DSA 185 Neo mixed reef build.

[Keelynnsreef]

I was looking for the wheel as well but could not find one. The coral pice I picked up at pets art. It was 50% off. Great deal. What size is your skimmer.

[Keelynnsreef]

18334I just picked up the same size tank but mine does have the brace in the middle and yes it is hard to get to some stuff in the middle. But the eel seams to love his new castle.

[allan]

That puffer and eel make the tank look small. :)

[Scutterborn]

I've got the super reef octopus 5000int.

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/CV-SRO-5000INT.html

It's a little overkill. I batted it around, reef or fowlr. There are some amazing angelfish out there.

Here's one of my all time favorites.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/03/2eqyve7a.jpg

In the end, I've decided to stick it out with a reef.

[Scutterborn]

Not A bad idea. Aren't you planning to use a wave box? If you have it already, you may want to run it now to really test the tank

Good call. I'll get it set up after work.

[Scutterborn]

I got the Tunze 6215 Wavebox dialed in and was rockin a 1-1 1/2" wave in the tank for about 30 minutes. Seams seem to have been holding fine with no flex whatsoever. I shut it down for the evening and will resume the wave test tomorrow.


-Ben-

[Flyride95]

That is what I use, the tunze 6206 wave maker. I had to turn it down because I'm scared about busting the 55gal it's on. But I'm going to let it rock out on my new aquarium.
To hear that it took 1.5" waves like nothing is pretty good I believe.:applause:

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/07/ygyde5us.jpg

[Big_Pun]

more closed loop holes?

[Scutterborn]

That one specifically, yes. 1 drain and 2 returns for a Mag 9.5. Also drilled the other drains and return.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/07/abegase9.jpg

[Scutterborn]

Big shout out to Ace. I'm starting to wonder if this tank project would've gotten off the ground without him. Thanks a million, buddy!

[Scutterborn]

The weather is cruddy today so I left work to play. I just picked up some fiberglass rods... Anybody know where I'm going with this idea?

[Scutterborn]

I'm also building a frag rack to set a buch of stuff in the 75g transition tank.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/10/e4egupym.jpg

101 holes and 12" x 24"

[allan]

Will it fit into the 75 gallon?

I still feel like I returned your sump slightly deflowered.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Scutterborn]

It will and you did...

:)

We constantly stare silently at each other across the garage.

[Big_Pun]

Will it fit into the 75 gallon?

I still feel like I returned your sump slightly deflowered.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


It will and you did...

:)

We constantly stare silently at each other across the garage.

lmao that is too funny! so where do you go from there do you forgive both of them?

[allan]

He should forgive me.... The sump didn't object.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Scutterborn]

...

[hobogato]

:lauging:

[Big_Pun]

He should forgive me.... The sump didn't object.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

i agree

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/14/sy3ymyjy.jpg

The eagle has landed.

Thanks Allan, Jason and Milly. I made sure Allan held up his side this time! Lol! :)

[KING]

Man..looks nice

[Scutterborn]

The other two tank in the pic will not be there long term. The 75 is the transition tank and the nanocube is goin to be moved to the other side of the room.

[Scutterborn]

Man..looks nice

Thanks!

[Paul28]

very nice are you going to make it 3 side veiw ?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

That is a sweet 3 sided view tank. Looking at those closed loop holes:bigsmile:So no sump and Totally closed loop?

[Scutterborn]

Haha. My sump isn't ruined in that regard! Lol!

I'm still running a sump in conjunction with closed loop.

I still haven't plumbed it up or installed the "Ace built" overflows.

[sdunn90fowlr]

Looks nice with the 3 sided view. Feels good to have it inside I'm sure!

[hobogato]

looks like it belongs there ;)

[FireWater]

Looking good so far Ben.

[Sherita]

I like it Ben! Bet it feels good to have it in the house :)

[cowboy572]

Agree with Sherita, bet it finally feels good to have it in the house.

[koa25]

Looking sharp, Ben. Having that beast in the house has to be nice.

[Zack]

What happened to the waterfall tank?

[Scutterborn]

It feels great to finally have it in the house. I was starting to wonder if it was ever coming in from the garage! It only took 11 months and 275 posts or so!

The waterfall tank went up north as soon as I could get it out of the house. The timing and pricing was right. :)

I'm now beginning the wiring of the stand and planning the plumbing.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/15/yqa2egu2.jpg

The reflectors are for the t5 refugium lighting. The closer light is hooked to a door switch as a utility light. It comes on when I open the door.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/15/ademuju2.jpg

A (very) quick mock up of pump placement.

I'm waiting to put the doors on the left side until its done.




-Ben-

[KING]

Hey ben..looking good..just wanted to ask what are you going to do with the back side of stand ? Sorry if i passed the part if you posted..

[Scutterborn]

I've made doors for it. I'm just waiting to install them until I get the plumbing done.

[reefreak]

Glad you putting those t-5's to use lol looking good ben.

[Scutterborn]

Glad you putting those t-5's to use lol looking good ben.

