My 52x28x28 reef tank in progress

[Len]

Okay, now on to the cabinet photos I'll start with a wide shot. FYI: the greyish/black material on the open doors is 1" thick saltwater-resistent sound proofing foam. It works

 

[Len]

Here's my return pump plumbing. I used UV black vinyl tubing for the majority of the plumbing. I prefer vinyl because it's easier to work with, you can plumb it with less severe bends, it absorbs/dissipates vibrations from the pump, and in the event of earthquake, it allows for free movement

I am using the clear flapper-style check valves Marine Depot sells. So far, they are awesome. They reduce less flow and I can't imagine it catastrophically failing with its unique design. The transparent body allows for easy visual inspection of the valve to make sure it's working right and to see if there's any clogs. I will probably replace the valve every year just to be safe. They are attached with built-in true unions, so removing the valve's main body and swapping in a new one will take me no more then 1 minute

Two double union ball valves are used on the return and the overflow drain (both 1"). The pump is running at full output. I've restricted the overflow drain's ball valve to adjust the water level in my overflow box so that it's a perfect height (no more casading water noise, no gurgling). The overflow piping is 1" all the way and is angled at 45 degrees below the valve.

Oh, the blackish container on the very left is to hold my freshwater for my dosing pump.

 

[Len]

Right side of my cabinet. You can see the AquaZ reactor, the Deltec skimmer, and the plumbing through the wall to my chiller outdoors (and back in, tee'd to my reactor and skimmer). I'm also currently using a perforated basket and micron filter bag to collect debris from my overflow. I don't think I'll be using this after my tank is established.

 

[Len]

A closer look at the chiller/skimmer/reactor plumbing. An Eheim 1262 pumps water through the wall via 3/4" plumbing. It goes to the chiller via the hole on the bottom, then comes back in via the hole on the top. Both holes have unions on both sides so I can easily remove the plumbing and modify it as necessary. Once the water comes back in, it is Y'ed off (3/4" to 5/8 x 5/8"). One side goes to the media reactor and the other side to the skimmer. There is barbed gate valves on both sides to control flow (especially important for the skimmer's intake).

 

[Len]

Last photo of my sump with more details about what I've previously described. I'm currently using TLF's Hydrocarbon in my media reactor. Again, sorry for the messy power cable wiring The three plugs in front comes from a GFCI that I'm using to turn on and off my halides right now since I don't have my controller hooked up yet.

 

[Len]

A few details I forgot to mention:
1) In addition to the soundproofing panels, the doors are weather-stripped. Very little noise comes out the front. I'd seal the entire back side except the cabinet needs some room to breath! The average temp in the cabinet is a perfect 78 degrees. The skimmer's air intake will be plumbed to suck in air from outside the cabinet.
2) There is a cork sheet underneath my sump. I wanted a way to try to isolate the vibration. Cork appeared to be a perfect material.
3) The interior wood of the cabinet is weather sealed. Water beads up nicely . And the bottom area of the corners and seams are siliconed. If water ever spills out (god forbid), the bottom area of the cabinet can theoritically hold 20-30 gallons of water. All electrical outlets will be raised to near the top of the cabinet. The only thing of concern is the return pump will get flooded (it will be on a GFCI though).

 

[Rikko]

Beauty! Thanks for the photos.

How serious a problem is mold inside a sealed stand? Mine is definitely looking that way, but I'm wondering if I should hook up a fan and blow air out some ducting into the room to save me having to deal with that later.

Cork... Is a really good idea! Any idea what it does if it gets saltwater on it?

I'm inspired again to get to work putting together my build log, at any rate! I've been wading through photos and writing it up on my own site - once it's "done" I'll do the obligatory showoff post here.

 

[Len]

I have no idea about mold damage. Fortunately, I've never encountered the problem. Cork doesn't absorb saltwater or much of any liquid for that matter, so it's a good material in that respect. It's non-toxic too. Admittedly, it's not the best vibration control material, but its advantages were convincing for me. I had cork under my pump but it only did a marginal job. I've since switched to vibrapods and there is virtually no vibration transfer to the cabinet now.

 

[LA-Lawman]

great looking cabinet... you werent kidding that skimmer is cool. it is so neat.... do you have room for a Ca reactor when u need it?

 

[Len]

Yep, my current Ca reactor will fit, along with the kalkreactor. I'm thinking about getting a Deltec Ca reactor which will fit too. My current PM reactor is too small for this tank.

 

[desertfish]

Len
How long did it take for Aquarium Obsessed to respone to your request for a quote on building an aquarium? I sent them an email last Monday and called Thursday and left a message and still have not recieved a rely.

 

[Len]

My tank took about 4 months to build. He was pretty good with returning my emails. I've heard Will is getting bogged down lately and that his response times are much slower :?

 

[DapperDan]

I thought I saw a Vortech pump! I did, I did!

DD

 

[Len]

I can't really talk about it as I'm under NDA. 8)

 

[liquid]

I thought I saw a Vortech pump! I did, I did!

Man you've got some good eyes. I missed that in the photo!

BTW looking good Len! 8)

Shane

 

[LA-Lawman]

i saw it but did not want to say anything....... Len is sly, aint he!

 

[Anonymous]

I have no idea about mold damage. Fortunately, I've never encountered the problem. Cork doesn't absorb saltwater or much of any liquid for that matter, so it's a good material in that respect. It's non-toxic too. Admittedly, it's not the best vibration control material, but its advantages were convincing for me. I had cork under my pump but it only did a marginal job. I've since switched to vibrapods and there is virtually no vibration transfer to the cabinet now.

Cork is a natural antibacterial substance and is very resistant to mold and mildew. It also makes a great and durable floor. Good choice Len.

 

[Len]

Yay! Andy approves, so all is right with my universe 8)

 

[Anonymous]

I have been trying to talk Lark into cork floors in our kitchen for years - no luck yet. :?

 

[Len]

Final lighting installed A small gang of pictures to come.

First pic is a of the full canopy. Actinics and moonlights have been added, and I have switched down to 250W XM 10,000 bulbs.