Bluesunreef

[cpreefguy]

This thread will be dedicated to my new system, the Bluesunreef.

I have really fallen in love with this build. This tank will be everything that I want it to be. Simple, sleek, and effective.
The name stems from the lighting paired with design aspect of the color of the equipment. The equipment has all been powder coated to emulate Lamborghini Arancio Borealis orange.

Here are the specifications.

The Tank:
ADA 75P (30x18x18)

The Stand:
Custom designed 1.5" boxed steel with a shelf and brackets to hold the American dj power strip
Designed to hold inset frosted acrylic panels

The Lighting:
Icecap new style 250w electronic ballast
Icecap Anthony Calfo Signature series 20,000k SE bulb
Lumenarc Stealth Pendant
Custom lamp tree

The Equipment:
Deltec MCE300 Skimmer
Aquaclear 70 Refugium
Vortech MP20

The Coral:
It will be a mixed reef, focusing on SPS with a few choice LPS

The Fish:
Apogon leptacanthus
Apolemichtys arctuatus




http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9723.jpg



http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/the-sun-blue.jpg

[BioCube14]

whoa

[jpond83]

huh

[princer7]

Freaky cool!!

[cbianco]

Oh boy, not another build...

Who needs TV when you have cpreefguy's build threads!!! :wub:

GIVE US A HINT SEAN... SOMETHING... :at_wits_end:

Christopher

[fishypets]

I'm guessing he'll have this system sold two days after he adds fish. ;)

[jrsatx20]

a lot of people sure knows how u operate huh sean

[cpreefguy]

Yeah, I'm loving it. You guys will be floored when I keep it :D

[cpreefguy]

Or maybe not once I start posting pics!

[DrMark]

I'm guessing he'll have this system sold two days after he adds fish. ;)

.......thats the pattern ;)

[jrsatx20]

funny how history repeats itself

[JeffCo]

All true, but It will be even better this time.

[BioCube14]

dibs on the the light!

[Mr Cob]

Dibs on the underground plumbing setup! :P

[cpreefguy]

I stopped by CTC today, the powdercoater, and got to see my finished stand. It looks awesome. I also dropped off 4 other various items to be powdercoated and will pick everything up this weekend :)

[cpreefguy]

Lumenarc III mini, Icecap 250w Ballast, Anthony Calfo Series 20,000k bulb


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9608.jpg

[cbianco]

http://www.suspendedlaunch.com/dl/this_thread_is_worthless_without_pics.gif

Of the tank that is...

[cpreefguy]

The tank is due to arrive in Houston at the ADGshop on the 30th, so pics to come!

[cbianco]

The tank is due to arrive in Houston at the ADGshop on the 30th, so pics to come!

http://www.spug.sg/forums/images/smilies/bananadance.gif

Woot Woot!

[cpreefguy]

Well, I am racking my brain trying to decide how I want to do the filtration.

I originally wanted to do a false wall, where I would use the majority as a refugium, and so that I could hide the heater, float switch, and return pump.

I just don't know if I am willing to sacrifice 5" of tank space (~8 gallons)

So, that brings me to my newest obsession. Integrating my HOB Deltec MCE300 and a custom made hang-on-back refugium. This way, I will still be able to hide all of the equipment, and I will not be taking space away from the tank, rather adding water volume to the system. This is the best option IMO.

Also, Christopher, your little banana dancer is freaking me out :D

[cbianco]

First of all, don't hate...
http://www.spug.sg/forums/images/smilies/bananadance.gif

Second, as you presumed, I am a big fan of all in ones. I have stated in other threads and I will state again, I am a nano guy at heart. I say you do a false wall and create an "all in one" tank.

If you create a HOB refugium with skimmer, you may as well connect a seperate refugium with skimmer compartment.

That Deltec looks nice but why spend the money when you can get a Remora/Remora Pro for under/around $200?

Sean, I am sure that no matter what way you go, you will have a sweet tank.

[cpreefguy]

Well, I already have the Deltec MCE300 on my current tank. and it kicks butt! I love this skimmer.

