75 gallon Money Pit.

SptfireXIV · 01/15/2007, 01:21 PM

Well, I'm finally getting somewhere with this project, so I guess I might as well post some pics and get some opinions on it.

Here's the rundown of the tank:

Dimensions
36" x 24" x 20"

Goal
This tank will be set up so it will be viewable from 3 sides. The rock structure will be set up as a shallow reef system, so the rockwork will be low in order to give the corals lots of room for growth. It will be primarily dominated by SPS.

Lighting
A 36" 6 bulb Tek T5 fixture

Filtration
Probably around 60 lbs of live rock, 20-30 lbs of base rock and a Euro-Reef CS6-1 skimmer that I've got left over from my last tank. I'll eventually add a UV sterilizer as well.

Water Flow
A couple of Tunze Nanostream 6045's

Here is the original sketch I had drawn up for the tank and stand, but this was before I chopped an extra 4" off the top of the tank to make it look more shallow.

So, on to the pics. Here's one of my last tank before I tore it down in April (moving due to graduating from college).

More pics can be found here...
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v62/VicS...p;addtype=local

SptfireXIV · 01/15/2007, 01:24 PM

The tank when I first picked it up:

Overflow:

Tek fixture

This thing is a monster. Keep in mind this tank is 24" wide...

Lights on!

SptfireXIV · 01/15/2007, 01:27 PM

Stand

Here it is in its final resting place

Don't mind the rest of the house... I've still got a good bit of work to do on it as well.

I also finished off the plumbing today, at least until I re-do the sump area.
Durso Standpipes

Here she is sporting one of the nanostreams all ready to be filled up.

I'm looking for comments and constructive criticism, so let me have it

Jason

Peter Eichler · 01/15/2007, 01:32 PM

Looks good and I really like the size and shape of the tank. But maybe you should finish painting the hallway before finishing the aquarium

SptfireXIV · 01/15/2007, 01:34 PM

Haha, good call! We actually finished it up last night. God that would've been a nightmare trying to paint around the tank.

Amphiprion · 01/15/2007, 03:26 PM

Is that Mike DeGruy (filmer of blue planet) on your TV?

rustybucket145 · 01/15/2007, 03:29 PM

sure is! I saw that episode!! Great show to watch while setting up the tank!

SptfireXIV · 01/15/2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Amphiprion
Is that Mike DeGruy (filmer of blue planet) on your TV?

LOL, you're the second person who's commented on that! It was a show on the "10 deadliest sharks." My TV is almost permanently set on Discovery (or Comedy Central).

Peter Eichler · 01/15/2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SptfireXIV
LOL, you're the second person who's commented on that! It was a show on the "10 deadliest sharks." My TV is almost permanently set on Discovery (or Comedy Central).

I love Discovery, hell my brother is a VP for them, but I thought that show was kinda lame.

You Discovery fans from way back will be happy to know that they're doing an Overhaul

and getting rid of a lot of the reality based and gearhead type shows and going back to more nature programing. It has already been happening and will continue as the year goes on.

Tate · 01/15/2007, 05:48 PM

Quote:

You Discovery fans from way back will be happy to know that they're doing an Overhaul

and getting rid of a lot of the reality based and gearhead type shows and going back to more nature programing. It has already been happening and will continue as the year goes on. [/B]

That is GREAT news. I loved the old-school Discovery channel. I hardly ever watch it anymore because of stupid home improvement and motorcycle crap shows.

JmLee · 01/15/2007, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter Eichler
I love Discovery, hell my brother is a VP for them, but I thought that show was kinda lame.

You Discovery fans from way back will be happy to know that they're doing an Overhaul and getting rid of a lot of the reality based and gearhead type shows and going back to more nature programing. It has already been happening and will continue as the year goes on.

Its funny tonight they have a episode call " future weapons."

SptfireXIV · 01/15/2007, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter Eichler
I love Discovery, hell my brother is a VP for them, but I thought that show was kinda lame.

You Discovery fans from way back will be happy to know that they're doing an Overhaul and getting rid of a lot of the reality based and gearhead type shows and going back to more nature programing. It has already been happening and will continue as the year goes on.

As long as Mythbusters stay I'm a happy camper. P.S. I actually like that Future Weapons show. Its interesting to me.

danch · 01/15/2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter Eichler
I love Discovery, hell my brother is a VP for them, but I thought that show was kinda lame.

You Discovery fans from way back will be happy to know that they're doing an Overhaul and getting rid of a lot of the reality based and gearhead type shows and going back to more nature programing. It has already been happening and will continue as the year goes on.

Yay! I'm a gearhead and I hate that crap. It'd help if it were more mechanics and less kindergarten soap-opera, but I digress.

