2024 Ohio Reef Frag Swap

2024 flyer

Author Topic: 130g in-wall tank build  (Read 6121 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
130g in-wall tank build
« on: November 26, 2018, 18:57:31 »
Hello everyone!

it has been a long time coming, but I am finally settling into the new house and starting on the new fishroom. I have been collecting pieces for the last 2 years in anticipation of this build.  I was lucky enough to find a new place in Cincinnati that had a half finished basement which will be perfect for the in-wall build I was planning.  I still have a ways to go, but i think this project is far enough along to begin sharing with the group.

The plan:
The existing basement was half finished, with an in wall bar and original fireplace, and half unfinished for utilities.  These two spaces were separated by a 7 foot cased opening, which was kind of odd. The obvious solution? cut a new doorway and fill in the old opening with a 6 foot aquarium! This lets me enjoy the reef from the finished basement bar and hide the life support on the unfinished side.

Step one, as always is to knock together the stand!
 

The rough stand for the 130g DT I picked up from a retail shop in downtown Cincy. If you would believe me, it came from a shoe store where it was the center of the store display years ago.
Also a peak into the unfinished side of the basement. A pair of 55g drums that will act as RODI storage and pre mixing station for water changes.



A view from the other side, you can see the start of the maintenance access platform and into the finished basement.


More to come as the build progresses!

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2018, 19:01:27 »
Day two and the progress continues.  I managed to frame in the rest of the wall and finish the stands for the DT the sump and the adjoining maintenance platform.

From the fish room.
 

And the bar


The plan is to have a bookcase/hidden door to the left of the tank to easily access the bar. there is also a main entrance into the utility room and fish room from the stairs.

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2018, 19:04:00 »
Day 3 and the tanks are in place.  This old 130g is ridiculously heavy! I just barely managed to lift it up on the platform by myself, but so happy to see it in place!

From the bar.


And from the fish room! complete with sump in place.  The sump is a ~150g acrylic breeding tank I picked up from a gent in Urbana a while back.  It has 6 independent chambers that I plan to modify into a sump, top-off reservoir, and a quarantine tank.  I could definitely use some help on the sump plan.  Hoping to include 2 filter socks, a media area, refugium, external skimmer, grow out, and return.   


Next step is roughing in the plumbing and closing up the wall.

Offline ohioreef

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4,673
  • Founding Member
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2018, 21:24:29 »
Looking good! So wish I had somewhere to put in an in-wall tank.

Offline cbell56

  • Juvenile
  • ***
  • Posts: 187
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #4 on: November 27, 2018, 11:15:01 »
Looks very well done so far. Keep us up to date.

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #5 on: November 27, 2018, 19:44:27 »
Thank you! I'm awaiting a few black Friday equipment purchases, but work keeps plugging along.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


Offline lazylivin

  • Administrator
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,471
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2018, 23:55:27 »
Looks great Fleck! Nice job

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2018, 20:38:23 »
Most of my holiday was spent last minute out in the workshop, but I got a chance to sneak a few minutes hear and there on the build.

Started in on plumbing the tank. got the unions installed for the overflow box as well as the return lines. I also added a 1" drain with ball valve for water changes out one side of the display tank. I need to do some heavy modifications to the sump before I can finish the plumbing.



Then I turned my attention to the much anticipated RODI upgrade. I cleared out a corner of the basement and built a wall panel on one side of the barrel stand. This let me properly install the new 150gpd unit and tidy up the tubing. This unit runs into the right barrel with a float valve as a primary top off reservoir.  The left barrel will be for mixing saltwater. down the road i will tie it directly into the RODI unit and modify the barrel to make the process easier.

Offline Miles

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 568
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #8 on: December 28, 2018, 10:34:05 »
Then I turned my attention to the much anticipated RODI upgrade. I cleared out a corner of the basement and built a wall panel on one side of the barrel stand. This let me properly install the new 150gpd unit and tidy up the tubing. This unit runs into the right barrel with a float valve as a primary top off reservoir.  The left barrel will be for mixing saltwater. down the road i will tie it directly into the RODI unit and modify the barrel to make the process easier.


For my setup, I ran the RO/DI output to a 3 way valve (https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/3-way-ball-valve-with-john-guest-1-4-push-connect.html) and then added a float valve to the other barrel also. That way i can choose which barrel gets filled and it will still trigger the auto shutoff on the RO/DI.

Offline merlin3

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 456
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2018, 10:35:40 »
Same here, a valve between two containers, one i use for fresh and one for salt and both have float valves

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2018, 10:45:41 »
Awesome,  thank you guys!  That is an excellent solution.

