**former thread of the month** Rebuilding the Reef - Log of a 90 Gallon Restarted - Page 2

Jamesurq · 12/14/2004, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Project Reef
Nice stuff James. Looking forward to tracking your progress.

BTW, Now listen to me...Jo-LENE. I've got an army to raise and I must get to Nicaragua. I require a window seat and an in-flight Happy Meal AND NO PICKLES. OH, GOD HELP YOU IF I FIND PICKLES.

For every pickle I find, I shall kill you!

Project Reef · 12/14/2004, 07:35 AM

Sprinkle homie, sprinkle! ::shakes head:: You are losing your touch man.

Jamesurq · 12/14/2004, 07:41 AM

Oh - you're right....oops...

How about this one...
Dad, what's the blowhole for?

I'll tell you what it's not for. And when I do, you'll understand why I can never go back to Sea World.

Jamesurq · 12/14/2004, 07:42 AM

Or:

Man, some fishing trip this turned out to be. All we caught is a tire, a boot, a tin can and this book of clichÃƒÂ©s.

Project Reef · 12/14/2004, 07:50 AM

LOL, excellent. Now back to the wonderful world of James' rebuildingification of his tank.

padixon2 · 12/14/2004, 10:41 AM

lol...yes more pics please

on a side note, i live in base housing on a cement block and my tank is on the ajoining wall of a duplex.......not exactly hole in the wall friendly, haha...or else id consider it, lol

Jamesurq · 12/14/2004, 11:30 AM

i'll have to get in the crawlspace and get that ampmaster hooked up. Of course we're now in winter mode - it's friggin freezing down there.

AJP · 12/14/2004, 01:04 PM

speaking of friggin freezin, what are you gonna do about the water traveling that far in the cold, is that like a natural chiller, but what about come summer when it gets hot? Just thought I would bring that up now that you have done all of that work.

Jamesurq · 12/14/2004, 01:54 PM

yeah - natural chiller in both summer and winter. The temperature in an underground crawlspace is actually quite cool during the summer. Now - the room in the garage is probably going to get rather warm.

I will be venting this room with the air from the crawlspace and crossing my fingers.

I like to run my tank in the 82-84 range so I'm hopeful I'll be able to keep it there with a couple of fans. If not - I'll put the 400 W Radium on a thermostat to shutoff....

The other helpful thing for the summer is that the builder roughed in an AC vent in the little room, just needs to be hooked into the main system... I wonder what he was planning for that room??

Jamesurq · 12/14/2004, 03:50 PM

I was researching fans (based on their noise levels). Wondering how much CFM is needed at a bare minimum? I'll be able to run large noisy fans at the sump - so would just 1 of these fans do?

At 12dBA - it's basically silent. Only about 20 CFM though....

AJP · 12/14/2004, 04:27 PM

hey off topic but how do I change from registered member to something else like say squeaky clean primate?

Jamesurq · 12/14/2004, 06:22 PM

I think there's a certain post count you need. Not sure. Look in your settings (profile, etc)

Jamesurq · 12/16/2004, 02:12 PM

Ok - so last night I went to install the closed loop pump and figured out I needed 2 more 90 degree 1.5" PVC fittings... AARG. Asked the wife what time Home Depot closed "10PM" was her answer. Well I showed up at 9:11, 11 minutes after they had closed....

At any rate - stopped in today at lunch - looking at finishing the pump tonight and getting it wet TONIGHT!

5y5tem 0verload · 12/16/2004, 02:32 PM

I'm truely sorry about the meltdown you had. Your previous tank had TOTM written all over it. I'm glad your jumping back in with both feet and I'm sure we can expect to see the same quality with this one as we did with the previous. I only wish my progess (and Ryan's) was moving along as hastily as yours. You can bet i'm following this one til the end

Good Luck and most importantly have fun.

reef-freaky · 12/16/2004, 04:34 PM

I wanted to let you know that I had previously done something like this but with only my chiller and it worked out quite well.

Basically cut the dry wall, cut into the framing in between the dry wall for the pipes and electrical, dragged chiller into crawl space, hooked up pipes, hooked up to main return and away I went. I have since moved from that house and all I had to do was patch the framing and dry wall plus remove my chiller.

It was one of the better decisions at that location. I received all of the beneifts of a chiller with none of the bad side affects (noise and heat)

Jamesurq · 12/18/2004, 06:16 AM

Well folks. Looks like this thread is gonna be a little stalled. Filled up my tank yesterday after plumbing the closed loop and leveling the tank - and it cracked. It looks like the drilling of the closed loop bulkheads created a weakness in the back pane.

I have no clue what I"m going to do - although I know I'm really upset...

jimmy n · 12/18/2004, 06:30 AM

I can feel your frustrations and hear the screams from here. That is awful.

