Jason's 240g Miracles

[jduck]

We will be closing on our new house outside Grand Rapids within the next month, with the new house comes a new tank. This build will be somewhat on a budget. basically what money I've squirreled away for rainy day tank funds.
Current Account Balance is $6,200. This thread will help keep track of what I've spent on this setup. I will be selling off some of the current equipment to supplement some of upgrades.

I've spent the last month researching tank builders and have settled upon Miracles in Glass.
Tomorrow I plan on calling Derek and putting in my order.

So far I've settled upon 240g 8'x2'x2' 3/4" glass all around,
Starphire front, Coast to coast External Overflow 3x 1.5" Drain BeanAnimal style, 2x 1" returns, Euro braced top
Initial quote was $2900 + $340 shipping to depot.

[Rabidgoose]

Sounds like fun! Keep us up to date and take a lot of pictures please.

good luck.......chuck

[jimsflies]

Sounds cool!

The new CR premium membership will offer the ability to hide threads like this from your wife. ;)

[binford4000]

Sweet dimension !! Will be following along for sure. A tank build without the wife knowing?? Please leave detailed instructions how to pull this off so I can finally do my 500 gal dream build without mrs binford knowing. Lol

[binford4000]

Sounds cool!

The new CR premium membership will offer the ability to hide threads like this from your wife. ;)

Ah. How much does that cost?? Send it in pm tho because she reads allot. Lol

[jduck]

Here is my current equipment list that I have been gathering over the last couple years or so. 90% of it I have and I'm sure there will be more to add as I go along with the build.

Equipment
•Skimmer: Warner Marine K2, Looking at upgrading to the Super Reef Octopus XP3000 External ~$685
•Sump: Coustom built by me 42x18x18, would like to upgrade to 60-72" x18x18 ~$440 for acrylic
•Frag Tank: 60 gal 48x24x12 currently not in use
•Return/Circulation: Mag 18, to be upgraded Reeflo sequence/Dart Hybrid $270
•Circulation Power heads: (5) Ecotech Vortech MP40w's, upgrade to (2) MP60 $1200 used
•Circulation Control: APEX VDM
•Lighting: (6) AI Sol Blue Led's currently in use over tank and sump.
ATI Powermodule 48" 8x54w not in use
•Lighting for Frag tank: ATI sunpower 36" 6x39w
•Biopellets: Octopus 110 reactor
•GFO/Carbon: (2) Warner Marine MR1 reactors
•Tank Automations: APEX controlling 24 outlets, WXM for Vortech, 2xPH probes, temp, salinity, VDM for AI LED
•Ca Reactor: GEO 612, AquariumPlants.com's Electronic CO2 Regulator
•RO/DI: bfs Premium Series 100 gpd RO/DI System
•Heaters: (2) 150w
•Auto Top Off: Gap Controller Level Loc, on 15 minutes every 6 hours

[jduck]

Sweet dimension !! Will be following along for sure. A tank build without the wife knowing?? Please leave detailed instructions how to pull this off so I can finally do my 500 gal dream build without mrs binford knowing. Lol

My wife defiantly knows about the tank, just not how expensive everything really is. She came along 6 years ago when I purchased the current 90 Gal setup and knows that it cost $1k with livestock. Which was the amount that she said that I could spend for a new tank. :doh: After a few months of research decided that I wouldn't be lucky enough to find the exact tank I was looking for. So I cashed in my stock options.

[jduck]

Wall tank will be going in
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_3479.jpg

Backside
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_3539.jpg

[jduck]

I picked up a couple like new mp60w. $1200
4846
Account Balance $5000

[Speedracer]

Gonna be a nice build

[jduck]

Removed 3 of the MP40W off the 90 and replaced with one mp60 on lowest setting. I did crank it up high and it moves a ton of water.

Finally got the date for closing on the house next week so I went ahead and finalized the tank today.
96x24x24, tempered back, starphire front, All edges machine polished
external overflow coast to coast,drilled for 3x 1.5" Schedule 80 bulkheads. 64mm/2.51" (Installation hole size) so 65 mm holes.
eurobraced drilled with 4x 3/4" returns, 1 in each end of back bracing, 1 in each front corner of the side bracing
34mm/1.33" (Installation Hole Size)
Black vinyl applied to remainder of back panel and side panels
Shipped to depot in Wyoming MI for client p/u $3270
Production aprox 7 weeks. Should make it done right around Fathers Day.

Even though I have a Ca reactor. I also was considering 3 part dosing and continuous water changes.
From BRS I picked up 3 of the BRS 2 Part Doser (1.1 mL Per Minute).
and 2 of Top Off Doser (50 mL Per Minute) for water changes. $245

I was able to sell some unused stunner strips $180

Account Balance $4575

[Poseidon]

It sure goes OUT a lot faster then it comes in doesn't it?

Not sure if that skimmer is big enough for 240G, but it sure is a beast!!!

[jduck]

It sure goes OUT a lot faster then it comes in doesn't it?

Not sure if that skimmer is big enough for 240G, but it sure is a beast!!!


Since you got me thinking about it I could probably go with SRO XP5000 ext for $100 more. Found out I have another bonus check coming in a few weeks. Waiting for some sort of sale to pick up skimmer, return, sand, and more rock.

[jduck]

Couple more updates
Paid deposit on the tank, of course their quote is in Canadian, Stupid paypal exchange rate. $1635 CAN, $1710.53 US
Ahh its only money right??

