Jordan8008
New Member
Looks like so kinda crazy science experiment! lol nice work as always :mrgreen:
I really like your plumbing job, everything has it own little area. If I didn't know anything about reefing I would probably be overwhelmed by the amount of PVC and all of the different compartments. Its easy to tell that there is quite a bit of thought put into this set-up.
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Anonymous
Guest
Thanks everyone - again! One of these days I will actually get water in the darn thing. 
I still have to install my top off system and I am waiting for a check valve to install on the main sump pump - and some new filters for my RO/DI filter. Also still working on how I want to aquascape it with rock. Any suggestions? Then, we should be able to get this thing started for real. Been a long time since I started up a reef from the beginning. It will be good to be back in the saddle! :dancing:
I still have to install my top off system and I am waiting for a check valve to install on the main sump pump - and some new filters for my RO/DI filter. Also still working on how I want to aquascape it with rock. Any suggestions? Then, we should be able to get this thing started for real. Been a long time since I started up a reef from the beginning. It will be good to be back in the saddle! :dancing:
TimSchmidt
New Member
Maybe a pirates cove rock formation?
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Anonymous
Guest
IT LIVES!!! Am I glad this thing is finally running!
Up and running!
Aquascape - for now anyway. Didn't put a great deal of thought into it.
The mini-fuge & light.
The bubble trap.
Splash shield surrounding the "bubble tower". Hoping to keep the salt spray down inside the stand.
Skimmer already skimming...
Skimmer tub and remote sand bed.
Boy, is it good to be back in the saddle again! Now, if I can only keep this thing running and stocked AND get the 140 up and going all will be right with my world. :strip
Up and running!
Aquascape - for now anyway. Didn't put a great deal of thought into it.
The mini-fuge & light.
The bubble trap.
Splash shield surrounding the "bubble tower". Hoping to keep the salt spray down inside the stand.
Skimmer already skimming...
Skimmer tub and remote sand bed.
Boy, is it good to be back in the saddle again! Now, if I can only keep this thing running and stocked AND get the 140 up and going all will be right with my world. :strip
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Anonymous
Guest
Thanks Jesse. The skimmer is a "tad oversized" for this system. It's an ER CS6-2. Rated for 75-100 gallons. But it didn't cost me anything extra - very little on this setup did. Already had most of the equipment.reefman23 said:
The total water volume of the system is pushing 20 gallons. I put four salt buckets of water in it. So far, so good. No leaks (that I have found yet) and the water is starting to clear fairly quicklly. Not too many micro bubbles. A few, but I think this is just because all of the plumbing is new. The rock was pretty much cured already, since I only got the small pieces that had been picked over by most people at the LFS's rock tub. I did make sure to pick up a bag full of sand out of that rock tub though. Lots of rock cycles through there, so there ought to be loads of critters in there. Already saw a small starfish.
I do still have to hook up the top off system and fresh salt water tanks. I should be able to do quick water changes with this setup - if I can keep the reservoir filled.
Jordan8008
New Member
:shock: :shock: :shock: NICE :shock: :shock: :shock:
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Anonymous
Guest
Hi DJ. Is it the last series of pics that you can't see or the ones earlier on in the thread???? Early on, I lost a few images because I use "Reefbucket" to store the pics. They had a slight problem and lost everyone's files. Hope they don't do that to me again. :burningup Let me know if you still can't see them.djconn said:
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Anonymous
Guest
Thanks Jordan.Jordan8008 said:
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Anonymous
Guest
It is a nice skimmer. Actually have two of them. I am only using one of them at the moment. They weren't that expensive. Under $300.reefman23 said:
ripcurrent
New Member
Dang Gary... your a maaaaad scientist!!!
Now how are the rest of us suppose to compete with this? :mrgreen:
Now how are the rest of us suppose to compete with this? :mrgreen:
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Anonymous
Guest
Ha! Thanks! It does sort of have that mad scientist look about it. Like I have been saying all along, I just put this together for fun, to use some equipment that I already had - and to kill time while I am waiting for major components for my 140 to come in (still waiting BTW). I may still have some issues to deal with on this set up - like heat. Lots of pumps and lights on this thing, so I may not be through DIYing on it yet.ripcurrent said:
May end up with a small chiller of some sort on it before it's done.I have seen some really cool tanks here. I am just hoping mine comes out looking as good as some as some of the tanks here on NR. This is just a bunch of stuff thrown together, the display is what counts to me.
AlexfromSATX
New Member
True DIY Genius!!! That is great! I hope my DIY project turns out half as good as yours! You have inspired me to take my time on mine and be creative! Your tank looks great! :maitre Can't wait to see it stocked! :loveface
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Anonymous
Guest
Nah! I am just old and have screwed up more stuff than you over the years. :loon:AlexfromSATX said:
Day 2 report:
Tank has been running with normal lighting, pumps, & skimmer. Current temp is 77.3, only 3 degrees above room temp! Yay! I think the 4" fan blowing cool air from outside the stand over the top of the sump is helping out a lot. I also do not have the fans that I plan to use in the canopy yet. I am only running a 3" 12v Radio Shack special right now and it seems to be keeping the canopy cool enough. I do hope the ball bearing fans will be a little quieter. This one isn't that bad though.
Water is still clearing from the initial sandstorm, but looks a little better today.
I believe the rock I bought was already cured, so I have not seen any ammonia or nitrites show up yet. So far, so good....
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Anonymous
Guest
I made it out of lath strips, which I got at Lowe's. It is what is used to make lattice panels from scratch. I think it is just pine. I believe it was only like $4 per 8' length. I think I used about 6 8' pieces. The ends are just 1/2" birch plywood. The frame is made from 1x2 "select pine" from Lowe's.amf82380 said: