Newbie planning first build

[mmittlesteadt]

Originally Posted by Tooboot

The pump has an auto shutoff.
The pipe is all pvc, there are some pieces of braided hose, no metal. I decided to use the cleaner pieces of the flex or braided hose he gave with the tank for some room for error or adjustment.
Here'so a link to the pump
http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...o-790-GPH.html

Very cool with the auto-shutoff! Just a quick question (simply because I tend to be really anal about thinking through every potential problem for solutions), What if the auto shutoff fails?

[Tooboot]

Originally Posted by mmittlesteadt

Very cool with the auto-shutoff! Just a quick question (simply because I tend to be really anal about thinking through every potential problem for solutions), What if the auto shutoff fails?

I too try to think everything through, to a point of driving myself crazy from time to time, and it usually causes delays in progression. better to think about it earlier rather than dealing with issues later.

that is the only issue that I have not given more thought to. I figure if it fails, time to buy a new pump (or take advantage of the warranty if it is still available at that time).

this is why I'm enjoying these forums, there is only so much I by myself can foresee or consider, having others to bounce ideas around with helps so much.

I'm now looking into my lighting. I've started a thread in the DIY section to ask about cutting the brace at the top, given it may create shadows. from the replies I received, I am deciding against it and will try to get two sets of lights (one on either side) rather than one fixture running across the full tank.

taking this into consideration, I am considering breaking the bank and going with 2 160 Kessils, and a controller, or maybe some LEDs from China with built in programmable options (although I don't know if I can sync them up), or building a floating hood and DIY'ing something in there.

the floating hood idea is kind of enticing. I am considering putting a couple of computer fans in the hood for ventilation and cooling, and some of these lights/LED bulbs. I would simply do some electrical work (and have some leftover PVC for waterproofing) to add regular home lighting fixtures and hook them up to a wireless home light switch with dimming capabilities. I'd have to look into some programming options if I want to automate it for the dimming and timing options, but otherwise could control it through my tablet.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Full-Spectrum...3D371332790783

not sure if it would work, more research is needed, but could be cost efficient and fun to build.

[MDreefer]

Test for leaks as you go as often as possible!!!

[mmittlesteadt]

Originally Posted by Tooboot

I too try to think everything through, to a point of driving myself crazy from time to time, and it usually causes delays in progression. better to think about it earlier rather than dealing with issues later.

I was doing research for almost a year and really spent about 4 months from the time I bought the tank and a lot of the equipment (which I eventually upgraded) before even getting it set up and filled with water the first time.

I am so glad I did, because although it severely tested my patience, I've been rewarded with a gorgeous reef that is almost maintenance free with so many failsafes in place that my only worry is how I'm going to come up with cash for my next purchase.

And really the planning and research was my favorite part of the entire thing.

[Tooboot]

I agree,
I'm normally impatient when it comes to this stuff, but it's a good test and I am doing well so far.
I learned my lesson with my 15 gallon freshwater tank, just adding a bunch of fish all at once right away. learned about cycling. also, tank placement, the curtains near the freshwater tank are now closed to avoid direct sunlight, no more algae issue.

[Tooboot]

just a quick update.
I've been doing some more research on equipment and have placed an order for the Jebao PP-8 with the wireless Aqualink S controller. bought it from the Fish Street site, used paypal to reduce some stress around the poor grammar on their website (always wonder how legit things are when it seems people can't spell or use spell check).

I am still considering another heater to compliment the Neo-Therm 150 I had picked up a week ago. i've read and heard mixed reviews on the Neo-Therm, so any feedback on that heater or any other to use as a second/complimentary heater would be appreciated. I am also aware that the 150 may be a little small for my tank, so please comment on that too.

the protein skimmer should have arrived today, will stop by the post office on my way home to check. looking forward to it.

other than that, still waiting on my return pump. it seems like its a popular item and now on back order. once that is in, I should have most of the equipment to start aquascaping, adding water, and live sand.