My plan is to enlarge the opening on the top of the second barrel for easier access for mixing and then split the output of a pump inside for mixing and refilling the DT.

I've got a good bit of acrylic to cut (router) to get the sump up and running, which I have been hesitant to start on. Maybe that will be a good new years project.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #11 on: January 01, 2019, 16:54:01 »
Managed to blow off all my responsibilities for a day and put a few hours this fine new years day to work on the sump.

First up I knocked out a quick CAD drawing for a filter sock holder and made the returns for the sump.


I'm still trying to figure out milling acrylic on the x-carve, but this will do for the immediate need. Use what you've got, right?


And installing the returns in the first two chambers.


Aside form this, I capped off the return holes previously drilled in the tank in its past life and sheeted the wall on the display side of the room. Bonus, is i am one step closer the finished bar/game room!  Progress is slow but steady, we may even have water in the system by the end of January.

Happy new year everyone!

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #12 on: January 02, 2019, 21:13:48 »
First 2 baffles installed which create the return chambers of the sump. Bonus: first minor blunder. I had to modify the sock holders, since after being installed, I could no longer fit the baffle panels through the hole at the top of the sump to install.  :alas:


Now knowing where the socks will rest, I was able to glue up a bit of the overflow piping.


Slow and steady... it is coming along.

Offline Miles

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 568
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #13 on: January 03, 2019, 08:56:06 »
Did you have any issues cutting acrylic on your CNC? That is something that I need to try on mine, just haven't gotten around to it. My concern is that Id end up going too fast or slow and end up with melting plastic.

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #14 on: January 03, 2019, 09:19:00 »
Did you have any issues cutting acrylic on your CNC? That is something that I need to try on mine, just haven't gotten around to it. My concern is that Id end up going too fast or slow and end up with melting plastic.
I've tried a couple times and still haven't quite gotten the nack of it.  Heat is definitely the enemy. I tried with a previous project using a 1/16" bit for detail and that was a big fail. The bit heated up quickly and bound to the acrylic, than snapped.
For this layout I used a 1/4" bit and speed up the feed rate.  It was usable for a sock holders, but still got too hot by the end of the second piece.

I'd say using the largest bit possible, feeding faster, and keeping the run time short is your best bet. Unless you want to run a coolant of some sort.

A laser cutter or water jet will always be best with acrylic, but we have to use the tools we have. Give it a try, you can help me dial in the sweet spot!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #15 on: January 07, 2019, 19:44:16 »
ughh, this is a sad day.  I got so caught up in the DT build and the holidays that I slacked on water changes in the transfer system.  Got around to it tonight and found my purple tang floating.  I am a little upset that I let this happen.

Offline Miles

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 568
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #16 on: January 07, 2019, 19:47:24 »



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #17 on: January 13, 2019, 18:59:24 »
Almost ready to start filling the tank for cycling.  Had a go at what I find to be the most difficult and critical part of thew build... the rockscape. All input is absolutely welcome. 
I have a pair of really large toadstool corals (~6" and 10"), so kept the rock work a bit lower than I normally would thinking they will want to move upward.







What are we thinking? Thoughts? Recommendations?

Offline Miles

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 568
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #18 on: January 13, 2019, 19:01:37 »
You gonna put sand in there?

Also, those sound pretty small for toadstools....




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #19 on: January 13, 2019, 19:31:41 »
Yes, sand is the plan. And after seeing your toads the last time, yes, I am planning for their growth!

You gonna put sand in there?

Also, those sound pretty small for toadstools....




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline Agame43

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 721
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #20 on: January 13, 2019, 21:33:49 »


  Great looking Toadstools - they do grow quick! I got a really nice one from Lazy back in the summer and it has doubled in size already. One point of interest, maybe cut the egg crate in rectangles that fit under each rock island and get rid of the rest - detritus catcher?

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #21 on: January 16, 2019, 17:50:29 »
Got a another evening of work in of the tank last night.  The stones are cemented into place (where needed), so the structure won't shift about once the inhabitants move in.  Added about 7 gallons of dry sand as well.  If all goes according to plan, I will add a few bags of live sand and a kick start culture by end of week and start the cycling process!

For those wondering why my wall is made of plywood, this wall will eventually be fished off as tudor wood panel. this is just the quick foundation underneath the nice wood so i could section off the two rooms and get the tank up and running. I will never complain about drywalling again, lol!

I am fairly happy with the rock work. plenty of ledges for coral as well as open space for the tangs.