I'm glad to finally put them to use as well. I'm hoping to get the wiring tied up soon.

[Sherita]

Looking might good Ben. I'm in a temporary holding pattern on my builds (ADOL strikes again). I'll be watching your thread, stealing your ideas :ph34r::bigsmile:

[Scutterborn]

Shoot! These ideas are stolen from all our member input and experience as well. I'd just a s soon consider it "community property"!

[Sherita]

Shoot! These ideas are stolen from all our member input and experience as well. I'd just a s soon consider it "community property"!

There you go, taking all the fun out of it :bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Ben stop watching the football game. Show me some pics. Were ya at on the build:bigsmile:

[Scutterborn]

Alright! Stop yelling at me! :)

Original plan:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/21/ze3egu7u.jpg
New plan:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/21/y9ajajan.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/21/ybabazyd.jpg

I'm working in the closed loop now for the mock up before glueing and getting mad. Then returning to Home Depot again...


-Ben-

[Big_Pun]

how many pumps total??

[Paul28]

Ahhhh very nice , yeh i think the first plan would have been hard to clean the skimmer :) it was nice meeting you today

[Scutterborn]

3.

Reeflo snapper - external circulation pump.

Mag 9.5 - Closed loop

Hydor bb5000 - skimmer pump.


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

Ahhhh very nice , yeh i think the first plan would have been hard to clean the skimmer :) it was nice meeting you today

I couldn't even have gotten the skimmer cup or reactors out with the first design.

Yea, I'm a dummy sometimes





-Ben-

[Big_Pun]

wouldn't you want the biggest pump in closed and smaller running the sump, especially if you have a fuge. if anything I've learned from my tanks and customers tanks over the years it's not good to rely on couple pumps to run lots diff jobs. I have two return pump, 1 per over flow, reactors have there own pumps. if one return cramps out I have one running still, and all reactors still going.

[Scutterborn]

I also have the wavebox.

The way I figure it the mag 9.5 is pretty bulletproof. The snapper is prone to leaking the shaft. I have a spare snapper to run in the mean time. With all the 90's and tees in the return line as well as fees ind the reactors, I should only see 500-600 gph at each return line. That's really not a bunch of flow coming through the sump considering how large it is.

70% of my water movement will be by the wavebox and the closed loop. Seems like a pretty even dispersion of responsibility shared by all the pumps.

Besides, I always have back up powerheads if something catastrophic should occur.


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

powerheads . . wats that . . . Im gonna have to follow your lead with a wavebox of some sort. Their awesome.

[Scutterborn]

Exactly! That's not a look I want in my tank.

JT put me on the right track for some plumbing for the reactors. I've got that going now. After breaking one and having Ace fix it. :) thanks again!

More pics tonight maybe. I might get the sump in the stand. I'm reasonably sure I've got the hard lines done. Just working on the closed loop plumbing now.


-Ben-

[Big_Pun]

powerheads . . wats that . . . Im gonna have to follow your lead with a wavebox of some sort. Their awesome.

the one that powers the wave box....lol

[Scutterborn]

The wavebox pump has a clean look to it though. In my opinion, even the mp-40's are only aesthetically "acceptable". The regular suction cup style/type powerheads are rated "not in my tank".

That's my two cents. .


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

the one that powers the wave box....lol

OceanMotions :bigsmile:
http://www.oceansmotions.com/store/?osCsid=d14cf16a9d34eed01030b05a5ed1b68b

[Scutterborn]

So I've been fighting with cramming all this under the stand in conjunction with work the rest of life. I figured I'd update with a few pics.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/24/une6y4ys.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/24/yqequ8u3.jpg

Still working on plumbing the closed loop.


-Ben-

[Louis-210]

Looks sweet!

[BBQHILLBILLY]

When ya throwing the water in it? Any parties planned. free pizza cold pepsi :bigsmile:Im still a week out.

[Scutterborn]

Dude, I would've finished the closed loop last night except for the emergency room trip that I'm still on...

If I have the gusto, I'll finish the plumbing today. Depends on how much Starbucks I can ingest. :). Been up since 0600 yesterday.


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Get sum rest. save for the weekend.:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Funny in this hobby you dont want to rush anything. I was pumped. I siliconing on 2 holes. I said O let me send a text out to someone just to make sure Im doing it right.
So I start heading out to Fishtix place and get a text NO put the gasket in between the silicone. watt No watt its to late. O man. I had to circle back
and pop the bulkheads off messy. I have to wait till it drys then scrub it off and do it the right way. NO need to ruch. get some rest. lol just a little story

[hobogato]

that doesnt sound good.


...except for the emergency room trip that I'm still on...

[Scutterborn]

that doesnt sound good.

Yeah. Josie had surgery this morning to remove her appendix.

I blame her openly for keeping me from my reef duties... :)





-Ben-

[rrasco]

Yeah. Josie had surgery this morning to remove her appendix.

I blame her openly for keeping me from my reef duties... :)

-Ben-

Appendicitis, not fun. I had that two years ago. I think I'd rather be shot. I can still feel the scar tissue, and it still hurts.

