340 gallon "in wall" build

[buck27]

Construction of a 9'x10.10' fish room, 340 gallon star fire front with over the back external overflow from Planet Aquariums, 8 Maxspec Mazarras. I will custom build a steel stand for the tank as I did for my previous tank. I plan to run either a Bubble King Super Marin 250 or 2 Vertex Alpha 250's. I will update with photos once I have them and keep track of equipment as I obtain it. I have ordered the lights and will be ordering the tank this afternoon.

[LuckySingh]

Awsome tank and nice equipment list.....
Those bubble king ad alfa vertex skimmers r really strong ....I am considering my self aswell

[reefreak]

wow looking forward to this

[buck27]

New lights are in. 8 Maxspec Mazarra P-Series modules, controller, and 4 power supplies.http://img.tapatalk.com/616af821-3720-1412.jpg

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[buck27]

Also, 2 Finnex 800 watt titanium heaters and controllers

http://img.tapatalk.com/616af821-3759-86dd.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/616af821-37b1-1f3c.jpg

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[buck27]

I have ordered the tank and begun construction of my light fixture.

http://img.tapatalk.com/616af821-37ed-98c5.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/616af821-37fe-0101.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/616af821-380b-c236.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/616af821-381d-e3dc.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/616af821-3829-6477.jpg

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[buck27]

The fixture will hang from the ceiling and a couple pulleys are in the works to raise the fixture up and down for maintenance purposes.

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[buck27]

Also received an MP40w es courtesy of Tom at socaltropicalfishoutlet for buying my lights:)

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[rrasco]

I am really interested in how those Mazzarras work for you. Not really in the market for them, but they were one of the more interesting fixtures I have seen. I really like their mounting systems with the custom extrusions as well.

I want tank pictures!!! :innocent2:

[LuckySingh]

New lights are in. 8 Maxspec Mazarra P-Series modules, controller, and 4 power supplies.http://img.tapatalk.com/616af821-3720-1412.jpg

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thats the 1st time i hve seen this many high end led's fixtures all together:angel:
and i thought m build is costing me fortune...hahaha but not true when i see urs bro...
ur build GLWS and for sure very nice equipment lined up:thumbs_up:

[350gt]

What's your opinion on the lights so far?

Awesome that you would get a mp40 as a thanks...

[buck27]

The lights are good as far as color goes. So many options. I plan to use SoLiD's par meter when the tank is up so everyone can see whats really up.

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[SoLiD]

Yes Sir! Setting up most of these high end LED's without a PAR meter is just asking for problems. Our eyes just can't judge the LED light emitters correctly. What appeared to be somewhat dim to me was actually hitting 250ish PAR at the sand bed and 700ish PAR AWL. Blue and Royal Blue have a more constant PAR Value descending to the bottom and penetrate very well. "Water Clarity" plays a big part on PAR penetration IMHO, too.

[350gt]

Cool, I plan to do a before and after whenever I get my radions..

Would love to hear the #'s on the fixture I originally wanted...


Looking forward to this thread... GL!

[350gt]

geez, why did you have to do that...........:sick:

[Gseclipse02]

geez, why did you have to do that...........:sick:


some one is going to change there mind

[KING]

YA THAT BOAT IS ROCKING LOL

[Gseclipse02]

Um... I thought it was common knowledge by now. Kind of like how everyone knows that the sky is blue. If Ecotech Marine wants to keep selling those things they will need major design changes in the near future. Those expensive things are not worth the price IMO! The Extra Chromosome having engineering staff put the exhaust fan on the water side and blocking the middle of the fixture. Really??? Such a moronic design.


\did u just say the sky is blue ??? ur crazy its baby blue !!!!

[Gseclipse02]

lol



YA THAT BOAT IS ROCKING LOL

[Big_Pun]

all the lights have there down fall. AI have small coverage, poor spectrum. Radions cost alot. this is like Chevy and Ford debate. all I know is I'm sticking with MH after the great color and growth I'm getting, gotta pay to play.

[buck27]

Stop hi jacking lol :cool: I didn't like the radions either.