On a better note. I picked up 300 Lbs of live rock. ($350) Which I now have in a 44 Gal Rubbermaid trash can ($42) soaking in 10% bleach water. After a few more days I plan on giving it an acid bath.

I also picked up a large Blue glow Frag Rack ($65) which I planned on using for the frag tank. But wanting to get rid of the 2 frag racks on the sides of tank and the 3 infinity racks in the sand bed. It somehow inspired me to remove the live rock from the left half of tank to make room for it. I had to chisel and saw to remove the sps in-tacked, only causality was my large setosa, which is now a bunch of smaller frags. In retrospect ,I probably should of waited until after the family gathering in 3 weeks to make it a half frag tank. The larger colonies were attached to frag plugs allowing them to sit in the rack. Just the large Red Planet I had to glue to another piece of live rock since it takes up so much space. The removed live rock will getting cleaned in the second batch of sterilization.

I was also able to pick up a Scopas tang ($20) which lived in the sump with my platinum clowns until I could see that it was eating. It was added to the main tank last night right before the lights went out. The Yellow tang and powder blue were none too keen about an additional tank mate showing some aggression. I fed them and put a full sheet of Nori to help distract them. Also turned the lights out and they have been out all day today. And with the rearrangement of the rocks to help with being territorial. Since this will only be temporary housing for a few months, I felt it would be fine.
Had some Ebay bucks to use up So I spent ($10) on the 4 3/4" bulkheads for returns
Did sell led's and fish allowance
Account Balance $2984.47 (of which $1710.53 is for tank balance)

Confirmed the Tank drawing Glass being sent to production next week for notching and drilling

[larryandlaura]

Wow this build is going to be badazz! I'm following it, and drooling over this one.

[jduck]

Closed on the house on friday and took a closer look at the wall. Some bad news. There is an air duct right in the middle of the wall. So instead of putting it in wall wife says I can remove some carpet build a stand and put it in room. Sort of a bonus since that will gain me some sqft in the fish room. But now I will have to build a stand and matching hood. Won't be too difficult since it will need to be skinned black to match the bar.
Called Miracles and made a last minute change to tank. No Vinyl on sides, and Starfire side pannels. Only cost $88CAN to upgrade. Not bad. Had the evening off and went to Casino. $650 more for tank fund.


Yesterday I removed the rock soaking in bleach water, rinsed and now its soaking in tap to remove and leftover clorine before acid wash. Took remaining buckets of dry rock I had laying around and put them in bleach water.

Purchased a used ReefLo Barracuda/Hammerhead Hybrid ($310)
Purchased an aptasia Zapper ($55)

Account Ballance 3341.72
$1800 is for tank balance

[CalmSeasQuest]

Congratulations Jason - It looks like this will be an amazing build. I'm getting close to ordering a similar tank, likely also through Miracles. I'm wondering if there is a benefit to spacing the overflow holes equidistant? It seems like the plumbing be more compact under the stand if the BeanAnimal drains were closer together?

[creefer]

I don't think that duct is an issue. It's a simple fix. You could keep some of the tank in wall and some in the room thereby maximizing both your fish room and living spaces. This would give you access on both sides of the tank from the top and still allow for some viewing on the sides in the living space. Either way, I'm looking forward to watching this build.

[jduck]

Just going to put some holes in the wall for the plumbing, which will be much easier than moving the air duct and putting in that header. Looks like I will be building a steel stand for this. Working on the plans right now. Should be 2" square tube, Looking at 36" height.

Finished with the live rock giving it muric acid bath. Cleaned it all up will add pictures later.

Reef Specialty is having a 10% mom day sale. I was waiting for a decent sale to purchase some items. Went ahead and bought

Super Reef Octopus XP-5000 External Protein Skimmer
Octopus Automatic Skimmer Neck Cleaner: Neck Cleaner-OCT-CL250
Sunlift Reflector Suspension System. Will make a light rack with aluminum T slot and use one on each corner to be able to adjust height.
($883.96)

Account Ballance 2457.76
$1800 is for tank balance

[jduck]

Did a quick sketch of the stand and called to get prices on steel. Cheapest was about $285 for 96' of 2x2" 11ga or .125
vertical supports every 2 feet. Will also have braces on ends to allow for a walk board like Melvsreef.

Additional tank funds $1899.82
Account Balance $4257.58
$1800 for tank balance

[jduck]

Rock before
4970

[jduck]

Cooking rock
4971

[jduck]

Ahh Memorial Day Sale at Premium Aquatics 10% off so I emptied the saved items from my wish list.

They were out of the 30# reef flakes, so I ended up getting the live. Then went half mini flakes
Tropic Eden Live Reeflakes 20lb 7 $29.99 $209.93
Tropic Eden Miniflakes Aragonite Sand 30lb 4 $37.99 $151.96
Bought a few other things as well ($352)

