The Journey - 300+ Gallon System Build - Picture Heavy - Page 9

owenspackman · 03/18/2013, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5406

What are you going to do if something drops/lives below the socks?

Was just thinking about getting in there to do any maintenance.

thats a good point, i'm skinny and could get my arm in there for maintenance, but even that would be awkward. Otherwise its looking really great. Was there any glue involved or just silicone for the baffles?

I like that you're a few weeks ahead of me on your build, gives me some great ideas!

bpcardona · 03/18/2013, 06:31 PM

So the hole are 4" each, I to have small hands. (This is where my good friends would begin laughing). I shouldn't have much issue doing maintance in this area, but I don't plan on having much to do.

owenspackman · 03/18/2013, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpcardona

So the hole are 4" each, I to have small hands. (This is where my good friends would begin laughing). I shouldn't have much issue doing maintance in this area, but I don't plan on having much to do.

i'm an idiot. completely forgot you could remove the sock for maintenance. yes, looks like you're sorted there!

Whats next on the build?

bpcardona · 03/18/2013, 06:56 PM

So the next step is aquascaping. I will drill the rock and place acrylic rods. I will use 2 part epoxy to bond the rocks. I want plenty of room for the fish to swim. I also want to try to create shelfs. I started with one of the islands tonight and here are the results:

FYI....there is a pay off photo and the end.

Okay are you ready for the payoff?

H
E
R
E

I
T

C
O
M
E
S

I know it's that typical in the fish tank picture, but my wife couldn't resist. There is even a better one where I make a fish face. NO! I will not post it, the Internet is forever.

worm5406 · 03/18/2013, 08:51 PM

Quick throw it back!

HAHAHAHA....

Now see we all can have fun and crack a smile every now and then!

Yeah I put all my rock in and then the water and then sand then more water and more sand... I hand my MP40's on 100% and the heaters running at 90.

I let the natural current do the sand blowing around and create the flow patters through the rock, as I left lots of voids. Currently ALL of them are still flowing and the critters have found them all. The shrimp hide just in the spot I wanted them to hide. I can still see them and they have plenty of places to go and ways to get there.

Dustin1300 · 03/19/2013, 06:59 AM

Following along Brian, time for me to hijack your thread!

Newbie Aquarist · 03/19/2013, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5406

If you look just after the filter sock on the back wall you will see a break in the glass. About 1" below the filter sock lip/edge. It runs all the way across.

Look at a few of the other pictures in that photo stream and you will see the break better.

Ok I do see it now. I see why they say sight is the first thing to go.

Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

sirreal63 · 03/19/2013, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

I see why they say sight is the first thing to go.

In a perfect world, the first thing to go is hearing (the spouse gripe).

worm5406 · 03/19/2013, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Ok I do see it now. I see why they say sight is the first thing to go.

Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirreal63

In a perfect world, the first thing to go is hearing (the spouse gripe).

I thought it was... OOPS.. Family channel.

bpcardona · 03/19/2013, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dustin1300

Following along Brian, time for me to hijack your thread!

HaHaHa, feel free to take over the thread. I have been following yours for a while and love it. Thanks for joining in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Ok I do see it now. I see why they say sight is the first thing to go.

Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

LOL, sorry for the confusion. I posted a picture earlier that showed this chamber as a closed box. Please keep ripping this build apart. I have loved your advice so far.

bpcardona · 03/19/2013, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5406

Quick throw it back!

HAHAHAHA....

Now see we all can have fun and crack a smile every now and then!

Yeah I put all my rock in and then the water and then sand then more water and more sand... I hand my MP40's on 100% and the heaters running at 90.

I let the natural current do the sand blowing around and create the flow patters through the rock, as I left lots of voids. Currently ALL of them are still flowing and the critters have found them all. The shrimp hide just in the spot I wanted them to hide. I can still see them and they have plenty of places to go and ways to get there.

I can't wait to get the sand in there. I only have one island in there and I am jones-ing to get the other two setup.

worm5406 · 03/19/2013, 09:35 PM

Ohhh Yeah I know what you mean.

Decided what grade sand yet?

This is three different sizes in my tank:

Here is a comparison between two from the picture above.

