Building My 375gal Glass Reef - Page 25

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 07:41 AM

LobsterMan - thanks and welcome aboard.

EnglishRebel - I've only got a Grizzly 2HP - but it does suck!

tanya72806 - that Fritz stuff is expensive! - but I will look in to it.

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 07:49 AM

OK - so I started setting up the rock. I immediately found out that it's not as easy as I thought to man handle rocks the size of the ones I ordered - so I decided to go minimalist. Actually I think it's probably not a bad idea. It will give the corals a lot more room to grow.

Here's a couple of pics of what I've done so far - just the right half of the tank. Remember there will be a 1" layer of sand added. It's all still subject to change, but as a start - what do you all think?

It all looks pretty flat in the pics. Actually, there is 20" from front to back.

The highest rock is about 17". I didn't want to go too high - being the optimist that I am - I expect the corals to add quite a bit to the hight.

mflamb · 01/15/2009, 08:16 AM

I like it. I took the "minimalist" approach this time also. Just make sure you put in enough rock for adequate surface area for bacterial growth.

If you have a large piece that you're not going to use, I'll purchase it from you. I need one more piece of rock.

Elliott · 01/15/2009, 08:21 AM

great idea with the acrylic stands, I suppose you made those too, Tom you are killing me with your talent

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 08:26 AM

Hey, Mike. When I ordered the rock I had lots plans going through my head - caves and outcrops, etc. When your talking 20lbs chunks of rock, reality (and physics) quickly sets in. To be honest though, the more I look at it the more I like it. Out to be nice for fish too - lots of room to swim.

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Elliott
great idea with the acrylic stands ...

Hey, Elliott - yes, but it wasn't mine. Don't really remember where I saw it first, but thanks to whoever it was.

As far as talent is concerned - there's a difference between cutting pieces of acrylic and, well ... ah you know ...

Leonardo_ · 01/15/2009, 08:58 AM

I'm a great fan of the minimalist approach. It looks great!

Leonardo

EnglishRebel · 01/15/2009, 09:17 AM

Looks good Tom

I was going to order some 1/2" acrylic rod and 1/8" sheet to make up rock stands. I thought it was a great idea -- but not mine.

I also thought about using football tees but not having played American football (I played English football aka soccer

) I didn't know how big or suitable they would be. While I'm out today I'll check them out.

That's good looking rock. Did you get it from Bulk Reef Supply? I have 50lb of their Fiji Acro Rox coming today. I wouldn't worry about not having enough in the DT for efficient biological filtration as I believe that you have a large sump and refugium where you can add more.
I too like a more open look -- it leaves lots of swimming room. I see some tanks that have the entire back covered in a rock wall.
Keep up the good work.

mcrist · 01/15/2009, 09:28 AM

I really like the way you raised your rock of the bottom of the tank. Nice job. I can't wait to see it in your tank.

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Leonardo_
I'm a great fan of the minimalist approach. It looks great!

Quite a compliment, considering it's comming from the creator of the Formosa Forest!

Thanks so much!

Oldtimer · 01/15/2009, 09:34 AM

I agree with the minimalist approach. I plan to take a similar approach in my 240 so the SPS can really take off and have room to grow. I thought about 150 lbs max. Did you end up using all 150 lbs that you ordered? If not, how much?

Great work so far. I wish I had your workshop and skills!! Just getting by with my Grizzly G0444, Kreg jig and mostly Dewalt hand tools. One of these days, I'll find room for a jointer and pick up a nice planer. I also want to stick a Grizzly dust collector in the corner of my work room.

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnglishRebel
... thought about using football tees but not having played American football (I played English football aka soccer ) I didn't know how big or suitable they would be. While I'm out today I'll check them out.

That's good looking rock. Did you get it from Bulk Reef Supply? I have 50lb of their Fiji Acro Rox coming today. I wouldn't worry about not having enough in the DT for efficient biological filtration as I believe that you have a large sump and refugium where you can add more.
I too like a more open look -- it leaves lots of swimming room. I see some tanks that have the entire back covered in a rock wall.
Keep up the good work.

