My Project ★ GENESIS ★ 110G (Miracle) SPS Dream Tank - (II) Build Thread

[Wally.B]

ASSEMBLY TIME (Sump Room STRUCTURE Done)


Walls are all ready, painted, Bare.

Now is the most fun/creative...... but hardest part.

Hard if I want it to be tidy, flexible for Long Term/Changes, and easy for maintenance.

And harder, since I can't exactly move everything over since the OLD Tank still running (so I have to plan, build, for the All-AT-ONCE, tank transfer)

-> I have to plan out where my controllers will go.
-> Figure out each equipment piece (where it will go, and limited distance from Outlet, based on Cord lengths)
------> eg (Lights, ballasts, pumps, heaters, Apex, Dosers, UPS Power, Power Bars, Timers)
-> Then plan cable, cord, tube runs for everything

> And somehow make it TIDY/As-Invisible-As-Possible
------> (To end the Negative POINT my wife had about Last Sump Room).
------------> A ton of wires/hoses that Scare her that the house is going to burn down or FLOOD

Funny part, is our BASMENT DID Flood (but nothing to do with Fish tank)...

[Wally.B]

SUMP ROOM (Equipment -Wiring) LAYOUT PLANNER (Mock UP)

The Sump Room Equipment Layout is MIND BOGGLING

But I came up with an IDEA to help me. I'll Do a Mock Up..... (Lots of work initially, but will make things go better later)



With Carboard and Syrofoam, I'm going to replicate each Power Outlet, Controller, piece of equipment, etc

I'll mark down the cord lengths, and using the speaker wire, I'll fool around with various placements.

The GREY HARD PVC PIPE is TOP SECRET, but a wonderful Ideal I came up with.
Wonder if anyone can guess what it's for. (It's not for the mock up but for the Final Setup for Holes in Wall, and Mounting Panels....without giving too much away)

[Wally.B]

CONTROLLER(s) and Wiring (MOCK UP PLANNER) Best thing I ever did.

This is worth sharing since it really worked out for me.



Making SyroFoam Cutouts of everything going on walls really helped.
It took me many attempts to the best possible layout.

I would have made many mistakes had I not done this, and then that would have ended up (like last time I did Sump Reno...Patches, extension cord, and somewhat of a mess).

It may not be perfect, but I have much more confidence to start putting in Holes, and Screws, (knowing things will fit and wire/cord distances roughly correct)

[Wally.B]

SUMP ROOM UPDATE (BIG LEAP Towards Completion) CONDIUTS (Persuit of Hidden/Flexible Wiring PERFECTION)

This took me a day and a HALF.

Before I started, I almost felt Impatient and was just going to staple and glue Gun my wiring to the wall. (Kidding, but I felt like rushing).

But this is for next 10+ years.

So I did it RIGHT (and now things will be easy and go fast...AND MOST IMPORTATNLY ** EASY TO CHANGE THINGS as NEEDED *** )

VERTICLE and HORIZONTAL CONDIUTS



Doesn't seem like much (and that's the GOAL) INVISIBLE/HIDDEN

Here is what is hidden.....

THE VERTICLE CONDIUT




The TOP two Power bars will distribute power to everything.

(1) is GFCI Circuit Power
(2) is UPS Power from Battery Inverter.

The purpose of the conduit is also for Verticle Wiring Runs behind the wall, and also hide my Fresh Air Line running from Outside of house.

Also each Conduit does something special, it's bridges the In-Wall-Pocket between the STUD (without having to drill or run wires thru the Metal Stud)


THE HORIZONATAL CONDIUT



This is the CENTRAL Distribution of the SUMP room (since it runs over the SUMP)



Above it just before installation, so you see the holes in the walls, and how the horizontal Conduit also bridges more Wall-Studs.

Here is it Flipped over and installed (Wiring and dosing lines will run thru it, all with full distribution access



Now the rest is easy. Mostly fine detailed work.

[Wally.B]

5 Hours of DESIGN/Prototyping (Best Wall Mounting Plate with Wiring Grommet Holes) PVC Idea and others all FAILED

Yup, I tried everything after my PVC Pipe Idea Failed.
Wrong Size for All possible drill bits, so loose..., Drywall too Crumbling and all other attempting with Every Tubing Type Also Failed.

I settled for a All Wooden Wall plate (with build in Grommet Holes)



Then came problem with Hole sizes to fit all Power Cords, and Right distances for Cord-Bending.... so first attempt scrapped.

And Finally I got a design that appears to be Suitable... FOR APEX JR Controller.

HOPE IT WORKS. If so, then others will follow (EB8's, PM & VDM Modules etc).

[Wally.B]

REALLY CLOSE (CLOCK TICKING) OLD Tank Automation/Controllers REMOVED

I had to remove the Apex and stuff from Old Tank, so it's running on bare timers, manual switches, and set heaters.

Need all the parts to start the REAL (New Tank Sump Room) Wiring Installation.



That will begin in a few hours once the Wall Mounting Panels Dry.