On a side note, I don't want to rain on your parade or throw a kink in your plans, but if you are going to have the intake for the pump from the sump like that, with the 90, you will probably get some cavitation. This is relatively new to me, but thought it may be helpful to you.

More info: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2239620

[Scutterborn]

Yeah. I had mine burst about 20 something years ago. I don't remember the writhing agony as poignantly as I do now!


-Ben-

[rrasco]

Ouch...that's another level when it pops. I was in pain for like 3 days before I finally went to the ER, and then when they finally got me in a room, the pain stopped. They thought it had burst, but luckily it didn't, b/c my 3 day stay would have jumped to a week minimum. They actually thought it was kidney or gall stones.

[Scutterborn]

Yeah, they checked the gallbladder first. She's still at the hospital and doing well. They said she may have had a small heart attack after surgery though. That's why they've kept her. I'm at work now that I've seen the insurance deductible...


-Ben-

[hobogato]

yikes! we will be thinking about her - prayers for a swift recovery.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I wish for the best and for a speedy recovery

[Scutterborn]

Thanks guys. I did manage to get some work done while she slept this afternoon. All the plumbing is done under the tank. I'm finishing up the plumbing inside the overflows. Oh yeah. I got the overflows installed too. :)




-Ben-

[allan]

Ben, I hope she feels better. You need anything, just holler out, brother.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sdunn90fowlr]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery! I never had appendix trouble, but hospital stays are never fun.

[Scutterborn]

I really appreciate that guys. She's really starting to get back to her busy bee self.

Water test in t-minus 10 minutes...


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

congrats and good luck on your water test. I had to use a bowl temporary until tightened.:bigsmile:

[Scutterborn]

I had one leak at the threaded fitting on the Reeflo pump and the volute was leaking on the Mag 9.5. Easy fixes. All running like a champ with no leaks.


-Ben-

[reefreak]

Glad to hear ben, all your blood sweat and tears are finally having a good return lol.

[Paul28]

PIcs pics pics lets see it running :)

[Tristan23]

Yes! Lets see some pictures!!

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/28/ejubype2.jpg

A quick pic I snapped on the way out the door. My plastic plant and I are trying to set up the wave box. It's really difucult to get it dialed. Between the closed loop and returns, it's wave continues to be compromised.

I'll get a better pic tonight. And one of the sump.


-Ben-

[hobogato]

when you get it set correctly, those other things will not interfere. the easiest way to set it is to turn off everything else so you can really see the wave to dial it in perfectly. even so, over time, it will need to be adjusted. mine goes out of sync about once a month or so.

[jwalk034]

Aaahhhhh its alive! Finally!!
Tank looks great Ben! Keep us updated with pics man!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

[Paul28]

Yeh looking real good :)

[Scutterborn]

Ace, I had done that. I even put the 24v resistor in and cranked the pump to get a 3/4" wave... Not at all like when I was rockin a 3" wave. I'll get it figured. I've been working my tail off and not just on the tank.

I'm hoping to start laying out the rock this afternoon and figure out what structures I'm going to build. I'll pick up my mortar this afternoon since I wasn't able to get it Thursday.

I had originally envisioned a "pile o' rocks" down the center but I may need to steal a bit if artistic inspiration from Ace's layout. I really dig it.

It looks like ill be starting out by running my MH lights until I can source out 3 more AI sols. I've got the ugly part of the canopy built but need to skin it and make it pretty.


-Ben-

[hobogato]

i wouldnt even try to tune in the wave box until you have the rockwork in. any changes you make to the rockwork can affect the timing of the wave.

[allan]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/28/ejubype2.jpg

A quick pic I snapped on the way out the door. My plastic plant and I are trying to set up the wave box. It's really difucult to get it dialed. Between the closed loop and returns, it's wave continues to be compromised.

I'll get a better pic tonight. And one of the sump.


-Ben-

That's looking real good, Ben, and I love the way you're using the "Jame's Method" of testing water movement with the plastic plant. :)

Ace dialed mine in just a few minutes. I've put in and taken out many powerheads, and the wave just keeps coming in.

[Scutterborn]

Will do Ace.

Allan, I utilize others experience for my own in this world of aquaria. Every time I use plastic plants I draw from James's experience! :)


-Ben-

[koa25]

Ben, the tank is coming along swimmingly. I think the fake plant needs to stay in when its up and running. As a center piece. Can't wait to see rock in there buddy.

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/31/abuhaver.jpg

I taped out my dimensions on the table. Let the art commence.

Here's a structure I put together quickly. I like it. What do you think?

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/31/yra6ujaj.jpg


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

No input?

I also made a small island and a small column.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/01/u3yhype6.jpg

-Ben-

[allan]

Man, hows this for input... I miss building a new tank. The islands that you made will serve well. I like the one on the left. The one on the right kind of looks like a rock that you set on its end. :)

[hobogato]

looks good, that is cool looking rock

[rrasco]

I was curious when I saw them the other day if it was brs reef saver. I also think the picture is misleading on that taped out footprint. Looks way smaller than I know it is. Furthermore, I'm jealous my rocks are stacked and I don't feel much to move them now that they are settled.