More work finished on the sump. it will run right to left.  the 1st and 2nd chambers are split in half (front and back).  Chamber 1 receives the main return line from the DT in the back and hold bio-blocks in the front. Chamber 2 receives secondary return for the DT in the back and cheato in the front. Chamber 3 is a fully open space for frag grow out. The external sump will sit behind this chamber and feed in and out here.  Chamber 4 will hold the heaters and feed the return pump.
The last two chambers are independent of the sump and will house an ATO reservoir (chamber 5) and a quarantine tank (chamber 6).



I also broke out the dremmel and took the top off of the 2nd 55gallon barrel along with plumbing in a shut off valve and the T split for the water line (thank you guys for the recommendation!) I've got both filled in preparation for the tank flooding later this week.




Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #22 on: January 17, 2019, 17:50:00 »
Question for the group.

I picked up an external skimmer at a swap ages ago.  I am not 100% confident that i know how to connect it up.  See my photo below.  Am I headed in the right direction? I am thinking now that i don't need to supply air via pump, only the inlet? Help!  :alas:




Offline NeveSSL

  • Fry
  • **
  • Posts: 61
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #23 on: January 17, 2019, 17:56:19 »
That looks like a Beckett style skimmer.  It will take a fairly large pump to run it if so.  For the output that you are not sure on, that's just a skimmate drain so you don't have to empty the cup as often. 

Did it come with a pump?

Brandon

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #24 on: January 18, 2019, 17:29:02 »
Thank you for the ID.  looks like I have some reading to do.  It did not come with a pump, but I got it at a steal. looks like I  am investing in another pump...

Offline NeveSSL

  • Fry
  • **
  • Posts: 61
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #25 on: January 19, 2019, 12:59:49 »
Make sure you get one with enough head pressure to run this skimmer.  I would try to find out exactly which model it is and match what it came with from the manufacturer.  You may have a hard time finding info, tho.  These were popular about 15 to 20 years ago, but fell off pretty quick around 2006 as needlewheels started taking over.  :)

Brandon

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #26 on: January 22, 2019, 18:26:23 »
Make sure you get one with enough head pressure to run this skimmer.  I would try to find out exactly which model it is and match what it came with from the manufacturer.  You may have a hard time finding info, tho.  These were popular about 15 to 20 years ago, but fell off pretty quick around 2006 as needlewheels started taking over.  :)

Brandon

Thank you again for the help.  Luck for me to pick up old tech because it looked shiny, lol!  sounds like they are fairly good at the task if not for the extra power consumption.  I'll probably run it for a while when I get up and running. I like the external factor given the tank i modified into the sump.



Managed another bit of work toward the end of the week and got it flooded on Friday evening.  A few more key plumbing pieces arrived too, so got to move into the clean up stage while I wait for the cycle.

Four days in...



Around back we got 2 of 3 lights hung (3rd is currently on the temporary setup), overflow line is plumbed, and the return properly piped.  I added one of the seeded bioblocks from the transfer tank to the first return chamber and added a frag rack to the 3rd chamber.



A close up on the cleanup plumbing work. The emergency overflow now drops into the 3rd chamber and the flexible return line to the pump ties in nicely to the sump through a bulkhead and ridged pipe with a strainer on the end.

Offline lazylivin

  • Administrator
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,471
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #27 on: January 23, 2019, 01:04:23 »
looks really great, love the sump. Nice to have it at a working level

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #28 on: January 26, 2019, 15:44:50 »
looks really great, love the sump. Nice to have it at a working level

Thank you, yeah, I really liked that part of the design.  No reason to spend my time on the floor under a tank when there is a whole open room behind the wall.  My only slight regret so far is that I used part of my old fish room racks to make the walkway between the DYT and the sump.  This means the bridge is only the depth of a 55g tank.  it is surprising how quickly pipes and pumps, etc, fill up a 1 foot walkway...  I may go back and widen the bridge once I get the fishroom in order.



I have been knocking off little projects while we wait for the cycle.  Got the 3rd light hung today and plumbed in the ATO reservoir.

And a package arrived. I decide that since I started with all dry rock, it would be a good idea to add in the coralline.  I have read good things about ARC Reef and thought i would give it a try.

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #29 on: February 04, 2019, 22:08:59 »
Dedicated the weekend to the reef build.

