JR Aquatics 180 Gallon Nano Reef - Page 4

RobynT · 02/26/2008, 11:05 AM

I came across this thread and it caught my eye since I am thinking about upgrading from a 90 gallon to a 180 gallon myself. What an inspiration your build is! The rock ledges are exactly what I have been thinking about constructing. Where do you get the fiberglass rods? Did you use any epoxy or putty other than the rods?
The blue backround is very nice also. Is it painted? If so, what brand and color?
I currently run T5's and love them but I am also comparing the halide pendants. I do not see any actinics in your hood? I also love the fans on either end of your canopy. With a somewhat open top (as yours is) and the fans, do you think that heat will be a huge issue? I have no plans of buying a chiller which is one thing that has kept me from considering halides.

Sorry I have so many questions but I really like what you have done and you have inspired me! I'll be following along.
Your tank is simply beautiful!

JRaquatics · 02/26/2008, 11:20 AM

Thanks RobynT. The fiberglass rods (driveway markers) were bought at Menards. I used Ice-gel I bought from Reef Specialty to glue the rocks and the rods together. The background was painted on useing ACE rust stop paint (navy) applied with a sponge roller. I don't think nor plan on using a chiller. At this time I have not used the fans since the temp only flexes 1-2 degrees throughout the day. The key is the reflectors. With the Lumen Bright reflectors I can mount them 15" off of the surface of the water allowing for the heat of the MH to dissipate. I also don't use actinic supplimentation since I get the perfect color of what I consider a natural reef from the Reeflux 12ks. With my lighting combo I a recieving great coral coloration and outstanding growth. I would recommend the lighting combo I use to anyone, as it is the single best thing I have ever purchased for my reef.

JRaquatics · 03/05/2008, 10:31 AM

Here are some updated shots of my sump. From right to left: I have my Refugium w/ dsb, then the sump area (houses th sock and return of the skimmer), and finaly the return section (which I filled with live rock from my 90gal).

FishTruck · 03/05/2008, 01:46 PM

Hey. What are you using for light over your refugium? Did you get that Chaeto from Mike?

Looking good.

Ryan.

BreadmanMike · 03/05/2008, 01:49 PM

How are those frags doing?

JRaquatics · 03/05/2008, 02:01 PM

I will see tonight. The Mirabilis was the only one that did not look so hot.

JRaquatics · 03/05/2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FishTruck
Hey. What are you using for light over your refugium? Did you get that Chaeto from Mike?

Looking good.

Ryan.

Thanks, I am using a lights of america fixture from home depot. The chaeto I got off of ebay about 6 years ago. It is different than what most reefers around me have, it is much more coarse.

BreadmanMike · 03/05/2008, 02:11 PM

Jeremy the mirabilis was beat up when I gave it to you. It should heal in time.

JRaquatics · 03/05/2008, 02:14 PM

I sure hope so. I really like that coral. As you can see in the shots above I added extra calcium reactor media just for it...

ReefingBuddha · 03/05/2008, 04:16 PM

just chiming in to say I think the tank is looking great. Great work on the aquascaping. I'm sure the tangs love the swimming room.

JRaquatics · 03/05/2008, 04:24 PM

Thanks thirschmann.

ReefingBuddha · 03/05/2008, 04:48 PM

no worries

BreadmanMike · 03/05/2008, 05:16 PM

Well the wife is having a fit about the ozone with the kids....

LMK if you want it.

RobynT · 03/05/2008, 05:49 PM

You use a Sequence Reeflo Dart return pump. Are you happy with it? I want a really quite pump since it will be in our main living space. Also, it looks like you put glass on you cabinet doors in your base cabinet? I'm trying to figure out what you did on those doors and why.

Love your tank and set up. I've read your thread a few times!

BreadmanMike · 03/05/2008, 05:56 PM

Robyn, the doors come off his stand.

