The Journey - 300+ Gallon System Build - Picture Heavy - Page 4

szwab · 02/04/2013, 09:13 PM

This thread has been moved to the current forum....

Newbie Aquarist · 02/04/2013, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpcardona

Good catch, this design was done late at night. Hopefully I would have caught this during the build. BTY thanks for such a great deal on the pump.

I think you meant sump. Lolol you are welcome. I made the same mistake when I did my sump design early on in my thread build. Didn't want the same disaster happen to you.

Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

bpcardona · 02/04/2013, 10:00 PM

Well thank you for the bubble trap fix, but I did mean pump. I bought the Reeflo from you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

I think you meant sump. Lolol you are welcome. I made the same mistake when I did my sump design early on in my thread build. Didn't want the same disaster happen to you.

Sent from my iPhone using Siri and Tapatalk.

Reefneophyte007 · 02/04/2013, 10:19 PM

Just wanted to chime in with regards to plumbing your QT tank with your main system. At some point,your QT is going to turn into a hospital tank when treating for diseases ie:ich. You will most likely be using some form of medication at some point (copper). This is just me speaking, but I would not want there to be even a slight chance of copper or any other medication getting mixed with the water of my main display. Nor would I want a chance of water from my QT that may be diseased to get mixed with my main display water.

I would keep it seperate.

bpcardona · 02/05/2013, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigpuffer1

looks great keep the pics coming. if the house falls the tank stands!

Lol, I hope that I have over done it when it comes to the stands!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgunn

Looks great so far! Tagging along.

A suggestion regarding the overflows: If you have the room for it, maybe screw a 1x4 rail (or 2x4) into the wall behind the tank. Then you could put your ladder beside the tank and lay a board from the ladder to the back rail, and give you something to lean on.

I only suggest this because I had a difficult to access overflow in my old 140g tank. It was next to impossible to get into it for cleaning. Over a number of years it ended up collecting loads of detritus, and other undesirable things I just couldn't get in to clean out.

I love this suggestion! I was concerned about my ability to reach the back of the tank. This help help a lot. I will give this one a strong consideration. Thanks for the input. Keep them coming.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefneophyte007

Just wanted to chime in with regards to plumbing your QT tank with your main system. At some point,your QT is going to turn into a hospital tank when treating for diseases ie:ich. You will most likely be using some form of medication at some point (copper). This is just me speaking, but I would not want there to be even a slight chance of copper or any other medication getting mixed with the water of my main display. Nor would I want a chance of water from my QT that may be diseased to get mixed with my main display water.

I would keep it seperate.

You make some strong points here. I would hate to hospitalize a fish, have him recover only to see the tank be destroyed due to meds. My current plan is to leave it separate, so unless I can think of a way to reduce contamination to zero likelyhood I will keep it this way.

Newbie Aquarist · 02/05/2013, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpcardona

Well thank you for the bubble trap fix, but I did mean pump. I bought the Reeflo from you.

OK brain fart. My bad.

bpcardona · 02/05/2013, 09:53 AM

Amazon order number one is in:

Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr

bpcardona · 02/05/2013, 07:46 PM

Okay so today was another day of projects. I picked up two 55 gallon barrels for my mixing station. I was very happy with my find. The guy I met us a very nice, and offered me two of his barrel with removable lids. Score!!!! I made certain that they were food grade, and quickly loaded them up. I cleaned them up a bit once home then began building the stands. I realized I had enough room to install a utility sink, and ran to Home Depot; and what did I find. A utility sink on sale! Much of the day was spent driving to get these barrels but all and all a successful day.

Also I am washing the my sand out. Thanks to BobbyV I was able to get Tropical Eden flakes. Thanks again. This is great substrate! I washed this and dried it once I got it, but thought I better do it again. Glad I did. You can see and smell the gunk. Dilution, Dilution, Dilution will be the key to washing this sand out.

I am also looking into the Genesis Renew system. I have read reviews, watch the video, and i love it so far. Anyone have any bad experience with this system, or heard of anyone have trouble. From what I understand the customer service is top notch.