Sorry

Jim

MiddletonMark · 12/18/2004, 06:56 AM

Wow, that sucks.

I have no doubt that what you build will be even more beautiful than the last ... but evidently it's not going to be easy

Mr_Quality · 12/18/2004, 07:01 AM

Wow, I don't remember ever reading a more disappointing new tank log.

Sorry for your loss.

Jamesurq · 12/18/2004, 07:01 AM

2 strikes... 1 more problem like this and I'm out.

The wife is already reeling that I'm gonna have to drop another $300 on a replacement....

jimmy n · 12/18/2004, 09:37 AM

Can you go bigger? Since you have the stand I guess that could only be taller, but there can be a bright side to every reef disaster

pbs911 · 12/18/2004, 09:56 AM

I've been following the thread and you have some great ideas.

Don't give up!

Go bigger if you can so as not to spend $ on a replacement. Think of it as an upgrade!

AJP · 12/18/2004, 10:33 AM

I say look in the used threads, there has to be a nice used 90 in there somewhere. No need to buy new, it is kind of like a car. Pay a huge price and goes down about 40% in value when you drive it off the lot, or in this case put water in it. I beg you not to give up. Also I am not sure how far you are from a glasscages event, but I know he sells 90's for $150 then just add $20 for some holes and overflows, that way if it cracks atleast he drilled the holes. Any way good luck don't give up check out www.glasscages.com

Jamesurq · 12/18/2004, 12:58 PM

Went out and purchased a brand new 90 with the new megaflow overflow thingie...

I guess I got anxious. All the "used" prices I was being quoted were not that much less than a brand new one....

I'm skipping the drilling and cutting the crossbrace steps this time around. I'm gonna run my closed loop over the back - and just deal with the shadow from the crossbrace...

Better safe than sorry. - plus, not sure I have the balls to drill and saw on a brand new tank...

lovetoreef · 12/18/2004, 01:16 PM

good luck and congrats on the new tank.

12/14/2004, 07:35 AM	#27
Project Reef **** R.C. Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Southern California Posts: 5,844	Sprinkle homie, sprinkle! ::shakes head:: You are losing your touch man. __________________ - Ali

12/14/2004, 07:50 AM	#30
Project Reef **** R.C. Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Southern California Posts: 5,844	LOL, excellent. Now back to the wonderful world of James' rebuildingification of his tank. __________________ - Ali

12/16/2004, 02:32 PM	#39
5y5tem 0verload Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Eads, TN Posts: 684	I'm truely sorry about the meltdown you had. Your previous tank had TOTM written all over it. I'm glad your jumping back in with both feet and I'm sure we can expect to see the same quality with this one as we did with the previous. I only wish my progess (and Ryan's) was moving along as hastily as yours. You can bet i'm following this one til the end Good Luck and most importantly have fun. __________________ Jeremy I know you believe you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.

12/18/2004, 06:56 AM	#43
MiddletonMark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 14,441	Wow, that sucks. I have no doubt that what you build will be even more beautiful than the last ... but evidently it's not going to be easy __________________ read a lot, think for yourself Current Tank Info: 58g stony reef [250w10k, 250w 20k MH, 2x vho act, Octopus150, 6060 + 6000] ; 60g mixed tub

12/18/2004, 07:01 AM	#44
Mr_Quality Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Falmouth, ME Posts: 1,135	Wow, I don't remember ever reading a more disappointing new tank log. Sorry for your loss. __________________ Mike I'm also 3_high_low's brother Current Tank Info: JBJ 28g Intermediate LED

12/14/2004, 07:41 AM	#28
Jamesurq Moved On Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,470	Oh - you're right....oops... How about this one... Dad, what's the blowhole for? I'll tell you what it's not for. And when I do, you'll understand why I can never go back to Sea World.

12/14/2004, 07:42 AM	#29
Jamesurq Moved On Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,470	Or: Man, some fishing trip this turned out to be. All we caught is a tire, a boot, a tin can and this book of clichÃƒÂ©s.

12/14/2004, 10:41 AM	#31
padixon2 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tinker AFB, OK Posts: 1,067	lol...yes more pics please on a side note, i live in base housing on a cement block and my tank is on the ajoining wall of a duplex.......not exactly hole in the wall friendly, haha...or else id consider it, lol

12/14/2004, 11:30 AM	#32
Jamesurq Moved On Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,470	i'll have to get in the crawlspace and get that ampmaster hooked up. Of course we're now in winter mode - it's friggin freezing down there.

12/14/2004, 01:04 PM	#33
AJP Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kansas Posts: 2,652	speaking of friggin freezin, what are you gonna do about the water traveling that far in the cold, is that like a natural chiller, but what about come summer when it gets hot? Just thought I would bring that up now that you have done all of that work.

