Ray Allen's 40g Mixed Reef!

[RayAllen]

Ok I bought a BRAND NEW 40g Breeder Today. Have always loved the dimensions. 36x18 and shallow.

Plans are a mixed reef with a small Schoal of some type of fish. Maybe cardinals..Who knows this early

Plans
40g breeder which will be made RR. Need to get someone to make me a overflow and drill the tank. DONE
Drilled return line for a cleaner look DONE
build a custom Tall stand or have ACE build a stand DONE
No canopy, but I do want a custom trip on top with a lip that can hold a screen DONE
Thin layer of sand
I have ~40-50 of fiji LR
I have a ACE made 25g sump with a tall bubble trap
I have a Mag 5 and 9 maybe a 12 to choose from as a return
Lighting Either T5s or a MH supplemented with Moon/Blue LEDs. DONE


I have the live rock cycling (if you will) in the sump for now with a koralia pump

Pics of what I have now.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/001-4.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/002-5-1.jpg

[RayAllen]

Some inspiration. These 40g Breeder are amazing!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/40g1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/40g2.jpg

[reefreak]

I think its solid who has a 40 breeder drop off reef and looking forward to.this build I have always loved how wide the 40 breeders aee

[BSJF]

The hardest thing to figure out is the lighting. I wish Current still made the Sunpod. The two 150w MH LEd combo was perfect for these and the 3' 65g setups. Nice and narrow so you can still get your hands wet!

[RayAllen]

im definitely going the hanging pendant route. I will not have a canopy. Sort of going a more modern route.

[Milly]

Keeping my eye on this thread. I love the 40g breeder look! Can't wait to see what you do! :)

[RayAllen]

Build is moving along.

Ive gotten with ACE and hes going to build a cool modern stand with for me, with a cool trim to go around the top. Also drilling my tank and building a overflow. Im stoked!

Something along these lines (hope you do not mind ACE) Im excited

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/raystand.jpg


Also picking up a T5 Setup tonight 6x39 watts. Sweet! Will hang from the ceiling or some steel tubes.

[Texreefer]

Oh, no way!! Ace will be having none of that!!... you can expect a full color rendering in about 10 minutes...!!!










hehe:bigsmile::angel: JK Looks good. 40 Breeder was my very first saltwater tank.. really like it

[RayAllen]

Oh, no way!! Ace will be having none of that!!... you can expect a full color rendering in about 10 minutes...!!!












hehe:bigsmile::angel: JK Looks good. 40 Breeder was my very first saltwater tank.. really like it

Haha. Something for him to do on summer break.

I had a planted 40g breeder years ago, and I always like the foot print. And with only 16" of height you can grow anything with decent lighting.

[ErikH]

LOL not even wet on this build yet, and already onto a new tank. :)

[RayAllen]

LOL not even wet on this build yet, and already onto a new tank. :)

Whatch you talking about Willis?

I decided to sale the 37g tank Erik and closed that thread.

So this 40g will be my only tank..

[ErikH]

That's what I meant, lol from one to another, not even water in the original, sold it, and onto the next!


In other news:
comma comma comma comma chameleon

[RayAllen]

Picked up my 6x39 watt T5 fixture from Rob tonight. Thanks dude! I will be able to grow anything with this baby. With the bulbs being only 2weeks old I have a lot of time before I have to change them, especially seeing that the tank will not even have water in for for a little while and then a month of cycle w/out light. So maybe around spring 2013 will be about time to buy new bulbs. Happy wallet. :)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/007-2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/001-5.jpg
Dawn/dusk setting 2 bulbs
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/005-5.jpg
4 Bulb early/late day
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/4bulb.jpg

Full Daylight, full spectrum 6 bulbs
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/004-5.jpg

Going to look slick hanging about the tank.

[RayAllen]

Dropped of the tank tonight for ACE to begin working his magic with acrylic and wood. Tank will be drilled, have a overflow and the stand and top will be done by this weekend. Well sorta done, I will apply the stain and clear coat myself.

[reefreak]

Nice light man I have the same one running over my 55g

[RayAllen]

yea, im happy to have it. Ive looked up a few reefs running the same light or at least a 6x39 setup and the reefs look great.

[Mr Cob]

nice Ray...so glad you have Ace working on it, will surely be a sweet setup between what Ace builds and you create. Looking forward to watching it all come alive.

[RayAllen]

Thanks Rob, Just got some progress update pics from ACE

3 holes drilled for the return, new system that Ace told me about. Supposed to be super quiet. The hole you see on the far right is for the return. Also see the Slick toothless overflow
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/drilled.jpg
Wood cut for the frame
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/woodcutforstandframe.jpg
Boards joined for Skin
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Skinjoined.jpg

[RayAllen]

Did I mention the stand will be 36" tall to provide for a nice view standing or sitting.

Stay tuned for more, I will post them as I get them from Ace.

[Mr Cob]

nice bro, I went 40" tall on my 85g stand and so glad I did. I hate bending down to view tanks.

[ErikH]

I use three overflows and my tank is SILENT! :)

Looks like this is gonna be your best tank yet!

[RayAllen]

I use three overflows and my tank is SILENT! :)

Looks like this is gonna be your best tank yet!

I think it will be a contender for sure. Not doing it on such a tight budget as most of my tanks were before. Im going for a certain look inside and outside the water. Will make a statement in the living room for sure. Once I get back from California in a couple of weeks I will need to finally get my living room for stained, sealed and get the new molding up. Then I can get this baby setup and going. So im still at least 3-4wks out before it will see water but it will give me time to get a few things done and buy a few more things for the tank.

[RayAllen]

Today's Updates

Base
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Base.jpg
Frame
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/frame.jpg
Skinned with top trim and overflow attached
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/skinned.jpg

Ace said doors go on tomorrow and the seams will be cleaned up. Sweet!

[koa25]

Wow, That is coming together very nicely. Well done again Ace. No pressure RayAllen. Have to make sure the inside has to look as good as the outside. Look forward to seeing the build.

[reefreak]

Looks great man

[Mr Cob]

I love that look, Ace is fast too!

[Milly]

Looks awesome!

[Big_Pun]

I loved that light on my 70g, that bulb setup was the best for growth and color.

[ErikH]

Dayum Ace is fast!

[RayAllen]

I loved that light on my 70g, that bulb setup was the best for growth and color.

I just had a duh moment, lol. I forgot Rob told me he bought it from you. Thanks for calling dude. I will see you in a couple of weeks. Pick that up on the 11th :)

[RayAllen]

Dayum Ace is fast!

