LEDs picked up an 8ft 240RR needs work

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I got an 8ft 240RR tank. Needs work. Some members may recognize the tank.
I picked up the tank from Paul at Reefs2U and I took it straight to Forever Pets to let them do their magic.
Its gonna get new seals, new trim, and glass lids. Could take a while before more updates.
1st pics

[hobogato]

hey, i think that is my old tank. is is 93" long instead of 96" ?

[koa25]

Congrats shane. Been talking about it for a while now. Looking forward to seeing it running. That will be a fun one getting in that fish room.

[rrasco]

HAHAHA......ABOUT TIME! You finally have your dream tank.

[allan]

Looks like a glasscage tank.

Looking forward to the build.

[KING]

hey was this that tank on crags ..that has been posted for like a yr..lol..
nice tank..ur dream came true ...tex me if u need some help ..

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Dreams come true. I took a nap and I starting dreaming about a 12ft tank on the livingroom wall but my wife said no.
Ace thats your old tank. This is really kool. Its designed to be viewed from both sides. Although I wont change the design, it will be used against the wall.
My tangs get a little more room. Thanks for the responses.

[edshas2]

nice not looking forward to moving it into your house.

[koa25]

nice not looking forward to moving it into your house.
+1

[PhilipB]

Your gonna need a bigger boat! LOL thats a nice tank. Cant wait to see it up and running

[350gt]

nice not looking forward to moving it into your house.



Is it even possible? His fish room entry door is facing a wall.... Will there be enough of an angle to slip it in?


I hope so.... GL!

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Trying to clean this 7 ft acryllic sump/refug. Silicone was pealing from the corners. Silicone does not stick to acryllic only glass.
Not sure why it was used. So far no leaks. Thats my water mess trying to clean in pic.
Question if acryllic sump gets a leak after in the stand is there something that will fix the seal?

I have a stand here that will be bigger than the tank. I will need to support the ends for the end of the tank.
You can see the plywood that was used with the tank and see how it falls short on both sides.

Testing the 7ft sump/refug.

[rrasco]

I have used silicone with acrylic plenty of times, never a problem. On acrylic sumps I have built, I did run a silicone seal to help prevent any small leaks as well.

You can use weld-on 16 to patch up acrylic.

[hobogato]

shane, that is the very first sump i ever built. i added the silicone to the seams to make sure it didnt leak as i had never built one before. you should be able to pull all of the silicone out and it should be fine, but like robert said, weldon #16 can be used to fix pin hole leaks.

[Mr Cob]

long tank, this will be nice to see it come alive and how cool is that... first ACE sump!!!

[Scutterborn]

first ACE sump!!!

History was made!! Definitely wanna tag along on this ride!


- Ben -

[RayAllen]

Shane. I think you take the prize for buying and selling tanks, lol. I thought some of us were bad but you make us look good, haha. Made my wife a promise the one im building now is here to stay for a good long while.

Anyhow about this 240

I remember when Ace had this tank it was a inspiration for me. It was one amazing reef. With that said im sure you will make it something unique to your self. Look forward to see what you do with it.

[grouch]

Nice tank I actually looked at that tank a couple of weeks ago. You definatly hold the record for tank builds.

[Scutterborn]

Nice tank I actually looked at that tank a couple of weeks ago. You definatly hold the record for tank builds.

Agreed! And I've only been watching this show for 8 months...


- Ben -

[BBQHILLBILLY]

:bigsmile:If only I knew how to build acyrlic tanks. I would build a monster. for sure:bigsmile:

[rrasco]

All you need is some plastic and solvent...what's the worst that could happen?

[ErikH]

WOW, the tank that made me go bananas for the hobby is about to be back in commission? Awesome. :)

[Scutterborn]

:bigsmile:If only I knew how to build acyrlic tanks. I would build a monster. for sure:bigsmile:

And I would watch!!


- Ben -

[KING]

And I would watch!!


- Ben -
me 2 .... lol but u would have to have a bbq the day u fill up with water..lol to see if its going to hold..

[BBQHILLBILLY]

tank update in progress, glass overflows have been removed,
acrylic overflows will be next on both sides

[Scutterborn]

I saw this tank and then thought to myself, gosh my tank is little!

Awesome looking tank and even more so in person.


- Ben -

[rrasco]

I still want to know how this is getting in that room. :ph34r:

[350gt]

I still want to know how this is getting in that room. :ph34r:


Thats what I was wondering a few post back......

[Scutterborn]

I still want to know how this is getting in that room. :ph34r:

If the stand made it in... I bet it's still gonna be a pain though.


-Ben-

[rrasco]

True dat. I think a stand is a little easier to stand on end though. Here's to hoping that is not necessary.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Im confident it will fit.:bigsmile:
I have moved 2 8ft stands in there. 1 worked 1 didnt.:shades:

[Scutterborn]

Im confident it will fit.:bigsmile:
I have moved 2 8ft stands in there. 1 worked 1 didnt.:shades:

That's confidence inspiring!


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Thanks to Ben, Michael, Will, Jerry for the help in moving the tank into the fish room. Although the stand looks good, I have a skeleton 42 in stand being made hopefully for next week. In the pic you can see the bulkheads where the plumbing will be used. Somehow I will use the 2 in the middle to feed an external pump to make a close loop.
The other 4 bulkheads on the ends will be used with the 7ft sump/refugium. Custom overflows are being made.
I will be using an external mag18 and an external Blueline 100 return pumps.

Hopefully no powerheads on this system.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Figure I would provide an update.

This is the tall 42 inch tall stand that I need to paint this tuesday
After staining I will move the tank to the stand.

