67G peninsula build

[Headless_donkey]

Thanks to cpreefguy we are combining all of your little tanks into one "big" one.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2391.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2392.jpg
It holds around 67 gallons. The dimensions are 36x18x24. It has two 2" drains in the back wall for a closed loop. The four returns are in the top euro-bracing. The sump drain is an 1.5" I think. The return, also in the overflow box, is 3/4". I still need to get the bulkheads. There is one in the tank, but I don't really care for(read trust) it. I will be working on the stand this weekend.

The return pump is an Iwaki WMD-40RLT. Between this pump and the closed loop I don't think flow will be an issue.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2404.jpg
The closed loop pump is a Sequence Reeflo Snapper(Thanks Carlos for the great price! Skip the internet and go to RCA.)
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2395.jpg
The skimmer will be fed off of the tank drain and will be external. I chose a Reef Octopus recirculating model. If you will notice it has a ridiculously tall output pipe. I will be shortening it. I don't think the shorter pipe will be a problem because I should be able to adjust the skimmer level with the ball valve.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2398.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2396.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2397.jpg
Finally, the sump. Right now I am planning to use the sump as a refugium. I might add an extra baffle to create a seperate return area. I will probably use the lights from our 20G on an opposite photocycle.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2401.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2402.jpg
For lighting I am planning to use a Sunlight Supply TEK light. The 36" 6 bulb model should be perfect.

Please let me know what you think. Any suggestions are welcome.

[Headless_donkey]

I guess the other replies for this thread got lost in the shuffle. Here is an update.
I spent this weekend building a stand for the 67 gallon. It came out pretty good. Every time I do something new or semi-new I learn something. The biggest thing I learned was the best thing about cheap table saws is they are cheap. Enough of that. I will be adding a "skin to the stand after I get the plumbing and electrical done. Jennifer and I are still kicking around ideas of what it will look like. We have some cool ones. We shall see. The sump barely fit once I got the stand together. I am so glad it did. I had not measured. I just got lucky. I also added some gorilla glue per Solid's recommendation. Thanks!

Here is a picture of Tony Palony sitting on the stand. I tried to take a pic of Rosey, but she would have no part in it. I will not be taking the dog in the aquarium shot because I don't want it scratched.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2406.jpg

These next two are the aquarium on the stand and roughly in place. We will be moving Sam's tank and the wireless router. Do you know anyone that runs cable for a living? Oh wait that's me. Shoot!
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2409.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2410.jpg

All the equipment in place. I was kind of planning for some sort of reactor(carbon, phosbane, denitrate), but I don't know yet where it will go. I guess it is time for some creativity or
GREAT IDEAS FROM THE CLUB.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2411.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2419.jpg

In this nest shot you have to imagine a Squence snapper mounted, a refugium light, and all the plumbing/electrical. Come on I know you can do it. I know if I were better at Photoshop I could make these things happen, but I would rather just install them and take a picture.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2414.jpg

Now imagine the closed loop plumbing.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2418.jpg

For the ridiculous part: The output tube of the skimmer. I will defiantly be shortening it. As you can see, it fricken sticks up out of the stand.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2416.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2415.jpg

So, let me know what you think. Nothing is set in stone yet.
thank you.

[hobogato]

looks great james!

[LoneStar]

Looking real good. This is going to be a nice build.

Like you stated, you do learn to aquire a lot more skills when building a reef tank!

One idea to place reactors and what not would be to build acrylic platforms that would sit in the sump. Just a simple shape that would elevate the reactors above the water line. Just make sure the plateforms allow for water to flow(eg slots or holes drilled) so that it will not create a detritus trap.

If you got the time, grab a tube of caulk and seal the edges of the sump platform (where the plywood meets the 2x4's. Then I would paint (primer, KILZ, then paint) the whole stand. This will help seal the wood. If you do spill any water, it will clean up easier and will not soak into the wood either. Plus its fairly cheap!

