Construction of my 180 !!!

[::pete::]

A journal of the construction of my 180 gal in wall reef.

It all has to start some where so here goes!!

http://offthereef.org/images/100.jpg

This is my current 100 gallon reef that will get transferred to the 180. The 180 will go in the wall behind this tank and have a room built around it that will house all equipment and grow out tanks.

http://offthereef.org/images/garage.jpg

This is the opposite side in the garage and as you can see I have a little work ahead of me. The steel stand can be seen in there somewhere!

http://offthereef.org/images/stand1.jpg

This is the stand a friend welded before it was painted. As you can see I allowed for the drop down in the garage from the house floor and the threaded rod is to keep the stand upright. I have hardened 3/4" bolts that will thread into each leg and act not only as feet, but levelers.

More to come !!! :D

[don-n-sa]

Whats up Pete? A woodworker with a steel stand? Whats wrong tired of making stands?

[Ed]

Looks good Pete!

I'll be watching for updates. ;)

[::pete::]

My buddy wanted to help and had scrap laying around so ... He also needed some fixin' at his house :o .

Thanks

[JimD]

Thats a nice Honda you have there....! lmao. :lol :D :roll
I forgot to show you mine when you were here, next time...

[GaryP]

How are you going to seal the stand to prevent rust?

[::pete::]

VrooomBa!!! Thanks.

It has 5 coats of paint on it now so I will hope and try to be careful!!

[toulene]

If it's got 5 coats you might wanna see about using the deck sealer, I know its for wood but it may still work, Course you're the one who works with wood so you would probably know better. Or you could go to a boat shop and see about getting some sort of sealer, if it's a big concern. Just mu opinion though.

[::pete::]

Thanks, but not a big concern. Look around in the LFS's they all have steel stands and have had for years!!

[toulene]

True and I guess the steel really isn't exposed like it would be in a marine enviroment so the rust shouldn't be a big issue, although you might have to check it in ohh say 30-40 years :)

[NaCl_H2O]

Hey Pete, that looks just like it did a week ago, get to work man ;)

That's going to be a really nice setup, and you have the WHOLE GARAGE for propagation tanks :D :D

Keep the progress pics coming!

[::pete::]

Hey Pete, that looks just like it did a week ago, get to work man

I was busy doing the behind the scenes work!!! ;)

[Tim Marvin]

Get all the metal out of the garage, or enclose the tank. Beleive it or not eveything will rust from the salty humidity. Been there. I guess the air conditioner and heater keep the air in the house OK, because I haven't had any problems with rust in the house.

[NaCl_H2O]

Get all the metal out of the garage, or enclose the tank. Beleive it or not eveything will rust from the salty humidity. Been there. I guess the air conditioner and heater keep the air in the house OK, because I haven't had any problems with rust in the house.

Not to worry, by the time he adds all the propogation tanks covering the rest of the garage, he will need to add a 30,000 BTU AC unit :D :D

[Tim Marvin]

Oh, OK then.

[jaded]

I was considering running my sump and other equipment out to the garage but opted not to because of the texas heat... is this not a concern?

[::pete::]

I have thought about that and will address it with an exhaust that will also help with the heat. I dont want the Honda getting rusty! ;)

The TX heat is a concern and there will be an air unit out there.

[Tim Marvin]

I vent the new room to the outside with a bathroom exhaust fan.

[::pete::]

http://offthereef.org/images/opening.jpg

The opening along with the header and the start of the electrical is now waiting for the tank. The stand was topped with 3/4" MDF and painted with 5 coats of black enamel as well as the bottom shelf for the sump.

http://offthereef.org/images/180%20stand%20opening.jpg

The 180 is in place and with the use of the "levelers" at the base of the stand its perfect! There were 3 holes drilled for a closed loop and overflow.

http://offthereef.org/images/sump%20and%20calfo.jpg

Here is a shot of the sump and Calfo that will be set in place so the dry plumbing can start.

Somehow I feel like a dentist!! :D

[GaryP]

Mmmmmm, I like the calfo. Did you make it?

[::pete::]

Yes sir ... just finished the teeth and now all I can think about is ... FLOSS!!!

