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rrasco
Mon, 28th Nov 2011, 07:32 PM
I have been working on downsizing the number of tanks I have in my house so I can focus on just a few larger ones instead. I finally made some progress and now there is an empty wall in my living room. You know what that means. This will be my build thread, so I may as well start with the blank canvas. Please excuse the dirty wall and baseboards, there was a 55 there for the last two years. It's not very interesting yet, but it will get there. I promise. http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/125reef/IMG_0260.JPG

Europhyllia
Mon, 28th Nov 2011, 07:49 PM
what size is going there?

rrasco
Mon, 28th Nov 2011, 07:53 PM
I'm not 100% sure yet. More than likely a 125. It will be a 6' tank for sure, but it depends on if anything pops up for sale or if I buy new. I would really like a 150 or 180, but I'm not sure that's the route I want to take. The extra space would be nice, but it would carry a higher budget on equipment, supplies, etc. We'll see what happens, but I'm anticipating a 125. I'm not buying or setting anything in stone until I get a tank in place though.

kkiel02
Mon, 28th Nov 2011, 09:42 PM
The 180 footprint is alot more "aquascaping friendly"... Now that I have gone 3' front to back I dont think I would do under 30". Plus 30-34" fits through my door without having to turn the tank on its side like I had to do with this tank.

rrasco
Mon, 28th Nov 2011, 10:17 PM
I really would like the 6x2 foot print. Used 180s are few and far between and a new 180 is sadly out of my budget for this build. If one comes up or I can find an affordable deal though, I'm all for it.

rrasco
Tue, 29th Nov 2011, 02:23 PM
Ok, now I really want something big, like a 180. Might as well go as big as I can while I have the space and the option; sure beats trying to upgrade later on. Thanks a lot guys! /s

rrasco
Fri, 9th Dec 2011, 11:11 PM
I broke down and bought a new 210. Now I can do exactly what I want with it and finally start this build.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMAG0117.jpg

Big_Pun
Fri, 9th Dec 2011, 11:25 PM
what are your plans... drilling it??

rrasco
Fri, 9th Dec 2011, 11:30 PM
I really want to do a coast to coast calfo with the bean method. I'm scared to drill the tank though, but that is what I planned to do. It says not to drill the glass enclosure, but Aqueon already verified only the bottom is tempered. I may need some more experienced tank drillers to advise me on how to do it. I've seen the videos and have plumbers putty, but I just feel uneasy about drilling a hole in a giant expensive glass box.

betiuminside
Sat, 10th Dec 2011, 12:02 AM
Awesome! I will be following this build! Good Luck!

Big_Pun
Sat, 10th Dec 2011, 01:10 AM
most LFS will drill tanks call around. I know elegant reef, forever pets, for sure do it maybe even AD.

SoLiD
Sat, 10th Dec 2011, 03:53 AM
I had the same fears about drilling my 40. I only had drilled 1 hole through glass before, and it was about 4 years ago so I forgot how to do it. Here are some tricks that I learned after drilling 7 holes throughout my 40.

First, trace your marking guides with permanent marker on the opposite side where you will be drilling through. Use your bulkheads as guides to make your circles.

Use "Plumbers Putty" to hold in the water to keep the bit wet.

Put a towel and a big "Plastic" bowl on the other side to catch the water and glass when it falls through.

When you first start the hole come in and start the cut at an angle with the drill spinning as fast as it can go to keep it from jumping around. Then slowly tilt the hole saw with the drill still spinning as fast as it will go until it touches all of the glass. It might take a while for the saw to go all the way through so be patient but it is best not to stop the drill.

When the hole saw first penetrates through the first part of the glass all the water will drain out into the bowl along with glass shavings. It would be best to have another person add more water slowly while the saw is still spinning until all of the hole is cut out.

At the end of the drilling process, do not push down on the drill to minimize glass chips and spurs. Allow just the natural weight of the drill to make the final cut.


P.S. I also have a "Bean Animal Overflow" and have some tips on that too if you'd like.

rrasco
Sat, 10th Dec 2011, 11:07 AM
Thanks Solid. I've watched videos and read a lot about it. You gave me an idea though, I have a 40 breeder I am turning into a frag tank so I am thinking I will drill that one for a bean method as well. Get practice on a cheaper tank before I try my hand at the big one.

