4' x 3' Reef build - The new BIONIC Reef!

[Texreefer]

Decided I would go ahead and make an official tank build thread. The tank will be a custom made oceanview 48"x36"x25" 190gal eurobraced tank.

The sump, overflows, calcium reactor,stand will be made by Ace and I. This will be a long build, as funds are limited. The tank is ordered and being built thanks to River City Aquatics.

I have started the planning stages and will have the reef structure ready to install when tank arrives. When finished it will be one complete structure and siliconed to the bottom and back, then foamed into place to make it one solid piece of construction. It will have the same look and concept of my current tank with the exception of no foam on the sides near the front,, this will allow me to see in the tank from the reef room in the garage.

Here is the start of the initial mock-up of the reef skeleton.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01290.jpg

[aquasport24]

Wow, i can see those purple alge on the pvc pipe already. Oh, it the manufacture,s stampings...my bad..

[BIGBIRD123]

Wow, i can see those purple alge on the pvc pipe already. Oh, it the manufacture,s stampings...my bad..

I don't care who ya are...that's funny! LOL!

S

[erikharrison]

Wow, i can see those purple alge on the pvc pipe already. Oh, it the manufacture,s stampings...my bad..

That wassss funny.

[apedroza]

:rofl:

[Texreefer]

:angry::at_wits_end:hmmm, maybe I should start another build thread, since this one is soooooo funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think someone is just jealous of all this pink algae
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01073.jpg
:bigsmile:

[Texreefer]

another shot of the progression. (no coralline yet in this one)
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01293.jpg

[RayAllen]

Major praise to you guys that use foam. Its amazing how it all comes together in the end.

[cpreefguy]

Any shots from ground level?

[Texreefer]

doesn't show the depth or scale very well but it's gonna be cool, the two pillars are not finished and they will become attached and part of the overflow walls
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01296.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Oh yeah, that looks cool!
I dont know why, but Im still apprehensive to try foam...

[ismvel]

As am I.....but I liked the way Christy's tank looked with the foam. God knows it is alot cheaper than rocks......I was leaning that way (foam), but with where I plan on setting up the tank now, it will be viewable by 2 sides, so I don't know how that would work if I tried to just use it in the middle...so I think I am going with rocks.

[bronck83]

After checking out Mike's tank this weekend I was inspired to use foam for my back wall and maybe a little structure.

[Texreefer]

well, decided to go out on a limb and add some color and texture to the reef structure
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01300.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01301.jpg
and a random(not so good) shot of my deepwater Lokani??? or Carolinia???
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01298.jpg

[Texreefer]

Well, I am picking up my new tank today,, I will post a pick as soon as i get it here,, although it seems a majority have already seen it at River City and gotten your drool all over it:bigsmile:

[captexas]

although it seems a majority have already seen it at River City and gotten your drool all over it:bigsmile:

LOL, as good as your other tank looked, there will be a lot more drool on your tile floor once you get this new one up and running! You had a great setup so I'm very interested to see the bigger and improved version you come up with. :thumbs_up:

[RayAllen]

Oooo, I cant wait to see it.

[rocketeer]

I'm guessing that foam is closed cell and there's less surface area than live rock would have. Would you do anything to compensate? Will this be bare bottom? How about some cell pore in the sump or something. Just wondering.

Jack

[RayAllen]

His fuge is awesome, got to see it first hand and had all sort of live things from Macro algae, Xenia, mangroves etc.... The life in his fuge more than makes up for not having much if any Live rock in the main Display.

[captexas]

I'll second that on Mike's fuge. I thought it was more interesting than some of the display tanks I have seen! LOL

[Texreefer]

New tank is safely at the house.. here are a couple of pics,, thanks John for the help!
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01375.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01377.jpg

[Texreefer]

and one of the fuge just for fun
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01373.jpg

[captexas]

Looks good. I like the use of the beer bottle for scale. I think that has become the new MAAST standard of measurement! LOL

[LoneStar]

Looks good. I like the use of the beer bottle for scale. I think that has become the new MAAST standard of measurement! LOL

I second that!

[Megaramasaur]

Well I quess if a newb needs to learn the basics... AND more... I guess it's best to learn from your brother.... now that Mike used me for transporting that beast, he should owe me some reefing instruction and lots of help.... I guess my one of my two Cichlid 150's will be converted....

[Texreefer]

Well I quess if a newb needs to learn the basics... AND more... I guess it's best to learn from your brother.... now that Mike used me for transporting that beast, he should owe me some reefing instruction and lots of help.... I guess my one of my two Cichlid 150's will be converted....

No problem

[cpreefguy]

Do you have a straight on front shot Mike? that foam looks good!

[Texreefer]

couldn't get a good one from that angle, without a backdrop,, I have some foam tricks still up my sleeve so stay tunned:shades:

[cpreefguy]

More pics!

[sharkboy]

What kind of lighting system will you be installing?

[Texreefer]

What kind of lighting system will you be installing?
same one thats over my tank now,, thats the best part about this tank,, no lighting upgrade

[MissT]

Looks like you've been busy! Glad you got the tank home safely, and I hope you like it! Keep us posted

[lhoy]

I did get to see the tank and RCA and loved the dimensions. Will provide a great framework for a tank!!

Lee

[Texreefer]

I cut, bent, and drilled the overflows.. at the very bottom there is a whole in the center of each overflow,, a small Seio will sit inside each overflow and blow water under the reef structure keeping Detritus from building up,
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01384.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01385.jpg

[RayAllen]

Very cool. The backs going to look awesome once you go over it. You are saving a bundle with keeping the current light system.

