Alright so this has been in the making for months and months. It's been going in stages and it has finally come to emptying the beast and resetting it.

Here are the pictures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/cp1_0530091116.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/cp1_0530091117.jpg

Here's where all the livestock is currently being held:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/cp1_0530091117a.jpg

Getting the sand out:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/0530091145.jpg

yes, he's using a shovel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/cp1_0530091156.jpg

Only casualties so far: 2 Yellow tangs...

It's come a long way from this:
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8050&d=1202078892

What I hope I never have to do......So is the point to go bare bottom?

YEAH BB!!!! I knew you'd some day wise up.

You'll notice that even though this is Raj's rebuild, he can't be seen doing any actual work. The brats he grilled up, however, were delicious.

The tank now has 600+ gallons of tap water with 2 gallons of bleach.

No BB nonsnese here.

The brats were delicious...

How long did it take to fill up?

Was he not happy with the Aquascape? Flow?

I bet that smelled lovely.

You'll notice that even though this is Raj's rebuild, he can't be seen doing any actual work.

Is he ever seen doing any work?

There was an infestation of aptasia, kenya tree, pocillapora, and xenia.

The smell of the onions Raj grilled up covered the smell pretty well until Danny hit the pocket of smellyness.

Ahh so it's true this will be fun to watch.

Joe

I have the pocillapora problem in my tank as well..... I have been regretting putting that stuff in my tank.

It's hard to appreciate the size of the task at hand, until you see the pics with raj and danny inside the tank! Man that is a monster. Good luck and looking forward to watching the progress.

BZ

Wow! I have seen his tank and am sure glad I'm not rebuilding it cuz that was a huge sucker! Ouch! Bet it smelled all over the house.

Wow. How many gallons is that beast?

It's only a 55g....Danny and Raj are just really small :)

Wow! I have seen his tank and am sure glad I'm not rebuilding it cuz that was a huge sucker! Ouch! Bet it smelled all over the house.

His house already smells like armpits and spoiled milk.

Armpits and spoiled milk, what a combination!!!

You'll notice that even though this is Raj's rebuild, he can't be seen doing any actual work. The brats he grilled up, however, were delicious.

The tank now has 600+ gallons of tap water with 2 gallons of bleach.

He was probably tanning on the back deck. Nude.

Eewww! Gross! Mental picture! Yuk! Yuk! Yukies!

And moldy bread... I knew he smelt like sun tan lotion when he came from around the back of the house when I got there.

What I hope I never have to do......So is the point to go bare bottom?

NEVER! I'll be going with the Caribsea seafloor special grade reef sand...say that three times fast! I really wich Seachem had something similar as I'd love to keep the love in Georgia. Come to think of it, I'll make an inquiry and make sure they're not cooking up something cool in their lab!

No BB nonsnese here.

The brats were delicious...

How long did it take to fill up?

Yeah, the brats were tasty! It didnt take long to fill. Mind you, it's only tap water with bleach. RODI will take a couple of weeks.

Is he ever seen doing any work?

Steve just conviniently took pics without me in them. :boo:
And those brats and grilled onions didn't cook themselves!

He was probably tanning on the back deck. Nude.

You're not supposed to tell everyone that! Now that the secret is out, I'm really a white guy with a killer tan :D

Thanks for this build thread. It is awesome!

Since I have soooooooooo much free time, I decided it would be a great idea to have two projects at the same time: the nano build, and the macro rebuild!

I have a few more pics that I'll post soon.

Surprisingly, the sand removal didn't smell as bad as I thought it would. Pulling the rock seemed to smell a LOT worse.

Can't wait for the macro build

Let's go back in time a bit; imagine the part in the move where you go back so you can full understand what is currently happening :)

First things first, the tub: a 320g container with a dart for cicrulation:


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014362-1.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014363.jpg


And the tank just before I start deconstruction:


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014366.jpg



Off with the canopy doors:


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014364.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014391.jpg



Removing the lighting..surprisingly clean since I've only wiped them down 2-3 times in 4-5 years!


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014392.jpg


Pulling out the rock and draining the tank:


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014393-1.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014394.jpg

Nice. Where did you get that container from?
I see that for macro in my future fish room build

tagging along....

smoothie try....http://www.dultmeier.com/catalog/0.920.2498

Thanks. Putting that in the roladex now.
Name is Keith by the way. Hopefully I'll get to run up there soon to a meet and talk to you guys in person

Nice way 2 get all the lr in a safe spot.