[Scutterborn]

Man, hows this for input... I miss building a new tank. The islands that you made will serve well. I like the one on the left. The one on the right kind of looks like a rock that you set on its end. :)

Your more than welcome to come over and live vicariously batting around ideas and I'll even buy the Dos XX!


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

I was curious when I saw them the other day if it was brs reef saver. I also think the picture is misleading on that taped out footprint. Looks way smaller than I know it is. Furthermore, I'm jealous my rocks are stacked and I don't feel much to move them now that they are settled.

It is deceiving. I'll take a top down shot mañana.


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

As promised...

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/02/y9ape5a4.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/02/qy3ypadu.jpg


-Ben-

[Paul28]

there is alot of surface area on that rock very nice

[Scutterborn]

Agreed, I was very pleased when I received it. BRS has nice rock


-Ben-

[rrasco]

I wish I had gone with reef saver over fiji. Oh well.

[Scutterborn]

There's always next time!!
:)


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

So I dropped the wife off at the airport about an hour ago... Tank time! After work tonight ill come up with some more ideas on the rock work.

I think I'm having a hard time committing to a particular design until I can see what it'll look like like all together. That's why I haven't mortared the rock together yet. I'm going for some unique and inherently unstable designs. :)


-Ben-

[Scream311]

Will do Ace.

Allan, I utilize others experience for my own in this world of aquaria. Every time I use plastic plants I draw from James's experience! :)


-Ben-


Ahhh, nothing like the Good Ole "James Walker Plastic Plant Method" :wink_smile:

For your Viewing Entertainment My Fellow Reef Addicts :shades:

1905119052

[Big_Pun]

Thats classsy^^^^^^^

[Scutterborn]

I can only strive for that sort of exceptionality. ;)


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

Here's my second island idea. It's still a rough draft. Not filled in and mortared.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/09/umyhe5uz.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/09/yjy8a9e9.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/09/7e3agute.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/09/rasedyta.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/09/a6a7u3um.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/09/uzupa9az.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/09/sevymugy.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/09/jeve9unu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/09/2uzera9u.jpg

Whadda ya think?



-Ben-

[FireWater]

Looks pretty good Ben. My only critique would be to make sure you put in more "mounting" surfaces. One issue I ran into with my scape was not enough area to mount frags. Real estate became prime in a hurry. I would try to move the rocks a little more to provide horizontal surface and not so much vertical.

[Scutterborn]

Rockwall scaping!! Yeah!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/10/dazade5a.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/10/eqatynu3.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/10/pe2ygugy.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/10/3asygaty.jpg

John came over and seriously got me going on this. And I couldn't have been happier with the results. It's such a huge benefit to have someone to bounce ideas off of.

We had a monster rock built that I should've taken a pic of before we (me) tried to change and it all fell apart!

-Ben-

[FireWater]

Looks good.
You're right, you should have snapped a pic of that monstrosity we put together. Allan would've had a blast putting it in the tank for you.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Scutterborn]

Yes, he will enjoy putting it in there.


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Looks neat. Are you going to rock scape the back wall ?

[Scutterborn]

Yeah. Those are the two panels to partly cover the overflow boxes. A shame really. Aces overflows are almost too beautiful. Lol.


-Ben-

[FireWater]

They will only be part way covered.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Scutterborn]

True


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

So, I have gotten the lighting situation squared away.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/12/medudyry.jpg


-Ben-

[Big_Pun]

So, I have gotten the lighting situation squared away.


-Ben-

easy part now you gotta mount them. are you hanging ?

[Scutterborn]

No. I toyed with the idea of getting the mouts for them and going open top but the misses thinks they look like kinex blocks! Lol.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/12/sypy5avy.jpg

I will look into this later. It'll be an enclosed canopy it seems...


-Ben-

[rrasco]

What kind of lights?

[Big_Pun]

use some 80/20 and it will look clean. I'm changing Emily's mount to 80/20 extruded aluminum

[Big_Pun]

use some 80/20 and it will look clean. I'm changing Emily's mount to 80/20 extruded aluminum

[Scutterborn]

What kind of lights?

Robert, they're the Maxspect Mazarra P modules.

http://coralvue.com/maxspect-mazarra-p-series/


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

use some 80/20 and it will look clean. I'm changing Emily's mount to 80/20 extruded aluminum

I'll look into that. The rails are channeled and I'd like to utilize that.


-Ben-

[FireWater]

I like the Lego look my self. Gives me an idea for the next tank.

I'll look in the garage. I used to have some aluminum channel out there. Not sure if its still there though.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[rrasco]

Robert, they're the Maxspect Mazarra P modules.

http://coralvue.com/maxspect-mazarra-p-series/


-Ben-

Oh, nice. I didn't recognize them. I think I know where you got that lot from. Sweet deal. Can't wait to see them up and running.

