240 Inwall Construction (Image Intense) - Page 31

matt & pam · 11/09/2006, 05:41 AM

Have you popped a fuse yet on the DC8 with all those ballasts? I had 3 M57 ballasts on one, and even with staging activation of each ballast I would blow the fuse. I subsequently swithched my lighting to a DC4HD without problem. Or do you a resettable breaker mod replacing the fuse?

Matt

Bax · 11/09/2006, 06:42 AM

Joseph

Thanks for the update!

Brilliant!!! ... as always!

original-reefland · 11/09/2006, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by matt & pam
Have you popped a fuse yet on the DC8 with all those ballasts? I had 3 M57 ballasts on one, and even with staging activation of each ballast I would blow the fuse. I subsequently swithched my lighting to a DC4HD without problem. Or do you a resettable breaker mod replacing the fuse?

Matt

I had 3 HQI's starting on a DC4HD, melted the unit. Fuse never blew. I had to re-wire the light hood to stage the lights on. No problems on the new DC4HD.

MyMonkey · 11/09/2006, 07:56 AM

Your tank just keeps on getting better. Great job Joseph.

maxxII · 11/09/2006, 09:00 AM

I realize I'm asking kinda of a fruitless question as I dont live in California, but approximately how much of an increase did you se in your electric bill when you swapped out to the 400 watt lights? I'm really just looking at a % kind of number if you're able to do so....

Nick

bheron · 11/09/2006, 10:33 AM

Joseph - great update. As everyone's mentioned, this has to be the best tank and thread combination on RC. Im amazed everytime I check in. The nylon cover deal is phenominal - I went against eggcrate for the exact same reasons, and I have T5. I have to say, though, that in your animated GIF it almost looks brighter in the 3rd pic, with the eggcrate. Oh well.

Anyway, I was writing b/c it looks like you have some sort of moonlight LEDs mounted on the top front of your tank? Did you alwasy have this - thought you had them in your light box. Im asking b/c Im toying with different designs for my tank. How many LEDs do you use and do you feel its enough? Do you also have the blue bulbs underneath in the canopy?

As always, thanks for your time and dedication to posting and answering questions all in such detail.

PS - great pics too. that one of the wrasse peeking out is a great shot.

LittleBlueGT · 11/09/2006, 10:50 AM

Thanks for the ORP advice. I will test my probe.

weatherson · 11/09/2006, 01:54 PM

matt & pam,
I did pop the internal fuse when I added the two tank-top, sump and window fans to that DC8.

Yes, I was really pushing the envelope and proved so by the fuse pop. But, I'd run all the lights (2-400's, 3-250's and both VHO ballasts) for months prior to that and since with no issues at all. I do have them all staggered as far as on/off times, as mentioned.

Bax,
You are welcome and thanks.

MyMonkey,
Thank you.

Nick,
I haven't actually done a direct comparison, ballast to ballast, but roughly, I'm using 300-watts more (2-250's replaced by 2-400's). I'm ALWAYS in the "Over 300% of Baseline" level so that equates to $0.33/Kwh currently.

So... that would be ~$.10/hr. and at roughly 10-hours/day, that's roughly $1./day or $30./month more. I really hate it when people ask me to calculate what we pay here in electricity.

Bryan,
Take a look at the right hand, end wall of the tank when looking at those images. I think you will see the differences more easily there. The biggest issue with the egg-crate is that the light is allowed to pass only in a much more vertical path. Most all the angular light is diffused which then attenuates the levels.

For the moonlights information, refer to the following page of this thread...
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pagenumber=25
I removed the incandescent moonlights when I added the LED versions. This also provided more room in the light box for the two new IceCap pendants. Thanks and you are welcome. The Christmas wrasse shot was actually taken by a friend and PS'd by myself so I can't take full credit on that one... or the zoanthid shot as that was the same. Credit goes to jwedehase for his photo snapping assistance.

Joseph.

bheron · 11/09/2006, 02:59 PM

THanks Joseph. Ah, yes, I remember this part well. I too have the Lebos lights - I did the DIY b/c it seemed so cool! It was an xmas break project a few years ago. Thanks for the info.

A few more ques/comments:

- what the heck is a "45-degree chamfered edge" ?!?! LOL

- You think they might be too close. Good point, I should fool with mine to see what works best.

- How many do you have across the lenght of your tank (8' I think)?

- Do you think thats enough or would you add more?