Lighting: I have decided to order a DIY LED setup.
pics will be provided when they come in.
Nice kit. 36 Bridgelux 3WATT LEDS on a 20inch heatsink.
Ill have to put it together but thats part of the fun.

Building slow. Tank costs a bundle to get and install new seals.
So tempting to buy something here at MAAST.
I have to hold myself back and focus on tank.

Thanks for checking it out.
This tank will be fun.

[Scutterborn]

Sweet! Progress is always a good thing!


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Painting inside stand white Kilz; Have 2 get my mind off that Cowboys monday game
Outside will be a Red Oak stain.
I realized the more I think of the game the more messy things get.
I hope this will rehab my mind from that Monday night.

Good day to you

[BBQHILLBILLY]

So the Red Oak stain is looking good but stand looks too skinny for me.
I will follow this link too add more support using 2x6s.
Any concerns or credits or advise are very much listened too.
By adding the extra 2x6 on bottom and top that tank may actually sit close to 4ft above the floor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTmxG4N_V10&feature=related

Thanks and good day to you:bigsmile:

[Big_Pun]

your a brave man, I wouldn't trust myself on building a stand for a tank that big! love the size of the tank, should be able to do some cool fish

[BBQHILLBILLY]

You are absolutely right. I was concerned in a wobble for an 8ft. That would not be good.
fix: This is going into the corner of a fish room. Instead of plan above I will put headers
mid way up on 1 side and half the backside and anchor the stand into the studs in the wall.
Nothing will wobble. If you have any other concerns lmk.

I cant find that darn bit for these wood screws. ugh

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Its not were you end up at, its the journey thats the most fun.
slow as a turtle

no pics for a while

some retro LEDs on the way

[BBQHILLBILLY]

hmmm my 1st DIY LED kit

hoooney whers that superglue:bigsmile:

[rrasco]

Which one did you get?

[hobogato]

i am sure that was a joke, but just in case it wasnt...

dont use superglue. the fumes will ruin the optics

[rrasco]

Not to mention offering no thermal conductivity.

[Sherita]

I'm quite sure that was a joke. My first thought was not superglue, but rather Liquid Nails.

Lordy, that's a lot of tiny little parts.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I have quite of space to cover. hmmm 8ft
I ordered 2 36watt LEDs on a 20 inch heatsink. So I have 2 kits.
I didnt want to get the 8ft heatsink because I may want to move the LEDs. I dont know why...
I have 18 white 10k, 16 blue, and 2 red for each kit. Using 60 degree lenses. maybe 80 I should get not sure yet
I will order more kits in 2 weeks.

[rrasco]

You may need wider optics for that many LEDs over that size tank. I have 60s on my tank that is half that length, also with 72 LEDs.

Where did you order the kits from? Rapid or Aquastyle?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

typo I ordered 2 kits for 36 3watt LEDs on a 20 inch heatsink total 72 3watt LEDS. over 200watts

[BBQHILLBILLY]

right now cost is influencing my decisions. so Aquastyle won.

[rrasco]

Sounds like better coverage. I have Aquastyle too, working great. Actually dialed them back a little last night to 50%/45%.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

You may need wider optics for that many LEDs over that size tank. I have 60s on my tank that is half that length, also with 72 LEDs.

Where did you order the kits from? Rapid or Aquastyle?

huh You have huh You have 72 LEDs in a 10 inch heatsink huh:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

or you have 72 LEDs with 60s on a 4ft tank?

[rrasco]

or you have 72 LEDs with 60s on a 4ft tank?

That is correct.

[Big_Pun]

i like the fun of electronic builds........have you thought about adding some UV leds. emilys new light is very nice and i think i like it because the UV added, never really like any of the other fixtures without UV

[rrasco]

I have some extra bridgelux UV LEDs. I didn't put them on the fixtures, mainly because they had forward voltage drops that differed too much from the other LEDs. I have debated adding them to their own little fixture for supplementation, but there are mixed opinions on their necessity at this point.

[Big_Pun]

I have some extra bridgelux UV LEDs. I didn't put them on the fixtures, mainly because they had forward voltage drops that differed too much from the other LEDs. I have debated adding them to their own little fixture for supplementation, but there are mixed opinions on their necessity at this point.

i read the same thing but emilys fisxture is one of those chines knock off type. like reefkoi evolution. 120w has your blues and whites and also green, red, and UV. ive seen the classic reefkoi just blue and whites but this one looks so much better

[rrasco]

More colors is better for sure. That's why you're seeing the new AIs and other brands coming out with 'color' units now. They were lacking those other spectrums in the beginning.

A lot of people are using the chines fixtures on RC. The Eshines and other 'black boxes'.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Happy with the LED kit. Had 1 bad Blue LED but there was a backup in the kit.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Heres some more pics. Starting to come together.

[RayAllen]

Looking Good!

[rrasco]

How many heatsinks do you have total? I thought you were doing 72 LEDs per 20" heatsink. Looks like you might be doing 4 heatsinks though?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

2 20inch heatsinks 36 3watt LEDs each

[rrasco]

Okay, so now I'm confused again.

Is this is what you have: (2) 20" heatsinks and (2) 36 LED kits.....?

In an earlier post I thought you indicated you were putting 72 LEDs per heatsink. But it appears you have 72 LEDs total, 36 per heatsink.

I think that is plenty of LEDs for a tank that size, but I think you may need to spread them out more and use wider optics or you will get spotlighting.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

That is correct. I can see the 60 degree beam for each LED on the glass canopy and they are right next together.
Obviously Ill need to get some more LEDs. This is just the 1st step.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Looking Good!
Thanks Ray.
These pics were at the lowest possible setting for the LEDs. There was no way possible to take the pics with the LEDs turned up.