WOW Raj your a busy guy lately I cant wait to see the finished results of both builds.

You want to sell that holding tank when you get done?

Raj, let meknow if you need anymore help, it's always a pleasure to be one of the few who get to see the tank/house and family. Talking with Julie yesterday morning while were waiting on those two bums was entertaining. Dilan has matured a lot since earlier this year. That kid is too funny.

so guess I missed something...why are you doing this?

You want to sell that holding tank when you get done?

He borrowed that one from us at Southeast Aquariums. I think we'll hang on to it :).

God that's a beautiful tank, Raj. I can't wait to see it when you're done...what a task this is.

A big thanks goes out to Danny Bradley, Steve and Tim. You guys came up big; I couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you.

Raj, what is the point of all of this, just changing out the sand bed?

Lucky for me I got there after the brats came off the grill and after the sand had been pulled. Great timing but at $200 those brats were pricey...came with a frogspawn free with purchase though...at least thats what Im telling the wife.

Lucky for me I got there after the brats came off the grill and after the sand had been pulled. Great timing but at $200 those brats were pricey...came with a frogspawn free with purchase though...at least thats what Im telling the wife.

Nice move! :D Stevhan timed it about perfectly-no work, all reward!

So, after all the sand was out of the tank, we filled it with tap water and added 2 gallons of bleach. Tim even scraped the glass clean for me :wow2:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014407.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P6014531.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014409.jpg

Then it was time to work on the sump area :boo:
.
.
.

Procrastination has been redifined with this project..

hahahahaha. I was starting to wonder

You said it but I was thinking it.

Joe

I have been working...a little, very little, but it's work nonetheless!

I drilled some monster holes in the floor and ceiling and pulled through 3 x 50' runs of 1.5" flex pvc. This will connect my tank to my sump. Once through, I routed them neatly and secured them to the wall/celing. Since they all look the same, I thought I had better label them so I know which one goes where. This will also come in handy should somebody else have to do something to the tank; they'll know in an instance which pipe goes where :)



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/PA096465.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/PA096466.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/PA096467.jpg

So...I accidently deleted most of this thread, so I'll go back and rehash some of that for reference sake (play harp music to indicate going back in time...)

Cool that you were able to find tape with arrows in both diretions!

Can we expect a big a** MRC sump?

Looks good. So uh......did you just feel the need to use the whole roll of arrow stickers to get your money out of it or were you worried you would forget which pipe was which. :D

That is the tape he uses to show him the way to the bathroom and back to his desk at work.

Looks good I love a neat & clean setup.

Joe

Danny and I had the displeasure of lifting the sump out from under the stand. Remind to NEVER do that again. I think the sledge hammer idea was better, but Danny had eaten his wheaties that morning and felt froggy!

So, we moved the sump outside, next to the sand and canopy. I destroyed the canopy, sold the sump and cleaned the sand.


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/repair.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014417.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014418.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014415.jpg









The canopy doors were left inside the house so I can maintain some "mess" on the inside; you can't completely clear the area, otherwise the wife realizes that it's possible and expects it every time. It's all about strategy guys; you must think of the repercussions!



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P1014411.jpg

Cool that you were able to find tape with arrows in both diretions!

Can we expect a big a** MRC sump?

I'm glad you asked..




http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/R2_4736.jpg





Big enough for ya?





:thumbs:

lol. you guys are funny as can be this is great. nice tank very nice i thought mine was kinda big but i think you coul put like 2 of mine in that thing. wow swimming leasons in there to he he.

I'm not planning on rinsing the sand and I want the tank to be crystal clear..so, who you gonna call? HOLY FILTER SOCKS BATMAN! (okay, so it's not a play on ghostbusters, but how can you combine filter socks with ghostbusters anyway?)




http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/FilterSocks_4728.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/R1_4730.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/Engraving_4746.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/R3_4726.jpg

sweet.

The "my reef creations" wave and engraving is actually a vent for the sump. Tim absolutely hates it, but I think it's kinda cool. Nonetheless, for functionality purposes, I may end up changing it.

that must have cost you a kidney he he.