Hey, Alan. Thanks! Football Tees - now that's original. If you decide to go the acrylic rod route, I'd suggest going a little thicker than 1/8" - the rods need quite a bit of hold.

I got the rocks at MarcoRocks.com. They're the same as EcoRox Pukani.

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcrist
I really like the way you raised your rock of the bottom of the tank. Nice job.

Thank you, Mark. I appreciate your comments.

EnglishRebel · 01/15/2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GlassReef Hey, Alan. Thanks! Football Tees - now that's original. If you decide to go the acrylic rod route, I'd suggest going a little thicker than 1/8" - the rods need quite a bit of hold.

Okay I'll go 1/4".

Quote:

Originally posted by GlassReef
I got the rocks at MarcoRocks.com. They're the same as EcoRox Pukani.

I thought MarcoRocks were not entirely dead (I read it here on RC). The Eco Rox are guaranteed not to have any life at all.

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oldtimer
I agree with the minimalist approach. I plan to take a similar approach in my 240 so the SPS can really take off and have room to grow. I thought about 150 lbs max. Did you end up using all 150 lbs that you ordered? If not, how much?

Great work so far. I wish I had your workshop and skills!! Just getting by with my Grizzly G0444, Kreg jig and mostly Dewalt hand tools. One of these days, I'll find room for a jointer and pick up a nice planer. I also want to stick a Grizzly dust collector in the corner of my work room.

Thanks for your comments, OldTimer (I told you before, I love saying that

).

I used about 140lbs and my space is 94.5" X 34.5"

Nothing wrong with a Grizz G0444 - one of the best contractor saws around! I don't build anything without a Kreg Jig. Get a jointer and planer and your skill level automatically jumps by several magnitudes.

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnglishRebel
I thought MarcoRocks were not entirely dead (I read it here on RC). The Eco Rox are guaranteed not to have any life at all.

I ordered some from BRS, before they ran out - must of been 3-4 months ago. It's the same rock I received from MarcoRocks. That said - maybe BRS is putting their latest rock through some kind of cleaning process - although I don't see how they could do that.

This type of rock (what I have) was taken out of the reef and laid in the sun to bleach. There is nothing "alive" on or in it, but it definitely needs to be "cured" or cleaned - whatever you want to call it. I'll be leaving mine in the tank for about 2 months with no lights, full skimming, GFO and carbon, and daily blasts with a strong pump to loosen/remove detritus.

Typhon · 01/15/2009, 11:18 AM

I picked up about 300 lbs of Marco rock for my system. I had very dead matter on the it.

Great stuff!! Good choice!

TandN · 01/15/2009, 02:59 PM

looks good how about a nice piece in front of them on the right not touching them of course like 4-5" away from then make a raceway sort of. I also went with flat pieces. Heres a few pics of what I did with my Marco

EnglishRebel · 01/15/2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GlassReef
I ordered some from BRS, before they ran out - must of been 3-4 months ago. It's the same rock I received from MarcoRocks. That said - maybe BRS is putting their latest rock through some kind of cleaning process - although I don't see how they could do that.

This type of rock (what I have) was taken out of the reef and laid in the sun to bleach. There is nothing "alive" on or in it, but it definitely needs to be "cured" or cleaned - whatever you want to call it. I'll be leaving mine in the tank for about 2 months with no lights, full skimming, GFO and carbon, and daily blasts with a strong pump to loosen/remove detritus.

Tom
If there is nothing alive on it or in it, why do you need to clean?. BRS guarantee that there is nothing on or in their rock. I checked mine today and it's as clean as a whistle -- no detritus, no smell, but a little color here and there.
Having said that I haven't used it so I will see what happens when it goes in my refugium along with cured LR to seed it. I will have my skimmer hooked up so we will see what happens.
I'm waiting on my sand and some acrylic to make up little "chairs" to sit the rock 3" off the bottom of the tank.

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tanya72806
[B]... how about a nice piece in front of them on the right not touching them of course like 4-5" away from then make a raceway sort of.

I put a piece there - looks good - thanks.

I like what you did with yours - gives you plenty of overhangs, and such. Your fish are going to love it.