Sequence pumps are very quiet btw.

hambone77 · 03/05/2008, 06:26 PM

Thanks very much for the feature I am enjoying it. I currently have a 55 and I am about to up grade to a 155 bowfront and the rock set up in your tank is great. I would ask alot of questions but most everyone has already, the tank looks good and thank you again for sharing.

cinqmars · 03/05/2008, 06:50 PM

Where did you get the spotted cheek tang been wantin to get one for a while thanks

Nickde123 · 03/05/2008, 08:18 PM

JR tank look sweet bro. Now after this thread your the unoffical LB and reef speacilty spokesman lol. Hey how do you like the drains you built I was thinking of doing the same on my new tank

Nickde123 · 03/05/2008, 08:18 PM

JR tank look sweet bro. Now after this thread your the unoffical LB and reef speacilty spokesman lol. Hey how do you like the drains you built I was thinking of doing the same on my new tank

JRaquatics · 03/06/2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobynT
You use a Sequence Reeflo Dart return pump. Are you happy with it? I want a really quite pump since it will be in our main living space. Also, it looks like you put glass on you cabinet doors in your base cabinet? I'm trying to figure out what you did on those doors and why.

Love your tank and set up. I've read your thread a few times!

Thanks for the compliments. I really like the Sequence pumps. They are quiet and energy efficient. The tank stand doors are held on with velcro. This way I can remove them at will. One less thing to get in the way. By using velcro it also allows for the clean sleek look with out hinges.

JRaquatics · 03/06/2008, 09:16 AM

hambone77 if you have any question just ask away. no worries.

cinqmars, I got my Spotted cheek from Mike at Reef Specialty. When I met him a while back, I told him that I wanted one like his and he said he will get me one. He did...Thanks again Mike.

Nickde123, It does seem like I am a spokes person or sales rep for LB and reef speacialty. LOL I am just so happy with the service I get from Mike @ Reef Specialty that I want others to know about what he can offer to the hobby. Plus, I want my tank to look like his, so I follow his advice to a Tee, a reef mentor is what he has become to me.

As for the overflows the are some what quite but not a quiet as a durso IMO. I think I will be getting some AGA drain sets in the future. Try the Gurgle buster, it was easy and cheap. It may not work to well on my tank because of my flow rate. Thanks.

JRaquatics · 03/06/2008, 12:09 PM

This shot shows how I cut the cord from the socket to a 1ft whip. added butt connection on the wires to connect the socket to the CoralVue ballast.

JRaquatics · 03/06/2008, 12:11 PM

I found time last weekend to mod my air silencer on my Reeflo 200 skimmer to inject ozone.

Nickde123 · 03/06/2008, 03:17 PM

By adding the ozone is that for the skimmer or for the tank ?

JRaquatics · 03/06/2008, 03:33 PM

You use the skimmer as a reaction chamber to purify the water for the tank.

03/05/2008, 04:16 PM	#85
ReefingBuddha Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Winterpark, FL Posts: 1,330	just chiming in to say I think the tank is looking great. Great work on the aquascaping. I'm sure the tangs love the swimming room. __________________ -Tom Current Tank Info: Starting a new 300g In-wall, 600g system

03/05/2008, 04:48 PM	#87
ReefingBuddha Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Winterpark, FL Posts: 1,330	no worries __________________ -Tom Current Tank Info: Starting a new 300g In-wall, 600g system

02/26/2008, 11:05 AM	#76
RobynT Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galva IL (aka Mayberry) Posts: 590	I came across this thread and it caught my eye since I am thinking about upgrading from a 90 gallon to a 180 gallon myself. What an inspiration your build is! The rock ledges are exactly what I have been thinking about constructing. Where do you get the fiberglass rods? Did you use any epoxy or putty other than the rods? The blue backround is very nice also. Is it painted? If so, what brand and color? I currently run T5's and love them but I am also comparing the halide pendants. I do not see any actinics in your hood? I also love the fans on either end of your canopy. With a somewhat open top (as yours is) and the fans, do you think that heat will be a huge issue? I have no plans of buying a chiller which is one thing that has kept me from considering halides. Sorry I have so many questions but I really like what you have done and you have inspired me! I'll be following along. Your tank is simply beautiful!

