500G Reef Tank in Puerto Rico - Page 9

janey · 12/04/2013, 03:59 PM

Hey Jan. Welcome back...
I was always wondering what ever happen to you and your Project..
Cool Post Pics ... Lets see what you got going ?
Janet

Newbie Aquarist · 12/04/2013, 05:19 PM

Congrats on the new baby. Its so cool to see a future reefer born.

luisgo · 12/04/2013, 05:34 PM

Jan welcome back! Here again to follow your post. Saludos!

JanVelazquez · 12/07/2013, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by janey

Hey Jan. Welcome back...
I was always wondering what ever happen to you and your Project..
Cool Post Pics ... Lets see what you got going ?
Janet

Good to be back janey... It's been a while.

I'll post some pics this week as I have them in my phone and need to use my computer at work.

So you know.. Today I finally set it in its final resting place and put in the rock and filled it up. I need an RO/DI unit to fill it back up again with clean water.

Next week I plant to finish the furniture if possible and star running the filter which still needs plumbing.

The equipment I still don't have is the skimmer and pumps.

Was thinking of the Reeflo Hammerhead

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reeflo...0-4590gph.html

For the skimmer maybe a Skimz... Not sure yet.

I'll keep updating as I go along.

Suggestions are welcomed.

Regards

Jan

JanVelazquez · 12/07/2013, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Congrats on the new baby. Its so cool to see a future reefer born.

Thanks... It was worth the wait

Today I took a picture with him inside the tank before putting in the rock and filling the tank. Will post it soon.

JanVelazquez · 12/07/2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luisgo

Jan welcome back! Here again to follow your post. Saludos!

Good to be back luisgo

Hope to be back on AMEPR soon

Saludos

JanVelazquez · 12/09/2013, 12:38 PM

Aquascaping (First Pass)

Testing out some blue actinisca only.

Still have to setup a lot of things.

JanVelazquez · 12/09/2013, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Congrats on the new baby. Its so cool to see a future reefer born.

Hey Newbie

As promissed... Here's the future reefer "Gio"

Had to take this before putting in all the rocks.

Regards

Jan

bigbpro916 · 12/09/2013, 01:36 PM

Wow

janey · 12/09/2013, 04:33 PM

LOVE LOVE the AQUASCAPING...
Man I Want them ROCKS... Nice ...
The 1 in the Middle looks like the 1 i have ...

JanVelazquez · 12/31/2013, 07:34 AM

Just a quick update on progress...

Almost finished with the furniture. First time building something so big so it took me some time and a lot of trips to Home Depot

JanVelazquez · 12/31/2013, 07:35 AM

I'm now looking into getting some live sand. Not sure what to get as I can get it locally but I want white sand and not the yellow or cream colored one.

Also ... Should I get small grain or larger particle? Not doing a DSB only an inch or two at the most.

Recomendations are welcomed.

Regards

Jan

dave.m · 12/31/2013, 09:07 AM

No matter where you get the sand from you must clean it thoroughly. The finer the grain of sand the easier it is to be stirred up by the pumps. You will get no 100% endorsement on grain size as there are many opinions. If you get it locally make sure it comes from the bottom off-shore and not from the beach, which would be full of tar and other pollutants. You need no more than a handful or two of actual live sand to infuse a bacteria load into the rest of the sand bed.

Dave.M

TankRazr · 01/01/2014, 12:34 PM

Looking good!

TankRazr · 01/01/2014, 01:52 PM

I'm currently doing an install for a client and using the pump you mentioned. I believe it is a good solid choice.

I personally think the aquamaxx skimmers are a good value. I also like the reef octopus skimmers but pricey. I'm not familiar with the skimmer you mentioned.

That rock looks pretty awesome, can you say where you got it? BTW: probably more trouble than its worth but I think Culebra had some pretty white sand?

Also, is that a through wall A/C above the tank? I'd consider spraying the electronic components down with some CorrosionX

I'm really looking forward to seeing your build progress and seeing you stock this tank.

JanVelazquez · 01/02/2014, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave.m

No matter where you get the sand from you must clean it thoroughly. The finer the grain of sand the easier it is to be stirred up by the pumps. You will get no 100% endorsement on grain size as there are many opinions. If you get it locally make sure it comes from the bottom off-shore and not from the beach, which would be full of tar and other pollutants. You need no more than a handful or two of actual live sand to infuse a bacteria load into the rest of the sand bed.