With the tank putting in the time to rest and grow into its new life, I spent the weekend focused in the the display side. Hung up the nice veneer over the wall and added the trim board.  I am really happy with how it finishes up the main display.  the whole wall will get a dark stain to match in with the existing trim.  I also had a change of plans on the door to the bar back. Originally it was meant to be a hidden bookcase door, but I decided the man cave was taking a turn for the pub style, so I plan to build in an english phone booth with secret entrance to the back room.  :be happy:  Hopefully we will have a club meeting in the future to share the spoils!




The next addition to the DT is a school of blue reef chromis, so netting was in order. Frames and netting arrived today, so I knocked these together.  The chromis are in QT, so we are ready when they clear there check.




Offline eslatts11

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Fry
  • *****
  • Posts: 79
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #30 on: February 06, 2019, 11:04:02 »
Looks very nice! Going to tag along and see if I can get some ideas for my fish tank room build  :)
-Slatts

Offline dbjonesjr

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 329
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #31 on: February 06, 2019, 13:26:28 »
I must ask how those bottles of coralline are working so far!

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #32 on: February 06, 2019, 17:44:06 »
Looks very nice! Going to tag along and see if I can get some ideas for my fish tank room build  :)
Hey thanks! I am watching your build too. Getting a dedicated tank "life support" room is a game changer! Best of luck in your build too.

I spent the last weekend focused on the display side, but have been on the road and unable to update with photos. Hopefully will get a chance tomorrow to update the progress.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #33 on: February 06, 2019, 17:47:24 »
I must ask how those bottles of coralline are working so far!
Wish I could say. It's only been a week and a half since I introduced the colonies.  Apparently in 8 weeks you should see spotting on the rocks and then it spreads to coat from there.  Generally a 4 to 6 month process rather than the usual year+ for coraline growth.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


Offline dbjonesjr

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 329
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #34 on: February 06, 2019, 17:59:09 »
Interesting. Just keep me updated for when you see the first signs! If you see it to be pretty widespread when you get dots I’d probably go ahead and buy some. I’ve just setup a new tank and have been considering it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #35 on: February 06, 2019, 18:04:37 »
Interesting. Just keep me updated for when you see the first signs! If you see it to be pretty widespread when you get dots I’d probably go ahead and buy some. I’ve just setup a new tank and have been considering it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Will do. Apparently the reviews are good. They mix 6 strains in the bottle to ensure one matches your particular tank parameters.  Nice thing with coraline is that the other go dormant, so if the tank changes, another should come to life.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #36 on: February 16, 2019, 18:39:59 »
A little bit more progress, mostly behind the scenes. Started moving a few corals over the past few days and consolidated the transfer tank over into the sump.  This kicked off a second diatom bloom, but levels are looking good.

Surprisingly the coralline seems to be taking hold really well.  We are only about 2-3 weeks into adding the bottles and already getting green and purple spotting on the rock work.



Also happy to note that the new rose bubble tip has found its home and is looking good.


Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #37 on: February 20, 2019, 17:51:27 »
Definitely only good thing to say about the bottled coralline algae.  We are at 3.5 weeks since I poured in the bottles. Rock work is a healthy shade of green with patches of red starting to take off.

Bonus, all the inhabitants were out and happy for the photos!


Offline dbjonesjr

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 329
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #38 on: February 20, 2019, 17:53:16 »
Looking great. I’ll have to look into ordering some bottles.

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #39 on: February 28, 2019, 18:52:04 »
Slow and steady on the build out.  after one failed attempt, the skimmer is now installed and running.



I also tossed a bit of chaeto in the second section of the sump.  to encourage it along I built a little led light board out of some black hdpe and led grow lights I had hanging around in the workshop. Nothing too fancy, just a quick box to attach the strips, sized to the bay of the sump, but i think it is a nice clean execution.  I can get some interior photos if any one is interested.

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #40 on: April 07, 2019, 17:49:18 »
It has been a bit of time since my last update and there is a reason.  With heavy heart I say that I have truly been through the dreaded right of passage for all reef keepers.  A near total system crash. 

Everything seemed to be going great and all were happy. I can home from a two day business trip to find an outbreak of velvet had taken over the aquarium. I jumped to with treatment, but it was too late.  Within two days I lost everything, well almost, a few survivors gave me hope as well as the energy to bounce back and rebuild.

In the time since, I decided to redouble my effort and get back on the horse, as it were, to come back stronger.

The system got a full reset. Pulled out the egg crate base, removed about 4 gallons of sand, reset the rock work, and gave it all a deep cleaning. I also took the opportunity to upgrade the lighting to and ATI SunPower High output T5 set and the skimmer to a Monzter SM201.