Yes lights will still be missing, but given the fact that I will not be using live rock, I expect the cycling to take a bit longer, which should buy me some time to decide what I will do for lighting. I came across the CORAL BOX MOON LED LIGHTING on the fish street website, they seem interesting reasonably priced for LEDs, thinking of getting 2. Anyone have experience with these lights.

[Egalindo2240]

I love the app that goes along with my coral box . I have one on a 15 gallon with the whites turned almost all the way down . I'm planning on a 40 breeder build and will buy a second

[ChitownBrickie]

Originally Posted by mmittlesteadt

Yes, you can always throttle back a return pump, but you can't increase your drain after the fact. I too, would use both 1" as drains (one main, one emergency) and the 3/4" for the return.

However, since you are going with an up and over return, you can get both holes to match by cutting the 3/4" to a 1" size.

I err on the side of caution. If it can go wrong, it will, so plan ahead and make sure you have every possible scenario for water flow (restricted and overflowing) handled...in advance.

That calculator also calculates tank volume, so you can measure LXWXD of any area of a tank to determine how many gallons you have leftover in your main tank when filled (the space not filled at the top), and also how many gallons your return chamber in your sump is. If the water level in your sump's return chamber (when down below your pump's ability to pump any longer) is less than the space left at the top of your tank, if your drain plugs, it won't overflow your tank. If it's more, then you'll have a huge mess.

You can do a search here (or Google) for Herbie and Beananimal drain systems just to see the benefits of them. Worth what little extra effort they are. I have a Herbie and it's really difficult to tune in perfect, so I always have some water going into my emergency...and that's with 1 1/2" drain lines. In hindsight, I should have done the beananimal because you get the emergency drain and another totally dry one, so you never have to futz with balancing out the drain/return perfectly (which is almost impossible anyway).

Thanks for your advice. Yes, I read Herbie and BeanAnimal's thread. I chose to go with the Herbie method too. My tank is predrilled for 3/4" and 1" on the bottom, the manufacture then tempered the glass after drilling. So I can't drill it :/ but I can bump the pipe sizes up before & after the bulkheads. Do you think 1' should be sufficient enough for the 2 drain pipes? I decided to go with less flow from the pump too, 6x turnover rate of 330Gallons. Thanks for the heads up on calculating left over gallons for the return chamber in my sump too!

[ChitownBrickie]

Originally Posted by mmittlesteadt

I was doing research for almost a year and really spent about 4 months from the time I bought the tank and a lot of the equipment (which I eventually upgraded) before even getting it set up and filled with water the first time.

I am so glad I did, because although it severely tested my patience, I've been rewarded with a gorgeous reef that is almost maintenance free with so many failsafes in place that my only worry is how I'm going to come up with cash for my next purchase.

And really the planning and research was my favorite part of the entire thing.

+1 I've been researching since December. I'm really grateful that I did not rush it, and most of all that I found Reef Central. The vast amount of knowledge here is just incredible.

[Tooboot]

Originally Posted by Egalindo2240

I love the app that goes along with my coral box . I have one on a 15 gallon with the whites turned almost all the way down . I'm planning on a 40 breeder build and will buy a second

That is a huge part of the attraction. Just wasnt sure of their experience with LEDs and only found it on non large scale type of site, I'll be checking with my LFS, will keep researching. How long have you had them?
What's the plan with the tank, noticed it was a bare bottom.

[Tooboot]

Originally Posted by ChitownBrickie

+1 I've been researching since December. I'm really grateful that I did not rush it, and most of all that I found Reef Central. The vast amount of knowledge here is just incredible.

Any pictures, would love to see them, or a build thread link?

I'm getting to the point of buying rock. The protein skimmer came in. Used from ebay, haven't given it a try yet, need a bucket and want to run some bottled water through it.

