DSA 105 NEO Rimless Reef

[rrasco]

It's time for a new start with this tank instead of piggy-backing on the sorrowful 210 thread. If you need a refresher, hit the link below...

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?68614-210-gallon-reef-build

Here it is as it sits today. No power to the lights just yet, I still have to install the drivers and power supply in the fish room and run electrical to the units.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/sketchup-105neo.jpg

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[Scutterborn]

Pretty spiffy!

[hobogato]

awesome! you did an outstanding job on those lights

[Mr Cob]

yes, that's very slick looking

[reefreak]

This tank looks futuristic and slick

[rrasco]

Thanks guys.

Ace, the acrylic work is something to be desired, but the way it's built I can always redo the casing if need be.

[KING]

anything new going on..:photo:

[rrasco]

Not much to update at this point. I'm continuing to let the tank cycle since I started with all dry rock. Also, I've had to turn my attention to getting my fish room in order so I can cut a pass-through so I can run the electrical and water change system through the wall. At this point, I just need to cut that hole and get power to the LED units, then I can start adding stuff and build out the rest of the maintenance system. I was thinking about trying to get my units wired today, we'll see if I get to it.

[KING]

nice..good luck..

[rrasco]

You motivated me to get the power cables built. :bigsmile: I decided to add these connectors to my setup so I could easily unplug a unit and take it down if I ever needed to. It added some work, but well worth it IMO. I've never terminated pins like this so I was happy to know it all worked first time around. The receptacle will be mounted in the fish room inside a project box where the power supply and drivers will be housed for easy access. That 'LED power box' will interface with my arduino controller.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/led/IMG_1199_sm.jpg

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/led/IMG_1202_sm.jpg

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/led/IMG_1209_sm.jpg

[KING]

were did u get the lights from? i like them.

[rrasco]

I built the fixtures. They are bridgelux LEDs from ledgroupbuy and aquastyle. Drivers were custom built.

[KING]

nice..would like to see what the readings are on them,,but they look clean

[Zack]

That cat is going to go blind staring at those LEDs 0_o!

[Scutterborn]

I see you have the supervisor overlooking your progress in the background! Dare I say this mod is the "cats meow"?

[rrasco]

LOL....she's always in my way when I'm doing stuff.

I'm interested to know what the readings on them are too. I plan to borrow dipan's PAR meter to see what they are pushing. There are two 36 LED 3-watt fixtures and the tank is only 21".

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Need some cool shades for that cat.:shades:

[reefreak]

Nice cat lol

[rrasco]

The pass-through is complete. Tank is officially connected to the fish room.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_1213.JPG
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[rrasco]

Finally, finally, finally....the tank is lit! I just finished wiring up my power control center and couldn't help but give it a try. I still have to cut holes for all the connections to the box and for the cooling fans, then mount it on the wall and run all the wiring for real. This was just a test run, but I'm excited. LEDs are on 100% here since I didn't want to mess with getting out the Arduino, I just jumped the 5v board supply to the PWM pins which cranked them to max power.

And here is a quick little video, sorry for the audio, TV was on, obviously.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2crTJUhIBY

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/led/IMG_0731.JPG
http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/led/IMG_0747.JPG

[Big_Pun]

nice lights! that sump looks complicated ;) can you explain it please

[KING]

+^^^^...
Q= if u kill the return pump an shut the tank down..will the water over flow the sump with the water that high ?

[rrasco]

nice lights! that sump looks complicated ;) can you explain it please

Thanks. The sump is simple, intake is where the skimmer sits and overflows into return chamber. Two pumps, one is the return to the DT and a smaller one feeds the fuge which overflows back into the return as well.


+^^^^...
Q= if u kill the return pump an shut the tank down..will the water over flow the sump with the water that high ?

Of course not, that would have been a minor oversight to say the least. If you look at the first picture in post #19, that is the water level with the system off. Running water level is just about the height of the intake chamber.

[rrasco]

Mounted the connectors and finalized the wiring today. I also gave the box a fresh coat of paint. I do still have the jumpers for the PWM signals since my controller is not ready yet, that's what the free wires are in the enclosure. The controller will wire into this box via the 3 pin XLR connector that is not plugged in. Next I need to figure out a safe way to mount this on the wall.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/led/IMG_0752.JPG
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[rrasco]

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/led/IMG_0760.JPGhttp://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/led/IMG_0762.JPG

[KING]

looks good..

