~CadLights Artisan 50G Upgrade~

[ReeVo]

I've had my Cadlights Artisan 50G for about 2 years now and I think it's time for me to upgrade my sump, my skimmer, my everything

I want to go sps dominated and i'll show how I do so.

Here's my tank before I took it apart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_nG0SpPZVs&feature=plcp

Previous Tank Specs:
Cadlights Artisan 50G with stand
Aqua-C 120 protien skimmer with mag 7 pump
2 Koralia 1050 pumps
Mag 9.5 return pump
150W Jager heater
TLF reactor with GFO
150W MH with 2 x 24W T5 actinics


Upgrade Specs:
Cadlights Artisan 50G
Custom sump made by me ( build thread found here http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2034975 )
Skimz SK181 protein skimmer
Reef Dynamics Bio-pellet reactor with Dr. Tim's NP-Active Pearls
2 MP10es with battery back-up
EcoTech Radion
Tunze Osmolator ATO
Apex Light Controller
200W Neo-Therm Heater (still debating)


As for rock and sand, I'm planning on getting 60 pounds of Reel Reef Rock and 60 pounds of Tropic Eden Reef Flakes and Mini Flakes (50/50 mix).

I just took the tank apart 3 days ago. I already gave away my fish and live rock to the LFS. I also gave my fire shrimp and peppermint shrimp to my buddy because they were so cool. They had a personality that I couldn't give up. At least i will be able to see them in my friends tank.
I just finished the vinegar treatment and my tank looks like new

I've had my new sump sit in my room for months collecting dust and finally it's in the stand. It fit like a glove. I was worried about the return and drain piping not fitting where they were supposed to be, but it worked out perfectly.

Here's some of my progress
Tell me what you think.

[LinkinReef]

Nice! Did you buy just the tank or the whole setup? I'm looking to buy one of these down the road. How much was the tank?

That sump is sick looking!!! Want to build me one?

[Blayz77]

i have the very same tank and i like your upgrade choices. that sump you have there should be a vast improvment. i have been running 2 mp10es with battery backup and the tunze osmolator since ive had the tank probably about 1.5 years or so now and have had no issues, you should be happy with those choices. i would probably be using that very skimmer as well or the warner marine version but the stock sump wont hold it lol.

[Leyth]

Hey I am thinking about building my own sump as well. I had a few questions. You got "routed" edges so that you can cement the pieces together right? I didn't see this option when purchasing. I am guessing you have to call them and ask them for that? Also, they have a lot of different kinds of acrylic when you click cut-to-size. I didnt see the kind that you mentioned, is there something specific we should keep in mind when purchasing this for a sump/refugium use?

Thanks ahead

[jcolletteiii]

Might save some $$ by going with an ATO from autopoff.com - they can do custom stuff, and their prices are nice and low. I also have a CL50. Like the custom sump - the skimmer looks like a very similar design as the SWC - how does it differ?

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by LinkinReef

Nice! Did you buy just the tank or the whole setup? I'm looking to buy one of these down the road. How much was the tank?

Thank you
I've already had the tank but just upgrading all my equipment.
I didn't buy the tank alone. It came with the stand and light for $1000.

That sump is sick looking!!! Want to build me one?

Thanks bud!
I would but it's a pain in the butt. My seems are as good as manufacturers lol

Originally Posted by Blayz77

i have the very same tank and i like your upgrade choices. that sump you have there should be a vast improvment. i have been running 2 mp10es with battery backup and the tunze osmolator since ive had the tank probably about 1.5 years or so now and have had no issues, you should be happy with those choices. i would probably be using that very skimmer as well or the warner marine version but the stock sump wont hold it lol.

Thank you
I can't wait to get this all going. I herd great things about all those products and herd that I can't go wrong on either. Skimz has really stepped up their game in the skimmer world. They are out competing big name guys like Bubble King and Deltec. I'm actually waiting till they announce the new skimmer upgrades since they are changing the pumps on a few skimmers to Sicce pumps. Apparently the performance has improved tremendously.