[rrasco]

You might not necessarily need more LEDs, just a more efficient way of spreading them out. I have 72 LEDs for a tank half that size, but they are turned down halfway.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Without a lens par is reduced. I saw that with a par meter.:bigsmile:on a different setup.
rrasco have you tested with a par meter? My thinking tighter angle more par. LED closer together for good coverage. lmk

[rrasco]

You definitely get more PAR with lenses. I only tested mine with a meter when there were no lenses, was getting like 80 at the bottom of the sand. Not impressed. Added the 60 degree optics and the light got WAY brighter. Unfortunately I have not been able to get my hands on that PAR meter since so I don't know what kind of increase it made, but I know it did. Actually, I think my tank is still too bright at 50% blues and 45% white.

You will get more PAR with tighter lenses, but you will also get less spread which could increase spotlighting and the disco effect depending on how tight your LEDs are grouped.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Proud owner of a beautiful baby rock. Say helloo too papa.:bigsmile:

[koa25]

Looks oddly familiar..... Can't place my finger on it... AWESOME ROCK!!! ha ha. That will look great in the tank Shane.

[Flyride95]

That rock is awesome.

[grouch]

Proud owner of a beautiful baby rock. Say helloo too papa.:bigsmile:

News flash one of the Hawawian Islands is missing.

[Wabbegong]

Awesome rock!

[KING]

Aaaaaa...lol u got it. nice. ill b by again in a few weeks to ck it out..

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Soon the 65 lb rock will be going in the middle of the 8ft tank. What is the best way to support the glass so it wont bow on the bottom glass?
egg crate to spread the weight? I have seen bacteria eat a 5 gallon bucket which is plastic. egg crate is plastic.
OR use 2x4s under the glass to help prevent a bow? OR DO BOTH
Any idears are appreciated.
Also is there a formula for weight distribution when a rock is placed in water? lmk

[rrasco]

I've never had mine do it nor heard of bacteria eating through egg crate. I've been using it for years.

In addition to that, if you have any doubts about the glass being able to support the weight of the rock, take a look at this...tempered glass plays no games.

PgEwEiTyYcs

[Flyride95]

I was going to say that he should be able to put it in there no problem. I used to have a 125gal a while ago and I had a 70#+ rock in the center with no problem.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I must say, do not attempt this without professional help. :bigsmile:Thats a lot of Rocks!!! Are you kidding me!! Thanks for the video rrasco.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Working on plumbing so I thought I would post some good info.
black pvc
If you have ordered from this company let me know. As of yet I have not. I thought it was neat for the black pvc so I posted it.
I must add order the pvc not the pipe.
Lowes also has some dark grey pvc. Im assuming its sw safe.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/abs-pipe/pipe-and-tubing/plumbing/ecatalog/N-a9f?Ndr=textsearchesinbase%2Btrue&sst=subset

[BBQHILLBILLY]

pvc and gph
http://flexpvc.com/WaterFlowBasedOnPipeSize.shtml

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I have some more LEDs that came in this past week. I have 2 of these over my 125 6x2 and thats without lenses and everything is growing and tank is covered.

I will now be trying some sps this next week.

[Big_Pun]

nice just remember sps don't just need good lighting. stability is key dont let anything swing

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Everything will get moved to the 240RR. Still working on plumbing for the closed loop and also the custom overflows for skimming.

In the 125RR 6x2. I adjust salinity once a week with water changes so I am a little concern here for sps.
Temperature swings are being controlled by a heater. Still a little concern when it gets warm above 80 outside.
I easily control temperature at 75.

[350gt]

Any pics of the fixtures?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

No shell. Just the heatsink, LEDs, and drivers, with the potentiometers.
I mount them on wood and put them on an open canopy.

[reefreak]

Looks fun Shane. Good luck with this build.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Thanks Jeremy. Once you go LED, you never go back.:bigsmile:

[350gt]

Looks cool....

I need to read back to see what they consisted of.... How many channels? Dimmable?

I would like to do one as a experiment but add a couple of cyan and uv to go with the blue, white and red.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Heres another pretty pic of the heatsink and LEDs.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Custom overflows. Hopefully next week.

I had to add this link to help me identify zoas.If you know a better website send it here. Thanks
I had some zoas I couldnt identify I got from Sherita before the frag swap. I just found out i had some blow pops or eye of rah.:bigsmile:
based on this website.

http://www.zoaid.com/index.php?module=Gallery2&g2_itemId=15

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Whats a better word than WOW its OMG!!!!!O my goodness:bigsmile:Thank Ace. The Overflows are TOP of the Line.I am very grateful.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

My 8ft tank build has been on hold for 4 months. Thanks again Ace for the sump repair and for the new overflows. Without your help . . .Thanks again.:bigsmile:

[edshas2]

Wow you setting it up tomorrow?

[Scutterborn]

I recognize that coffee mug! Lookin good, Shane!


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Wow you setting it up tomorrow?


No setup for today. But soon. :bigsmile:I have to open the window to get the sump/refug back under the tank and begin some water testing.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

2 good links I wanted to add and share
http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/sat2/physics/chapter14section4.rhtml
http://www.digikey.com/us/en/techzone/lighting/resources/articles/LED-Heat-Dissipation.html

[Big_Pun]

that's why I like mh I don't have read up. I know it produces heat and uses electricity and bulb needs to changed ever 9-10 months taaaadaaa

[reefreak]

Shh, sometimes i use that to "help" me on my assignments in class lol sparknotes in my case:ph34r:

[350gt]

that's why I like mh I don't have read up. I know it produces heat and uses electricity and bulb needs to changed ever 9-10 months taaaadaaa


LOL,,,,...... I feel for you CHris I really do..