[Teeb]

Wow, definitely one of the best DIY LED's I've seen. Great job!

[rrasco]

Thanks to the many contributors at RC I was able to finish up the code for my controller in no time. I will still be adding to it as I add components to the system and I also need to put it all into a project box as this is still on breadboard. Currently I have the a temp sensor and the ability for the lights to ramp up/down on a set schedule. Blues start to ramp up at 12PM and finish at a whopping 12% intensity at 1PM. At 1PM the whites begin to ramp up and complete at 2PM with 20% intensity. After 8 hours of 'max intensity' (meaning the max I allow them to peak at which is rather low at this point), at 10PM the whites begin to ramp down. 60 minutes later at 11PM, the whites will be completely off and the blues will begin to ramp down finishing the daily cycle at 12AM. I still need to play with mixing blue/white and I plan to use a par meter to see where the levels need to be.

I also swapped out the magnum 8 koralia for two koralia evolution 1400s and a hydor smart wave. So far so good, the evos do click just a bit when they turn on, but they turn on the right direction and I can't even hear it 99% of the time. I'm alternating them at 15 minutes right now, I may switch it the 6 hour mode; not really sure what I want to do yet.

This is with the LEDs at 20% white (all spectrums), 12% blue (also includes the 4 reds).

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[KING]

man that looks clean..good job...are you going to get a reading on the lights?

[rrasco]

Thanks, and yes. I plan to borrow the par meter and get readings so I know what intensity to run them at.

[hobogato]

looking great robert. i like the rock work, lots of caves for hiding places

[LuckySingh]

very nice

[zerreissen]

Looks very nice, sir! If you don't mind me asking, where'd you pick up the tank?

[rrasco]

I have been working on my lighting to get some issues straightened out. I tested PAR last week and was not impressed. I added optics to the LEDs and it made a huge difference. I still need to verify the numbers, but they should have doubled or tripled from the light output increase.

After all this waiting, I was sure the tank was cycled, the rock has been curing since February, tested no ammonia and my nitrates were up, but once I got the lights running on their schedule and I added a little more seeded rock to the sump, I started getting my diatom outbreak. That was my one concern during my 'cycle' is that I never had the usual suspects of a cycle, the diatoms, GHA, and whatever other lovely guests show up to the party. Numbers were good, but no visual evidence. I'm not too concerned since nothing is in the tank but a small mushroom and toadstool that seem to be very happy, along with my CUC. I'll keep an eye on things and hope it's just a mini cycle.

Here is an updated shot with the new optics on the LEDs. I'm way happier about these lights now.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_0900.JPG

[rrasco]

After 6-7 months of planning, buying, building, set backs, and conflicts...I have finally made the jump from the 29 to the 105. I've done everything I possibly could to make sure this move was successful and so far so good. Didn't lose anything along the way. All corals are happy under the new lighting so far too. Only ones mad at me are the ones I keep moving around, which is pretty much limited to my toadstool at this point.

All the greens pop like they never have before. My GSP is actually green instead of pink. Kryptonite candy cane looks radioactive and the frogspawn and pavona look amazing too. Even my acan is happy again. I can't wait to watch the progress.

I also picked up a green mandarin and a flame angel for this tank. They went into the 29 which is now a QT since it's already established. I'll move them over close to September if they do well in QT.

And of course, pictures! The last one is with only the blues on. The pinks are on the same string as the blues and while they put off quite a bit of light, especially for just 4 LEDs, they don't look this red in person. The camera really picks up on the red in the pictures.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_0921.JPG

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[RayAllen]

Awesome setup. Looks great.

[reefreak]

Danv dude this is freaking amazing I wish I still had my frogspawn (lost it during my crash) and your corals look amazing!

[hobogato]

tank looks great and everything looks happy, nice job robert

[ErikH]

Great job all the way around. Kudos to your patience.

[rrasco]

Since I am going on vacay on the 14th and will be gone a full week, I wanted to get my semi-automatic water changing station built so I could rest easy knowing my neighbor can take care of my tank. He's not doing anything but keeping the ATO container full, which is as simple as turning a valve. I've been planning this part of the system for quite a while, it should help to streamline the w/c process along with allowing me to keep fresh RODI and salt mix on hand. It should also make maintenance that much easier, meaning it's more likely to get done at all.