BRS group buy this week, and then I had a $5 coupon that expired today. I hope I didn't pull trigger too soon and they come out with 10% off sale on monday.
1.5” Schedule 80 Male Pipe Adapter 202542 4 $17.60
1.5" Schedule 80 Pipe (5 feet) 202702 3 $18.00
1 1/2” Schedule 80 Cepex Ball Valve 202402 2 $61.20
1" Schedule 80 Pipe (5 feet) 202701 4 $20.00
1.5” George Fisher Wye Check Valve (Swiss made) 202452 1 $73.15
1.5” SCH 80 Bulkhead Slip x Thread (Slip on the Flange/Head side) 202922 3 $32.40
3/4" NPT connector for 3/4" Loc-Line Modular Hose 202807 2 $2.40
3" Flare nozzle for 3/4" Loc-Line Modular Hose 202801 2 $7.20
Y Fitting for 3/4" Loc-Line Modular Hose 202806 2 $6.40
PVC Glue Pint - Weld on 711 202620 2 $19.98
1.5” Schedule 80 Tee S x S x S 202632 2 $14.40
Schedule 80 Slip Reducing Bushing 1 1/2" x 1” 202603 1 $3.60
1” Schedule 80 Street Elbow Slip x Spigot 202475 1 $2.40
1” Schedule 80 Union Slip x Slip 202521 2 $8.00
3/4” ABS Bulkhead Thread X Slip (Thread on the Flange/Head side) 202947 4 $16.00
3/4" Schedule 80 Pipe (5 feet) 202700 4 $18.00
3/4” Schedule 80 Tee S x S x S 202630 2 $4.80
3/4” Schedule 80 Street Elbow Slip x Spigot 202474 6 $9.60
Schedule 80 Slip Reducing Bushing 1 1/2" x 3/4” 202602 2 $7.20
Clear PVC Primer Pint - Weld on P-70 202621 2 $19.98
Clear 1/4" Screen Netting 6.5' x 6.5' 220106 2 $37.98
Grand Total ($392.25)

Dr Foster was still having sale on salt so I picked up 3 cases of Instant Ocean ($119.97) shipped

Most of the plumbing will be Flex pvc. Found this Ultra Flex PVC at Marine Depot Picked up 1.5" for drains, 3/4" for returns
FT1384 3/4 Inch I.D. Ultra-Flex PVC Pipe Tubing/ ft 30 $50.70
FT1387 1-1/2 Inch I.D. Ultra-Flex PVC Pipe Tubing/ ft 25 $72.25
Shipping Information Shipping: $9.99
Grand Total: ($132.94)

[jduck]

Steel $320
Paying someone to weld it up. Priceless... Actually $300, reasonable. Saves me from the headache of at least a day. Should be done by this weekend. Gives me time to coat with truck bed liner.

[jduck]

5043

Stand finished. Ready for primer and hurculiner.

[jduck]

5044
Another view

[Poseidon]

I bet that weighs a bit J, how are you going to get it in place?

[petercar]

I might have seen yur tank at miracles when I went to pick up mine on Tuesday ..Derek gave me a tour....3 hour drive to the plant from sarnia..he had about 5 huge tanks on the floor getting built


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[jduck]

I bet that weighs a bit J, how are you going to get it in place?

96 feet of 2x2 1/8" steel aprox 300#
I was moving it to GR on wed. Hopefully I have it painted/coated by then. I can pick you up on the way.

[Poseidon]

96 feet of 2x2 1/8" steel aprox 300#
I was moving it to GR on wed. Hopefully I have it painted/coated by then. I can pick you up on the way.

LOL!

I work till 6 Wednesday, but would gladly offer a hand next weekend if you need it. (Thursday and Friday I'm going north with Logan for a 4th grade field trip.)

[Manoj's Reef]

That stand is a monster. Solid work.

[jduck]

Gave stand a coat of primer yesterday. Hauled it to new house & finished the first layer of herculiner. 5083

[jduck]

Right side up after second coat. 3/4" ply cut and 3/4" foam behind stand. 5084q

[jduck]

Stand layout in room. 5085
Tank just seems pretty small when compared to the 30" tall stand but will be 2.5X the volume, and twice the length of my current 90 gal. Have to cut out some carpet to get the stand on concrete. Need to take into account how far the overflow box sticks off the back. Will be putting down tack strips and re securing carpet.

[Poseidon]

BEAST!!! That thing is a BEAST! I can't wait to see more.

[jduck]

Couple more things. Steel ended up costing ($320) Welding was free...gift from father in law for house warming present, thank goodness the tank fund was starting to get a little low.
Rust Reformer Primer, Nitrile Gloves, Gallon orange hand cleaner ($32.17)
Herculiner ($95.39), Drill Paint Mixer ($6.30), Foam Bush ($2), Painting Coveralls ($7.81), Mini Paint Tray ($2), Plastic sheet ($9),

Harbor Freight Tools 6" Level, Carpet Knee Kick ($41.85), Carpet Tack Strip ($4), White Rubber Mallet ($4.97), Powergrab adhesive tube ($4), Blue Painter Tape ($4),

3/4" 4x8 Sanded Plywood ($40) Ripped to 2x8 Free!!
3/4" 4x8 sheet Foam ($13.76)
2 packs of Composite Shim ($3.30)

kole tang ($40)
hippo tang ($50)
Reeflo Hammerhead gold Used ($250) Not sure if I will be using this or the Baracuda/Snapper Hybrid as the main. Either way, other will be backup.
Hot Water Heater recirc pump setup will be used for heating tank ($125)
150 gal RO/DI used with spare RO Membrane $50. Will use the to fill the tank since I won't be able to use current setup until after moving.

Skimmer and auto cleaner finally showed up today!!

[jduck]

Been sidetracked with house thinks. Was able to get stand in place. Waiting to hear on tank delivery date. 5210

[jduck]

Tank is finished and will be shipped out on Thursday. Delivery for tuesday.

[jduck]

Delay in delivery. Picking up from shipping terminal now. Will get some pics up later.