Lay out the bean tips here if you'd like. Most of it makes sense to me, the only thing I'm unsure of at this point is where I'm supposed to position the end of the airline tubing.

rrasco
Sat, 10th Dec 2011, 11:48 AM
Here is my proposed stand constructed out of 1x4 and 1x6 fastened with pocket screws. The side panels will be hinged on the inside to allow sump access in and out.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210gallon_sm.png
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210gallon-open_sm.png
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210gallon-rear_sm.png

BBQHILLBILLY
Sun, 11th Dec 2011, 04:04 PM
Good thread. diy.

Forever Pets has allways done a good job for me and affordable.

rrasco
Sun, 11th Dec 2011, 10:23 PM
I made some revisions to the stand design so I could have a solid flooring for my sump and external pump. The revisions are reflected in the 3d models above. I began construction today, didn't get too far, but this stand is relatively simple to begin with, so relative progress has been made. I have not joined the lower box frame to the bottom trim yet, just showing how it will go. You can see the pocket joints I am using. I love the Kreg jig. Hoping to get more done on it tomorrow.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0380_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0382_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0384_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0385_sm.jpg

Scream311
Sat, 17th Dec 2011, 11:03 AM
I really want to do a coast to coast calfo with the bean method. I'm scared to drill the tank though, but that is what I planned to do. It says not to drill the glass enclosure, but Aqueon already verified only the bottom is tempered. I may need some more experienced tank drillers to advise me on how to do it. I've seen the videos and have plumbers putty, but I just feel uneasy about drilling a hole in a giant expensive glass box.

Take it to Forever Pets on Basse and Talk to Toy, Robert or Michow, tell em James sent you. they did an Awesome Job on my 240 ! and Quickly

rrasco
Sat, 17th Dec 2011, 02:06 PM
You're about the fourth person to recommend Forever Pets...they must be excellent. I think I am going to drill it myself though.

rrasco
Fri, 23rd Dec 2011, 06:21 PM
I finished the stand, pictures will come once the tank is on it. I had to touch up the paint on the top of the doors and the tank still needs to be drilled, so no point in moving it yet.

I received my order from glass holes today, it had my return kits, bulkheads and elbows for a bean overflow, and the hole saws to make it all happen. The returns will be drilled into the overflow and angled over the top of the weir. They will not go where they are in the pictures (obviously), they will be positioned a few inches towards the outside of the braces so they clear the top of the weir and the braces. I am hoping I get enough flow out of this setup to avoid the used of powerheads, but I doubt I will be that lucky. There should be around 600gph per return outlet. I'm playing that one by ear.

I am hoping to drill and paint the tank this weekend and move it onto the stand. We'll see what happens with it being Christmas though.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0410.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0411.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0412.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0414.JPG

rrasco
Fri, 23rd Dec 2011, 11:22 PM
I practiced drilling holes on my 40 breeder that will eventually be a frag tank. I decided it will also have a coast to coast weir overflow with a bean drain. There will be one return through the back with locline. It will be a while before the frag tank is done, I just wanted to get practice drilling holes, although I may finish the overflow so I have a bit of practice with a bean system before I complete my 210. Drilling the holes was cake, just took a little patience, and the 210 will have one more hole and the glass is thicker, so the cordless drill will need at least one recharge for that drilling session. Battery barely made it through this session.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0415.JPG

BBQHILLBILLY
Mon, 26th Dec 2011, 12:49 PM
awwww nicely done:applause::applause:

amazzing great job lol

rrasco
Wed, 28th Dec 2011, 12:14 PM
Have no fear, you can drill your own tank! I did!

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0864.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0879.JPG

hobogato
Wed, 28th Dec 2011, 12:21 PM
nice job!

rrasco
Wed, 28th Dec 2011, 12:33 PM
Thanks. For what it's worth, I didn't even use the bits I borrowed from you. They were 1-2mm smaller than mine in diameter, which wouldn't work out well picking up on a half-way-drilled hole in glass. I'll get these back to you in the next few days. I just kept at it with my dull bit and finally made it through. The return holes were MUCH faster to drill.

rrasco
Wed, 28th Dec 2011, 08:18 PM
Moved the tank onto the stand tonight. Just as I thought, the stand isn't perfect and I need to figure out how to shim the trim between the tank and stand. I never end up with straight lumber. I'm undecided on using styrofoam to correct the issue due to mixed opinions on using it for tanks with trim.