[apedroza]

Looking good Mike!!!! I may be going with the same size tank when I upgrade after seeing how nice yours is. Is the center brace at the bottom for added protection??

[Texreefer]

Is the center brace at the bottom for added protection??


yep

[Texreefer]

Ok, the color is a little off for some reason, but the background is finished,, the exposed eggcrate on the bottom is where live rock will be stacked
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01393.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01394.jpg

[Texreefer]

ok, the stand is built except for the legs that will go on once it is in the room
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01397.jpg

And this is where my corals will stay while i'm getting new tank into place
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01396.jpg

[RayAllen]

Come on now, you are going way to slow. HAHA. Looks great so far.

[FireWater]

Amazing Mike! It looks even better in person. Can't wait to help get it in it's new home.

[MissT]

Looks like you're off to a great start! It looks and sounds like you've got everything you need, but if you need anymore equipment, let me know!

[apedroza]

Saw this beast again and it is coming along very nicely!!! I'll probably be hitting you up for some pointer on using Goop Mike!! Great job!!

[Texreefer]

Ace and I have been working on the Sump/refugium/frag tank for the new aquarium. I am now 1 step closer... this thing is a beast with 100gal total water volume

I know the suspense is killing you,, i'm trying to get pics to http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c329/hobogato/projects/DSC019622.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c329/hobogato/projects/DSC019612.jpg

[DBlackman]

What a BEAST! Totally AMAZING!

[RayAllen]

Nice Sump/fuge!

[cpreefguy]

Is it big enough???
I finally got to see the tank, pictures dont do it justice!

[RayAllen]

Im interested in seeing how you tie in the frag tank.

[captexas]

Very cool. Be neat to see it in action and how you designed all the different chambers in it.

[Texreefer]

The Frag tank will sit exactly where it is now... the bulkhead will have a pipe that drains straight down to the live rock chamber under it,, it will be fed with a Tee from the main drain and suplimented by a seio and light by a 250w reeflux

[RayAllen]

Sounds sweet, cant wait to see it in action. So what month will the meeting be at your place Mike? LOL

[Texreefer]

I don't think my house could fit the thousands that would want to come see it.:rofl:

[RayAllen]

Come On; cant you imagine 40 of us crammed in the front hall way where the tank is displayed. Maast sardines anyone?

[MissT]

very cool sump, it looks like you guys did a great job. :applause:

[Paul28]

it looks 5 times bigger in person man you guys did a great job:thumbs_up:

[Texreefer]

Well, I had to come up with a way to get these monster Seio 2600's in the tank and mount thm agains the foam without them sticking way out and being an eye sore.. some quick brainstorming with Ace (his basic Idea),, and I have a great solution..

A Little black box that the pump fits snugly into
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01439.jpg
The front edge has a lip to help it from sucking surface water
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01440.jpg
It will be silidoned into place and then foamed all around so the result will be just the end of the pump visible and it can easily slide out for maintenance
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01441.jpg
one more
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01442.jpg

[RayAllen]

very cool! Love the casing idea. Good job guys.

[JimD]

I dont get it, why the casing? To me it makes it look like more of an eyesore than just the pump alone. Why not just paint the pump black?

[Texreefer]

Jim, I had to have some way of mounting the pump inside the tank,, traditional mounts wont work with the foam and the pump sitting at an angle in the tank.. the casing will be foamed in so all you will see is the pump,, the casing will look like rock.. this way I can just slide the pumps out for maintenance

[JimD]

hmmm, Ill have to see the finished product. lol

[Mr_Cool]

With that casing foamed in place, you'll need to find a way to get the power cord out of there. From the pics, it looks like the pump will slide out. But, in order to really remove it, the plug end would have to go underwater, and even then it looks like it would get stuck between the casing and the foam.

Either that, or all pump maintenance will have to be done right there at the tank.

(Sorry I don't have a solution for this. I'm still thinking, though.)

Great idea, though!

[Mr_Cool]

If you make the top piece (with the overhang) so that it can slide out, it will work.

It looks like you have a little more room above the pump. If you cut the top piece so that it fits inside the left & right vertical sides, you could make two channels on the inside that the top piece slips in. (Kind of like a drawer.) Then, just foam that top piece so that the very edges that slide in the channels don't get covered with foam. I'm guessing you could build up the foam on the top piece and make it look really good but still be able to slide out.

Hope this makes sense!

[Joe31]

You can use some pvc to hide the cord. Then cover it with foam, so you can still slide the pump out of the water without missing up your foam.

[Texreefer]

makes sense!,, still deciding how i'm gonna do that.. there is plenty of room for the cord to go in and out,, i had some other ideas but i do like your sliding top piece idea

[Texreefer]

Well, I needed to get the rest of the equipment for the new tank, so some sacrifices had to be made. I got rid of about 6-10 good sized colonies and frags and cleared my tank out considerably but it allowed me to buy my new 1/2hp Tradewinds chiller and my New Octopus 150 dual skimmer. not quite as big as Bigbirds but big enough to skim 300 gals..
so all equipment is on its way and the big move is set for April 25th.. MY BIRTHDAY! Funny how things just work out.

I will move the old tank on the 23rd and 24th and get things ready and then the new tank will go in on the 25th

[apedroza]

Wish I would have had the room for some of those colonies!!! I'm thinking of upgrading in the future and may do the same thing to get some cash for the upgrade!!!