Cool that you were able to find tape with arrows in both diretions![quote]


That's funny. I missed it the first time! :lol2:


[quote=dawgdude;405134]Looks good. So uh......did you just feel the need to use the whole roll of arrow stickers to get your money out of it or were you worried you would forget which pipe was which. :D


I bought a HUGE roll and it wasn't the cheapest thing I've ever bought. I had to make myself feel better by trying to use a good amount of it. Even with as many arrows as I've plastered all over this project, I didn't even make a dent in the roll. :doh:

So when do you want a Santos mahogany/ Rosewood stand and canopy delivered??

Being that the tank is 10 feet long, flow can be quite difficult. So, this go around, I wanted a closed loop system. I thought long and hard about drilling the bottom, but I just couldn't take the risk that it was tempered. SO, I had to improvise. I grabbed the drill, some glass hole saws and a lot of water. I started to drill the overflow and got a few of these:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/cut-out1.jpg

That thing is awsome Raj.

So when do you want a Santos mahogany/ Rosewood stand and canopy delivered??

:)

The thought of the stand and canopy makes me want to puke! :yuk:

I still have no clue what or how I'm going to pull that off. One thing is for sure, though: it will only be completed with A LOT of help!

After a half dozen holes, I installed the bulkheads and began the most complex overflow plumbing EVER. This is the best pic I could take and even though I plumbed it all, I still can't make out what the heck is going on in there!




http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/PA096458.jpg

I drilled two holes near the bottom for my "spray bar". I had to bend the pvc so it will sit snug to the bottom of the tank.



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/PA096474.jpg

I ended up with this. I installed the locline and was ready for the sand.


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/PA096472.jpg

How much sand do you need for a tank that size? Funny you should ask that..



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/sandboxes.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/sandbag.jpg




Yep, that's 10 boxes (20 bags) of Seachem Pearl Beach sand.

After all this time and all this work, I finnaly have sand in my tank again. That's a really good feeling.


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/sandbed-1.jpg

Loving the closed loop setup

Raj, what pump are you going to use for the close loop?

Loving the closed loop setup

Thank you, sir!


Raj, what pump are you going to use for the close loop?


I'm not 100% sure yet. It'll either be a Reeflo Dart or one of the Blueline pumps.

What you don't see is there are 2 more holes in the overflow and I will be running 2 lines over the tank to the opposite end also. I will have a OM-4 alternating current between these 4 outlets (actually 6, but they will be plumbed as 4).

:thumbs:

Joe

HOLY COW that sand looks sexii... I love that it's WHITE, WHITE...

Are you going to use a bunch of pumps at the end and make a gyre or whatever it was called like we were showed at one of the meetings earlier this year? I think it was the guy that was working on Coralidea when he was talking about Bio-Digest and the lack of algae in the huge tank.

wow raj, I had no idea you did that to your tank.

let me know if you want some xenia for the new tank though..... ;)


looks incredible....can wait to see it done.

Are you going to use a bunch of pumps at the end and make a gyre or whatever it was called like we were showed at one of the meetings earlier this year? I think it was the guy that was working on Coralidea when he was talking about Bio-Digest and the lack of algae in the huge tank.

With the CL system in place, I won't need a bunch of pumps. I plan on using 2 tunzes on the overflow end & maybe 2 vortechs on the other end.

You're thinking of Jake Adams.

wow raj, I had no idea you did that to your tank.

let me know if you want some xenia for the new tank though..... ;)


looks incredible....can wait to see it done.

Thanks Jorge.

Those who saw my tank during its glory days just don't understand why I did this. Those who understood my frustration get it, but still think I'm mildly insane!

Looks like we are going to have to put some water in this thing soon.... Now if we can just find a skimmer to put on it :D

Now if we can just find a skimmer to put on it :D

Yeah this is the better question! What skimmer are you going to run??

Theyll have invented new skimmer designs by the time he gets around to that.

How about an explanation of how the sump works...trying to figure out why the filter socks are in the middle... I like the MRC engraving, even better that it is functional.

Great CL design Raj, what type of screens are you going to put on the intakes? And I assume your intakes are the holes higher in the overflow?

How about an explanation of how the sump works...trying to figure out why the filter socks are in the middle... I like the MRC engraving, even better that it is functional.