[jduck]

Well tank is finally in place was short on time and only took a few pictures before I had to drive back for work in the morning. http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/photo1.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/photo2.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/photo3.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/photo4.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/photo5.jpg

Tank looks great. One issue they forgot to drill the Euro bracing for the returns. Called and talked to Derek, he apologized and said they will take care of the cost to have someone do it. Stopped by Pruess and talked to Steve, worked out a deal to borrow the drill over the weekend for a few days. Will get some better pictures Then.

[creefer]

That is a wonderful tank!

[jduck]

Sesh almost 2 months since the last update. A lot has happened since setting the tank in place.

I was able to borrow a drill and hole saw from Pruess. Did have to build a Jig to hold up the drill but it didn't take very long to punch out those holes for 3/4" bulkheads
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/photo21.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/photo14.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/photo22.jpg

Then came return plumbing. I did put gate valves on both of the returns to be able to better control the flow then ball valve that is on manifold.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4786.jpg
You can see the overflow setup for Bean Animal style. The right one is running under full siphon, although I have gate valve closed about 1/3 the way, to allow the Left one to run at a trickle and not suck much air. The middle is the emergency that if something ever happened to fully plug the other 2 would take over. I found out that just the one 1.5" drain running wide open can handle the complete tank flow. There is a black acrylic insert with teeth that will slide in the front of the overflow box.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4780.jpg

[jduck]

Tank is filled and Aquascaped
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4772.jpg

Took about 24 hours to fill the main tank.
For the setup on the fish hall I decided to try out Metal Shelving with the time constraint.
For the Sump I did put down 1/2" ply and then remaining foam under. Tank already had 2 1" bulk head holes. Had to drill 1.5" for the return. One of them is being used for the skimmer return. Other is plumbed with a ball valve and hose barb that I will use for water changes.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4791.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4792.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4804.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4796.jpg

Also did quick plumbing of heating. Used 100 ft of 1/2" Pex and recirc pump. Temporary Ranco temp controller until Apex is setup. Currently have tank set at 85 to help speed up the cycle.
Excuse the mess I did pick everything up after taking all the pictures.

Plumbed in the 60 Gallon Frag tank sitting on 1/2" Ply. Used pink foam under SRO XP5000 to help quiet it down.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4794.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4795.jpg

Manifold for Frag Tank, Skimmer, main tank returns
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4799.jpg
the super spa flex made it very easy to do all the plumbing. I also tried to add unions where ever I could.



Main Pump did have a leak, and I need to replace the gasket. Which reeflo send me a replacement under warranty. Just arrived today, need to take time to install.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4798.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4797.jpg

Full Messy hall shot
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4790.jpg

Was able to cut down the top shelf rack and get that installed. Then hung the light for frag tank.
Wired up the temp outlets, to just get things running. I did run 2 new 20 amp lines just for the fish hall. Tied outlets for hanging florescent fixtures into existing light switch. Can never have enough light in work area.


RODI System
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4803.jpg
Massive 20" prefilters. Dual 75gpd membranes. 10x4" Fatboy for the DI.
Ive found that the pressure here is actually pretty good 65psi. But I still like hearing the booster pump, lets me know that the system is working. I have on order 2 75 Gal Vertical water storage Containers for water mixing.

I figure aprox 300 Gal of water in the system. I put in 6 50Gal bags of IO. ended up with 1.023.
Added 1 cup of ammonia and bottle of Seachem Stability to help get the cycle started.
put in a little container of live rubble that I had around. Hoping that some TE sand is still live, but possible that it isn't since system was full of fresh several days before adding salt.



Broke out the backup Apex and ran internet line for it. Forgot that I had used the temp probe to replace other. Ordered another.

Just no pictures yet of the most recent progress.

[MizTanks]

WOW! That's one heck of a build!! Sweeeet!!! Lol

[AJ :)]

Great looking build! Loving that skimmer! You really have done alot of work. Where did you find the vertical 75 gallon water storage tanks?

Thanks for the updates!

[jduck]

Great looking build! Loving that skimmer! You really have done alot of work. Where did you find the vertical 75 gallon water storage tanks?

Thanks for the updates!



Best price I found was off ebay $109. But shipping sort of kills the deal. I could of did 55 gal barrels, but your never sure what was in them before hand. Ended up being $349 for 2 of them shipped. Which was the cheapist I could find on the net. Considered going bigger but next size was 28" wide and I know it was a squeeze trying to get a 24" tank through the walkout. These are 23"x48" with 1.25 bulkhead at bottom and 8" opening with lid at top.

[AJ :)]

Yeah shipping large items can be pretty rough these days. It's too bad there isn't something available locally, that is priced reasonably.

[jduck]

After first dose of 2 cups ammonia test read pretty high.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/photo32.jpg
Added a bottle of Seachem Stability that I had. Couple days later same result with the test.

Bought a bottle of Instant Ocean Bio-Spira and added that. less than 24 hours later it had dropped to Less than 1.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/E36F8248-94CD-4FF3-A9A0-96DA3BCB8A50-2457-000003AF742750A3.jpg

Nitrite over 200
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/147D288D-CABB-40BD-8BE5-DC597369C820-2457-000003AF86F951EB.jpg

NO3 very high
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/D754439C-8713-45B6-BD06-E94324A621B5-2457-000003AF80951638.jpg


Even later test
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/214E0DA5-EF33-4FC7-9012-F6A1AD63716A-2457-000003AF8E86FFBD.jpg

I've been adding a cup of ammonia every couple days to keep feeding the bacteria.

