My Project Thread!

[NaCl_H2O]

OK, lots of progress lately!
- Got my corner penatagon tank!
- 750lbs of Sand washed & loaded
- Framing all done
- Drain/return plumbing done
- About 300g of RO/DI water made & circulating (AA gave me the "look" :o when I bought three 200g buckets of salt)

Guess my new Acropora sitting in AlexWolf's tank has "Inspired" me :-D

Uploaded past & current pictures to My Gallery (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&op=modload&name =gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php), I'll load new pics to my gallery as I make more progress!

Someday soon I'll add text with specs for all the equipment, etc.

Later - Steve

[mathias]

WOW!!!! that is sweet........

[alexwolf]

holy smokes........ :confused:

[captexas]

wow, you have more PVC parts than most hardware stores, lol. Can't wait to check it out sometime. I'm also interested to see how you like that skimmer, I'm still looking for one for my 240g.

[NaCl_H2O]

wow, you have more PVC parts than most hardware stores, lol. Can't wait to check it out sometime. I'm also interested to see how you like that skimmer, I'm still looking for one for my 240g.

You don't want to know how many PVC trips to Home Depot I made in the past few weeks :shock:

The skimmer is up & running less than 24 hrs, and there isn't much for it to work on yet - but so far I'm happy with general operation. We'll see after it gets broken in?

[RobertG]

Sweet!

[NaCl_H2O]

Added a picture of Tanks with Lights (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&id=Tanks_with_L ights&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=v iew_photo.php) to my gallery! ... and it doubles as a tanning booth :grin: :grin:

Had some trouble with X10 control of lights etc., but nothing a little more money couldn't solve :cry:

Probably ordering live rock this week for a long weekend next week!

Once Dan completes my fuge, QT and frag tanks, & I get the rock in, I'll post some more pics.

This is starting to get "Real" :-D

Now ... If I could just find that cabinet maker ;) ;)

[cpreefguy]

Thats truly awesome

[JeffCo]

It's coming together VERY nicely! Don't you love it when things work out the way you plan?

[RobertG]

Its Alive!! Was my first thought. :o

[NaCl_H2O]

Pete is back in town.

Yup, and he is going to do my cabinet work, I was just giving him a hard time!

[::pete::]

Steve ... looking good !!!

[NaCl_H2O]

Posted a few more pics to My Gallery (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&op=modload&name =gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php) (Pics 19-22, page#3)

Dan delivered my Fuge, Quarantene, and Frag tanks today - Hope to get them plumbed & running in the next week!

~Pete~ will get started on cabinet work this week :-D (I will definately post pics!!!)

I have 800 lbs of Live Rock Arriving Wednesday :-o :-o

Another pic of the Turbofloater in action - There is absolutely nothing in these tanks and it's still finding something to foam about, can't wait to see what it does with Live Rock :o

Working out a few kinks, and so far only a few gallons of water on the tile when my wet/dry clogged :cry: Some eggcrate and a mod by Dan got that all fixed!

More to come ...

[::pete::]

My wife doesnt think Im "crazy" anymore ... :o

[NaCl_H2O]

My wife doesnt think Im "crazy" anymore ... :o

Hey, you are guilty too, it's gonna have your cabinet work all over it!

So, not even once while moving in to the new house you didn't suggest to the wife dedicating one of the rooms for your "hobbie"? ;)

[::pete::]

So, not even once while moving in to the new house you didn't suggest to the wife dedicating one of the rooms for your "hobbie"? Of course ... part of the reason this house was chosen. :-D

[::pete::]

Now ... If I could just find that cabinet maker

Lets see some updates ... ;)

[NaCl_H2O]

Lets see some updates ... ;)

Well, all I can say about Pete's work is ... AWESOME :o

Here is a teaser pic of the cabinet work, no "full frontal" shots until Pete is all done :-D

[SuperDave]

WOW!!!!!! Have you calculated the load on your foundation? A conservative estimate would put you around 2 tons of added weight. That is very cool.

[NaCl_H2O]

WOW!!!!!! Have you calculated the load on your foundation? A conservative estimate would put you around 2 tons of added weight. That is very cool.