The RODI storage is automatically filled via dual float switches and a backup float valve just in case the switches or solenoid goes. The ATO bucket will be replaced with a 10g brute as soon as I can get to Ace Mart. Also, don't mind all the electrical, it's only temporary. I'm still working on my power center so that will all be tidied up in time.

And of course, more pictures.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_1035.JPGhttp://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/WaterStation.jpg
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[reefreak]

Thats a good idea it seems difficult tho

[rrasco]

It's really not complicated. Only a few places water can go, you just have to know which valves to turn for each stage.

[Mr Cob]

looks nice, would love something like that, great job

[KING]

man you really did the work on this ..looks good..

[allan]

Really, REALLY, nice set up. I really studied your mixing station/rodi set up. Might have to try it again myself.

I almost bought one of the hydor smart wave things the other day, but the guy couldn't tell me if it goes off all the way in the off mode or just half power. We both read the literature and it seems to imply that it turns all the way off. And if you can hear that click it means it turns all the way off, huh?

[rrasco]

Thanks guys.

Allan, I'm not exactly sure what you are asking, but the smart wave has 3 modes: alternating, synchronous, and feed. Alternating switches between outlet 1 and 2 on the set interval. Synchronous switches both outlets on for the set interval, then switches them off for the interval, and so on. Feed mode turns off both outlets. There is also a main power switch.

[allan]

I was wondering if when the device is off, is it off completely.

I'm using a box now that turns on my evo at 100%. Then in the "off" cycle it runs the evo at 50%. This has helped me in preventing the evo from running backwards. But the box is large, the hydor switching module is very small by comparison and the hanging aspect is convenient vice that of the redsea wave maker that I have.

[rrasco]

The smart wave does turn them completely off. If you contact Hydor, they should supply you with the parts to fix the older Evos; so I've heard. I have the newer ones that have a bumper that prevents them from starting backwards. That's the small click you hear when they come on. I have yet to see one of mine not start correctly.

[allan]

I sent them a message yesterday. Cool, thanks for sharing.

[rrasco]

I heard plenty of people claiming they are giving out parts for that issue, so good luck with Hydor.

And BTW, if you have any questions about the water station, ask away. I tried to detail as much as I could in the schematic so it was fairly self explanatory. There is a saltwater mixing station thread on RC with lots of different ideas and pictures. I'm sure I read it 5 times before I settled on this.

[rrasco]

It's been awhile since the last update. Everything is doing good. Duncan was ticked off at me for a few days, I think because I raised Alk from 7.4 to 8.4. I did also extend the blue lighting cycle by two hours to give it more of a dawn and dusk feel so it could have also been that or a combination of both things, but nothing else seemed to mind.

I have a dual BRS reactor coming in next week for carbon/gfo along with a pair of Evo 1050s for some more flow. Not sure if I will use them both, but one is going to add some flow behind the rocks for sure.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_1608%20%28Custom%29.JPG
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I am really getting into acans and favia. I like open brains.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_1597%20%28Custom%29.JPG
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I figured out how to mess with the WB on my camera so I could get better shots of these guys. The blue LEDs really mess with the camera. I like it, but some things just don't show right in pictures.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_1527%20%28Custom%29.JPG
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And a few more shots...

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_1270%20%28Custom%29.JPG
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[hobogato]

looks good robert, everything looks happy

[reefreak]

Looking great!

[g-ray]

Tank looks great this is the exact same tank I am putting together right now.

[KING]

nice...:applause:

[zerreissen]

Tank looks great this is the exact same tank I am putting together right now.

Yep, I think this will most definitely be my next tank... next year. I only wish it was 2-3" taller.

[rrasco]

I actually really like the 21" height, partially because I have short arms and I can reach the bottom, but I think this depth is perfect for most applications.

Marineland sells a 120 that is 24" tall, but it's not rimless.

[zerreissen]

I actually really like the 21" height, partially because I have short arms and I can reach the bottom, but I think this depth is perfect for most applications.

Marineland sells a 120 that is 24" tall, but it's not rimless.

I plan to use either Vortechs or Tunze Turbelles to get some nice flow and perhaps even a small wave. It doesn't look like there's quite enough clearance at the top? I guess I could modify the overflow a bit.