I really do want to do the false wall, but Im not so sure that I want to give up 8g of tank volume...
Decisions, decisions....

Also, I contacted Jeff ad ADGshop, and he informed me that the hob fuge will void the tank warranty, so that may have made my decision for me...

[LoneStar]

Also, I contacted Jeff ad ADGshop, and he informed me that the hob fuge will void the tank warranty, so that may have made my decision for me...

Unless you build a support to carry the full weight of the skimmer independent of the tank. You can attach it to the stand if its not too late.

[cpreefguy]

The stand is steel, but I can figure out a way to do that. The skimmer holds less than one gallon, it would be the hob fuge that needed support, holding about 3 gallons.

[LoneStar]

It would be pretty simple to build, if you got a metal worker handy. It can even bolt onto the stand. Once you have the tank on the stand, you can mock it up and get some dimensions to have one made.

[cpreefguy]

The stand was just powdercoated, so I dont want to compromise the finish by drilling into it...

[LoneStar]

The stand was just powdercoated, so I dont want to compromise the finish by drilling into it...

Meh! I drill through powder coated parts all day long :) You could always touch up the holes with paint and/or seal the connection up with silicone once bolted on. Just an idea.

[cpreefguy]

True, Ill just have to give it some thought...

[cpreefguy]

I have some updates!

Lets see, I have been feeding the dendro colony mysis shrimp daily. I now have 3 new heads forming! I am excited to see how well it is doing.

I picked up the gang of stuff from the powder coater today. It all looks better than I had expected! I will be posting a picture soon...

I bought an acrylic sheet to act as a top to the stand, and today I took a power sander to one side to give it a frosted look. It came out well, I have a cool idea planned, so more to come on the frosted acrylic top... :)

I also made my mind up concerning the filtration. I have decided to go with.............................................. ..............................................
a false wall! Cbianco wins the prize! :D

I drew up a sketch of what I want it to look like, it will have a section for a refugium, a section for the vortech so that it is hidden, and the return pump/heater/ATO section.
I was not willing to sacrifice a lot of the tank volume, so this false-wall chamber will only take up 2.5" of space (approximately 3.5 gallons)
I feel like this is a pretty good compromise, plus having the peace of mind that I won't have 5 gallons of water hanging on a rimless tank! Though it will be a pain to work in...

Additionally, I stopped by Bernie's (lt1z28) house today, and WOW! His tank is incredible, I'm talking Reef Central TOTM incredible. I picked up 4 excellent SPS frags from him.

All in all, a productive day. :D

[jrsatx20]

so wheres the sketch cant see it.

[BioCube14]

lt1z28 is by far the best tank ive seen here in town

[cbianco]

I bought an acrylic sheet to act as a top to the stand, and today I took a power sander to one side to give it a frosted look. It came out well, I have a cool idea planned, so more to come on the frosted acrylic top... :)

That sounds neat. Will the acrylic just rest on or be permanently affixed, to the top of the stand?


I also made my mind up concerning the filtration. I have decided to go with.............................................. ..............................................
a false wall! Cbianco wins the prize! :D

What is the prize? :p


I drew up a sketch of what I want it to look like, it will have a section for a refugium, a section for the vortech so that it is hidden, and the return pump/heater/ATO section.
I was not willing to sacrifice a lot of the tank volume, so this false-wall chamber will only take up 2.5" of space (approximately 3.5 gallons)
I feel like this is a pretty good compromise, plus having the peace of mind that I won't have 5 gallons of water hanging on a rimless tank! Though it will be a pain to work in...

Wow... 2.5 inches, how will you get your hand in there to work?

Will your refugium house sand and chaeto? I put sand and chaeto into the refugium on the Finnex. I am thinking about siphoning the sand back out. It seems to collect too much junk.

Will the Vortec be recessed into the refugium or Are you building a dry box for the Vortec? I like the idea of hiding equipment. I gives a nice clean line (look) to the aquarium.

What's your plan for the ATO?


Additionally, I stopped by Bernie's (lt1z28) house today, and WOW! His tank is incredible, I'm talking Reef Central TOTM incredible. I picked up 4 excellent SPS frags from him.