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/R2_4736.jpg



Sure.

You can see that the water enters from the bulkheads on the right. You'll also notice there are more filter socks than there are drains. So, you have to have a way for the water to pass through and use all of the filter socks. A traditional design has the drain directly into a sock. With this design, the water enters on the right section which is baffeled to have a higher water volume. The water will go down the first chamber, up and spill over into the filter sock section. There it will pass through all of the socks. Should all 6 filter socks become blocked, we've added overflow teeth at the end of the filter sock section for any spill over. This way, the water will remain IN the sump and not over and out of it.

Once the water is filtered by the filter socks, it will enter the third and final chamber. This chamber is baffeled for bubble reduction. There is also a filter pad at the final stage for final polishing before the water is returned to the display tank.

Let me know if this doesn't make any sense.

Looks like we are going to have to put some water in this thing soon.... Now if we can just find a skimmer to put on it :D

Yeah, I water is the next step!

I wish there was a local company that made great skimmers..that sure would make my life easier. I think a sweet Chinese HOB skimmer would be epic on this tank! :doh:


Yeah this is the better question! What skimmer are you going to run??


The ONLY option for a serious reefer with a large tank...the Pro III:
http://www.myreefcreations.com/Reeflo-Orca-Pro-II-1

Theyll have invented new skimmer designs by the time he gets around to that.


This is a possibility!

Great CL design Raj, what type of screens are you going to put on the intakes? And I assume your intakes are the holes higher in the overflow?

Nope, it's the large hole in the center. The upper holes are outlets.

As far as a screen is concerned, I'll probably make one. Or better yet, Tim will probably make one :)

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/R2_4736.jpg



Sure.

You can see that the water enters from the bulkheads on the right. You'll also notice there are more filter socks than there are drains. So, you have to have a way for the water to pass through and use all of the filter socks. A traditional design has the drain directly into a sock. With this design, the water enters on the right section which is baffeled to have a higher water volume. The water will go down the first chamber, up and spill over into the filter sock section. There it will pass through all of the socks. Should all 6 filter socks become blocked, we've added overflow teeth at the end of the filter sock section for any spill over. This way, the water will remain IN the sump and not over and out of it.

Once the water is filtered by the filter socks, it will enter the third and final chamber. This chamber is baffeled for bubble reduction. There is also a filter pad at the final stage for final polishing before the water is returned to the display tank.

Let me know if this doesn't make any sense.

You should put a drain line in the bulkhead section. Youre gonna have debris that will settle here before it even gets to the filter socks. Either that, or youll have to try to siphon it out. Then put it in your wifes drink when shes not looking. In fact, every section should have a drain valve.

And something "special" engraved on the side.

A drain line would indicate that I'm going to maintain it, which we all know is not something that's going to happen!

A drain line would indicate that I'm going to maintain it, which we all know is not something that's going to happen!

No, it just maximizes the possibility of catastrophe. God bless catastrophe.

No, it just maximizes the possibility of catastrophe. God bless catastrophe.

Good thing we're only talking about a few HUNDRED gallons of water here, nothing to worry about.

The ONLY option for a serious reefer with a large tank...the Pro III:
http://www.myreefcreations.com/Reeflo-Orca-Pro-II-1



+1 I hope. :D

So, uh, how do you plumb a skimmer like that?

And I concur with the drain line thing...could just make it dump outside, never even have to see anything.

Pro III? That thing is a turd.. Go for the best! Skilter FTW!!

Pro III? That thing is a turd.. Go for the best! Skilter FTW!!


:up:

This thing is so intense, my brain hurts.
hahah I love it though. Can't wait to see it with water in it.

What's your light set up?

You should put a drain line in the bulkhead section. Youre gonna have debris that will settle here before it even gets to the filter socks. Either that, or youll have to try to siphon it out. Then put it in your wifes drink when shes not looking. In fact, every section should have a drain valve.


Not sure how a drain would help in this situation? Do you mind explaining this Jeremy? Your sump will be sitting on the ground right Raj? Im confused what he would drain this section into and how it would help the detritus situation.


That is kind of the point of having filter socks fall directly into the filter socks, to keep detritus from accumulating in your sump....My first section of my sump gets pretty nasty if I leave my filter socks for a long length of time.