I know he is. Rob and I were saying it would take us a bit longer... Knowledge, tools and time is all you need. I have a little of each, but not enough to knock it out that fast and for it to look so good.

[RayAllen]

Check it out. So clean and sleek.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/FinStand1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Finstand2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Finstand3.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Finstand4.jpg

All thats left is for me to get it home and slap a nice finish on it. Excellent job ACE!

[ErikH]

NICE.

[Mr Cob]

now I want one lol

[RayAllen]

now I want one lol

Haha, im excited to bring it home.

[ErikH]

You going to paint or vinyl the back?

[Scutterborn]

Sha-weet!!

[RayAllen]

You going to paint or vinyl the back?

not sure, Im wanting dark blue almost black though. I usually paint them.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

great looking stand. good job. drilled 40. sweet setup Ray

[reefreak]

ray i love the way the stand goes up to the trim it looks amazing

[RayAllen]

ray i love the way the stand goes up to the trim it looks amazing

Thanks, I had the vision and ACE made it happen.

[RayAllen]

Picked my tank and stand up yesterday with the help of Chris. Thanks dude!

Looks even better in person, Ace did a excellent job. All I need to do is a light sanding here in there and apply a few coats of ebony stain and a a few coats of a clear finish. The inside will get a nice thick coat of Kilz.

Pics of it in the house.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/003-3.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/004-6.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/005-6.jpg

[RayAllen]

Also got the hanging kit for my light brand new from Chris. That is what is the white box in the tank.

I will get to work on the stain and clear coat as soon as I can. The tank will not see water for a few weeks so that I can get the living room floor finished with its new acid stain also...

to be continued....

[allan]

I was really impressed with the stand, both the work and the design. And that's the first breeder I've seen... Really like it a lot.

Wonder if wifey will let me set up... Nah, know better than to ask.

Really nice, ray.

[Big_Pun]

glad I could help, and you never know what I have laying around from 3 years of setting up tanks mine and friends.

[Milly]

That looks great, makes me want to get my own 40 going!

[RayAllen]

7/15 update

Got the stand stained and cleared. I clear coated it outside with I think 6 coat of poly and it came out well. Only problem is since I did clear it out side it of course caught some particles and a couple of little spiders decided to make a few web on it. Should wipe of with a tack clothe once fully dry/cured.

I went with a Dark Brown stain color called Kona which i really dig. It almost looks like a charcoal brown. Some of the pics make it look a tad darker than it really is. Anyhow..

Stain done in the house
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/stand001.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/stand002.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/stand004.jpg

Clear coat
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/stand005.jpg

Done for the most part, need to wipe down and put the hardware back on
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/stand008.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/stand007.jpg

Sorry for the blurry pics, time for a new camera...

[NickC5FE]

Got to say- that is the nicest 40b stand i have seen so far! Good job

[allan]

Really digging the build, ray.

[RayAllen]

Thanks guys, im moving a long slowly but surely. Looks like im going to go a custom route with my sump in stead of the one i already have. I want to have seperate chambers for everything so that is next on the agenda.

[RayAllen]

Came up with my Sump design. Going to have Ace build this once I come up with some extra Cash..

Get in your stand and measure and tape off, it really helps when coming up with a design. Came up with this 21x19x17 which is ~29gallons.
This allows me to have room for a 12" wide ATO tank on the right.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/sumpNews.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Sumpdrwn.jpg

[RayAllen]

Got a update

Picked up my sump from Ace today, looks Killer. took Ace's advice and increased the fuge area and shrunk the skimmer area. For a skimmer I will be going with a Nac 3.5 bubble Magus skimmer which Ive heard packs a lot of power and moves a lot of water. Produced lots of skimmate plus it has a very small foot print.

Anyhow here are the pics of the slight redesign and finished product, im a happy camper.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/rayredo.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/DSC00322.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/DSC00320.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/002-2.jpg

With my floors done and new paint today on the walls all I have left is base boards which will be done tomorrow hopefully. Getting closer to this baby seeing some water..

[Mr Cob]

Top quality Ray, it all looks great.

[Scutterborn]

Top quality Ray, it all looks great.

+1. Lookin really sharp.


- Ben -

[RayAllen]

Thanks Guys, I've been meaning to get over to Elegant to pick up my bulkheads, salt, sand etc.. Will maybe get over there this weekend..

[reefreak]

Looking great ray!

[RayAllen]

Picked up my bulkheads from Elegant yesterday. Today I spent some cash at lowes and bought the schedule 40 pvc for my plumbing.
Took Ace's advice and decided to go with the BeanAnimal overflow/standpipe system which is why I had Ace drill 3 holes for the overflow. I made a few mods to suite the 40g but for the most part its 90% the same, save some cash and went with standard ball valves etc. I still have to add the air line for the emergency standpipe.


Some pics

Parts
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/004-7.jpg

Dry fit pics
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/006-2.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/010-1.jpg

Glued and ready to go
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/014.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/016.jpg

A link to his site and the reef central thread for who ever is interested..

http://beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1310585

[RayAllen]

I am going to paint the back of the tank and finish the plumbing once I move the tank back down stairs. I still have it in the bedroom after the floor remodel. Plan on picking up sand and salt this week sometime, so I should be able to perform a water/leak test soon..

[Big_Pun]

looking good ray! your jumping right back into the hobby

[reefreak]

Looking nice ray!

[RayAllen]

looking good ray! your jumping right back into the hobby

Thanks Chris i have had to re-jog the memory on somethings, but its coming nicely.

[Mr Cob]

pvc looks nice bro, what color are you painting the back?

[RayAllen]

Im thinking a dark blue almost black, but im undecided.

[reefreak]

Why dont you do vinyl on it?

[RayAllen]

Paint is easy to apply and goes on even, no air bubbles etc. I wont rule out vinyl but I just to have to find it in the color I want..

[Mr Cob]

I had zero bubbles in the blue and black vinyl I installed on the 85g...well Jack did it. Pics in my 85g build thread on pg17. The end result was much nicer than any back I have ever painted.

[RayAllen]

I may have to give it ago. Need to find some local.

[RayAllen]

I did have to shorten up my stand pipes just a bit after I realized the kick-arss top Ace made would not fit other wise. Other than that this has to be one of the easiest plumbing jobs ever. I dry fitted last night to get everything measured. All thats left to do is cut the pvc that will actually be in the sump. I decided on moving the sump to the right of the stand so the plumbing can drop straight down. Sweet! Need to find a 11" wide top off container now to fit on the left..

