engwife's 240 gallon tank build **UPDATED**

[engwife36]

Ok, we have just about everything here in the house now but the tank itself (will be here on 16 Feb) and my chiller (will be here next week).

tank is 240 gallons RR 96x24x24
custom sump by Marc, aka Melev 50x20x16
ATI BM200 Skimmer
Tradewinds 1/2hp chiller
3-400w MH
2-250w MH
lumenarc reflectors
12k reeflux bulbs
custom stand and canopy (currently being made)
380lbs of sand
350+lbs of LR (mixed tonga, figi, etc) will probably only use about 250lbs in main tank
2- seio2600's (they will have to work for now b/c I ran out of $$$)....lol
duel chambered calcium reactor

As far as the return and closed loop pump I'm still trying to decide. I still have 2 weeks to make up my mind.

One of my concerns is I'm trying to figure out what size pump I need that takes the water from my sump to the chiller and up to the tank.:bareteeth: I know this can't be that difficult but I quess I'm trying to hard.

I will start posting pics of the equipment and the build this weekend and try to update you along the way.


Wish us luck!

[Bill S]

Pay attention to the flow recommendations from Tradewind. Their flow requirements are nominal.

[engwife36]

Here are a few pictures of the stand we are building. There is also a picture of it in front of my 120 gallon.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0289.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0292.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0295.jpg

[KyleV]

This is going to be a good one!

[engwife36]

Here are a few of the goodies. I'll post the rest as they come in which should be this week.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0341.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0342.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0345.jpg

[FSU]

Nice Brad! You pulling tricks to get all this stuff? :p

[engwife36]

I wish it were that easy!!!!

[apedroza]

Looks like you are off to a fantastic start!!! What kinda skimmer you planning on putting on that beast??

[engwife36]

:wink_smile:I bought a ATI Bubblemaster 200

[engwife36]

Also started painting the inside of the stand with Kilz paint today. It should have the rest of the skin on by Monday evening. Will post updated pics soon.

[tropicana]

Nice job eh!

[apedroza]

:wink_smile:I bought a ATI Bubblemaster 200

Excellent, I'm sooo jealous!!!

[engwife36]

Excellent, I'm sooo jealous!!!


We'll see soon if it was worth it.

[engwife36]

Finished painting the inside with kilz today. Should be able to start skinning it tomorrow. We are going to use 3/4" birch and I think we are going with 3- 31" doors int front instead of 6 smaller ones. We are also putting doors on both sides. Will post those pics this week.

Mama was not happy with this:mad:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0431.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0483.jpg

[erikharrison]

AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE :) How did I miss this? Killz is a godsend!

[engwife36]

Killz is a godsend!


It is, I saw it on some other tanks awhile back and always said when I decide to upgrade I would use it.

[engwife36]

ok, I broke down and bought
:wink_smile:
:wink_smile: (http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=28458)
2- Tunze 6100's with the 7095 multi controller.
:applause::applause::applause:
They should be here by weeks end. We need to step up the pace on the stand and canopy b/c the tank will be here on 16 Feb......

[kooolaid]

How much have you spend so far? Or better how much do you estimate it will be after setting it all up and having a nice cup of tea while enjoying your small ocean?

[engwife36]

So far give or take some we have spent approx. $5200. That includes everything we have listed minus the calcium reactor. I'm still waiting on his price.

[engwife36]

Question...since I'm running the two Tunze 6100's should I still put the 2-seio 2600's in there?

[greenmako]

Looking good I'm tagging along!

[ismvel]

Question...since I'm running the two Tunze 6100's should I still put the 2-seio 2600's in there?
If you choose not to use them and want to sell them...drop me a line. I am looking for 2 of these for the tank I am setting up this weekend.

[engwife36]

Let me see what the others have to say and I will let you know.

[lhoy]

Can't the Seio's be put on a controller as well? How about running Tunze's in pulse and Seio's in opposite pulse or one set one full time and pulse the other? Could do some cool combo's.

Lee

[michad]

You know I think I recognize this setup! Can't wait for you to have it. BTW not stalking you, there was a link on dfwmas pointing to maast and I stumbled on your thread.

Be in touch, Michael

[michad]

ps, if you have any extra rock, the big stuff....dont forget me.

Michael

[engwife36]

Lee (Ihoy) is the one with the big rock.....

Lee, you have any of the big stuff left?

[engwife36]

Its nice to have you on Michael! MAASTARDS are pretty good people.