Once the LAST Dust Settles, I'll clean up a bit and COMPLETE the New Water Fill up in the TANK. (Then it's some thinking about the Transfer)

[Wally.B]

NEW TANK Assembly in Progress (OLD TANK sump Disconnect PREP) Tetra Filter

I got this Tetra EX20 Filter on Clearance Sale $20 a while ago.

Perfect to put on OLD TANK to keep it running (with Fish/Rocks) when I disconnect it from SUMP.



Gives me freedom and time to setup new tank, and give it some to Mature/Cycle Biologically on SUMP (before fish go in....Either all at once, or staggered (all at once probably good idea).

[Wally.B]

SUMP ROOM UPDATE (Working around the Clock) Very Close to Complete (Wiring NEW TANK up)

I haven't been idle at all...and won't post any photo's till I'm 100% done (just before I turn on New Tank....which will be a discussion on how to do)..

The last stage feels like TIME HAS SLOWED down (since it's meticulous precision and details...Can't afford any mistakes).

Panels are up, running wires and controllers.

Cleaning pumps, etc from OLD Tank to install into new tank.

Have enough water to top of NEW Tank. (Haven't disconnected OLD tank from Sump yet).

T5 Fixture is almost complete (just needs to be hung up and wired in).

Absolutely exhausted from the Late hours I'm putting in.

[reefmutt]

I didn’t know the word exhaustion was in your vocabulary, Wally.
I thought you just ate it for breakfast.
Almost there!!

[Wally.B]

Originally Posted by reefmutt

I didn’t know the word exhaustion was in your vocabulary, Wally.
I thought you just ate it for breakfast.
Almost there!!

Let me clarify. My hands are exhausted too.
After wiring into small holes, and catching hands on sharp screws, wood, etc.....I have over 2 dozen small hand/finger cuts.
(gloves couldn't be used since small holes and I needed finger tip precision to feed wires thru).
I even tried thin rubber surgical gloves, but they would tear constantly.... and get in the way.

My enthusiasm otherwise is getting better since things are looking great. Better than I originally planned.

I should be done in next 24 hours.
I really look forward to playing inside the tank.

[Wally.B]

SUMP ROOM DONE (Continuing with Light Fixture) Last Piece

Yahoo. Sump Room is done. Took longer than expected.

However it looks TOO PLAIN after looking at Photo's to show quiet yet.

I need to finish up the Light Fixture TO DRESS UP The Room and Tank.

Hang in there.

LIGHTING SYSTEM pieces are all ready, and I need to do final assembly and installation.

THE GENESIS PROJECT Part (II) is coming to an End.

[martinphillip03]

Thank you for the updates.

Marty

[Wally.B]

Sump Room UPDATE (Working around the clock) ALMOST DONE (Final Touches and Electrical Testing)

Barely have be getting any sleep since I want to get done this weekend.

Testing all Electrical and wiring connections since I don't want to have to take things apart after all things are bolted down permanently.

Can't wait to get this over with and Just POLP onto the Couch Next to tank and watch Bubbles (just bubbles) for a few days.

Wally

[Wally.B]

TIP (Why You NEVER Paint a SUMP ROOM Concrete Floor...No matter what the PRODUCT) Won't Last

Floor looked Great ALL GREY COLOR 3 year+ ago. But it never lasted past 2nd year. Espeically with SALT Water Spills...

Used the same stuff on my PORCH steps, and it's lasting longer, but showing the odd flake as well..



Trying to remove the stuff.....Ain't Easy.

I looked into all products. Epoxies sound better, but I don't trust any coating for Long lasting. (Maybe if you Etch the Concrete...But that kind of work is not for me).....

Ceramic is probably good for water durability, but chips.

I'm going with Dry Core and a Surface layer..... With a Drainage EDGE GUTTER IDEA.

[Rakie]

Oh man, you've been busy !

[reefmutt]

Wow.. I can’t believe you took it all off.
Don’t they make a concrete stain? Something that soaks in instead of covering over?

[Wally.B]

SUMP ROOM (FINISHED) 100% Done.


THE GENESIS MACHINE is Built


....On Launch Pad....(Ready for ACTIVATION)

Whew.....Wiped out but ecstatically happy to end this part of journey.

I'll let you judge, but it came out Beyond my Wildest Expectations, but Dead on with All my original Goals/Plans.

Took some photo's but thinking of doing a You Tube Video since all this work deserves a Proper Grand Launch .

I've designed, built, hacked, and invented a lot of things....But this Achievement is the Greatest Most Beautful Thing I've ever Completed in my Entire Life.

[JonezNReef]

Can’t wait to see the final product.

[Wally.B]

INTRODUCING (THE GENESIS MACHINE) DUAL TANK Sump Room [Part II] Completed

What the heck was I thinking doing a video. That can come at the END....

I've got a Work Area Disaster to clean up for next week or two.

Then I want to move on to playing inside Tank (Rock Scaping, fish, etc)...

SOOOO....

Here is the SUMP ROOM.....

or....as this Thread goes by....




3+ months of Hard work came together to this....