[ErikH]

Looks great Mike! Don't you have a "birthday" every month? LOL.

[RayAllen]

Terrible Mike, everything is just bad. How about I take it off you hands ;)

HAHA, coming along nicely At this rate you are between Tortoise and Rabbit speed. Inching ever so closely.

[Texreefer]

Well, I received my octopus skimmer today and MAN I did not expect what I found.. BOTH pumps had broken fittings on them and one of the pumps will not attach to the skimmer, the fittings will not line up And one of the rubber air tubes had a hole in it,,So far Rob at MarineSolutions is working with me to get it corrected but just a little dissapointed after laying out $400+ for a new skimmer

[RayAllen]

Ouch, Im sure it will work out for you. Hopefully these doesnt set you back with time.

[MissT]

wow, that's the worst thing to open a package you've been anxiously waiting for only to find it broken...
Good luck, I've heard they're pretty easy to deal with.

[Texreefer]

well, after dealing with fedex for several days, my chiller that was supposed to be here last friday will be here tomorrow (i hope),, Rob at marine solutions has agreed to take this skimmer back and ship me a new one, so a week or so before I get that back.. I'm running out of time to get things in order for the the 23rd deadline,

[MissT]

glad to hear you got everything sorted out... I'll keep my fingers crossed for you tomorrow. Sounds like you'll be able to make your deadline though.
Take a volunteer sign up sheet with you to the meeting Sunday!

[Texreefer]

Unbelievable!!! After scheduling the delivery for today because it was my only day off this week, I called at 4pm and they assured me it would be here. well at 7:15 pm the tracking said "no attempt made, rescheduled for next day delivery" are you kidding me!!!!!!!It is signature required and I work tomorrow.. they conveniently could not get in touch with the driver and there was no manager available. I am so mad right now I could spit nails!!!!! to Ice this Crap cake a fedex truck drove by my house 3, count them 3 times today

[cpreefguy]

That is almost as bad as FedEx calling me and telling me to come pick my (180lb) crated up cube up from their facility because they didnt want to have to deliver it by 18wheeler...
Theyre becoming as bad as UPS these days!
Sorry to hear, I know how infuriating that can be!

[SoLiD]

I am so mad right now I could spit nails!!!!! to Ice this Crap cake a fedex truck drove by my house 3, count them 3 times today

Mike, Sorry about what's been happening to you. I know the feeling. Come to find out those guys don't mind you tracking them down and asking for your stuff. They see it as a stop that they didn't have to make. Next time, run his behind down with your truck and get your stuff. I used to do it all the time when I was anticipating parts for a server or for my PC. I tracked down on 2 separate occasions, 2 - 22inch Sony Trinitron CRT Monitors at 115lbs each. The guy had a look of relief both times I got them. You will have to show him your license to verify it's your package. HTH

-David

[RayAllen]

WOW that sux, now I know why I only order from certain online stores. Knock on Wood i still have had no probles with FedEx. Hope you get you things Mike and they are ok this time.

[ErikH]

I just saw that sumpfugefragtank HOLY OH MY.

[Bill S]

Mike,

There is a HUGE difference between FedEx, and FedEx GROUND. The Ground group was purchased and folded in - but in many ways, they are still a separate company. FedEx Ground is maybe worse than UPS. That's why I warned you about OPENING your chiller box while the guy is still there.

[Texreefer]

I called them today and lets just say, I gave them a talking to.. well I get home today and they left it with the neighbor who is now not home so I still don't have the chiller

[thesponge]

Did you mention that you are telling 3,292 people about your FedEx experience?

[Texreefer]

Did you mention that you are telling 3,292 people about your FedEx experience?

I don't think they care

[RayAllen]

Nope, they have Millions apon Millions of customers, 3300 people meen nothing.

[joelb]

OMG!!! fed ex stock value just dropped by 66.32%! thousands of people we fired, and over a hundred comfortably retired men and 2 ladies had to come out of retirement because of loss of fed ex pensions!! and when interrogated, 42 C level executives were cought laundering money, skimmers and even a chihuahua!!!.......j/k. sorry, i got a little carried away there!

[Texreefer]

Chiller is finally in my possesion
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01459.jpg

Starting to destroy my house to plumb the chiller through the wall
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01458.jpg

Chiller will sit by airconditioner and go through the wall where you see the screwdriver
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01460.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Neat!

[RayAllen]

Fun, exterior demolition.

[Paul28]

your lucky, my wife would KILL me :bigsmile: wish she would give me more space for a bigger tank, looking good man

[thesponge]

Please forgive my ignorance but are there chillers that are specifically designed for outdoor use?

[RayAllen]

Yes, they are designed a lot like a AC units. A few of the guys on Maast have exterior chillers.

[Texreefer]

Ok, the through wall plumbing is in, just needs to be cleaned up a bit once foam dries
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01462.jpg

Controller will sit inside, just need to patch wall back up
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01461.jpg

[SoLiD]

Nicccccee! Go Mike Go.... Chill Baby Chill!!!

[thesponge]

Your doing a really nice job!

[Bill S]

Nice chiller, Mike! I couldn't punch holes in my rock - just couldn't do it. Went up and over instead.

[cpreefguy]

How did you know how to use that foam in the holes? :rolleyes:

[MissT]

foam inside the tank... foam outside the tank... Is there anything that stuff can't do?!
:bigsmile:

[RayAllen]

foam inside the tank... foam outside the tank... Is there anything that stuff can't do?!
:bigsmile:

Miss T This popped into my head when I read your post

Warning:
Its not good to spray foam in any bodily orifice:rofl: Could you imagine taking a kid to the doc because he sprayed Great Stuff in his/her nose.