12/14/2004, 01:54 PM	#34
Jamesurq Moved On Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,470	yeah - natural chiller in both summer and winter. The temperature in an underground crawlspace is actually quite cool during the summer. Now - the room in the garage is probably going to get rather warm. I will be venting this room with the air from the crawlspace and crossing my fingers. I like to run my tank in the 82-84 range so I'm hopeful I'll be able to keep it there with a couple of fans. If not - I'll put the 400 W Radium on a thermostat to shutoff.... The other helpful thing for the summer is that the builder roughed in an AC vent in the little room, just needs to be hooked into the main system... I wonder what he was planning for that room??

12/14/2004, 03:50 PM	#35
Jamesurq Moved On Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,470	I was researching fans (based on their noise levels). Wondering how much CFM is needed at a bare minimum? I'll be able to run large noisy fans at the sump - so would just 1 of these fans do? At 12dBA - it's basically silent. Only about 20 CFM though....

12/14/2004, 04:27 PM	#36
AJP Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kansas Posts: 2,652	hey off topic but how do I change from registered member to something else like say squeaky clean primate?

12/14/2004, 06:22 PM	#37
Jamesurq Moved On Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,470	I think there's a certain post count you need. Not sure. Look in your settings (profile, etc)

12/16/2004, 02:12 PM	#38
Jamesurq Moved On Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,470	Ok - so last night I went to install the closed loop pump and figured out I needed 2 more 90 degree 1.5" PVC fittings... AARG. Asked the wife what time Home Depot closed "10PM" was her answer. Well I showed up at 9:11, 11 minutes after they had closed.... At any rate - stopped in today at lunch - looking at finishing the pump tonight and getting it wet TONIGHT!

12/16/2004, 04:34 PM	#40
reef-freaky Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 330	I wanted to let you know that I had previously done something like this but with only my chiller and it worked out quite well. Basically cut the dry wall, cut into the framing in between the dry wall for the pipes and electrical, dragged chiller into crawl space, hooked up pipes, hooked up to main return and away I went. I have since moved from that house and all I had to do was patch the framing and dry wall plus remove my chiller. It was one of the better decisions at that location. I received all of the beneifts of a chiller with none of the bad side affects (noise and heat)

12/18/2004, 06:16 AM	#41
Jamesurq Moved On Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,470	Well folks. Looks like this thread is gonna be a little stalled. Filled up my tank yesterday after plumbing the closed loop and leveling the tank - and it cracked. It looks like the drilling of the closed loop bulkheads created a weakness in the back pane. I have no clue what I"m going to do - although I know I'm really upset...

12/18/2004, 06:30 AM	#42
jimmy n Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,256	I can feel your frustrations and hear the screams from here. That is awful. Sorry Jim

12/18/2004, 09:37 AM	#46
jimmy n Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,256	Can you go bigger? Since you have the stand I guess that could only be taller, but there can be a bright side to every reef disaster

12/18/2004, 09:56 AM	#47
pbs911 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 780	I've been following the thread and you have some great ideas. Don't give up! Go bigger if you can so as not to spend $ on a replacement. Think of it as an upgrade! __________________ A hui hou, Paul Current Tank Info: 150 gal Thru Wall, ES8-2, Mag 18, 6000 Streams, 400W 14Ks, JBJ 1/4 hp,GEO CR. FOR SALE 90 gal glass RR, stand, CL, sump

12/18/2004, 10:33 AM	#48
AJP Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kansas Posts: 2,652	I say look in the used threads, there has to be a nice used 90 in there somewhere. No need to buy new, it is kind of like a car. Pay a huge price and goes down about 40% in value when you drive it off the lot, or in this case put water in it. I beg you not to give up. Also I am not sure how far you are from a glasscages event, but I know he sells 90's for $150 then just add $20 for some holes and overflows, that way if it cracks atleast he drilled the holes. Any way good luck don't give up check out www.glasscages.com

12/18/2004, 12:58 PM	#49
Jamesurq Moved On Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,470	Went out and purchased a brand new 90 with the new megaflow overflow thingie... I guess I got anxious. All the "used" prices I was being quoted were not that much less than a brand new one.... I'm skipping the drilling and cutting the crossbrace steps this time around. I'm gonna run my closed loop over the back - and just deal with the shadow from the crossbrace... Better safe than sorry. - plus, not sure I have the balls to drill and saw on a brand new tank...

12/18/2004, 01:16 PM	#50
lovetoreef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Canton, TX Posts: 763	good luck and congrats on the new tank. __________________ Planning SPS AIO tank Canton, TX Reefing on and off since 2001 Current Tank Info: planning nano AIO