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/005-7.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/008-1.jpg

Have the dual T5 fixture that is perfect for my refugium chamber

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/010-2.jpg

picked up my salt and sand today (Fiji Pink)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/012-1.jpg

[RayAllen]

Oh yea as you can see above I got around to painting the inside of the stand with Kilz also.. Doors are off because I decided I was not quite happy with the finish on the door in particular so im redoing them. You can see one of them by the blue bucket after I sanded the majority of the stand and poly off..

[reefreak]

Looking good ray you can also grow frags out in there too!

[RayAllen]

yea, Jeremy I was thinking that to. With the dual T5 on the fuge and a couple of Frag magnet holders I will be set growing my macro and frags, then I wont have to clutter the main tank with them.

[Mr Cob]

Looking good Ray, love the light for the fuge, would be nice if you could black out the areas that you want the light in, so it does not get algae growing all over the sump.

[RayAllen]

Looking good Ray, love the light for the fuge, would be nice if you could black out the areas that you want the light in, so it does not get algae growing all over the sump.

I was thinking about that too Rob, Im not sure what I would do to prevent light leakage (lol, I guess you can call it that)

I may have to go with a clamp lamp with a Led bulb so the light is more focused...

[reefreak]

What size light did you go with?

[RayAllen]

jeremy what Light are you asking about? For my main lighting its the 6bulb T5 fixture with ATI bulbs. undecided if im going to use the dual T5 for the fuge.

[reefreak]

What size is the fuge light?

[reefreak]

What size is the fuge light!

[RayAllen]

its a dual t5 current fixture. think they are 21-22" bulbs. i dont remember..

the same as the one in the link

http://www.current-usa.com/lighting/nova-extreme-2x

[reefreak]

well if you are looking for an led i have a par 38 led i could trade ya for?

[RayAllen]

i will keep that in mind jeremy. let me sit on it a couple of days and i will let you know this weekend

[reefreak]

cool

[Mr Cob]

Ray..what about ordering a couple pieces of dark/black acrylic and using some weld-on 4 to install them over your existing walls? You can find small sheets on amazon if you are lazy and don't feel like going to the acrylic shop. I think it would be worth the effort to use that fixture and run it opposite your display light cycle to avoid any heat issues from running two heavy lights.

[RayAllen]

Guys, I wound up completely resanding the stand and refinishing it the last couple of days. After doing the doors they just stood out to much and I was much happier with the finish on the so the entire stand had to be redone. Took the 220 grit to it and it came out snazzy. Much darker almost black with a much better sheen on it. 3 coats of poly and we are good. My camera crapped out on me so I need to find a way to snap some pics. I still need to paint or vinyl the back of the tank to.... Water should make it in this week sometime...

Traded my sump/mag 5 to a member for a little cash and 20lbs of live rock so im set on the rock now. All together I will have around ~50lbs more or less which not all of it will be used in the main display some will go in the fuge.

[Scutterborn]

Sweet! I shouldn't say this now but, you could finish it to match the floors!!


- Ben -

[Mr Cob]

I can't wait to see how it came out Ray...been waiting on an update from you.

[RayAllen]

Sweet! I shouldn't say this now but, you could finish it to match the floors!!


- Ben -

LOL. To late for that, but it does match our furniture a bit better now.

[RayAllen]

Went a head and masked off the tank and spray painted the back a dark blue. Took a lot of coats but it came out pretty good. Hope to get the pluming glued in today and I decided on caulking the inside of the stand for some extra water protection just in case... My return bulkhead I got is the wrong one, I meant to get it threaded so I can use the 1/2 lockline, but got the slip on accident. Going to lowes to see if I can find a adapter of some sort so I can go ahead and use it.

A few steps closer to at least doing the fresh water leak test...

[Mr Cob]

you know we like pictures right? lol

[Scutterborn]

you know we like pictures right? lol

Yup, yup! We sure do!!


- Ben -

[RayAllen]

-----Scratch that----

My mag 7 is just to noisy for me. Going to buy a new return pump as well...

[RayAllen]

Well I bought my pump, a mag 9.5 im waiting for it to get shipped... Anyhow tank is sitting empty for the most part plumbed and ready to go. Background came out a nice dark blue and the light has been hung. The outside of the fixture had some superglue spots which I sanded down with a 220 grit block. need to pick up some flat black krylon fusin and it will be good to go. My wife and I decided on placing the tank caddy cornered in the room. have around 50lbs of live rock cooking now so once the pump gets here I will be able to get this baby finally going. You will notice a gap in the bottom of the doors, I took them off to stain them and they need a slight adjustment. I have the light at a decent height I think, should be good for the coral and not to much bleeding into the room. Any how some pics to hold you over

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium004-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium007-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium010-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium016-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium020-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium024-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium042.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium047.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium032.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/001-3.jpg

[Big_Pun]

thats loks sweet, the whole package with with furniture, floors, and tank!!!

[Scutterborn]

Ah, yes! very nice, indeed!!


- Ben -

[RayAllen]

Thanks Chris & Ben, It all came together nicely, especially after I decided to sand and restain. Made sure the light would not bleed onto the TV also, no problem there.

Just need some Salt H20..

[allan]

Looking good, ray. Looking good.

[RayAllen]

Thanks! I am sure you guys are just as tired as I am, looking at a empty tank!

[350gt]

looks real nice and clean....


Off topic:
do you get a echo effect from the tv and stereo?

[RayAllen]

looks real nice and clean....


Off topic:
do you get a echo effect from the tv and stereo?

Nope, I am guessing you ask this because of the floor? Its no different than if I were to lay down solid wood or tile, which we had in our previous house. Only thing that really dampens sound is carpet, but we have no echo as far as the tv/stereo is concerned. Our voices do seem to travel through the house a bit easier now though. Another plus is the house stays cooler with the hard surface.

[350gt]

thats cool.... well everything looks nice and clean. I like.

[RayAllen]

Thanks we are enjoying it now that it is all completed. Came together nicely.

[350gt]

now time to fill it, which is more fun..

[Mr Cob]

beautiful Ray! It all looks great, the tank is sharp looking. Nice job.

[RayAllen]

Well my Mag 9.5 just shipped today. Finally! Now just have to wait for it to get here... I was hoping to have water in it cycling by now. Oh well

My rock has been cooking for a a few weeks now and is ready to go. should help speed up the cycle a little.

[ElChicano]

Nicely done. Love the stand..