More physical science stuff would be fun, too!

Peter Eichler · 01/15/2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JmLee
Its funny tonight they have a episode call " future weapons."

I guess I shouldn't have said nature as much as quality programming that isn't some dumb reality series, though I do believe there will be more nature based programing..

Peter Eichler · 01/15/2007, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by danch
Yay! I'm a gearhead and I hate that crap. It'd help if it were more mechanics and less kindergarten soap-opera, but I digress.

More physical science stuff would be fun, too!

I hear you. I've talked to my brother about Top Gear quite a bit and not only will Discovery not be broadcasting any more of the UK show, I don't tyhink they're picking up the pilot for the US version

It's amazing to me how horribly all the attempted gearhead type shows on various networks have been so awful. The one with the brothers, can't remember the name, where they got two cars for two teams to to tune and then race wasn't bad. But I'd be in heaven if they'd just bring Top Gear to the US, the UK version, not some ruined US version.

Peter Eichler · 01/15/2007, 09:10 PM

Sorry for the hijack Spitfire, keep us updated on the tank!

SptfireXIV · 01/16/2007, 06:20 AM

Haha, no problem at all

Jason

SptfireXIV · 01/21/2007, 07:28 PM

Ok, so the tank has been up and running for about a week, and there hasn't been any noticeable cycle. I've already hit the diatom and hair algae bloom stage it seems, so now I'll have to scramble to get to D.C. this weekend to get a cleanup crew. I also added my first fish yesterday, a Canary Blenny.

On to the aquascaping pics:
From the left

From the right

From the front

Angled shots to help show how it truly looks

I'm terrible at getting depth to show up in my photographs, so these can't come close to doing it justice, but I think its a pretty good foundation to start with as far as SPS is concerned.

Thanks for looking!

SptfireXIV · 01/22/2007, 01:46 PM

Bump.

I'm looking for comments and suggestions on the aquascaping. I know its not very original, but its what I've had in mind ever since I started planning the tank. Its low, so as to give the corals a lot of room to grow, and it has a nice sized valley through the middle of it.

I built it up this way assuming that a Tek fixture could sufficiently support SPS in a 20" tall tank, even down to the bottom. Is that a safe assumption?

Jason

onefin · 01/22/2007, 02:10 PM

Looking good, welcome to the hobby$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

pugbreath13 · 01/22/2007, 02:51 PM

Im planning a tank just like that. I love the aquascaping. I plan to use a 250w halide and t5's for it. Who built your tank?

SptfireXIV · 01/22/2007, 03:00 PM

He's from the D.C./Maryland area. He gave me a great price in my opinion and his work is outstanding. If you're interested, shoot me a PM and I'll give you his contact info (I'm not sure what his handle is on RC).

P.S. if you're ever on the WAMAS forums, his handle there is NAGA.

Thanks for the compliments guys!

Jason

msuzuki126 · 01/22/2007, 03:28 PM

Wow! Such a clean set up.

jpv · 01/22/2007, 03:43 PM

I like the aquascaping also. I really like the U shaped cove you show in the second pic for the bottom. I think people tend to but to much rock and create the Wall of rock look. Less is more here.
I would build the back pile up more just to have it hieght when viewing from the front. It will get some coral closer to the light.
More pics please

dvmsn · 01/23/2007, 05:40 PM

IMHO, the aquascaping is spot on. Less is more. Can you cycle to pure actinics with that fixture?

01/15/2007, 01:21 PM	#1
SptfireXIV Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 1,247	75 gallon Money Pit. Well, I'm finally getting somewhere with this project, so I guess I might as well post some pics and get some opinions on it. Here's the rundown of the tank: Dimensions 36" x 24" x 20" Goal This tank will be set up so it will be viewable from 3 sides. The rock structure will be set up as a shallow reef system, so the rockwork will be low in order to give the corals lots of room for growth. It will be primarily dominated by SPS. Lighting A 36" 6 bulb Tek T5 fixture Filtration Probably around 60 lbs of live rock, 20-30 lbs of base rock and a Euro-Reef CS6-1 skimmer that I've got left over from my last tank. I'll eventually add a UV sterilizer as well. Water Flow A couple of Tunze Nanostream 6045's Here is the original sketch I had drawn up for the tank and stand, but this was before I chopped an extra 4" off the top of the tank to make it look more shallow. So, on to the pics. Here's one of my last tank before I tore it down in April (moving due to graduating from college). More pics can be found here... http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v62/VicS...p;addtype=local

01/15/2007, 01:24 PM	#2
SptfireXIV Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 1,247	The tank when I first picked it up: Overflow: Tek fixture This thing is a monster. Keep in mind this tank is 24" wide... Lights on! __________________ Jason Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Rimless SPS Reef