I've heard his tank is spectacular! Get any pictures of it or your frags?

[cpreefguy]

Lets see...

The acrylic top will be affixed to the top, but can be removed (for moving and such)

I'll have to think of the prize :) (pocket lint, a rubberband, and a paper clip? :D )

2.5" will be a narrow workplace, but hopefully I wont need to reach in there that often. I was going to do sand, LR rubble, chaeto, and mangroves, but I may nix the sand...

The vortech will be hidden by the wall. The wet side will be in a chamber, and the dry side will be outside of the tank.

As for ATO, I was going to go with top-off.com, but they look to be out of buiness!

I'll try to snap gratuitous pictures today :D

[ErikH]

If biocube passes on the light, LMK. Cash in hand.
:P

If this is an unreef, then what's with the Lum? :D

20k is the WTG, tons of color and no growth! You'll have a tank like mine! I have an A. Plana that I got from Bernie almost a year ago and it has barely grown. It's like 2" under the surface too. Like you said yesterday, "better than a bunch of huge brown corals"....

Can't wait to see the pics in the for sale forum!

[BioCube14]

dont take my light scorpino hehe

[cpreefguy]

Laugh it up guys, laugh it up :D

Here is a quick pic


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9643.jpg

[cbianco]

I'll have to think of the prize :) (pocket lint, a rubberband, and a paper clip? :D )

Do you need a mailing address? You could deliver it in person. :bigsmile:


I was going to do sand, LR rubble, chaeto, and mangroves, but I may nix the sand...

If you skip the sand, I'll siphon my sand too.


The vortech will be hidden by the wall. The wet side will be in a chamber, and the dry side will be outside of the tank.

As for ATO, I was going to go with top-off.com, but they look to be out of buiness!

I'm very interested in seeing the Vortech in tank. I have a partial idea of what you will be doing but I didn't come equipped with the reefguy imagination.

As for the top off, you always have JBJ. If I know you as well as I think I do, it will be a custom job.

BTW, I like the DJ power switch but does it allow for timer? I considered one myself but I couldn't figure out how to add timers and mount it. The timers seemed to get in the way.

[cpreefguy]

I did the sketch on graph paper, old school, but I'll try to take a pic of the sketch in a bit.

The DJ power strip is kind of tight in the back, but I have seen timers with a "tail" so that they don't take up space on the strip.

[fishypets]

This thread is full O talk and no action Sean, so far I'm not impressed one bit. ;)

[cpreefguy]

No love for the Lamborghini Arancio Borealis orange? :D

[fishypets]

No love for the Lamborghini Arancio Borealis orange? :D


I thought the theme of this thread is Blue??

[cpreefguy]

In a way, it is.

I think the name Bluesunreef will become more apparent as the thread progresses and I'm able to post more pics.

[jpond83]

the pictures dont show up for me

[cpreefguy]

Here is the *rough* sketch I did on graph paper (I need to learn google sketch-up!)

From Left to Right:

Top Left you'll see the overflow teeth.
Bottom Left are small holes for extra intake flow allowing the ehole chamber to get some water movement.

Top Middle is the Vortech chamber. The pump itself is 3" in diameter, but the hole will be 4" allowing an extra 1/2" around the pump, the top of the Vortech box will also be lined with overflow teeth to make sure the pump gets enough water in its chamber.

Right side, there will be a tall baffle. The last chamber will house an Eheim compact return pump, a heater, and the ATO float switches. The hole in the top right is for the return line.

So, the whole left side will be filled with LR rubble, about 10" worth, as well as chaeto and a few mangroves. The fuge light will ba attached to the left side of the tank, and the Deltec MCE300 skimmer will be hanging on the back of the tank right in the middle.


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9651-1.jpg

[cbianco]

Umm... Nice tank? :sarcastic:

So the Vortec will be hidden by a false wall, in the rear chamber, fed with an overflow, and a hole cut out to allow for water to be blown back out.