[pfcreed]

your whole living room and tank, furniture and everything just makes me wanna sit down on your couch and have some cofee to relax, impressive. how much did the parts cost to make the stand?

[RayAllen]

your whole living room and tank, furniture and everything just makes me wanna sit down on your couch and have some cofee to relax, impressive. how much did the parts cost to make the stand?

Thank you

[BBQHILLBILLY]

allways top of the line. great job. You have good taste in what you select. Interested in what coral you go with.

[RayAllen]

You know you back neck deep in this hobby when you have already spent $1200 into a 40g setup that has not seen any water..... Still have to buy a skimmer, Mp10, ATO unit and container, new fuge light. another $500-600 there alone.

The little t5 I was going to use, I think the ballast is out..

Woo Hoo spending $100s! Shhhhh! Its our secret.

[RayAllen]

On another note, while maast was down yesterday...

My mag 9.5 arrived and I got the return plumbing done, also went ahead a caulked the inside of the stand for added water safety. Need to buy one more thing this after noon and I will do the fresh water leak/run test tonight. :) :) :)

Finally!

[Louis-210]

"Our littel secert for sure" My gf ask, how much was that ?? . . . . . . and im like o that only like 40 bucks. . . . but it was really like 200 ha ha ha SHHHHHH

[RayAllen]

Yea after being with my wife for 10years she has learned whats going on. Most of the time I buy something she says "I do not want to know", so I just keep my mouth shut and grin. :)

[Louis-210]

HA HA HA lol yea well she is my wife soon to be, we have been together for about 6 years :) . . . and know she just goes with me everywhere for the real prices lol.. but on the positive end she starting to love this hobby like me :)

[Mr Cob]

Ray, it will all be worth it in the end.. I like that you are taking your time and getting in as much detail as possible before adding water. Once you are running it's a little more complicated to make changes and tweak things to perfection. A well planned out system always shows in the end.

One of my new favorites in this hobby is all the little details, especially in the stand. I noticed you caulked the inside of your stand. I also used black pond liner in the 29g stand...saved me three times already on little 1-2" floods in the first week. lots of little mistakes I made.

Can't wait to see more pics bro.

[RayAllen]

Call me lucky

In all my years in the hobby fresh or salt, ive had only one real water flood from a tank. Lost about 5 gallons and that was several years ago when I was using a stupid hob overflow. Every since then Ive taken all the precautions. Make sure my overflows do not clog up, Sump can hold excess water in a power outage, return line in the tank has a hole drilled to stop any siphon, plumbing does not leak. More than anything I worry about my self making a mess when im screwing around in the fuge or something, always have a towel ready. Haha

[RayAllen]

All right, The aquarium in up and running. Let the cycling commence.

Actually set the tank up Thursday night. Got the pump in Wednesday and got the plumbing done. Ran a fresh water test- Not a single leak! Some pics now. Keep in mind this is not my camera and I can not seem to get the white balance down on this point and shoot..

Mag 9.5 and dry fit plumbing
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup2-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup3-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup4.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup5.jpg

Fresh water test
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup6-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup7.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup8.jpg

Reef Crystals, sand, rock added
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup9.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup10-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup12.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup13.jpg

[reefreak]

Looks good man i loved that light.

[RayAllen]

Was not happy with the rock work above, 1st time is never right. Came up with this yesterday and im much happier. Less is sometime more. Removed several pieces of rock and banished them to the sump

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup14.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup15.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup16.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup21-1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup24.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup17.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup18.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup19.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup20.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup22.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup23.jpg

[reefreak]

Ray do you have the splash guard on that light?

[RayAllen]

Like this layout much more. A lot more sand surface, and minimal rock. To me it just looks better than your standard pile of rocks. Probably ~20lbs of rock in the tank the rest in the sump.

the little island on the right will probably hold the only SPS or anemone later on.. who knows. But its low enough and far enough from the larger island to really allow a SPS to grow and spread nicely.
The Larger island on the left I want to be covered in Zoas and rics. Plenty of sand for those LPS and corals the like to be on the sand... Of course this is all subject to change :)

[RayAllen]

Good Catch Jeremy, I do have the splash guard. Did have one when I bought it from Rob. I only have it on there in the pics for the pics. Right now its sitting next to the tank ;). Need to have a piece of acrylic cut for it. For the next 3-4 weeks i will not need the light anyways. 1st fish or coral will not be added until mid October.

[RayAllen]

Skimmer and ATO will be purchased soon, still need to attach my LED moonlights. No livestock except maybe a cleanup crew will be added until I get the skimmer in place. The MP10 will come last...

[Mr Cob]

looks great Ray, it's all very nice!

[RayAllen]

Thanks Rob

[RayAllen]

Today officially made the aquarium 3 weeks old. 21 days from Sept 13

1st test results

Ammonia 0ppm
PH 8.2
Nitrites 0 ppm
Nitrates 5 ppm

Temp holds steady at 76

Thanks to Chris i added some Macro Algae last week Caulerpa and ive already seen pods and feather dusters spreading like crazy. The fuge is being lit by a 11watt 6500k cf bulb clamplamp for now and ive already seen growth in the macro. In the display one of the pieces of live rock has some cool yellow sponge on it and another rock has a nuisance anemone i will need to kill.

This last monday i finally got around to cutting some acrylic for a new splash guard and painted a couple of coats of black paint to my light fixture and it looks great. Good as new.

still need to buy my Ato, skimmer and mp 10 which will come last. My return pump Mag 9.5 I have running full throttle and the bean drain system works perfect. Quiter than most of the tanks ive had before and with the head loss on the return its moving approx 800gph no problem. Luckily the sump Ace made was designed well and the fuge has a nice gentle current.

Anyhow i took some new pics and the tank looks great. Will post some up tomorrow.

[reefreak]

I do have an mp10 for sale....

[g-ray]

Loving this tank mp10 would be nice on it

[Big_Pun]

hurry up ray pics!! that grap culerpa takes off when it's happy! even with my bio pellets it grows well

[RayAllen]

I know im moving slow, but my tanks normally do not see any live stock for 4-5 weeks.

Not to mention I have to pay $500 next week at the dentist for a Crown. I could have bought my skimmer, JBJ ATO and a MP 10 ES with that money all in one shot. :(

What can I do. I was blessed with horrible teeth genetics (could be that I have Welsh, Scottish and Irish ancestors) all of which are known for bad teeth.