The stand was hard to get a good picture because it's black, kept getting spotting on the lens. The side panels are removable so I can get the sump out. Originally I was going to put them on hinges but decided to screw them in for added support. I already screwed in the right side, but the left side is awaiting the sump before I clamp it down.

I put the bulkheads in to make sure everything fits. I am thinking I am going to have to alter my return setup, which was highly anticipated. My thought is to add an elbow and a standpipe to get the returns up, and then I'll go straight out over the overflow. I ordered the glass today for the overflow, I just need to go pick it up.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0881.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0886.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0891.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0892.JPG

rrasco
Mon, 2nd Jan 2012, 01:00 PM
I installed the coast to coast yesterday. I used Permatex RTV silicone. RTV has a higher tensile strength than GE 1. RTV is used to hold windshields in place. Good news is my locline return lines clear the coast to coast, I didn't think they were going to make it. I used masking tape to hold everything in place while I laid down the silicone. In hindsight, I would have taped off the edges of the seams so they would be cleaner as well. However, I was lazy and didn't do it since it was such a long seam. The only parts I taped off to keep clean were the seams that would be visible from the front of the tank. Oh well, that's what experience is for. I still think it came out good.

Oh, and I had these pieces of glass cut at 70-15/16"....which made it extremely hard to get them in place without getting stuck. I would probably go with 7/8" or less next time to make it easier.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0912.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0930.JPG

hobogato
Mon, 2nd Jan 2012, 01:13 PM
nice! you are going to get great surface skimming with that

rrasco
Mon, 2nd Jan 2012, 03:10 PM
Thanks. I hope so, that was the intent.

BBQHILLBILLY
Mon, 2nd Jan 2012, 03:15 PM
looks kool great job

rrasco
Fri, 6th Jan 2012, 09:18 PM
Received a few boxes from BRS today. I'm sure the UPS guy loves me now. 150lbs of fiji dry rock, 10lbs of rubble, and a Bubble Magus NAC9.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0931.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0941.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0942.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0955.JPG

rrasco
Sat, 7th Jan 2012, 09:45 PM
Back of tank is painted.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0961.JPG

rrasco
Mon, 16th Jan 2012, 03:10 PM
I have pretty much everything to build my LED fixture, although I am not in a hurry as I plan to do that while the tank is cycling. However, I wanted to see how my concept would look and make sure that the 60 degree optics would give me enough spread to cover the tank. I modeled the fixture and spread in Sketchup. The fixture will be 64"x10" and will be trimmed with a black laminate.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210gallon-nospread.png
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210g-lightspread.png
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210g-lightspread-profile.png
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210g-lightspread-angle.png

Here are closer up models of the fixture. I will be using lamicoid to hide the wiring and then a 3/16" piece of acrylic or glass for a splash guard. I didn't model them, but will be using 1/8" standoffs to space the lamicoid and splash guard away from the heat sink. I am planning to hang this unit. I'm not even 100% sure I'm building it this way, but that's the best part about 3D modeling, you don't have to build it to see it.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210g-led-fixture-top-angle.png
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210g-led-fixture-bottom.png
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210g-led-fixture-bottom-angle-cutaway.png
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/210g-led-fixture-profile-cutaway.png

rrasco
Mon, 30th Jan 2012, 09:57 PM
Finally an update.

I plumbed the tank yesterday and gave the system a test run. Went pretty well. Spent a little time adjusting the overflow and need to make one adjustment to accommodate a leak (dang threaded pipe), shorten the sump intake pipes, and get the open channel cap threaded for an air line.

Great news is the stand held up like a champ. I knew it would, but I always get nervous that first time filling the tank.

And of course, more pictures.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0983.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0985.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0989.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0992.JPG

T3hPwn
Wed, 1st Feb 2012, 06:08 PM
Man i remember seeing that tank on the floor at your house looks like its coming along great! im still using that stand you gave me thanks again :-D

RayAllen
Wed, 1st Feb 2012, 08:10 PM
Great progress, following along.

rrasco
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 12:47 PM
A few updates:

Swapped ball valve for gate valve on drain line for more precise control of siphon rate. I replaced my locline returns with a single 1-1/2 over the back. They are still in the pictures below, but I removed both the 3/4 hoses and locline fittings. Soaked my dry rock in lanthanum chloride for 2 weeks. Finalized a design for my LEDs...had to redesign due to light spread issues. And I filled the tank this weekend, so it is finally in the cycling stage. I took some pics, but the water was milky from the new sand (would have been worse if I didn't rinse it) so you can't see much, and they are still on my camera anyways. Water was looking better this morning, hopefully by tonight I can get some decent pics.