[GaryP]

Also, nice baffles. Baffles just make me all hot. :skeezy

[::pete::]

Also, nice baffles. Baffles just make me all hot. :skeezy

Im not even going to ask!! :D

[JimD]

umm, Gary,,, you aint quite right, ya know that? lmao!

[GaryP]

Absolutely! Normal is just a state of mind.

[BIGBIRD123]

Kinda makes you not want to say...."probes"

[NaCl_H2O]

Looking good Pete, you will have plenty of time to floss when the coralin gets started :)

I'm anxious to see that Calfo in action!!

[Henry]

Looks great. I saw all this yesterday and it is going to be a great project to follow.

[6LINE]

I vent the new room to the outside with a bathroom exhaust fan.

Tim, you wouldn't happen to have pictures, or diagrams of this do you? I am wanting to do the same thing with mine. I bought the vent fan and duct work, but not sure if i need a return or just let fresh indoor air into the hood.

Thanks

[BA]

looking foward to more pics!!!!!!!

[::pete::]

http://offthereef.org/images/calfo.jpg
The calfo installed.

http://offthereef.org/images/sump%20pumps.jpg

The sump and pumps.

http://offthereef.org/images/framing.jpg

The framing for the room has started.

[MikeyBoy]

wow,
I didnt know you were building a room in the garage.....That will help a ton.

[NaCl_H2O]

Don't know what gets Gary all excited about baffles ... but that Calfo, now that's exciting :w00t

Looking good Pete!!

[::pete::]

http://offthereef.org/images/drywall.jpg

Nothing exciting, but getting the drywall set for insulation and electricity. After this is set I will then start to add the water.

[scuba_steveo]

did you use water resistent drywall?

[mathias]

no he didn't that stuff is GREEN :)

[::pete::]

did you use water resistent drywall?

What you see inside is existing and the outside of the room is in the garage .... greenboard is to prevent mildew and it not water resistant. I can paint plain drywall with mildew resistant paint and acheive the same thing.

There is something added to the green board, but trust me it rots too.

[::pete::]

http://offthereef.org/images/plumbing%201.jpg

Here is a shot of the plumbing and the water is being made!!

http://offthereef.org/images/return%20pump.jpg

The left side which has the amp master 3000 for a return and feed for the skimmer.

http://offthereef.org/images/closed%20loop.jpg

The right side is the closed loop with a Sequence Dart that feed an OcenMotions unit.

http://offthereef.org/images/OceanMotions.jpg

The OceanMotions Super Squirt.

http://offthereef.org/images/returns.jpg

The returns which total 6 that will be split with loc-line giving me a grand total of 12!!

http://offthereef.org/images/spray%20bar.jpg

This is the feed to the fuge and as you can see I have cut the pipe randomly in hopes that I do not have dead spots in the fuge.

[jaded]

the plumbing looks great pete!!! cant wait to see the whole thing going

[::pete::]

Me either!!! :D Trust me if it takes all night there will be water in it today!! :D

[jaded]

I know what you mean... I had to work this morning after a 3am plumbing party last night. But I got it all in and running, just tuning and waiting for the skimmer to start producing some results.

[mathias]

that looks sweet.... maybe Ill get you to do my plumbing when I order my 900 gal tank.... I just want the biggest tank so Im saving up... :)

[::pete::]

The skimmer will need to "slime" up before it starts to work.

[jaded]

I'm just being impatient... I hear that impatients is the most important trait in a good aquarist

[NaCl_H2O]

Pete, that's looking great - coming together VERY nicely :D :D

I showed it to your two porcelin crabs, they wanna come over NOW 8)

[gjuarez]

Pete, I am going to be here all day waiting for the tank to be filled up with water. You have to deliver Pete. Are you going to paint the background or how are you going to do it so that it does not show all the plumbing. I dont blame if you want people to see your planning.

[NaCl_H2O]

Come on, let's see that water!

I feel like Alex here clicking refresh over & over ;)

Ok, everybody make 5g of RO/DI and let's meet at Pete's at 9:00pm :)

[::pete::]

Ok, everybody make 5g of RO/DI and let's meet at Pete's at 9:00pm

It would help ... but Its half full!!! Or is that half empty!!