It must suck to have to defend a aging technology cause you are not allowed to go BIG!..... :)

[Big_Pun]

LOL,,,,...... I feel for you CHris I really do..


It must suck to have to defend a aging technology cause you are not allowed to go BIG!..... :)

defend? look at my tank really hard to improve on it. plus spending 2 grand on new rifles is more fun.

hey Shane how much longer till this tank is wet!

[Scutterborn]

I know how you could improve it, Chris. Without changing your lights...

Put it in MY house!!! :)

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Im going crazzzy waiting to put water in this tank!! Its sits there looking at me with the 6 holes on the bottom. After the flood of 210 Im not in a hurry.
But thanks to a talented dude Ace Im back on track. I will be plumbing a closed loop and a sump/refug. one overflow will be customized to do either one.
Hopefully overflows will get siliconed this next week. I need to make doors and build a canopy too. So water testing maybe 2 weeks. :bigsmile:

[Scutterborn]

The race is on...

;)

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Lol ok thats it sump water testing saturday in stand, both overflows silconed sunday, monday plumbing done, water testing in 240RR wednesday:bigsmile:

[Scutterborn]

Bwahahaha!!!

I'm a motivator...

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Yes sir It wiiill all be LEDsssssssss. It will be Christmas everyday. Lol

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Bwahahaha!!!

I'm a motivator...
Thank you:bigsmile:I needed that.

[Scutterborn]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/18/enuva9e9.jpg

This ought to put things in perspective. My mock up for my plumbing. I was gonna have a helping hand tonight tell me that I was doing it all wrong but, I'm still at work. ;) lol!

Take your time... You got at least an extra day since I lost one.

[Zack]

Man Ben, that sump looks CRAZY AWESOME! Hurry and get that thing wet Shane!

[BBQHILLBILLY]

There you go Ben getting all complicated on me. What is that? You could put robot legs on that!:bigsmile:

[Scutterborn]

I don't think it'll end up getting plumbed like that, exactly. And obviously the 90's towards the back if the pic would be turned up.

Thanks Zach. It's a labor of "shared" love.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Work in progress. 7ft sump is getting water tested.:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Only going to use 1 overflow to get sw to the sump/refug. The other holes will be for a closed loop. The overflow will get siliconed today after I round the edges.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

overflow officially installed and siliconed and now patience and time to cure. Been a long slow road.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

question: How many trips does a trip take to make a trip to Lowes for plumbing with $1 store budget?:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

If anybody is using OceanMotions please let me know. Seriously interested in this unit in the near future. Thanks a bunch:bigsmile:
http://www.oceansmotions.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=32&osCsid=d14cf16a9d34eed01030b05a5ed1b68b

[BBQHILLBILLY]

going back to Lowes:at_wits_end:

[Scutterborn]

going back to Lowes:at_wits_end:

Lmbo!! Story of my last 3 days!


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I decided to get a nice cold pepsi and watch tv inside tank. :bigsmile:I have some additional supported 2x4s that I added and closed loop plumbing allmost done. break time
stuck the tv in the fish tank so I can watch the tank and cable:shades:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

going back to Lowes :at_wits_end: and have decided to silicone the bulkheads:bigsmile:So tank wont get wet until the weekend to let the silicone cure. Ill also be staining the additional support for the stand. Doors and canopy next week.

[allan]

Man, epic build.

Be sure you remove the TV before adding water. :)

[koa25]

Just make the tv waterproof. That would be pretty sweet.

[allan]

Ventilation may be a problem but I bet Ace could build a box to hold it. The lumens from the screen probably would result in spectacular growth.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[koa25]

A series of straws sealed by silicone to the surface would work for venting ha ha. Too easy. The light would grow some serious algae for sure.

[rrasco]

I think on an episode of Tanked they put a TV in an acrylic box and had them in the tank. I was thinking about that the other day when I seen this.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Only siliconing 2 holes. yuk what a mess

[Scutterborn]

We certainly can't say you didn't use enough... :)


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

:at_wits_end:I forgot the gasket:at_wits_end:

[Scutterborn]

I've been doing little things with plumbing like that. I tried to fit a bit of spaflex hose an realized after gluing the ball valve to the union I forgot to have the union cap on. Poof. There goes $10... It wouldn't be as bad if I had more than 30-45 minutes at a time to work on it. I keep losing track and having to reset my brain back on track.


-Ben-

[rrasco]

Hahaha....sorry, but its good to know I'm not the only one that does stuff like that.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Looks like Im out a week on siliconing. Back to staining 2x4 support boards and making a mess. Heres that big ole rock. It makes me nervous. I hope it aint to big. May have to drill some fish holes in it.

[Scutterborn]

That thing is a beast.


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

The rock is laying on its side. bad pic. Its actually bigger than that pic.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

going back to Lowes:at_wits_end:

[rrasco]

Hahaha. I hate that.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

okSo what is the best way to remove the silicone from the holes? Im sure the LFS dont remove silicone by a razor. That would take forever.
There has to be a chemical of some sort to assist. As far as I know I need to get a brstle brush of some sort and scrub it. lol
Then use a razor blade to pick at it and try to remove the silicone. ugh There has to be an ez way. Any idears?:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Any experiences with silicone-be-gone?

[Scutterborn]

All I've ever used is a single sided razor in a handle for removing windshield stickers. It's really handy and they sell them at just about any auto parts store.


-Ben-

[rrasco]

Yep, you just gotta brute force it.