For your plumbing parts, check out www.savko.com (http://www.savko.com) for the fittings and true union ball valves. Best bang for your buck there! Also for black spa flex, www.flexpvc.com (http://www.flexpvc.com) sells it (since you said you were going to use black plumbing). Another option is to just paint everything with Krylon Fusion paint. That stuff works awesome with plastics.

[cpreefguy]

A.w.e.s.o.m.e. :) :) :)

[SoLiD]

A.w.e.s.o.m.e. :) :) :)

Ditto. I think you will have a loyal audiance through out this build. I really want to see what you will do next and how it will look finished. Keep those pics coming.

BTW that stand looks strudy enough to me. :applause:

[Headless_donkey]

I like the idea of sealing the sump platform thanks. The in sump platform is a good one too. I should paint the stand and I am hoping laziness doesn't keep me from dong it. LOL

Thanks to everyone. I just ordered the light. Hopefully it will come in this week. I did find out that the electrical switched power strip I order is on back order. BOOO! Maybe it will give me time to finish other stuff.

[ckimble]

Let me know how you like that Octopus skimmer, For the new tank I am debating between the Euro-Reef RS250 and the Octopus/PCI 3000.

The setup looks great by the way

[Headless_donkey]

The price on the Octopus was just too hard to beat. I was looking at a similar, slightly larger, Deltec and it was going to cost almost $900. We do own a Euroreef and it's great. I hope this skimmer does just as well. I plan to be posting a complete review. So far, the quality seems great. There are zero instructions, but it is pretty self explanatory.

Thank you for the compliment.

[cbianco]

I just caught this thread, I must have been sleeping, lol.

The build is coming along great. The stand looks nice and sturdy!

You mention about possibly not painting the stand. FWIW... The protection a good coat of paint can provide may save you some headaches down the line.

Keep up the good work!

Christopher

[cpreefguy]

I bet I an guess what light youre going with :angel:

[Headless_donkey]

I actually have painted it now. It is black and blue. I am not a very good painter, but it won't ever be seen. I also put a spray on top coat.

I just found the light fixture used on another Reef Chat board (taking cpreefguy's advice). I can't wait to get it. I am slowly figuring out the plumbing. The holes in the tank are giant. They are bigger then I would have gone, but no big deal. I think some shc80 bulkheads and some creativity can get it done.

I do have a question. For the closed loop I am planning to split the output of the snapper. One side of the split will be on each side of the tank. I won't have a squid or ocean motions. The holes in the top of the tank fit 1" bulkheads, but I was planning on using 3/4" because 3/4" x 2 = 1 1/2" (the output size of the pump).

Should I use 3/4" or 1" plumbing? Will using 1" plumbing reduce the flow a ton?

[txstateunivreefer]

well for your flow you could get a super squirt to go with that for cheep off of RC and if you go 1" on the outputs you can always put penductors on there and you will get some great flow then.

[Headless_donkey]

Good idea on the educators. I think maybe I have decided to go with 1" plumbing. If the flow sucks I can easily change it.

[Headless_donkey]

I worked on the tank this weekend. Of course I didn't get finished, but I thought I would share. All the plumbing will eventually be black. The rain thwarted my painting efforts.
Closed loop returns
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/1086.jpg
Closed loop drain
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/1094.jpg
Closed loop pump. It is going to sit behind the tank outside of the stand. My original plan was to have it upside down under the tank, but that wasn't going to work. If haven't finished hooking it up yet because I had to make some modifications.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/1096.jpg
Main drain feeding skimmer. I have absolutely no idea if this set-up is going to work, but I can't wait to see.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/1092.jpg
Main return pump
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/1090.jpg
Main return via Loc-line
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/1098.jpg

[clone]

this tanks gonna be sweet, i cant wait till i get a new tank,to use all ya'lls ideas

[Headless_donkey]

Thank you! I might regrett not having CL returns on the bottom. During the tank tour in Austin I saw most of the really nice tanks had some bottom returns. We shall see. I am thinking about dropping the returns in the back down lower then the front to compensate. I think I will be able to test the flow this weekend.