That's kind of cool! :shades:

Ninja cool! :ph34r:

Will the Vortec stick out of the hole?
If not, will the restricted opening impede the Vortec's ability to push water?

[cpreefguy]

The vortech won't stick out. I posted in the ecotech forum on rc and it looks like I need to redesign the vortech integration.

[rpc]

it looks like I need to redesign the vortech integration.

I agree, I think you would cavitate the pump. It'll need much more flow in, unless you have it dialed all the way down (and even then it may not get the flow it needs)

Is your intent to hide the wetside?

Richard

[princer7]

No love for the Lamborghini Arancio Borealis orange? :D


:wub::wub::wub::wub: SWEET!!!!!!!

My DJs are no where near as cool. Just drab. :cry_smile:

[cpreefguy]

Yes, the intent was to hide the wet side. Now it looks like I will just be making the Vortech its own dry chamber th house the dry side, and the wet side will be on the opposite side of the false wall

[subsailor]

so it is the 30th............. pics?

[cpreefguy]

Tank is in Houston. I have to find a day this weekend to go and get it :D

[cpreefguy]

So, I'll be heading to Houston on Saturday to pick up my tank :bigsmile:

I also installed Icecap quick disconnect to the pendant:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9680.jpg

[ReefCube]

hmm is that a Euro plug?

[cpreefguy]

No, it's just a quick disconnect so I can plug he socket from the pendant into the icecap ballast.

[cpreefguy]

So, I have been thinking a lot about the filtration for this tank.
The false wall idea will not work unless I make is 4" deep. That is 5.5 gallons of lost space. No go.
I am also not willing to risk hanging a big HOB refugium on his tank. No go.

My basic needs: Something that I can hide the heater in, can run mechanical filtration/carbon/GFO if I need to, something that will hold some LR rubble and mangroves. Well, it's not the most hi-tech or advanced solution, but I found something that meets the basic requirements. I will post more when I receive it.

[BIGBIRD123]

Are you sure that's Lamborghini Arancio Borealis orange? It looks like just "cheap" burnt orange...lol...just for you Clint..lol

S

[fishypets]

Funny coming from a man laid up in a nursing home. Call me if you ever get out, I'll buy you a Gerital! lol

[LoneStar]

Are you sure that's Lamborghini Arancio Borealis orange? It looks like just "cheap" burnt orange...lol...just for you Clint..lol

S

Must be a 'tea sipper' theme!

[ReefCube]

pics! pics pics!

[JimD]

Funny coming from a man laid up in a nursing home. Call me if you ever get out, I'll buy you a Gerital! lol

Sorry, just gotta laugh at that one! lol :bigsmile: :heart: Luv ya bro..

[cpreefguy]

Whew...
What a long day. Woke up at 6:00am and then headed to Houston to pick the tank up from the Aquarium Design Group shop. That place is absolutely unreal. The freshwater and reef tanks they have in there are immaculate and gorgeous. They have a few planted tanks in there that would make anyone want to tear down their reefs and start a planted tank. Like I said, unreal. I talked with Mike for a while. Super cool guy, and one of the most passionate hobbyists I have ever met.

On to the pics:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9721.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9718.jpg

[Robb_in_Austin]

Ooooooooo!

And I was excited by the paint color, can't wait to see this done!

[cpreefguy]

The color is pretty dynamic. From far away it looks orange, that pic was point blank with the flash and it looks yellow/orange, and in sunlight is is pearlescent orange.

I just unpacked the tank, and wow. This tank is clean. I have yet to see better build quality.

Now all I need to do is go to Lowes and do some hardware shopping so I can level the stand, attach the light rack and the pendant to it, and bolt the power strip on.

[cbianco]

Lurking...

Drooling...

:hypnotyized:

[ReefCube]

wow that stand/setup looks like it can go 200mph! very nice!

[cpreefguy]

I forgot to mention, that tank was my Birthday present from Jessica! :D
It doesnt get any better than that!

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

Happy Birthday and what a present! :bigsmile:

[cpreefguy]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9719.jpg

[DrMark]

I forgot to mention, that tank was my Birthday present from Jessica! :D
It doesnt get any better than that!

thats good,
better chance of you not selling it shortly after setting it up:wink_smile:

[Mr Cob]

Man...that's HOT!

