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RyanGSP's 80G Build
I picked this tank up today in Calgary, I figure it about 80G. The tank is 48.5"L x 22"D x 17"H with a left corner overflow, 1.5" drain and a 1" return. I am still unsure on equipment, I would like to go MH or LED for lighting, tunze 1262 return pump, and I am not sure about dual MP10W ES or MP40W ES. I think for the money spent I will see better results with the 10's but for right now its going to be pieced together slowly.
Here is how it looked after Mike & I got it in the house. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo26.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo27.jpg I wasted no time in cleaning this thing up. Step One take off paint on sides. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo28.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ild/photo3.jpg Step Two take off the substrate stuck on the bottom http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo29.jpg And here is how it looks after a quick wipe down. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ild/photo2.jpg |
Only one piece left to be scraped. The back only took about an hour but I found a technique half way through and the last half went pretty fast.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo30.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...uild/photo.jpg |
Well after a trip to Home Depot, an agonizing weight at the till because they thought I was lieing how many pieces of lumber there was and the guy in that section on break here is the raw product.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo2-2.jpg Piecing it together. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ild/photo8.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ild/photo7.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ild/photo6.jpg All finished http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ild/photo5.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo2-1.jpg On the stand http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ild/photo4.jpg Painting the back http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo3-1.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ild/photo9.jpg |
Thanks guys. I went back to the dark side tonight as well. Sorry Larry!
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo3-2.jpg |
Well not much going on today. Secured the power bar to the stand and..... plugged it in.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo-1.jpg Oh and I ordered glass for the euro-brace. After some consultation from Mike and the guys on canreef I got a pretty good idea on how I am going to do my canopy. BTW anyone got a source on some cheap quiet fans that plug into the wall? |
Well I think I got a design for my sump, I think I will go 36" x 18" x 18". Tell me what you think.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo-2.jpg Going from left to right the horizontal line is for a holder for my filter sock. Below is a chamber for my protien skimmer and whatever else I want to put in there (reactors, probes etc.) Next is a frag chamber; this will have a section in the back for mangroves. I am probably going to put in a rack for the mangroves and DIY a tray for substrate. Im still unsure if I want to permanently put in a trough for a DSB for the mangroves. This will mean the frag chamber is 12x12. After that is a set of baffles then the last chamber is a section for the pump and the heaters. BTW each square equals 1". |
Another Update!!
Yesterday I got a Quiet One 4000 in next to new condition. I guess it was too big for the previous tank. Thanks again Randy!! Today I spent my lunch hour running around like a chicken with my head cut off looking for plumbing supplies. I think I got all the fittings I need, all thats let is the loc-line so an order from J&L will happen here pretty quick. I also was able to get my glass cut for my euro brace and blocks for the stand to sit on. Big thanks to Scott for grabbing that for me on his way home. So here is everything when I got home. Plumbing http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo2-3.jpg Glass for the Euro Brace http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo-3.jpg Well apparently I got the glass for the sides too big so I put the glass master to work trimming off a 1/4 inch. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo3-3.jpg After a trip to TFI for a tube of silicone and a silicone gun, here I am putting down the silicone. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo10.jpg This is what happens when you let the glass Master help you put on the euro brace. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo7-1.jpg Ofcourse the silicone was on the tank already so he sped off to TFI to get another brace cut and get the blocks for the stand cut. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo9-1.jpg Add 2 beads of silicone http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo5-1.jpg Press onto Euro brace and you have a block that will keep my canopy frame off the bracing and water so it wont get wet. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo8-1.jpg The almost finished product. I am going to trim the excess silicone tomorrow evening. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo6-1.jpg I havent tried the plumbing yet but the night is young :D |
Got most of the plumbing inside the tank done. All thats needed now is the Loc-Line and to construct the air control on the cap of the Durso.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo3-4.jpg |
Alright well another bunch of updates but where to start?
I got the overflow grate installed and they turned out alright. Im happy with them but I found my 1st mistake. I build the return line to clear the glass part of the overflow without taking into consideration the overflow grate. Ofcourse its glued already so I had to build a new one. DOH! http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo-4.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo2-5.jpg Next I found a take I can use as a sump. So yesterday I went out and got all the glass I needed to make the baffles. Unfortunatly I forgot to take a picture of the tank before I ripped the bracing off. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo2-6.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo6-2.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo5-2.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo9-2.jpg Now that the tank is all cleaned up its time to put in the glass. This will be the shelf my sock holder will sit on. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo7-2.jpg Wall for the frag section and the beginning of the baffles http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo2-7.jpg The completed Sump http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo4-2.jpg Now to cut the hole in the shelf for the filter sock http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo-5.jpg |
I also got the lumber for the canopy.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo8-2.jpg I think I built it a little tall. The Its only 18" high but I think I should have gone 14-16 high. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo3-6.jpg Next weekend I want to skirt in the stand and canopy with some nicer wood. I plan on staining it dark to match the furniture. Hopfully lastlight will chime in here on this one. I want to use his idea for the stand doors so they slide open. I would like to do the same with the canopy doors as well. What did you use to do this? |
looking good. nice pics and info...keep her going.. :)
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Looks great so far, can't wait to see more.