[Headless_donkey]

I started filling the tank up last night. I found two leaks. One at the bulkhead(which I fixed). The other is at a glued PVC seam. IT SUCKS! Well, I will be fixing it tonight. I don't think it should take more then an hour. I also received the light fixture in the mail. It is super sweet and will look great over the tank. 8 39 watt HOT5s over 24" wide 18" deep tank! I can't wait to get the bulbs and see what they look like fired up.

I will post pics tonight.

[cpreefguy]

Cant wait for the pics! :nerd:

[aeroaustin]

I started filling the tank up last night. I found two leaks. One at the bulkhead(which I fixed). The other is at a glued PVC seam. IT SUCKS! Well, I will be fixing it tonight. I don't think it should take more then an hour. I also received the light fixture in the mail. It is super sweet and will look great over the tank. 8 39 watt HOT5s over 24" wide 18" deep tank! I can't wait to get the bulbs and see what they look like fired up.

I will post pics tonight.

What kinds of lighting you ordered? I am curious what you get the lighting. I'm looking forward to see your tank.

[Headless_donkey]

Everything seems to be on track. I found 2 leaks, but I think I both of them fixed. I am currently filling up the tank with fresh water. Hopefully, I will be able to test the closed loop this weekend. I got some SCH80 pipe to finish the plumbing inside the tank. It don't know if I like the lengths yet, but that is easily remedied. I still need to clean the sump and the outside of the tank. After almost 15 trips to Home Depot I am still missing one fitting for the return in the overflow box. I just need to run in and get it!
I got the light fixture in the mail yesterday. I couldn't be more happy with it. Kingfish has the bulbs on order. I am hoping for a high par 10K look. This is going to be the combination:
Aqua blue by ATI 39 Watt x2
Super Actinic by Sfiligoi 39 Watt x2
Actinic plus by Giesemann 39 Watt x2
3000k by GE 39 watt x1
6500K by GE 39 Watt x1
I am experimenting with the lower K bulbs to add some red and par. If it sucks I will change it. This ability to experiment with bulb combos is a big reason I went with T5. Shall we digress.
Here is an FTS with the black plumbing.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2466.jpg
This is the view from the couch. SUPER SWEET!
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2475.jpg
Shot of the light fixture. That's 312 watts of HO T5! Can't wait!
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2474.jpg
Me holding the light fixture in place. You really can't tell what it is going to look like, but we tried.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2473-1.jpg
In the room
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2473.jpg
Looky, I got the closed loop working with NO leaks this time. The Snapper pump is great and quiet. I think this tank is going to have some serious flow. I just wish our RO/DI unit was 67 gallons an hour.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2476.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2477.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2478.jpg

Thank you for your time and interest. BTW if you need a new Nano or Pico let me know. Why? We are breaking some down.

[cpreefguy]

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2473.jpg
Whats that coming out of your head?!?!?!? :bigsmile:
Jk, looks insane. Great work!

[SoLiD]

It's Coming Along Great

[KyleV]

I have a ATI 39 watt 10K that I used for a week before I want with 2 atinics.

You can have it since I have use for it now if you want to experiment with all the different day lights.

[happydreams]

That looks sweet! I love your dog too.

[LoneStar]

Whats that coming out of your head?!?!?!? :bigsmile:

I was thinking the same thing! :lmao2:

That light looks sweeeet! Good job so far.

[apedroza]

Awesome job. Can't wait to see it complete!!!