In this picture OOlite is on top the smaller stuff and figi pink is on bottom

But I like what grows in/under the sand:

Newbie Aquarist · 03/20/2013, 02:50 AM

Man your camera skills are amazing.

Dustin1300 · 03/20/2013, 11:42 AM

Not sure on what sand you've chosen but I'll be using the Tropic Eden Grand Select.

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s...-03617R30.html

I've had fine sand in smaller tanks and hated it once I ramped up flow....Could not imagine having fine sand in a big tank (180+) as it would be a sand storm. I really don't want to treat my tank like a sand box every week stirring it here and moving it there as the powerheads move it around the tank!

worm5406 · 03/20/2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dustin1300

Not sure on what sand you've chosen but I'll be using the Tropic Eden Grand Select.

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s...-03617R30.html

I've had fine sand in smaller tanks and hated it once I ramped up flow....Could not imagine having fine sand in a big tank (180+) as it would be a sand storm. I really don't want to treat my tank like a sand box every week stirring it here and moving it there as the powerheads move it around the tank!

I took my sand and put it in as I was filling the tank.

I set my 2 mp40's at 100%

Once the sand settled down, and during cycle, and during seeding, and .. and... I never had any sand storm problems.

Look at this video and see how quick it clears out.

worm5406 · 03/20/2013, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpcardona

HaHaHa, feel free to take over the thread. I have been following yours for a while and love it. Thanks for joining in.

LOL, sorry for the confusion. I posted a picture earlier that showed this chamber as a closed box. Please keep ripping this build apart. I have loved your advice so far.

I like the way the water flows into the socks from the side compartment.

Nice sandals too, btw.

The issue I might see is detritus buildup around the filter socks and it requires you to make sure one is in there. I do NOT run a sock in mine all the time. I only do when I do maintenance.

ALSO... that one area could very easily be a detritus trap.

likefish · 03/20/2013, 02:36 PM

Great progress!

There are more watching your thread than those who posted. I am subscribed, great thread! great info! Thank you for keeping it alive!

With all of the thought that you have put into your system what was you desired turn over rate in your tank and the volume exchange in your sump? Reason I ask is i am adding a 60 gal cube to my 120 tank and the two will share a sump. I have been surfing for reccomendations and they vary sooooo much!

worm5406 · 03/20/2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by likefish

Great progress!

There are more watching your thread than those who posted. I am subscribed, great thread! great info! Thank you for keeping it alive!

How can you see who is subscribed? Or you mean views vs posts?

likefish · 03/20/2013, 04:12 PM

I dont know how to tell: just letting him know he is being followed, some of us are lurkers!

No tan attempt to hijack but I have a project going and would appreciate advice, good group of people adding info here!

My undertaking:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2268923

thanks!

bpcardona · 03/20/2013, 07:17 PM

My center island is almost complete. I ran out of 2 part epoxy or I could finish it. Here is my progress:

Newbie Aquarist · 03/20/2013, 07:31 PM

Nice work you have going so far. I like that second tower.

Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

likefish · 03/20/2013, 08:21 PM

some of those joints look pretty fragile. Will they support the force of you epoxy and gluing frags onto them in the future? Any extra epoxy you add now will coraline over in short order.

Great design. Going to look fantastic grown over!

bpcardona · 03/21/2013, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by likefish

some of those joints look pretty fragile. Will they support the force of you epoxy and gluing frags onto them in the future? Any extra epoxy you add now will coraline over in short order.

Great design. Going to look fantastic grown over!

The fragile looking pieces are drilled and have acrylic rods in them. They also have 2 part epoxy. I have gone sparenly now, but plan on reinforcing everything. I wanted to create a scene that made viewers ask how.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Nice work you have going so far. I like that second tower.

Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

I am happy with it aswell. I really wanted the rock work to be pleasing without any coral one it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by likefish

I dont know how to tell: just letting him know he is being followed, some of us are lurkers!

No tan attempt to hijack but I have a project going and would appreciate advice, good group of people adding info here!

My undertaking:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2268923

thanks!

Feel free to post whatever you want. I have followed your thread and will post when I have some free time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by likefish

Great progress!

There are more watching your thread than those who posted. I am subscribed, great thread! great info! Thank you for keeping it alive!