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[buck27]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d03656c4-8bf6-bd8d.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d03656c4-8c08-447b.jpgCouple photos from Planet Aquariums of my tank. Should be here friday or saturday and I'll get some better photos. I'm stoked! Construction begins monday on the fish room.

[SoLiD]

That's gonna be a turd to move to your backyard after the room is finished.

[klwheat]

wow! Can't wait to see this thing together. Sounds amazing.

[Squiers007]

That's gonna be a turd to move to your backyard after the room is finished.

No Kidding! How much is the tank going to weigh?

[buck27]

Ok, according to Armondo at Planet Aquariums the tank wieghts a little over 700 lbs. Empty. Also, the foundation has been poured and so has the slab for my pergola. I'll get some updated photos up tomorrow. On another note I'm basically done with my BA in Professional Aeronautics

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[buck27]

As promised, here is the foundation.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d03656dd-d49e-839f.jpg

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[SoLiD]

Wow! It's finally happening!!! I can't hardly wait and its not even my house or my tank!

[buck27]

Lol, that's funny. I have no door or windows or roof on the back of my house right now. I sure hope they hurry up and get it closed in and it doesn't rain

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[signal_4]

Man... you should do like Ace and install solar tubes to also use the natural light for the tank

[buck27]

Well, here is the update as of now. I hadn't thought of solar tubes but it's too late anyhow. This is the inside of my living room after the outline for the tank was made and French doors installed


http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a8e-cb43-e6ad.jpg

[buck27]

Here is the outside view of the additional room. It's coming along well so far. More to come after this weekend guys.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a8e-cbbc-0d82.jpg

[Mr Cob]

looks great, can't wait to see it all come together, are you doing all of the building yourself?

[buck27]

Nah, I am no carpenter but I am painting and plumbing. Here's a couple new picshttp://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4d999-6e83-3b48.jpgex.

The drain for my in floor drain and wall mounted sink.

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4d999-6eb7-2153.jpg

Living room wall, I got paint on the new door so I'll have to paint them again but oh we'll. The tile and trim guy come next week so it's almost finished then I'll build my stand.

http://img.tapatalk.com/c6e4d999-6f30-fea3.jpg

My new used skimmer, bubble king 400 ext with extra red dragon 2500

[rrasco]

That's one big skimmer.

Where are you piping the drain to?

[buck27]

The drain actually pipes right into the my main house drain for the city. I got a plumber to hook it up so I'll be legal and what not

[SoLiD]

Check this BEASTLY thing out.... and this BK300 Skimmer is big too.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd285/SoLiDST33L/2012-06-23194232.jpg

[buck27]

That is a beast! And that skimmer is huge! It actually a BK400

[ErikH]

Is that the tank behind the BK? That BK has a HUGE footprint! :) Beastly for sure.

[buck27]

Yeah that's the tank for sure, 72x36x30 I can't wait to set it up!

[RayAllen]

Man that is one epic build. great job so far. Take it you are not planing on moving after all this ;)

[Big_Pun]

looking kick (_|_) Josh. you shouldn't put that skimmer so close to the tank it may get jealous lol

[buck27]

Nah, not moving for some time now lol especially since I decided to invest in a fish room. The skimmer may get jealous but that's ok. Lol

[SoLiD]

If he moves, I got dibs on that house. :what_smile:

[buck27]

Room will be completed this Friday!!! Just need to paint and touch up then start building my stand.

[buck27]

Room is completed! Yay! http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934890-dae0-5022.jpg

[buck27]

Built the stand yesterday with 2x2 steel 14 gauge

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934890-db19-d068.jpg

[buck27]

Thanks to SoLiD for help unloading the stand.

[hobogato]

nicely done! that is going to be killer when it is all up and running.

[z28pwr]

Great build, that skimmer makes my SWC 300 look like a children's toy.

[buck27]

Ok, tank is in place!!! I hung the lights but there may be some design flaws on my part as to raising them when I need in the tank. SoLiD was over last night and we discussed several options on filtration but it's still in the works. Without further delay here are some photos. http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934894-7581-f340.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934894-7590-d71d.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934894-75a7-2628.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934894-75b2-9482.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934894-75bf-7156.jpg

[buck27]

The rock and sand arrives today!!! 500 lbs of Marco rock and 700 lbs of sand. Guess I know what I'm doing this weekend lol

[buck27]

It took 8 of us to put that beast on the stand lol

[drago55272]

Very nice can't wait to see what this one will look like up and running

[hobogato]

looking great josh! cant wait to see it with rock and water. lots of depth there for some really interesting rockwork...

