First Saltwater Adventure- 90 Gallon Build Thread

[opium89]

I picked up the tank this evening but I am too tired to even bring it in the house tonight. I'll post some picks tomorrow when I get it out of the car.

Anyone have any experience with both the Tek lights and the Aquatinics? All other things being equal, I want the cooler and quieter of the two. I've also read that the Lifereef protein skimmers are quieter than my original choice of the Euroreef...Again, anyone have experience with both products?

[opium89]

As promised, here is the tank.




And here's another one post-pimped with the tint:



Dig it....Now all I have to do is head over to the dealer and order up the Mr. T gold trim package and I'll be ready for Compton bayyybee!

Other updates, I ordered the AWI Typhoon III RO/DI system today only to come home and discover it's too big to fit under the bathroom sink! I put a call in to Don tonight to see if I can change the order to the compact version. <sigh>.

Also a few changes in my plan...I think I am going to end up going with the Lifereef protein skimmer. From my research it seems that this one makes much less noise then the Euroreef does. I'd love to hear any thoughts on this.

[opium89]

Just a quick update, I was able to reach Don @ AWI in time enough to adjust my order. I went ahead and switched out the Typhoon for the Compact version. 75GPD but at least I can mount it under the sink! Should be here early next week.

http://www.airwaterice.com/product/1...TDS_Meter.html

[ismvel]

I have that unit, and love it....you'll be pleased, for sure.

[opium89]

Which Maelv? You talking about the RO system? BTW, as an added point of interest...It was suggested by Don at AWI that I swap out one of the cartridges for a soft water cartridge on the RO due to the fact that I have such hard water here in Hutto. This will apparently extend the life of the membrane and was basically added for free. Interesting that he was the only source that had even made mention of this and I was grateful for his suggestion.

[ismvel]

Sorry..yes the compact RODI system........but I have had mine for about 2 years now, so i don't have the Compact III, mine is called the Compact Reefkeeper, but other than mine having not having the DI bypass, it is the exact same unit. Yeah those guys at AWI are awesome....have dealt with them a couple of times and they were always patient with me ....

[opium89]

So I got the RO system installed. Not so difficult but I did come across one small "gotcha". I opted not to poke a hole in my intake line so I went to the Big Orange Box and picked up a tee fitting. When I tried to install the 1/4" compression fitting I found that it simply did not fit on the tee! With the hose and fittings in tow, I went to the other Big Blue Box cross the street and found someone helpful. We discovered that the white 1/4" hose that came with the unit is slightly smaller on the inside diameter than the clear stuff they had at the store, hence the brass fitting inside the pipe did not allow room for the nut to slide down over the pipe. 10' of clear hose and I was all set! Here are a few picks:

The whole set up out of the box with curious Layla..The thing is alot bigger then it looks in the photos!



Snuggly under the sink:



...and here is what the connections look like.




I guess next on the list will be my stand. I have a huge cabinet project I am trying to finish up before I can start on it but it should be wrapped up in another two weeks.

[opium89]

...or "I have a Kreg Tool and I am not afraid to use it!"

Wow, almost a year this thing has been sitting. My aquarium hiatus is over and I finally started on the stand this weekend. We've been focused on many other house projects and of course winter is not an ideal time to be futsing around in the garage. Sorry to keep you all in suspense for so long. Here goes!

I've built two of these stands now, so this will be my third. This will be the second I have done using only plywood/hardwood - no 2x4s! It's basically done from 3/4" birch with poplar front and edging. For the most part, assembly includes pocket screws, biscuits and carpenters glue. Finish will be in a satin black lacquer. Overal dimensions are 49 x 19 x 32.

I usually start with the bottom:



You can see the pocket screw assembly here. Top is secured with biscuits and glue.




Then comes the back. Again, just pocket screws and glues.




Right side, pocket screws, glue.




Clamping the right side panel for screwing. Make sure those clamps are tight or the pocket screws have a tendency to wiggle the panels around.




Left side clamped. Another thing I do is wipe the squeezed glue out fairly quick. It's a ***** to get out of corners once dried. Keep an old toothbrush and a small cup of water nearby.




Back and sides assembled and drying.



Let it sit for awhile and attach the bottom to the back and sides. This is done with a few wood screws pre-drilled and countersunk from the underside through the bottom assembly.



Back with sides and bottom attached.



I think I will paint the inside next along with the front and top when I have those made. It's a bit of a chore to swing the paint sprayer inside and will be much easier to do before final assembly. This is as far as I got today so more later.

[hobogato]

very nice!

[fishforlife]

cool! cool!
best advice that I recieved from the members at MAAST was this:

GO SLOW.....