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Thank you for all the compliments guys. I think the next step now is a J&L order for some Loc-Line, heaters and a thermometer.
So this morning I did all the plumbing on the tank. I was a little worried at first when it finally noticed the 1.5" overflow line was right between my return and my pump. Well a little work with a 90 degree mpt x barb and some 1" vinyl hose and we have all the plumbing done. Bottom End http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo2-8.jpg Top side http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo3-5.jpg Full Shot http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...ld/photo-6.jpg |
I just used a pair of drawer slides per door.
http://www.softsmart.com/popup/Popup...awerSlides.jpg They work pretty well so long as you have thick plywood for the doors. I first used 1/2" and it was not straight enough and when the doors met up it looked pretty ghetto. 3/4" worked well for me and the pics in the thread should show how I made the top lip of the doors. Again more ghetto action but it got hidden with the tiles so you'll need to take a bit more care! Build's lookin' good =) |
Ryan, looking good so far. It's amazing how a little elbow grease and hard work can make a tank look good. Just a quick question for ya,..... when you were scraping off the paint from the back side of the tank, you said about half way through you found a better (and faster) way to remove the old paint. Just curious what you did and secondly, did you spray or roller(paint) the black paint on the back? I want to repaint my back side of tank as well, but not sure whether to spray or paint! Thanks.
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Looking Great Ryan! You don't waste any time!:biggrin:
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Leak test
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo5-3.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo6-3.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo4-3.jpg It is ALIVE http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/photo2-9.jpg Sand and Salt in there. Im all out of salt I think I am going to have to get another pail here pretty soon. |
Well as some of you already know I may as well fill the rest of you in with an update.
IT IS ALIVE!! Live rock added to start the cycle. No I just need to find a skimmer and we will be in good shape. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/63b9c901.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/636e054a.jpg |
Sorry for the long past due thank you. Thanks for the compliments. Lots has happened in the past few days. The tank cycles (hurray for keeping liverock in sterilite containers alive), I did a little rearranging but not much. Im thinking another 30 pounds and I should be good. Im pretty happy with how the left side is sitting but I want a piece or two more to finish off the end.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/832b31c3.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/eaccb869.jpg And a couple FTS http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/16979de2.jpg |
I also started started tuesday off with adding my fish. First 2 in were my Yellow Tang and African Flameback Angel.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/6cb75c1f.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/f6f2e964.jpg Today I added my two Clowns. So far everyone is happy to be reuinited with eachother. Sorry for the blurry pictures. Fish and iPhones dont make for nice pictures. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/062ea055.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/b4331efe.jpg |
I will also be grabbing my lighting this Friday when I come to Calgary. My dad's new puppy arrives at the airport Friday evening so I will be in to pick him up.
I have found 2x 250W DE Lumenbright Pendants with Galaxy Ballasts for my lighting. I am still trying to decide if I want to go with T5HO or LED's for Actinic Supplements. If I go LED I only want to run Cree Royal Blues. I will be using the Phoenix 14K bulbs for the halides so what do you guys think I should do for Actinic? |
UPDATE TIME!!!!!
Alright so yesterday I was in Calgary picking up a new puppy and couldnt pass on these Halides. Last night I installed them into the canopy and right away I wasnt happy with them. These Halides really are meant to be a pendants. They are 16" diameter and 8 or 10 inches deep. They fill up the whole canopy and leave very little water uncovered. Both pendants are run by 2x 250W Electronic Galaxy Ballasts. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/c6a5a375.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/2b393f38.jpg So this morning I decided I was going to change it. I went out, picked up some supplies, cut some lumber, and went to work. I also mounted the Ballasts in the canopy. What do you guys think of that idea? Keep in mind there will be 2x 120mm fans blowing air into the canopy and a vent in the top to let hot air escape. Here is how it sits now. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/c8520a6b.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/56bcc2e4.jpg Now the bad news. The bulbs are over a year old and are only good for growing algae. But a J&L order was placed and I should have the Loc-Line to finish the return as well as a new Phoenix 14K Bulb show up wednesday or thursday. Also the seller forgot to give me the power cords for the ballasts. I was distracted by new puppy Guiness trying to eat everything I didnt catch it. So they will be shipped out on Monday and should reach the house Wednesday as well. Hopefully we see some light later this week. Man its going to be a loooong wait. |
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Sorry I took so long to reply to this. I totally missed it until I just reread the thread. What I did was use an arch scrape pattern and only cut enough paint to fill half the razor vs the entire razor. I also made sure I always used a fresh razor blade as they cut much easier. I picked up a little roller kit from walmart ($4) and used it to roll the paint onto the glass. Because of the overflow I used some masking top to make a nice line and rolled on the paint. This makes it look clean and covers the view of the overflow from that side. |
Those are some cool lookin' light fixtures you got there buddy!
