hosting a large number of pods aswell as a clump of cheato in the fuge... Hoping he doesnt chow down too fast... he has been eating one about every 5 min or so....so I am hoping he was just hungry from the lfs, as I didnt notice any pods in his tank.

You can see the tuff of gha in the photo he has been hanging around outaide of it chowing down.

Twizted1 · « **Reply #103 on:** July 15, 2012, 21:14:46 »

Looks good. My targets drop the pod count in my tank in the 1st 48 hours they where in the tank.

Wall_Tank · « **Reply #104 on:** July 15, 2012, 22:04:55 »

Looks like you have enough live rock, he should be fine. I would just take the cheato ball and shake it in the display once in a while.

HUNGER · « **Reply #105 on:** July 15, 2012, 22:25:06 »

looken great

lazylivin · « **Reply #106 on:** July 15, 2012, 23:59:02 »

Looks great Cody, love Mandarins.

Boonjob · « **Reply #107 on:** July 16, 2012, 11:50:21 »

Thanks all, I am excited to have her in there... I was really hesitant at first, but if I notice her health dropping I will move her to a better suited tank.

I also added a Firefish and a Occellaris Clown(Femo-"Fake nemo", as we call em for my daughter's sake). All seem very happy, I'd like to see if I got some hammer or frogspawn in there if the Clown would "host" it.

Deciding if I want to get another clown to make a pair or another fire fish, or just leave it be...

Gonna add a shrimp and that should be it for this tanks inhabitants other than the occasional cc replacements.

The corals I have in there are doing well, I had a poker star that I thought for sure was bleached out from the edge, but is spreading like crazy in the last week or so.

I also got some sponge on a piece of LR I had bought... I transported the live rock out of water, so I thought for sure the sponge would have died due to exposure, but it is still doing great and looks great.

I think this is the most fun I have had with a tank since being in this hobby... it's a delightful challenge thus far... seeing what can actually thrive in a small tank.

On a side note.... When I tore down the 6 gal edge I drained all but about 1.5 gal out of it, and stripped it clean aside from numerous snails I couldn't get too, but I got what I could... The tank has been sitting in my basement since as is(due to procrastination) but I went down the other day to notice I still had several snails alive and moving around... this tank has had no filtration/light/heat or oxygen for about 4 weeks now and no more than 2 inches of water... I couldn't believe the amount of life still in there... I promptly took out all the ones still kicking (only a few were dead) and transplanted them in the biocube... they are still alive and doing well after 3 days... Just absolutely amazed by their ressilence, especially after reading how small changes can wipe em out. The average temp in my basement is right around 62.

Twizted1 · « **Reply #108 on:** August 30, 2012, 22:10:32 »

Hows the biocube coming along?

Boonjob · « **Reply #109 on:** September 06, 2012, 15:38:46 »

surprisingly well, Having alot more fun with it, than I expected... all my Hair Algae from the cycle has resided, and I am getting my coraline bloom in now. Got some LPS and SPS in there right now, and they are doing great, about to load it up with some SPS.

Mandarin is getting kinda weak, after all my hair algae died off the pods count died off and she pretty much has made them extinct. I am culturing some baby brine shrimp in the hopes I can stair step her up to brine shrimp then to mysis. If not I am gonna look at giving her away.

If I do I may go back to the Randal goby.

I plan on posting up some pics and data shortly.

Twizted1 · « **Reply #110 on:** September 06, 2012, 15:59:14 »

In another post you talked about using cyclopeez & reef chilli for sps. I have seen both of my mandarins eating on both. So maybe if you try a little, you may get it eating that. Just a thought.

Boonjob · « **Reply #111 on:** September 06, 2012, 16:05:22 »

Yeah, I will give it a shot, I have fed her baby brine in the past and she would eat it, but it seemed like she would choke and spit up most of them. I have a few more tricks up my sleeve from a buddyy who works in a aquaculture center, so we shall see.

Boonjob · « **Reply #112 on:** May 13, 2013, 01:26:53 »

So I decided I wanted a tank next to my PC. Wife jokingly said I could; under one condition... That I don't spend any money.... Me being me; said... Challenge accepted....

Well, I wasn't able to do it completely for free... Ran into a bulk head supply issue ROFL... But I got this baby up and running for under $40....

-I got the 38 in trade a couple years back, so it was just laying around.
-I some how ended up with this bum 25g tank, just laying around.
-I won the Blowhole in a raffle.
-I had all the PVC around from prior builds.
-The light(not shown) was given to me.
-I purchased the Remora from it's previous owner who dropped it on it's side and it busted for $15 bucks, I grabbed a tube of weldon for $5 and glued the pieces all back together. Watertested and works just fine.
-Had the wood laying around for the stand.