Dave.M

Hi Dave

I have a pretty tall tank and I thought that maybe a larger grain size would be better because of what you mention. I was thinking of putting in either 2 or 4 Vortech MP60's to stir up the water in addition to the returns. Still undecided about a closed loop.

I need a couple of buckets and I was thinking of diving down to get it myself. Just looking for the spot. Didn't know that you only needed a little to feed the rest. Good tip

JanVelazquez · 01/02/2014, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TankRazr

I'm currently doing an install for a client and using the pump you mentioned. I believe it is a good solid choice.

I personally think the aquamaxx skimmers are a good value. I also like the reef octopus skimmers but pricey. I'm not familiar with the skimmer you mentioned.

That rock looks pretty awesome, can you say where you got it? BTW: probably more trouble than its worth but I think Culebra had some pretty white sand?

Also, is that a through wall A/C above the tank? I'd consider spraying the electronic components down with some CorrosionX

I'm really looking forward to seeing your build progress and seeing you stock this tank.

Thanks for the tip about the skimmer, don't really know of anyone who has it but the aquamaxx cone 6 looks good.

I got the rock from a small island in the south of Puerto Rico. Still have to change a few pieces around.

I put out a post on facebook and got that same response about Culebra. It's against the law to collect sand from the beach so I will probably end up buying it. I'm also responsible and don't want to damage any reef. The rocks were collected from the ground and not from the bottom of the ocean. Protecting our oceans is very important to me.

The AC is dedicated for the aquarium, I still have to put up the lids in the front so I can have access from the front & back. I forgot to protect it from corrosion so I will do so this weekend. I have another AC in the room where the aquarium is visible from. Thanks for the name of the product I did it on another AC I have as I live close to the beach and rust is a BIG problem for me.

In the back of the room I have about 30 inches off the wall where all the equipment will be accessible from. I will also have a frag and a quarantine tank.

Happy new year !!!

Regards

Jan

dave.m · 01/02/2014, 09:58 AM

You don't have to have only one grain size. If you want finer sand to encourage growth of meiofauna you could put a couple inches of that down first and then cover it with an inch of a heavier grained sand or rubble that would be less prone to getting blown about.

Another thing you can do is put your power heads a bit lower but then angle them upward so that they don't disturb the sandbed too much. This has the added benefit of pushing lower water up to the surface to be re-oxygenated.

Dave.M

worm5406 · 01/06/2014, 04:55 PM

Really looking good. How is the cycling progressing?

paola98santana · 01/12/2014, 05:58 PM

Nice post and great Tank in progress. Exito amigo

JanVelazquez · 03/21/2014, 03:09 PM

Still have some things to complete and purchase.

Only things left to buy are:
1. Return Pumps
2. RODI system
3. Plumbing parts
4. Lighting
5. Skimmer

I did however manage to purchase through a group buy a few wavemakers. Jebao WP-40's and WP-60's. These things are awesome.

I'll be posting as soon as I get more done

Regards

Jan

FuzzyZipperbaum · 03/21/2014, 03:51 PM

Few thoughts....

I just set up 2 500g's

I have 4 hammerheads great pumps...
I own a skimz and the newest reef octo...love the skimz
Stay way from fine sand if you are going to have strong flow in the tank....anytime you do anything in the tank you will have mini storms.

Good luck.

JanVelazquez · 03/21/2014, 04:02 PM

Hey... Thanks for the tips

I was thinking of exactly the same equipment so that's good to hear.

I'll probabbly mix crushed coral with some live sand.

I put in just one of the WP-60's and it makes a LOT of current. So having 8 may be too much.

I'll let you know how it goes

Thanks again

woodnaquanut · 10/06/2014, 01:57 PM

Any updates?

TankRazr · 10/06/2014, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodnaquanut

Any updates?

+1 interested as well.

12/04/2013, 03:59 PM	#201
janey Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: PA - Poconos Posts: 559	Hey Jan. Welcome back... I was always wondering what ever happen to you and your Project.. Cool Post Pics ... Lets see what you got going ? Janet __________________ RETIRED But working to earn money and pay aquarium costs... Current Tank Info: 65 and 110 gal Penisula tanks and Soon a 120

12/04/2013, 05:34 PM	#203
luisgo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 628	Jan welcome back! Here again to follow your post. Saludos! __________________ Tank of the Month Reefkeeping Magazine 11/2008 Current Tank Info: Reef 125 gal, Aquapod 12gal, 55 planted

12/09/2013, 04:33 PM	#210
janey Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: PA - Poconos Posts: 559	LOVE LOVE the AQUASCAPING... Man I Want them ROCKS... Nice ... The 1 in the Middle looks like the 1 i have ... __________________ RETIRED But working to earn money and pay aquarium costs... Current Tank Info: 65 and 110 gal Penisula tanks and Soon a 120