[Headless_donkey]

Question:

So, I am setting up an octopus Recirculating skimmer. I am feeding it off the tank drain. I just have fresh water running right know. It has a ball valve at the output which I believe is supposed to adjust the water level in the skimmer.
Here is my question:
When I run water through the skimmer zero water comes out of the output regardless of how I set the ball valve. All of the water leaves the skimmer via the cup drain or the air intake hose. Am I doing something worn? Why isn't it working? Is it possible I am not running enough water through the skimmer? Could it be there isn't enough pressure coming on the input?
When I turn the skimmer off the water level is at the top of the neck in the collection cup. Then the water drains out the air intake until it levels out in the body.
Any ideas?
I haven't done extensive testing, but I have to admit this is not what I expected to see.

thank you

[brewercm]

Is your outlet higher than the water level at the collection cup? If this is the case I can't see how you can keep it from overflowing the collection cup.

[Headless_donkey]

Interesting, I don't know, but I will check tonight. I think it might be.
I hadn't thought about that.
I guess I missed the first day of skimmers 101
Thank you

[LoneStar]

Post a photo later on tonight of how the skimmer is sitting in the stand and where the output is located at.

[erikharrison]

I think that was brain matter squeezing out of his head since he is learning the ways of the DIY Jedi.
Your tank looks great. I eyeballed that tank repeatedly when it was in the F/S/T section! That light is really, really awesome. You are going to blind some fish!!!!

::sings to self:: "My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades"

I got ten bucks says that you sing that song to yourself at some point!!!

[apedroza]

I saw soem of those tek lights at work, and I must say they are BRIGHT!!!! They had them displayed next to a tank runing 2-150 hqi's with PC's and the tek lights looked way brighter!!!

[Headless_donkey]

Lonestar-I am not going to be home until late. The pics will have to wait until wed. I really think the drain is higher then cup. I will shorten the drain and I might have to raise the skimmer up. This shouldn't be a problem because the plumbing run to it is flexible.

erik-LOL. Sometimes after hours of sniffing silicon and PVC glue I will like brain matter is leaving my head. BTW the thing is a beaded seahorse Jennifer made. yeah, I really can't believe it was for sale for so long. I just had to save up the money. I figured someone else would snap it up.

apedroza-Yeah I have heard the tek lights are bright. I really wanted a lot of light with out the heat of the MH. What is funny is they aren't even the brightest any more. Aquatenics and ATI both have brighter fixtures with the same type and number of bulbs. I thought the tek fixture fit the look of the tank the best and I got a great deal on it.

[Headless_donkey]

I looked this morning and the output is higher then the cup. I will be fixing that tonight. I don't want to jinx anything, but that might be the final plumbing piece.

Then I can add salt...hang the light...break down the other tanks...spend money I don't have on the coolest acro frag I have ever seen.

[Headless_donkey]

Thanks for the suggestion about the output of the skimmer being to high. I shortened it and it immediately started working. I think I am going to raise the skimmer up. This slight modification will allow we to run the skimmer's water level where I want it.

After talking with John from Kingfish Aquariums, I discovered two things.
First, I need to modify how I am feeding the skimmer. I currently am going out of the side of the PVC T. I need to be feeding it of the straight end. It will cut down on the amount of air that gets into the skimmer and provide more consistent flow.

The second thing we figured out is I have about twice the amount of low I need in my sump. For 5x turnover on a 67G tank I would need 335 gph. Right now I have 700 gph. I got a great deal on a Iwaki 40rlt and it is to big. I don't know what I am going to do about it yet. My first inclination was to re-plumb the return so some of the water went back into the sump. The other idea was to split the flow and feed reactor/s that I do not have. The final option would be to trade/sell the pump and get a smaller one. I would probably trade it straight up for Iwaki 20rlt or similar pump. I would much prefer to have the "new" pump have 3/4" inlet and outlet.

Any suggestions or other ideas to my flow problem would be great.

thank you

[brewercm]

I'd either tee it off to feed partially to the fuge if you have one or the sump. You can also trade down to a smaller pump if you don't want to plump any more which can be a pain.