[rrasco]

You would be surprised how well it handles the flow at the top of the tank. I don't quite have a wave, but I do have a koralia 1050 and 1400 pointed right at the surface of water and glass. You don't have to aim the PH at the surface of the water though, you could use smaller PHs to keep that stirred up and use the vortech lower in the water column.

[zerreissen]

Any updated shots?

[rrasco]

Actually, no. I just looked and those are the most recent shots. I'll try to get a few good ones, but I've been holding off because I ticked off my big acan somehow and don't want pictures with him mad.

He's been closed up for about 2 weeks now, seems to be slowly coming back out. This seemed to coincide when I started running GFO/GAC but I also adjusted some flow, so maybe he doesn't like it clean, or the water got clearer which resulted in more light reaching the corals, or he wasn't getting enough flow. After moving the PHs yet again to give him more flow is when he seems to be coming back out.

[Mr Cob]

great looking system, looking forward to watching this one grow in

[rrasco]

UPDATE TIME: Finally got a few new pics. Thanks to Allan for all the new sticks. Some have good PE and some have not shown much. They are still new so I'll give them a bit to settle in.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_1770%20%28Custom%29.JPG
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And a panoramic FTS. It's not perfect, but came out pretty cool either way.

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_1844%20Stitch%20%28Custom%29.jpg

[rrasco]

http://www.rrasco.com/AquaticPics/105neo/IMG_1776%20%28Custom%29.JPG
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[g-ray]

Looks great!!

[hobogato]

that is a great looking tank robert

[rrasco]

Thanks guys.

[coralreefexplore]

Hey wanted to know where you got the hanging kit for the led's?

[rrasco]

No kit, it's all custom. The bars are EMT (electrical conduit) which I bent to shape and painted black. The lights are hung with wire rope crimped to length.

[rrasco]

Been a while since I updated this....

Not that much has changed. I pulled all my reactors a few months back, just running my skimmer, ATS, and some chaeto now. Finally moved to dosing pumps so I don't have to dose manually everyday. The dosing pumps dose 5x a day, Cal and Alk, so it's a nice and steady delivery. I tested params on Tuesday, it had been about 3 weeks since I installed the dosing pumps or tested, so I needed to know if they were keeping things stable. Turns out my numbers were identical to 3 weeks prior, which surprised even me.

Alk: 9.8 dKh
Mag: 1400 ppm
Cal: 400 ppm
N: 20~ ppm
P: 0.03 ppm

I've started getting a little GHA in the DT, but I think that is cuz I'm lazy and need to clean my ATS. Maybe I'll do that tonight. If I could figure out how to automate that and frozen feedings I would be set!

Also....I've been thinking (that's never a good thing). The fact that I have a reef room behind my DT makes me want to redo my filtration. I want to move my sump out from under the tank and put it in reef room. Then I can connect my 40B frag tank to my system. It would make access so much easier, plus it would keep 90% of my electrical in the other room. I have a few things keeping me from doing this though, 1) My stand has to be moved away from the wall to remove my sump, 2) My skimmer was put into the sump from the top of the stand, meaning the tank wasn't on it. Not sure if I could get it out or not, I was unsuccessful last time, but I didn't take it apart either. 3) My reef room is carpeted, I really need to tile it, especially if I am moving more water into that room. Basically, I am thinking I am going to have to tear the tank down and set it all back up, not really sure I am up for that. Things are finally settling in after 10 months.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Your tank looks great. Nice setup:bigsmile:

[Big_Pun]

if you plan it out im sure it can be done without stressing out tank too much....get the construction stuff worked out first like tile and such and then the tank plumbing part, im sure if use some bins you can put coral in them and move all the tank equipment and re set up right away. i did my tank transfer to a new tank in 24 hours with no losses except fish that got squished by rocks

[rrasco]

Thanks Shane. Really old pics though.

That's really what I am planning to do. Tile first then build sump and figure out plumbing. Tile won't be too bad, the only thing on the floor in there is a 20 gallon frag tank and my water change system. There is already a pass-through from my stand to the reef room, but I might have to enlarge it to accommodate the plumbing.

Biggest annoyance is most of my corals are glued down or grown onto the LR already. So I can either remove them from the rock, or attempt to setup the rocks to account for that. I have been looking forward to re-scaping though, so this isn't all bad.