It will be while before I get to the rock, I want to give that more time and look up more pictures, bit more inspiration (watch finding Nemo and the little Mermaid again, lol)

[Egalindo2240]

Screenshot of my settings. I love the fact that I can tweak different colors. I wish I could afford an AI Prime which I believe the moon led is knocking off. But the price I couldn't resist . Stumbled upon the light on eBay and seller turned out to be local. Dallas reef systems . Have had the light and 15 gallon going about 2 months. Plan is to ditch the 15 and live clown fish and and about 15 zoa and sps frags to the new 40b and 29L sump I just purchased today and eventually someday very soon build. May be running one light till I can scrape up cash for and another moon led

[Tooboot]

Originally Posted by Egalindo2240

Screenshot of my settings. I love the fact that I can tweak different colors. I wish I could afford an AI Prime which I believe the moon led is knocking off. But the price I couldn't resist . Stumbled upon the light on eBay and seller turned out to be local. Dallas reef systems . Have had the light and 15 gallon going about 2 months. Plan is to ditch the 15 and live clown fish and and about 15 zoa and sps frags to the new 40b and 29L sump I just purchased today and eventually someday very soon build. May be running one light till I can scrape up cash for and another moon led

Very cool, thanks for sharing. Everything costs more for me due to exchange rates, I checked out the stores website and yes they have good prices, until I tac on another 30%. I was considering getting 2 given I have a black brace across the top (middle). was thinking of cutting it and rebracing with something clear, but after posting a thread and gathering feedback, I'm going for 2 lights. I'd like the Kessel but out of my price range right now

[WWIII]

Looks like you are doing the due diligence to make your first tank a success! Congrats on doing the proper research (it's a lot to figure out!). The kessils 160's and 360's are awesome lights, but that can always be an upgrade down the road as there are cheaper options that will do the trick. Im not sure if you've ordered your dry rock yet? If you haven't take a look at reefcleaners dry rock. That's what I used and was/am very happy with the product!

[Tooboot]

Originally Posted by WWIII

Looks like you are doing the due diligence to make your first tank a success! Congrats on doing the proper research (it's a lot to figure out!). The kessils 160's and 360's are awesome lights, but that can always be an upgrade down the road as there are cheaper options that will do the trick. Im not sure if you've ordered your dry rock yet? If you haven't take a look at reefcleaners dry rock. That's what I used and was/am very happy with the product!

Thanks for the tip, I'm also looking around the area, LFS, to avoid any ridiculous shipping costs, there is one 1 h away and they sell premium dry key largo Marco rock at 2.99 lbs. Would appreciate knowing how you all kept your aquascape together. I also have to factor exchange rates if ordering outside of Canada.

[terryscf]

Hi. I'm new to reef tanks as well. I'm in the early stages of a 75 gallon. Gonna follow your thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tooboot]

Originally Posted by terryscf

Hi. I'm new to reef tanks as well. I'm in the early stages of a 75 gallon. Gonna follow your thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great, welcome. Feel free to share your progress along and any info you pick up along the way

[ChitownBrickie]

Originally Posted by Tooboot

Any pictures, would love to see them, or a build thread link?

I'm getting to the point of buying rock. The protein skimmer came in. Used from ebay, haven't given it a try yet, need a bucket and want to run some bottled water through it.

It will be while before I get to the rock, I want to give that more time and look up more pictures, bit more inspiration (watch finding Nemo and the little Mermaid again, lol)

I like your sump design! That is my next thing to do. I've just about got everything I need to get that rolling. I haven't put together a build thread. I got the idea from a fellow reefer here on RC. I will start a thread when the rock goes in I'll attach a pic for you though. I'm going to order tinted glass doors (black) for the stand.

[Tooboot]

Originally Posted by ChitownBrickie

I like your sump design! That is my next thing to do. I've just about got everything I need to get that rolling. I haven't put together a build thread. I got the idea from a fellow reefer here on RC. I will start a thread when the rock goes in I'll attach a pic for you though. I'm going to order tinted glass doors (black) for the stand.