Dude, that color is sick! I hate you for not taking a FSS! I hate teaser shots!!!

[jrsatx20]

dibs on the car when she kills u cuz u sold the tank

[cpreefguy]

^^^ that was only funny for the first 6 pages

[BIGBIRD123]

We'll start taking dibs on the next 4...lol

S

[ReefCube]

no more jokes I just want to see the tank!

[jrsatx20]

sean u need a bigger screen cuz i only have two pages showing or u cant count.

[cpreefguy]

A few more pics!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9726.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9723.jpg

[Big_Pun]

:thumbs_up: very nice , i like how simple it is ,cant wait to see it set up, are you goin to cover the stand at all or did you come with a way to hide the electrical cords

[cpreefguy]

I think I am going to do frosted inset acrylic panels on all sides

[sly fox]

love the colour of the stand and the powder coat job... very nice

adg has a cool showroom, thats where MARSH have their meetings

[cpreefguy]

updated original post

[JeffCo]

Nice clean look, like the color!

[sly fox]

i dont know anything about those new icecap bulbs... how have they done in tests?

[cpreefguy]

I am not sure on the bulb, I wanted a 20k so I'm giving it a shot. I'm interested to see how it looks.

[stoneroller]

Loving it....

[apedroza]

Hey Sean, tell Jessica thanks for my future tank!!!!!

[cpreefguy]

I would, but you can't have it :D

[aggman]

The Fish:
Apogon leptacanthus
Apolemichtys arctuatus


ok i know the first one is the cardinal, what is the second one...a bandit angel?

~alex

[ReefCube]

cardinals are great but you will have a couple die on you they seem to stress out pretty easy for some reason

[Obi-Wan the Goby]

Very, very nice!

I have the 90-P and love it, but am looking for a better stand. Yours looks sweet. Looking forward to this build and more pics.

[cpreefguy]

A few updates (Blurry pic warning!)

Bolted the power strip up, there is room for another under it if I need to add on...

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9730.jpg

I also got my Aquaclear 70 filter last night. I spent about 10 minutes modding it into a refugium. My goal is to start this tank with this AC70 refugium to help it get established, and then remove it from the tank after a few months (it's not the prettiest thing to even hang on the back of an ADA!)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9731.jpg

Today, I'm heading to San Antonio to Regal Plastics to get the rest of the acrylic cut for the outside panels, the shelf, and the bottom of the stand.

I am also getting a piece cut to go on the back of the tank to hide the filter and skimmer.

Do you guys think I should go with white acrylic for the panels, or just get clear and frost it with sandpaper as I did for the top?

Im also thinking about white or frosted for the back piece instead of the traditional black background...

Thoughts??? :)

[princer7]

I have always prefered blue or black backgrounds. Does regal carry a frosted verson?

[princer7]

Although I have seen those amano syle tanks with a light blue background and that looked cool...
llooked cool...

[aggman]

i don't think anything makes the corals pop like a black background. plus, a white background would make the tank real bright. it reflects too much light. i think.

~alex

[cpreefguy]

Well, Regal plastics isn't even open today so I have some time to think :)

[ReefCube]

are you going to run a chiller?

[cpreefguy]

Not if I don't have to.
My only concern is with the Bandit, but I have seen one kept long term in a reef tank at 77degrees

[cpreefguy]

So....
I was perusing the net today, and came across a picture that gave me a great idea. Let's just say I made up my mind on the paneling :)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/2009-IMSA-Lamborghini-Murcielago-Sp.jpg

[ReefCube]

cabonfiber?

[Robb_in_Austin]

Sweet! AKA, Italian Chrome.

It is pricey. You might be able to find plastic panel that looks like CF to save some coin.

Can't wait to see this up and running. FTS! FTS! FTS!