02/26/2008, 11:20 AM	#77
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Thanks RobynT. The fiberglass rods (driveway markers) were bought at Menards. I used Ice-gel I bought from Reef Specialty to glue the rocks and the rods together. The background was painted on useing ACE rust stop paint (navy) applied with a sponge roller. I don't think nor plan on using a chiller. At this time I have not used the fans since the temp only flexes 1-2 degrees throughout the day. The key is the reflectors. With the Lumen Bright reflectors I can mount them 15" off of the surface of the water allowing for the heat of the MH to dissipate. I also don't use actinic supplimentation since I get the perfect color of what I consider a natural reef from the Reeflux 12ks. With my lighting combo I a recieving great coral coloration and outstanding growth. I would recommend the lighting combo I use to anyone, as it is the single best thing I have ever purchased for my reef.

03/05/2008, 10:31 AM	#78
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Here are some updated shots of my sump. From right to left: I have my Refugium w/ dsb, then the sump area (houses th sock and return of the skimmer), and finaly the return section (which I filled with live rock from my 90gal).

03/05/2008, 01:46 PM	#79
FishTruck Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 805	Hey. What are you using for light over your refugium? Did you get that Chaeto from Mike? Looking good. Ryan.

03/05/2008, 01:49 PM	#80
BreadmanMike Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,886	How are those frags doing?

03/05/2008, 02:01 PM	#81
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	I will see tonight. The Mirabilis was the only one that did not look so hot.

03/05/2008, 02:11 PM	#83
BreadmanMike Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,886	Jeremy the mirabilis was beat up when I gave it to you. It should heal in time.

03/05/2008, 02:14 PM	#84
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	I sure hope so. I really like that coral. As you can see in the shots above I added extra calcium reactor media just for it...

03/05/2008, 04:24 PM	#86
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Thanks thirschmann.

03/05/2008, 05:16 PM	#88
BreadmanMike Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,886	Well the wife is having a fit about the ozone with the kids.... LMK if you want it.

03/05/2008, 05:49 PM	#89
RobynT Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Galva IL (aka Mayberry) Posts: 590	You use a Sequence Reeflo Dart return pump. Are you happy with it? I want a really quite pump since it will be in our main living space. Also, it looks like you put glass on you cabinet doors in your base cabinet? I'm trying to figure out what you did on those doors and why. Love your tank and set up. I've read your thread a few times!

03/05/2008, 05:56 PM	#90
BreadmanMike Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,886	Robyn, the doors come off his stand. Sequence pumps are very quiet btw.

03/05/2008, 06:26 PM	#91
hambone77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Ashland City, Tn Posts: 24	Thanks very much for the feature I am enjoying it. I currently have a 55 and I am about to up grade to a 155 bowfront and the rock set up in your tank is great. I would ask alot of questions but most everyone has already, the tank looks good and thank you again for sharing.

03/05/2008, 06:50 PM	#92
cinqmars Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: apple valley Posts: 13	Where did you get the spotted cheek tang been wantin to get one for a while thanks

03/05/2008, 08:18 PM	#93
Nickde123 Moved On Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 215	JR tank look sweet bro. Now after this thread your the unoffical LB and reef speacilty spokesman lol. Hey how do you like the drains you built I was thinking of doing the same on my new tank

03/06/2008, 09:16 AM	#96
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	hambone77 if you have any question just ask away. no worries. cinqmars, I got my Spotted cheek from Mike at Reef Specialty. When I met him a while back, I told him that I wanted one like his and he said he will get me one. He did...Thanks again Mike. Nickde123, It does seem like I am a spokes person or sales rep for LB and reef speacialty. LOL I am just so happy with the service I get from Mike @ Reef Specialty that I want others to know about what he can offer to the hobby. Plus, I want my tank to look like his, so I follow his advice to a Tee, a reef mentor is what he has become to me. As for the overflows the are some what quite but not a quiet as a durso IMO. I think I will be getting some AGA drain sets in the future. Try the Gurgle buster, it was easy and cheap. It may not work to well on my tank because of my flow rate. Thanks.

03/06/2008, 12:09 PM	#97
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	This shot shows how I cut the cord from the socket to a 1ft whip. added butt connection on the wires to connect the socket to the CoralVue ballast.

03/06/2008, 12:11 PM	#98
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	I found time last weekend to mod my air silencer on my Reeflo 200 skimmer to inject ozone.

03/06/2008, 03:17 PM	#99
Nickde123 Moved On Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 215	By adding the ozone is that for the skimmer or for the tank ?

03/06/2008, 03:33 PM	#100
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	You use the skimmer as a reaction chamber to purify the water for the tank.