Originally Posted by Leyth

Hey I am thinking about building my own sump as well. I had a few questions. You got "routed" edges so that you can cement the pieces together right? I didn't see this option when purchasing. I am guessing you have to call them and ask them for that? Also, they have a lot of different kinds of acrylic when you click cut-to-size. I didnt see the kind that you mentioned, is there something specific we should keep in mind when purchasing this for a sump/refugium use?

Thanks ahead

This is the link to the one you'll be getting and the one I get.
http://www.tapplastics.com/product/p...eets_clear/508
When you are done giving the dimensions and ready to check out. There will be a comment box right before you place the order. Just type "route all edges" and they don't miss that comment. I've done it 4 times and they always did.

As for keeping anything in mind. Always go over your dimensions. I ordered the wrong size baffles and they didn't fit
If you need tips, PM me and I can help you out.
And get Weld-On 4...best cement

Originally Posted by jcolletteiii

Might save some $$ by going with an ATO from autopoff.com - they can do custom stuff, and their prices are nice and low. I also have a CL50. Like the custom sump - the skimmer looks like a very similar design as the SWC - how does it differ?

I would, I don't have the reliability like the Tunze Osmolator. I'm not looking to save money. Also, accuracy of the Tunze has been untouchable.
As towards the SWC and Skimz, they differ much in size, build quality, reputation, and skimmate. Many skimmers look alike, doesn't mean they copied SWC. SWC wasn't the first to do the cone design.
If anything, they copied Reef Octopus. Skimz designs is also MUCH different. Look at the way it's outlet is designed, the micro water leveler is different. The dimensions of the cone and neck are also different.
I can right a full detailed description on how they are both in 2 different ball parks.
Thanks for trying to help though.

[ReeVo]

I also forgot to add that I'm also getting an Independent GHL 3-way dosing pumps.

[collie man]

Get the 4 head doser... So worth it

[jcolletteiii]

Originally Posted by ReeVo

I would, I don't have the reliability like the Tunze Osmolator. I'm not looking to save money. Also, accuracy of the Tunze has been untouchable.
As towards the SWC and Skimz, they differ much in size, build quality, reputation, and skimmate. Many skimmers look alike, doesn't mean they copied SWC. SWC wasn't the first to do the cone design.
If anything, they copied Reef Octopus. Skimz designs is also MUCH different. Look at the way it's outlet is designed, the micro water leveler is different. The dimensions of the cone and neck are also different.
I can right a full detailed description on how they are both in 2 different ball parks.
Thanks for trying to help though.

I've used the autotopoff.com ATO for close to 2 years now - there is no problem with accuracy - it keeps the water level in my sump at the exact level I have it set to (sharpie mark on the outside of the sump), and with a second (they'll even do a third!) failsafe backup sensor built in, I never feel nervous. But, hey, to each their own.

I don't recall implying anything about skimmer copying. Just curious as to why you feel you need a bigger skimmer on a 50 gallon tank. I've used the SWC120 for over a year now on an SPS-dominant tank (also on a 50CL) and it pulls the grungiest, nasty gunk I've ever had the misfortune to smell. As for the book, thanks, but I'll settle for your opinion!

[ReeVo]

This is all based on personal preference. You have your ways and I have mine.

[ReachTheSky]

Good stuff Bob's. If you need help, remember that you can always call your buddy.

[Leyth]

Hey thanks for the advice. I think I am going to tackle this job. Does anyone know a simple piece of software that I can make the design with? I think you made your design with CAD?

[ReachTheSky]

AutoCAD works well but has a learning curve. I would recommend Google SketchUp. It's free.

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by ReachTheSky

Good stuff Bob's. If you need help, remember that you can always call your buddy.

For sure

Originally Posted by Leyth

Hey thanks for the advice. I think I am going to tackle this job. Does anyone know a simple piece of software that I can make the design with? I think you made your design with CAD?

Like ReachTheSky had mentioned, Google Sketch Up works great. I used it for my sump build.

[Bdial]

That sump is sexy! Tank looks nice too.

[Leyth]

ah yea I remember someone mentioning google sketch up, I just couldn't remember. Thanks for the tips, and good luck with the rest of your build.