Actually 3 years, for the learning, planning and living with old setup to figure out what I want.
Plus the Previous Sump Build, DIY Doser, SUMP-Built IN Algae Scrubber, etc.






WIRING

My main Goal was to Optimize my Wiring, and keep it tidy.
Everything runs in the wall, with Easy Access Wiring Holes for Maintenance.

Some of those panels have hinges for inside wall access. Also as shown earlier in there, there are holes and channels in Wall behind.



The KITCHEN TANK which is directly above Sump Room, Runs (Hoses) into Sump (Thru Vertical White Column Conduit) under the NEW 110G Tank.



The T5 Lighting Fixture I spend Countless hours on (DIY made from Scratch using LET Encaps, Last minute idea to paint Black)



The Wall Ventilation Panel is 2 Computer Fans, running on a Home Thermostat drawing cool air from Rec Room on other side of wall.

Fixture is Link Chain Suspended, and there are clips to raise or tilt the 3 Independent Fixture Pairs and 1 Triplet.



THE LED Strip at the Back is 90W Actinic, and also run on a Dimmable Current Driver (Controlled by Apex)

-> 7 T5's (54W 4 ft Bulbs) & (39W 3 ft Bulb)

-----> Front and Back Pairs are on Dimmable HEP Ballasts (Controlled by Apex)
-----> The Middle Triplet is (54 W Pair, Non-Dimmable) and a (39W 3ft T5, ALSO DIMMABLE for a Color Bulb, like now a Purple Plus)

-----> The 54 W Bulbs have Clip on German Aluminum 4 SideReflectors (Narrow), and the 39W has a 10 Sides Wider Reflector.




CURRENT T5 BULB SELECTION: ( [54W] 4 Blue Plus, 2 Coral Plus, 1 Purple Plus [39W] )


THE Flooring is DRI-CORE SUBFLOOR and (LifeProof 100% WaterProof Vinyl Planks)

The Sump Room is 100% Perimeter Water Proof Sealed.

There is a Gutter drain around the perimeter (Plank Standing Area), so Large spills will wash away immediately, and go thru a Seal Channel into Basement Drain 25 Feet Away.
Plan is to install my Water Sensors to trigger any Apex Action in case of any Tank/Sump Flood. (Even from Upstairs Kitchen tank)



The Tank Stand, and Sump Stand are on Concrete Floor (Only the Standing area has the Dri-Cor Subfloor, for (Soft Feel, Ground Insulation [Shock protection], and WaterSpill Drain off)


THE CENTRAL CONTROL PANEL SECTION are properly located for each Sump, and Here Tunzie ATO, and Both (Kitchen Tank/Basement Tank APEX) Displays are Centralized.

Both Tank/Sump have a DC Waveline 10,000, 12,000 Return Pump which is Apex Controllable for Variable Speed Flow.



The Horizontal/Vertical Conduit, is the channel for Both Electrical, APEX E8, PM PH Module, and Dosing directly into SUMP.

Everything is designed to reach via equipment Cord lengths, (so no extension cords from EB8, Probes, etc), PLUS easy to remove pump, heater, to clean and then put back.

SUMP has GLASS Cover Plates ( To Avoid Salt mist Spraying....but open sections for Ventilation to limit condensation, Sweat).

FUTURE IS BELOW...( THE NEW TANK) ...



The LOWER Wall Section is painted Darker Blue and From front Viewing Side (Office) it lines up with the Back of tank (so you see nothing but blue background, since I raise the white Trim just enough). Looks great with Lights hitting the Blue Wall.

That's it.....More to come (The Fun and Easy Part).....

-> Still have to fill it up
-> Place in Gyres [Ice Cap/Apex Controlled], Hydor Ciculation Pumps [Apex] and one CP40 Wifi/Native Controller.
-> Hook up my DIY Custom Doser, Water Changer.
-> Hook up Sump and Return Sea Swirl Rotating Head.
-> Add FISH, ROCKS, and Eventually Corals.

Glad this is all over and done with.

Looking forward to Everyone's feedback. Really Proud of this achievement
Wally

[sensei]

WOW, sump room looks neat..

well done!

[martinphillip03]

Extremely impressive. Nice job.

Marty

[pisanoal]

Well worth the wait! Looks insane... nice work

[reefmutt]

....gasp!!
Holy sh$t, Wally!!
That is absolutely fantastic!!!!
What an amazing job and transformation.
Absolutely gorgeous!!!!!

[Wally.B]

Thanks everyone for your positive comments.

Hoping I can do 1/2 as good with the Fish & Corals in the New Tank.

Yes, I am scared I'll mess things up (as in past), but I think I stand a better chance with this (no excuses anymore) Setup.

Really feel happy that I can't blame any problems on lighting (which I've always pondered about).

Will be getting a PAR meter to see how much Sun Power I have.
Certainly I can tell already, I won't be needing a Desk Lamp for the Office.

ONWARDS!! (Carefully and Slowly)

[watchguy123]

Speechless. What a wonderful, incredible setup. It’s a fantasy for me. I wish I had the skills to set up something remotely similar to this. I am truly envious and impressed. Really enjoy following along.