[jduck]

Last part for water change station arrived yesterday. Was able to finish the plumbing and start filling up the other tank.
2x 75 gallon water tanks ($348)
Pan world 50PX-X for water circulation ($130)
Plumbing parts ($100)
Kent Float Valve ($20)
The heater is an inline Aquanetics fireplug 500W Heater that I've had laying around.

Pumped the first fill into the right tank and added 2 50 gal bags of instant ocean. Let it circulate and heat all night. Filled up Left tank, this morning added an additional bag of salt and opened the valves to let it mix in and heat up. Will see how long that takes.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4864.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4870.jpg

Took the time to tightly coil and zip tie the pex and add it to the return pump chamber.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4871.jpg

This allowed me to add the 90# of Tropic Eden Aragasnow to the middle chamber for future refugium.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4875.jpg

Return chamber, I hooked a quick disconnect up for the drain hose to the water change valve. You can see the end sticking out from under the tank. In search of a non expensive drinking water hose to use for the water change fill station also.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4876.jpg

Lighting for frag tank set up. I just used plastic coated braided stainless wire to hang them from rack of metal shelf above.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4874.jpg

Also moved the frag tank return to the left side to allow for more viewing across the front.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4873.jpg
Also hooked up the SRO Auto Waste container. It has a switch to turn off skimmer when it gets full.

Bought a bunch of screen frame pieces to put over main tank and frag tank. Need to get these done before Saturday when I bring the first load of livestock back.

[jduck]

Been several months since last update. Had some issues with the move.
1. I knew the tank wasn't quite ready yet. Nitrates were still a little high, but planned on doing another large water change to bring them down. Turns out I wasn't using the Hanna tester correctly. I wasn't holding down the button after adding the reagent to sample to get the 6 min countdown timer. It was taking measurement prematurely, giving me a lower number. I had planned on dipping all corals in Revive. Keeping all livestock quarantined in frag tank, shut off from main system, just doing water changes on this tank to keep ammonia down.
2. Even though I rinsed each coral after revive dip frag tank turned cloudy. Ended up losing a couple tangs, flame wrasses, and majority of sps. Isolated main tank from rest of the system, so I could just frag tank through sump with skimmer.
3. Had to throw out several buckets of corals and do several massive water changes to get nitrates down to acceptable levels.
4. I’ve been fighting bryopsis for a month now. Had it growing all over the sand bed. Used Kent M to increase levels to 1600. Picked out what I could. It seems to be under control. Not much in the frag tank but is still growing on the rocks in display tank. I’ve been running Biopellets last couple months and need to test levels again to see where they are at. Looks like I need to do some more dosing. Looking to pick up a sea hare to finish it off.
5. Changed all the lighting over to LED. Removed T5’s from main tank and replaced with 2 AI sols, for a total of 7. On frag tank removed the T5 and replaced with 2 AJM Multi color fixtures. They don’t give quite the pop that the AI Sol’s do. May consider changing them out to something else with different ratio.
6. Started up Ca reactor and just have it on a slow drip for now
7. Big project was getting the skin for the tank done.

[jduck]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4945.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_4944.jpg

painted
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_5227.jpg

all cabinet doors in place
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_5238.jpg

[binford4000]

Looks really sharp! That water mixing station is brilliant ! Nice job

[jduck]

Was fighting bryopsis. I did use kent Tech m, with levels over 1600. I believe it helped considerably. Beginning of the year there were still a few spots on the rockwork. So I took it out and covered it with a towel soaked with Tech M. Scrubbed off what I could. Took the opportunity to redo aqua-scape and be more creative with Tonga rock, creating a lot more swim through openings. RBTA Island I'm still working on. Need to make it more open. The piece of rock I was going to use still had some bryopsis on it so I banished it to unlit section of sump. Will get around this week to finishing that.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_5786.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_5791.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/IMG_5795.jpg

Picked up a few fish from LA and local reefers.
Original livestock: Display -
Pair of ocellaris clownfish w 2 RBTA & Large yellow tang (had both for 6 years now).
Large Clam
Tomi Tang picked up from pacej a few months ago
Frag Tank: pair of Platinum Clowns from Tal, 5 Bangaii Cardinals that I've been waiting for them to pair off, med/small yellow tank from pacej, Pajama Cardinal, algae blenny.

Additons - Large Powder Blue Tang, Medium Purple Tang, Large Hippo Tang, Yellow & Purple wrasse, Hoeven's Wrasse F Juvenile, 2 Whip Fin Fairy Wrasse F Juvenile, Medium Foxface Lo, Bicolor Dotty Back. From local reefers and LA. They spent 2-4 weeks in QT treated with chloroquine phosphate just as precaution.
Moved 4/5 Bangaii to display since they were not cooperating with pairing off. Just haven't caught last one from frag tank yet.
Did have an issue with Large yellow tang picking on the Purple tang. He has been in there a while and was very territorial. Solved problem with putting him in the 60 gal frag tank and putting the smaller yellow in display. 1 week later, I reintroduced large yellow tang to display. Now he is being picked on by purple tang, who is maybe 2/3's his size. Its not constant, just every now and then chasing/tail wagging. I left the smaller yellow tang in the tank. Keeping an eye out for any aggression from any tank mates. After a few days they seem to all be playing nice with each other. Been feeding every day 2 half sheets of Nori on different sides of tank, along with flakes/frozen 1-2x.