[cpreefguy]

You guys got it, Italian chrome :D

[Big_Pun]

Carbon fiber is sleek, always been a fan of anything made with carbon fiber

[cpreefguy]

Today was a great day for the build.
First, I got my bucket of Reef Crystals. Just in time because I need to make ~40 gallons of water. I was not looking forward to getting 40 gallons of water, 5g at a time from HEB.

Well, got home and this odd box was at my door, I didn't remember ordering anything... :wink_smile:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9732.jpg

Oh Yeah! It's that insane Puratek by Vertex 100gpd RO/DI unit that I WON from http://glassbox-design.com/ :bigsmile:

Want a better look?

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9733.jpg

Even better?

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9734.jpg

This unit is awesome, comes with everything you need to get it going right out of the box. I'll hook it up to my washer line tomorrow.

That left me with the leveling leg dilemma. I went to Lowes and bought one 3/8-16" bolt just to see if it would fit the bung on the botom of the stand. Viola! Perfect, and first try!

So, I ordered a set of these babies, 800lb load capacity each :)

http://www.levelingmounts.com/photos/il9-62hb.jpg

Additionally, I ordered 10ft of twill weave Carbon Fiber vinyl. I am going to wrap all of the in-set panels in this to continue with the Lamborghini theme that has seemed to overwhelm me! It is going to look pretty nice.


Last, and not least, I am about to order the ADA garden mat for placement between the frosted top and the tank, as well as one of the ultra clean looking ADA thermometers. Never thought I'd drool over one of these!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/ada-thermometer1.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/108-405.jpg

While I'm at it...

How about a picture of the Bluesun. Calfo signature series 20k haldie in a LAIII stealth pendant powdercoated that wonderful orange color :shades:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9736.jpg

[princer7]

Your tank may be too pretty to set up. It may need to come to my house instead... :wub:

This is going to be an AWESOME tank, Sean!

[cpreefguy]

Thank you Jennifer. I can't wait! Now it is just a matter of waiting on parts to arrive, and for Les to catch us some fishes :D (Yes, the plural of fish is fishes :) )

[cbianco]

(Yes, the plural of fish is fishes :) )

I think you mean fishi. :P

The tank is coming along great. That thermometer is pretty cool looking.

Can't wait to see these components working as one.

Christopher

[ReefCube]

wow great stuff!

[QuickSilver525]

man i cant wait to see how this turns out :)

Tagging Along :bigsmile:

[Texreefer]

you Gonna drive this thing, or put fish in it?

[Bill S]

So, will the canopy doors hinge up from the corner?

[hobogato]

looking great!


actually, if they are all the same species, the plural is fish - it is only fishes if they are different types :wink_smile: :p



Thank you Jennifer. I can't wait! Now it is just a matter of waiting on parts to arrive, and for Les to catch us some fishes :D (Yes, the plural of fish is fishes :) )

[cpreefguy]

looking great!


actually, if they are all the same species, the plural is fish - it is only fishes if they are different types :wink_smile: :p




Yes, they're different types :D

[ReefCube]

hmm i have never seen a carbon fiber look on any aquariums before. Cant wait to see pics. Fold out lambo doors would be cool haha j/k

[cpreefguy]

LOL
Like the Honda civics with the lambo doors... :)

I think it is going to look great, definitely unique.


I don't even like Lambos that much. I have just always loved that outrageous orange, and who doesn't love carbon fiber?

Hopefully the panels will be done by next week, the tank should have sand/water in it by then too!

[stoneroller]

Maybe you can find matching fishes, like clown loach or something... looking great!

[Rvela]

I also ordered the LAIII mini. Looks sweet. I'd like to see your setup when its all done--I live in Kyle, TX.

[cpreefguy]

Cool, good choice, this reflector is amazing.

For sure, I'm just waiting on parts to arrive, and for it to stop raining so I can spray paint all of my silver parts black.

[cpreefguy]

A small update, with a pic! :)

I received the leveling feet and ADA Garden Mat.
So, now I need to find a good place for the tank, trim the mat, mount the top on the stand, and start filling the tank with water.