[Scutterborn]

Yeah. There's not a lot of mystery as to where they came from. Lol. Thanks a million Josh. I greatly appreciate it.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/13/sape9ube.jpg


-Ben-

[RayAllen]

Diggin the lights Ben, I am a maxspect fan from what ive seen over at nano reef and reef central you can not go wrong with them. Quite a few actually prefer them over the AI products. To each their own I say.

Your tank is going to be sick and I am sure your corals are going to appreciate the LED.

[Scutterborn]

Ray, after reading the spec sheets for the vega and the mazarra, I've got to say that I would've preferred the vega. However, I haven't run these yet and I may be slightly biased. :)


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

I got home today and decided that I could rearrange rocks into different shapes for the rest of my days. Time to commit. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/13/5ybe5apy.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/13/muve5esu.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/13/yduzeraq.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/13/vebase3u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/13/ene7yvyh.jpg

Ideas? Critiques? Praise?


-Ben-

[FireWater]

Question is- do you you like it?

Did you get the structures back close to what we had them? Looks like plenty of room like you wanted.

[electricrcplane]

I saw these today, very nice pieces stuck together. I think it looks great, especially like the rock for the overflow.

[Scutterborn]

I'm reserving my own likes/dislikes until I get unbiased opinions! :)

Don't worry. My feeling won't be swayed unless a "flaw" is pointed out that I've overlooked.

And, yes, that's very similar to the design we came up with it. Sherita helped to modify it a bit.


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/13/5u2e2yty.jpg

"Overflow box art"

:)


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I like it. Can the little wrasses get in there? maybe a cave or 2:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I catch my fish laying down in the caves:bigsmile:

[reefreak]

Looking nice I'm jelly Ben lol

[Scutterborn]

I like it. Can the little wrasses get in there? maybe a cave or 2:bigsmile:

I've got two dedicated caves. Many tunnels and arches throughout the structures. I'm really not a big wrasse fan, though. I'm also not really laying this out for fish much larger than 6-7". I would prefer more fish that are smaller in size but huge on character. I'd prefer to see a school of cardinals rather than a 8" blue hippo tang.


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Ahhh leading towards Cardinals ? :bigsmile:

[Scutterborn]

It was an example but, yeah. I like 'em!


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

Looking nice I'm jelly Ben lol

Strawberry or grape?


-Ben-

[ramsey]

Did you use the Marco mortar for the overflow covers? If so, how much did you use and how far did it go? I have 15lbs so just wondering if a little goes a long way or not.

Awesome build! I really like those LEDs and what you've done with the rock work.

[FireWater]

We will be covering that topic this Saturday at the meeting. Yes, it is emaco r400 and acryl 60. Ben got a 50 lb bag of the mortar and we used about 15 lbs of it maybe.

[Scutterborn]

We will be covering that topic this Saturday at the meeting. Yes, it is emaco r400 and acryl 60. Ben got a 50 lb bag of the mortar and we used about 15 lbs of it maybe.

There ya go.

Time to build a canopy.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/14/sugumu2u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/14/e8esa3am.jpg

I'm waiting for the second coat to dry. Then I will assemble it.


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

I still have some spots to tweak but, here ya go.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/14/2ybu6apu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/14/uqynapem.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/14/a5ygymep.jpg

This is how it'll sit until the better half gets home and tells me that she doesn't like it... :)


-Ben-

[Paul28]

man i bet thats bright , nice setup !!

[Zack]

Man, killer led setup. Great deal. Are those full spectrum units?

[Scutterborn]

Thanks Paul, I'm sure it will be plenty bright!

Zach, the units are stuffed with these LEDs.
Cree XML 5w 8500K White

Cree XPG 3w 8500K White

Philips Luxeon Rebel 3w 480nm Blue

Philips Luxeon Rebel 3w 460nm Royal Blue

SIBDI U60 3w 410nm Super Actinic

SIBDI U70 3w 420nm Super Actinic





-Ben-

[Zack]

Wow that's awesome! I gotta watch some videos on those, seem sweet.

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/14/a9u8ysy9.jpg

I like it.


-Ben-

[hobogato]

that picture is very telling when you compare it to the last one. compare the brightness of the nano next to the tank, those are some bright leds!

[Scutterborn]

that picture is very telling when you compare it to the last one. compare the brightness of the nano next to the tank, those are some bright leds!

Agreed! And that's with them at 11" AWL and ramped up to only 50%!l


-Ben-

[Paul28]

yeh that bright the way i like it

[BBQHILLBILLY]

wow looked these up. You have 8 of those:bigsmile:very nice setup Ben. Looks like you can do a lot with those with the optics and controller. very nice

[BBQHILLBILLY]

stop procastinating and get some sw in there so you get a naso tang:bigsmile:when are ya gonna get the tank wet

[Scutterborn]

I guess I should do that. :)

Unfortunately I'm not within 100 miles of it. I'm stuck in Temple on a job gone wrong on V-day. :(


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

This one is for you Shane.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/16/e8ygude8.jpg


-Ben-

[Big_Pun]

just in time for the meeting !!