GlassReef · 01/15/2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnglishRebel
If there is nothing alive on it or in it, why do you need to clean?. BRS guarantee that there is nothing on or in their rock. I checked mine today and it's as clean as a whistle -- no detritus, no smell, but a little color here and there.

I'm waiting on my sand and some acrylic to make up little "chairs" to sit the rock 3" off the bottom of the tank.

Mine has pieces of dead sponges, etc. - not a lot, but it's there. It doesn't smell, but I definitely wouldn't try to use it "as is". I guess BRS has figured out a way to clean theirs before they sell it.

Your acrylic chair idea sounds interesting - I'll be watching for your description and pics.

TandN · 01/15/2009, 04:00 PM

English it is a MUST to cycle this rock. Everything that dried up on it and in it it just lurking in it waiting to be released once its in water. It seems fine now but when the water gets in it and the rock starts to absorb the water it will expell all the crude that was on it that dried out and died

TandN · 01/15/2009, 04:03 PM

Tom thank you for the nice remark. I have 9 Bartletts a mated pair of Bangii's a trio of blue chromis a F.Perc a pair of grade A Picasso's a mystery wrasse a sohal tang a pair of twin spot gobies and a CBB and they love swimming around in and out of the holes

EnglishRebel · 01/15/2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tanya72806
English it is a MUST to cycle this rock. Everything that dried up on it and in it it just lurking in it waiting to be released once its in water. It seems fine now but when the water gets in it and the rock starts to absorb the water it will expell all the crude that was on it that dried out and died

Tanya
Thanks for that advice. I'm going to put it in my fuge with a sand bed and some of the cured LR that is currently in my QT tank. That way my fuge is connected to my sump which has a skimmer and heater (but no display -- yet). So when my DT arrives in about 5 weeks and it goes "online" the rock will have a good start with seeding.

TandN · 01/15/2009, 04:42 PM

No prob.

01/15/2009, 07:41 AM	#601
GlassReef Got Reef Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Weeki Wachee, Florida Posts: 2,501	LobsterMan - thanks and welcome aboard. EnglishRebel - I've only got a Grizzly 2HP - but it does suck! tanya72806 - that Fritz stuff is expensive! - but I will look in to it. __________________ Tom No matter how much you try to push the envelope, it remains stationary.

01/15/2009, 07:49 AM	#602
GlassReef Got Reef Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Weeki Wachee, Florida Posts: 2,501	OK - so I started setting up the rock. I immediately found out that it's not as easy as I thought to man handle rocks the size of the ones I ordered - so I decided to go minimalist. Actually I think it's probably not a bad idea. It will give the corals a lot more room to grow. Here's a couple of pics of what I've done so far - just the right half of the tank. Remember there will be a 1" layer of sand added. It's all still subject to change, but as a start - what do you all think? It all looks pretty flat in the pics. Actually, there is 20" from front to back. The highest rock is about 17". I didn't want to go too high - being the optimist that I am - I expect the corals to add quite a bit to the hight. __________________ Tom No matter how much you try to push the envelope, it remains stationary.

01/15/2009, 08:16 AM	#603
mflamb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pasadena, Texas Posts: 8,422	I like it. I took the "minimalist" approach this time also. Just make sure you put in enough rock for adequate surface area for bacterial growth. If you have a large piece that you're not going to use, I'll purchase it from you. I need one more piece of rock. __________________ Click on my red house to see my 390 and 300 build thread. Those are my last 2 tanks in Tampa. Now in Pasadena waiting to buy a house to set up my next tank....anemones and clowns...probably a 3x3 150 gallon.

01/15/2009, 08:21 AM	#604
Elliott Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 3,849	great idea with the acrylic stands, I suppose you made those too, Tom you are killing me with your talent __________________ Rodney Dangerfield - "I worked in a pet store and people would ask how big I would get." TOTM, March 2015 Current Tank Info: tank video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va1dI7mdnGU ,900g in wall mixed reef, another 500g sumps, 19 AI Sol LED's, 2 CL's w/VFD's controlled pumps to 24 eductors, 2 Tunze WB's, 2 Barr 5220's and RK2 25PE and BK500, etc

01/15/2009, 08:26 AM	#605
GlassReef Got Reef Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Weeki Wachee, Florida Posts: 2,501	Hey, Mike. When I ordered the rock I had lots plans going through my head - caves and outcrops, etc. When your talking 20lbs chunks of rock, reality (and physics) quickly sets in. To be honest though, the more I look at it the more I like it. Out to be nice for fish too - lots of room to swim. __________________ Tom No matter how much you try to push the envelope, it remains stationary.