- Have you seen Brett Lebo has some "wide angle" blue leds on his website now. I am going to use them.

melev · 11/09/2006, 06:44 PM

Joseph, I always look forward to the updates you post. To be completely frank, there isn't anything I can type that hasn't been said repeatedly in this thread, so I'll resort to these:

The airbubbles thing is interesting. I'll have to reread what you wrote. I really like the mesh screen you put on top, with the custom frames. We're you playing tennis one day and said...."Heeeey, I've got an idea!

"

AcroSteve · 11/09/2006, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by weatherson
$0.33/Kwh currently.

OUCH! That's almost 6x my rate.

Lunchbucket · 11/09/2006, 07:54 PM

i'm not saying what we pay for electricity in South Dakota...but what else do we have besides hunting, snow, and cheap reliable electricity!

great update! love the tank as usual. i can't believe all the DIY stuff you do man!! amazing!

quick question what was the "jump proof" material you used? did i miss the name of it. where can you get it?

Lunchbucket

jwedehase · 11/09/2006, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AcroSteve
OUCH! That's almost 6x my rate.

You know... you're not helping....

Marc: The idea for the air injection came from another forum, so I dunno how happy everyone would be about a link. However, the user there also posted some photos of his own.

http://homepage.mac.com/johnlaurenso...toAlbum46.html

I am also working with this periodic air injection, and have also noticed drastic coral growth increases. While Joseph is less willing to jump to conclusions, for myself, I've decided there's enough evidence and similarities between different tanks to suggest the air injection is the difference. However, the disclaimer: Your mileage may vary.

paeSona · 11/09/2006, 08:53 PM

amazin

really really nice

bulkhead · 11/09/2006, 10:52 PM

Absolutely amazing!!!

I'm glad I asked for an update and I don't feel bad about it at all...

weatherson · 11/09/2006, 11:50 PM

Bryan,
The chamfered (bevel) edge refers to the header beam's corner that I removed during the construction. Basically, picture the lower corner that is closest to the tank top having been cut off at a 45-degree angle. This allows more space next to the front-top of the tank and helps to prevent shadows. Here's a photo that shows what I am attempting to describe. It's the white area (wood sealer) at the top of the opening...

I have eleven of the LED's across my tank. This seems to be a good amount as the light is evenly dispersed and when at full moon level, the quantity of light is just right... in my opinion.

Marc,
Thank you very much. A friend and I had been kicking around a few ideas such as an acrylic frame that we would "string" just like a tennis racket.

Ultimately, I felt the acrylic would bend and flex too much so I decided on the steel frame instead.

AcroSteve,
The CA electricity costs definitely makes you decide just how dedicated you are at keeping a reef tank. There have been several who felt the cost was too extreme and either downsized or left the hobby completely. It's completely understandable. Just to give the rest of you an idea of how crazy this gets here, our highest summertime bill was just a few dollars shy of $1000.

Lunchbucket,
My friend actually picked the mesh up from a gentleman here on RC. I believe it came from some type of construction but I'm not sure just what that is. I did find something very similar, if not exact, that is used for bird control. Here's a link to a supplier (note that their clear type is actually NOT UV treated, despite what their site proclaims)...

http://www.usnetting.com/HTML/bird-netting.html

paeSona,
Thank you very much.

bulkhead,
Thanks and thanks.

Joseph

AcroSteve · 11/10/2006, 04:27 AM

I have used a very similar, if not the same, mesh also.

Here you go

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...highlight=mesh

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...highlight=mesh

bheron · 11/10/2006, 09:50 AM

Thank you joseph! Makes sense now. I think Im going to take a similar approach - mount my moonlights on the front opening of my tank, and on an angle. 11 lights over 8 feet. less than 2 every foot, but I get the idea. thanks!

maxxII · 11/10/2006, 11:45 AM

Joseph,
Thank you for taking the time to post that. I was curious because I know what my electric bills are....
In fact I'm in the process of setting up a new tank and intend on lowering my electrical usage by using different equipment...

I may not make back the initial expense of buying new equipment, but if my monthly bills go down, and I can run more stuff on the generator in the event of a power outtage...then its worth it.

Thanks again,

Nick

wmfsoll2 · 11/14/2006, 08:35 AM

Very Nice Set-up.

Bill.

wmfsoll2 · 11/14/2006, 08:36 AM

Very Nice Set-up.

Bill.

weatherson · 11/14/2006, 01:21 PM

AcroSteve,
Same stuff... same source.