[MissT]

:lauging: this could get soooo off track

(sorry Mike, for polluting your great build thread! :bigsmile:)

[Texreefer]

Finished plumbing chiller and patching wall. compare the before and after pics,, I did GOOD!:bigsmile:
Inside -
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01463.jpg

Outside -
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01464.jpg

[RayAllen]

Looks Great!

[brewercm]

Sweet, you must have been busy yesterday after the meeting and today.

[Texreefer]

yep, and I have already started making some temporary modifications to the fishroom to get it ready for the big move,, once I have everything out I will repair any crumbling sheetrock and paint the entire thing with Kilz.

[hobogato]

that is horrible! i dont know why anyone would want to run a chiller much less punch holes in their wall and put it outside! :p :rofl:

all kidding aside, very clean and professional looking, great job!

[Texreefer]

23rd, 24th, and 25th, I will need some help all three of these days at different times, I will not really know when until the time comes so if anyone has those days off and is willing to be "on call", I might have some beer and Pizza available as payment

The plan will go as follows:
early on the 23rd I will start tearing down the old tank, sometime around midday I will need help to move out old tank
the 24th I will be painting and getting room ready and then will need help getting new tank into room in a temporary spot so the stand can be finished
evening of 24th and into 25th I will finish stand and plumb everything in. around midday to mid afternoon on 25th I will need help putting tank on stand and getting everything up and running

[hobogato]

i should be able to help on the 25th

[RayAllen]

Mike I was hoping to be here during your move to help but will be in Kansas City on Business 22-24.

[subsailor]

I will be in Schertz that weekend so give me a holler if you need some help.

[Texreefer]

Well, I think I have all the necessary pieces and parts in place and now i'm just waiting for the 23rd to show up... I will start early in the am and hopefully will have the tank ready to move out by noon, maybe even sooner,, there will be pieces of caps, mushrooms, zenia, kenya tree, zoas, etc that I will not be able to get too while tank is on stand. once it is emptied of water and off stand anything mentioned that is left in tank is free for the taking.. once the tank is dry it will die fast so if you want anything you will have to be over here waiting. i will not try to save anything that is left in tank

[Texreefer]

I will be starting to work tomorrow (wed) at about 6 am.. see above post. around noon I will have Pizza Beer(We ID:bigsmile:) and soda, for anyone that wants to hang out and maybe help and like I said, maybe some freebies of softies and stuff.

My # is 210-273-0828 If you need directions
Mike

[Bill S]

Mike,

I'll try and be there for a few hours - things are slow. Address?

[Bill S]

Do you need buckets? I have a ton.

[Texreefer]

Bill, I may need a few however, I work this afternoon and wont be able to come get any.

[Texreefer]

Mike,

I'll try and be there for a few hours - things are slow. Address?
Thanks Bill,
Im at 1632 Rolling Brook Ln.
Schertz Tx. 78154
Much appreciated!

For anyone wanting to come by,, I probably won't need any help till after about 9 or 10 am and want to have the tank empty and off stand by about noon

[Paul28]

23 i work till 430 , 24 i get off at 230pm have till 630pm same on friday 230 and to when ever that night . Let me know if you need me in those times in next 3 days if not im going to random show up and bother you haha :bigsmile:

[Texreefer]

23 i work till 430 , 24 i get off at 230pm have till 630pm same on friday 230 and to when ever that night . Let me know if you need me in those times in next 3 days if not im going to random show up and bother you haha :bigsmile:

Feel free to stop by, I'm sure I will need the help

[Paul28]

Do you need anything you can think of off hand i might have ?

[Texreefer]

Tank is being torn down at 10 am.. after empty.. any left over zenia, mushrooms, zoas, etc,, will be on their own.. I will not save or hold anything

[phrog]

All of the fun stuff happens when I'm on shift.:cry_smile:
Hope everything goes well.

[LoneStar]

I wanna see a lot of photos as you progress in transferring the tanks!

[captexas]

I wanna see a lot of photos as you progress in transferring the tanks!


How about a live webcam? :bigsmile: lol

[Texreefer]

no time for pics right now but old tank is out and all coral and fish in their temporary home.. the old tank is going in garbage unless someone wants it. it holds water but will need some work to the interior to get it back into shape. ,, so free tank, first one here gets it no holds and I probably wont be on here much,, too much to do

[clone]

GREAT deal on tank of the year
: )

oh and very nice tank,my friend could not belive that the structure was all foam,pvc and egg creat.
i think he found his idol tank.we couldnt stop talking about it on the way home

[Texreefer]

end of the day one demolition. I'm way behind.. room is not painted yet. put a 1" long gash down the length of my finger. decided to superglue it shut and continue, by 8:30 tonight it was hurting so bad i could not work anymore. almost went to med clinic. turns out I glued it too well. it was building up blood inside. I managed to peel off superglue (very painful) and released some pressure. feels a little better but not much.. kind of a bummer to see my nice tank sitting in the driveway and all my coral in a bucket

[joelb]

when i get a cut like that on my finger i find that its just better to pull the finger right off. no problem!

[thesponge]

I hope things go better for your today.

[captexas]

Sorry to hear you had a rough day at it, hopefully things go better today for you. I know it's a pain doing a lot of work with your hands when you have a large cut like that as all the moving around slows the clotting/scabbing of the wound. Just keep it wrapped up if you do anything in the water or with your corals so it doesn't get any toxins in it.