01/15/2009, 08:58 AM	#607
Leonardo_ TRC Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,568	I'm a great fan of the minimalist approach. It looks great! Leonardo __________________ 450G Office Reef

01/15/2009, 09:17 AM	#608
EnglishRebel Retired Rebel Reefer Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Triad NC Posts: 1,902	Looks good Tom I was going to order some 1/2" acrylic rod and 1/8" sheet to make up rock stands. I thought it was a great idea -- but not mine. I also thought about using football tees but not having played American football (I played English football aka soccer ) I didn't know how big or suitable they would be. While I'm out today I'll check them out. That's good looking rock. Did you get it from Bulk Reef Supply? I have 50lb of their Fiji Acro Rox coming today. I wouldn't worry about not having enough in the DT for efficient biological filtration as I believe that you have a large sump and refugium where you can add more. I too like a more open look -- it leaves lots of swimming room. I see some tanks that have the entire back covered in a rock wall. Keep up the good work. __________________ Alan "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. " Sir Winston Churchill praising those young RAF pilots. August 20th 1940 Click on my name for drop down list and select "Visit EnglishRebels Home Page" for my build thread. Current Tank Info: 60x30x24 200G AO custom glass tank, basement equipment room, 30G and 55G Fuges, LifeReef sump & 30" skimmer.

01/15/2009, 09:28 AM	#609
mcrist Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania Posts: 1,598	I really like the way you raised your rock of the bottom of the tank. Nice job. I can't wait to see it in your tank. __________________ Mark Current Tank Info: 450 Gallon Peninsula

01/15/2009, 09:34 AM	#611
Oldtimer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grosse Pointe, MI Posts: 404	I agree with the minimalist approach. I plan to take a similar approach in my 240 so the SPS can really take off and have room to grow. I thought about 150 lbs max. Did you end up using all 150 lbs that you ordered? If not, how much? Great work so far. I wish I had your workshop and skills!! Just getting by with my Grizzly G0444, Kreg jig and mostly Dewalt hand tools. One of these days, I'll find room for a jointer and pick up a nice planer. I also want to stick a Grizzly dust collector in the corner of my work room. __________________ Profilux Plus II Ex, Bubble King 300 Deluxe Ext, Tunze + Vortech, 3x250w 12k Reeflux + 2x80w T5, Fuge, Frag Tank, Twin Sump, Sequence Dart Gold, Fish room, etc Building the Reef, One piece at a time. Current Tank Info: 240 g Display, 450 g total system SPS dominated Reef.

01/15/2009, 11:18 AM	#617
Typhon Force of Nature Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,791	I picked up about 300 lbs of Marco rock for my system. I had very dead matter on the it. Great stuff!! Good choice! __________________ "If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it." - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: Tank Broken Down

01/15/2009, 02:59 PM	#618
TandN Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2,009	looks good how about a nice piece in front of them on the right not touching them of course like 4-5" away from then make a raceway sort of. I also went with flat pieces. Heres a few pics of what I did with my Marco

01/15/2009, 04:00 PM	#622
TandN Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2,009	English it is a MUST to cycle this rock. Everything that dried up on it and in it it just lurking in it waiting to be released once its in water. It seems fine now but when the water gets in it and the rock starts to absorb the water it will expell all the crude that was on it that dried out and died

01/15/2009, 04:03 PM	#623
TandN Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2,009	Tom thank you for the nice remark. I have 9 Bartletts a mated pair of Bangii's a trio of blue chromis a F.Perc a pair of grade A Picasso's a mystery wrasse a sohal tang a pair of twin spot gobies and a CBB and they love swimming around in and out of the holes

01/15/2009, 04:42 PM	#625
TandN Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2,009	No prob.