[::pete::]

Thanks ... more pics tomorrow and a thanks to Alex and WolfReef for my last minute seaflor!!!! ;)

[gjuarez]

Pete, it is always half full.

[NaCl_H2O]

It would help ... but Its half full!!! Or is that half empty!!

Then again, if you had bought a 90g tank ...

[z28pwr]

Nice job on the plumbing Pete. If you need another RO/DI, you can borrow my 100 GPD for a day or two, just let me know.

[alexwolf]

I feel like Alex here clicking refresh over & over


Lol Steve.....

[::pete::]

Its WET !!!!

http://offthereef.org/images/water%20with%20cl.jpg

I have added enough water to run the closed loop and as you can see on the left ... it works great!!

[don-n-sa]

I don't see the pic...stop teasing Pete. <_<

[NaCl_H2O]

Sweet :D :D

Have you flooded the garage yet? Might as well turn on the RO/DI, throw the hose on the floor, and get that over with early :roll

[::pete::]

Have you flooded the garage yet? Might as well turn on the RO/DI, throw the hose on the floor, and get that over with early No ... I will probably never have a flood agin now that its off the carpet and out in the garage where it doesnt matter!


I don't see the pic...stop teasing Pete.
Open yer eyes :D

[::pete::]

http://offthereef.org/images/light.jpg

I wanted to see it with some light so rigged 4 54W T5's up for a shot.

http://offthereef.org/images/flow.jpg

This is the flow from one outlet and you can see the closer one getting ready to open. Nice flow and I don't even have the returns up yet!!

http://offthereef.org/images/strombus%20eggs.jpg

With the lights on I noticed this ... believe it or not the strombus has laid eggs already!!

[NaCl_H2O]

WOW :o that's a bunch of flow! So, you gonna go bare bottom ;) ;)

[::pete::]

Nope!!! As it is and shooting down it doesnt disturb the sand bed. I still need more water and will loc line the outlets so I can point where needed.

[::pete::]

http://offthereef.org/images/my%20skimmer.jpg

I finished the dual beckett and set it in place. Now I have a little more plumbing and the system is ready to go. You can see how clear the water is to the right and the parameters are dead on!

[alexwolf]

Pete, looks AWESOME!!!! Way to go dude!!

[wtrujillo]

wow. i guess a little bit of planning and hard work does pay off. great looking set up pete.

[jaded]

that skimmer looks familiar!!! I hope yours works as well as mine!!! If not I know a guy that builds them named pete ;)

[scuba_steveo]

Lookin great...can't wait to see it!

[::pete::]

Thanks all ...


Lookin great...can't wait to see it!

Any time .... Im just glad this plumbing is over!! :wacko

[NaCl_H2O]

... Im just glad this plumbing is over!! :wacko

I hear ya man ... looking good!

[::pete::]

I must have spoke to soon!! The fat lady isnt singing :D ... :(

[NaCl_H2O]

Yea, but she is warm'in up!

Very small leaks, to the tune of a few drips per minute are no problem, salt creep will seal them soon enough ;)

At least that was my experience, I had at least 6 drips like that in my system - gooped em up with Rain&Shine PVC cement, but I really think the real cure was salt creep - took it a few days, but they haven't leaked in over 6 months!

[oceancube]

well all i can say is, looking good, i kinda hate seeing all these new large tanks going up, makes my little 46 gallon project look nano, but then again i need a bigger room to do this, hopefully when we buy our new home i can have an awsome setup like this! hope it goes good and good luck with the move, lmk if you need any help during the week!!

[::pete::]

Well ... the fat lady is singing and all is good including the skimmer. There are no bubbles so everything is to plan and 1 drip left to correct!! :D

I installed all the wiring today and will finish out the walls with pictures to follow!!

[NaCl_H2O]

I think I can hear her singing from here :innocent

I gotta drop by and see the Calfo working - looking forward to the pictures!

[::pete::]

Im telling you that thing is AWSOME!! I seriously think the ampmaster 3000 isnt enough!