[Scutterborn]

There is elbow grease. It's reef safe and always works! :)


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

3 inch blade and handle worked like a champ. Thanks a bunch.
Had to use black silicone this time. Thats stuff is messy. Ill post pics once phone decides its wants too. lol

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Additional support 2x4s have been added and stained.:bigsmile:Getting close to water testing.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Plumbing will be made for ez water changes.

going back to Lowes:at_wits_end:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Not the best plumber but its done. I normally use pvc but tried some flexible tubeing. I did plumb for ez water changes. I just slide the bucket under the nozzle and pour the sw. Im ready to do water testing so I can see what I have to fix.:bigsmile:Its been 24 hrs for the bulkheads siliconed. How long should I wait for water? any idears

[Scutterborn]

I had the same idea!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/27/7e4uqypu.jpg

Open the valve and the closed loop pump drains the tank!


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I stuck a fan in the fish tank to help more air circulation for the 2 siliconed bulkheads. Water testing tomorrow to see what I need to fix. lol

[BBQHILLBILLY]

After the 210 crash on me 6 months ago, Finally, 240RR Tank and sump are officially full of water and water testing.
A couple of things I noticed, I need a stronger external pump for 3 1in returns on the closed loop. I turned 1 off. For sure, I see a dart in the future after the Rodeo. lol
A mag18 return pump works great for the 7ft sump but is actually a hair too much flow for the 1st section. I have to tone the mag18 down.
Other than that, a couple of drip leaks that were fixed with some tightening.



going back to Loweshttp://www.maast.org/images/smilies/at_wits_end.gif

[BBQHILLBILLY]

drip drip After running the tank for a day, I noticed a couple of small drip drips in the closed loop plumbing. I have the closed loop down but the oveflow and mag18 return running.
Plumbing repairs later in the week.:bigsmile:Very happy with the tank and stand. They are holding up great. Should be fun transferring from the other tank when drip drip stops. lol

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I have a hard time fitting this boat in the little camera:bigsmile:

[rrasco]

That's so awesome. How much? :shades:

[Zack]

Nice! If I recall correctly, fish wisperer has the easy water change setup on his reef tank. Sounded awesome when we talked about it in person.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

That's so awesome. How much? :shades: Buy me Koas jeep and you can have the tank.:bigsmile:Other than that, I have fixed my plumbing by adding 6 roles of threaded seal tape not 3. Fun experience working on plumbing while the tank is full and your fixing the holes on the bottom of the tank. Anyways started pouring salt in the tank slowly.
Ill add pics when get this sand in there thats been in the garage for a while. lol Thinking of adding eggcrate to help offset the weight of a 60 pound Rock thats on my porch.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Long road to get here. I have 1 or 2 inches of dead sand in tank and just put the monster dead rock in the middle of the tank. phew
Waiting for tank to clear from the sand and Ill start posting pics. Over the next month I will be taking down the 125RR 6x2.
So lmk if anybody is interested. I have a ton of stuff in the 125RR so its going to be a little slow before anyone could take it.

[rrasco]

LOL. How about I just trade you my jeep instead? I kid, I love that thing too much. I'd need a much bigger tank too. :)

[BBQHILLBILLY]

updated pics:bigsmile:The snail made it from the 75 gallon sump/refug. Its big.

[hobogato]

looks like it is coming together nicely

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Thanks a bunch. I sure am skimming a lot bigtime wet skimming for 24 hrs. Just stopped to take pics. More on the way here. I have 6 chromis in there and they seem to love it too.
I have a ton more going in there in the next week or 2 as I take down the 125RR.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Heres 1 more pic with different camera.

[Big_Pun]

close loop running?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Oh yea. I turn it on and off though. Catching a lot of crud right now. So I turn it off to clean it. Ill get some closeups tomorrow when I get my password updated thank you IT dept.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Some updated pics as the LEDs come over slowly

18913
18914
18915

[BBQHILLBILLY]

http://www.maast.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18915&d=1359741861 (http://www.maast.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18915&d=1359741861)

[Paul28]

Ahhh man its comming along very nice !!

[350gt]

are those monkey bars for the fish to play on? lol

jk

cant wait to see some results...

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I need a canopy for the LEDs. Back to Lowes.:at_wits_end:updated pic

[BBQHILLBILLY]

8ft of LEDs. Canopy is made but need to make adjustments.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Broke a couple of connections moving the LEDs. :at_wits_end:Need to make adjustments.

[Zack]

More pics of the canopy?? I still want to take you up on that offer to help build a canopy one of these days buddy.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

18955

[BBQHILLBILLY]

another canopy pic. Its very light cedar wood so I can pick it up without help. Its not the strongest but it works. I can move it and the LEDs slide on top of it.

[350gt]

Are the heat sinks sitting on the canopy? I don't think that's a good idea.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Thats funni:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I love the LED pic. There was allways the argument that you cant LED big long tanks because it costs too much. Not anymore.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Im having fun with this tank. And with the LEDs.:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

http://www.maast.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18967&d=1359930670 (http://www.maast.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18967&d=1359930670)

[350gt]

Thats funni:bigsmile:


What is? i was being serious..


leds do generate heat and use the heat sink to dissipate it.. But if its pressed up against the wood, you will have issues with the LEDs.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Lol. You raise a valid concern. These are BIG heatsinks and they only get hot when you max it out. Otherwise everythings fine.
I had these same LEDs 18 inches above the sw. They have been lowered to half that.
So Im running blues 12 hrs and whites 6 and right now there 50 % not maxed NO heat. Differeent angles on LEDs not the same.
When I used them in the other canopy I maxed it out and used small fan to cool the heatsink and it did great.
I should also state that you need to separate the LEDs by some distance by 2 or 3 inches like I showed in the pic.
You should try one sometime. They are really great to use. I would like to say they are tremendously bright LED lights and no heat:bigsmile:

[KING]

Do you have 4 on ther?..¤an are they set different from each other because the spotlight looks on each 1 and the coloration look very different from each other

[BBQHILLBILLY]

yeees. I missed up a couple of solder connections when I put it on there off the potentiometer. Superbowls on I didnt want to resolder yet. procastinating lol

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Im going to try to get some pics with a better camera wed. Im hoping to have the different angles setup correctly and resoldering done.
The pics I found just totally inspiring had to post.:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Turned the blues down try to get a close up.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

no powerheads. This is the left, front, and right view. If you notice the big ole rock right in the middle actually its reflecting light.
LEDs adjusted and 3 new pics and tomorrow new pics with better camera.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

This one is an overall pic. You can tell in the pic where the retros are placed. I may need 1 more LED/heatsink comboto fill in gaps and a better potentiometer to adjust the spectrum better and more even.

[350gt]

Any chance you might get a par measurement?

[Scutterborn]

Nice. I like it and kinda wish I had an 8' tank... Maybe my next tank will be 8'X3'... Hmm.


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I would live very much to get a par measurement. These pics are taken with no lenses so penetrating to deep but enough to get light to the coral thats left. After the Rodeo I may end up buying a par meter. When the LEDs were used 18 inches above the sw I did get good response with sps towards the top 9inchs of 18 in sw tank 125. Now the height above has been cut in half and I would live very much to get that par measurement so I can grow some sps on top of the LRs. I would also like to note the LEDs are only turned up maybe 60 %.
Thanks for the responses and the interest.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Nice. I like it and kinda wish I had an 8' tank... Maybe my next tank will be 8'X3'... Hmm.


-Ben-

Yes me too Ben. and yes I have plans and room for another next year.:bigsmile:

[Scutterborn]

I just looked up glasscages.com and a 96"x36"x24" is only 1900 to start off... Or I could 96"x48"x24" for 800 more...


Bwahahaha!!! Who am I kidding!?! I don't have any money and a 185 sitting around empty.


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Its worth it. You can practice snorkling in your own reef.:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Here are some cool pics with a killer camera thanks to Edshas2. More on the way.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

more pics

[BBQHILLBILLY]

and more pics

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I love this Blueline 100 external pump. It works great and does what it supposed to do for the closed loop and moves sw. But its loud.grrr
Im trying to get ideas to make it quiet. Im thinking maybe a wood shoebox insulated with carpet. Any idears let me know

[hobogato]

anything close to the pump that holds in sound will also hold in heat, so be careful you dont make the pump overheat.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Here some pics of the yellow blueline and sump pics too

[350gt]

Like all the swimming room....

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Thanks I like the swimming room too. The fish all love it. Amazing tang. This a dark vlamingi tang. I havent seen many dark ones like this. Heres some good pics. He changes his colors and blends in with the sorroundings. I couldnt find him when I was trying to pull him from the other tank. Hes big and there were no rock. really awesome tang.
whenever the camera comes out this vlamingi hides. funniest thing.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

diy LEDs rock I am thinking of adding a 50 watt LED to the middle of my heatsink with my diy LEDs. I love these diy LEDs. Can make a change however you want, whenever you want, for pennies and build the future LED light combo that no one has yet. I believe I can get 30000 hrs with these awesome LEDs. Any experience with these out there? lmk
http://www.marineaquatics.biz/diy-parts.html

[Big_Pun]

diy LEDs rock I am thinking of adding a 50 watt LED to the middle of my heatsink with my diy LEDs. I love these diy LEDs. Can make a change however you want, whenever you want, for pennies and build the future LED light combo that no one has yet. I believe I can get 30000 hrs with these awesome LEDs. Any experience with these out there? lmk
http://www.marineaquatics.biz/diy-parts.html

so you like diy leds?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Chris I do. I like 250watt MHs which I love by the way. But there are so many LEDs out there now. so many. If your heatsink is big enough you can custoom build your own
LED combo. I may go with 30 watt LED in the middle of the heatsink. And all of that is surrounded by 3 watt leds spaced by 2 to 3 inches. The doors are open for those bold enough for new frontiers. :bigsmile:Ill place an order here in a week or 2. I think Louis was using these for while.

[Big_Pun]

Chris I do. I like 250watt MHs which I love by the way. But there are so many LEDs out there now. so many. If your heatsink is big enough you can custoom build your own
LED combo. I may go with 30 watt LED in the middle of the heatsink. And all of that is surrounded by 3 watt leds spaced by 2 to 3 inches. The doors are open for those bold enough for new frontiers. :bigsmile:Ill place an order here in a week or 2. I think Louis was using these for while.
there's a reason he stopped using them, the par levels where weak at that height and coral wasn't doing well(they are the 150w eco exotic),so thats why he added the 400w mh. they are very spot light-ish especially if mounted close to water.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

yes you are correct. but Im try to get clever and use maybe 2 30wat LEDs spaced evenly on each of the 4 of my 20 inch heatsinks to get a better spread.
Im just hoping I can find someone out there that is currently using these. The 30watt also has the 20K color temp as least on this website that I posted.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Thanks to Edshas2s camera here somemore pics of the tank under 3 watt diy LEDs. I will remove the pvc coming over the top. no powerheads and no pvc.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

heres 5 more

[rrasco]

Shane, lots of people are using multichip LEDs on their builds. Not so much here, but there is tons of pioneering going on over on RC.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

cool Im assuming RC reefcentral. Ill have to check it out. Ive usually seen only 3watts or only 50watts. There is so much out there now. rrasco I should have just got an 8ft heatsink. lol
instead of a bunch of 20 inch heatsinks. Nonetheless I can move these around easier.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Actually what would be cooler is an 8ft heatsink with legs mounted. Put the drivers and fans on top of the heatsink and a small lightweight cover for the top to cover the wires.
Than design whatever you can vision and par you want. I would like to see that. No canopy needed just a nice looking heatsink and legs. hmm