[rrasco]

I finally got around to deciding what I am doing to my reef room. I moved everything out of it this afternoon and pulled the carpet up. Going to start prepping the floor and put in something a little more water friendly. Then I'm going to start planning a new sump and frag system for in there.

[Big_Pun]

I finally got around to deciding what I am doing to my reef room. I moved everything out of it this afternoon and pulled the carpet up. Going to start prepping the floor and put in something a little more water friendly. Then I'm going to start planning a new sump and frag system for in there.

is growth that good you need a frag system... pics of the tank !!!

[KING]

lol...^^^

[Big_Pun]

lol...^^^

wasn't trying to be funny I was serious

[allan]

I finally got around to deciding what I am doing to my reef room. I moved everything out of it this afternoon and pulled the carpet up. Going to start prepping the floor and put in something a little more water friendly. Then I'm going to start planning a new sump and frag system for in there.

Robert, I did this a few years ago over a four day weekend. Best choice ever. But it broke my back. lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rrasco]

Yeah, I'm excited. That carpet and water setup wasn't meshing very well. I have to fix a few cracks in my foundation before I can lay down anything. That's on the docket for tonight.

Chris, not specifically, I have a few things I seem to never stop fragging, but I mainly want a FT on the same system as the DT so I can move pieces between the two without worry. Sometimes I need to move pieces that are extra, getting picked on, not doing well, or there are just some pieces I'd prefer to grow out separately from the DT until I am ready to place them. I'll post a picture later, gotta find something current. I want my sump in there so it's easier to access my equipment. Shoving a 40B, huge skimmer, reactors, etc under that stand made it tight to work on things.

[Big_Pun]

having a sump that easily accessed is nice, I wish mine could slid out one side just to give it a good cleaning once in a while

[rrasco]

here is a recent pic. excuse the algae, had gfo offline and ats bulb was old. gfo is back online as of a few weeks ago, so its going away...slowly.

[Zack]

What's your stocking list?

[rrasco]

Fish?

Sailfin blenny, royal gramma, green mandarin, false perc, lyretail anthias (2), blue/green chromis (4). I want more anthias.

Corals?

A little of everything.

[Zack]

Any issues with an even number of chromis?

[rrasco]

Are they supposed to be uneven? I started with 6, but the two smallest ones died off. I want more.

[rrasco]

I planned on fixing the cracks in the floor last night, but instead I spent 4 hours scraping paint and orange peel from the concrete, presumptively from when the house was built. Tonight I filled in all the holes/chips from the carpet tack boards and I also patched the cracks in my floor. It's not perfect, but it'll do just fine for a reef room. Sure beats having a visible crack in the floor.

This project was supposed to be done this weekend and now my ETA is probably next Monday or Tuesday. I'm laying down a bonding primer on Thursday and the epoxy coat on Friday.

[rrasco]

Finally got my floor done. A little longer than planned, but I threw down the last coat of epoxy last night and I think it looks a lot better. When it was bare concrete with all the patching I was a little worried. I will have to wait until Friday to start moving stuff back into the reef room and then I will begin planning a new sump and frag tank.

Any recommendations for sump design? Essentially I want a big intake section for my NAC9, then I want a fairly large fuge, and a place to put some pump(s) to feed my reactors. I was going to build in an ATS to this one, but I am just going to stick with GFO and a fuge, seems to work well for me. I'll also need a new return pump so I can feed the DT and the FT. I may or may not go with a single pump for this, still debating. With all the good things I hear about them, I am leaning towards a Sicce for the job.

[350gt]

So you took the tank down?

[rrasco]

No. The tank is in the living room and I have my ATO, controller, LED drivers, etc in the room directly behind it. I am prepping that room to put the sump/frag tank in there. I'll get everything ready and I may have to drain/move the tank to get my sump/skimmer out of the stand.

[FireWater]

Pics or it didn't happen.

[rrasco]

I'll get one tonight. I have one after I pulled the carpet up. I can't walk on it until tonight so I'll pull up the painters tape and snap a shot with it finished. I still have to touch up the baseboards too since I'm evidently a messy painter, even when they were taped off.