[Headless_donkey]

I redid the return/drain plumbing today. I am know feeding the skimmer the correctly. Thank you John (http://www.kingfishaquarium.com/). The feed for the skimmer now comes off the straight part of the PVC T and there is a ball valve to adjust the flow. I also put a T on the return line with ball valves for adjustment. Right know 1/2 the T goes to the tank and the other just goes to the sump. I will be adding a carbon reactor to it later, maybe tomorrow. I will also be hanging the light tomorrow. I think I am going to add salt tomorrow. I am SUPER excited. Man, tomorrow is going to be BUSY!

Everything went really well today except, the return pump is obnoxiously loud now. It is making a grinding noise. I am not happy with it at all. Why can't sequence make a 500-700 GPH pump?

I do have a couple of questions:
Is there a good way to tell how many GPH are coming out of a tube?
Is there a quieter/more efficient external pump then the Iwaki for 700GPH?
At what point does a hobby become an obsession/addiction? (I am supposed to be watching a movie with my loving fiancee right now, but instead I am making a blog entry. GREAT!)

Well, here are the pictures. They aren't every interesting.
New Plumbing
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2479.jpg
Shortened skimmer drain
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2480.jpg
Power center. Which, BTW, fit perfectly between the upright 2x4s. Oh yeah, I planned that the whole time.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2483.jpg
Light hangers
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2490.jpg

Thank you for reading.

[stoneroller]

Looking good there, HD.
Looks like your "overflow" skimmate is draining back to your sump. I collect mine in a gallon jug.

[stoneroller]

PS. At what point does this hobby become an obsession? Day One!

[Headless_donkey]

Thank you.
I haven't gotten a collection bucket/container yet. I figured if I started getting nog with just fresh water I had bigger problems. LOL

[Headless_donkey]

I added salt this afternoon. It mixed pretty quickly. I take that as a good sign.
Bulbs this week=almost done.

[Headless_donkey]

I just hung the light fixture over the tank. I am pretty pleased with it. I kind of wish the power cords came out of the back rather then the side. I might modify later. I haven't decided.
I got my bulbs from Kingfish Aquariums. I am digging on the color combination. Unfortunately, no fault of Kingfish, one of them bulbs got broken during shipping. It was a blue plus. So, in the first 3 pictures all four "daylight" bulbs are on and only one blue plus and one super actinic. I think the overall color temperature will be a more blue once I get a replacement bulb.
I like the Sunlift system I ordered for the lights. It does EXACTLY what I wanted. I can easily move the fixture up and down without any adjustments.
BTW so far with fresh salt water and a couple of LR pieces the Octopus skimmer ROCKS!
FTS
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2501.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2503.jpg
All the lights(minus the broken one of course)
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2504.jpg
Just daylights
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2505.jpg
Half of the blue/actinic light
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2506.jpg

thanks for reading

[LoneStar]

Looking really good! I'm jealous...

[Headless_donkey]

Thank you
If it makes you feel better, I am jealous of your stand.

[Headless_donkey]

Lights up off the tank
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2507.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2508.jpg
Light Combo
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2512.jpg
Sand storm!!!!
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2511.jpg

[apedroza]

Looking Godd!!! What brand are the bulbs?? and how much were they?

[Headless_donkey]

Aqua blue by ATI 39 Watt x2
Super Actinic by Sfiligoi 39 Watt x2
Blue plus by Giesemann 39 Watt x2
3000k by GE 39 watt x1
6500K by GE 39 Watt x1

About 160ish. You can order them from reefgeek.com, but Kingfish gave me a good price and let me see the bulbs in their shop before I bought them. They are also dealing with the broken bulb issue.

[hobogato]

looking great james!