It's final exam time, so I may not have it filled with water for 1-2 weeks until thinks settle down a bit.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9749.jpg

[princer7]

A small update, with a pic! :)

It's final exam time, so I may not have it filled with water for 1-2 weeks until thinks settle down a bit.

Nooooooo! The agony! :what_smile: You have more patience than I do. Get that puppy filled :angel::bigsmile:

[cpreefguy]

I definitely need to, I still have not had the time to hook up my Vertex RO unit...

[dustint21]

Sean do you have a link to the RO unit?

Thanks
Dustin

[cpreefguy]

Sure:

http://glassbox-design.com/2009/win-a-new-100gpd-puratek-rodi-unit-by-vertex-aquaristik/

[dustint21]

That looks like a pretty awesome unit! The reason I asked is because I am waiting on my Vertex skimmer to get here. I have seen that they made ballast, but didnt know they made RO units as well. Keep us updated on how you like the unit. The tank is looking great! Cant wait to see your time and effort payoff!

Dustin

[princer7]

Any new updates on the tank?

[ReefCube]

did you sell it yet?

[cbianco]

Alright Sean, let's see it!

:)

[cpreefguy]

Sorry guys! I have not been able to get on much lately. Im pretty free now so, lets see...

The tank build kind of got put on hold due to school and my apartments.
I had the tank on the wall that I wanted and was waiting on parts to finish it up. Well, our electricity goes out and they find a short in the wiring. How do they fix it? Here is a pic!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9772.jpg

Pretty awesome! That was a month ago and they are "supposed" to come fix it tomorrow. We'll see...

Also, I will be graduating/moving in August and am going to take 12hours this summer to get it done. I wont have a lot of free time and dont want to set the tank up and then tear it down a month later.
Plus, I've just taken up a new hobby, autocross. So, instead of directing funds towards the build, I *needed* to buy a helmet and new sway bars for my car :D

BUT!
I will have the build completed and waiting for water in the next few weeks. I just need to paint some parts and get some acrylic cut and wrapped with carbon fiber :)

[ReefCube]

dibs on the light!

[cpreefguy]

Quick mock-up update :)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9794.jpg

[stoneroller]

Nice can't wait to see it at the frag swap, my frags will look great in that!!

[cpreefguy]

I don't follow...

[stoneroller]

Sorry, it would be a nice display tank for my frags tomorrow. LOL.

[longhorn_20m]

That orange does pop, but wouldn't it look better with burnt orange?!?!

Get water in it already!

Very nice and clean.

[longhorn_20m]

By the way, how is that new RO / DI filter working out? Did you ever get it hooked up?

[mattymalcolm]

looks like it will be a nice tank.

[ReefCube]

how much are you selling the setup?

[cpreefguy]

By the way, how is that new RO / DI filter working out? Did you ever get it hooked up?
I have not even hooked it up yet! We are moving in August so I dont want to do anything until we are in the new place (ie: install RO unit, put water in the tank, etc... :) ) since our next move will be more permanent.

Im sure the RO unit is awesome though! lol

[olaggie01]

Sean,
Do you still have the pipe bender that you used for your light holder?

I need to do something similar for my tank in Austin.

Chris

[cpreefguy]

Sorry, I dont have it any more. It was a conduit bender, you can buy one at any hardware store

[princer7]

Any updates?

[cpreefguy]

Not really any updates as of now, it sure is pretty to look at just sitting there empty though! :D

[olaggie01]

Thanks Sean. How much do you think the conduit can hold? I would assume it depends on the size of the conduit.

[cpreefguy]

I'm really not sure. Mine it 3/4" EFT, the lumenarc pendent hanging from it cant weigh more that 5 pounds so I know its safe. but not sure about hanging a heavier fixture from it.

[ReefCube]

cant wait to see this tank with corals in it. I love the modern style!

[sharkboy]

what kind of overflow is that gonna have?

[cpreefguy]

An invisible one :D
No overflow at all. Im going to start it with a HOB refugium and HOB Deltec skimmer. Eventually I will remove the HOB fuge and maybe even the HOB deltec so it will be a naturally filtered tank and I will perform weekly water changes

[ReefCube]

do you think the weight of those HOB items are going to be a problem and cause stress on the tank? I was always worried about stress over time

[cpreefguy]

Im not worried about it, together they hold about a gallon or less so there wont be a significant amount of weight

[Mr Cob]

Alright dude...update this thing! Man, I thought you sold this several months back!