Overall that sump is kicka5s...how many gallons would you say you have in your return section?

Also that MRC skimmer is ridicilous....makes me happy because mines an exact copy of that one size wise (Thank god I didnt pay that much), but I dont have that mack daddy pump. Im having to use an airpump and a Gold Dart to accomplish that much head pressure. Have yall done much testing on them for a decent length of time? If so what were the results and what size system...If not do you need a test tank :)

$3,199.99


Yikes! I hope you get a phat employee discount. :)

Not sure how a drain would help in this situation? Do you mind explaining this Jeremy? Your sump will be sitting on the ground right Raj? Im confused what he would drain this section into and how it would help the detritus situation.


That is kind of the point of having filter socks fall directly into the filter socks, to keep detritus from accumulating in your sump....My first section of my sump gets pretty nasty if I leave my filter socks for a long length of time.

Overall that sump is kicka5s...how many gallons would you say you have in your return section?

Under the bulkheads there is just a void of water that feeds the filter socks. All the tank water will hit this void, and the velocity will die, causing the detritus to settle. Its essentially a settling chamber. A drain at the bottom (going out the window, attached to a small pump, etc), allows evacuation of this debris.

$3,199.99


Yikes! I hope you get a phat employee discount. :)

If you want a premium product, you have to pay a premium. A Rolex isnt cheap. But a Rolux, probably is.

Under the bulkheads there is just a void of water that feeds the filter socks. All the tank water will hit this void, and the velocity will die, causing the detritus to settle. Its essentially a settling chamber. A drain at the bottom (going out the window, attached to a small pump, etc), allows evacuation of this debris.

Right, I have that same viod on my sump... I wasnt sure if you meant put a drain on the actual bottom or on the side down low...I see what you mean now, I guess you would take a powerhead or something and mix that section up then drain it.

If you just put a strong enough PH in that section you can have everything in suspension in that portion and then it will eventually drain through the filter socks. Lazy mans option. :)

Good thing we're only talking about a few HUNDRED gallons of water here, nothing to worry about.

Try 1,000 gallons :eek:


+1 I hope. :D

The Pro III doesn't need hope..it eats hope for breakfast!

Also that MRC skimmer is ridicilous....makes me happy because mines an exact copy of that one size wise (Thank god I didnt pay that much), but I dont have that mack daddy pump. Im having to use an airpump and a Gold Dart to accomplish that much head pressure. Have yall done much testing on them for a decent length of time? If so what were the results and what size system...If not do you need a test tank :)

The size of your skimmer may be similar, but it's in no way the same :)

Yes, we have been testing this skimmer for some time now. We have one running on a 6,000 gallon system which had 2 RK2 skimmers running on it. A single Pro III replaced the 2 rk2 skimmers.

We also had one on a 2,000 gallon system with 4,000 fish (baby fish) which were being fed nothing but HUFA foods (very oily). The Pro III cleared the water almost immediately. He stated that the foam head was so thick, he could pick it up with a fork!

A dart gold and air pump can't match the output of the Pro III; we've tested it and now for a fact it's not even close. Our custom venturi further increases the efficiency. A lot goes into R&D and every little tweak is looked into.

Why did that just make my mouth water?
Can't wait to see this in all it's glory

$3,199.99


Yikes! I hope you get a phat employee discount. :)

You have to pay to play.

It's all relative. I've had a structural engineer design a steel support system built from 4x4 steel beams; The tank is a 10 foot tank, 100% 3/4" starphire; A custom 300 gallon sump; etc. We're not talking about a $299 petco special here; all of the equipment has to match. It would be silly for me to use a small skimmer. Heck, relatively speaking, the skimmer is cheap for the setup. There are many smaller tanks that have some very pricey BK skimmers running on them. Their system to skimmer ratio is way higher than mine.

Why did that just make my mouth water?
Can't wait to see this in all it's glory

I'm hoping to get some water in it this weeked. Although, I've been saying that for over 4 months now! :confused2:

You have to pay to play.