The 38 had a hole already drilled in it, the original owner said he got it that way, i think someone drilled way too large of a hole for this tank but ehh, it was basically free, and looks brand new... So I installed a 1.5" bulk head, As you can see I used a 90deg elbow as the drain, I then had 2 planter trays that I had picked up a long time ago from the local hydroponics store. one being a 3" planter the other a 5" I cut a hole in the bottom of the 3 inch so that it would fit snugly around the 1.5" pipe then cut the top so that it'd fit under the center brace. The 5" bottom fit perfectly over the top of the 3" basket, So I cut it off to make a lid for my make shift over flow. To keep the fish from being sucked in... I think it works great for only costing me $.20... I am still kicking around adding a second drain as an "emergency"... the tank has been up for 2 days and the water level has remained constant(it's low just because I am testing, it will be full when I run for sure), I am just lazy and dont want to fiddle with it.

I have about 15# of dry rock that I am acid dipping tomorrow and some sand left over from my bio cube build. So I will be using it.. I'll prolly get another 10-15# of rock

I'll have more updates as I go...

The stand sheathing will be magnetic so that I can take it completely off so that I have total access to the sump if needed.

here are some vids of the hose water test, sorry for the shake, I didn't realize I had ramped the fps up to 60 instead of 30 on the record, so it makes it look more jittery than normal.

bbtm64 · « **Reply #113 on:** May 13, 2013, 01:38:17 »

Very ingenious.

lazylivin · « **Reply #114 on:** May 13, 2013, 07:43:45 »

Nice and quiet, good job

Twizted1 · « **Reply #115 on:** May 13, 2013, 07:46:50 »

The best looking 40 $ tank I have ever seem.

Boonjob · « **Reply #116 on:** May 13, 2013, 08:50:44 »

Thanks guys, Im excited to get it up and running.

Wall_Tank · « **Reply #117 on:** May 13, 2013, 12:21:18 »

What are you going to put in it?

Boonjob · « **Reply #118 on:** May 13, 2013, 13:13:48 »

I havent decided TBH... I could make it a reef, If I wanted, as I have everything. But for maintenance sakes, I think I will keep it a fowlr. I would like a Lionfish, But I am just not sure about a Lion in that size of a tank...

A Puffer is for sure in the line up.
Just haven't decided on a valentini or a Bennet's sharpnose
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+39+3039&pcatid=3039
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+39+250&pcatid=250

I wanted a Lemonpeel angel
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+16+450&pcatid=450

Though this guy is cool
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+16+453&pcatid=453

And was thinking maybe a blue velvet damsel, though not sure.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+28+114&pcatid=114

Only looking to stock 3 fish

Any suggestions? I want color, and some agressive.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #119 on:** May 13, 2013, 14:07:16 »

Or you could do a seahorse and pipefish tank?...

Boonjob · « **Reply #120 on:** May 25, 2013, 17:45:27 »

Daughter and I made these this afternoon. I think they turned out great, they have the same feeling/thickness as the purchased sock I have that I bought for 6 bucks long ago. These 5 didn't even cost me half the price of 1 manufactured sock.

They are 100% synthetic, Polyester Netting, and sewn together with nylon, the rope is nylon. They measure 6x12. I needed something a little bigger than 4x12, so I could fit the emergency/backup pipe in it as well. I have some ideas to use as a collar...

lazylivin · « **Reply #121 on:** May 25, 2013, 21:41:41 »

They look professionally made. Nice job. I have some pants that need some repair, can I drop them by?

Boonjob · « **Reply #122 on:** May 29, 2013, 08:47:26 »

Tank is up and running. I ended up overcoming my lazyiness

and added a second overflow as emergency. The t8 I have is giving me problems cycling on and off, so I have a t5 on its way, should be here in the next day or so.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #123 on:** May 29, 2013, 15:46:00 »

Nicely done Boon!

itsalifestyle · « **Reply #124 on:** December 18, 2013, 16:24:12 »

Any updates

?

delta1190 · « **Reply #125 on:** December 18, 2013, 17:22:24 »

i now have that tank up and running good nice job by boon he put in unions so the tank and stand could be separated

added a light to the sump but the rest is the same

Boonjob · « **Reply #126 on:** December 18, 2013, 18:47:03 »

Quote from: itsalifestyle on December 18, 2013, 16:24:12

Any updates ?

Nope, No updates really.... Tank time for me has really dwindled to nothingness... I have been shedding all my tanks. Right now I am just down to a 14gal Bio cube... Once things become more static I will prolly get back in the swing and get the itch again.

2024 Ohio Reef Frag Swap

Author Topic: Boon's Tanks and Builds (Read 14704 times)