110g reef tank build (New pics!)

[erikharrison]

Are your bulkheads on backwards?

LoL, it was looking WAY too clean. They are in backwards.

[fjr_wertheimber]

Actually, Brian from Kingfish recommended putting them in that way to keep the plumbing closer to the back of the tank, that way I can run the PVC pipes through holes in the tank stand, rather than having to go around (behind) it. I've got bio balls in them, too, to keep smaller stuff (snails, etc.) from being sucked in.

[lhoy]

Don't use the bioballs, you can get some strainers to go in them.

Lee

[fjr_wertheimber]

Woohoo, just made my first major (read: most expensive so far) purchase to date on the tank: LIGHTS.

I've wanted to go T5 HO or VHO from the start, so on the advice of Grim Reefer, the resident T5 expert (and a few other folks) from ReefCentral, I went with the following:
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_2_Retrofit_Kits/60_inch__6x80W_Tek_2_T5_Very_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_ReefGeek
T5 very high-output fluorescent retrofit kit complete with Sunlight Supply Tek 2 individual parabolic reflectors for each bulb made from 96% German reflective aluminum, two IceCap 660 electronic ballasts, a power-cord, wire bundle and heat sink for each ballast, moisture proof end-caps, standoffs and choice of bulbs from any of our current selection of high-quality lamps. Kit sold complete except for mounting screws. Some assembly required. IceCap ballasts engineered to "over-drive" each bulb to approximately 100 watts for superior output. Because the bulbs are being over-driven cooling fans are required to maintain both bulb output and bulb life. (Don't settle for inferior T5 electronic ballasts, like the Workhorse, that are commonly sold with other T5 retrofit kits.) Multiple ballasts allow for independent lamp control. Produces virtually no noise.

I also got two IceCap fans (4" 50-120cfm) to cool 'em (once again, on Grim Reefer's suggestion).
Lamp-wise, I got the following combo:
(front of the tank)
ATI Blue Plus (ballast 1)
GE 6500K Daylight
ATI True Actinic (ballast 1)
ATI Pro Color
ATI Aquablue (ballast 1)
ATI Blue Plus
(rear of the tank)

Okay, starting to get waaaaay too excited about lights.

[lhoy]

Nice, can't wait to see how they look fired up, see you tomorrow.

Lee

[fjr_wertheimber]

Okay, so here's what's either here (or on the way):

110g tank (70"l x 18"w x 20" h) with custom overflow (by Brian at Kingfish Aquarium)
6 x 80w T5s with TEK 2 Reflectors and 2x IceCap 660 ballasts
EuroReef RS80 with gate valve
Eheim 1262 return pump
JBJ Arctica 1/10hp chiller (Hey, I'm running T5s, not MH)
Two Little Fishies PhosBan reactor (for carbon)
MaxiJet 400 (for PhosBan reactor)
Eshopps RS300 sump
Portable Refactometer
Melev 100gpd RO/DI unit
HM Digital In-line Dual TDS meter
Reefkeeper 2 with pH and temp probes
60 lbs of base rock
1 bucket Red Sea Coral Pro salt

Still undecided:
Pumps/powerheads/wavemaker (Suggestions, anyone?)

Still to buy:
60 lbs of live rock
Enough live sand for a 5" DSB (yikes... that pulverized limestone is looking better and better...)

Still to build:
The stand and canopy

[fjr_wertheimber]

Progress (with a capital P no less!):

Still a lot more work to do, a lot more bracing to do, but it's LEVEL in every direction... w00t!!

[erikharrison]

Use KILLZ, you will be thankful you did!
Powerheads? Koralias 2x #4s would do you VERY well.
Bigger Skimmer, and more rock.

[tomanero]

AJ,
Looking good. Congrats.
Couple of quick suggestions...

1- check out http://coralreefbazaar.com/index.php?
Frederick is local (and a sponsor) and by the looks of it his pricing beats reefgeek on T5

2- Since the tanks still empty I'd look into a closed loop for circulation. Drill a couple of holes, one single pump outside the tank, no ugly powerheads.

3- Are you going to put a hinged front on your canopy. As mentioned above, you'll probably find it annoying getting a tan every time you open the hood. There are a few ways you can go. I can give some insight if your interested. Let me know. Your welcome to come check out my diy setup since it's the same 110 tank as yours.

You're on your way. Welcome to the camp.

[fjr_wertheimber]

Okay, so new updates:

Got my chiller today (thanks, Lee!)
Ordered 2x Koralia 4
Ordered 2x Maxi-Jet 1200 with the 1600 upgrade and magnet mounts (to be plugged into my Reefkeeper 2 for alternating flow duties... I won't say "wavemaking", I'll reserve that for when I get the Tunze Wavebox)
Received my RO/DI unit today

OH, and (you'll all be glad to know) I picked up some Killz paint today, too... Heheheh