[Big_Pun]

no worries i know how that goes....... too bad you dont havea phone to trade to jearmy lol mp-10 would be your

[RayAllen]

I meant to mention I also have my moon lights and DJ Power Strip hooked up to. I had to think a bit on how to put the moon lights on because Im running without a canopy. I came up with having them suspended right above the water. They are a 1/2" above the water. I know its close but its looks decent and no condensation builds up on them because its a open air top which helps a lot.

Anyhow some pics.

After a light sand and new black paint, got rid of all those super glue spots Chris made ;) haha
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/10-2pics024.jpg

Shot of the moon lights
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/010-3.jpg

Sump/fuge
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/10-2pics027.jpg

2 bulbs only
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/10-2pics035.jpg

4 bulbs
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/10-2pics030.jpg

6 bulbs
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/10-2pics056.jpg

this one is a neat shot, I screwed around with the white balance and the color is not correct but looks cool anyhow
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/10-2pics039.jpg


All in all this cameras has trouble capturing the correct colors with the bulbs which is why the 2 and 4 bulb look the same. They are quite a bit different though. the white balance and exposure just are not good enough on this point and shoot. Oh well, at least I got some pics.

[Big_Pun]

how did you do 2 and 4 bulb i only remeber 2 switches....and they where epoxy and super glue i left behind!! looks good, what kind of cam are you using

[Louis-210]

Wow looks good, good job !!!

[RayAllen]

Here ya go Chris. I posted this on a another thread a few weeks back

Im thinking the 1st 2 bulbs will come on at 2pm then go off at 4pm
4 bulbs fired at 4pm
2 bulbs come back on at 6pm giving me all 6 bulbs fired at 6pm
At 8pm back to 4 bulbs
at 9pm down to 2 bulbs

only 2 swtiches, but the way I have them timed. Is 2 bulbs come on. Then they go off and the 4 bulbs come on. Later in the day the 2 bulbs come back on and all 6 are then running. you got me. then they go off in reverse order.

this way you have to have the 2 bulbs on a timer that is On, off, On, off.
4 bulbs timer simply on then off.

That way you have Dawn (2 bulbs) Early day (4 bulbs) Later/Brightest part of the day (6 bulbs) etc.. Guess you never thought of running the light this way, but it give you a nice build up and and going off that mimics day hours.

the moonlights and fuge light will be on through the am hours on a reverse cycle of the display.

[RayAllen]

LOL, I just read through that ^ post. Make sense to me.

[Big_Pun]

your so smart!!! i didnt think of that i just blast my coral with light they get 4x t5 then add 2x 250 by 11am then 250 off at 9, t5 off at 11. i run a long cycle.

[RayAllen]

I always have done the same until I realized what I could do with this 6 bulb fixture. Can not wait to see how the livestock reacts to the changes through out the day. when ever I get a better camera it should make for some cool photos.

[RayAllen]

I just bought my JBJ ATO online also. Woo hoo..

[koa25]

The tank is coming along great. Light combo looks great. Can't wait to see it stocked.

[RayAllen]

Thanks Louis 210 and koa25. Appreciate the compliments.

[hobogato]

looks really nice ray

[RayAllen]

thanks Ace, im really liking the way its progressing.

[RayAllen]

Woot Woot, UPS shows my JBJ ATO out for delivery. Going to go get a reservoir and my pump tonight also, if I can find the 18g tall tank I want to use.

I do not know how people run their aquariums without ATOs, ive done it for a few weeks and hate having to top off by hand. I am losing 1 gallon to evaporation every 48hrs.

[350gt]

Congrats... Can't wait to get mine up and running...


i have been topping off by hand the last 2 years and that is finally coming to a end for the most part..

[Mr Cob]

Woot Woot, UPS shows my JBJ ATO out for delivery. Going to go get a reservoir and my pump tonight also, if I can find the 18g tall tank I want to use.

I do not know how people run their aquariums without ATOs, ive done it for a few weeks and hate having to top off by hand. I am losing 1 gallon to evaporation every 48hrs.

right on... since i started tearing down the 85g I moved the tunze top-off to the biocube and I have been doing the 85g manually...about 2 gallons a day. Seriously annoying.

[Scutterborn]

I do all my tanks manually. It's getting old. The waterfall tank has serious evaporative cooling issues. It's almost a chiller..

1 gallon a day on about 33g total volume.


- Ben -

[RayAllen]

yea, it is no bueno. I once ran my tanks without ATOs but no more. Makes daily life that much more enjoyable. Once less thing to think about.

[RayAllen]

Got my Wires cleaned up and the JBJ ATO with Toms Aqua lifter setup. Since I have the tank caddy cornered I was able to put the surge protectors on the wall behind the tank with room to spare and away from the water.

All the lights are on there timers now. Dawn, Early day, Mid day, Evening and dusk + Moonlight and Fuge which are on a reverse schedule of the main lights. I was unable to find a tank of the appropriate size for me Top off reservoir so for now until I can have a acrylic one made to specs im using a 7.5gallon black bin.

I posted in the equipment forum that I was having issues with my Aqualifter timing out and not filling to the float switches, but I think I have figured it out.. Anyhow some pics.

A shot of the electrical equip all sorted out
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/002-3.jpg

With the top off reservoir in place and the power on. I love glowing lights in a stand. Makes me feel like ive accomplished something.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/011-1.jpg

[FireWater]

Looking good Ray. Super clean set up.

[RayAllen]

Thanks John!

[koa25]

Dang. Looks great Ray. I really need to work on the sump area on both my 125 and 40. Always a mess under there. Clean work man.

[KING]

Lol..i love the lil glass cleaner..looks good..i think ill do mine 2morrow..its bad

[RayAllen]

thanks guys

King I made sure to use a algae magnet for acrylic so that I would not scratch my sump/fuge, but if you have a glass sump you have nothing to be concerned with.

[Stephen73ta]

Great build!

[RayAllen]

Great build!

Thanks, I appreciate it. The 1st livestock will go on this week.

[tylermonster]

awesome thread, i'm really impressed by your patience and diligence to doing a good build and its certainly paying off and cant wait to see the livestock

[Big_Pun]

awesome thread, i'm really impressed by your patience and diligence to doing a good build and its certainly paying off and cant wait to see the livestock

he should be good at setting up tanks by now "cough,cough " lol

[Mr Cob]

beautimous Ray! Very clean man.


Got my Wires cleaned up and the JBJ ATO with Toms Aqua lifter setup. Since I have the tank caddy cornered I was able to put the surge protectors on the wall behind the tank with room to spare and away from the water.

