Xrays 90G build (Many Pictures)

[xraydoc]

So it is that I decided to re-enter the hobby after several years of absence. When I was in medical school I had started with a 10G, followed quickly by a 37G, and shortly thereafter had graduated to a 75G. At that point I had essentially outgrown my ability to pay for my hobby and was forced to sell everything. Nearly instantaneously I regretted my decision and decided that one day I would get back into the hobby when my financial situation had improved.

My current project essentially began in August with a vacation to the keys and after some dives and snorkeling the inspiration was in place.

[xraydoc]

I wanted to try to buy a used tank, not so much because I had to, but I think that you can typically find very nice used tanks cheaply. I decided to buy a 90 RR (older style with corner overflow) from a RC member locally. Included were the stand and canopy which were DIY. I thought the stand looked nice enough and the craftsmanship seemed to be quality, although not what I would consider "furniture grade."

The finish was however light oak, which doesen't sit well with me. I therefore spent quite a bit of time refinishing the stand and canopy. Unfortunately when I tried to stain it the oak didnt really like the idea of taking a deep red color (MInwax Red Mahogany) and after pre-stain and about 10 coats I gave up and decided to paint it black.



So this is how it came out, sorry I dont have pre finish pictures. I am moderately happy with the outcome. The major thing I dislike are the hinges I initially chose. I may switch them out to a completely concealed hinge but I havent made up my mind.

I now have most of the components in place and ready to install:



Euro-Reef RS-135



Korallia 4's. I had a very difficult time deciding on flow solutions for the tank. I ultimately want a mixed reef, but I personally prefer LPS and dont want to have an over abundance of flow. Im still considering a Tunze wavebox but again, am undecided. As it stands the K4's are cheap so if I dont like them, no harm done.



Aqua Medic 500W Titanium heater element with controller.

[Aquarist007]

how much was the controller for the heater?

[xraydoc]

I finished installing my lighting into the canopy tonight.



I chose a hellolights retro with 2 250 DE halides and 2 supplementary actinic T5s. I gave much consideration to T5 and I think that they are a great lighting option, I just cant live without the halide shimmer.

As you can see I painted the inside of the canopy white and there is some black overspray around the edges from the canopy painting. I decided that I really didnt care so I didnt bother touching it up as I will be the only one who ever sees it.

I chose to go with phoenix 14k halides and actinic T5s. I think the phoenix bulbs are blue enough for my taste without the actinic supplementation. I have always liked the ability to create a pure actinic dusk phase and that was the main reason for adding them.

Tomorrow I will post some pictures with the lights on and some particulars on the wiring (lots of wires) and ballast mounting. I always found it helpful for people deciding on bulbs to actually see what the actual appearance is, especially with the bluer bulbs for which CCT cannot be calculated.

[xraydoc]

Originally posted by capn_hylinur
how much was the controller for the heater?

I believe the controller was $60 and the titanium element was $40. It is a rather expensive option for heating but I like to control and being free of problems members have had with glass heaters. (I have never had any bad experience personally with a glass heater, but the horror stories were enough to disuade me.)

[Aquarist007]

Originally posted by xraydoc
I believe the controller was $60 and the titanium element was $40. It is a rather expensive option for heating but I like to control and being free of problems members have had with glass heaters. (I have never had any bad experience personally with a glass heater, but the horror stories were enough to disuade me.)

its not an expensive insurance at all--the cheapest one I have seen up here is 120 dollars--thanks I have to look into this one

[xraydoc]

Tonight I plan to post pictures of the sump, which is now finished, lights on with hood in place, and hopefully the plumbing which is essentially done.

Target is to fill er' up Friday and travel to Premium Aquatics on Saturday in Indy to grab some live rock and sand. I think that Ill buy about 80-90 pounds and severeal bags of the arag alive Pink Fiji sand. Not yet sure whay type of rock, Ill just see what I like when I get there.

Also will get fuge light tonight from HD and may buy some wire wrap to clean up my wiring install a little more.

[flyguy7150]

Looking good, you're off to a great start, keep it up

[xraydoc]

Originally posted by capn_hylinur
its not an expensive insurance at all--the cheapest one I have seen up here is 120 dollars--thanks I have to look into this one

I ordered it from Marine Depot if interested. Good Luck.

[xraydoc]

I finished the sump tonight. I used a 30 gallon aquarium, 36 x 12 x 16 and 1/4 acrylic baffles supported by silicone. My silicone job is a little shady but Ive accepted it and the product functioned well in fresh water testing. I now have no leakage around the baffles.




I modeled the sump after melev's model F and I found his site invaluable in planning. I would have liked to made the intake section a little deeper but my skimmer calls for about 8 inches of depth and the stand clearance for the RS-135 would have been sketchy if I made a skimmer stand. The return pump is an Oceanrunner 3500 and the return flow will be split between (unequally) the tank and fuge.

I used a table saw to cut the baffles, it worked out fine but I think a more specialized blade would have been a little more accurate as the edges were very minorly irregular.

My simple planning diagram:

[mnml]

Looking good so far. I personally like the black finish on the stand. Let me know how you like that Euro-Reef skimmer. A buddy of mine is looking to get one of those. Good luck with your progress.

[xraydoc]

Thanks, thin crust. Will have this tank running by Saturday night. Hopefully some skimmate on Sunday? We'll see.

[xraydoc]

Also finished up the RO/DI setup:



Pretty Happy with 80 PSI input pressure.



Input TDS:



Output TDS:

[mattnano]

Everything looks good and well planned out, the only thing you forgot about is once its all set up your going to want to go bigger to accomodate bigger fish Im also excited that I finally found someone elce from radiology that is interested in reef aquariums, too bad your not one of our radiologists, Im a radiology student here in PA
heres my 1.5 yr old 30 gal reef

Goodluck!!

[xraydoc]

Your tank looks great. I hear you on the going bigger thing, but when I started this project my wife pointed out that I have too many hobbies, all of which are too expensive in her view (reef tanks, rc nitro helecopters, cars) so I decided to go with the 90, plus it will fit in my home office which is what I really wanted.

In our next house Im thinking of a centerpiece basement cube tank maybe around 300-400 gallons open for viewing on all 4 sides. Just a dream at his point.

Good to hear you are in radiology, a wise specialty choice as you no doubt know,