[Kristy]

Ouch!

Have to say that during our recent tank move / upgrade, everything seemed to take much longer than we thought it "should" have. I totally sympathize... it's a TON of work and seems like it will never end. Throw out the timeline and stay positive. Soon enough you will be sitting in front of your next TOTY candidate.

[Texreefer]

feels a lot better today but still hurts.. luckily not much water to deal with today. just washing a little sand.. I will need 3-4 people to help move the tank today.. time will be tricky,, just whenever everyone can be here,, so i'm guessing that would be later this afternoon

[Texreefer]

Here is a teaser for those that have not stopped by... and a Huge thanks to the guys that helped move.. frags coming your way soon!!!:applause:
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01495.jpg

[Texreefer]

Seaworld?? I don't need no stinking Seaworld! Its right here in my house,, man you should see this beast from the front side!!!:hypnotyized::wink_smile:

[ErikH]

Oh my gosh! That is freakin' SWEET. You are soooooooooooo close! Great job buddy!!! wowowowowoowowowowowowowowowowoowowowowowow!!!!

:hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnotyize d::hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnotyi zed::hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnot yized::hypnotyized::hypnotyized:

[Paul28]

Beast is right that thing was heavy:whew:, Mike is not lieing omg from the front that thing is INSANE looking nice it looks like a sea world tank the depth in the wall looks so so so nice cant wait to see it running have fun Mike bet your not sleeping tonight:bigsmile:

[LoneStar]

Happy Birthday

[RayAllen]

Looking good Mike! Sorry I wasnt able to lend a hand.

[Texreefer]

fuge is running, chiller is plumbed in, skimmer is skimming out any left over nastiness,, tomorrow evening I will be moving everything back into the new tank from their temporary home. its been a crazy 4 days!

[Paul28]

Hows the tank doing lets see some pics :photo:

[Texreefer]

the new tank is up and running:applause:.. many thanks to John and Ace for helping me finish it up! I will put together some pics soon, but for now all I can say is :hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnotyize d::hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnotyized::hypnotyi zed::hypnotyized:.. I think I just built my ultimate dream reef!

[Texreefer]

Ok, day two of the completion and all i Lost was my naso while he was in the rubbermaid. I guess he was stressed and weak and couldn't make it,, EVERYTHING else survived the ordeal!,, I need to show it off everyone come see:bigsmile:

[subsailor]

Man i wish i got down that way more. after all that this thread has been to I would love to see it. Congrats on finishing it.

[Megaramasaur]

Mike.....send you bro some pics. dliesman001@satx.rr.com

[Texreefer]

Dan, I will post a bunch when i get them all downloaded!

[Texreefer]

not finished and not a good pic but here is a teaser of what the ultimate reef is gonna look like

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01497.jpg

[LoneStar]

nice depth


Should grow in very nicely

[Texreefer]

a couple more blurry ones.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01498.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01499.jpg

[captexas]

Sweet!

[RayAllen]

Looks sweet, love the depth and how natural it looks. Check out my 39g thread and you will see the foam structure you built in all its glory.

[apedroza]

Awesome looking tank Mike!!!!

[aquasport24]

Man, that is very,very,very nice..i'll bet you don't feel the pain in your finger anymore by looking into the tank...

[Bill S]

Oh, Mike this just plain sucks. I freakin' LOVE the depth! Mine is only 24" front to back, and with a "see thru", it's really only 12".

All I can say is WOW.

[LoneStar]

Kinda gives you the depth of the Oregon Reef. Should fill in nicely!

[lt1z28]

Awesome!!!!!!

[Paul28]

WOW mike that lookin great

[SoLiD]

Yeah, Even the burry pictures look Sweet!!! I can't wait to see it in person someday.

BTW: Did you ever get the Peppermint Shrimp I sent your way from Ace?

[Texreefer]

yes, thank you!

[coraline79]

The depth of your structure is just amazing.....already!!!

[JeffCo]

Nice Job Mike, looks great! In the end, it's all worth the blood, sweat, and tears....

[Texreefer]

Just an update. Still dealing with a micro bubble issue but have noticed now that almost every coral in the tank has shown some new growth since going in,, some have even started encrust onto the foam or other pieces of rock they were glued to,, so looks like i'm out of the woods from this crazy tank move. Time to start groing out some frags!!!!!

[ErikH]

already encrusting? WTH? Must be nice!

[RayAllen]

Frags are good!

[Texreefer]

Testing out the new frag tank!
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01559.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01560.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01558.jpg

[sharkboy]

i may have missed it but what are the dimensions of the frag tank...lighting...is it hooked up to the main tank?

[Texreefer]

It is basically 2'x1'x1', it is fed by return line and flows back to the sump,, lit by a single 12k 250w se bulb.

[Texreefer]

Well, I feel like a newbie right now,, going through some major algae issues.. lots of hair algae and lots of cyano.. my tank is seriously low on clean up crew and i'm seriously low on cashso i'm gonna post a few frags for sale

[BIGBIRD123]

Would ya call this...Frags for Snails...LOL!