12/31/2013, 09:07 AM	#213
dave.m Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canadia Posts: 4,276	No matter where you get the sand from you must clean it thoroughly. The finer the grain of sand the easier it is to be stirred up by the pumps. You will get no 100% endorsement on grain size as there are many opinions. If you get it locally make sure it comes from the bottom off-shore and not from the beach, which would be full of tar and other pollutants. You need no more than a handful or two of actual live sand to infuse a bacteria load into the rest of the sand bed. Dave.M __________________ My Gawd! It's full of corals! Current Tank Info: None. Nil. Zip. Nada.

01/01/2014, 12:34 PM	#214
TankRazr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Aspen, CO Posts: 116	Looking good! __________________ The Clever signature goes here!

12/04/2013, 05:19 PM	#202
Newbie Aquarist Reefing is my middle name Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,796	Congrats on the new baby. Its so cool to see a future reefer born.

12/09/2013, 12:38 PM	#207
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	Aquascaping (First Pass) Testing out some blue actinisca only. Still have to setup a lot of things.

12/09/2013, 01:36 PM	#209
bigbpro916 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 14	Wow

12/31/2013, 07:34 AM	#211
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	Just a quick update on progress... Almost finished with the furniture. First time building something so big so it took me some time and a lot of trips to Home Depot

12/31/2013, 07:35 AM	#212
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	I'm now looking into getting some live sand. Not sure what to get as I can get it locally but I want white sand and not the yellow or cream colored one. Also ... Should I get small grain or larger particle? Not doing a DSB only an inch or two at the most. Recomendations are welcomed. Regards Jan

01/01/2014, 01:52 PM	#215
TankRazr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Aspen, CO Posts: 116	I'm currently doing an install for a client and using the pump you mentioned. I believe it is a good solid choice. I personally think the aquamaxx skimmers are a good value. I also like the reef octopus skimmers but pricey. I'm not familiar with the skimmer you mentioned. That rock looks pretty awesome, can you say where you got it? BTW: probably more trouble than its worth but I think Culebra had some pretty white sand? Also, is that a through wall A/C above the tank? I'd consider spraying the electronic components down with some CorrosionX I'm really looking forward to seeing your build progress and seeing you stock this tank. __________________ The Clever signature goes here!

01/02/2014, 09:58 AM	#218
dave.m Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canadia Posts: 4,276	You don't have to have only one grain size. If you want finer sand to encourage growth of meiofauna you could put a couple inches of that down first and then cover it with an inch of a heavier grained sand or rubble that would be less prone to getting blown about. Another thing you can do is put your power heads a bit lower but then angle them upward so that they don't disturb the sandbed too much. This has the added benefit of pushing lower water up to the surface to be re-oxygenated. Dave.M __________________ My Gawd! It's full of corals! Current Tank Info: None. Nil. Zip. Nada.

01/06/2014, 04:55 PM	#219
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Really looking good. How is the cycling progressing? __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

01/12/2014, 05:58 PM	#220
paola98santana Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 93	Nice post and great Tank in progress. Exito amigo

03/21/2014, 03:09 PM	#221
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	Still have some things to complete and purchase. Only things left to buy are: 1. Return Pumps 2. RODI system 3. Plumbing parts 4. Lighting 5. Skimmer I did however manage to purchase through a group buy a few wavemakers. Jebao WP-40's and WP-60's. These things are awesome. I'll be posting as soon as I get more done Regards Jan

03/21/2014, 03:51 PM	#222
FuzzyZipperbaum Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wayne Manor, Tampa Florida Posts: 474	Few thoughts.... I just set up 2 500g's I have 4 hammerheads great pumps... I own a skimz and the newest reef octo...love the skimz Stay way from fine sand if you are going to have strong flow in the tank....anytime you do anything in the tank you will have mini storms. Good luck.

03/21/2014, 04:02 PM	#223
JanVelazquez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Puerto Rico, USA Posts: 129	Hey... Thanks for the tips I was thinking of exactly the same equipment so that's good to hear. I'll probabbly mix crushed coral with some live sand. I put in just one of the WP-60's and it makes a LOT of current. So having 8 may be too much. I'll let you know how it goes Thanks again

10/06/2014, 01:57 PM	#224
woodnaquanut Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 2,727	Any updates? __________________ John DT 120G. mixed reef w/ lots of automation + assorted FW and SW tanks.

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