It's all relative. I've had a structural engineer design a steel support system built from 4x4 steel beams; The tank is a 10 foot tank, 100% 3/4" starphire; A custom 300 gallon sump; etc. We're not talking about a $299 petco special here; all of the equipment has to match. It would be silly for me to use a small skimmer. Heck, relatively speaking, the skimmer is cheap for the setup. There are many smaller tanks that have some very pricey BK skimmers running on them. Their system to skimmer ratio is way higher than mine.
That's kinda how I feel about the cabinetry around it($4000)? If you will spend $ 3200 to float poop out of the tank ,why not spend $4000 to keep it from looking like poop!LOL

Yeah he needs some $4000 cabinetry to go with that skimmer! :D

Think how much doing a 10% water change will cost. Hmm just about a bucket worth of salt, heck if your going to do it might as well mix up the whole bucket.:)

Joe




You have to pay to play.

It's all relative. I've had a structural engineer design a steel support system built from 4x4 steel beams; The tank is a 10 foot tank, 100% 3/4" starphire; A custom 300 gallon sump; etc. We're not talking about a $299 petco special here; all of the equipment has to match. It would be silly for me to use a small skimmer. Heck, relatively speaking, the skimmer is cheap for the setup. There are many smaller tanks that have some very pricey BK skimmers running on them. Their system to skimmer ratio is way higher than mine.

You have to pay to play.

It would be silly for me to use a small skimmer.


Could you imagine a nice setup like yours then going with an ASM skimmer....that wouldnt be right. Those BK's sure are pretty though...something about that red piping.

I'm hoping to get some water in it this weeked. Although, I've been saying that for over 4 months now! :confused2:
My 180 has been in the garage for a year. Have everything but the pump. Which reminds me...I need to call you guys tomorrow

Since Shane is making progress on his tank & making me look bad, I thought I'd start adding water!

So far I have the display almost full. I have a feww hundered gallons to go for the rest of the system & I can start the pumps!

Cant wait to see some more pictures of the progress...

cant wait to see some more pictures of the progress...


+1

Lets see that thing pur!

Zzzzzzzz.

I think he is waiting on that BK skimmer!!! lol

Pics or I don't believe it!!

I think he is waiting on that BK skimmer!!! lol

Does that BK mean Burger King? Maybe from a Kids Meal?

I still say you need the skilter!!

So, my good friend Jamie came by today to help me aquascape the tank.

We drained as much of the display as we could into the sump and the rest in a 150g water tank. This would make it much easier to aquascape.

Rather than play around in a 3' tall tank, we drew out the inside dimensions on the driveway and started stacking rocks outside. We could easily lift and situate the rocks and wouldn't wreck our backs at the same time.

The process proved more difficult than we anticipated. Since the aquarium is a peninsula style (2 large panes and one short pane visible), we had to make sure the aquascaping looked good from both sides!

Anyway, I wanted to leave plenty of swimming room, see a good amount of sand, have caves and have an arch, so we went with 3 islands:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/PB287266.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/PB287267.jpg

As you can see, I took pictures. This wasn't for documentations sake, it was to reference so we can replicate the structures in the aquarium.

It didn't work out 100%, so the end result is a little different, but it turned out pretty good nonetheless.

So, you'd expect some photos of the final work, but if you recall, I used Seachem's Pearl Beach sand. Yep, sand storm! So no photos for you!

You're such a tease!!!:doh:

I thought to myself, "Those islands don't look very big..." Then I saw the bucket in the background for reference :eek:

:up::up::up:

I thought to myself, "Those islands don't look very big..." Then I saw the bucket in the background for reference :eek:

:up::up::up:

Haha! A lot of those rocks are much larger than the salt bucket :eek:

Wow, where did find rocks that big? They are awesome, I needs some. :)

With the right filtration, the Pearl Beach sand storm is not a big deal at all. My system clears it from not being able to even see the rocks in my 155 to clear in less than 8 hours so it can be done.

Wow, where did find rocks that big? They are awesome, I needs some. :)

With the right filtration, the Pearl Beach sand storm is not a big deal at all. My system clears it from not being able to even see the rocks in my 155 to clear in less than 8 hours so it can be done.
Marco rocks is your friend when it comes to big choice pieces. Also pm Rit

Wow, where did find rocks that big? They are awesome, I needs some. :)

With the right filtration, the Pearl Beach sand storm is not a big deal at all. My system clears it from not being able to even see the rocks in my 155 to clear in less than 8 hours so it can be done.