S

[Texreefer]

lost my smallest little clownfish today,, he was swimming down under the reef and tried to swim out between some foam and the glass. he got stuck and before i could get him out he suffocated. I pushed him out and with a skewer and there was a large nassarius already waiting:ph34r:,, finished him off in about 5 minutes:cry_smile: RIP little guy

[ismvel]

lost my smallest little clownfish today,, he was swimming down under the reef and tried to swim out between some foam and the glass. he got stuck and before i could get him out he suffocated. I pushed him out and with a skewer and there was a large nassarius already waiting:ph34r:,, finished him off in about 5 minutes:cry_smile: RIP little guy
Was this the little guy with the deformed spine? That stinks...:thumbs_down:

On another note, once again, that tank is amazing....loved the way it looked much deeper than it is..you've done a great job....

[RayAllen]

Well, I feel like a newbie right now,, going through some major algae issues.. lots of hair algae and lots of cyano.. my tank is seriously low on clean up crew and i'm seriously low on cashso i'm gonna post a few frags for sale

You and me both. Ive been dealing with rusty red algae and now hair has begun to grow. Luckily I have a single turbo in their that should mow through it if he does his job that is. Good luck with your algae battle.

[Texreefer]

no, not him,, the smallest one, my wifes!!

[drgnbttrfly]

sorry for your loss...the cycle will pass...:bighug:

[Texreefer]

ok, I just bought 400 assorted snails,, that oughta do it!

[BioCube14]

Texreefer nice tank you take reefin to the next level.

[Texreefer]

Just under one month in new tank and I'm starting to see coralline growing on the new foam:bigsmile:..my cyano issue is starting to settle down a bit,, things are looking good

[dustint21]

very nice work!! I might try the foam with my 90 gallon this weekend!

[Texreefer]

For those that have been following this from the beginning. you know I have had two chillers that had issues and almost nuked by hole tank.. wiped out all my nicest colonies.. well, here is a big one.. My tank has a seal that is starting to come loose in the top corner,, I'm not going to discuss the type of tank or where I got it because that is not an issue and it is being handled. The issue is now I have to tear down the new tank I just put up, tear out all the foam, buy new bulkheads.. so I will keep everyone informed and when new tank comes in I will be looking for 6 volunteers to help get it into place

[cpreefguy]

You just dont get a break do you? Well count me in when the new tank comes

[RayAllen]

For those that have been following this from the beginning. you know I have had two chillers that had issues and almost nuked by hole tank.. wiped out all my nicest colonies.. well, here is a big one.. My tank has a seal that is starting to come loose in the top corner,, I'm not going to discuss the type of tank or where I got it because that is not an issue and it is being handled. The issue is now I have to tear down the new tank I just put up, tear out all the foam, buy new bulkheads.. so I will keep everyone informed and when new tank comes in I will be looking for 6 volunteers to help get it into place


Are you serious. Mike this tank so far has been nothing but a nightmare for you. This is the type of thing that makes long time reefers retire from the hobby. Keep on hangin in there!

[clone]

OMG that sucks mike lmk if any help is needed

[nikitapita]

Unfreakinbelievable.

[LoneStar]

**** Mike....wish I could help.

[DrMark]

you have been through so much with this tank, perseverence.......
mark

[Bill S]

Let me know what I can do, Mike. Once things settle down, I've got some "stuff" for ya.

[Texreefer]

Thanks Bill

[apedroza]

Sorry to hear about the tank Mike. It was coming along soo well!!! Hopefully things will be better next time. Let me know what I can do to help.

[rocketeer]

You're not alone. I set up my 240 three times.

Jack

[Texreefer]

Well, folks. The tank has yet again been reduced to rubble.. with increasing fears that the seam would give way, a decision was made this morning to get everything our ASAP. a couple of phone calls and we had a large Aquaculture vat sitting in my garage. The chiller had to be turned off for a while , while Ace plumbed it into the new vat. That was apparently enough to cause one, then all three of my clams to spawn from stress.. within and hour or so the tank was so cloudy it looked like a 180 gal glass of milk. meanwhile i couldn't get out of work in time so Ace was trying to deal with this on his own since I was at work.. long story short. I lost a 6 line wrasse, and a clownfish and it looks like a couple more corals.. we will have to see what tomorrow morning brings. My heart , wallet , and stress level has taken a severe beating so don't be suprised If you see lots of used equipment, fish and corals in the for sale section soon.. The foam structure alone is likely to cost me $100 to rebuild... I won't post pics because they are too depressing

[coraline79]

Man I am sorry to hear that. Your thread has gone from amazing, to bad, to worse. It sure was awesome looking!

[apedroza]

Wow that is really harsh Mike. Sorry for all your troubles. Looks like we both had a pretty depressing week!!! Let me know if I can help in any way.

[Texreefer]

The torn up Dream tank!
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01602.jpg

The resurection
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01596.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01599.jpg

This is an 8 ft divided tank.. this is the coral side
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01597.jpg

this is the fuge side
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01598.jpg

[LoneStar]

wow I would have lost my temper a long time ago if that happened to me....


When is the replacement tank going to arrive? Is the company requesting the old tank sent back to them?

[Texreefer]

hopefully the week of the 8-13th because I took off the 15th,16th,17th to put the new one in Im' going on vacation to MACNA on the 30th so things need to be ready

[Kristy]

Mike, Shout if you need help with the tank moves once the new one comes in. Sorry to here about all your troubles. Hope all goes smoothly from here. You deserve a break! :)
-Mike (& Kristy)

[Texreefer]

I have been tearing out all the foam and the plumbing in anticipation of the new tank.. here is the mess I have in the garage
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01653.jpg

Repairing and mocking up the foam structure that was torn out of the old one
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01652.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Lookin good.

[RayAllen]

Mike either you are learning to be super patient or loosing all patients with this whole ordeal. Id have a ulcer and no fingernails by now and I am a patient calm guy. Hopefully this new tank is bullet proof.