And of course, some photo evidence. :D

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0999.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1006.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1004.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1003.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/18x18-led-fixture-top.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/18x18-led-fixture-bottom.jpg

Scutterborn
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 02:11 PM
Looking good so far. What type of LED's are you planning on using?

rrasco
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 02:13 PM
Bridgelux.

FireWater
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 02:54 PM
I kind of miss my tub full of rock in the garage. Exciting and scary all at once every time you reach in.
Build looks good so far. I was too lazy to look back so can you remind me what you are doing on the drains. I see 3 - are they all workin drains or are you doing the Bean Animal?

rrasco
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 02:56 PM
It is a Bean Animal drain. It's amazing how quiet it is. If I could just get a silent return pump I'd be set.

FireWater
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 03:00 PM
I have read about them. I wish I had found more info prior to setting up my current 120 and I would have gone with one.

rrasco
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 03:23 PM
I have zero regrets. I can hear my 29 draining while sitting closer to my 210. When people don't understand what I am talking about when I tell them the tank is silent, they are like, but I can hear the motor. A ha! But you don't hear the drain. Then I turn off the pump and restart the system so they can hear it before the bean kicks in and silences everything. Then they get it.

FireWater
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 04:57 PM
I wonder what the smallest sized bean you could do is?

How far along on the lights are you?

rrasco
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 05:13 PM
Theoretically, as long as you can adjust the flow rate of the siphon to handle just under the amount of flow being provided to the DT, it should work. I have my 40 frag tank all setup for another bean once I get done pouring money into this tank. All bean drains for me from now on if the tank is sumped.

I have 90% of the supplies for my lights. LEDs, custom built drivers, power supply, aluminum, and acrylic. Just cut the aluminum channel to size at work today and picked up some aluminum brazing rods to put the fixture together. I need to decide if I am going to use thermal adhesive or drill and tap the channel, but I gotta decide quick, I may be brazing the unit tonight. After that, I just need to attach and solder the wire to the LEDs and hook it all up. Acrylic is just to use as an enclosure for the modules. I am planning for the unit to have a control box in the stand so I am building each of the LED modules to have a connector I can plug in and provide power to. The power supply, drivers, and eventually arduino controller will be inside the control box. For now I will be dimming them with two custom built 555 dimmers.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnLa-hY74q4

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMAG0140.jpg

FireWater
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 05:22 PM
Cool. Looks and sounds very well done.

rrasco
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 05:23 PM
Thanks. That is the goal.

rrasco
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 07:44 PM
As promised, some eye candy. The water is much clearer now. Excuse the dirty glass, one of my cats didn't realize this was my new toy and not hers.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1020.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1034.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1037.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1042.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1045.JPG

reefreak
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 08:07 PM
looking great! Those LEDs are bright

BBQHILLBILLY
Mon, 20th Feb 2012, 10:21 PM
Those LEDS look like fun. I cant wait to goto Radio Shack and get my soldering iron so I can burn my finger. lol

Very nice setup Rrasco.

tystxne1
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 08:44 AM
this has inspired me for sure... great thread

Scream311
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 09:17 AM
Daaaaannnnng Robert ! You gonna Come Help Me On My NEXT Salty Build rite ?! :bigsmile:

rrasco
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 09:56 AM
Thanks guys. I had a minor set back yesterday as the used reeflo pump (snapper) I bought began leaking. Reeflo has great customer support and responded to emails within 30 minutes saying that the seals probably went and are $25 for a fix. While I intend to get some new seals, I decided to just get a new pump as well. I was a little concerned with how loud and warm my pump was getting so a new pump will give me something to benchmark it against. I plan to get two sets of seals so I can fix the used pump and keep it as a backup, as well as have a spare set of seals for the new pump should that time ever come.

Luckily the tank is only cycling and I have two koralia magnum 8s in there so it's still getting good flow. My new pump should be here today, also a reeflo snapper hybrid.