[::pete::]

http://offthereef.org/images/180%20set%20up.jpg

The tank, sump and skimmer now inline and rock seeded with corraline and critters.

http://offthereef.org/images/sump%20and%20fuge%20full.jpg

Sump and fuge all set with cheato and critters.

Everything is runnning smoothly and all plumbing is finished. I tested the water again today and parameters are Ca 450 - Mag 1340 - Kh 8.6 - Ph 8.1 (or2) - Nitrates and Amonia 0. All tested with salifert at a temp of 81.

The water in this tank is approximately 60% from my 100 after doing water changes and has been running for @ a week with the closed loop and now a couple days with the entire system running. I see no blooms at all and the skimmer isnt pulling anything as of yet, but producing very fine bubbles and looking good!

I will finish the room adding the AC unit, vent and door before I transfer the 100 over. This will probably not be until this weekend ... :D

[gjuarez]

Looks freaking awesome Pete. I wish you lived closer so you could help me with my plumbing. I said it yesterday and I will say it today, you do awesome work Pete.

[::pete::]

Thank you ... again!!

Id invite you to see it after the meeting next month at Fin-Addicts, but Im clear on the other side of town, but the invitation is always open!

[gjuarez]

I will accept the invitation Pete. If we can go to Austin, we can sure go to the other side of San Antonio. Next meeting we will leave early again and plan to be all day in San Antonio. I am already looking forward to seeing your tank. Hopefully by then, your 100g will already be in your 180.

[::pete::]

It better be!!! :D

Your always welcome either before or after.

[360Reef]

Pete,
Did not get a chance to tell you at the meeting but the tank is looking sweet! Keep the pics coming.

-Greg

[z28pwr]

I saw this setup in person and it's a nice setup, well worth your time to go take a look at it.

[NaCl_H2O]

Pete, looking nice :wub One of the most well planned, cleanest jobs I've seen! Your dedication to detail & perfection shows!

I would get those halides running - if you are going to have any cycle, they will get it going and over with!

[don-n-sa]

Is the sand and rock from the 100? If it is then you should not have a cycle...I didn't when I went from the 100g to the 240g.

[::pete::]

Pete, looking nice One of the most well planned, cleanest jobs I've seen! Your dedication to detail & perfection shows! Thanks, but alot of the planning was done for me .. ;)


Is the sand and rock from the 100? If it is then you should not have a cycle...I didn't when I went from the 100g to the 240g.I seeded new sand because after getting down and looking up under the 100 I wanted to toss it!! :o

[::pete::]

OK .... I have had 2 eductors sitting on a shelf for a couple months and my plan was to use them on this setup. I was informed or is that misinformed that they would not work unless on a pressure rated pump. After stopping at z28pwr's (Jose) house yesterday and seeing the amount of water these things move I decided it cant hurt to try. I was also (mis)informed that they wouldnt work off the oceansmotions unit either, something to do with back pressure. The unit is switching a little harder, but nothing a dremel cant fix!!

WOW ... these things move water and with a non pressure rated pump through an oceansmotion unit to boot!!! Thanks Jose :D

[z28pwr]

OK .... I have had 2 eductors sitting on a shelf for a couple months and my plan was to use them on this setup. I was informed or is that misinformed that they would not work unless on a pressure rated pump. After stopping at z28pwr's (Jose) house yesterday and seeing the amount of water these things move I decided it cant hurt to try. I was also (mis)informed that they wouldnt work off the oceansmotions unit either, something to do with back pressure. The unit is switching a little harder, but nothing a dremel cant fix!!

WOW ... these things move water and with a non pressure rated pump through an oceansmotion unit to boot!!! Thanks Jose :D

Glad they worked for you Pete. I figured my ampmaster wasn't on steroids ;) .


Thanks for the excellent woodwork on my canopy, we put it on the tank last night and it looks awesome.

[::pete::]

Ok ... I picked up my last power head so the switch is tomorrow!!!

The 2 tanks are @ 6" apart and water parameters are exact in both. I have been testing every other day. I am scraping corraline off the glass in the 180 as I think it loved the T5's !!!

I think I can just switch, moving corals off rocks as I remove and place the rocks in the 180 ... then the lights (there is already one on the 180) and then move the corals over last ...