[cpreefguy]

^^^plus he has a beer fridge in the fish room :D

[Texreefer]

Well, The new tank came in yesterday...................... and it was cracked... back to the drawing board.. my three options right now are get a refund and look for a different tank, have them build another tank. or sell what I have and call it a day. right now i'm leaning heavily to calling it a day.. my wife doesnt' want me to sell everything just yet so I will do some tank shoping and see what turns up. at the earliest it would be the first week in september before there is another tank it the wall.... this is kinda like lighting my feet on fire and then trying to put the fire out with a hammer,, FUTILE!

[Kristy]

Man, you deserve a break. This dream tank is turning into a nightmare! So sorry to hear about this, Mike.

[RayAllen]

Mike you are a great reefer and asset to Maast for you to call it a day would really suck if I may say. Id personally look into another company if it were me. Good luck on what ever you choose to do.

[Bill S]

Oh, wow. How can this possibly be?

[SoLiD]

What in the heck is going on!!! :angry: Don't give up now Mike, you've come too far. Another option may be acrylic. I'm sure Ace is down to lend a hand. Plus, Acrylic won't crack... :what_smile:

[Texreefer]

No Acryic for me. I'm a glass guy:wink_smile:. besides, Ace has probably had enough of me and my tank by now

[captexas]

Wow! Sorry to hear about that. I think it's time to hire a witch doctor, seems there is some bad voodoo going on. You have way more patience than I do, that's for sure. I hope you keep hanging in there, because it will be a beautiful tank once it's done.

[Triggerman]

hang in there mike...i personally think given the tank size with a depth of 36" and euro bracing i would want angle iron used. That amount of water pressure with just silicone and plastic trim is probably why one of the seams gave out.

[Bill S]

Mike,

How thick was the gl***** Those big squares are really difficult tanks. There's more than one reason most tanks tend to be short front-to-back. If I were doing it, the thicknes would be 3/4" AND have center braces, front-to-back and side-to-side.

[apedroza]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Hang in there.

[Texreefer]

My view is this,, there are several (I thinK three) companies that make this sized tank standard. a couple even make a 4'x4' rimless cube standard one of the three puts a thin plastic strip accross the center, the one I have is eurobraced around the outside and the other company make it completely rimless. The glass seems thick enough.. The seam failure i had was not total and IMO it was due to the use of the black silicone. the new tank was ordered without the black silicone and the crack was either a defect in the glass and a bump during shipping. here is a pic of the crack. it is onlyl about 1/2" long but it is in the seam and enough to keep me from using it. so they are building me another on an I will hope the third time is the charm. I don't beleive it has anything to do with the size tank I have. we will find out with tank #3

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01657.jpg

[LoneStar]

Are you shipping these defective tanks back to the manufacturer (at their cost)? Or are they not even bothering with it?

[thedude]

That tank looks like it was either leaned up on that corner and cracked or bumped at the corner and cracked. I know because I've done that to an Elos 160XL and shattered the corner much like that picture.

On a glass tank that big you can't lift up one edge and go, it has to be one motion.

Hope that helps and that your next tank is the charm!

John

[Texreefer]

tanks are going back

[Texreefer]

Latest problem.. I bought two vortechs.. one of them would not work, ( keep in mind I have no aquarium set up right now so i was testing them without the wet side),, I called them and sent the pump back to be looked at.. they call me today and say that there is significant water damage in the controller and implied that the cost of repairs would be on me,,, so they want me to pay to fix a $400 pump that i have never even used,,, is there no end to the madness?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :at_wits_end: :confused:

[alton]

About time to put a few Maastards together and go visit this Vortech company and give them a little can of Woop "A"
(Sorry the Redneck coming out again)

[Texreefer]

Well, the big tub in the garage that I used to call my reef is starting to take its toll,,, I lost almost my entire micromussa colony to a fight with a pink chalice.. because I cannot see my tank on a regular basis, All corals looking bad,, hair algae taking over,, hard to maintain water quality. it has been in my garage over a month and all the drive to keep this thing going is about gone.. the prospect of having to piece back together my foam structure and rebuild overflows ect. seems like an effort in futility and a waste of money

had to buy new bulkeads $80
will have to build new overflows$20
new plumbing $100
replacement RO housings $60
salt for all the water changes and re starting reef $90
materials to rebuild foam structure $200
the incredible amount of time to rebuild the foam strucure (don't want to know)
the lost clean up crew that I will have to replace AGAIN $over 100

I cannot afford another $600
stay tunned!

[Bill S]

Let me see if I can help some:

I just replaced my piece-of-crap Coralife RO/DI unit with one from Buckeye (thanks Russ!). I can't possibly sell this old unit to anyone - it's just such junk. You are welcome to the canisters on it - they might just fit. For that matter, just take the whole thing!

Not sure if they might or might not work for you, but I have the old overflows from my 215 brick, including the drains. They are just sitting in my garage.

I might need some cleanup crew, so let me know. We'll split 1000 hermits!

And you KNOW I'm always around to work a salt group order!

[princer7]

I may have some plumbing materials left over from my tank build - what parts are you needing?