Bryan/Nick,
You're welcome.

Bill,
Thank you... Thank you.

Joseph.

Lunchbucket · 11/14/2006, 09:40 PM

joe and acrosteve - thanks!!

Lunchbucket

Avast Marine · 11/14/2006, 10:29 PM

Very nice update

. I set up my tank with the air bubble filtration method as well. This link about half way down you can see a picture if you like. I don't really use it much because it is not convienient for me to open the valve to the closed loop but, when I do I find much of the slime coat on the corals is removed. I also have opened it up several times for a few minutes when the tank Ph is a little low and over the next hour or so the levels have come back up to normal. I really like the solenoid addition to this, very well thought out, I may give it a whirl.

rdmpe · 12/02/2006, 11:11 AM

Great setup as said many times before!

I have a question about the air injection. Has the "spray" created from the bubbles caused any issues with your light hood or reflector performance? I'd like to do something like that but I have an open top tank, and I'm afraid it would create a lot of spray. Eventually I think I'd have salt all over everything around the tank, including a leather couch

11/09/2006, 06:42 AM	#752
Bax Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,619	Joseph Thanks for the update! Brilliant!!! ... as always! __________________ 150 gallon Perfecto with 1500 gph GH overflow / DIY stand-wine bar / Dart Return / SRO XP3000 Ext skimmer / 75 g frag / 40 g fuge / 40 g DIY sump / Orphek P156 & Kessil 150A Current Tank Info: 150 DT/ 40B fuge/ 75g frag/ 40 g sump/ SRO XP 3000 Ext/ TUNZEs & VorTechs circulation/Dart return/ MTC Pro Cal/ UV & Oz

11/09/2006, 07:56 AM	#754
MyMonkey Persona Non Grata Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 2,106	Your tank just keeps on getting better. Great job Joseph. __________________ The worst thing about an unwritten law is that you don't know where to go to erase it. Current Tank Info: 20 Long.10 months to my 240 In wall with Fish Room.

11/09/2006, 09:00 AM	#755
maxxII Super Housemonkey! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St Louis Mo Posts: 4,442	I realize I'm asking kinda of a fruitless question as I dont live in California, but approximately how much of an increase did you se in your electric bill when you swapped out to the 400 watt lights? I'm really just looking at a % kind of number if you're able to do so.... Nick __________________ A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn, that was fun!"

11/09/2006, 10:33 AM	#756
bheron Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Valley Forge, PA Posts: 2,655	Joseph - great update. As everyone's mentioned, this has to be the best tank and thread combination on RC. Im amazed everytime I check in. The nylon cover deal is phenominal - I went against eggcrate for the exact same reasons, and I have T5. I have to say, though, that in your animated GIF it almost looks brighter in the 3rd pic, with the eggcrate. Oh well. Anyway, I was writing b/c it looks like you have some sort of moonlight LEDs mounted on the top front of your tank? Did you alwasy have this - thought you had them in your light box. Im asking b/c Im toying with different designs for my tank. How many LEDs do you use and do you feel its enough? Do you also have the blue bulbs underneath in the canopy? As always, thanks for your time and dedication to posting and answering questions all in such detail. PS - great pics too. that one of the wrasse peeking out is a great shot. __________________ Bryan Current Tank Info: 220 since Nov 2005

11/09/2006, 10:50 AM	#757
LittleBlueGT Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 1,955	Thanks for the ORP advice. I will test my probe. __________________ When all else fails, turn up the flow!!! Current Tank Info: 250 starphire, 169 g sump in basement, 3 x ROIII on moving light rail, 4 icecap powered T5s, 2 URI VHO actinics, 55 X turnover with 2 OM units, zoos, clams, SPS

11/09/2006, 05:41 AM	#751
matt & pam Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 335	Have you popped a fuse yet on the DC8 with all those ballasts? I had 3 M57 ballasts on one, and even with staging activation of each ballast I would blow the fuse. I subsequently swithched my lighting to a DC4HD without problem. Or do you a resettable breaker mod replacing the fuse? Matt