[lhoy]

Hey, as a matter of fact I still have at least 200 lbs or more left!! Thanks for the plug and GETTING CLOSE to seeing water flow in this badboy!!

Lee

[BIGBIRD123]

ps, if you have any extra rock, the big stuff....dont forget me.

Michael

Michael, welcome to Maast. I grew-up in Abilene and graduated from Abilene High....Long time ago...LOL!

Steve

[engwife36]

Lee, if you get a chance can you get me a measurement of the biggest piece you have left? Thanks

[lhoy]

Sure, will do.
I will try to get tomorrow, just heading to bed.

Lee

[engwife36]

My new Tradewind compact 1/2hp chiller came in today. Thanks Bill for the help.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0570.jpg

[Bill S]

Mine came today too!

[engwife36]

Let me know how yours turns out. I will not be able to hook mine up for another two weeks.

[Bill S]

I'm working on the plumbing "as we speak", but don't expect to have it running until Sunday. I have continuing ed classes Friday & Saturday... UGH.

[engwife36]

Nothing really happening today. We have about 1 week until the tank gets here. We still need to finish the stand (which should be done by tomorrow) and start on the canopy.

I guess a plus is that the 2 Tunze 6100's with the multi-controller came in today:applause:.

Hopefully i will be able to post something more exciting later.....Everyone has been sick around here:sick:

[engwife36]

Oh ya, another PLUS!

Michaela got her tubes tied this week.........lol:bigsmile::bigsmile::bigsmile::big smile:

[erikharrison]

Oh ya, another PLUS!

Michaela got her tubes tied this week.........lol:bigsmile::bigsmile::bigsmile::big smile:

Looks like you're never gonna finish the build... :rofl:

[lhoy]

I don't care who you are, that is funny!!!! One week later and the Tunze's are still in there box . . .

Lee

[engwife36]

LMAO..........:rofl::lauging::rofl:


You guys crack me up.......I just hope she thinks its funny:what_smile:

[FSU]

Oh ya, another PLUS!

Michaela got her tubes tied this week.........lol:bigsmile::bigsmile::bigsmile::big smile:

Better late than never!

[ClownReef®]

Rick?!?!

[engwife36]

I just got the call and we will have our tank here tomorrow instead of next weekend. We are almost finished with the stand and we can always finish up the trim and everything later. Here is the newest pics of the stand with the skins on. I'm currently putting the stain on it now and will post pics when its done.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0575.jpg

[engwife36]

Alright, just got finished putting the stain on it. I will be putting on some semi-gloss next.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0579.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0578.jpg

[FSU]

Rick?!?!

Yes?

[ClownReef®]

Dude..whats up!??!...Reef69... Rememeber me?

[hobogato]

looking great brad - cant wait to see it all up and running

[FSU]

Dude..whats up!??!...Reef69... Rememeber me?


yeah man, how's my clowns Diego? You still have them? Or should I say, YOUR clowns! :p

[FSU]

BTW, is that why you changed your name?

[RayAllen]

NICE, looking good. What is that a 30" heigth? But you are anxious as ever to get the tank on that.

[engwife36]

ok, picked up a few more things today. Still have a lot of work ahead of us but at least everything is here now. Heres a few quick pics for now. We'll take better ones later.......way tired!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0600.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0596.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0597.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0601.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0602.jpg

[FSU]

ummm....DAYYYUM!? lol

[engwife36]

:wink_smile:From the ground to the top of the stand came out to 41"

[hobogato]

havin fun yet? looks like it :D

[lhoy]

Got back from Abilene with tank intact!!! Sweet, thanks for taking the rock up there and looking good!

Lee

[engwife36]

ACE, Now its time to have some fun!

Lee, It was only a 2 1/2 hr trip. Not bad at all, and your welcome. When you get your class on the calcium reactor let me know......

[michad]

Cant believe you dont already have water in it! How the pup do on the car ride?

So far I just found one piece of the stand trim that was left behind.

Thanks for bringing the rock, and I'll be watching the thread for your progress.

Michael

[engwife36]

I don't think I'll be needing it Michael. Unless someone up here is looking for a 96" stand. I'm still making RO/DI for this thing. I was not prepared to get it a week early. (i'm not complaining either though)

The boxer is doing fine. She acts like she is house trained and is doing wel with the kids. The only thing is my 1 1/2 yr English Bulldog (73lbs) is a little rough with her. I think Michaela is going to find him a good home in the near future anyway b/c she doesn't want to take the chance of him mating with our Dogue de Bordeaux. She doesn't want to get him chopped neither.:bareteeth:

Will see, maybe she can trade him for some frags...........seriously!