Scream311
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 10:09 AM
Suuuuwwweeeeet CHOICE !

rrasco
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 10:12 AM
Do you have any experience with these pumps? I'm trying to figure out if mine was getting too hot and if it was louder than normal. It doesn't make a noise per se, it just hums along really loud. And the outside of the motor gets too hot to touch. This should, of course, all be solved with the new pump. I'm just curious about my old one. I've asked these questions a few places and have yet to get an answer.

Big_Pun
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 10:18 AM
Do you have any experience with these pumps? I'm trying to figure out if mine was getting too hot and if it was louder than normal. It doesn't make a noise per se, it just hums along really loud. And the outside of the motor gets too hot to touch. This should, of course, all be solved with the new pump. I'm just curious about my old one. I've asked these questions a few places and have yet to get an answer.


are there any restrictons like ball valve and is throttled back? also what size tubing is connected to it?

rrasco
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 10:27 AM
It has 1.5" PVC with a T, one side going to the fuge slightly restricted, and the other is up and over wide open. I don't want to repost a picture, but you can see it back in this post: http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?68614-210-gallon-reef-build&p=851405#post851405

Scream311
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 10:39 AM
Do you have any experience with these pumps? I'm trying to figure out if mine was getting too hot and if it was louder than normal. It doesn't make a noise per se, it just hums along really loud. And the outside of the motor gets too hot to touch. This should, of course, all be solved with the new pump. I'm just curious about my old one. I've asked these questions a few places and have yet to get an answer.

I had a 5yr old Dart Pump on my 210 and 240 From Day one it was always HOT to the Touch and had a Slight Hum, some days Louder then Others Owned it for a Year and a Half, Never Had Issues with Seals etc Primed it every 6 Months or so

rrasco
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 11:07 AM
What do you mean you primed it? Was that because you were not flooding the intake? Or am I missing something? Keep in mind I never had a manual for this, bought it used.

Scream311
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 11:41 AM
Bought mine used as well. Used Lawn Mower Oil to Prime Bearings etc. theres 2 Holes with Push Style caps that you Remove and Fill with Oil on the Motor Side

rrasco
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 11:47 AM
Interesting. Good to know. Hoping my new pump comes with some instructions so I know what is best practice for them.

rrasco
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 05:00 PM
Picked up my new pump at the Elegant today. Ordered it yesterday and Louis had it for me today. Awesome! Then I proceeded to promptly drop it upside down in the parking lot. Scraped it up a little bit, but it was still in the original box so it's no worse for wear, just a little cosmetic scrape and a small dent from the asphalt. It was just the rounded casing on top of the motor, I think there is a solenoid or something in there. I disassembled that part to make sure all was okay and it is. I feel like a goof for doing that though. Would be just my luck to break my new pump before I even get it in the car.

Scream311
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 05:07 PM
Well you Big Goof, you cant walk out with a Heavy Pump and a Bag Of Livestock !!!! haha

rrasco
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 05:37 PM
I wish I could have picked up some new livestock, their frag tank was packed with nice new pieces. I was on my lunch break though and need to get this tank running first. In my defense, I broke, fractured, dislocated, sprained, or hyper-extended my thumb a few weeks ago which is still bothering me, so I was carrying the box weird. Not sure what I did since I didn't bother to see a doctor about it. I've got enough medical bills as is.

Scream311
Wed, 22nd Feb 2012, 05:44 PM
GRRRRR Ouch Bro Sorry to Hear That, Just Put Your Thumb in some Salt Water and if that Dont Fix It SPRAY WINDEX :clown:

rrasco
Thu, 8th Mar 2012, 12:20 PM
Finally an update. Tank is still cycling. After 2 weeks I threw in a small damsel to provide some waste for the cycle instead of ghost feeding everyday. Since I can't do much to help the tank cycle, I moved onto my LED rig and my water change system.

I had a coworker weld together the aluminum channel and am now waiting on nylon screws and a tap to arrive from McMaster-Carr. At that point I will be tapping the channel for mounting my LEDs. I picked up an Arduino a few weeks ago and have been working on building the controller as well. Built an LCD shield with tactile buttons and RTC breakout yesterday. Hope to start working on some programming soon.

I also picked up some parts for my RODI system. Since I am running this from the laundry room in the kitchen to my fish room, I plan to use PVC conduit and run it through the attic. The PVC will keep anything from damaging the line and will also help corral any leaks that maybe occur, but I plan to use a single run, so that shouldn't be an issue. To finish it off I got a dual inline TDS meter and a float valve auto top off system from BRS. Hoping to get that installed this weekend so I can finally start making my own water.