[Mr Cob]

Dang that is looking sick, nice job man. Can't wait to see it stocked. I bet you have all kinds of plans for rock work and stocking...? I'd been dreaming about it day and night.

[ElChicano]

I need to stay away from this thread.. getting ideas.. LOL

[reefreak]

Wow this is amazing

[Scutterborn]

Wow this is amazing

Agreed!


- Ben -

[buck27]

Rock and sand got here this afternoon!

http://img.tapatalk.com/a69348a1-e35a-2495.jpg

No, I'm not putting the grill or growums in the tank lol

[buck27]

Thank you guys

[buck27]

I'm thinking of doing 2 separate islands that are offset a little so I can get maximum flow across the tank.

[buck27]

Similar to Sonny Harajly's tank like this

http://img.tapatalk.com/a69348a1-e464-0e40.jpg

[SoLiD]

There's only one problem with that design... You have to stop buying coral once its filled in... :angel: Like you or I could ever do that...:bigsmile:

[buck27]

Lol

[buck27]

Well, here's the rock work guys. Please tell me what you think and what you like and don't like. I like then island on the left but the right is a little eh...http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934890-530b-0af3.jpg

[Big_Pun]

looks good but I'm sure you will redo it, took my g/f couple weeks to get our rock work right. especially when I start messing with stuff and moving coral. how much longer till tank is wet??

[Flyride95]

I think left is cool but I agree with the right. It needs more geography or tunnels imo.

[hobogato]

it looks good, but like chris said, i am sure you will tweak it some. my first thought is that it may be too tall for coral grow out at the top?

[buck27]

Ah yes the height, I wondered that myself as well as adding some geography and stuff to it. I'll probably mess with it today guys and I'll post a new photo once that is done.

As far as when the water will hit the tank? Let's see how far I get by this evening!!!!!!!!

[buck27]

Ok, adjusted the Rick a little. But the right side still bugs me for some reason. However, the right side has plenty of surface area for coral ;)

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934898-c5c5-8379.jpg

[350gt]

One question....


What do you do for 340 gallons of water? Tap?

[buck27]

There, think I got it the way I want it now..... Maybe lolhttp://img.tapatalk.com/a693488f-c7f3-0ac9.jpg

[buck27]

Probably going to cycle with laguna madre water actually. It's an idea that SoLiD, Alton, Kenny1 and myself have been throwing around.

[buck27]

Today I'll be working on the sump layout and plumbing but I need another Rubbermaid to make it complete. But I think I can start cycling with just the one tub actually.

[Scutterborn]

I need to stay away from this thread.. getting ideas.. LOL

Indeed! looks phenomenal! I really need to call in sick and get my tank to this point!


-Ben-

[Flyride95]

Now that looks muuuuuch better! :)

[hobogato]

i agree, looks great

[350gt]

I like the layout...... Is that a 3rd Island in the rear?

[buck27]

Lol no just a rock

[ElChicano]

Thumbs up on the new layout , Looks great.. Plenty off room to play with..

[Big_Pun]

great idea to use "real" sea water. good luck with rest of build

[buck27]

Plumbing tonight and hoping for water tomorrow pending I figure out how to haul it all lol

[drago55272]

Plumbing tonight and hoping for water tomorrow pending I figure out how to haul it all lol

lol rent a trailer and buy 10-32g brutes at walmart. If you dont need the brutes the next day got to love the return policy :wink_smile:

[buck27]

Not a bad idea really lol

[buck27]

I do live less than a block from Walmart now that they built it in my neighborhood (I hate them)

[buck27]

Ok, water is in and cycling.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6934896-fb41-913a.jpg

Gonna have to mess with the lights

[350gt]

how did you haul the water?

[buck27]

Two trips with two 55 gallon barrels, two 35 gallon brutes, a 45 gallon brute.

