New direction.....180 gallon in wall build! - Page 2

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 10:52 AM

Ok well the latest ,cleaned the sump! got that under the stand and for the bottom of the stand I put a waterproof coat and then
CARPET lol...... I know I was going to get teased about this but I'm a woman afterall "I think everything should match" even if it's carpet haha I figure if it get wet I will rip it out and no damage to the stand.
So other than that I'm trying to figure out this skimmer that came with the tank! she told me it needs a pump but works great! This thing is sooo tall dont know if its going to fit!

Ledge we ut on back of tank

Skimmer in question

lcs · 09/14/2009, 01:32 PM

Wow! The tank is going to look awesome! You are a brave, brave soul!

That ledge is a great idea; you'll have someplace to put testing stuff, etc.

I'm the newbie who has decided to de-lurk!

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lcs
Wow! The tank is going to look awesome! You are a brave, brave soul!

That ledge is a great idea; you'll have someplace to put testing stuff, etc.

I'm the newbie who has decided to de-lurk!

Thank You , And welcome to URS, I am still learning myself

Take Care,

Henry Colf · 09/14/2009, 02:13 PM

Lookin good Shawna, keep them pics coming....

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 02:16 PM

Well tank is getting fresh coat of paint on the back and need to aint the sides (takes forever for aint to dry) lol
I clear coated all the wood work. Ready to call it a day!

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Henry Colf
Lookin good Shawna, keep them pics coming....

Thanks,You too!

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 02:51 PM

Last pics of the day

New paint job......needs few more coats

Clear coating finished,Just waiting for it to dry so I can be the tank back into position.

Another shot

Im not sure I like the molding that light against the darker wood but it ties in to the dining roomwith the lighter wood. So I guess it works.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

I just hope I get through this! Still have to decide on a pump and get plumbing started. My tangs are holding up really well really well!

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 02:55 PM

did'nt mean to say that twice lol (typo) sorry

Gary Majchrzak · 09/14/2009, 03:06 PM

it looks like you won't have access from the front. This can make aquarium maintenance a PITA and it's the main drawback I see so far. Other than that, things look really nice. The 4x4's are a good problem to have

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gary Majchrzak
it looks like you won't have access from the front. This can make aquarium maintenance a PITA and it's the main drawback I see so far. Other than that, things look really nice. The 4x4's are a good problem to have

We thought about it but only 3" of the front is in the wall. I see where you say it's a drawback though because I have to stand on a chair lol

4x4's are a good problem? Thats good to know. I was really worried!

Thanks Gary,

block head · 09/14/2009, 03:22 PM

looks really nice shawna. the seemless display might be harder to work on , but that's not a bad thing IMO. should help keep hands and stains to a minimum. i'd love to be able to lock a door and keep my little weasels out of the tank.

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 03:25 PM

Ok I said no more pics today but Im a little thrown after looking through the plumbing,
My tank has 4 drilled holes through the bottom.

Am I missing something?

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by block head
looks really nice shawna. the seemless display might be harder to work on , but that's not a bad thing IMO. should help keep hands and stains to a minimum. i'd love to be able to lock a door and keep my little weasels out of the tank.

Thanks.The empty bedroom has always been a fish room anyhow for my Qt and supplies but my cats always found a way in my cabinet under the tank, they can open those cabinet doors (little snots) anyways I am worried they may start chewing again and I do not want (gallons) on my floor this time around.
Sooo I figured with the expense of re doing the whole stand(our financial situation right now is not great with all the cats (still being sick) ! Urgh it would be cheaper to put in in the wall this way I only have to look at the ugly stand lol

backdraft79 · 09/14/2009, 04:41 PM

Tank looks SO nice!

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 05:42 PM

Thanks Jon

Appreciate it.

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 08:32 PM

Well, decided on a pump were going to go with the mag 18 as an (external) ,After talking with a few people this seems to be my cheapest option that will work for now.Down the line I'd like to get a Dart but for now this will have to do.

Dave & Monica · 09/14/2009, 09:36 PM

Wow sis - It looks a lot different then when I was there. Funny how you did decide to go into the wall. Did you end up getting the carpet replaced where the tank was? Did you paint the sides of the tank black too? BTW - I wish I had half your tank budget

shawna1972 · 09/14/2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave & Monica
Wow sis - It looks a lot different then when I was there. Funny how you did decide to go into the wall. Did you end up getting the carpet replaced where the tank was? Did you paint the sides of the tank black too? BTW - I wish I had half your tank budget

Hi Dave,

Yeah,We were not planning to go in wall. I really do not know what was the final decision but.....Money played a biggy,Didnt have the budget to finish the stand the way we wanted to at the present and figured it would be more quiet,cat proof haha
Actually Im still waiting on the installers! Im not happy, But seeing as the tank is sitting in the fish room now, we are not in that much of a hurry anymore.
I ripped up the carpet in that room under where the stand sits so we can get the tank level and when the installers FINALLY get here I will have them carpet that room as well.
Yes I painted the sides and back with a few coats today