[Tristan23]

Looks really good Ben

[KING]

Nice...

[BBQHILLBILLY]

That is Awesome!! :bigsmile:

[Scutterborn]

just in time for the meeting !!

I can only hope the haze clears by tomorrow.


-Ben-

[cowboy572]

Looking Good!

[Paul28]

I can only hope the haze clears by tomorrow.


-Ben-


Is the meeting at your house Ben ?

[Scutterborn]

Yeah. So if the garage and house are a mess, you'll know why! Lol. I've been spending so much time on this and then getting stuck out of town, it's been difficult. I plan to host this in my garage, basically. :)


-Ben-

[Paul28]

well im shur its not as bad as my house hehe your garage is probly bigger then my house haha :)

[Scutterborn]

well im shur its not as bad as my house hehe your garage is probly bigger then my house haha :)

Doubt that, brother!


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

A few updates.

I came home yesterday to find a damp corner by the 75g transition tank. Tried finding the leak and couldn't. Danggit! Started loading all the coral into the 185. I had already moved some of the hardier corals over but, now I was moving my prize pieces! The 185 isn't fully cycled yet and still has diatoms on the sand and rock. I loaded all the live rock and macro into the tank an fuge. I couldn't fit it all into the sump.

I'm treating with live nitrifying bacteria and I'm pleased to report nothing is even mad... Yet.

I can only hope it stays that way.

Front:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/26/y3y6ejyv.jpg
Right side:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/26/gu9y6apu.jpg
Left side:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/26/nepagave.jpg

Some of the rock in the back will not stay there. It's funky looking with it there and really detracts from the look I want. Right now it's necessary though.


-Ben-

[hobogato]

sometimes we need a nudge :) looks like everything is pretty happy to me

[Scutterborn]

sometimes we need a nudge :) looks like everything is pretty happy to me

:)

Yeah. It's a nerve wracking nudge though!


-Ben-

[Big_Pun]

:)

Yeah. It's a nerve wracking nudge though!


-Ben-

more like a kick huh. you should be fine tank looks squared away. just need to push through the cycle.

[Scutterborn]

Hopefully I'll find out where the leak is and put this tank in the swap.


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

As of this evening

No2 - 0.1
No3 - 0
NH3 - <.25


-Ben-

[Triggerman]

Good Job!

it's going to look really nice once everything starts to growout and fill in...I like all the leds!!!

[electricrcplane]

looks great Ben.

[reefreak]

Looking good!

[Paul28]

very nice :)

[sdunn90fowlr]

Looks very good with the color in there now! I like the looks of your LED setup. Makes everything pop.

[Big_Pun]

i like the rockscape a lot, great job!

[LuckySingh]

Very nice looking tank and scape. ....

[Scutterborn]

Not a bunch to update on the tank. Have a few new critters and suffered the loss of some.

Last weekend on Saturday I was doing all my tank maintenance and realized my SG was way high in the tank. I had been moving live rock in and out of the tank and figured I screwed it up at some point. I added over 5 gallons of RO water over the course of the day. The next day I was pulled out of town and ended up being out of town for a bit for work. The wife calls and frantically explains to me that "EVERYTHING IN THE TANK IS DYING!!!".

After she calms down and I get the full story, it's bad but not disaster. I got home for a day on Tuesday and took my water to have it checked out. I was sure my nitrates were triple digits and my ammonia was off the charts. Nope. Everything checked out. No2 - 0, No3 - <2.5 and NH3 -.2. Apparently my kids (yeah, I'm blaming them) had knocked my refractometer around. My SG was 1.022. So over the course of the evening I bumped it back up to 1.025.

I lost half of my purple frogspawn colony and most of my highlighter Acro was bleached. The Duncan's didn't open for 4 days and I've still got some stuff on the mend. However, it's on the right track again.

Ive read that powder blue tangs are sensitive to swings. This guy I've got must be hard core to still be around and really hasn't exhibited any signs of stress. He eats like a champ.

Since the tank was back on track, I picked up some new livestock from mike and thought I'd post up some new pics!

Soon.... :)

[koa25]

PICS!!!

[Scutterborn]

Here's a teaser!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/18/atu8y6y5.jpg


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

really bring some pics. Seeing this tank in person and being able to see from both sides allows a user perspective that is truly awesome. And all that coral placed in and around the rock work is exceptional. It actually gives a 2 tank perspective seeing from both sides instead of a tank up against a wall. The canopy is awesome. I have not thought of a canopy build like that and may be trying to follow your lead on that. It works great with the LEDs.

[Fracture]

Nice! They are fun to feed ;)

[Scutterborn]

Nice! They are fun to feed ;)

For some reason he wouldn't sell me the purple one...


-Ben-

[koa25]

Good looking nem ;) i still have bits of him floating around my tank from getting him out. I still haven't put my rok work back together ha ha. Look happy bro.

[koa25]

For some reason he wouldn't sell me the purple one...


-Ben-
Ha ha. I told them that you were interested and offering me more money. They swooped by and picked it up last night.