[buck27]

Extra thanks to Alton, Kenny and David for the help

[Flyride95]

I could only imagine how heavy those 55gal containers were. Wow. 8.5 or whatever lbs per gallon x 50 is over 400lbs each.

[drago55272]

Two trips with two 55 gallon barrels, two 35 gallon brutes, a 45 gallon brute.

Lol sounds like barrels of fun

[SoLiD]

It took Kenny and Josh about 2 1/2 hours to fill all of the barrels on the first trip, and about 50 minutes for Josh and I on the second trip... That is of course after "I" perfected the operation... :rofl:

55+55+44+32+32 = 218 X 2 = 436 Gallons of Packery Channel Water

I felt like one of the 3 Stooges with some of the rigging we did down there.

[Flyride95]

Sooooooooooooooooo heavyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy lol

[Big_Pun]

where are the pics

[buck27]

It was 3a.m. So no photos sorry

[zaquanh_09]

so much epicness in this thread

[buck27]

Lol nice

[buck27]

Update, water has cleared up tremendously and everything looks to be pretty good. Got my ATO going as well as my Profilux controller and tunze power heads on wave mode.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6937b94-a756-847c.jpg

[rrasco]

Looks great

[buck27]

My ATO came with suction cups that hold the floats!!! (yuck) I found this to be a perfect DIY opportunity so here's what I came up with. SoLiD mentioned magnets and I decided that I would drill the center of the float switch bracket to accept the stem of a koralia power head so I could get them to stay in place. Works like a champ.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6937b94-a7dd-d245.jpg

[buck27]

Thank you. I'll start getting photos of the room and everything together tomorrow or Monday so everyone will get a better idea of how it's all ran now.

[buck27]

Going to try and upload a couple vids guys

[Mr Cob]

great mod, I went through this recently and came up with a lame ziptie sollution, never thought to use magnets. Beyond me why they would even consider suction cups...they rarely last after a month. Reminds me of vegie clips.

[buck27]

Lol I hate the veggie clips too. I can't load any videos with tapatalk so I'll have to email myself the videos or you can check them out on my YouTube. Just look me up vogt64d is my YouTube name.

[hobogato]

hey josh, next time i come down to cc, can i borrow your little pink lawn mower? :lauging:

looking good, i cant wait to get down there and see it in person

[buck27]

I don't know hobogato, my daughter is pretty fond of the pink lawn mower and it wasn't cheap lol. Come on by next time you're down man. Welcome anytime.

[ErikH]

Hope you don't mind, but I posted them for you!

Cu8G5KSAH40

GTMiqh_EkhU

[buck27]

Sweet, thanks

[zaquanh_09]

did you have to take a boat into the water to fill your buckets , or where you able to to get it off the beach by walking in , i was just down there , cool stuff , caught some fish

could i put seaweed in my tank , or would it destroy everything?

[buck27]

I got my water during low tide off the jetties but I wouldn't put anything else in my tank really.

[SoLiD]

When I first bought these guys about 6 months ago, Josh was already planning this tank. The Yellow Tang was about 1-1/4 inches and the Orange Shoulder was about 3/4 of an inch if that. He was so tiny that I had a Green Chromis' that dwarfed him. I'm glad to see them doing well.


http://youtu.be/GTMiqh_EkhU

[jvene1]

So. Much. Win. Looking forward to this epic tank!

[buck27]

I will make some better videos this weekend for everyone. My water got really cloudy this evening for some reason and after a few tests an a little research I think I have a bacteria bloom. Everything tested pretty decent but with the amount of fish I added it made sense. It's not a greenish colored cloudy as much as a white ish/green. Open to suggestions and ideas. I think it's just going to have to work itself out is all.

[buck27]

It was in fact a huge bacterial bloom which I corrected with ozone and a 10% water change. Crystal clear. Thanks SoLiDhttp://img.tapatalk.com/a693481d-03ff-669a.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a693481d-0432-8bb5.jpg

[reefreak]

looking really good!

[diego]

Josh that is looking really good.

[buck27]

Got a couple videos on YouTube under my username vogt64d

[Scutterborn]

Need updates, dude! Haven't seen or heard anything from ya since MACNA.


-Ben-