:0

I love this build... I even learned about "Fishes", thanks Ace. LOL!

[cpreefguy]

You want updates? You can't handle the updates! :bigsmile:

I learned the "Fishes" tid-bit in Freshman philosophy oddly enough :hypnotyized:

Okay, so here's an update!

So, typical evening, perusing the various reef blogs and forums, when I come across one of my favorite things. Japanese style reef lighting! Sweet right? But this feels different, more obtainable. Maybe that is because an American company and LED guru have teamed up to bring aquarists something they actually want and is not available to us at all, suitable LED SPOTLIGHTS! Of course, I speak of the evilc66 and NanoTuners partnership.

So, I ordered one of these babies:

http://www.nanotuners.com/images/nano-customs-par38-led-spotlight-5.jpg

http://www.nanotuners.com/images/nano-customs-par38-led-spotlight.jpg

Par38 12k CREE spotlight.

As well, I am starting to pester the builder to make a few custom spectrum bulbs for me, so aiming at having 3-4 of these spotlights on the new tank :)

[Shu]

I want more pics hehe this is nice

[cpreefguy]

Here is a good write-up from Glassbox-design:

http://glassbox-design.com/2009/nano-customs-par38-led-spotlight/

[Mr Cob]

So, what is that comparible? About a 150 or 250w MH bulb? Looks awesome!

[Mr Cob]

Ok, read a bit...I'm assuming this is more for color as supplemental lighting?

[cpreefguy]

Correct, pretty much on any larger tank, it is purely supplemental. Not sure on the output, as I've only seen readings in open-air so far. I am always surprised though, check out this guys trachyphyllia tank lit by LED spotlights:
http://www.reefbuilders.com/2009/09/14/led-spotlight-awesome-japanesetrachyphyllia-geoffroyi-tank-uses-led-spotlights/

http://www.reefbuilders.com/wp-content/gallery/trachyphyllia-tank/trachyphy-geoffroyi-1.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Spotlight is in, and it's incredible.

Some eye candy, very impressed on the brightness of these. This is the 12k (keep in mind the wall is light blue, but you get idea on the area of the spot)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9945.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9943.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9944.jpg

[ErikH]

Close encounters of the third kind? :D Let me start mashing some potatoes to make a mock up of Devil's Head. :p Very cool, thanks for being so bleeding edge!

[cpreefguy]

LOL

If you can't tell, I like cool reef equipment!

I was playing with the bulb a bit more and it is really bright. It is not as bright looking as the Japanese Superkaru 150w halide spotlight I had, but it is not that far off. I'd say a couple of these will equal the halide. Not bad for 15w of LED!

[stoneroller]

Not bad indeed. Now where exactly did you order from?

[stoneroller]

PS. What's the status of the carbon fiber?

[cpreefguy]

Not bad indeed. Now where exactly did you order from?

I ordered this bad boy from Nanotuners.com


As for the carbon fiber, I still need to get panels cut for the openings so I can wrap them in the CF

[aggman]

hey sean i found some lights like this a while back when evil first mentioned making this on nano-reefs and they apparently work great for supplementation. but the company that makes them does the par38's with mh power and the 3x1's are made as par20 bulbs. the only thing is that they don't mix the color temp. so you have to buy multiples to customize it. i have ordered them for my current build. i am using 2 whites and 3 blues.

the par38...
http://www.divinelighting.com/par-38-led-pure-white-12-x-1w-p-274.html

the par20...
http://www.divinelighting.com/par-20-led-pure-white-3-x-1w-p-282.html

and the rc writeup that shows par readings...
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1596729

~alex

[ReefCube]

sweet!

[cpreefguy]

I ordered the spotlight fixtures. These will look clean and are also open as to allow airflow to the heatsink of the bulb.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/d685_1.jpg