[Fracture]

:p

[Scutterborn]

Ha ha. I told them that you were interested and offering me more money. They swooped by and picked it up last night.

Bwahahahaha!!!!

It almost worked... ;)


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

:p

I promise I wouldn't have done that to ya! At least not without your consent...


-Ben-

[350gt]

Where the pics!!!!!!

[koa25]

Well he wasn't offering me more money. He said he was going to offer you guys 5 bucks on top of what you were going to pay to get him ha ha. So he wasn't trying to undermine lol.

[Scutterborn]

Where the pics!!!!!!

I just took some. Gotta upload then download then some sorta other loading...


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/emuzeme5.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/4ena8e8a.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/ze4asa3u.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/mabazaby.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/2ura3aqy.jpg


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/y8u4y6ug.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/ne4asuna.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/emeny9ud.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/9a5a9uju.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/bydyvese.jpg


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/u6unabam.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/u9asyhab.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/ajy4u3y4.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/za4a6uma.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/u2ava4e5.jpg


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/a3y6uhet.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/mu6egeny.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/eza6ysuv.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/e9yqavym.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/7u7apagy.jpg


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/e8aqady2.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/jytyguze.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/ehusegap.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/are5uhap.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/yzypa3u4.jpg


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/ateruqyj.jpg


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

The tank was just kinda "waking up" for these pics. The brain is super inflated in this pic.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/uvusudyn.jpg



-Ben-

[cowboy572]

Ben, how are your clams liking the LED's? If and when I get this big tank going I'm contemplating going to LED's to keep momma happy on the electricity bills but I got a little 4" maxima clam that I want to keep happy. I haven't done any readings on clams and LED's yet and just wondered what you have experienced so far.

[Scutterborn]

I've got this crocea under the lights for a month now and it's happy. However, the bigger crocea wasn't. I had to move him back into the other tank which also has LEDs. Not sure what was going on with the bigger bronze dude. Par reading are kinda sketchy on LEDs but I can usually tell what's what with my clams. Happy or not.

So, in summation, kinda! :)


-Ben-

[koa25]

How did the Zoa's and palys fair in transport? Did that grandis make it ok?

[Scutterborn]

This guy? Yeah, I'm pretty sure he's digging the new habitat! My only regret was not buying all of them! Thanks again Mike. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/y9u3ygub.jpg


-Ben-

[koa25]

Yeah, that guy is awesome ha ha. PPE's look like they are about to fold backwards over themselves. You're more than welcome. And i gave you a lot of those for gratis :whew:lol

[Scutterborn]

Yessir, you did. I cannot say I didn't walk away with superb deals. Top notch stuff. And some was even free! Actually, my second favorite coral I got from you was free. Wanna take a guess?


-Ben-

[koa25]

duncans?

[Scutterborn]

duncans?

Absolutely.


-Ben-

[Paul28]

Yeah, that guy is awesome ha ha. PPE's look like they are about to fold backwards over themselves. You're more than welcome. And i gave you a lot of those for gratis :whew:lol

are those GPEs, PPEs or RPEs cant tell in the pic ? very healthy looking

[Scutterborn]

are those GPEs, PPEs or RPEs cant tell in the pic ? very healthy looking

Your aware that your asking someone red/green color blind to determine this... Lol!! Mike had said they were PPE's. And I'm not talking about personal protective equipment either! They rock.


-Ben-

[koa25]

They are suppose to be PPE's, They are a fleshish purple but the skirt isn't really green. Like a brownish color. The mouth is lime green though.

[Paul28]

They are suppose to be PPE's, They are a fleshish purple but the skirt isn't really green. Like a brownish color. The mouth is lime green though.

ahhh

[350gt]

Tank is coming along nicely....

It looked really clean at the meet.... I didn't much time to stare at it, I could feel your wife's wrath and quickly knew it was my Q to bounce..... Lol

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/7erajudu.jpg

They're like little umbrellas!

Tony, sorry about that. I'm the one that screwed up the after party. ;) You're more than welcome over anytime, bro!

-Ben-

[Paul28]

Your aware that your asking someone red/green color blind to determine this... Lol!! Mike had said they were PPE's. And I'm not talking about personal protective equipment either! They rock.


-Ben-

Nice :) haha

[Scutterborn]

The new guy...
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/26/ja7udyzu.jpg

Obviously he doesn't sit still long!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/26/utezynet.jpg

-Ben-

[rrasco]

The hardest thing in the world to photograph in captivity. -What is a fish.

Looks gorgeous.

[KING]

Good to see there doing good..

[350gt]

Tony, sorry about that. I'm the one that screwed up the after party. ;) You're more than welcome over anytime, bro!

-Ben-


its all good, even though I caught the tail end, it was a good little get together.....

Purple tang looks awesome....

[Scutterborn]

Yeah, Leroy. They're doing well. I had to pull the yellow tang due to constant fighting. I'll figure out what to do about that later.

The purple never stops, Robert! Lol. Makes me wanna take a nap.