Wow nice stand, did you make it yourself or buy it. I've been Lucy so far everything you see except most plumbing is second hand bought used online. The new stuff is on its way. Including the sump for 50$

[ChitownBrickie]

Originally Posted by Tooboot

Wow nice stand, did you make it yourself or buy it. I've been Lucy so far everything you see except most plumbing is second hand bought used online. The new stuff is on its way. Including the sump for 50$

Thanks. Yes I built it, after I saw a fellow reefer with it hear on RC. I liked it, and figured it would be a good winter project. I agree with second hand too. this is an expensive hobby, esp in the beginning when were trying to figure out what works with what. I thought you made the sump yourself?

[Tooboot]

Originally Posted by ChitownBrickie

Thanks. Yes I built it, after I saw a fellow reefer with it hear on RC. I liked it, and figured it would be a good winter project. I agree with second hand too. this is an expensive hobby, esp in the beginning when were trying to figure out what works with what. I thought you made the sump yourself?

I was going to build it myself, I was looking online for a used tank when I came across the sump. I also found baffle kits online, turn a regular tank into a sump.

Anyway, more stuff came in yesterday, and I have to pick up another package from the post office today, once I have everything I'll take more pics and include another post tonight.

I was playing with the plumbing last night and realized I need another coat of paint on the back of the tank (also scratched a bit of the paint last night)

[yinuh]

Some additional pics of my return line and the sump. I also have sitting in the tank a neo therm 150 to start thingschool off (make initial batches of saltwater and cycle my tank) I plan on getting a 200 after that and the 150 would be a spare set at a lower temp.

[ChitownBrickie]

Originally Posted by Tooboot

I was going to build it myself, I was looking online for a used tank when I came across the sump. I also found baffle kits online, turn a regular tank into a sump.

Anyway, more stuff came in yesterday, and I have to pick up another package from the post office today, once I have everything I'll take more pics and include another post tonight.

I was playing with the plumbing last night and realized I need another coat of paint on the back of the tank (also scratched a bit of the paint last night)

That cool. I didn't know they sold "baffle kits," but it makes sense. What site did you use? I was going to buy a tank and then cut some glass for baffles, but this way sound much better! Your sump has a very clean look to it. I'm hoping to achieve the same.
I look forward to seeing your pics soon later. that too bad about the paint scratches, but at least there wasn't water in the tank yet

[Tooboot]

Originally Posted by ChitownBrickie

That cool. I didn't know they sold "baffle kits," but it makes sense. What site did you use? I was going to buy a tank and then cut some glass for baffles, but this way sound much better! Your sump has a very clean look to it. I'm hoping to achieve the same.
I look forward to seeing your pics soon later. that too bad about the paint scratches, but at least there wasn't water in the tank yet

I had seen it on ebay as a refugium kit. reasonable price if you are trying/wanting to save some time.
The only thing I wonder about is how accurate their measurements are, would hate to spend $60 on a kit (which seems comprehensive) and find out I can't use the pieces.

not overly concerned with the paint. actually went back and forth as to whether or not I wanted to paint it, touch up, again. I decided on yes, but also considered the fact that I'm looking forward to coralline algae building up on the back (eventually, I need water, rock, sand, fish, coral.... first).

[ChitownBrickie]

Originally Posted by Tooboot

I had seen it on ebay as a refugium kit. reasonable price if you are trying/wanting to save some time.
The only thing I wonder about is how accurate their measurements are, would hate to spend $60 on a kit (which seems comprehensive) and find out I can't use the pieces.

not overly concerned with the paint. actually went back and forth as to whether or not I wanted to paint it, touch up, again. I decided on yes, but also considered the fact that I'm looking forward to coralline algae building up on the back (eventually, I need water, rock, sand, fish, coral.... first).

Thanks, I can understand that. I will Google it now and take a look