[Headless_donkey]

I got all the live stock and fish moved into the new tank. I took pretty lousy pictures. The acrylic is dirty. I will be giving it a good cleaning tomorrow.
1 tank in
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2515.jpg
Everything in(picture sucks)
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2516.jpg
Crazy Acrylic distortion
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/headless_donkey/100_2521.jpg
Thanks for reading

[Headless_donkey]

Thanks Ace

[SoLiD]

Ain't it a beaut. :D

[erikharrison]

It already looks better than mine :(

Good job!

[greenmako]

wow that tek light is bright! love how your tank came out and the black sand makes everything pop

[txstateunivreefer]

ditto on the black sand that is great. is it aragonite?

[Headless_donkey]

Thanks!
What is amazing? Only 6 of the 8 bulbs are on.
VIVA LA T5 REVOLUTION

[LoneStar]

is it aragonite?

The black sand isn't aragonite...from what I understand. Its basically old volcanic rock.

[Headless_donkey]

That is what it said. It was Tahitian moon. It is really cool in person.

[hobogato]

yep, not araganite but looks really cool. just remember that it wont give you any buffering capacity. same stuff i have in my clam tank and christy has in her mantis n micro tank. the only problem i have found with it is that sps hate it. i have had frags fall over in the clam tank, and RTNed within 20 minutes. could be coincedence but be carefull.

[Headless_donkey]

Were they in the sand or on rocks? That is pretty surprising the sand could cause such a problem so quickly. I have seen SPS grow in tank with the exact same sand. Oh well. It already in the tank and wet. Plus, I only have one SPS frag going right now.

[hobogato]

this only happened to frags that fell over and came into direct contact with the sand

[Headless_donkey]

I had my one and only SPS frag touch the sand and it seems to be doing fine. It is however a bird's nest and probably less sensitive then some other species. I will let you know if I see this happen in my tank.

[Headless_donkey]

The tank is coming along great.
I have one problem. It runs 85 degrees. I can't find the heat source. I have 2 six inch fans on the sump. I changed out the Iwaki for an Ehiem. No dice. I have let it sit without the closed loop. No dice. It runs 83-84 at night. Don't want to get a chiller. So, if you have any suggestions please let me know.
thanks
james

[SoLiD]

Ambaint Temperature, Pumps, and Lights are gonna be your main sources of heat for sure. I'd try some higher CFM fans. Evaporation is gonna really gonna go out the roof though. You will have to re-top off water almost daily. If I were you I'd check to see if anyone has a 1/10HP-1\4HP chiller for sale. Just my opinion though. Good Luck. -SoLiD

[SoLiD]

Also might wanna check the heat coming from that window???

[Headless_donkey]

I have considered the window, but I saw temps in the mid 80s at night. I checked this morning and the temp was down to 80. So, I will check when I get home from work and see how hot it has gotten. If I haven't seen an improvement I am going to have to figured how to point some fans directly on the tank water. The only coral I am super worried about is the RTBA. I REALLY don't want it to die.

It might just be time to buck up and get a chiller. BOO!

thank you

[aeroaustin]

I have considered the window, but I saw temps in the mid 80s at night. I checked this morning and the temp was down to 80. So, I will check when I get home from work and see how hot it has gotten. If I haven't seen an improvement I am going to have to figured how to point some fans directly on the tank water. The only coral I am super worried about is the RTBA. I REALLY don't want it to die.

It might just be time to buck up and get a chiller. BOO!

thank you

hi james,

I think I might suggest. get window AC unit, you can get small for 99 dollars from lowes. will helpful. I have window AC that directly to Tank and I manages keep water under 78 for 5 months, I have problem with rental property AC unit. that costly the electricity bill about 300 for 850 sq feet. I complaint to landlord but that A.C is old. can't do anything so I decided addition window AC and I set it up 78 degree with Energy Saver and end up the bills go down to $ 100 for two A.C. and the fish tanks under 78 temp.

[Headless_donkey]

Temp at this moment is 82. I think I solved enough of the problem to get by for a while. I would like to see 79. Chiller or top fan will be next.