11/09/2006, 01:54 PM	#758
weatherson Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: California Posts: 2,022	matt & pam, I did pop the internal fuse when I added the two tank-top, sump and window fans to that DC8. Yes, I was really pushing the envelope and proved so by the fuse pop. But, I'd run all the lights (2-400's, 3-250's and both VHO ballasts) for months prior to that and since with no issues at all. I do have them all staggered as far as on/off times, as mentioned. Bax, You are welcome and thanks. MyMonkey, Thank you. Nick, I haven't actually done a direct comparison, ballast to ballast, but roughly, I'm using 300-watts more (2-250's replaced by 2-400's). I'm ALWAYS in the "Over 300% of Baseline" level so that equates to $0.33/Kwh currently. So... that would be ~$.10/hr. and at roughly 10-hours/day, that's roughly $1./day or $30./month more. I really hate it when people ask me to calculate what we pay here in electricity. Bryan, Take a look at the right hand, end wall of the tank when looking at those images. I think you will see the differences more easily there. The biggest issue with the egg-crate is that the light is allowed to pass only in a much more vertical path. Most all the angular light is diffused which then attenuates the levels. For the moonlights information, refer to the following page of this thread... http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pagenumber=25 I removed the incandescent moonlights when I added the LED versions. This also provided more room in the light box for the two new IceCap pendants. Thanks and you are welcome. The Christmas wrasse shot was actually taken by a friend and PS'd by myself so I can't take full credit on that one... or the zoanthid shot as that was the same. Credit goes to jwedehase for his photo snapping assistance. Joseph.

11/09/2006, 02:59 PM	#759
bheron Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Valley Forge, PA Posts: 2,655	THanks Joseph. Ah, yes, I remember this part well. I too have the Lebos lights - I did the DIY b/c it seemed so cool! It was an xmas break project a few years ago. Thanks for the info. A few more ques/comments: - what the heck is a "45-degree chamfered edge" ?!?! LOL - You think they might be too close. Good point, I should fool with mine to see what works best. - How many do you have across the lenght of your tank (8' I think)? - Do you think thats enough or would you add more? - Have you seen Brett Lebo has some "wide angle" blue leds on his website now. I am going to use them. __________________ Bryan Current Tank Info: 220 since Nov 2005

11/09/2006, 06:44 PM	#760
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Joseph, I always look forward to the updates you post. To be completely frank, there isn't anything I can type that hasn't been said repeatedly in this thread, so I'll resort to these: The airbubbles thing is interesting. I'll have to reread what you wrote. I really like the mesh screen you put on top, with the custom frames. We're you playing tennis one day and said...."Heeeey, I've got an idea! "

11/09/2006, 07:54 PM	#762
Lunchbucket Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 12,924	i'm not saying what we pay for electricity in South Dakota...but what else do we have besides hunting, snow, and cheap reliable electricity! great update! love the tank as usual. i can't believe all the DIY stuff you do man!! amazing! quick question what was the "jump proof" material you used? did i miss the name of it. where can you get it? Lunchbucket __________________ Trying to lose weight by walking is like trying to bake a cake w/ a cigarette lighter - Lunchbucket - "Nancy-Boy Extraordinaire" - maxxII- Current Tank Info: 58gal Oceanic RR, 2x400w MH (20k XM and 10k XM), Deltec PF601 Ca Rx, Deltec AP701 skimmer, mag950 return, iwaki 55rlt w/ an Oceansmotions 4-way unit, Tunze 7300 and 6000 each w/ controller, fluidized po4 rx

11/09/2006, 08:53 PM	#764
paeSona Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: new york Posts: 84	amazin really really nice

11/09/2006, 10:52 PM	#765
bulkhead Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Lubbock, Tx Posts: 207	Absolutely amazing!!! I'm glad I asked for an update and I don't feel bad about it at all... __________________ Michael "Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it" - Henry Ford Current Tank Info: 14g Nano, 200g "under construction"

11/09/2006, 11:50 PM	#766
weatherson Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: California Posts: 2,022	Bryan, The chamfered (bevel) edge refers to the header beam's corner that I removed during the construction. Basically, picture the lower corner that is closest to the tank top having been cut off at a 45-degree angle. This allows more space next to the front-top of the tank and helps to prevent shadows. Here's a photo that shows what I am attempting to describe. It's the white area (wood sealer) at the top of the opening... I have eleven of the LED's across my tank. This seems to be a good amount as the light is evenly dispersed and when at full moon level, the quantity of light is just right... in my opinion. Marc, Thank you very much. A friend and I had been kicking around a few ideas such as an acrylic frame that we would "string" just like a tennis racket. Ultimately, I felt the acrylic would bend and flex too much so I decided on the steel frame instead. AcroSteve, The CA electricity costs definitely makes you decide just how dedicated you are at keeping a reef tank. There have been several who felt the cost was too extreme and either downsized or left the hobby completely. It's completely understandable. Just to give the rest of you an idea of how crazy this gets here, our highest summertime bill was just a few dollars shy of $1000. Lunchbucket, My friend actually picked the mesh up from a gentleman here on RC. I believe it came from some type of construction but I'm not sure just what that is. I did find something very similar, if not exact, that is used for bird control. Here's a link to a supplier (note that their clear type is actually NOT UV treated, despite what their site proclaims)... http://www.usnetting.com/HTML/bird-netting.html paeSona, Thank you very much. bulkhead, Thanks and thanks. Joseph