No ... I figure if it can hold up the roof ... :roll:

[NaCl_H2O]

My wife was a little shocked, but I picked up my Live Rock (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&id=Got_Rock&op= modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo .php) today :o :o

800 Lbs - Details in my gallery

Pete is almost done, I can't wait to post a final picture, it is AWESOME!

[dan]

ya! ya! ya! pics pics pics. when will he be finished? wana see.

[JeffCo]

Where did you get the LR from and did you get a discounted price for buying so much.

[::pete::]

Pictures are coming ... not totally finished though!

[NaCl_H2O]

DRUM ROLL PLEASE .................................................. .........

Pics of Pete's Awesome cabinet work are up on My Gallery (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&op=modload&name =gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php) - I couldn't be more pleased :-D

Pete is great guy, and an even better carpenter ... with a fair share of patience when customers change their minds 12 times ;)

:-D :grin: I HIGHLY recommend his work. :grin: :-D

It isn't 100% done, but I couldn't stand to wait any longer. A Dutch door will be added to close off the room Monday, and some trim to close in the opening from the Kitchen (Today's last minute "Pete, could you ...")

Now I need to get my Fuge up & running and work out a few lighting kinks

I think I'll go stare at my tanks now .....

Let me know what you think - Steve

[Crab Rangoon]

Wowsa, thats crazy. So if you get in a fight, and are told "go to your room!" you could just go through your dutch door and sit behind the 3 tanks, haha. You got moonlights incorporated in that setup? If so, how many does something that big need?

[Crab Rangoon]

oops, scratch that question. I just showed my gf and she said "wow, how do you get in? that door? *points under Fish only tank*" haha, then said "omg, lets do that, please?" :) You've got a nice wife (I'm guessing) to go along with you doing that, I'm excited mine urges the same too.

[NaCl_H2O]

You've got a nice wife (I'm guessing) to go along with you doing that.

VERY! She is actually the one that suggested using the Dinning room for this project - I went along with it just to make her happy ;)

However, she did remind me of my "Boundaries" when my planning started to creep towards the living room :skeezy:

[MikeDeL]

WOW looks awsome. So whens the meeting at your place? LOL

[dan]

ya you got to have a meeting at your house. i think thats a must. just to show people that this hobby is not just a bowl on the counter. IT'S AN ART. and man you've painted a picture.

[::pete::]

I give a third vote for the meeting at your house Steve :D .

This is definitely a "have to see" in person to appreciate as it was well thought out and planned. There is much more behind the cabinet than pictures can show including all the sumps, refugiums and QT ... ect!!

Im proud to say I helped, Steve and Karen are great people even when they change their minds :-D .

It is truely an awsome set-up!! Great job!!

[NaCl_H2O]

OK, I'll bite - meeting at my house at 2:00 ... just kidding!

I do plan to host a meeting down the road, but after I get some life "inside" the tanks too!

Also, this project wouldn't be possible without the avalability of quality services and supplies. When I started this hobby 25 years ago, it was tough to find a good hang on bio-wheel filter, much less a custom designed Wet/Dry and 7' tall skimmer!

Thanks to the professionals and suppliers that made it possible:

Pete for his "Art" in cabinetmaking
Dan for building quality acrylic sumps/filter/fuge etc - to my specs
Tamer & AW for lots of good advice & cheap live rock
TX Tropical (esp Yves!) for working through specs on my tanks
AA and their staff for their help & for being so close to my house!
Premium Aquatics, Marine Depot, and Smarthome for accepting LOTS of my money ;)
Special thanks to Jason at Premium Aquatics for his great customer service
Home Depot & Lowes for their great selectiion of PVC :grin:
...
And of course, MAAST and all of its members for this forum & all the great info and advice I have received!!!!!


Gotta go work on some more stuff now ...

[MikeDeL]

Sounds to me like we are going to have a meeting there wether he likes it or not. LOL


Mike

[NaCl_H2O]

Pete is all done - Wow :o

Come on folks ... give Pete all the "Holly Crap" responses he deserves!