Before mixing the sand

After mixing it up

worm5406 · 02/05/2013, 10:14 PM

Just checking... what was in those barrels before?

I like the sink!

bpcardona · 02/06/2013, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5406

Just checking... what was in those barrels before?

I like the sink!

I was told it was used to transport hops.

clownfishplace · 02/06/2013, 01:24 PM

How are you going to run the drain for the Utility sink? looks like a great build

bpcardona · 02/06/2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clownfishplace

How are you going to run the drain for the Utility sink? looks like a great build

Just to the left of the barrels is the exterior wall. It is the short segment of block wall on each side of a garage door. I plan on knocking a hole in this to accommodate a 1-1.5" pipe. This will then turn straight down into a french drain. I will have a rock garden surrounding the area, so I don't have to worry about the salt. I don't plan on this sink handling a lot of water. Just will help keep the area clean.

bpcardona · 02/06/2013, 08:54 PM

Amazon order number 2:

I got a 55 gallon drum dolly for my saltwater mixing barrel. I figured this would make the process much easier. It fits prefect, and wheels around great. I am going to love this when this barrel has a lot of water!

This also show the exterior wall I was referring too

JOL · 02/06/2013, 09:35 PM

great build, keep them coming.

bpcardona · 02/06/2013, 10:30 PM

So I plan on seeding/curing my rock during this down time. It will take me some time to get the plumbing right, and the canopy built. So with that time I will turn dead phosphate rich rock into live phosphate free rock. I have not done this before so everyone check my plan.

1. Place dry rock in tub with lid filled with saltwater.
2. Add a heater set to 79-80 F and a power head.
3. Add some live rock to the top of the pile, and leave covered
4. Do weekly water changes, at 100%
5. Maintain this service for 6 weeks, and moniter phoaphtes

What do you think? I have started this process, but I think I want a larger bin. So I will be shopping this weekend.

worm5406 · 02/06/2013, 10:54 PM

Hummm I do not think it is going to escape.

tgunn · 02/07/2013, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpcardona

What do you think? I have started this process, but I think I want a larger bin. So I will be shopping this weekend.

You're basically "cooking" the rock (that was the term I heard for it a while back). So getting the bacteria to do all the cleaning out of the rocks for you.

Seems reasonable to me. I did that with some live rock I bought years ago. It had sat out of the owners tank for a while and was full of rotting stink. I cooked it for a good while and the bacterial action brought all sorts of detritus and crud out of the rocks.

Before changing the water, I would empty out the bin and vigorously shake and swish each rock in the old water. This helped work out more of the stuff from deep in the rocks.

Tyler

Newbie Aquarist · 02/07/2013, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpcardona

src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8452668232_0a3479bb26_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Untitled">
[/CENTER]

Is this your way of keeping your rock hostage. "Get live or off to the muriatic bath you go!!"

bpcardona · 02/07/2013, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgunn

You're basically "cooking" the rock (that was the term I heard for it a while back). So getting the bacteria to do all the cleaning out of the rocks for you.

Seems reasonable to me. I did that with some live rock I bought years ago. It had sat out of the owners tank for a while and was full of rotting stink. I cooked it for a good while and the bacterial action brought all sorts of detritus and crud out of the rocks.

Before changing the water, I would empty out the bin and vigorously shake and swish each rock in the old water. This helped work out more of the stuff from deep in the rocks.

Tyler

Thanks for the tips. I understand it to be an easy process, but I know some people do it different. Some run light, skimmer, air stones ext.... I think I want no light to discourage any algae, and rid it of any inorganic phosphates that might be locked on. I will take you suggestion and "rinse" the rock off between water changes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by worm5406

Hummm I do not think it is going to escape.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Is this your way of keeping your rock hostage. "Get live or off to the muriatic bath you go!!"

I thought it was funny myself. I did this because the side were bowing, and I wanted the lid to fit. However if the neighbor start complaining about missing cats.........shhhhh

Doc_B · 02/08/2013, 02:56 AM

Looks great. What brand is the 300gal tank? I'm looking to start a build like yours.

bpcardona · 02/08/2013, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc_B

Looks great. What brand is the 300gal tank? I'm looking to start a build like yours.