Tony, thank you.


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

Just got word that my other new guy will be here tomorrow afternoon!! :)


-Ben-

[rrasco]

Where did you get that blue chromis you have? That guy was awesome too.

[Scutterborn]

I got him when I'd purchased someone's livestock during a tank sale. It's a blue reef chromis and I think he's really awesome. Louis can get them. I purchased 3 more but they must've had a tough trip to the store. :(


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/28/6udehuhu.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/28/pa4ase5y.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/28/6e3ypupy.jpg

As you can see, they're already chilling out together.


-Ben-

[sdunn90fowlr]

Nice!

[Scutterborn]

Got a problem with the new blonde naso. I'm not sure he's eaten anything. I'll see him very casually bite at something but he usually spits it back out. I've got two nori clips and another piece of nori tied down by his hang out. I transferred in some hair algae from a rock in the sump and also a ball of chaeto. He tasted the chaeto but didn't seem interested. I fed te tank again and added garlic extreme. Still no response. I cut off all the pumps and hd food drifting down over his face.

He's got a pinched stomach.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/29/y2umyza6.jpg

Any suggestions? I'm going to pull him tomorrow an put him in quarantine if he doesn't look better. Also going to try live brine.


-Ben-

[350gt]

Some grape caulpera maybe? Mine use to love that stuff..

[Scutterborn]

Some grape caulpera maybe? Mine use to love that stuff..

I gave all mine away. :(


-Ben-

[Big_Pun]

looks like internal parasite ours had that used metronidazole also dr Tim's medicated food works well I have some extra you can have if you can get him to eat it.

[Fracture]

I might be able to bring you some calurpra tomorrow if you think it will help I don't have much left after my tangs got to it but I don't mind giving it back to ya to help save your tang. Lmk

[Big_Pun]

I also have lots of grape culerpa

[Scutterborn]

I just got back from the coast and euthanized the B Naso... I'm going to bed.


-Ben-

[Fracture]

I'm sorry to hear of the loss

[Scutterborn]

Figured I'd do some update pics. Had a few ups and downs but I'm still going for the gold.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/29/avu8a3ut.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/29/egutu3yr.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/29/uqevupyd.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/29/azegyme6.jpg

- Ben -

[LuckySingh]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/y8u4y6ug.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/ne4asuna.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/emeny9ud.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/9a5a9uju.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/19/bydyvese.jpg


-Ben-

Ben tank is looking great and shows all ur hard work ...
Also is it a blue sqoumosa in the last pic ??




Thanks
Lucky Singh

[Scutterborn]

Ben tank is looking great and shows all ur hard work ...
Also is it a blue sqoumosa in the last pic ??




Thanks
Lucky Singh

Thanks for the compliment.
Looking at the shell, I'm gonna say crocea. It's definitely not a squammy.


- Ben -

[hobogato]

definitely looks like everything is settled in and thriving now, great job ben

[Fracture]

Looks great where's the tube?

[koa25]

Looking great Ben. Everything is really happy.

[Scutterborn]

Looks great where's the tube?

Right here. It's still not out for feeding yet. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/29/jatubepu.jpg


- Ben -

[Fracture]

Yay beautiful love your tank Ben

[Scutterborn]

Thanks, y'all. I do need to get a good pic of the tube nem this evening. If it's spread out anything like last night, nothing can fit back there from now on. It was roughly a cubic foot of sweepers. Oh, yeah, and awesomeness. :)


- Ben -

[koa25]

I loved when the tentacles were out in force. I told you he was huge.

[CoryDude]

Nice potters. Is it eating frozen food pretty easily?

[Scutterborn]

It's so awesome, Mike! Better than I could've asked for.


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

Nice potters. Is it eating frozen food pretty easily?

So far he's eaten everything I've put in there. I've only had him for about 9.5 hours though. :)


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

Nice potters. Is it eating frozen food pretty easily?

I just did my main feeding and he chowed down really well. Ate everything that he could fit in his mouth.


- Ben -

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I dont see the glass. I see right through the tank to the outside. Bypassing all the nice coral in there. Ben whats your secret to clearness?:bigsmile:sw is clear.

[Scutterborn]

The secret is changing the stupid filter socks every two days! :).


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

really I dont like socks. Obviously, They make a big difference. I see that with your tank, crystal clear. Every 2 days . . .:bigsmile:

[koa25]

Man I just got a chance to look at these photos again on a big screen and they look even more amazing. Definitely does more justice.

[Scutterborn]

Thanks guys. I've got some issues I'm working through and I'll update on those when I'm make better progress.

Shane, the socks do make a big difference. I still think about going sock less all the time anyway.

Mike, I should take some better pics. I appreciate the comments but, I just snapped off some really quick pics with the iPad. Lol.


-Ben-

[Scutterborn]

New additions.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/02/hydu2e9u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/02/avu4eteh.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/02/4yqena6u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/02/hubebu9u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/02/9egypa8u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/02/re8ene3e.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/02/udygyveq.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/02/qyterybe.jpg


- Ben -