[ReeVo]

Thanks fellas

[Gwall30]

Nice set up, the upgrades should be awesome. I have the 100G Artisan and love it. Any reason why you decided over the recirculating Cadlights Cone bio reactor? I have it on mine and it works really good, easy to control too and compact. Switching over to led is great, no more heat. Good choice on light.

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by Gwall30

Nice set up, the upgrades should be awesome. I have the 100G Artisan and love it. Any reason why you decided over the recirculating Cadlights Cone bio reactor? I have it on mine and it works really good, easy to control too and compact. Switching over to led is great, no more heat. Good choice on light.

Thanks bud
The Reef Dynamics bio pellet reactor is external and I can control the tumble of the pellets, as well as the flow coming out of the reactor. That's why I'm choosing it over the cadlights reactor.
Ya leds have come a long way, so I'm going to give it a try.

[Gwall30]

Oh I see, external does have its advantages. Hmm, thinking about it, how big is the pump you are using? I had that option too, but thought the pump took up almost the same space as the 5x5 footprint of the cad reactor. Plus I would be saving more cabinet space.

I can also control the tumbling in the reactor and out flow too with the recirculating and out take valves.

So far doing good. The reef dynamics reactor is very nice too.

[jkhuskies99]

Nice! I have the 50 artisan, have been thinking about upgrading my sump as well. I have an MP40 and MP10, I like lots of flow. I also have a radion but I am switching to the vertex illumina 260.

[collie man]

Do you like the amount of flow or are the mp 40 and 10 turned far down?

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by Gwall30

Oh I see, external does have its advantages. Hmm, thinking about it, how big is the pump you are using? I had that option too, but thought the pump took up almost the same space as the 5x5 footprint of the cad reactor. Plus I would be saving more cabinet space.

I can also control the tumbling in the reactor and out flow too with the recirculating and out take valves.

So far doing good. The reef dynamics reactor is very nice too.

Didn't realize you could control the tumble. I didn't see that the expo or on youtube. Just saw that you can control the out flow. Good to know.
But the advantage of the reactor being external has gotten me sold.

These are the specs of the reactor.

Footprint: 4.5" x 9.5"
Height: 20"
Reaction Chamber Diameter: 3.5"
Access: 2.5" Opening with easy access JAM-LOC quick disconnect.
Bio-Load Capacity: +/- 135 gallons system volume
Bio-Pellet Capacity: +/- 12oz
Native Flow Through Rates: N/A
Pump: Sicce Syncra 1.0
Power Consumption: 16 watts@ 120VAC 60hz

I'm actually going to build a cabinet next to my stand that going to hold the reactor, ATO, GHL 3-way, and Apex.

Originally Posted by jkhuskies99

Nice! I have the 50 artisan, have been thinking about upgrading my sump as well. I have an MP40 and MP10, I like lots of flow. I also have a radion but I am switching to the vertex illumina 260.

Thanks bro
Why are you switching to the Illumina?

[jkhuskies99]

I have the 10 turned up to highest setting and the 40 at about 70%. The 10 is on the right side 2/3 down from the top towards the back, and 40 is on the left about 1/3 down from the top and in the middle.

I am switching to the vertex for a couple of reasons. I can't hang lights from my ceiling and I like the bracket for the vertex. My radion was on this awful looking custom acrylic riser on a glass top, so aesthetically it looks a lot better. Also, I like being able to easily swap out and add pads as things change, have a UV pad on now. And, plan to get the cerebra if it ever comes out...

[ReeVo]

Originally Posted by jkhuskies99

I have the 10 turned up to highest setting and the 40 at about 70%. The 10 is on the right side 2/3 down from the top towards the back, and 40 is on the left about 1/3 down from the top and in the middle.

I am switching to the vertex for a couple of reasons. I can't hang lights from my ceiling and I like the bracket for the vertex. My radion was on this awful looking custom acrylic riser on a glass top, so aesthetically it looks a lot better. Also, I like being able to easily swap out and add pads as things change, have a UV pad on now. And, plan to get the cerebra if it ever comes out...

Good reason lol
The mounting legs look really elegant. They really compliment the tank well.