40 gallon tank buildup

[spaulr]

I've decided to start a link here about my 40 gallon buildup project.

Setup

40gallon truvu plexi tank
15 gallon DIY sump (almost done)
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=83927
DIY stand - almost done, minor interior painting
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=82371
DIY canopy (not started)

Pumps
Panworld 50PX pump for Closed loop
1 mag7 for Skimmer
1 mag7 for return

AquaC 90 Skimmer

Korallin 1502 Calcium Reactor
5 lb tank

Lighting
150W DE PFO pendant w/ice cap ballast and PFO ballast box
36" T5 Sunlight Supply Tek Retro - 2 x 39W T5 HO (still waiting for this. When I get them I'll start on the canopy design)

I made some pretty good progress this weekend on the plumbing and finalizing my sump compartment. I've attached some pics. A lot of time has been spent "playing" with pvc components so things come apart and can be assembled in the cramped space.

Questions and comments welcome.

 

[spaulr]

Here are some pics of the plumbing in the back. The sump will go on the very bottom of the stand.

 

[spaulr]

And some more from the front.

 

[spaulr]

I's been a while since I posted so, here's a rundown on what's been going on.

Finished painting (finally) the front panel of the stand. I hate painting . Tore apart my closed loop because of an air/water leak. Thanks to this board I was actually able to take the entire thing apart and NOT have water dump all over the place. Tightened everything up and its good to go. I still need to work on sound proofing my stand.

Also did some sump testing. that was fun. Forgot that the sump might overflow since I didn't have any of my water levels set right. Glad I'm doing all this testing in the garage. GF would have been pissed. I'll try to post pics later tonight.

 

[spaulr]

Had to take the Closed loop apart, yet again to a leaking fitting. :twisted: Driving me crazy. Decided to remove as many threaded fittings as possible. Reworked that section of plumbing and glued all the fittings.

Also had a chance to start my DIY canopy. Cut everything this weekend and have had a chance to get the frame together with sides and top (no trim yet). Just finished the front door with trim today. When the glue dries I'll get it test fitted to the front. Check out this post in the DIY for more info.

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86707

 

[mike90]

are you doing a wet/dry or a fuge for your sump?

 

[spaulr]

I'm going to do a small fuge. The tank return pump has a ball valve which diverts a bit of water to the fuge. The fuge flows back into the return section of the sump. I don't think I posted pics of the completed sump. I'll try to do that tomorrow. I had a wet/dry previously and it ended up causing me nitrate problems. I'm going to try the fuge and see how that goes.

 

[SurfNinja]

isnt a Korallin 1502 kindof a little bit overkill for a 40 gallon?!

 

[spaulr]

The 1502 might be overkill, but I wanted a hands off system. I did NOT want to be measure and adding trace elements if I could. Did that last time, and because of work ended up being neglectful. Do not want to revisit that path. I'm planning on mostly LPS and SPS corals, so I think it will be fine.

I just made huge gains on my DIY canopy. Lighting is pretty much done. :lol: Check it out.

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86707

 

[Len]

Just curious: can you remove that CO2 bottle easily once the tank is in place? It looks like a tight fit

 

[spaulr]

Len... Yes, I can get it out pretty easily. The skimmer needs to move over to the right a bit, but the bottle fits pretty good. There was a lot of "put the shelf in, test to see if I get the bottle out. Take the shelf out and trim it....repeat." The space will actually accomodate a 10lb bottle...but I'd have to remove almost everything on the shelf to do it so I decided on a 5lb.

 

[trigger0214]

I'm not sure if you used enought primer on those joints! :wink: j/k...awesome set-up!

 

[spaulr]

LOL! Actually, it's not primer but this REALLY nasty oil based marine paint. Water just beads up on it. I then used white silicone sealant around some of the joints because I was worried about mold growing in there.

 

[spaulr]

Its been a while since I sent any updates. Finally setup the tank up. Took 5 days to get all the RO/DI in there and up to temp. Added salt. Waited 2 more days for everything to settle in and the constant search for potential leaks. Added live sand and some live rock. I just recently added some green star polyps, candy cane coral, and a diamond goby. Here are some pics

 

[spaulr]

Some more pics of the past 3 weeks.

 

[spaulr]

A few more of the green star. I've always liked it.

 

[bleedingthought]

Any updated pictures?

 

[spaulr]

Let's go in order then....Last post dec 20th. Algae attack 1st.

 

[spaulr]

01/19/07 - Note zoos in middle. Nudibranchs no where to be found...YET.

 

[spaulr]

01/19/07