[Big_Pun]

Actually what would be cooler is an 8ft heatsink with legs mounted. Put the drivers and fans on top of the heatsink and a small lightweight cover for the top to cover the wires.
Than design whatever you can vision and par you want. I would like to see that. No canopy needed just a nice looking heatsink and legs. hmm

wait till you see mr salwater tank's new 8 foot tank and yes it has leds and looks clean. i saw preview video yesterday of it. 8 foot and rimless im in love with it lol 96x30x30

[rrasco]

That would be a killer tank, 8' and rimless. He always has nice stuff.

Shane, I would stick with smaller units. Makes it easier to use on other setups, etc. If I built my 6' fixture like I originally intended for my 210, I couldn't have used it on my 105 as I am now.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

yes yes I agree. I think it would be cool to see it. I never sold this 6x2, I may just move these over and get 8ft heatsink, drill it on sides, and put legs. I havent seen it yet.

[reefreak]

I know at R2U he sells 80w chips Shane and has bigger ones too.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

wait till you see mr salwater tank's new 8 foot tank and yes it has leds and looks clean. i saw preview video yesterday of it. 8 foot and rimless im in love with it lol 96x30x30


Are you kidding me!! Thats for sure is a monster tank. More than twice the size of a 210, i think.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I know at R2U he sells 80w chips Shane and has bigger ones too.

The advantage of going LED is to save our power grid so we dont have to build nuclear power plants to support our MH use.:bigsmile: And the 240 I have is 2 ft tall not 30 inches.
Im hoping I can get away with 30 watt chips in the middle of 3 watt leds. actually even with the 30 watt I would adding a total 150 watts per quarter of the tank. Thats a lot of watts unless I remove some of the 3 watts.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Of course Im kidding with the MHs, When I start growing sps like Chris is doing, I know I have success.

[Big_Pun]

Of course Im kidding with the MHs, When I start growing sps like Chris is doing, I know I have success.

going to need more than fancy lights to grow sps. should focus on your water chem stop playing with lights lol!! ;)

[Big_Pun]

so how many amps are all your power supplies pulling ??

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Im not talking, leave my blueline out of this:bigsmile:

[Fracture]

Ok so what I'm understanding is sps doesn't grow very well with just LEDs?

[Big_Pun]

sorry i meant wattage from led power supplies

[Big_Pun]

Ok so what I'm understanding is sps doesn't grow very well with just LEDs?

no one really knows, I won't use my knowledge and run LEDs to find out. but it's more than lights with sps, when I do my BBQ we can all talk reef.

[Fracture]

Ok just wondering because we have decided to start a sps tank and all we have now is led and t5 left cause I sold my MH cause my electric bill is already almost 300 lol

[BBQHILLBILLY]

4x 36x3WATT LEDs = 4x144watts=576watts +1blueline 250watts for close loop and mag18 return at 145watts = 971watts for an 8ft tank have 50 watt t5 for sump/refug
so 1021watts for entire 8ft setup. This can be improved tremendously and the LEDs are running at 70%. so im confident im under 1kW.
Hows is everyone else doing? is this good bad???

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Ok just wondering because we have decided to start a sps tank and all we have now is led and t5 left cause I sold my MH cause my electric bill is already almost 300 lol

sps are the toughest but thats part of the enjoyment. get yourself a test kit. I think they have some at elegant reef. me too.:bigsmile:
my weekly water changes make me lazy.

[Fracture]

We just replaced all filters in ro/di and bought new salt. I'm mixing saltwater for a water change and we just got paid so our next buy will be test kits an the lumber to start our new stand build

[Big_Pun]

it's funny you put all that info. people talk about LEDs for saving energy. but everyone still runs crappy old pumps or a bunch of old powerheads, old skimmers(old pumps) . lighting isn't the only power waste in our tanks

[Fracture]

Wow you no you are Very right I never thought of it that way

[Big_Pun]

sps is easy!

[rrasco]

Shane, there is a reason people don't build huge fixtures; normally. They are heavy and hard to sell or use on other setups. You can wait until I start playing with multichips and then I'll tell you what you should to do. ;)

Adding up LED wattage is not a good indicator of what you 'are using', specifically when referring to LEDs. I don't like the 1W and 3W terminology. Wattage is the product of voltage and current.

P = V * I

When LEDs are rated for '1 watt', they are really just rated at a lower current. Many 3W LEDs can be powered up to anywhere around 700-1000mA (depending on the manufacturer) while most '1 watt' LEDs max out at 350mA. So as people use different diodes with different ratings and add in dimming, the LED rating is not of much use without some calculations.

My power supply is 350W, but you never run PSUs at capacity, because they are not 100% efficient and that would create excess heat.

For example, I have:

Eight strings of blue running at 21.6v at 350mA (50%). 21.6v * 350mA (.35) = 7.56W per string
Four strings of white running at 21.6v at 210mA (30%). 21.6x * 210mA (.21) = 4.536W per string

(8 * 7.56W) + (4 * 4.536W) = 78.624W

My actual voltage is slightly different than that, but I just did the calculations based on the diodes having 3.6v forward current.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

You need to get your multichip design done pronto.:bigsmile: like that rrasco and you know i like electronics. I need to put a meter on it and see what its measuring.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Chris at the end of the day, I still have to pay the boss. Thats why I build my lights. Pumps I need some good ones. Any ideas? You still didnt tell me what you are at when it comes to your setup. Chris how many total watts you using on your tank. Remember mines for an 8ft tank. . lmk:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Without the DMM calculations seem to be. . .Im curious how close I will get to my measurements with a DMM.
rrasco the maxwelan driver output voltage is between 30V-70V with a series constant current of 680mA or .68A.
So at 70Vx.68A=47.6W or 30VX.68A=20.4W. Im assuming these are maximum and minimum output of the driver respectfully.
correct me if Im wrong.

