Cosmo's SPS Dominated Acrylic Tank

imcosmokramer · 10/19/2009, 11:07 PM

Some of you know what happened with my last tank.... http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...323659&page=13

Anyways, I'm starting a new project. It's a custom 36x24x18 SPS dominated tank.

This thread will always have an updated photo on the first post. This image will update itself as time goes on.

Here it is right now:

So far, the pieces have been cut, and the tank is ready to be put together. Let me know what you think.

ryanb91 · 10/19/2009, 11:08 PM

tagging along good luck

lordofthereef · 10/20/2009, 12:24 AM

Not much to think just yet. Can't wait to see it become something more than just sheets of acrylic

Flipper62 · 10/20/2009, 12:40 AM

I'm not a big fan of Acrylic tanks, but I'm looking forward to see your new tank & pics as it progresses.

imcosmokramer · 10/20/2009, 12:44 AM

I hear what you're saying about acrylic Flipper, but I'm giving it a shot.

Flipper62 · 10/20/2009, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imcosmokramer

I hear what you're saying about acrylic Flipper, but I'm giving it a shot.

Be carefull when you clean the glass. Inside or outside. It doesn't take much to scratch it.

imcosmokramer · 10/20/2009, 07:45 AM

I've ordered all the acrylic cleaning supplies, so it should be good to go. I have a buddy that has a similar tank, so he's a good resource.

imcosmokramer · 10/20/2009, 07:32 PM

Ok, I got the rock today. I will take some pictures and post them shortly. One piece is HUGE. Looks good so far.

imcosmokramer · 10/21/2009, 12:51 AM

Here is a picture of the rock:

I'm still waiting on the sand, so I'll have to wait....

Wanted to set up the tank tomorrow. Maybe I'll go barebottom for a while, although it makes no sense. I should just wait.

fox2589 · 10/21/2009, 01:02 AM

is that marco rock?i got 40 pounds rock and 40 pounds sand from them..rock is great and sand is good but its extremely fine,i was really careful putting water in my tank over the sand and it was still a cloudy mess for about 3 weeks.its just now clearing up and my mp 10 creates little sandstorms a lot with this stuff..(if its marco just letting ya know you may want to put a larger grain over top or mix it)-drew

imcosmokramer · 10/21/2009, 07:44 AM

THANKS DREW!!!

I will take a look at the sand and make a decision before adding it. The last thing I want are sand storms in my little cube. And since I will be using a MP40W, I am even more concerned. How' the rock looking in your tank right now?

imcosmokramer · 11/09/2009, 10:31 AM

OK, now that my anemone tank is up and running, I'm back to working on this tank:

mixer911 · 11/09/2009, 10:35 AM

SWEET! That looks awesome!

imcosmokramer · 11/09/2009, 02:46 PM

thanks, more to come, quickly!

DFason · 11/09/2009, 03:41 PM

Looks great! Almost the same dimensions I want to go with for my upgrade.

What are you planning on running in there?

Tswifty · 11/09/2009, 03:43 PM

Looks great! Who made it?

You should also post a pic in the Shallow Reef Tank Club:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...397288&page=30

DFason · 11/09/2009, 04:41 PM

Did you use 3/8's or 1/2" acrylic?

-Dave

BLKTANG · 11/09/2009, 05:03 PM

O man i just saw the thread with your last reef.So sorry.

Glad 2 c u back,im sure this one will be just a tad better.

imcosmokramer · 11/09/2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFason

Looks great! Almost the same dimensions I want to go with for my upgrade.

What are you planning on running in there?

For lights, I'm going to try the ATI SunPower 6 bulb.

I'm going to run 2 mp40's wither one on each side or two on the same side and get a wave going.

The tank is built with 1/2" acrylic.

BLKTANG - yeah, it really sucked, but I'm going to try not to think about it

imcosmokramer · 11/11/2009, 06:14 PM

So I added rocks to the tank. Again, I'm going with very minimal aquascaping, and hope to maximize space for corals, while keeping a pretty open layout for flow and swimming room. I have my first corals coming in tomorrow, so I may have to add water tonight

I'm debating between 2 vortech on the same side, vs one on each end. Let me know what you think.

