57G Illuminata Build - Page 2

ampemployee1 · 09/10/2011, 04:43 PM

Phuster, you made me start thinking more about the config of the sump/fuge. Below is the manufacturer's recommended config for the fuge. Looks like you purchased a clip on light from Lowes or Home Depot. What type of bulb do you have on it, and do you run it on opposite light cycle to the main tank lights?

Phuster · 09/10/2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampemployee1

Phuster,

Nice pix, thanks for sharing. Several questions:

Question about your overflow. Looks like it feeds a filter sock via flexible tubing. If you were to do it again, would you plumb it any differently using Sched 40 pvc?

What's your bulb config in your ATI T5?

How do you control the flow to the fuge? ball valve?

Thanks, Amp

I prefer flexible tubing because I did not want to cut and mess around with PVC. It is also easy to take in and out the filter sock. As you can see there is not much room in the sump/fuge and every space has to be used efficiently. I am running 6x39W ATI running from front to back Blue Plus, Purple plus, Blue plus, GE6500K, Blue Plus, Blue Plus this is what people usually run...If you want more blue swap out GE 6500K for Aquablue Special. I control the flow to the fuge with a ball valve as you can see connected to my T from the Eheim 1262 back to display. I chose not to use the fuge/sump recommended because I hate the design. There is no room for the protein skimmer from the overflow and putting a protein skimmer at the end with return pump will defeat the purpose of the fuge because the pods will go through there and get munched up. It makes more sense to me to have protein skimmer first.....after that you can either go fuge compartment then return compartment...I chose to go return in the middle so I can concentrate light on the fuge and also to be able to control flow through the fuge with the ball valve coming from the 1262. Hope this helps!!

ampemployee1 · 09/10/2011, 05:46 PM

Phuster, thanks, that does help. I was struggling with the VERY small footprint area in the third compartment for a skimmer and return pump as well. I'll have to model it both ways to see what works best.

Got my MP10es today. May have to sell this and get an MP40 given the feedback I've received...

Phuster · 09/10/2011, 06:21 PM

I run 2 mp10w es and it is more than enough. I also get the benefit of controlling the variable flow better with 2 units instead of sticking with 1 unit.

yellowRubi · 09/10/2011, 09:00 PM

I think that 2 mp10s would be much better than one mp40 but 2 mp10's are 100$ more than
the mp40...

ampemployee1 · 09/12/2011, 08:32 AM

@yellowrubi, I saw that someone was listing most of the components for a 57g rimless build, including a MP40. I'm going to see if I can get a deal. Thanks

ampemployee1 · 09/12/2011, 03:28 PM

Temperature probe and controller recommendations? I see many posts where people are using controllers to manage their light cycles, ATO, Temp, PH, ORP, etc. What have fellow reefers deployed on your systems?

On my current "low tech" system, I have a fuge, DSB, and manually top off water. I haven't tested PH in 3 years, but Ca is 410, Nitrates <10ppm, and dKH is 10.2. Everything in my existing reef is healthy, and my zoa colonies are growing, so I haven't really felt the need to do a ton of testing...I do like the idea of automation and measurement, however. Its a cost benefit/effort thing. Would appreciate your perspectives.

So I can make some decisions about the 57G rimless build

yellowRubi · 09/12/2011, 04:34 PM

i ordered a Apex, the only problem is that it is on backorder....

ampemployee1 · 09/12/2011, 06:16 PM

Peter,

What modules on the Apex do you plan to use, and what retailer did you purchase thru?

A_Z · 09/12/2011, 06:17 PM

is your light a 4 or 6 bulb fixture?

ampemployee1 · 09/12/2011, 07:54 PM

@A_Z, 4 bulb T5 HO fixture. No plans to keep SPS, so I think I should be fine, softies, zoas, rics.

After seeing the threads on wrasses, I'll probably start a community of wrasses as well. Crazy the way some of them flash. i'll stick with the stock bulbs for 6 months and upgrade to the ATI bulbs thereafter.