The surviving stock is a yellow watchman goby (seriously this guy refuses to die!), a pair of rose bubble tip anemones, and a few various toadstools, leathers, and zoas.

 


I also took the weekend to correct a design flaw in the sump modification.  the way i mounted the filter socks did not allow for overflow if the socks got clogged (which they managed to do on one long weekend).  I added an acrylic lip around the opening and decided to polish off the look with a nice acrylic cap.  It accomplishes the need and I think really improves the look of the sump too. I will be adding acrylic lids ot the other sections as time allows.

Offline lazylivin

  • Administrator
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 11,471
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #41 on: April 07, 2019, 21:01:22 »
Nice improvement on the sump.
Sorry for the fish losses.

Offline eslatts11

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Fry
  • *****
  • Posts: 79
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #42 on: April 07, 2019, 23:12:40 »
Sorry to hear, at least you were able to do some cleaning and upgrades! Curious to know your review on the ATI Sunpower once you've had it for awhile.
-Slatts

Offline Agame43

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 721
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #43 on: April 07, 2019, 23:17:46 »


Sorry to hear about the fish - tank and sump look really nice! Getting back on that horse isn't all that bad!

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #44 on: April 09, 2019, 15:40:47 »
Thank you all for the support. I have high hopes for what comes next.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


Offline Agame43

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 721
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #45 on: April 10, 2019, 22:58:15 »

Guynamefleck

Other question do you still have the 3 smaller 20g tanks for sale? You had them on a post earlier as - clean out time?

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #46 on: April 11, 2019, 06:26:28 »
Guynamefleck

Other question do you still have the 3 smaller 20g tanks for sale? You had them on a post earlier as - clean out time?
Afraid those sold. I need to update the sale post.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk


Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #47 on: April 30, 2019, 17:47:51 »
It has been a slow and steady process, but today with parameters in check, we finally begin to rebuild.  The first new stock has been added to the aquarium.

Additional rock work added. and the new stock:
(x2) Ocellaris clowns
(x1) Yellow Tang
(x1) Sailfin Tang
(x1) Cleaner wrasse
(x1) Melanurus wrasse

and the indestructible yellow watchman is still lord over the tank.  ;D




Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #48 on: May 22, 2019, 18:48:49 »
What an interesting week!

Big shout out to Reeferntraining.  I caught up with him to pick up the laser, to address a few apistasia growths, and he set me up with a hand full of frags to populate the new display.

Scrambled eggs, fire and ice, WWC Bizzaro Cyphestrea, and some BamBams.


Then turned around and answered a call form a friend, of a friend, of a friend, of a fried to rescue a 75g reef setup.  Now this thing went three years with little more than a water top-off and the occasional feeding. Was filled with all I can describe as an apistasia forest (seriously, they are 3-4" tall and 1-2" heads), but i have now brought in a 3-stripe damsel and a hand full of corals currently sitting in quarantine.  not to mention the tank, lights, and random equipment.


I just couldn't see this guy waste aways in a basement...
 

Offline SweetReefOH

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,654
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #49 on: May 23, 2019, 20:20:32 »
Good score!

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #50 on: June 02, 2019, 19:21:11 »
Well i have gone and done it...

in a fit of insanity, i went ahead and bought a Neptune Apex, dos, and trident... stay tuned for the install.

Offline SweetReefOH

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Adult
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,654
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #51 on: June 02, 2019, 21:11:45 »
Congrats! You’ll love it!

Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #52 on: June 08, 2019, 12:21:01 »
Well she still needs a little cleaning up, but we are all installed and running. I even found a new use for that samsung tablet that Verizon suckered me into buying years ago!


Offline guynamedfleck

  • Lifetime Premium Member
  • Juvenile
  • *****
  • Posts: 198
Re: 130g in-wall tank build
« Reply #53 on: June 21, 2019, 18:54:19 »
Another quick DIY project in an effort to get the DOS up and running.  I was not a fan of the relatively small volume that the retail reservoirs offered, so opted to utilize the wasted space under the sump stand.

The base containers are 14 liter steralite containers from the dollar store. I added in a 1/4" push connector for the feed line and a 1/4" grommet for an vacuum release. After that, I added a shelf with a 5 degree angle underneath the sump stand and all was good to go.  The angled shelf is to combat that large surface area and allow the reservoir to run as close to empty as possible.  I may add in a couple of apex optic sensors later down the line to let me know when the reservoirs are getting low. I figured $50 for a pair of optics later on is better than $200 for the shiny Neptune acrylic DDR and a measly 4 liter capacity.






 

Powered by EzPortal