Tswifty · 11/11/2009, 06:31 PM

Looks good... I think you may want some more rock on the right. Maybe try and make a pillar that comes close to the water's surface with some shelves.

As far as the VorTech's placement go... If it were me, I would place them on the same side. The reasoning is that 1 VorTech is not going to cover the 24" width as effectively as I know your shooting for. Also, if you have another VorTech on the opposite end, you won't get the nice undertoe effect as the flows will be crashing into one another in the middle of the tank. It's been my experience that in a smaller tank, you want the VorTech's flow to be as unrestricted as possible.

imcosmokramer · 11/11/2009, 08:46 PM

I'm only worried about the one vortech's flow hitting the overflow, but I will proly start with them on the same side.

Add a few rocks and took a top-down.

imcosmokramer · 11/14/2009, 10:41 AM

Ok, skimmer is back up and running normally.

I added some corals from my frag tank yesterday, and I thought I'd add an update.

I will be testing different types of bulbs and fixtures on this tank, so I'm starting with a VERY white bulb, the Ushio 14K. White the growth and output on the bulb are excellent, I don't feel that I would ever use it on it's own. The colors are just not there. I will try some other bulbs and post photos for comparison.
I will take some macros of the corals under this light, and add them as well.

BLKTANG · 11/14/2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imcosmokramer

Ok, skimmer is back up and running normally.

I added some corals from my frag tank yesterday, and I thought I'd add an update.

I will be testing different types of bulbs and fixtures on this tank, so I'm starting with a VERY white bulb, the Ushio 14K. White the growth and output on the bulb are excellent, I don't feel that I would ever use it on it's own. The colors are just not there. I will try some other bulbs and post photos for comparison.
I will take some macros of the corals under this light, and add them as well.

Looks great already.Are those corals that made it outta the 75g?

Congrats

on jumping right back into it.

imcosmokramer · 11/14/2009, 10:46 AM

no...unfortunately, nothing made it out of the 75

10/19/2009, 11:07 PM	#1
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	Cosmo's SPS Dominated Acrylic Tank Some of you know what happened with my last tank.... http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...323659&page=13 Anyways, I'm starting a new project. It's a custom 36x24x18 SPS dominated tank. This thread will always have an updated photo on the first post. This image will update itself as time goes on. Here it is right now: So far, the pieces have been cut, and the tank is ready to be put together. Let me know what you think. __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

10/20/2009, 12:24 AM	#3
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Not much to think just yet. Can't wait to see it become something more than just sheets of acrylic __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

10/20/2009, 12:40 AM	#4
Flipper62 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Naperville, Il. Business Owner, President & CEO Posts: 3,045	I'm not a big fan of Acrylic tanks, but I'm looking forward to see your new tank & pics as it progresses. __________________ If todays automobile had followed the same development as the computer, A Rolls Royce would cost $100.00. It would get a million miles per gallon, but it would explode once a year killing everyone inside." Current Tanks... 90 gal Reef... My awesome Office BioCube....( 180 was on hold ..no time ) ... The 180 gal has been sold...Yay..yay..yay. Hobby Experience: 19 years Reef...22 years FW

10/20/2009, 12:44 AM	#5
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	I hear what you're saying about acrylic Flipper, but I'm giving it a shot. __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick. Last edited by dc; 12/06/2009 at 07:36 AM.

10/20/2009, 07:45 AM	#7
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	I've ordered all the acrylic cleaning supplies, so it should be good to go. I have a buddy that has a similar tank, so he's a good resource. __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

10/19/2009, 11:08 PM	#2
ryanb91 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: grain valley,mo Posts: 112	tagging along good luck

10/20/2009, 07:32 PM	#8
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	Ok, I got the rock today. I will take some pictures and post them shortly. One piece is HUGE. Looks good so far. __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

10/21/2009, 12:51 AM	#9
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	Here is a picture of the rock: I'm still waiting on the sand, so I'll have to wait.... Wanted to set up the tank tomorrow. Maybe I'll go barebottom for a while, although it makes no sense. I should just wait. __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick. Last edited by dc; 12/06/2009 at 07:35 AM.