I'm also keeping my eyes on the Kessil A150W LED's.

yellowRubi · 09/12/2011, 08:25 PM

i bought it from Tbaquatics as they give u a free PH probe and thats like a $50 right there, and they have 5% off for first customers also

ampemployee1 · 09/12/2011, 08:36 PM

Peter, Thanks. What's the link for your 57G build thread?

yellowRubi · 09/12/2011, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampemployee1

Peter, Thanks. What's the link for your 57G build thread?

theres none yet... i will try to work on it over the weekend

ampemployee1 · 09/12/2011, 09:32 PM

Peter, please send me your build thread when you get it going. You're about 1 month ahead of me on your build. Thanks! Ed

Phuster · 09/12/2011, 11:47 PM

I have been running Apex Junior with module 1 that has ph probe. I also bought the expanded 8 outlet. It controls my lights, ato, dosers, pumps, and fan. I really love it. Control everything with aquanotes ran through iPhone. Everything can be controlled. If you have funds and want automation it's the way to go!!

CRC88 · 09/13/2011, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A_Z

the only thing is I don't know if it will fit in a 55g stand since they are both 12 inch.

I just went through this process...I stuffed as much as I could under my 55gallon stand.

The stand is your basic pine stand from the LFS that measures 48x12, however the interior dimensions are a bit smaller. I only had 10 3/8ths inches interior width. Extremely frustrating seeing as my proposed 10g sump (glass aquarium) was 10 5/8ths...so I had to cut the rear center support beam and re-mount it so it fit entirely on the outside of the stand. Fairly simple carpentry, but just have to make sure you get it right because you are going to be putting roughly 650+ pounds of water, rock, and sand on top of that.

Heres the link to my build thread... you can also see where I removed part of the back right support beam to fit the fuge & sump lengthwise.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2069247

ampemployee1 · 09/13/2011, 11:22 AM

@phuster, thanks for the feedback. Automation sounds like the way to go. Appreciate the product recommendation.

@CRC88, I've ordered the Proflex model 2 sump and the Tech Series stand. I've seen where other reefers use the middle section for the return and skimmer because there is more space, and use the third chamber as the fuge by having the return pump T'd to feed the third chamber. I'm leaning towards this config because the third chamber is just too small to house a skimmer and return, and I really want to have a fuge in the system

ampemployee1 · 09/13/2011, 09:34 PM

Has anyone ever run their Eheim 1262 outside the sump? My sump Aqueon Proflex Model 2, doesn't have enough space to house a fuge, skimmer, and return pump. I was thinking the only way to incorporate the fuge is to run the return pump outside the sump. The Eheim 1262 is 6" x 8.5", and the third chamber is essentially 9.5" x 10". That would leave about 3 x 9 for a skimmer. That's a pretty lot for a skimmer...

Thanks, Ed

ampemployee1 · 09/13/2011, 10:16 PM

While I'm waiting for all the components for my 57G build, I'm posting some pics of the current set up that I plan to convert to a frag tank.

I plumbed the overflow and return through the wall to the sump in the closet. The sump has a Red Sea Berlin Turbo X2 skimmer. I wouldn't recommend this skimmer to anyone who would be paying $$, but I got it for free, and it does create about 8 ounces of scum a week.

Lighting is 2x65W Power CFL's. 1 actinic and 1 10k bulb. I'm looking forward to seeing the T5's in action.

Sorry about the quality of the pictures. I have a Canon Rebel digital SLR, just don't know how to get the settings right yet. If anyone has recommendations on how to set the camera up to optimize for images in the tank please let me know.

A_Z · 09/14/2011, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampemployee1

@A_Z, 4 bulb T5 HO fixture. No plans to keep SPS, so I think I should be fine, softies, zoas, rics.

After seeing the threads on wrasses, I'll probably start a community of wrasses as well. Crazy the way some of them flash. i'll stick with the stock bulbs for 6 months and upgrade to the ATI bulbs thereafter.

I'm also keeping my eyes on the Kessil A150W LED's.

oh thanks for the reply, know any good ATI bulb combos, I am looking for a purple/blue look?

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRC88

I just went through this process...I stuffed as much as I could under my 55gallon stand.

The stand is your basic pine stand from the LFS that measures 48x12, however the interior dimensions are a bit smaller. I only had 10 3/8ths inches interior width. Extremely frustrating seeing as my proposed 10g sump (glass aquarium) was 10 5/8ths...so I had to cut the rear center support beam and re-mount it so it fit entirely on the outside of the stand. Fairly simple carpentry, but just have to make sure you get it right because you are going to be putting roughly 650+ pounds of water, rock, and sand on top of that.

Heres the link to my build thread... you can also see where I removed part of the back right support beam to fit the fuge & sump lengthwise.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2069247

Thanks wow that is pretty slim in the middle.

