First Saltwater Adventure- 90 Gallon Build Thread

[opium89]

This will be my first venture in to the world of saltwater. Having officially sold my freshwater tank, the reefready is on order so here is the plan thus far.

DSA Model 90 (48x18x25)
Durso standpipe
Aquatinics Constellation
25-30 gallon sump w/ seperate refugium
Euroreef RS100
2 x Hydor Koralia 3s for circulation
Eheim 1260 for return
100lbs Fiji live rock/100lbs live aragonite sand
"Limo" tint for the background
Home built stand in black laquer

I will start with FOWLR to start and probably add corals some time down the line when the tank becomes better established and I get over the initial "sticker shock" of the initial build. Would love to hear some opinions/suggestions on the plan thus far and please let me know if there's anything missing (besides the fish of corse). I will post plenty of pics once I get started. I would especally like to hear some thoughts on my choice of lighting. What are the best options for T5 fixtures? Keep in mind I wont be using a canopy.

[engwife36]

Welcome!!!! Sounds like you're off to a good start and keep us posted on the build.

[crossxfire2]

If I were you, I would just go ahead and do what you think will do down the road. Go all out on the lighting. Either t-5, or metal halides, depending on the kind of corals you want to keep. Unless you plan on having a fowler forever, I would not skimp on the lighting this first go around.That way, you wont have to upgrade your lights later, in case you want to start keeping corals. I use power compacts, so I don't know of any special t-5 or metal halide fixtures. (Dont buy power compacts, though lol) But go all out on the lights now, because like the most of us, you will want to keep buying better and better lighting later.

[chark]

Great choices. With that T5 light you should be able to keep almost anything you want. You may have to put clams or sps up higher if or when you get to them. Is the DSA 90 the Neo (overflow in middle) or regular (overflow in the corner)?

[ErikH]

If you are looking at the constellation, look at this one first as it has the icecap reflectors and I believe it is driven by an icecap ballast.
http://www.aquactinics.com/images/Solar_Flare.pdf
Other than that, the other would be a Tek T5 which the blue 6x54w are on sale on marinedepot for 310.

HTH. :)

[Carlos_at_River_City]

Hey Joe,
Your tank has arrived and is ready to pick up whenever you are.

[stoneroller]

I have a Seio and a Koralia 4 in a 72, 1262 for return and I wish I had even more current. So, you might consider going to the K4s in a larger tank.

[opium89]

Wow! One day run around... Carlos, Misti and the whole gang at River City are just top notch!



Hey Joe,
Your tank has arrived and is ready to pick up whenever you are.

[opium89]

I have the same 90 as a freshwater with the K-3s and found them to be plenty. I imagine the K-4s would be blowing my sand out of the tank! =)



I have a Seio and a Koralia 4 in a 72, 1262 for return and I wish I had even more current. So, you might consider going to the K4s in a larger tank.

[MissT]

Like Carlos said, we were able to get the tank in quick, so you're that much closer to having the thing up and running!
To answer an earlier question, his tank is the DSA 90 RR Pro which is 48 x 18 x 25, not the Neo (which is 36 x 24 x 24 for those who are wondering the difference other than O/F placement)

[opium89]

I picked up the tank this evening but I am too tired to even bring it in the house tonight. I'll post some picks tomorrow when I get it out of the car.

Anyone have any experience with both the Tek lights and the Aquatinics? All other things being equal, I want the cooler and quieter of the two. I've also read that the Lifereef protein skimmers are quieter than my original choice of the Euroreef...Again, anyone have experience with both products?

[opium89]

As promised, here is the tank.

http://lh5.google.com/jcitarello/R89fOTYQGlI/AAAAAAAAANc/Ciz57oNo0Ec/s800/new_tank.jpg


And here's another one post-pimped with the tint:
http://lh3.google.com/jcitarello/R89fNzYQGkI/AAAAAAAAANU/jD7nCSAVxyY/s800/pimped.jpg


Dig it....Now all I have to do is head over to the dealer and order up the Mr. T gold trim package and I'll be ready for Compton bayyybee!

Other updates, I ordered the AWI Typhoon III RO/DI system today only to come home and discover it's too big to fit under the bathroom sink! I put a call in to Don tonight to see if I can change the order to the compact version. <sigh>.

Also a few changes in my plan...I think I am going to end up going with the Lifereef protein skimmer. From my research it seems that this one makes much less noise then the Euroreef does. I'd love to hear any thoughts on this.

[opium89]

Just a quick update, I was able to reach Don @ AWI in time enough to adjust my order. I went ahead and switched out the Typhoon for the Compact version. 75GPD but at least I can mount it under the sink! Should be here early next week.

http://www.airwaterice.com/product/1COMPACTTIII/Compact_III_75GPD_with_DI_Bypass_Assembly_and_TDS_ Meter.html

[ismvel]

I have that unit, and love it....you'll be pleased, for sure.

[opium89]

Which Maelv? You talking about the RO system? BTW, as an added point of interest...It was suggested by Don at AWI that I swap out one of the cartridges for a soft water cartridge on the RO due to the fact that I have such hard water here in Hutto. This will apparently extend the life of the membrane and was basically added for free. Interesting that he was the only source that had even made mention of this and I was grateful for his suggestion.

[ismvel]

Sorry..yes the compact RODI system........but I have had mine for about 2 years now, so i don't have the Compact III, mine is called the Compact Reefkeeper, but other than mine having not having the DI bypass, it is the exact same unit. Yeah those guys at AWI are awesome....have dealt with them a couple of times and they were always patient with me ....