Any problems or suggestions?

[GaryP]

Run, Forest, Run!!!!

[NaCl_H2O]

Run, Forest, Run!!!!

LOL - sounds like a good plan!

6" apart? More like 2.75" + Sheetrock + 2.75" :D

[::pete::]

This aint no box of chocolates :D

[captexas]

Mmmmmm . . . .180g tank of chocolate . . . . . . :wub

[Polkster13]

Now your talking! Would that be the melted kinf that you dip strawberries in or the solid kind?

That might last me through the month. Hmmm...

[::pete::]

A couple more pictures ....

http://offthereef.org/images/light%20rack.jpg

This is my light rack hung temporarily with chain. It will be mounted to the ceiling and glide out of the way on 6' tracks.

http://offthereef.org/images/cut%20out.jpg

I have started the cutout behind the 100 to do the transfer. All parameters are exact and you can see I don't have far to go!!

[NaCl_H2O]

Cool, I'll bet the wife loves the hole in the wall ;)

Let us know when it is "close enough", Karen would like to see it!

[::pete::]

The wife isnt here :D

I will and it will probably be good and settled by tomorrow ... I hope ;)

[Polkster13]

And you still have time to make skimmers?

[::pete::]

And you still have time to make skimmers?

:D Its much easier to make a handful than it is to make one!

[JeffCo]

Looking good Pete, now the fun part is almost over....

[::pete::]

Im still at it!!! I would post some updated pictures of the progress, but my cable for the camera was stolen earlier. You know who you are .... better get it back here!!! ;)

[Reef69]

..****, you noticed the cable missing?...lol, jk, Looks GREAT man!!!!!

[::pete::]

It was too late to take pictures so I will post some more tomorrow. I have been at this since @ 10 this morning !! I still have over 50 corals to add to the tank, but the rock is finished!!


http://offthereef.org/images/left%203rd.jpg

Here is the left third of the 180 and so far I'm happy with the way its turning out.

[NaCl_H2O]

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiice, and Bob looks really happy :)

[::pete::]

Bob looks really happy

:lol

He is even happier now that all the fish are in there.

[Sherri]

Awesome Pete!!! Great seeing it all come together...there IS light at the end of the tunnel. :P

[::pete::]

There is light, but not all the light I want ;)

Here is the latest look and its not close to being finished , but I have everything moved including the 100 gone!

There is no green in the tank ... well some good green!! Also some FANTASTIC blues and reds thanks to Brian "greenmaco" ... Thanks!!!


http://offthereef.org/images/inwall.jpg

This picture in no way does the tank justice and there is no actinic on yet, but its a must see!!

All are welcome anytime!! ;)

[NaCl_H2O]

Nothing less than I would have expected from you - awesome :D

So, where is that TOTM submittal ;)

Maybe we can drop by tomorrow :)

[mhaynes01]

what a nice tank, seriously i wish i had money to buy coral tomake my 29 look anywhere close to that beauty (whistles)

[Sherri]

Wow Pete...looks great!!! Fish & corals make the changeover ok? I know my Regal was & still is in Tang Heaven when she went from the 100 to the 180...Congrats...great work on the outer frame also. Can't wait to see it.

[cbianco]

First off congrats on the tank. It looks awsome. Its always nice to see your vision evolve and finally come true especially after tons of hard work.

I am also curious if you had any losses with such a big changeover.

Earlier some asked if you were going to paint the background to hide pipes and such. Do you plan on painting the back or keeping it as is?

Lastly, you have more corals in your tank than most LFS stock. LOL! Looks great!

You put my 24 gallon tank to shame.

Christopher

[bumpintj24]

looks awesome Pete! I need to post some pics of my 90 soon. I'll make a thread when I get a chance. Awesome though.

[CD]

Set up is looking AWESOME, Pete! Congrats!! :D
Got a question though...I know you said you weren't through with the lighting yet, and this may just be my imagination or my monitor, but are you using different lights/bulbs on the left side of the tank than on the right? The right side looks brighter to me...the coloration of the corals, rock, fish...everything seems more vibrantly colored. Am I just imagining? :unsure

Wendy

[::pete::]

Thank you ... thank you ... thank you!!