With all of the thought that you have put into your system what was you desired turn over rate in your tank and the volume exchange in your sump? Reason I ask is i am adding a 60 gal cube to my 120 tank and the two will share a sump. I have been surfing for reccomendations and they vary sooooo much!

Okay so I wanted to get the highest turnover rate as possible. So my plan was this:
What is the limiting factor of my turnover rate? With my setup I was given to 1 inch drains and two 3/4 inch drains. I decided I wanted a herbie system. To optimize my return I choose the 1 inch drains to be my full siphon. This gave me a maximum return of about 1800gph (900 each). With that determined, my turnover rate was set at that, and maximized.

With all that said, if your drian is not your limiting factor then 10x is a solid value to go with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5406

I like the way the water flows into the socks from the side compartment.

Nice sandals too, btw.

The issue I might see is detritus buildup around the filter socks and it requires you to make sure one is in there. I do NOT run a sock in mine all the time. I only do when I do maintenance.

ALSO... that one area could very easily be a detritus trap.

It took me a minute to figure out where you saw my sandles. I have a lot more photos in the account then I have posted here. Also I have a similar set up now with the chamber under the sock and it did collect a lot. However I have since added miracle mud, and a small clean up crew. Since then it really hasn't been bad.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dustin1300

Not sure on what sand you've chosen but I'll be using the Tropic Eden Grand Select.

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s...-03617R30.html

I've had fine sand in smaller tanks and hated it once I ramped up flow....Could not imagine having fine sand in a big tank (180+) as it would be a sand storm. I really don't want to treat my tank like a sand box every week stirring it here and moving it there as the powerheads move it around the tank!

I have already purchased the Tropical Eden flakes. I have a lot, but I thing I might get a few bags of there mini flakes and mix it in. I live the sand Sifters and would hate it if they stirred it up.

worm5406 · 03/22/2013, 12:23 PM

HAHAHA... Yeah I looked at your pictures. I watch for things in the background anyway.

BTW.. I have oolite and all in my 180. No problems...

likefish · 03/22/2013, 12:43 PM

Im sure you did your homework..... Both of your returns are Reeflo Darts. Did your research show when to be the best bang for the buck (efficiency, reliability compared to cost?) Im shopping for an external pump now. I am targeting 700 GPH +/- (at 4 foot of head) any suggestions or experience appreciated!

On another note... I have to curse you a bit for this build thread. All of the sketchup work shown here made my wife "suggest" that I do it for my build. After 4 hours of cursing at that software I have a few done. It really does help with the design process.

Great work you are doing here! Thank you for sharing it!

03/18/2013, 06:31 PM	#202
bpcardona Trying to hard Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lake Alfred, Fl Posts: 871	So the hole are 4" each, I to have small hands. (This is where my good friends would begin laughing). I shouldn't have much issue doing maintance in this area, but I don't plan on having much to do. __________________ --Brian--- Tanks: 220G DT - 55G custom sump - 40G frag - 40G QT - Livestock: Clowns - Blonde Naso Tang - Blue Hippo Tang - Diamond Watchman Goby - Molly Miller -

03/18/2013, 06:56 PM	#204
bpcardona Trying to hard Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lake Alfred, Fl Posts: 871	So the next step is aquascaping. I will drill the rock and place acrylic rods. I will use 2 part epoxy to bond the rocks. I want plenty of room for the fish to swim. I also want to try to create shelfs. I started with one of the islands tonight and here are the results: FYI....there is a pay off photo and the end. Okay are you ready for the payoff? H E R E I T C O M E S I know it's that typical in the fish tank picture, but my wife couldn't resist. There is even a better one where I make a fish face. NO! I will not post it, the Internet is forever. __________________ --Brian--- Tanks: 220G DT - 55G custom sump - 40G frag - 40G QT - Livestock: Clowns - Blonde Naso Tang - Blue Hippo Tang - Diamond Watchman Goby - Molly Miller -

03/18/2013, 08:51 PM	#205
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Quick throw it back! HAHAHAHA.... Now see we all can have fun and crack a smile every now and then! Yeah I put all my rock in and then the water and then sand then more water and more sand... I hand my MP40's on 100% and the heaters running at 90. I let the natural current do the sand blowing around and create the flow patters through the rock, as I left lots of voids. Currently ALL of them are still flowing and the critters have found them all. The shrimp hide just in the spot I wanted them to hide. I can still see them and they have plenty of places to go and ways to get there. __________________ 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