All the lights are on there timers now. Dawn, Early day, Mid day, Evening and dusk + Moonlight and Fuge which are on a reverse schedule of the main lights. I was unable to find a tank of the appropriate size for me Top off reservoir so for now until I can have a acrylic one made to specs im using a 7.5gallon black bin.

I posted in the equipment forum that I was having issues with my Aqualifter timing out and not filling to the float switches, but I think I have figured it out.. Anyhow some pics.

A shot of the electrical equip all sorted out
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/002-3.jpg

With the top off reservoir in place and the power on. I love glowing lights in a stand. Makes me feel like ive accomplished something.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/011-1.jpg

[RayAllen]

he should be good at setting up tanks by now "cough,cough " lol

Just a little experience, haha

[RayAllen]

Thanks guys,

Working on my fish stocking list and am anxious to see what corals i find at the frag swap this weekend.

[Stephen73ta]

What kind of switch board is that you are using for your electronics? I can't read the brand and model off the pics? I want one!

[ErikH]

It's a DJ switch....

http://www.idjnow.com/StoreModules/ProductDetails.aspx/PID=PC-100

Ray's tank is CLEAN.

[350gt]

Funny thing is he sold to me during his last break down.... And bought it from me on my break down without knowing it was the same one he sold me.... Lol

It happens, we sell stuff that we shouldn't sometimes...

[RayAllen]

Tanks going through its ugly phase. Brown diatom outbreak and a little hair algae. Water a little a bit cloudy to. Been there done this. Picked up Some Chem-Pure Elite today to help. Ive been a fan of the product for a while now. Its also time for me to change my RO filters.

Missed the frag swap, didnt get to bed until 4am that night after a Halloween party at Erik's. Looks like a missed a good one. Anyhow, as soon as the tank goes through this phase I will be adding my 1st Live Stock.

[RayAllen]

I put off buying any livestock quite yet so that i make sure I have everything it needs.

Tonight i purchased a BRS RODI unit, im also buying a BRS GFO/carbon reactor and i still need to buy the skimmer.

A good note my macro is growing like no other. The fuge population has exploded with critters pods, worms, stars and sponges.

[Mr Cob]

you have given a prime example of patience in this build, this will surely prove to pay off big in the long run. Can't wait to see it fully stocked.. and I do mean "can't wait" lol, I'm sure you see how fast I move with my tanks. lol Way to go Ray.

[RayAllen]

LOL, i have been more patient with the aquarium than ever before. Its been fun though to watch all the critters go about their business lights on and off without any worry of predators.

[RayAllen]

All purchased within the last couple of days and should all arrive by next week.

4 stage BRS RODI with TDS meter

BRS GFO Reactor with MaxiJet 1200 pump

SCA 301 skimmer (a knock off of the Bubble Magus Nac3.5) uses the same exact pump and body! After reading a thread on reefcentral and a recommendation from someone on Nano-reef i jumped on this. Supposed to be one heck of a skimmer for a GREAT price.

WOO HOO!

[Zack]

You wont be dissapointed by that skimmer. I have the 302 and I know Randy has a few of these and they are AWESOME!

[reefreak]

Where did you order it from? I'm really liking that one for my 55g. And it is one heck of a deal glad to hear.

[RayAllen]

You wont be dissapointed by that skimmer. I have the 302 and I know Randy has a few of these and they are AWESOME!

Sweet good to know, im excited for it to arrive. found a video showing it skimming like a beast and from what ive read they dial in fast.

[RayAllen]

Where did you order it from? I'm really liking that one for my 55g. And it is one heck of a deal glad to hear.

Jeremy i bought mine on ebay.

[Zack]

I think out of the box, without running in vinegar it took 3 days to break in, I heard you can cut that time in half with a good vinegar RO bath.

[rrasco]

I have the 303, it also is awesome.

[RayAllen]

I have the 303, it also is awesome.

Sweet, the price blew me away. I could not pass it up seeing its identical to the bubble Magus. Its amazing what we pay for a name...

[RayAllen]

My BRS GFO reactor arrived yesterday, and I am a happy camper. Built very well.

Tracking shows my RO/DI and skimmer are both arriving today.

Im running out of room in my stand so I have decided to keep my ATO reservoir outside the stand. I have the idea to use a decorative small trunk to hold a 10g tank as my reservoir. Simply drill a hole in the side for the power cord and hose and it will look good. This will allow plenty of room for my reactor and what ever else I need in the future.

I had a big diatom outbreak and some hair algae going strong with the lights on, Still no live stock so I decided to turn the lights off for a few days. they have been off for about 4 days solid now and the pods and worms have wiped it out all of the algae. 1000s of pods and worms galore. Great clean up crew.

Will post a new pic tonight or tomorrow once I have everything situated and running.

[RayAllen]

My Reactor and skimmer are here and installed. For some reason my RODI did not show, although it shows today as a delivery date. We shall see if it arrives tomorrow.

I managed to cram everything under the stand.

Finally got some pics. These were taken with my new phone. Motorola Razor HD so they are not the best but decent. Not a bad camera on it.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/new.jpg

Reactor/GFO & Skimmer arrived
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/skimmer.jpg

Installed and running
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/reactor.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/009.jpg

[RayAllen]

So far my thoughts on the SCA 301 skimmer.

Built well for the money. Easy to install and adjust the bubble height. I put mine on top of a little acrylic stand Ace had built for me so the skimmer is at the right height. I zipped tied it on the stand to assure it is rock solid and level. After it breaks in I will have a better idea on its skimming ability, but so far so good.

The BRS reactor is slowly tumbling the GFO and its running with no problems. Easy to install and come with a small ball valve push fitting to control the GPH. I like it.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Nice pics.

[Flyride95]

Ray if you dont mind me asking what light bulb do you have in your sump?

[RayAllen]

Ray if you dont mind me asking what light bulb do you have in your sump?

Do not mind at all. I bought 11w 6500k Power compact bulb from Lowes. Nothing special but as you can see I grow macro with no problems.

[reefreak]

looks great ray love the 2 islands look lots of growing room.

[RayAllen]

Thanks Jeremy

that was my intentions. I want the coral and fish to have a lot of room and less rock provides better flow.

I do have another 15-20lbs of rock in the sump though so plenty of rock total.

[Zack]

Be VERY careful with the legs on the skimmer, they are very fragile. Other than that, great skimmer

[RayAllen]

I did read that else where also. With it zipstand to the skimmer stand, and its rock solid. I can remove the stand with the skimmer which make it easier to clean later. Looking forward to skimmate.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

A lot of good ideas here. I like the BRS GFO reactor.