[Texreefer]

Thanks for the offer guys. I will let you know but right now i'm puting together a list of livestock and equipment.. Bill. the canisters are purely h2o and have male threads they wont fit any other style,,

[Texreefer]

Ok, folks after some soul searching, I have decided to do something different. I am completely rebuilding my reef structure. It will look nothing like the old tank.. if you want a clue as to what it will look like, you can read my new signature.. too much negativity was dragging me down. time to fight back!
I still Love my SPS but this tank will be heavily stocked with fish and will be more of a true mixed reef.. The Effect of the new structure (foam of course) will be like looking into and through a reef instead of just looking at it. my new tank should be in soon and i will put the finishing touches on the massive structure that weighs in at about 50 lbs..

[RayAllen]

Sounds interesting Mike, Glad to see you are trucking along again after your previous thoughts.

[envy]

good to hear that and can't wait to see how this tank turns out

[Mr Cob]

Cutting edge!!! Can't wait to see what's next...between you and Ace it's like watching a really sweet episode of National Geographic Reefing.

Thanks.

[hobogato]

that's what im talkin about!!! :D

[LoneStar]

that's what im talkin about!!! :D

:applause: :thumbs_up:

[Texreefer]

Preview of the new structure.. not much to look at right now, but gives you an idea
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01661.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01662.jpg

[Texreefer]

The structure is so heavy and strong that I can stand in the middle of it without it breaking and I weigh 200#'s!

[hobogato]

man, that is ugly! you better try again.... :p :lauging:

(btw, you missed a spot :D )

[Iplantz]

The 6 million dollar reef is better :lauging:.

[princer7]

Glad to hear you are giving it the extreme makeover. :bigsmile:

[Texreefer]

Oww!how did miss that spot?

[captexas]

Oww!how did miss that spot?

Inhaled fumes from one too many cans of spray foam? LOL :wink_smile:

Looking good! :thumbs_up:

[Texreefer]

(btw, you missed a spot :D )

FYI for those that don't know. that was intentional:shades:

[Texreefer]

Another setback today! the 3rd tank had some inferior seams and could not be delivered. I am awaiting a refund and will be looking for another source for my tank. looks like at least a month before i have a new tank in my hands.. i will keep everyone updated

[SoLiD]

What about getting the people who made Brian's tank to make yours, too. It was really top notch quality. I really liked the PVC bottom. Just`a thought to consider.

-David

[Triggerman]

look at deep sea aquatic they have the knowledge and know how to build lg. tanks correctly. there will probably be a price difference but it'll be well worth it...most retailers if not every retailer in town use them so anyone of them can give you a price.

[Texreefer]

David,, I had looked into that but not sure I have the money. it would probably run about $2500.00

[LoneStar]

Now that you have parted ways with the tank manufacturer, is it safe to post which one has been giving you all the problems?

[Texreefer]

It was Ocean View Aquariums,, however the second tank made had a crack I believe due to shipping and was just not noticed, After making a 3rd tank under warranty and the seems were not up to par, they felt another delay and building a 4th tank was not in either parties best interest.. I don't beleive them to be a bad company, it just didn't work out for me
I am looking into several options for glass tanks right now,, if I don't find what I want at the price I want, then I am going to build my own again,, I am leaning towards 3/4" acrylic right now.. but also entertaining the Idea of building another plywood tank. just depends on what I hear this week on the other tank options

[Richard]

Oceanview makes good tanks at least when it comes to more standard sizes. I have 7 of them now, the largest being 210 gallons, but have used many more up to 240 gallons. Most of them have black silicone. I think it is either the 36" width/depth that gave them problems or just one of those cases where everything that could go wrong went wrong.

I'd at least get a quote for a Deep Sea Aquarium like Triggerman said. They're the former Oceanic guys up in Dallas.

[joelb]

awesome! thats all i can say. its hard to imagine after seing your 1st tank that the 2nd one could be any better but it was. so, the 4th is just going to be totally mac daddy. i have 2 cans of great stuff (foam) and probably about 3 or 4 large tubes of clear cilicone let me know if you want it and its yours. 210-978-6399 joel, or just send a pm.

[joelb]

also now you can take the pumps out of the overflows and seal the holes like you wanted to. good luck

[Texreefer]

Thanks Joel, i'm done with the foam for now, but I might need some silicone

[Texreefer]

New Tank is ordered and will be ready for pickup in houston on Sept. 20th. only difference is this one will have a starfire front panel:bigsmile:

[greenmako]

which tank manufacturer did you go with?

[rpc]

I'm guessing glasscages, since they are having a Houston delivery Sept 20th.

Richard

[LoneStar]

Yup
http://glasscages.com/?sAction=Deliv

Hope this one turns out well Mike!

[Texreefer]

The new tank is safely in the garage. so the build continues.... finally

[LoneStar]

The new tank is safely in the garage. so the build continues.... finally

:applause:


In the same time you have gone through 4 tanks, I'm still waiting on my 1st tank to get here! :hypnotyized:

[apedroza]

Good luck on this one Mike!!! Can't wait to see you back in action.

[greenmako]

can't wait to see this one!

[joelb]

so,....is it in perfect flawless condition??
i have 2 new 10.1 oz. tubes of clear cylicone so just let me know when you need them and i'll stop by.

[sly fox]

man i hope its awesome, you deserve it to be...

[Texreefer]

Ok, new structure is in tank and finished.. doesn't look like much without the live rock to finish it off.
this is an overall shot. Can't really tell know but it will simulate two reef crests with a crack running down the middle. the white foam you see at the bottom will be a rock outcropping for my clams, Acans and Micros
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01678-1.jpg

this is the left side.. rock will be placed under and on this structure.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01679.jpg

this is the right side, same thing, rock will be placed under and on this structure
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/itili/DSC01680.jpg