The tank is acuatly a 220 gallon AGA. I listed it as a 300+ Sytem, becuase of the 55 gallon sump and 55 gallon frag. I will also have a large QT tank. All together this will be over 300.

In regards to 300 gallons displays, I love the 300 DD. Mairneland has a great one that I have seen in action and was impressed. BoddyV has this tank and is currently doing a build. You should check his out as well. Thanks for following.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2193466

bpcardona · 02/08/2013, 01:38 PM

Correction: it is a 210 AGA/aqueon

likefish · 02/09/2013, 08:18 PM

very impressive build..!

Quick question with the sump / fram tank in garage. What is you your plan for controlling the water temp with the summer and winter extreams? Heating seems easier than cooling when it gets silly hot in the summer.

would love to build a "play system" in my garage but cooling is my limiting factor. (not interested in a chiller or adding AC to the garage)

Curious to hear you plan.

Keep the posts coming, looking good!

bpcardona · 02/09/2013, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by likefish

very impressive build..!

Quick question with the sump / fram tank in garage. What is you your plan for controlling the water temp with the summer and winter extreams? Heating seems easier than cooling when it gets silly hot in the summer.

would love to build a "play system" in my garage but cooling is my limiting factor. (not interested in a chiller or adding AC to the garage)

Curious to hear you plan.

Keep the posts coming, looking good!

Chiller is going to be a must. You can find used ones on here all the time. What size system are you wanting as a "play"

likefish · 02/11/2013, 08:07 AM

ive got lots of room. I was thinking 100-200 gal.

I am sooooo scared to commit to a chiller in fear of knowing that the life of everything in my system is dependent on that one piece of equipment.

I even considered framing out a fish room and using a window shaker AC unit and vent fan. That way if anything went bad at least its in an insulated room and might maintain for a while. My garage gets HOT in the summer

02/04/2013, 09:13 PM	#76
szwab RC Mod Join Date: May 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 15,225	This thread has been moved to the current forum.... __________________ Mark "I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more cowbell" ~ Christopher Walken Current Tank Info: AGE 240 Flatback Hex

02/05/2013, 09:53 AM	#82
bpcardona Trying to hard Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lake Alfred, Fl Posts: 871	Amazon order number one is in: Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr __________________ --Brian--- Tanks: 220G DT - 55G custom sump - 40G frag - 40G QT - Livestock: Clowns - Blonde Naso Tang - Blue Hippo Tang - Diamond Watchman Goby - Molly Miller -

02/05/2013, 07:46 PM	#83
bpcardona Trying to hard Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lake Alfred, Fl Posts: 871	Okay so today was another day of projects. I picked up two 55 gallon barrels for my mixing station. I was very happy with my find. The guy I met us a very nice, and offered me two of his barrel with removable lids. Score!!!! I made certain that they were food grade, and quickly loaded them up. I cleaned them up a bit once home then began building the stands. I realized I had enough room to install a utility sink, and ran to Home Depot; and what did I find. A utility sink on sale! Much of the day was spent driving to get these barrels but all and all a successful day. Also I am washing the my sand out. Thanks to BobbyV I was able to get Tropical Eden flakes. Thanks again. This is great substrate! I washed this and dried it once I got it, but thought I better do it again. Glad I did. You can see and smell the gunk. Dilution, Dilution, Dilution will be the key to washing this sand out. I am also looking into the Genesis Renew system. I have read reviews, watch the video, and i love it so far. Anyone have any bad experience with this system, or heard of anyone have trouble. From what I understand the customer service is top notch. Before mixing the sand After mixing it up __________________ --Brian--- Tanks: 220G DT - 55G custom sump - 40G frag - 40G QT - Livestock: Clowns - Blonde Naso Tang - Blue Hippo Tang - Diamond Watchman Goby - Molly Miller -

02/05/2013, 10:14 PM	#84
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Just checking... what was in those barrels before? I like the sink! __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

02/06/2013, 01:24 PM	#86
clownfishplace Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1	How are you going to run the drain for the Utility sink? looks like a great build __________________ clownfishplace

02/04/2013, 10:19 PM	#79
Reefneophyte007 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Camas, WA Posts: 35	Just wanted to chime in with regards to plumbing your QT tank with your main system. At some point,your QT is going to turn into a hospital tank when treating for diseases ie:ich. You will most likely be using some form of medication at some point (copper). This is just me speaking, but I would not want there to be even a slight chance of copper or any other medication getting mixed with the water of my main display. Nor would I want a chance of water from my QT that may be diseased to get mixed with my main display water. I would keep it seperate.