10/21/2009, 01:02 AM	#10
fox2589 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 557	is that marco rock?i got 40 pounds rock and 40 pounds sand from them..rock is great and sand is good but its extremely fine,i was really careful putting water in my tank over the sand and it was still a cloudy mess for about 3 weeks.its just now clearing up and my mp 10 creates little sandstorms a lot with this stuff..(if its marco just letting ya know you may want to put a larger grain over top or mix it)-drew __________________ Back in the game.and no its not the first time haha. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder,20 gallon sump,bubble magus nac 6,eheim 1250 return,175 halide on lumenarc mini.

10/21/2009, 07:44 AM	#11
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	THANKS DREW!!! I will take a look at the sand and make a decision before adding it. The last thing I want are sand storms in my little cube. And since I will be using a MP40W, I am even more concerned. How' the rock looking in your tank right now? __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

11/09/2009, 10:31 AM	#12
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	OK, now that my anemone tank is up and running, I'm back to working on this tank: __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

11/09/2009, 10:35 AM	#13
mixer911 Registered Member. Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 1,566	SWEET! That looks awesome! __________________ Rick --::-- Baffleless Sump Club Shallow Reef Club Rimless Aquarium Club Current Tank Info: 103 Gallon Starphire Reef Savvy Cube / 250w Galaxy Dimmable - Radium - Lumenbright Mini / 2 x 24" VHO / 2 x 24" T5 / 3x Power Brite Act LEDs /2 x Tunze 6025 / Vortech MP40ES / Neptune APEX Lite / CS200 Cone with Octo BB 2000

11/09/2009, 02:46 PM	#14
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	thanks, more to come, quickly! __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

11/09/2009, 03:41 PM	#15
DFason Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 766	Looks great! Almost the same dimensions I want to go with for my upgrade. What are you planning on running in there? __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 35g Shallow Reef Build/iTech 100/Tunze Osmolator/MP20/Sunpower

11/09/2009, 03:43 PM	#16
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Looks great! Who made it? You should also post a pic in the Shallow Reef Tank Club: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...397288&page=30 __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

11/09/2009, 04:41 PM	#17
DFason Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 766	Did you use 3/8's or 1/2" acrylic? -Dave __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 35g Shallow Reef Build/iTech 100/Tunze Osmolator/MP20/Sunpower

11/09/2009, 05:03 PM	#18
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	O man i just saw the thread with your last reef.So sorry. Glad 2 c u back,im sure this one will be just a tad better. __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

11/11/2009, 06:14 PM	#20
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	So I added rocks to the tank. Again, I'm going with very minimal aquascaping, and hope to maximize space for corals, while keeping a pretty open layout for flow and swimming room. I have my first corals coming in tomorrow, so I may have to add water tonight I'm debating between 2 vortech on the same side, vs one on each end. Let me know what you think. __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

11/11/2009, 06:31 PM	#21
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Looks good... I think you may want some more rock on the right. Maybe try and make a pillar that comes close to the water's surface with some shelves. As far as the VorTech's placement go... If it were me, I would place them on the same side. The reasoning is that 1 VorTech is not going to cover the 24" width as effectively as I know your shooting for. Also, if you have another VorTech on the opposite end, you won't get the nice undertoe effect as the flows will be crashing into one another in the middle of the tank. It's been my experience that in a smaller tank, you want the VorTech's flow to be as unrestricted as possible. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

11/11/2009, 08:46 PM	#22
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	I'm only worried about the one vortech's flow hitting the overflow, but I will proly start with them on the same side. Add a few rocks and took a top-down. __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

11/14/2009, 10:41 AM	#23
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	Ok, skimmer is back up and running normally. I added some corals from my frag tank yesterday, and I thought I'd add an update. I will be testing different types of bulbs and fixtures on this tank, so I'm starting with a VERY white bulb, the Ushio 14K. White the growth and output on the bulb are excellent, I don't feel that I would ever use it on it's own. The colors are just not there. I will try some other bulbs and post photos for comparison. I will take some macros of the corals under this light, and add them as well. __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.

11/14/2009, 10:46 AM	#25
imcosmokramer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,709	no...unfortunately, nothing made it out of the 75 __________________ You can agree with me, or you can be wrong. You pick.