I had 2 AJM led fixtures over the frag tank but had issues with taking pictures with just the blue LED's. Couldn't get the proper white balance. Even with using grey cards, probably since they are such high K. Replaced then with 2 AI Sol off display tank. Swapped out some lenses so these are just 70 deg. They are 9" off water. So I broke out the old geometry and figured out the light spread for them. Wish I was better at google sketchup To top of water spread is 6.3" to each side of led. In fixture leds are off set 2" from center. So ~ 4" from front glass and then 4" down isn't covered. Trying to limit the amount of spillage out of tank.

For main tank I traded lenses with a fellow reefer. Now all fixtures have 6x 40 deg and 2x 70 deg( located in center of fixture). Would like to pick up 1 more fixture to even lighting out after additional of frags from next weeks swap.
Display fixtures are 9" off top of 24" deep tank. Left island and middle have 2 fixtures running front to back. Which leaves 8" from LED to front of tank. When light hits top of water it will only be 4.7" from front of tank, then down 22" before it reaches front glass. Which is fine because I really don't want anything much closer than 5" to front of glass anyway. That doesn't leave much room for cleaning or fish to swim.
Remaining fixture is side to side over Clam and clownfish/RBTA Island.

[jduck]

I have a few more fish coming in tomorrow going into QT.
Yellow wrasse - LA sent me purple & yellow instead last time.
Sailfin alage blenny, Pair of spot/Dot Dash Flasher Wrasse, pair of filamented flasher wrasse, Lubbocks fairy wrasse.

In future I see the last additions being several Flame wrasses, blue spot jaw fish, but wanted to wait until corals grew out and there were more hiding places.


I did order a DC 10A 36V 350W Regulated Switching Power Supply. That I was going to use to power the display AI Sol's, since they are rate 36v 2 amp. Will allow me to combine 2 EB8s running 5 Sol and 2 mp60's onto 2 outlets on EB8. I checked the graph and Apex says that each EB8 hasn't gone over 2 amps. But we will see in future how high it gets. Lights are only 50% and MP60's under 30%. Need to figure out what size the DC power port/Coaxial power connector is. Then just buy new cables so I can sell the unused AI sol ones instead of cutting them off.

[jduck]

Not sure how it snuck into the display but last weekend I found ich spots on the Powder blue and Hippo Tangs. So Monday night was spent catching as many fish as I could. All everything was easy to net with the lights out, with exception of 3 wrasses and Bicolor pseudochromis. Had to break out the fish trap for them. Still left with yellow wrasse and dot dash wrasse in display. Everything has gone into QT and treated with Chloroquine phosphate. I had 2 qt tanks running, 40g which I put Powder blue, hippo, purple, yellow, & tommi tang, algae blennie in, 20 gal smaller yellow tang and clownfish pair. Then I setup additional 29 gal in which banggai cardinals, platinum clown pair, all wrases, pajama cardinal, algae blenie in. Letting display go fallow for 6 weeks before the fish are returned to display.
Optimally I would like to go the full 12 weeks. But going on vacation last weekend in march, so not an option yet. Unless I pick up a stock tank and skimmer.

Did get the Switching power supply wired up. The dc connectors are 5.5mm 2.5mm which I though I had ordered online. Turned out the ones I ordered were 2.1mm. Went to home depot and picked up new connectors. Got everything put together. All old power supplies removed from stand and extra EB8. Plugged them in and wala... Light.
Killawatts said it was only running 6 amps for all 6 AI sol lights on 100%
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/0E3998DC-FBAD-4135-9DDC-D3531035FD9E-3017-000003E78C067790_zps29ffbc8b.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/86ADBE55-A3AB-45DA-B35C-EB549BB61938-3017-000003E791B8D5F1_zps0fb6b647.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/12C63F66-B9F6-41B0-947D-E8EA10EA96BA-3017-000003E796C10FCA_zps8c4cae1a.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/2512BA5B-3432-4E19-87A6-D3CEF24E907F-3017-000003E79DFBA7F8_zps3bb054d3.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/452B6346-64BC-46EF-AD88-61A4015581AC-3209-000004128775BDE5_zps9b12fb74.jpg

[jduck]

Decided on 150g stock tank $157 shipped. Should arrive next week and will get setup ASAP. Picked up a Reef Octopus Diablo XS 200 Protein Skimmer $250. Already have a 55 gal barrel of live rock that came out of system. This will allow me to stop water changes on qt tanks every few days. Will need to rig up ato switch/ float valve.
They are on day 7/10 treatment with Chloroquine Phosphate 40mg/gal. Redosage for changed water volume, only one wrasse causality.

Still have 2 wrasse that I have not been able to get out of display. Have not feed them for several days and been trying to use fish trap. Still no luck.

With removal of tangs from display some biopsies has made a comeback. Testing po4 levels .11, needing to reduce that I ordered gfo and Lanthanum chloride. 7" x 16" 10 micron filter sock and holder. Will dose LC 5 ml diluted into 1 liter into filter sock.

Also picked up 25 7" 100micron socks since I'm getting tired of changing out the 4" ones daily sometimes 2x.