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Thanks Rod. I am still not too sure about them but they will do. Maybe next year I will order Hamilton Cayman Suns. |
I wish my fixture had as much light spread as these. My tank is 30" front to back and most combo fixtures just don't cover that area effectively. Are these SE or DE bulbs?
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They are DE bulbs.
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The J&L came in today so a little update. After 2 hours of ****ing around we finally got the fixtures and skimmer running. I should be able to move the remaining SPS from the frag tank into the display and shut the frag tank down.
Here is the tank with the Ushio 14K http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/6b19ebce.jpg And now the Phoenix 14K's in the fixtures! http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/5cd7482a.jpg I also got rhe Loc-Line for the returns and put them together. I have one shooting down the back and one shooting down the front. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/eba053b3.jpg Now the Vertex IN-180. It will do until I get the Mini S I guess :D http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/840d2de0.jpg |
Awesome build Ryan!!!
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So I moved all my corals up tonight from the Frag tank. I need to pick up some Epoxy (*sigh* another J&L order) to start securing everything down.
Here are some random pictures from tonight. Things are looking pretty rough, I have been neglecting the frag tank since starting this build. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0140.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0141.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0149.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0150.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0153.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0155.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0157.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0161.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0160.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0169.jpg |
I got out the underwater camera when I got home. Still trying to find the best angles to allow light and exposure levels.
Hopefully I get better because I am not too happy with these. Maybe a SLR with a macro lens is in order this summer. I love this piece when its in full colour. Its a blue polyp A. austera and I cant wait for it to colour back up. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/P3250051.jpg Ultra Acans http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/P3250052.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/P3250053.jpg I call these Hawk`s Envy and they are wicked in person. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/P3250055.jpg Super Grape Mille http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/P3250058.jpg Close-up of my Frogspawn http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/P3250060.jpg Red & Green Blastomussa wellsi http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/P3250063.jpg |
Thanks Dana. They have browned out a little in the move. I am anxious for them to get back to the pitch black.
Today I sifted the sand in the display. I wasnt happy with the big hunks on the sand. I did it for half the tank and really liked it more than the other side. The bigger pieces I put down in the frag section. I figure it will make a great media for pods to live in. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/P3270065.jpg I also took some time and installed my ATO. I was worried at 1st that it wouldnt be long enough to reach down into the return section but after I realized the tank needed to be topped up (DER!) it will work perfect with plenty of room for adjustment. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/P3270064.jpg I also realized a few downfalls with this setup im not too happy with. I guess they will have to wait to be addressed the next time the tank is moved. A big one is the limited amount of space under the stand with a sump this size. I am thinking off the left size to build a storage cabinet for my electronics and bulk chemicals. The top could also double as an end table or bench. Anyway thats it for the update for the day. Ryan |
A little update, all the diatoms have come and gone but in their place has come a nasty film algae problem. I think it's my own fault as I over dosed some stuff a few days ago thinking the tank could handle it and I was wrong.
I have been fighting it for 3 days now with extra vodka and it looks like tonight my 1ml dose (I was dosing 0.4ml) has it slowed down. It was so bad the glass would algae up in less than 30min and my water was cloudy as heck. Now the glass is cleared up and the water clarity is improving. Funny thing my corals look amazing right now. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/d3564be3.jpg |
Well this is what you get I guess with captive bred clowns. Nice frogspawn 4" away and he chooses to host my Acans!
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0001.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0002.jpg http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0003.jpg And I have been waiting a long time to get this picture. http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g7...d/IMG_0006.jpg |
Awesome new pics Ryan!! Clown looks great! Our clowns won't host anything cool either so don't feel bad.
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Thanks Trabby. The acans dont seem to mind I just hope he doesnt get too comfortable until the Haddoni Arrives.
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Your picture taking sucks!!
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Your picture taking sucks!!!!!
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lol I left of the smiley face! :razz:
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ya ya excuses excuses cooper. You will have to stop in next time your out my way.
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