[RayAllen]

Update on the Skimmer

Its working well, I have yet to buy any livestock at all so obviously i have nothing to feed and no waste. With that said it has not really been put through a true test. Its skimming wet but has produced some nice skimmate.

[RayAllen]

Finally have some livestock!

Picked up a nice purple tip acropora from Bernie last night and today some pink zoas and scuba steve from Allan.

im going to try and get some pics up tomorrow.

[Scutterborn]

No pics, no fun!!

I'm just bustin your chops, Ray. I'm looking forward to pics. I'm living vicariously through other people's builds at this point. Lol. :)
-Ben-

[RayAllen]

Ok some pics

Purple Tip Acropora from Bernie
Pink Zoas and Scuba Steve with three heads from Allan

Thanks guys

Some pics

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0156.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0154.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0152.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0150.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0148.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0128.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0144.jpg

[allan]

Looking good, ray.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RayAllen]

Thanks Allan, The corals are doing great. Fully open and look great.

[hobogato]

great start ray

[Mr Cob]

Beautiful!

Sent from my HTC VIVID using Tapatalk

[RayAllen]

Thanks guys, its coming a long. Glad to have some coral again after all this time.

[Paul28]

Love the tank and great rock work :)

[reefreak]

Nice ray!

[BBQHILLBILLY]

top of the line setup top to bottom. Nice coral selections too.:bigsmile:

[Zack]

Just curious Ray, I saw you had a toothless overflow, is there any benefit to teeth vs no teeth? It seems as if no teeth would make it easier for fish to jump in it?

[RayAllen]

I prefer the look of a toothless overflow. Trust me, if a fish is going to jump in they will- tooth or not. I have had both overflows through out the years and came to prefer the toothless, thanks to Ace. I just like the cleaner look of them and they tend to be quieter because you get a solid sheet of water flowing over.

Currently I have no fish, so i am not concerned. Before fish go in I do plan on adding some black egg-crate on the top and around the edge of the overflow. Keeping it as clean as possible.

[Mr Cob]

I like the toothless overflow...very clean looking.

Doesn't adding eggcrate defeat the whole purpose of having a clean overflow and a single sheet of water flowing through it?

Sent from my HTC VIVID using Tapatalk

[RayAllen]

Rob the idea I have will not allow the egg to touch the top over the overflow so you should not be able to see it when looking in the aquarium. There would be a 1/4" small gap between the overflow and the eggcrate so the water will flow over the same. Just small enough a gap to prevent snails and fish from getting in there. I may scrap that idea anyhow and just put some kind of trap on the pvc fitting to prevent any thing flow being able to get in the pipes. What ever I do will be as clean as possible.

[Mr Cob]

I like the idea moving more towards the actual drain...similar to the drain on megaflow kits.

Sent from my HTC VIVID using Tapatalk

[RayAllen]

Agreed Rob, I like as much flow as possible at the drain. I even have my Mag 9.5 full open now and it runs quiet. The sump is deep enough to allow the fuge to be calm and get plenty of contact.

Im not a fan of the screw in pvc guards because although the fish doesnt make a trip down to the sump can die from simply being stuck to it. The other scenario the fish makes it way down into the sump and get stuck in my filter sock, lol. Luckily my tank is small enough that I will not have to many fish so I should notice rather quickly of a fish is missing.

Life of a fish in a aquarium and the perils it faces. LOL, we could make a hilarious movie about this. Oh yea already done- finding nemo- haha. Im sure the maast version would have so many crazy scenarios.

[Mr Cob]

lol, finding nemo was pretty funny...especially the scenes of them in the fish tank

[Zack]

Can you get a pic of the overflow from inside the tank?

Like a front and side view?

[RayAllen]

Can you get a pic of the overflow from inside the tank?

Like a front and side view?

Hey Zack look through the pages of my thread. a couple pages back or so you will see quite a few pics of the overflow dry with the plumbing. Here are a couple, but you will find more by going through the pages. Ive been using no-teeth overflows for years now. Love them. I think Ace has made me 4-5 of them over the years.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/8-30-31aquarium042.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/Setup8.jpg

[Big_Pun]

ive had a anthias live in my overflow for 3 months, he ate pellets so he would get what ever came his way. one day i see a flash of pink and yellow and found him. i had a skunk clown go missing for a week check over flows nothing, one day while washing out filter socks i almost tossed him in the garbage disposal, he was fine.

[RayAllen]

That last pic also shows you how much flow I have in the tank with just my return also. 800-850gph easy. Which is why im pretty sure one MP10 will keep me happy for now.

[RayAllen]

Ive lost a few fish over the years. Its amazing how far a fish can get flopping around on the floor. Find them in the strangest places.

[Zack]

So the waterline is right at the line? Looks neat, I'll have to consider doing that in my 40 breeder build.

[ErikH]

Ray, on mine I used some short PVC with a PVC cap on it. Then I drilled holes in the PVC, all the way around. There's enough holes that nothing would get stuck, and they're small enough that nothing will go through. I have essentially the exact same drain setup, just with dualies in the corners.

[RayAllen]

Zack the water line flows over about 1/2" or so below the trim of the tank.

Thanks Erik, I was actually thinking about doing that myself to keep the clean look I have now.

[Zack]

Is there a way to fix it so that the water line is at or above the lower trim of the tank?

[adolph_09]

man i wish i would have never got rid of my 40G breeder :(

i like your rock work and im sure one MP10 on that side with the little rock island would work perfect. one MP10 was plenty when i had my 40G breeder

[FireWater]

The higher you go with the overflow will dictate where the drain line is.

[RayAllen]

John is correct Zack,

Where ever you glue down the overflow in place will dictate where you water line is. That is soley up to you.

Take a look at this pic and you can get a better idea

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/010-3.jpg

[RayAllen]

1/2-1" below the water line is typical for a overflow. If you have it 1/4" or right at I think you are asking for a flood. If you run any strong pump like a MP, tunze or even a return you will have water spashing above the trim which you do not want. Or if your drains clogged etc. Would cause a heck of a mess.

[RayAllen]

man i wish i would have never got rid of my 40G breeder :(

i like your rock work and im sure one MP10 on that side with the little rock island would work perfect. one MP10 was plenty when i had my 40G breeder

Thanks

[koa25]

Your tank has turned out awesome, Ray. Absolutely beautiful. Well played good, Sir. I tip my hat to you.

[RayAllen]

Appreciate the compliment.