[opium89]

So I got the RO system installed. Not so difficult but I did come across one small "gotcha". I opted not to poke a hole in my intake line so I went to the Big Orange Box and picked up a tee fitting. When I tried to install the 1/4" compression fitting I found that it simply did not fit on the tee! With the hose and fittings in tow, I went to the other Big Blue Box cross the street and found someone helpful. We discovered that the white 1/4" hose that came with the unit is slightly smaller on the inside diameter than the clear stuff they had at the store, hence the brass fitting inside the pipe did not allow room for the nut to slide down over the pipe. 10' of clear hose and I was all set! Here are a few picks:

The whole set up out of the box with curious Layla..The thing is alot bigger then it looks in the photos!

http://lh5.google.com/jcitarello/R9h0kPw4LVI/AAAAAAAAAOg/EHZsItP9yS0/s800/AWI_RO.jpg

Snuggly under the sink:

http://lh4.google.com/jcitarello/R9h0k_w4LWI/AAAAAAAAAOo/Xiw9T2Sc-s4/s800/RO_Installed_1.jpg

...and here is what the connections look like.

http://lh6.google.com/jcitarello/R9h0lfw4LXI/AAAAAAAAAOw/cwh1-Y19I64/s800/RO_Installed_2.jpg


I guess next on the list will be my stand. I have a huge cabinet project I am trying to finish up before I can start on it but it should be wrapped up in another two weeks.

[opium89]

...or "I have a Kreg Tool and I am not afraid to use it!"

Wow, almost a year this thing has been sitting. My aquarium hiatus is over and I finally started on the stand this weekend. We've been focused on many other house projects and of course winter is not an ideal time to be futsing around in the garage. Sorry to keep you all in suspense for so long. Here goes!

I've built two of these stands now, so this will be my third. This will be the second I have done using only plywood/hardwood - no 2x4s! It's basically done from 3/4" birch with poplar front and edging. For the most part, assembly includes pocket screws, biscuits and carpenters glue. Finish will be in a satin black lacquer. Overal dimensions are 49 x 19 x 32.

I usually start with the bottom:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/SZikDItuaXI/AAAAAAAAAcM/O91b_-cslOQ/s800/HPIM2170.JPG

You can see the pocket screw assembly here. Top is secured with biscuits and glue.


http://lh5.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/SZikE5K1DEI/AAAAAAAAAcg/ubynb-UtdPI/s800/HPIM2172.JPG

Then comes the back. Again, just pocket screws and glues.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/SZikGmWRASI/AAAAAAAAAcw/-KDd4iea22w/s800/HPIM2174.JPG


Right side, pocket screws, glue.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/SZikHw0t9RI/AAAAAAAAAdA/gxZ8JzTNLAk/s800/HPIM2176.JPG


Clamping the right side panel for screwing. Make sure those clamps are tight or the pocket screws have a tendency to wiggle the panels around.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/SZikJQlIMFI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/ISH4hSm3PBo/s800/HPIM2178.JPG


Left side clamped. Another thing I do is wipe the squeezed glue out fairly quick. It's a ***** to get out of corners once dried. Keep an old toothbrush and a small cup of water nearby.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/SZikJ3891cI/AAAAAAAAAdY/UWUCfRIAX8w/s800/HPIM2179.JPG


Back and sides assembled and drying.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/SZikKl70HeI/AAAAAAAAAdg/D7E5CvhLLrM/s800/HPIM2180.JPG

Let it sit for awhile and attach the bottom to the back and sides. This is done with a few wood screws pre-drilled and countersunk from the underside through the bottom assembly.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/SZikNJb83HI/AAAAAAAAAeA/27p4AjXC5S8/s800/HPIM2191.JPG

Back with sides and bottom attached.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/SZikObPPRUI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/-gcpFMbZwoc/s800/HPIM2193.JPG

I think I will paint the inside next along with the front and top when I have those made. It's a bit of a chore to swing the paint sprayer inside and will be much easier to do before final assembly. This is as far as I got today so more later.

[hobogato]

very nice!

[fishforlife]

cool! cool!
best advice that I recieved from the members at MAAST was this:

GO SLOW.....

[opium89]

LOL! I think I am shooting for a new "GO SLOW" record with this one =P


cool! cool!
best advice that I recieved from the members at MAAST was this:

GO SLOW.....

[QuickSilver525]

its ok, u go as slow as you need. its so much better if you dont rush things. plus you will love the finished product better once its done and not sit back and be like well i should have done this this way u know? but other than that you are doing a fantastic job. keep the updates and pictures coming they are great

[opium89]

Ahh, one year later and finally getting around to finishing this. I am indeed setting a new record for going slow.

Inside: Cover Stain primer topped with S/W Ultra-White alkyd.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/S5MJaqhAVcI/AAAAAAAAAzc/EgyiU_yNEVI/s800/IMG_3319.JPG


Faceframe assembled and attached. Alder on birch ply. Just bisquits attaching this to the box.


http://lh5.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/S5MJZefI8SI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/WzgO2iJbRKg/s800/IMG_3354.JPG

Same for the top with the addition of a hole for the sump. Rounded over the edges with the trusty Bosch router and a 3/8" round-over.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/S5MJY_buHfI/AAAAAAAAAzM/4dXvceFFv9c/s800/IMG_3352.JPG


Trimmed out. Tried a little aspen this time on the trim. It's kinda fuzzy when cut but it's forgiving to work with. A couple of doors and about 9 coats of black laquer and it'll be ready to plumb.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_cmw9p3mTaR0/S5MJZzrv13I/AAAAAAAAAzU/qFekYmuRF1M/s800/IMG_3357.JPG