I actually think I am going to buy an RSM 250 now, I saw it and I was extremely impressed and doing the math compared to building a comparable tank is in the same price range. Yeah I think I will go with an RSM 250. Clean and easy to setup and looks great.

ampemployee1 · 09/14/2011, 08:56 AM

@A_Z, there's a post, search under ATI T5. A reefer named Grimmreaper or something like that can advise you on bulb combos. Let me know how things go with your RSM250.

I think I've decided to config the Proflex2 with the return (Eheim 1262) running on a small shelf just above the third section, and keep the middle section set up as a fuge.

ampemployee1 · 09/16/2011, 09:36 AM

Shipping delayed on my Illuminata and stand until the week of 9/28. So, a bit more time to play around with design of the system. Went to Neptune Aquatics in Milpitas. Best LFS I've been to. Everything for the reefer.

Have some macroalgae issues in my 29g reef, bought a silver dollar sized sailfin tang. If I can ever get a decent picture, will post it. He went to work right away on clearing away some nuisance algae. I know the 29g is going to be too small long term, plan to move him to the 57G once the system is set up.

ampemployee1 · 09/26/2011, 12:05 PM

iPhone camera is not the best, coupled with fast moving tang = poor photo quality, but here is the pic of the sailfin tang...

VtheMaestro · 09/26/2011, 07:28 PM

i love to see illuminatas! nice so far

09/10/2011, 09:00 PM	#30
yellowRubi Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Streamwood,IL Posts: 677	I think that 2 mp10s would be much better than one mp40 but 2 mp10's are 100$ more than the mp40... __________________ 48x36x20h tank & 40x20x16h Sump - NanoSeaCreations 2x MP40 Quiet Drives, SKIMZ SM161 , Water Blaster HY-7000 Return ATI T5/LED 48"Powermodule, Apex with all the goodies,2 BRS Reactors

09/12/2011, 03:28 PM	#32
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	Controllers? Testing? Temperature probe and controller recommendations? I see many posts where people are using controllers to manage their light cycles, ATO, Temp, PH, ORP, etc. What have fellow reefers deployed on your systems? On my current "low tech" system, I have a fuge, DSB, and manually top off water. I haven't tested PH in 3 years, but Ca is 410, Nitrates <10ppm, and dKH is 10.2. Everything in my existing reef is healthy, and my zoa colonies are growing, so I haven't really felt the need to do a ton of testing...I do like the idea of automation and measurement, however. Its a cost benefit/effort thing. Would appreciate your perspectives. So I can make some decisions about the 57G rimless build

09/12/2011, 04:34 PM	#33
yellowRubi Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Streamwood,IL Posts: 677	i ordered a Apex, the only problem is that it is on backorder.... __________________ 48x36x20h tank & 40x20x16h Sump - NanoSeaCreations 2x MP40 Quiet Drives, SKIMZ SM161 , Water Blaster HY-7000 Return ATI T5/LED 48"Powermodule, Apex with all the goodies,2 BRS Reactors

09/12/2011, 08:25 PM	#37
yellowRubi Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Streamwood,IL Posts: 677	i bought it from Tbaquatics as they give u a free PH probe and thats like a $50 right there, and they have 5% off for first customers also __________________ 48x36x20h tank & 40x20x16h Sump - NanoSeaCreations 2x MP40 Quiet Drives, SKIMZ SM161 , Water Blaster HY-7000 Return ATI T5/LED 48"Powermodule, Apex with all the goodies,2 BRS Reactors

09/12/2011, 09:32 PM	#40
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	Peter, please send me your build thread when you get it going. You're about 1 month ahead of me on your build. Thanks! Ed __________________ Oceanic 120g Tech, Custom stand, 40B custom sump, Vertex Alpha 130 skimmer, 30 gallon DIY ATO, Reefbreeders 48 photon, RKL Controller, 2xRW15 and 1xRW8, 2xBRS 1.1ml/min dosers Current Tank Info: 57 gallon rimless

09/10/2011, 06:21 PM	#29
Phuster Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 65	I run 2 mp10w es and it is more than enough. I also get the benefit of controlling the variable flow better with 2 units instead of sticking with 1 unit.

09/12/2011, 08:32 AM	#31
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	@yellowrubi, I saw that someone was listing most of the components for a 57g rimless build, including a MP40. I'm going to see if I can get a deal. Thanks

09/12/2011, 06:16 PM	#34
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	Peter, What modules on the Apex do you plan to use, and what retailer did you purchase thru?

09/12/2011, 06:17 PM	#35
A_Z Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 546	is your light a 4 or 6 bulb fixture?