02/06/2013, 08:54 PM	#88
bpcardona Trying to hard Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lake Alfred, Fl Posts: 871	Amazon order number 2: I got a 55 gallon drum dolly for my saltwater mixing barrel. I figured this would make the process much easier. It fits prefect, and wheels around great. I am going to love this when this barrel has a lot of water! This also show the exterior wall I was referring too __________________ --Brian--- Tanks: 220G DT - 55G custom sump - 40G frag - 40G QT - Livestock: Clowns - Blonde Naso Tang - Blue Hippo Tang - Diamond Watchman Goby - Molly Miller -

02/06/2013, 09:35 PM	#89
JOL Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami FL Posts: 61	great build, keep them coming. __________________ No one forced me into it... So now I have to deal with it. Current Tank Info: 100 Gal. Island DT * 40 Gal Sump * Panda 100 (X-2) * T-5 (54 watt X 4) * Apex III * pH1 * pH2 * Salinity Probe * Dossers (2) * ATO * Custom over flow *

02/06/2013, 10:30 PM	#90
bpcardona Trying to hard Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lake Alfred, Fl Posts: 871	So I plan on seeding/curing my rock during this down time. It will take me some time to get the plumbing right, and the canopy built. So with that time I will turn dead phosphate rich rock into live phosphate free rock. I have not done this before so everyone check my plan. 1. Place dry rock in tub with lid filled with saltwater. 2. Add a heater set to 79-80 F and a power head. 3. Add some live rock to the top of the pile, and leave covered 4. Do weekly water changes, at 100% 5. Maintain this service for 6 weeks, and moniter phoaphtes What do you think? I have started this process, but I think I want a larger bin. So I will be shopping this weekend. __________________ --Brian--- Tanks: 220G DT - 55G custom sump - 40G frag - 40G QT - Livestock: Clowns - Blonde Naso Tang - Blue Hippo Tang - Diamond Watchman Goby - Molly Miller -

02/06/2013, 10:54 PM	#91
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Hummm I do not think it is going to escape. __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

02/08/2013, 02:56 AM	#95
Doc_B Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Wallingford PA Posts: 62	Looks great. What brand is the 300gal tank? I'm looking to start a build like yours.

02/08/2013, 01:38 PM	#97
bpcardona Trying to hard Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Lake Alfred, Fl Posts: 871	Correction: it is a 210 AGA/aqueon __________________ --Brian--- Tanks: 220G DT - 55G custom sump - 40G frag - 40G QT - Livestock: Clowns - Blonde Naso Tang - Blue Hippo Tang - Diamond Watchman Goby - Molly Miller -

02/09/2013, 08:18 PM	#98
likefish Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: central florida Posts: 738	well done very impressive build..! Quick question with the sump / fram tank in garage. What is you your plan for controlling the water temp with the summer and winter extreams? Heating seems easier than cooling when it gets silly hot in the summer. would love to build a "play system" in my garage but cooling is my limiting factor. (not interested in a chiller or adding AC to the garage) Curious to hear you plan. Keep the posts coming, looking good!

02/11/2013, 08:07 AM	#100
likefish Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: central florida Posts: 738	ive got lots of room. I was thinking 100-200 gal. I am sooooo scared to commit to a chiller in fear of knowing that the life of everything in my system is dependent on that one piece of equipment. I even considered framing out a fish room and using a window shaker AC unit and vent fan. That way if anything went bad at least its in an insulated room and might maintain for a while. My garage gets HOT in the summer