01/15/2007, 01:27 PM	#3
SptfireXIV Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 1,247	Stand Here it is in its final resting place Don't mind the rest of the house... I've still got a good bit of work to do on it as well. I also finished off the plumbing today, at least until I re-do the sump area. Durso Standpipes Here she is sporting one of the nanostreams all ready to be filled up. I'm looking for comments and constructive criticism, so let me have it Jason __________________ Jason Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Rimless SPS Reef

01/15/2007, 01:32 PM	#4
Peter Eichler Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 6,081	Looks good and I really like the size and shape of the tank. But maybe you should finish painting the hallway before finishing the aquarium __________________ April 2015 TOTM

01/15/2007, 01:34 PM	#5
SptfireXIV Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 1,247	Haha, good call! We actually finished it up last night. God that would've been a nightmare trying to paint around the tank. __________________ Jason Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Rimless SPS Reef

01/15/2007, 03:26 PM	#6
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	Is that Mike DeGruy (filmer of blue planet) on your TV? __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO

01/15/2007, 03:29 PM	#7
rustybucket145 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: valdosta, ga Posts: 3,707	sure is! I saw that episode!! Great show to watch while setting up the tank! __________________ 400gals of various tanks in the same system. Current Tank Info: 2 175w MH, 2 VH0 Actinics, Lots of Live Rock, tons of copepods, a Fat Mandarin Goby, Niger Trigger, Yellow Tang, Falco Hawkfish, Bi-Color Pseudo, numerous soft, SPS and LPS Corals

01/15/2007, 09:10 PM	#16
Peter Eichler Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 6,081	Sorry for the hijack Spitfire, keep us updated on the tank! __________________ April 2015 TOTM

01/16/2007, 06:20 AM	#17
SptfireXIV Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 1,247	Haha, no problem at all Jason __________________ Jason Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Rimless SPS Reef

01/21/2007, 07:28 PM	#18
SptfireXIV Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 1,247	Ok, so the tank has been up and running for about a week, and there hasn't been any noticeable cycle. I've already hit the diatom and hair algae bloom stage it seems, so now I'll have to scramble to get to D.C. this weekend to get a cleanup crew. I also added my first fish yesterday, a Canary Blenny. On to the aquascaping pics: From the left From the right From the front Angled shots to help show how it truly looks I'm terrible at getting depth to show up in my photographs, so these can't come close to doing it justice, but I think its a pretty good foundation to start with as far as SPS is concerned. Thanks for looking! __________________ Jason Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Rimless SPS Reef

01/22/2007, 01:46 PM	#19
SptfireXIV Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 1,247	Bump. I'm looking for comments and suggestions on the aquascaping. I know its not very original, but its what I've had in mind ever since I started planning the tank. Its low, so as to give the corals a lot of room to grow, and it has a nice sized valley through the middle of it. I built it up this way assuming that a Tek fixture could sufficiently support SPS in a 20" tall tank, even down to the bottom. Is that a safe assumption? Jason __________________ Jason Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Rimless SPS Reef

01/22/2007, 02:10 PM	#20
onefin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Hurricane Alley Posts: 1,621	Looking good, welcome to the hobby$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ __________________ "Click my little red house to visit my Lagoon" Current Tank Info: 125 gallon /40gallon Ecosystem

01/22/2007, 02:51 PM	#21
pugbreath13 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: The former United States Posts: 466	Im planning a tank just like that. I love the aquascaping. I plan to use a 250w halide and t5's for it. Who built your tank?

01/22/2007, 03:00 PM	#22
SptfireXIV Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 1,247	He's from the D.C./Maryland area. He gave me a great price in my opinion and his work is outstanding. If you're interested, shoot me a PM and I'll give you his contact info (I'm not sure what his handle is on RC). P.S. if you're ever on the WAMAS forums, his handle there is NAGA. Thanks for the compliments guys! Jason __________________ Jason Current Tank Info: 120 Gallon Rimless SPS Reef

01/22/2007, 03:28 PM	#23
msuzuki126 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dutchess County, New York Posts: 1,377	Wow! Such a clean set up. __________________ Red House=My 90 build. Matt. Current Tank Info: 90 rebuild

01/22/2007, 03:43 PM	#24
jpv Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Terre Haute, IN Posts: 9	I like the aquascaping also. I really like the U shaped cove you show in the second pic for the bottom. I think people tend to but to much rock and create the Wall of rock look. Less is more here. I would build the back pile up more just to have it hieght when viewing from the front. It will get some coral closer to the light. More pics please

01/23/2007, 05:40 PM	#25
dvmsn Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Surfside Beach, SC Posts: 3,008	IMHO, the aquascaping is spot on. Less is more. Can you cycle to pure actinics with that fixture?