03/19/2013, 06:59 AM	#206
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	Following along Brian, time for me to hijack your thread! __________________ INDMAS President Check out my tank in the Large Tank Forums, "A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build"! Current Tank Info: 600 Gallon DT, 140 Gallon Grow Out Tank, 125 Gallon Sump, 90 Gallon Fuge, 200 Gallon Fish QT, 15 Gallon Frag QT

03/19/2013, 09:35 PM	#212
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Ohhh Yeah I know what you mean. Decided what grade sand yet? This is three different sizes in my tank: Here is a comparison between two from the picture above. In this picture OOlite is on top the smaller stuff and figi pink is on bottom But I like what grows in/under the sand: __________________ 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

03/20/2013, 02:50 AM	#213
Newbie Aquarist Reefing is my middle name Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,796	Man your camera skills are amazing.

03/20/2013, 11:42 AM	#214
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	Not sure on what sand you've chosen but I'll be using the Tropic Eden Grand Select. http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s...-03617R30.html I've had fine sand in smaller tanks and hated it once I ramped up flow....Could not imagine having fine sand in a big tank (180+) as it would be a sand storm. I really don't want to treat my tank like a sand box every week stirring it here and moving it there as the powerheads move it around the tank! __________________ INDMAS President Check out my tank in the Large Tank Forums, "A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build"! Current Tank Info: 600 Gallon DT, 140 Gallon Grow Out Tank, 125 Gallon Sump, 90 Gallon Fuge, 200 Gallon Fish QT, 15 Gallon Frag QT

03/20/2013, 02:36 PM	#217
likefish Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: central florida Posts: 738	Great progress! There are more watching your thread than those who posted. I am subscribed, great thread! great info! Thank you for keeping it alive! With all of the thought that you have put into your system what was you desired turn over rate in your tank and the volume exchange in your sump? Reason I ask is i am adding a 60 gal cube to my 120 tank and the two will share a sump. I have been surfing for reccomendations and they vary sooooo much!

03/20/2013, 04:12 PM	#219
likefish Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: central florida Posts: 738	I dont know how to tell: just letting him know he is being followed, some of us are lurkers! No tan attempt to hijack but I have a project going and would appreciate advice, good group of people adding info here! My undertaking: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2268923 thanks!

03/20/2013, 07:17 PM	#220
bpcardona Trying to hard Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lake Alfred, Fl Posts: 871	My center island is almost complete. I ran out of 2 part epoxy or I could finish it. Here is my progress: __________________ --Brian--- Tanks: 220G DT - 55G custom sump - 40G frag - 40G QT - Livestock: Clowns - Blonde Naso Tang - Blue Hippo Tang - Diamond Watchman Goby - Molly Miller -

03/20/2013, 07:31 PM	#221
Newbie Aquarist Reefing is my middle name Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,796	Nice work you have going so far. I like that second tower. Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

03/20/2013, 08:21 PM	#222
likefish Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: central florida Posts: 738	some of those joints look pretty fragile. Will they support the force of you epoxy and gluing frags onto them in the future? Any extra epoxy you add now will coraline over in short order. Great design. Going to look fantastic grown over!

03/22/2013, 12:23 PM	#224
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	HAHAHA... Yeah I looked at your pictures. I watch for things in the background anyway. BTW.. I have oolite and all in my 180. No problems... __________________ 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

03/22/2013, 12:43 PM	#225
likefish Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: central florida Posts: 738	Im sure you did your homework..... Both of your returns are Reeflo Darts. Did your research show when to be the best bang for the buck (efficiency, reliability compared to cost?) Im shopping for an external pump now. I am targeting 700 GPH +/- (at 4 foot of head) any suggestions or experience appreciated! On another note... I have to curse you a bit for this build thread. All of the sketchup work shown here made my wife "suggest" that I do it for my build. After 4 hours of cursing at that software I have a few done. It really does help with the design process. Great work you are doing here! Thank you for sharing it! Last edited by likefish; 03/22/2013 at 12:53 PM.