[Big_Pun]

wouldn't know Shane, 2x sicce 2's, sicce 1, sicce 1.5, sicce psk 600, 2x vortech mp-40, 2x 250w, 4x 54w

[rrasco]

Without the DMM calculations seem to be. . .Im curious how close I will get to my measurements with a DMM.
rrasco the maxwelan driver output voltage is between 30V-70V with a series constant current of 680mA or .68A.
So at 70Vx.68A=47.6W or 30VX.68A=20.4W. Im assuming these are maximum and minimum output of the driver respectfully.
correct me if Im wrong.

That's correct. You need to add up the forward voltage of your LED strings to calculate your estimated usage.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

wouldn't know Shane, 2x sicce 2's, sicce 1, sicce 1.5, sicce psk 600, 2x vortech mp-40, 2x 250w, 4x 54w

Looks like you may be under 1 kW. Looking good.
sicce pumps seem to be nice. sicce 5 pump is 105W at 1300gph. But the mag 18 is 1800 gph at 145W.
MAG 18 Ill keep. in my setup. Seems to be good. I seem to have another mag18 in the garage to replace the blueline and save 100W there.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

That's correct. You need to add up the forward voltage of your LED strings to calculate your estimated usage.

Ive got to be doing something wrong with the measurement. Ill open the circuit this next weekend and measure the series current. The voltage is averaging 30V for each series circuit.
So by measuring the current I should be able to calculate the wattage for each series circuit with 18 3W LEDs for each series circuit. It does not seem that I am running anywhere near the max wattage that I thought I was doing.

[Big_Pun]

mags give off so much heat. grab it and see. I'll let you touch my sicce's lol. also check the actual head on them before, I think at 4 feet the sicce may out perform the mag.

[rrasco]

Ive got to be doing something wrong with the measurement. Ill open the circuit this next weekend and measure the series current. The voltage is averaging 30V for each series circuit.
So by measuring the current I should be able to calculate the wattage for each series circuit with 18 3W LEDs for each series circuit. It does not seem that I am running anywhere near the max wattage that I thought I was doing.

You said you are running two series strings off of each power supply, that sounds like parallel to me, so your wattage would be each string added up. Lower voltage, but higher current. The formula will reflect those values as they go up or down.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

sorry rrasco havent responded yet. My dmm not working but I should have one by friday. hoping I will have some current measurements very soon.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I picked up a couple of neat things during and after the fishy flea market. A REEF Octopus Hurricone skimmer and a Hurricane Reactor.
The skimmer is using a Sicce psk 2500 pump and is performing very good. I was using a coralife 220 which worked great but the container was to small.
Another feature I like is that I just pick the cup up instead of screwing it off. For now it seems to be very nice.
http://www.marinedepot.com/sicce+psk+2500+pump-si.html

[Scutterborn]

Updates, updates!


-Ben-

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Ben so busy I forgot to make doors for the stand.:bigsmile:Ill try to cut some wood this weekend. I also need to measure the current consumed by these diy LEDs. This way I can calculate the total power consumed by the 8ft setup. Hopefully I can get them done this weekend. Just letting the tank do its thing. Need to start working on some water parameters to bring in sps. soon

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Ive been pondering the idea of removing the canopy I built and attaching a cedar board to the top of the room and dropping the LEDs down on the tank.
If I put the LED lenses on, most of the light should be blocked sideways. I think it should be a cleaner look.

[Zack]

Shane, what wood do you use for your usual canopies? Thickness and type would be nice. Also a price. I'm trying to figure out which wood to skin a stand with and your stuff always looks nice.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Thanks. Simple canopies are fairly easy to do. I recommend to using 1 inch board so you can pick it up fairly easy. 2in wood gets heavy.
What plans do you have? Heres a pic of canopy I put together in an hr. It serves its purpose.
I put the LEDs on top and slide back and forth where I want the lights to focus.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

I may have something for you thats allready made. Its in the garage. send me pm

[Zack]

That's awesome. Is the 1'' board pine? Mdf? Plywood? I really like the looks of your woodwork but all the wood I'm looking at looks way off. Where do you get your wood from?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

You give me too much credit. Im no carpenter like Ace or some of these other reefers. I carry a drill, hammer, saw, tape measure in my back pocket. Glad you like it.

[BBQHILLBILLY]

cant get 0 nitrates on the 8ft tank. I am very grateful painkilla55 and I worked out a deal on a 55 setup for coral and LR. I can now begin to move LR out of the 8ft tank
and store in the 55. I will be able to move the enginners out of the dsb in the 8ft and place them in the 55 gallon tank. I will begin to increase sw volume per fish.
So increasing the sw amount, cleaning out the sump, and getting the enginneers out of the dsb is my first step to reaching 0 nitrates.
The next upgrade for the tank will be a snapper/dart and a RO biopellet reactor. AND make some doors for the stand too.lol

[Scutterborn]

I carry a drill, hammer, saw, tape measure in my back pocket.

How big is your back pocket?! :)




- Ben -

[BBQHILLBILLY]

clearing the 1st chamber was filthy. Need to install a pump in 1st chamber. Like 350gt said, dont mask a problem with pellet reactor.
On the road to 0 nitrates