Thanks again and good luck with your new tank.

[engwife36]

:mad:I HATE PLUMBING........:mad:

I know a lot of people that like doing it but I can not STAND IT!

Maybe if I go to sleep early I'll wake up and find that the MAAST fairy stopped in and finished everything........

I guess I'm just getting to anxious

I swear I've been to HD 3 times today and still didn't get the right crap...I'm going to sleep:bareteeth:

[lhoy]

Hey man, I would be VERY interested in the Bulldog. As long as I could provide frags over time!!! Let's talk about it. He is well house trained? My grandfather rasied English Bulldogs in the 60's showing them all over the US. I would LOVE one.

Lee

[lhoy]

Will plumb for dog?!!!

; )

Lee

[engwife36]

Lee, if you are good at plumbing, buy what little pvc pieces I still need if any, plus $100, you will be the proud owner of a 75lbs lovable bulldog.......

[ismvel]

I swear I've been to HD 3 times today and still didn't get the right crap...I'm going to sleep:bareteeth:
ha ha ha...i feel your pain there...i got so embarrassed of going back there this weekend, I sent my wife to get that last T fitting I needed.....I swear I spend more time there than an average part time employee did.

[engwife36]

He does good in the house as long as you don't leave him for long periods. We usually put him in the yard when we go places. When we're home he is always laying right next to us and we have no problems. A few months back he did pee in the kitchen when he was left for 6 hrs.

[ClownReef®]

BTW, is that why you changed your name?

Hey man!! Hows the baby?!?!?! (Sorry Michaela for hijacking your thread)..:P

The clowns died about a year ago during a tank change.. trust me, i cried for months dude..

Reef69 is no more...lol..looooong story..

[engwife36]

Lee, his name is Maximus andI paid $2000 for him. Let me see if I can find some pics of our baby Max.

[lhoy]

I am seriously interested in would be very happy to plumb for you (and some cash for the dog). I would like to see how it would do with my Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

Lee

[engwife36]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSCF0054.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSCF0545.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/MAX.jpg

and Lee, it would really only be b/c I know you're a good person and would take good care of him.

He is much bigger now then in that last pic.

[engwife36]

Ok let me know when you want to get going.

He is a big teddy bear....the only time he gets a little frisky is when my female bordeaux comes in heat. She's tall....he's short.....she won't put up with his crap....and he gets frustrated.......lol

[lhoy]

Well, talking to my wife, but whether or not it works out, I will plumb first and work on wife!!! I REALLY want the dog.

What day you looking at? I am off all day Friday so I can devote a whole day.

Lee

[engwife36]

ok, back to my tank, I have a question about my calcium reactor. Can someone tell me if I need a PH controller? If so, what would you recommend?

[MissT]

Milwaukee SMS122. If you don't use one on the reactor, there wont be anything to tell it when it needs to be on except for you... pH testing isn't that much fun :wink_smile:

[apedroza]

Nice dog!!! We have a 11yr old bulldog and a 3 1/2 YO Brindle Boxer . He still acts like a 1yo, but now weighs 80lbs. Your tank looks like its coming along nicely!!!

[engwife36]

Thanks all, He's about 1 1/2 yrs. He weighed in at 73lbs about 3 months ago. You (or at least I) would think you could out run his short @%$ but he will pass me up every time.

Misti, I'm going to look into that Milwaukee SMS122. Maybe I can find one on ebay.

[MissT]

If not LMK and I'll get you a price for a new one

[michad]

Not sure how you thought it looked at the house, but one suggestion; spaflex. You didnt see the first plumb job that was under the 240...it all gets good with spaflex. Need a good pic of the boxer when she settles in. Good Luck on the plumbing and Lee...if you're always off on Friday's keep one open in mid-March :)

[lhoy]

Will do!!! Plumbing with threaded bulkheads, plenty of unions, spaflex, well thought out plans, and patience makes the world go round baby!! Besides, under big cabinets it is that much easier. Brad's new stand is so high (like mine) that I suddenly realized when plumbing that space makes all the difference in the world when working under the cabinet. Also, (pay attention reefers) Brad put doors on the ends as well which will make it that much easier. If we could only get the tank companies to build stands like our custom guys on MAAST!!!

Brad - Check on the Milwaukee and Pinpoint Controllers on Ebay! Be sure and ask how long the probe has been out of water and if so, was it stored in solution!! Otherwise, plan on buying new probe.