- Posted a few more pics to My Gallery (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&op=modload&name =gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php)

Still a long ways to go, but 95% of the mechanical & structural stuff is done. Having trouble with micro bubbles on closed loops in the large tank, I think my PVC diameter going to the pumps is too small - which means I get to do some more PVC work ... oh boy :cry: I can't wait

[::pete::]

Come on folks ... give Pete all the "Holly Crap" responses he deserves!

Me ? .... its your set-up and an awsome one at that, but thanks!

[~TG~]

Come on folks ... give Pete all the "Holly Crap" responses he deserves!

Pete ~ That is some AMAZING woodwork :shock: "Holy Crap" were not the words that came out of my mouth when I saw it. ;) more like "HOLY ....... .... " LOL

Great Job Pete and Great set-up and design NaCl_H2O
~ absolutely breathtaking ~

~Thelma

[NaCl_H2O]

Some of you have asked how I like the Aquamedic Turbofloater 5000 skimmer?

Here is a picture of 24 hours worth of Skimmate (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&id=Skimmate&op= modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo .php) :o

I love this skimmer !!!!!!

[MikeDeL]

I think you need a bigger cup.LOL

[NaCl_H2O]

This weekend's update - lots of "little" things including a Premium Aquatics order for my new closed loop pumps.

Got the fuge (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&id=Fuge&op=modl oad&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php )plumbed & running, no lights yet!

My personal favorite (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&id=Captain&op=m odload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo. php) - My wife gave me permission to do this :-D

Tanks are cycling - Amm = <0.10, Nitrite = ~0, Nitrate = 10, Diatoms in full bloom & Hair algae begining to take over - Just a few weeks now!

[NaCl_H2O]

Posted updated pictures to My Gallery (http://www.maast.org/modules.php?set_albumName=NaCl_H2O&op=modload&name =gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php) :-D Last pic on page 4, and page 5

The old tanks are torn down & everything has been moved to the new system. Corals are in the frag & QT tanks for now while the tanks settle in for a few more days. Fish are in the tanks, and everything appears to be VERY happy & healthy.

Still a little algae cycle going on, but it is dissapearing rapidly.

Now the REAL fun starts - Weekend trips to Home Depot can be changed to weekend LFS trips :-D :-D :-D :-D

Thanks for all your past comments, support, and help - Maybe there is a MAAST meeting in my future?

Let me know what you think?

Steve

[::pete::]

Wow ... it looks great !!!!

That "R" for me :-D

[NaCl_H2O]

Wow ... it looks great !!!!

That "R" for me :-D

Absolutely! Karen looked long and hard to find something to "Brand" the cabinetwork for you.

It is meerly coincidence that our last names both begin with "R" ;)

[scuba_steveo]

Very sweet setup indeed! Two thumbs way up.

[Tim Marvin]

Simply awesome! I'll bet Jim Norris is even looking with a little envy...LOL... Time to fill the acropora tank now.

[NaCl_H2O]

Simply awesome! I'll bet Jim Norris is even looking with a little envy...LOL... Time to fill the acropora tank now.

I never had the pleasure to meet the infamous Jim Norris or see his systems, but I am sure I would be VERY envious if I did!

I think I need to refill the bank account before I do much acropora filling ;)

[NaCl_H2O]

Added some final pics to the Gallery, probably the last post to this thread - maybe a TOTM submittal someday, but not yet ...

Most everything is working as I planned, a little X10 control problem, and temp control isn't what I want yet.

This is almost starting to feel like a hobby again instead of a MAJOR project ... boy did I underestimate the time required on this puppy!

Thanks to all - later!

- Steve

[::pete::]

I take it all is set ...

[mathias]

this setup is truly amazing I was lucky enough to see it in person.....

[NaCl_H2O]

I take it all is set ...

My limited amount of livestock (esp. SPSs) is in the tanks, all equipment is up & running. Closed loops seem to be working great - and I have LOTS of water movement! I will probably upgrade my chiller to a 1HP, and change a few other little things as I go! My Ca Reactor is not "Dialed In", but it isn't critical yet.

I'm enjoying having time for a Spurs game now & then :-D