Haha you are so funny,You would not want to work with the budget we had lol...... It's depressing!
All in all for our first reef ready tank,and build I dont think it's turning out to bad.
I better not say that yet ......the dreaded plumbing is next

Sooo your sis will be ready for some of your corals soon (Hint) lol

I'll ttyl Tell Monica I said Hi
Take care

magdelan · 09/15/2009, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shawna1972
Ok I said no more pics today but Im a little thrown after looking through the plumbing,
My tank has 4 drilled holes through the bottom.

Am I missing something?

It looks like you have 2x1" drains and 4x3/4" returns. You only need two of those returns. Seems like and extra bonus to have some extra loc-line though

shawna1972 · 09/15/2009, 06:36 AM

Oh ok

Loc line? Is that the black thing attached to the pvc? I hear a lot of people talk about loc-line,Whats different about it? (trying to understand plumbing parts)

Henry Colf · 09/15/2009, 06:53 AM

Shawna, locline is the black stuff. locline can be adjusted in any direction. This makes it nice so you can point your direction of flow where you want it.

shawna1972 · 09/15/2009, 07:00 AM

I see, ok so it's like a regular return head... but bends.
Thanks

Dave & Monica · 09/15/2009, 11:11 AM

Call me when you're ready for corals. I'll send you a lot... but then again I have a 72 gal with a frag portion of my 30 gal sump... I could give you all of it and your 180 would seem empty. Still - patience as corals grow. Your local folks there are helpful and have good advice. Below are the links for Randy's two part. I remember telling you this is a good cheap way to go at first. Later, depending on how much coral you have stacked in there, you may want to go the calcium reactor route. So besides the CALC, ALK, MAG, you don't have to supplement much. Stop buying all that crap/ Do bi-weekly water changes 20-30 gallons with good salt and that will take care of all the trace elements. For food, I use reefchili from Bulkreefsupply.com (coral food), Phytoplankton (green stuff for copods), and Marinesnow (coral food for filter feeders - I'll stop when this runs out), formula 1 & 2 flakes, algae sheets for my tangs, and an assortment of frozen brime/mystys shrimp & Cyclop-Eeze are the ONLY things I put into my tank.
When the day comes when you want all SPS – by then you’ll be giving me advice. you can do all the dosing with amino acids, vodka, and all that.... Keep it simple at first and go slow this time.... Hang in there sis, talk to you soon.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

shawna1972 · 09/15/2009, 12:57 PM

I will

Yes, this is an AMAZING group of people (love them)! Thanks for the links! and all the info! (taking notes) lol
(Trying) to go slow this time around, Being out for almost a year, I did a lot of reading but (I'll never know enough) To much to learn! lol This hobby is tough! But like you... I love it! That's what brought me back!
Now if I can have a tank as half as nice and your and the members here Id be content

Thanks again,

Henry Colf · 09/15/2009, 02:07 PM

Shawna, you'll do fine just take the advice given and if your not happy with the responses ask again, we are all trying to obtain the same goal. To have our own little slice of the ocean in our homes. Just remember that this hobby is a lobour of love and it always doesn't come easy... so with that keep asking questions and keep on posting the pics...............

09/14/2009, 10:52 AM	#26
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	Ok well the latest ,cleaned the sump! got that under the stand and for the bottom of the stand I put a waterproof coat and then CARPET lol...... I know I was going to get teased about this but I'm a woman afterall "I think everything should match" even if it's carpet haha I figure if it get wet I will rip it out and no damage to the stand. So other than that I'm trying to figure out this skimmer that came with the tank! she told me it needs a pump but works great! This thing is sooo tall dont know if its going to fit! Ledge we ut on back of tank Skimmer in question __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/14/2009, 02:16 PM	#30
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	Well tank is getting fresh coat of paint on the back and need to aint the sides (takes forever for aint to dry) lol I clear coated all the wood work. Ready to call it a day! __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/14/2009, 02:51 PM	#32
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	Last pics of the day New paint job......needs few more coats Clear coating finished,Just waiting for it to dry so I can be the tank back into position. Another shot Im not sure I like the molding that light against the darker wood but it ties in to the dining roomwith the lighter wood. So I guess it works. Thanks everyone for your comments. I just hope I get through this! Still have to decide on a pump and get plumbing started. My tangs are holding up really well really well! __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/14/2009, 02:55 PM	#33
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	did'nt mean to say that twice lol (typo) sorry __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/14/2009, 03:06 PM	#34
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	as Henry already already metioned it looks like you won't have access from the front. This can make aquarium maintenance a PITA and it's the main drawback I see so far. Other than that, things look really nice. The 4x4's are a good problem to have __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

09/14/2009, 01:32 PM	#27
lcs It's Spring!!!!!!! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 1,370	Wow! The tank is going to look awesome! You are a brave, brave soul! That ledge is a great idea; you'll have someplace to put testing stuff, etc. I'm the newbie who has decided to de-lurk!