[rrasco]

Here it is

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Very nice room. You could put another DSA in there too:bigsmile:

[Big_Pun]

looks nice, dang you can make a mess and not worry to much!

[rrasco]

A few new pieces. Whites not on yet, so they're a little blue.

[ramsey]

Looking good! I'm so jelly of your fish room! Can't wait to see what you build out in there.

[rrasco]

Thanks.

Swung by ER today and picked up some Dr Tims Waste Away. Hopefully it will help me get the last bit of algae out of here. They also had the lugols I've been looking for and a great deal on some Chromis.

Here is a FTS from today.

[subsailor]

I dose Dr tims stuff and have really good results with it. Are you going to stick with the one mp40 and one wp40? I just got my neo 105 running today and like you wish I had a lot more space. Had to get my sump in and skimmer in before the tank even touched the stand. The only thing I am worried about is the background that was pre installed from DSA in the tank and it's longevity.



Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[rrasco]

I actually installed a second WP40 yesterday and have them connected to a Reef Angel controller to run them.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fijp5rADa0A

[rrasco]

Newer video


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF30onmnoNA

[DBR]

Nice tank rrasco... I love that you keep your back glass panel clean. Looks sharp.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

very nice setup, rimless tanks are awesome,

[rrasco]

Got motivated enough to pull out the good camera today.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/8943675726_c27541c2df_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/8943057321_271e618365_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/8943060715_2f8f64f49c_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/8943063371_fe42e332d9_b.jpg

[rrasco]

Now that I've spent all year planning out the sump relocation, I am about ready to start the process. Yeah, I know, I move slow.

This is the intended layout, frag tank is subject to re-design, I'm not even worried about getting it online, just moving the filtration then I can worry about adding the frag tank later. I did need to make sure the stand was in place though.

Sump stand (if you want to call it that) is designed as two pieces, seeing as how me and Shane had to get this in through the window, I didn't want an ordeal with the stand too. It will be built in two pieces and put together in the fish room. A single piece of 1/2" plywood + foam board will be added once assembled. I may also add a thin layer of ABS or other plastic to contain small spills.

Basic design concept with my RODI/Salt Mix setup will stay the same. Top container is RODI. Lower one is mixed salt and the homer bucket is ATO.

22842

[rrasco]

Finally got around to getting some pics of the new setup. Still working on some things including electrical, but function over form at this point.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/11913044874_5d2a880b76_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/11913510216_dc8853ddae_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/11913087954_f4c9495612_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/11913515936_fcd784ef3a_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/11913091914_13747bc2b4_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/11913078584_7da1cf66fc_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/11913500196_385b227b03_b.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/11913070884_f595fbba7c_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/11913494486_9e80cbcde0_b.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/11912601975_cce5a61e30_b.jpg

[Mr Cob]

killer system dude and that sticker had your name all over it :)

[LuckySingh]

This is some serious setup
Looks nice

[Big_Pun]

great equipment and fish room! how bout some tank shots???

[rrasco]

Thanks and sure, I could snap a few pics when I get home. I've been battling GHA and bryopsis since I started up my BP reactor and fought off cyano, but I have almost won that battle. Although, still work to do on that front. I started using Continuum Clean-M since I couldn't find a reliable source for Dr. Tims and it's really helped clean up my rocks...with the assistance of a tooth brush.

[Big_Pun]

Thanks and sure, I could snap a few pics when I get home. I've been battling GHA and bryopsis since I started up my BP reactor and fought off cyano, but I have almost won that battle. Although, still work to do on that front. I started using Continuum Clean-M since I couldn't find a reliable source for Dr. Tims and it's really helped clean up my rocks...with the assistance of a tooth brush.

Tech M worked great on my Bryopsis battle also knocked out some of gha, but weekly water changes and gfo have helped with the gha. i wait for dr T to send me coupons and buy the half gallon jugs of it at a time, it has a shelf life of 7 years.

[rrasco]

I've already raised my mag to 1800+ (a little too much admittedly on accident), but I didn't use Tech M. I had a bunch of BRS mag solution so that's what I used, but it took about 2 gallons to get there. I'm curious if it will work since I've heard rumors that the mag isn't what knocks out bryopsis, but an unidentified ingredient in Tech M. That's what the anecdotal evidence suggests anyways. I've kept up with my WC lately. I remove by hand, scrub with a toothbrush, and then siphon it all out during WCs. I also have been running GFO for at least a year, still need to finish up my BRS low cap before I try a different brand (although I did use rowaphos and it was nice but I went through it quick)...not until I recently switched to an MR1 reactor was I able to keep the reactor running unobstructed for more than a week or so. I have a closet full of BRS reactors that are junk, even after I tried to modify them for better flow.