11/10/2006, 04:27 AM	#767
AcroSteve Make my Funk a P-Funk Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Electric Avenue Posts: 5,092	I have used a very similar, if not the same, mesh also. Here you go http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...highlight=mesh http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...highlight=mesh __________________ **************** "Work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleep hard, grow big, wear glasses if you need 'em." -- The Webb Wilder Credo -- don't go ninjin' nobody that don't need ninjin'! Current Tank Info: 220g custom plywood. SPS heavy with Sequence Hammerhead return with 4-Way OM. Tunze 6100, 6200 and Wavebox. 5000btu DIY Chiller. Lighting is 10K mh 250W / VHO Actinic Skimer - H&S A200-2x1260

11/10/2006, 09:50 AM	#768
bheron Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Valley Forge, PA Posts: 2,655	Thank you joseph! Makes sense now. I think Im going to take a similar approach - mount my moonlights on the front opening of my tank, and on an angle. 11 lights over 8 feet. less than 2 every foot, but I get the idea. thanks! __________________ Bryan Current Tank Info: 220 since Nov 2005

11/10/2006, 11:45 AM	#769
maxxII Super Housemonkey! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St Louis Mo Posts: 4,442	Joseph, Thank you for taking the time to post that. I was curious because I know what my electric bills are.... In fact I'm in the process of setting up a new tank and intend on lowering my electrical usage by using different equipment... I may not make back the initial expense of buying new equipment, but if my monthly bills go down, and I can run more stuff on the generator in the event of a power outtage...then its worth it. Thanks again, Nick __________________ A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn, that was fun!"

11/14/2006, 08:35 AM	#770
wmfsoll2 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California, Maryland Posts: 222	Very Nice Set-up. Bill. __________________ Bill. Thomas Edison : "SUCCESS is 90% ATTITUDE and 10% KNOWLEDGE" Current Tank Info: Setting up new 90 Gal.

11/14/2006, 08:36 AM	#771
wmfsoll2 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California, Maryland Posts: 222	Very Nice Set-up. Bill. __________________ Bill. Thomas Edison : "SUCCESS is 90% ATTITUDE and 10% KNOWLEDGE" Current Tank Info: Setting up new 90 Gal.

11/14/2006, 01:21 PM	#772
weatherson Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: California Posts: 2,022	AcroSteve, Same stuff... same source. Bryan/Nick, You're welcome. Bill, Thank you... Thank you. Joseph.

11/14/2006, 09:40 PM	#773
Lunchbucket Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 12,924	joe and acrosteve - thanks!! Lunchbucket __________________ Trying to lose weight by walking is like trying to bake a cake w/ a cigarette lighter - Lunchbucket - "Nancy-Boy Extraordinaire" - maxxII- Current Tank Info: 58gal Oceanic RR, 2x400w MH (20k XM and 10k XM), Deltec PF601 Ca Rx, Deltec AP701 skimmer, mag950 return, iwaki 55rlt w/ an Oceansmotions 4-way unit, Tunze 7300 and 6000 each w/ controller, fluidized po4 rx

11/14/2006, 10:29 PM	#774
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	Very nice update . I set up my tank with the air bubble filtration method as well. This link about half way down you can see a picture if you like. I don't really use it much because it is not convienient for me to open the valve to the closed loop but, when I do I find much of the slime coat on the corals is removed. I also have opened it up several times for a few minutes when the tank Ph is a little low and over the next hour or so the levels have come back up to normal. I really like the solenoid addition to this, very well thought out, I may give it a whirl. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

12/02/2006, 11:11 AM	#775
rdmpe Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,737	Great setup as said many times before! I have a question about the air injection. Has the "spray" created from the bubbles caused any issues with your light hood or reflector performance? I'd like to do something like that but I have an open top tank, and I'm afraid it would create a lot of spray. Eventually I think I'd have salt all over everything around the tank, including a leather couch