[jduck]

Filter socks arrived yesterday. BRS arrived this morning. I picked out 2 different filter sock holders. The brs one and vertex. Had to cut part of black trim on 120g sump to make them fit. Will see how long it takes before I need to change them.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/470FBF97-151F-46AB-A351-4504389786A9-6559-000009EAA65B9F49_zps787700c2.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/33C1D399-9843-4F2D-B3AA-F58AE167939B-6559-000009EA98752E03_zps72d03a51.jpg

Will have to move water changing station over 6" for the stock tank to fit. Right now they are both full until tomorrow when its day 10 in qt and i can change out water. Taking opportunity to change out some valves to tru union ones. Got those glued up this afternoon as well.
Will get some pics up later
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/3EEBB7E5-F118-491C-A79C-DA0803347ABD-6559-000009EA9D1DE411_zps7fbd5026.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/ED8842BD-E157-407D-A0F9-A311D8F891CD-6559-000009EAAA7CB7AA_zpsea8c9be6.jpg

[jduck]

Fixed up ATO switches and holder. Used 1.5" PVC. Switches are mounted to 1.25 plugs they fit nicely into the T's. plugged up all holes, then drilled to allow air to escape. 3 switches low sump, high sump, fill sump. Still using level lock ato as repetitive safety(has float switch & selnoid along with float valve) and BRS dosing pump.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/F99BB7E1-823F-4FCD-984C-2B24E5B3F27C-6559-000009EA8F4BD941_zpsfe0cc606.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/C1F05D89-C99D-4F44-B3E2-503AF5F6C9BB-6559-000009EA8A06432F_zpseda63488.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/8FA573A1-1D27-441D-A727-2091E4DB6324-6559-000009EA83E62375_zps39447e1b.jpg

[jduck]

Started my first dosing round of Lanthanum Chloride, 5 ml of SeaKlear phosphate remover in 1L of ro/di. Used a BRS 1.1ml/min dosing pump. Dripped into a 10 micron filter sock from the frag tank drain.

Phosphate started out at .11, now levels down to .07

When I first filled system I calculated about 300 gal of water. Used 6 50g bags of salt to get up to correct salinity. Since then I've removed some of the rock, so I would say it could be upwards of 330 volume now.

Going to use 2.5 ml this time. Which should bring it down .02 -> .05


http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/2169E1A2-244C-430F-B1D9-A165FFD9348D-263-00000100A0D0F630_zps8741fa2a.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/A7BB94A9-78D0-4D29-BF76-26B8F0277D42-263-00000100A58814F4_zpsd5d813e5.jpg

[jduck]

After the 2nd round of LaCl phosphates went up to .12. Did 3&4th round 5 ml. Now it's down to .04, and I started running Gfo to see if that would keep it down.

So after having to section of display tank with glass and eggcrate, finally was able to net the last 2 wrasse. They are now in qt for 10 days of CP. So fallow timer starts today. I've read anywhere from 6-11 weeks fallow to kill off the ich.

[jduck]

Since there are no longer any fish in display. I am going to focus on some of the corals.
I had taken the pictures shortly after the last swap when I mounted all the frags in display. I put together a spreadsheet of all the corals and who I got them from and date. This will help keep track of growth, and let me tell them apart. Although I did somehow manage to misplace a frag of aussie gold somewhere. It could be one of the smaller frags in frag tank and just not big enough to show its characteristics.

Left Island
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/LeftIslandFront_zps0c0d1aab.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/LeftIslandLeft_zpsb2d24c4e.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/LeftIslandtop_zpsc31b3bdb.jpg

Middle Island
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/MiddleIslandFront_zps4ea500b5.jpghttp://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/MiddleIslandTop_zpscbbd170b.jpg

Right Island
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/RightIslandFront_zps105fc96f.jpg

1 Original Mummy Eye
2 ATL Pearl Berry
3 Pokerstar
4 Green Fuzzy Unknown
5 Blue Pearlberry
6 Raspberry Limeade
7 Bonsai
8 Loripes
9 Ora Miami Orchid
10 Purple Unknown colony
11 Ora Hawkins
12 Fruity Pebbles
13 Hot Tamalie Milli
14 Rose Milli
15 Green Slimer/yellow H
16 Palmer Blue Milli
17 Strawberry Shortcake
18 Yellow with red Polyp acro
19 Beaker Bob Mountain Dew
20 Miami Hurricane
21 Reef Raft Monti
22 Tyree Pink Sand Dollar
23 Red Dragon
24 Pink Lemonade
25 Steve Elias Stag
26 Blue Donkey
27 ATL Strawberry Fields
28 Purple Haze Monti
29 Orenji Monti
30 ORA Red Planet
31 Sunset Monti
32 Fruits of Eden
33 Strawberry Shortcake Acro
34 Ora Pearlberry
35 Superman Monti
36 Ora Cali Tort
37 ORA Tri Color Valida
38 Large Purple Chalice
39 Orange Cap
40 Chili Pepper Monti
41 Tyree Neon Green Toadstool

[jduck]

Been a month since last update. Yesterday was the end of week 6 on being fallow. Corals are looking good. Algae did make a small comeback on some of the rocks in display tank. A little vacuuming and addition of more snails seems to have it at bay. Phosphates have been under .09 for the last month. Last night I started running another 5 ml dose of LaCl. I believe that once tangs are added back they will keep most of it knocked down.
Had some issues with the Reef Dynamics Bio Pellet 135 reactor. The seal on the syncra 1.0 pump was leaking a little bit. Caused some salt creep which I think helped slow the leak. Took it apart yesterday and cleaned it. Now its more of a constant drip. So I've taken it off line waiting on a $5 O ring to see if that takes care of the problem. I've also went ahead and ordered the bigger 250 pellet reactor.