[Big_Pun]

it's not the same it has to be tech m or it doesn't work as you have seen. formula is different, I've tried with brs with failed results. I'm thinking it's a combo of mag levels and what ever else in tech m

those brs reactors are a waste of money IMO

[rrasco]

I already planned to switch to Tech M after I'm out of solution as people also say it's a better concentrate and doesn't take as much to buffer mag. I'll keep up with my nutrient battle and manual removal at this point, I guess.

[Big_Pun]

how's the tumble rate on your BP

[rrasco]

I had it tumbling pretty hard but then my pump seized up and I had to clean it and now it won't tumble as rough but I think it's good right now. I can video that too so you can advise on it. I was never really sure if it was adjusted right. I think my low mag was contributing to excessive precipitation on my pumps.

[Big_Pun]

you just want them on a gentle tumble just enough to keep them all moving but not being pounded

[rrasco]

I think that's how they are tumbling now. It was kind of odd it got to a point I couldn't get them to tumble less, which is why they were blowing around a lot. Probably had a lot to do with the calcium deposits on the reactor and pump.

[rrasco]

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/12003905575_4a83ec31db_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/12004716616_edee872f74_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/12003907085_41a5c8c4a1_b.jpg

[Zack]

Any new FTS robert?

[rrasco]

Yeah, I'll have to post some. Tank looks completely different now since I re-scaped several months ago. Actually went to town on it last night again.

[rrasco]

Tanks a little dirty, but these are the most recent I have from about a month ago. Moved everything from the left more to the center and added another stack of rock last night, so I have more real estate to put some new pieces on.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2949/15210064910_c13f4b650c_b.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/15210230117_665163b80f_b.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/15210066200_9e8d76fdeb_b.jpg
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15210225777_84d81c9b44_b.jpg
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https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/15396403232_14a437e6ff_b.jpg
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https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/15393555441_eb646ea5a3_b.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3911/15210225557_ccb2c1f496_b.jpg

[Zack]

Robert, how's the light doing with the spectrum you chose? Been doing some reading and there are some great new colors released. Lime in particular has really got me considering going diy. Tank looks beautiful pal!

[Dean]

Very nice collection. I'd love to add head of that purple tip hammer to my Euphyllia collection if you ever frag it.

[rrasco]

Robert, how's the light doing with the spectrum you chose? Been doing some reading and there are some great new colors released. Lime in particular has really got me considering going diy. Tank looks beautiful pal!

I've had pretty good success. I feel like I'm lacking a few spectral peaks, mainly lower 400s like violet or sub 400 UV. I have noticed a little shift in some colors, things tend to want to be more red or green. Some purples are not as deep as they should be, I hear that's related to my missing peaks. Considering I built these fixtures over 2 years ago, I think they've done well.


Very nice collection. I'd love to add head of that purple tip hammer to my Euphyllia collection if you ever frag it.

I try not to frag, if you can't tell from my scuba steve, I want my tank full. But if I ever do, which is usually out of necessity, I'll let you know.

[Zack]

Absolutely man. Your fixture is still one of the best diy I've ever seen

[rrasco]

As I mentioned, I added some rock to the tank this weekend. Trying to add some real estate for a bunch of pieces I have sitting in the frag tank.

These are from this weekend. Check out the growth since last month on my purple freak.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5610/15467513390_bae7fcaab4_b.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15650399911_22c170c760_b.jpg

[rrasco]

Absolutely man. Your fixture is still one of the best diy I've ever seen

Thanks. I put a TON of work (and money) into those things. I actually still have the third one, c-channel with LEDs mounted but not wired or in a housing (never used it since I was planning to use a third fixture over my 210 before it exploded).

[quicksilverz]

I am such a newbie I almost didn't know what BRS was (bulk reef supplies) was. Teach me master can I take and advanced salt water course with u.

[rrasco]

Thanks man. Everyone has to start somewhere, just keep at it, take it slow and read as much as you can.