New guy with new tank build log!

[Aqua Pro Builder]

What is the material of the sump-is it a glass tank or acrylics? If it's the former and your baffles are acrylics, silicone(looks to me you are using silicone) is not the "glue" to use. Overtime, silicone will seperate from silicone. There are other glue that kind of like silicone but good for "gluing" glass and acrylics together.

 

[Sean]

having two heaters on top of each other isn't always a good idea. I would suggest moving one of them either to the refugium area. Unless they are controlled by one temperature controller.

When is the skimmer getting set up?

 

[WoodRight]

What is the material of the sump-is it a glass tank or acrylics? If it's the former and your baffles are acrylics, silicone(looks to me you are using silicone) is not the "glue" to use. Overtime, silicone will separate from silicone. There are other glue that kind of like silicone but good for "gluing" glass and acrylics together.

I used Weld-on 3 and 16 to glue the plexy glass. I found out after I built everything I should have used acrylics. Now I'm going to use this and think of my next fuge sump design knowing that the plexy glass wont last.

Hey live and learn.

 

[WoodRight]

having two heaters on top of each other isn't always a good idea. I would suggest moving one of them either to the refugium area. Unless they are controlled by one temperature controller.

When is the skimmer getting set up?

I have been thinking about that and it wont be untile after the tank has started the cycle but we're getting this skimmer.

 

[cali_reef]

I used Weld-on 3 and 16 to glue the plexy glass. I found out after I built everything I should have used acrylics. Now I'm going to use this and think of my next fuge sump design knowing that the plexy glass wont last.

Hey live and learn.

He is talking about the ACRYLIC baffles in your GLASS sump . Someone will tell you it can't be done :lol2:.

My 2 cents, 1) lower the water level in your fuge, you don't have any room for errors there. 2) keep one of the ball valves you have on the drain fully open, or remove it all together. a snail or something else in any one of the partially opened valve will cause the tank to overflow.

 

[Adamc1303]

I think you do really nice work. You may want to get a more powerfull skimmer than the Remora. You can actually use the section you were going to use with the drip tray as a skimer section. Since you already have it "Teed" off, you may want to get a recirc skimmer and feed it directly from that "T". If you do that you skimmer will perform really well because it will be getting raw tank water.

HTH

 

[Josh]

This is your first tank? Great job thus far!

 

[gunn55]

Great job, very tight joints on the stand.
Any updates ?

 

[Wes]

The thermostat being there is going to to annoy the crap out of you. I had to relocate my thermostat because when the lights come on it's going to be reading a high temp.

You can't really compensate by setting the temp higher because when the lights go off, the heat goes up in your house.

You look like you are off to a good start. Welcome to MR

Wes

 

[NDY]

Wow, Great Work Their

 

[nyfireman3097]

Looks great. What pump is that by the way ? Also you will def. need a better skimmer. Also get that sponge out of the sump PLEASE lol theres chemicals on it when there brand new. Ever notice once you wet a new one it still suds up ?????


Get start though

 

[WoodRight]

Update....

OK alot has changed since I was on here last. The tank has been running since Sun,Feb,24.2008. We have added 120lb of LS and 34.8 of LR/LRR. We put a shrimp in the tank 3 days ago and the ammonia is rising. It is at 1.0 now.

Todays readings

SG 1.024
ph 8.2
Am 1.0
rites 0.07
rates 20
Cal 420
Temp 77

Here are some pictures of what has happened so far.

 

[WoodRight]

OK I have taken out the sponge that everyone is so worried about. It was only in there for the fresh water test. I took the filter that came with the MagDrive 9 and cut a slice off that for under the pump. The lights you see in the pictures are only temps and we are looking at lights as it cycles. Things are going good so far I just wish it would go faster but I'm sure that is normal.

Thanks for all the posts and I will update again soon. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

OH and yes this is my first time with anything like this. I had FW tanks when I was in my teens but nothing like this and never SW. I have just been reading anything I can get my hands on and talking to allot of people.

 

[nyfireman3097]

loooks good. One thing I would like to point out to you is that alage is gonna grow and you will very soon hate it lol. That would be a nice rock for your refugium

 

[WoodRight]

loooks good. One thing I would like to point out to you is that alage is gonna grow and you will very soon hate it lol. That would be a nice rock for your refugium

What are you talking about? Why am I going to hate it? What rock are you talking about?

 

[nyfireman3097]

The rock to the left of the tank. That algae will grow and you will not be happy withit when its on all your rocks Listen its your tank you do what you want im doing this for a very long time now Im just tring to give you a heads up

 

[WoodRight]

OH ok I don't know anything about that type of algae. You are probably right. I just want sure witch one you meant. I'll have to see about that. Thanks for the heads up! Do you see anything else that might be wrong?

 

[Awibrandy]

This is an amazing build! Best I've seen in quite some time! Congrat., and do keep up the great work your doing!!!!!
I disagree/agree with NYfireman concerning the algea. I would wait, and see how it grows! You may, or may not like it. I've seen some tanks with that type of algea growing in it, and they look very nice/natural. Of course I'm sure they are trimmed in order to keep it in check.
I'm going to repeat myself here; you will more then likely hate the house thermostat being so close to the tank. The temp given off by your lights (especially VHO & MH) are going to make your thermostat get false readings making for a chilly home.;-)

By the way, you are certainly making it very hard for me to shut my tanks down.

 

[WoodRight]

This is an amazing build! Best I've seen in quite some time! Congrat., and do keep up the great work your doing!!!!!
I disagree/agree with NYfireman concerning the algea. I would wait, and see how it grows! You may, or may not like it. I've seen some tanks with that type of algea growing in it, and they look very nice/natural. Of course I'm sure they are trimmed in order to keep it in check.
I'm going to repeat myself here; you will more then likely hate the house thermostat being so close to the tank. The temp given off by your lights (especially VHO & MH) are going to make your thermostat get false readings making for a chilly home.;-)

Well I have to say I have thought about this problem and I will be relocating the thermostat by next winter. This winter is almost over and we will not have the lights we need for the tank by the end of the winter so I have all summer to move it. We are doing a kitchen remodel in a short time and I will move it then. This is the only place I was able to put the tank so I will have to deal with it.

By the way, you are certainly making it very hard for me to shut my tanks down.

What do you mean shut your tanks down?

 

[NYreefNoob]

looks good so far. the fuge i would be worried about over flowing with the water level that close to the top of it. and would definately get a different skimmer. the remora pro sounds like a jet. look into a skimmer to fit in or outside of the sump