09/12/2011, 07:54 PM	#36
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	@A_Z, 4 bulb T5 HO fixture. No plans to keep SPS, so I think I should be fine, softies, zoas, rics. After seeing the threads on wrasses, I'll probably start a community of wrasses as well. Crazy the way some of them flash. i'll stick with the stock bulbs for 6 months and upgrade to the ATI bulbs thereafter. I'm also keeping my eyes on the Kessil A150W LED's.

09/12/2011, 08:36 PM	#38
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	Peter, Thanks. What's the link for your 57G build thread?

09/12/2011, 11:47 PM	#41
Phuster Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 65	I have been running Apex Junior with module 1 that has ph probe. I also bought the expanded 8 outlet. It controls my lights, ato, dosers, pumps, and fan. I really love it. Control everything with aquanotes ran through iPhone. Everything can be controlled. If you have funds and want automation it's the way to go!!

09/13/2011, 11:22 AM	#43
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	@phuster, thanks for the feedback. Automation sounds like the way to go. Appreciate the product recommendation. @CRC88, I've ordered the Proflex model 2 sump and the Tech Series stand. I've seen where other reefers use the middle section for the return and skimmer because there is more space, and use the third chamber as the fuge by having the return pump T'd to feed the third chamber. I'm leaning towards this config because the third chamber is just too small to house a skimmer and return, and I really want to have a fuge in the system __________________ Oceanic 120g Tech, Custom stand, 40B custom sump, Vertex Alpha 130 skimmer, 30 gallon DIY ATO, Reefbreeders 48 photon, RKL Controller, 2xRW15 and 1xRW8, 2xBRS 1.1ml/min dosers Current Tank Info: 57 gallon rimless

09/13/2011, 09:34 PM	#44
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	Eheim 1262 run outside the sump? Has anyone ever run their Eheim 1262 outside the sump? My sump Aqueon Proflex Model 2, doesn't have enough space to house a fuge, skimmer, and return pump. I was thinking the only way to incorporate the fuge is to run the return pump outside the sump. The Eheim 1262 is 6" x 8.5", and the third chamber is essentially 9.5" x 10". That would leave about 3 x 9 for a skimmer. That's a pretty lot for a skimmer... Thanks, Ed __________________ Oceanic 120g Tech, Custom stand, 40B custom sump, Vertex Alpha 130 skimmer, 30 gallon DIY ATO, Reefbreeders 48 photon, RKL Controller, 2xRW15 and 1xRW8, 2xBRS 1.1ml/min dosers Current Tank Info: 57 gallon rimless

09/14/2011, 08:56 AM	#47
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	@A_Z, there's a post, search under ATI T5. A reefer named Grimmreaper or something like that can advise you on bulb combos. Let me know how things go with your RSM250. I think I've decided to config the Proflex2 with the return (Eheim 1262) running on a small shelf just above the third section, and keep the middle section set up as a fuge. __________________ Oceanic 120g Tech, Custom stand, 40B custom sump, Vertex Alpha 130 skimmer, 30 gallon DIY ATO, Reefbreeders 48 photon, RKL Controller, 2xRW15 and 1xRW8, 2xBRS 1.1ml/min dosers Current Tank Info: 57 gallon rimless

09/16/2011, 09:36 AM	#48
ampemployee1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 366	Shipping delayed on my Illuminata and stand until the week of 9/28. So, a bit more time to play around with design of the system. Went to Neptune Aquatics in Milpitas. Best LFS I've been to. Everything for the reefer. Have some macroalgae issues in my 29g reef, bought a silver dollar sized sailfin tang. If I can ever get a decent picture, will post it. He went to work right away on clearing away some nuisance algae. I know the 29g is going to be too small long term, plan to move him to the 57G once the system is set up. __________________ Oceanic 120g Tech, Custom stand, 40B custom sump, Vertex Alpha 130 skimmer, 30 gallon DIY ATO, Reefbreeders 48 photon, RKL Controller, 2xRW15 and 1xRW8, 2xBRS 1.1ml/min dosers Current Tank Info: 57 gallon rimless Last edited by ampemployee1; 09/16/2011 at 09:43 AM.

09/26/2011, 07:28 PM	#50
VtheMaestro Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Atlanta Posts: 234	i love to see illuminatas! nice so far __________________ ~MAESTRO~ Grammy Award Winning Music Producer Ecoxotic LED Club Current Tank Info: 29G Biocube, 57G Oceanic Illuminata

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