[RayAllen]

My beautiful Wife, bought my Xmas present and it will be here on Wednesday.

MP 10, woot woot!

I am going to re-work the rock work a bit to get my SPS positioned more suitable for the flow of the tank. Pics to come later this week.

And thanks to John aka Firewater. Picked up a ORA Joe the Coral frag from him yesterday. Awesome.

[Flyride95]

Big grats!

[FireWater]

Have fun with it Ray.

[RayAllen]

My Mp10 arrived today. At the moment after playing with the different modes and settings I settled on the Reef Crest mode. The corals seem to react to it nicely and there are no dead spots in the tank any where.

I re-aquascaped the rock work to my liking and good positions for the SPS corals and my softies/lps that will be coming soon. Basically I lowered all the rock so that the SPS had a lot more vertical room to grow and actually removed another ~8lbs or so which is now in the sump. At this point I have just about the same amount of rock (lbs) in my sump if not more than the tank its self. I really like the peninsula I made out of my flatter pieces of rock that will hold all my zoas/rics and yumas.

In my sump I made a couple of changes. I took the skimmer out of the 1st chamber and moved it into the largest chamber to allow more room for my reactor pump and now the 1st chamber holds my huge filter sock perfectly. The skimmer is skimming like a champ now, not super nasty stuff yet seeing that I have a very light bio load do to no fish or feeding yet..

PICS!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0207.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0230.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0232.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0228.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0214.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0210.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0226.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0220.jpg

[tylermonster]

wow that chaeto

[RayAllen]

That is actually Caulerpa that grows like no other. I need to thin it out see that the bunch I started with is now 4 times as large.

[FireWater]

Looks good Ray.

[Paul28]

Wish my wife would buy me stuff for my tank i need to get a mp40 one of these days , tank is looking good !

[RayAllen]

Thanks John and Paul.

[RayAllen]

New Year Update.

Well what can I say I am not a SPS guy. Wound up sending my Joe the Coral off to another reefer that will appreciate even more.

The week before Christmas I re-worked my rock to its last and final layout. I love it and it will eventually be a Zoa/paltythoa, LPS, Rics/yuma heaven. Got my MP 10 dialed in on reef crest mode and all the coral seem to react well to the random current.

Stock list now

Scuba Steve- 3 almost 4 heads with a tiny little baby growing
Zoas- Small pinks 10heads, El Diablos 10heads, Armor of Gods 6 heads, Orange Delights 11heads, Nuclear greens 5 heads
Rics/Yumas- 2 Green Rics and 3 Orange Yumas

Much more corals to come.

Still no fish, lol. I do want to add either a Fairy or Flasher Wrasse, A Basslet (species?), goby (species?) and maybe a pair of design clowns. We shall see.... Decided against the cardinals after doing more research on grouping them.

Anyhow here are some more pics from the Iphone5 and a simple little video.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0507_zpsc1f8840f.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0528_zpsfc790d9b.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0511_zps217402f4.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0517_zps35b95e41.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0513_zps65faddf7.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0533_zps80b325e8.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0521_zps38f76226.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0525_zps8ce2a7b6.jpg

[RayAllen]

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/th_IMG_0485_zps9a3d8a6a.jpg (http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0485_zps9a3d8a6a.mp4)

[RayAllen]

sorry about the crappy quality of the video. Was done with the Iphone also.

[ErikH]

Looks great man. I still have that eggcrate. :)

[FireWater]

Looks good Ray, I like the new lay out.
Who's enjoying the Joe frag now?

[RayAllen]

Thanks guys.

John the joe coral went to Rockmp aka Mark. no charge. Mark has a cool little setup with some nice sps. Fits right in at his place.

[Mr Cob]

Awesomeness Ray...post 230 has some nice pics dude. That with your iPhone?

Sent from my HTC VIVID using Tapatalk

[FireWater]

No worries man. Glad it went to a good home. Just curious because I like to "pass it on" when I get a chance and like when others do it also.

[RayAllen]

Awesomeness Ray...post 230 has some nice pics dude. That with your iPhone?

Sent from my HTC VIVID using Tapatalk

Thanks Rob.

yep, i use my wifes iphone 5 for all my recent pics, it has the HDR mode which takes some decent shots. managed to soak our camera in the pacific ocean when in San Diego several months back. Dont see buying another camera for just taking aquarium pics.

[Tristan23]

The pictures is clean! Looks really good

[hobogato]

really coming together nicely ray. great job on the rockwork

[RayAllen]

Thanks Ace and Tristan.

[RayAllen]

Woot Woot! Placed a order for 10 Florida Rics plus I get a freebie. Ships out Monday. Will post some pics when they arrive and settle in. Various colors- blues, greens, orange, gold and rainbows some with multiple mouths. Going to be sweet and add a heck of a lot more color to the tank.

[Scutterborn]

:)

[Cammed_02]

Woot Woot! Placed a order for 10 Florida Rics plus I get a freebie. Ships out Monday. Will post some pics when they arrive and settle in. Various colors- blues, greens, orange, gold and rainbows some with multiple mouths. Going to be sweet and add a heck of a lot more color to the tank.

Nice score Ray, hit me up when they start making babies if you wanna frag em. I've always liked the crazy colors on rics.

[RayAllen]

Will do man.

[RayAllen]

Update: Tank is officially 4 months and 3 days old.

Rearranged the corals a little. Took several pieces of smaller rock and drilled holes in them to allow for frag plus. Now each zoas frag has its own small island to grow on.
I now have a pair of True Percs and a Melanurus wrasse. Some blastos, greenbay zoas and several rics.

Some pics

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0612_zpsc99365d1.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0620_zpseeaa0e16.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0617_zpsc9d48857.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0622_zps32ddfada.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0624_zpsf74f2c46.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0627_zpsb8c9eccb.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/IMG_0619_zps55f39543.jpg

[RayAllen]

Guys I need some ideas from the large bolder on the right. More LPS, Monitpora... What do you think?

[Cammed_02]

Looks sweet Ray, for sure a monti hanging off the ledge of the rock on the right and maybe some acans or a hammer of some kind.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

edit: Just looked back. Thats a tall rock. That would be a good spot for an sps Red Planet. If no sps than a Bubble gum monster chalice and have it grow down naturally.:bigsmile:

[RayAllen]

thanks Cammed_02. The bolder on the left is what I was asking about, but I agree a monti on the right would look good. Maybe I can find one in blue or Green. Thanks for the idea.

BBQ I didn't think about Chalices. It would be cool if I had one that completely encrusted on that rock.