If all goes well I will have more updates and pictures of the LED rig this weekend.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1075.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_1078.JPG

rrasco
Thu, 8th Mar 2012, 01:35 PM
Ah ha! Looks like I can solder effectively enough.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMAG0150.jpg

rrasco
Sat, 10th Mar 2012, 11:07 PM
My hardware came in so I finally began building the LED units. I managed to get one rigged up today and the test was a booming success. I need to clean this one up, get a few wire accessories and then build two more just like it.

These pictures show various intensities of the LEDs. Blues and whites are at the same level, but I did play with bringing the blues down and the whites up. I'll have the freedom to do whatever I want once they are on the tank, this was merely a functionality test. I only pushed them up to around 50% so they will get much brighter. Although, I don't ever intend to run them over 75% or so.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0471_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0475_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0480_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0482_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0483_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0484_sm.jpg
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0485_sm.jpg

CoryDude
Sun, 11th Mar 2012, 01:20 AM
Wow, that's pretty bright. Like the reds you threw in there to help bring out the colors.

rrasco
Mon, 12th Mar 2012, 11:35 AM
Thanks. No reds in this unit, I'm running whites at 4500K, 6500K, and 10000K, as well as royal blue at 455nm and pinks at 449nm. I had some actinic violet I intended to run as well but their voltage didn't match up to any of my strings so I decided against it for now. I may add them as supplemental later on.

rrasco
Mon, 12th Mar 2012, 09:05 PM
Today I cleaned up the wiring. Next up, two more units and then I will work on building the housings.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0489.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0492.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/210reef/IMG_0493.JPG

Scream311
Tue, 13th Mar 2012, 08:08 AM
Ok Robert, im gonna need you to Just Duplicate this Whole Build when your done with the First one and Sell me the Second Plug and Play Ready !

Looking Great

Kristy
Tue, 13th Mar 2012, 08:57 AM
Dang, this is really coming together. And Robert when you DIY, you really DIY!! Impressive!

LuckySingh
Tue, 13th Mar 2012, 09:08 AM
nice

rrasco
Tue, 13th Mar 2012, 10:28 AM
Ok Robert, im gonna need you to Just Duplicate this Whole Build when your done with the First one and Sell me the Second Plug and Play Ready !

Looking Great

Ha, now I know why LED fixtures are so expensive. They are not cheap to build and take FOREVER! I have so much time and even more money invested in this, while I am having fun, I just want them done already.

Thanks for the compliments everyone. The best news is the tank has been cycling for 24 days. I have not checked params lately, but it should be getting close. I'm hoping by the time my lights are done the tank is stable enough to start adding my CUC and some hardy corals.

Scream311
Tue, 13th Mar 2012, 10:55 AM
Oh you Mean your NOT GONNA THROW In a Few Large Srgt Majors to Finish Off the Cycle :lauging: jk

rrasco
Tue, 10th Apr 2012, 09:24 PM
Well, I can finally move on as most of you know the 210 busted. I moved it to the garage for future use I will get it fixed, but for now I am concentrating on getting this setup finished. I ordered a DSA NEO 105 rimless to replace the 210. The stand is also DSA. Cost was part factor, but I really didn't want to mess with a 200+ right now in that same spot. So, moving on...

I picked up the tank on Friday. Fitted it with some plumbing, tested, and then started filling it with RODI over the weekend. Overflow and drains came out great, bean animal drains adapted to the holes I had didn't give me any problems. It's way easier installing this system the second time around after you figure out what not to screw up.

The 210 was cycling until it cracked on 3/21, so I moved all the LR to my Brute bin where it continued curing. I'm hoping the LR has some good bacteria on it by this point. My RODI worked hard and filled the tank in around 24 hours, estimating it is about 120-130 gallons. My water pressure is around 70psi, so maybe that's why it makes water quicker than I expected. This was out of a BFS 75gpd system.

Still need to finish my LED fixture so there is still no lighting yet. Overall I'm happy with how things are turning out. My 210 broke, but at least I ended up with a rimless after the fact.

148241482514826

reefreak
Tue, 10th Apr 2012, 09:26 PM
hey man its looking beautiful!

Scutterborn
Tue, 10th Apr 2012, 10:05 PM
That sure is one sharp tank!