Lee

Lee

[engwife36]

Good point about the probe being out of the water.....I will probably just buy a new one...

I mean really, at this point, whats a few more $$$

[engwife36]

I forgot Lee, Friday is good for me. I have to work from 0800 to 1030 in the morning. After that I decided to take 10 days of leave to get this project finished. Thanks

Michael, I still have all that spaflex if Lee wants to use it.

[engwife36]

Just a quick update,

I have washed and put in about 260lbs of caribsea sugar sized sand today. I spent about 4hrs doing this and of course the water is still cloudy. I have 2- 40lbs of live sand left to put in but I'll probably wait till Friday evening once the plumbing is done.....Thanks Lee

I'm sure everyone here knows the milky-water look so I'm not going to post any pics till after the plumbing gets done.

For those with 1/2hp chillers....I finally pulled my new compact 1/2hp chiller from Tradewind out of the crate and I'm telling you its about the size of a 10 gallon aquarium. I've never seen another 1/2hp chiller so I don't know what to campare to. It does weigh 61lbs though. Hopefully size doesn't matter in the situation....lol:what_smile:

[engwife36]

What to say thanks to Lee (lhoy) for the awesome job he did on plumbing the new tank. Now I can move on with finishing the canopy so I can get the lights in. 2 out of the 3 new ballast work so:mad:

I quess I will have to ship the bad one off and wait for the new one.......always something!

A good thing is that 3- 400w with the lumenarc reflectors will be plenty. That spread is amazing! I will try to post updated pics soon.

[engwife36]

OK, We still have a ways to go but here are a few updated pics. I will be on leave this week so I should have plenty of time to finish.

TO DO LIST:

Tint window behind tank
Start and finish canopy and mount lights
Return broken (new) ballast
install the Tunze's
Put doors on the stand
and......maybe start on all the trim work

In this picture I am just trying to show the nice spread of one light using the lumenarc reflector. It has a XM 20k bulb in it now but will be using the 12k reeflux when everything is installed. Also take note that the reflector will also be mounted about 8 inches higher than it is now once the canopy is complete.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0808.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0821.jpg

something extra
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0814.jpg

[engwife36]

oh, and of course add the rest of the LR and maybe start to transfer some things over.

[klondike4001]

Looks like those reflectors were a great choice. Where did you get them and how much for them if you don't mind me asking, I'm going to need 2 for my new tank.

The setup's looking great, and I really like the idea of the Killz in the stand, will you be doing the same inside the canopy? The fish looks like a Coris Wrasse, but it's missing the spots on the dorsal fin, so... what is it?

[FSU]

Looks awesome Brad! I am going to use those same reflectors for my tank We need to make it up when it's done, otherwise it would be a wasted trip! :p

[engwife36]

its a yellow wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus), http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11_03/product_info.php?products_id=298&parent_category=4&category_search=61&root_parent_id=4&PHPSESSID=4887cb7b3ea75ecc161d74e3624a90a8

I bought the relectors, ballasts and lights here:

http://www.reefexotics.com/lumenarc_retro.htm

[klondike4001]

Thanks!

[FSU]

:hypnotyized: Still waiting on more pics! :photo:

[engwife36]

OK, here is the latest and greatest.....

One of my new ballast I bought from Coralvue is not working. Contacted them, they gave me their Fedex account number and sent it off today. The new one should be here soon. They were very polite and helpful people.

I have just about everything running except for my calcium reactor. All I'm waiting for is the controller and Brian's help....lol. Hopefull he can give me and lhoy (lee) a class soon.

I also moved just about everything over from the old tank. It's probably a little soon but still should be fine. There was a couple 100lbs of LR and a good amount of sand transfered over to. I plan on having a small cycle but nothing I can't handle...

Everything is looking fine. All the corals are showing great polyp extension and color.

I should be finished with the canopy this week. Well minus the trim but it will be functional. The canopy is TALL AND LOOKS WEIRD but I wanted it like this b/c my light rack will be able to move up and down. Please don't judge it yet, wait for it to be finished...It will look nice. I just put it up there to make sure it fit:whew:it did.
I went ahead and painted the inside with kilz too. I will start to stain tomorrow if it does't rain. I have also started on the door frames. Man this has been alot of work......


these pictures are not the greatest. Once everything is done and the water is more clear I will bring out the tripod and do my thing...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0828.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/b2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/v4.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/v3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0850.jpg

[FSU]

haha, looking good man and nice pics! I see that maybe I rubbed off on you with the tangs possibly? It's ok, you got me back with the bullmastiffs! :shades:

[engwife36]

Hooked up the Tunze's today and WOW! Those things really move some water. I have room for two more on the controller so I quess I'm going to go ahead and get them. I have the two of them alternating now and they are extremely quite....very pleased!