For some reason the dotty back, wrasses and algae blennie disappeared over the last 4 weeks in rubbermaid tub.
I ordered another yellow wrasse and a couple flame wrasses from LA. They started QT on 4/5 and then I'll get another shipment in when they are done. I will return all fish to DT after May 1st end of week 9.
Considering 5 anthias lyretail or dispar, 3 Bartlett's, 2 more flame wrasses, pair of Lineatus or Labout's, blue spot jaw fish, midas blenny, Catalina Goby, Dartfish

[binford4000]

Been a month since last update. Yesterday was the end of week 6 on being fallow. Corals are looking good. Algae did make a small comeback on some of the rocks in display tank. A little vacuuming and addition of more snails seems to have it at bay. Phosphates have been under .09 for the last month. Last night I started running another 5 ml dose of LaCl. I believe that once tangs are added back they will keep most of it knocked down.
Had some issues with the Reef Dynamics Bio Pellet 135 reactor. The seal on the syncra 1.0 pump was leaking a little bit. Caused some salt creep which I think helped slow the leak. Took it apart yesterday and cleaned it. Now its more of a constant drip. So I've taken it off line waiting on a $5 O ring to see if that takes care of the problem. I've also went ahead and ordered the bigger 250 pellet reactor.

For some reason the dotty back, wrasses and algae blennie disappeared over the last 4 weeks in rubbermaid tub.
I ordered another yellow wrasse and a couple flame wrasses from LA. They started QT on 4/5 and then I'll get another shipment in when they are done. I will return all fish to DT after May 1st end of week 9.
Considering 5 anthias lyretail or dispar, 3 Bartlett's, 2 more flame wrasses, pair of Lineatus or Labout's, blue spot jaw fish, midas blenny, Catalina Goby, Dartfish

I have the same reactor,I found the pump could not pull enough water to properly keep the bacteria from dying off in the reactor. I am trying hard to be nice about reef dynamics here. I also have the 250. It also has the same flaw. Sorry. I finally had to install a small rio booster pump to ensure the reactor got suficant water to do the job. If you want to save some cash cancel your order I am not useing mine. I will give you a good deal. I also had issues with leaks too! Good luck and LMk.

[jduck]

I have the same reactor,I found the pump could not pull enough water to properly keep the bacteria from dying off in the reactor. I am trying hard to be nice about reef dynamics here. I also have the 250. It also has the same flaw. Sorry. I finally had to install a small rio booster pump to ensure the reactor got suficant water to do the job. If you want to save some cash cancel your order I am not useing mine. I will give you a good deal. I also had issues with leaks too! Good luck and LMk.

I found that the smaller one didn't like to suck the water up very far. Mine was sitting next to frag tank 10" deep. Think the feed tube acted like overflow u tube. It's also also sitting next to skimmer SRO XP 5000 ext. I feed the effluent into air intake stand tube, had no issues with the 2 feet. For now it's sitting in frag tank, received the replacement o ring yesterday. Going to see if that takes care of problem. Considered using it for a gfo reactor or selling once new one arrives.

I received a bunch of fish this last 2 days. They started QT today.
4 female Hawaiian flame wrasse
3 female golden rhomboid wrasse
7 female lyretail anthias

Also have some nice sps frags coming Friday.
Tierra De Fuego
Mr pacman
RR Multicolor Matrix
RR CJ's Pinky
Snipersps Pink dragon tails

[jduck]

Super excited, today is the last day of week 8 being fallow. Tomorrow all the fish will be returned to display tank. Hopefully the tangs will attack the little bit of algae that has sprung up in the rockwork.

Somehow some calpura had gotten into the rockwork on RT side island. I'm glad there was much going on over on that side. Pulled the rocks and treating with Chloroquine Phosphate. In addition to being a good treatment for ich, it is also an algaecide. There really is only one longer rock that I plan on putting back in display. I will use what rock is left in stock tank to rebuild the island base. Picking up a large RBTA this afternoon. After it goes through QT will reside there. I also need to transplant my Large tyree toadstool to the structure once finished.

[MizTanks]

YAHOOO fish in da tank!! :)


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

[jduck]

After feeding tank this morning. I was working on dipping new corals and found this little guy peering up at me. Must of been some ride through overflow water slide. I see I'm going to have to overflow teeth back in.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/jduck_2006/240%20Miracles/null_zps9e70e2a5.jpg


Put the new corals into the tank did have to move some existing frags for better placement
# 8 Loripes was moved to different location
# 11 Ora Hawkins frag was exchanged with a larger colony
# 17 Strawberry Shortcake moved to different location
# 18 Yellow with red Polyp acro moved to different location
# 37 ORA Tri Color Valida moved to different location

# 40 Chili pepper monti was removed since I was trying to get the calpura off that rock. It will return once I get the right Island worked out.

9 new coral additions to display tank

11 ORA Hawkins - Larger colony where frag use to be
42 RR Avengers
43 Tierra Del Fuego
44 CC Rainbow Table - in previous # 17 location
45 CC Cherry Red
46 Tyree Setosa
47 Joe Knows Reef Golden Dragon
48 Tyree Mother of Pearl
49 Vivid's Rainbow Delight - in previous # 37 location

Frag Tank Additions:
Tierra Del Fuego
SniperSPS Mr pacman
RR Multicolor Matrix
RR CJ's Pinky
SniperSPS Pink dragon tails - some reason RTN with 24h

RR Vanilla Sky
RR Dare Devil - RTN 24 hrs
RR Red Bull
RR The Vinh
RR Stigma
RR Pink Floyd

[tdb320reef]

Wow this is a first class build. You should be proud. Very nice!