09/14/2009, 02:13 PM	#29
Henry Colf Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Rochester Posts: 2,926	Lookin good Shawna, keep them pics coming....

09/14/2009, 03:22 PM	#36
block head Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: spencerport ny Posts: 2,619	looks really nice shawna. the seemless display might be harder to work on , but that's not a bad thing IMO. should help keep hands and stains to a minimum. i'd love to be able to lock a door and keep my little weasels out of the tank.

09/14/2009, 03:25 PM	#37
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	Ok I said no more pics today but Im a little thrown after looking through the plumbing, My tank has 4 drilled holes through the bottom. Am I missing something? __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/14/2009, 04:41 PM	#39
backdraft79 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Buffalo NY Posts: 1,442	Tank looks SO nice! __________________ Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well. Mohandas Gandhi Current Tank Info: 90RR with custom stand, canopy and cabnet. More to be added

09/14/2009, 05:42 PM	#40
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	Thanks Jon Appreciate it. __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/14/2009, 08:32 PM	#41
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	Well, decided on a pump were going to go with the mag 18 as an (external) ,After talking with a few people this seems to be my cheapest option that will work for now.Down the line I'd like to get a Dart but for now this will have to do. __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/14/2009, 09:36 PM	#42
Dave & Monica Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,255	Wow sis - It looks a lot different then when I was there. Funny how you did decide to go into the wall. Did you end up getting the carpet replaced where the tank was? Did you paint the sides of the tank black too? BTW - I wish I had half your tank budget

09/15/2009, 06:36 AM	#45
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	Oh ok Loc line? Is that the black thing attached to the pvc? I hear a lot of people talk about loc-line,Whats different about it? (trying to understand plumbing parts) __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/15/2009, 06:53 AM	#46
Henry Colf Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Rochester Posts: 2,926	Shawna, locline is the black stuff. locline can be adjusted in any direction. This makes it nice so you can point your direction of flow where you want it.

09/15/2009, 07:00 AM	#47
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	I see, ok so it's like a regular return head... but bends. Thanks __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/15/2009, 11:11 AM	#48
Dave & Monica Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,255	Call me when you're ready for corals. I'll send you a lot... but then again I have a 72 gal with a frag portion of my 30 gal sump... I could give you all of it and your 180 would seem empty. Still - patience as corals grow. Your local folks there are helpful and have good advice. Below are the links for Randy's two part. I remember telling you this is a good cheap way to go at first. Later, depending on how much coral you have stacked in there, you may want to go the calcium reactor route. So besides the CALC, ALK, MAG, you don't have to supplement much. Stop buying all that crap/ Do bi-weekly water changes 20-30 gallons with good salt and that will take care of all the trace elements. For food, I use reefchili from Bulkreefsupply.com (coral food), Phytoplankton (green stuff for copods), and Marinesnow (coral food for filter feeders - I'll stop when this runs out), formula 1 & 2 flakes, algae sheets for my tangs, and an assortment of frozen brime/mystys shrimp & Cyclop-Eeze are the ONLY things I put into my tank. When the day comes when you want all SPS – by then you’ll be giving me advice. you can do all the dosing with amino acids, vodka, and all that.... Keep it simple at first and go slow this time.... Hang in there sis, talk to you soon. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

09/15/2009, 12:57 PM	#49
shawna1972 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo,NY Posts: 2,068	I will Yes, this is an AMAZING group of people (love them)! Thanks for the links! and all the info! (taking notes) lol (Trying) to go slow this time around, Being out for almost a year, I did a lot of reading but (I'll never know enough) To much to learn! lol This hobby is tough! But like you... I love it! That's what brought me back! Now if I can have a tank as half as nice and your and the members here Id be content Thanks again, __________________ Shawna Current Tank Info: 180 gallon in wall,30 gallon sump,mag 18 pump ran external.T5 Nova Extreme Pro lighting,BRS GFO/Carbon reactor,Octopus skimmer,Coralife125 super skimmer.

09/15/2009, 02:07 PM	#50
Henry Colf Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Rochester Posts: 2,926	Shawna, you'll do fine just take the advice given and if your not happy with the responses ask again, we are all trying to obtain the same goal. To have our own little slice of the ocean in our homes. Just remember that this hobby is a lobour of love and it always doesn't come easy... so with that keep asking questions and keep on posting the pics...............