CD
I am running all 250W 10K XM's and yesterday while standing in front of the tank I heard a pop! Later when I was installing the VHOs that arent running yet :huh I noticed that the bulb was cracked!!! I found the pop!!!

There were no losses, but a few unexpected frags!! :D Well not really unexpected ;)

As for the back ... you will just have to wait and see :) ;) It will have a backdrop!

Thanks again!

[Sunhutch]

Man Pete that is just absolutely beautiful. Add me to the list of people that want to come over and drool at your tank!!! :)

[gjuarez]

Pete, I told a couple of valley reefers about your tank and they cant wait to see it. I also told them that you had invited me to see your tank, are my friends welcome too? It will be a total of 5 who will be attending the next meeting at Fin-Addict.

[::pete::]

Pete, I told a couple of valley reefers about your tank and they cant wait to see it. I also told them that you had invited me to see your tank, are my friends welcome too? It will be a total of 5 who will be attending the next meeting at Fin-Addict.

Most definitely ... there is a cover at the door!!! ;)

[::pete::]

http://offthereef.org/images/180%20left.jpg

Left

http://offthereef.org/images/180%20center.jpg

Center

http://offthereef.org/images/180%20right.jpg

Right

[JeffCo]

Looks great Pete,
Love that acro on the top left in the first pic. Great Colors!

[Thunderkat]

Beyond "really beautiful" so it must be "sofa king beautiful" hehehe!

[cbianco]

LOL @ Thunderkat. Guess thats one way to put it! :)

Christopher

[z28pwr]

Looks good Pete, you just need to paint the back of the tank ;) .

[::pete::]

Looks good Pete, you just need to paint the back of the tank ;) .

Thanks, but no paint!! I want to view it from the back also ... I have something else in mind!!! ;)

http://offthereef.org/images/actinics.jpg

I finally got the actinic to work!! The tank is lit by 3 250W 10K XM's and 2 160W Super Actinic from URI.

[NaCl_H2O]

... I have something else in mind!!! ;)

I bet I know what he's gonna do ... :D

Looking good 8)

[gjuarez]

What is he gonna do? Tell us

[jaded]

Its looking great pete... I'll make a trip to that side of town just to get a first hand look!!!

[::pete::]

http://offthereef.org/images/otr%20skimmer.jpg

I couldn't get the skimmer to produce so I put a dedicated pump on it and now ... this thing is awesome!!

http://offthereef.org/images/skimmer%20cup.jpg

Here is a shot of the cup.

[captexas]

Pete - I liked how the front trim/door turned out. I think I need you to come over and fix mine that way! ;)

[LoneStar]

wow looks great...how do u keep the canopy doors to stay open on the living room side of the tank??

[::pete::]

Chris
No problem!

Joshua
I am using the one Alex let me borrow ... 70

LoneStar
Lid supports one on either side.

[captexas]

Pete - lol, I wish! I think it would be too much work to add the opening at the top now that I have the wall finished out. :(

[::pete::]

It would be a little work, but better to do it now before the tank is full!

[captexas]

So what time are you coming over? :P :skeezy

[::pete::]

:D Not this week end and next is out due to the meeting and then the following is my little ones birthdays as well as a graduation for a friend.

The following one?

[captexas]

LOL, sending a PM.

[NaCl_H2O]

I couldn't get the skimmer to produce so I put a dedicated pump on it and now ... this thing is awesome!!

So, are you now pumping all of the 3,000 gph into the return? If so, now you have some spare capacity for that frag tank :)

With the dedicated pump on the skimmer, how's the bubble situation coming out of the skimmer?

BTW - Tank looks awesome!

[::pete::]

Well .... thanks!!!

I have no extra because the skimming capacity of the calfo is ridicilous :) Its just about right for the sump and return now. So thats 3000 from the amp master and 3600 from the dart minus the head and all.

The skimmer is awesome on the dedicated pump and even though its presure rated I still have to tweak it. Im not sold on the beckett needs a presure pump, but I will say a dedicated one! ;)