[cpreefguy]

looking good! What kind of Tunze's are you running?

[engwife36]

I'm running 2 of the 6100's.

Also, I got my ring finger stuck between the two magnets today and HOLY $@#!

I had to get a screwdriver to get them apart. It felt like my finger was slammed in a car door and I couldn't get it out. I swear I do some dumb things sometimes.....

[ismvel]

Great looking tank...I need to make my canopy...I made my stand and skinned it...need to put the doors on....I hope it looks half as good as yours I will eventually throw some pictures up.....it is in the cycle now....

great job

[engwife36]

Thanks maelv. I still have along way to go to get the stand and canopy finished. Hurry up and post your pics!

[ismvel]

Thanks maelv. I still have along way to go to get the stand and canopy finished. Hurry up and post your pics!
Done....LOL....you military people always ordering folks around...ha ha ha ha....just kidding..was once in the military myself....:shades:

[RayAllen]

Job not complete, but well done so far. Beautiful tank.

[engwife36]

thanks ray

[FSU]

so, one week goes by....you must have done SOMETHING during this time? :p

[second_decimal]

wow thats a pretty impressive build. nice pics too. thanks for sharing. how do you like your bbk skimmer? (i thought i saw one in one of your plumbing pics) also, isnt it nice to have a little room under the tank for once? i dont know why, but factory stands are always crammed.

[engwife36]

The only thing I've had time to work on is the canopy. I still need to put the trim on it. All I did is put stain on it and built the light rack. I'm still waiting on the other ballast to get sent back to me from Coralvue. It's been over a week.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1100.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1103.jpg

[engwife36]

Here are a few pictures though.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_1108.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_1122.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_1130.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_1132.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_1137.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_1141.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_1143.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_1173.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1121.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1131.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1129.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1133.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1134.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1167.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1169.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1172.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_1174.jpg

[greenmako]

looking good!!

[lhoy]

Brad,

Canopy turned out great!!! Looking good. I assume all plumbing still working fine?

Lee

[engwife36]

Thanks all...

The plumbing is all good Lee. The tank is so quite compared to my old one. The loudest noise I here is the air coming from the Bubblemaster skimmer. I'm guessing once I get the doors on the stand I will not even here that.

[lhoy]

How is the Bubblemaster working? How is the heat output around the chiller? The more I thought about where it is, the more I was worrying about it.

Lee

[engwife36]

That Bubblemaster skimmer is a beast. I thought I was happy with the Euroreef I used to have but IMO it doesn't come close to this BM........

The chiller has only came on once. I put the lights down right on top of the water turned them up to full power (ballast is dimmable) and left it on starting at 8:00 am. The water finally reached 81 degrees at 8:15 PM and the chiller turned on. It only ran for about 15 min and brought the water back down to 78 degrees.

Now that was just a test. I will of course never leave my lights on for that long of a time. I really don't think running my lights under normal conditions and my house never being warmer that 75 degrees that my chiller will even turn on. I quess it'll be good to have just in case though. I'm very pleased with it. I was kind of worried at first with the chiller only being the size of a 10 gallon aquarium. It was pretty quite when it came on too.

[engwife36]

SO........if you've been following along in this thread you already know that one of my NEW Coralve 400w dimmable ballast did not work. I talked directly to David who is the predident and he told me he would not send out a new one until the recieve my old one. He said they have gotten ripped off in the past so this is how they do it. Fine....ok....I can understand that. So anyway the finally got it and after a week and a half (TODAY) Fedex shows up at my door with the new one. I'm thinking:bigsmile:, finally i can get the right side of the tank lit. I open the box to find a 250w not dimmable ballast.:angry: So I called David and had to leave a message and he returned my call within 20 min. He apologized and told me to keep the 250w ballast. He told me they won't have anymore 400w dimmables for another week or two but as soon as they get the next ones made he will ship it out. I really can't complain to much, they've had great customer service. He also told me that if I didn't have a 250w bulb the 250w ballast would fire my 400w bulb. I don't think I'm going to try it though. Anyway, as soon as this weather clears up I can get this canopy trim finished and start on my stand. More to follow.................