I have six 7" filter socks in my sump, so I'm not worried about it. If they can't clear the water, nothing will!

I actually purchased all of my LR at various lfs. I cherry picked each rock and ended up with some really nice stuff. I paid more than I would have had I ordered it online, but it's well worth the money to see the rock in person and getting to choose what you buy :)

Btw, I bleached and killed the rock (that's why there's no corraline or anything on the rock. I didn't want any pests of any sorts in my tank and this was the only way I'm guaranteed to accomplish this. I then cured the rock in a large vat of saltwater. I dumped in amonia to start the cycle and get the rock colonized with bacteria. Now, I will add a little live sand from a known pest free source (my nano tank) and I'm good to go :)

I've got some kenya tree and pocillopora if you need any starter frags!

I've got some kenya tree and pocillopora if you need any starter frags!

Ahhhhhh! They're the devil in coral form!

Rock looks good man!!

Nice cant wait to see what they look like in the tank...

Looking good Raj...can't wait to see pics of the system up and running...let me know if you need a hand with anything...i'd love to get some "on the job knowledge"

Cheers,

Dil

Raj is that some of the LR you guyshad curing at the shop? Anyways it looks great man keep it up.

Raj is that some of the LR you guyshad curing at the shop? Anyways it looks great man keep it up.


Thanks. Na, this is the rock I had curing at home. It was squeezed into a 100g rubbermaid trough..quite a bit of it was sticking way out of the water!

:D any pics yet?

So...a new toy came in today :D




http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/Refractometer.jpg

It's a digital refractometer. Simply add a drop of water to the right and the display will tell you the salinity AND the temperature of the water. COOL! ;)


I also added another 180 gallons of sw to the aquarium. I have at least another 180g to go before I can start attempting to circulate water through the sump :sad:

Sweet Tech. Looks like a star trek thingy for "beamin them up".

Sweet Tech. Looks like a star trek thingy for "beamin them up".

Yeah, it's a pretty cool waste of cash. I was looking at the Hanna Instruments model, but just couldn't bring myself to burn that much dough. That, and they look identical except the colour scheme. I'm better they're both made in the same factory in Romania (who new Romania manufactured anything?)

Come on Raj you could give those out for X-mas presents LOL.

Who new Romania manufactured anything?

I thought the only thing there was the women's gymnastics team.

Hey my bday is on xmas. I'd let it count as both.

You are not supose to show me my Xmas presant early!!

Jason

pictures?

.
I have a TON of updates. Fow now, a shot from one end of the tank will have to suffice.

Note: you're looking through 10 feet of water :D





http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/P2148785-c.jpg

dude that is crystal clear

dude that is crystal clear
That is photoshop clear j/k
Looks fantastic!!!!!
What type lighting was burning when that shot was taken

Nice!

dude that is crystal clear

Thanks. You should see it in person or with a better photographer. It is amazingly clear!

That is photoshop clear j/k
Looks fantastic!!!!!
What type lighting was burning when that shot was taken

Thanks. :) The middle bulb is an XM 20kk and th outer bulbs are Radiums. I like the Radiums so I'll be going with them.

I wish I had the Photoshop skills!

That single fish must think its back in the ocean.... Sttreeeeettchhhhhh... Ahhh.. All the room!

That single fish must think its back in the ocean.... Sttreeeeettchhhhhh... Ahhh.. All the room!

There's actually an Aussie harlequin tusk, red sea regal angel and Pair of baby crosshatch triggers.

Still, a ton of space for them all..for now!

more pictures.. I wanna see behind the curtain, all the guts, everything...

Looks nice but this is the slowest build ever.

Looks awesome. I'm sure your CL pushes some water around as well.

I have 3 Radium 400W 20K's with about 2-3 weeks use on them if you're interested. As you know, I only had them on until I put the 1000W's on.

Looks awesome. I'm sure your CL pushes some water around as well.

I have 3 Radium 400W 20K's with about 2-3 weeks use on them if you're interested. As you know, I only had them on until I put the 1000W's on.

Yup, interested. Pm sent..

Looks nice but this is the slowest build ever.

Hmm, I'm sensing a delay in a certain skimmer coming up. Totally random and unavoidable, I swear :lol2:

Looking really nice man!

WTH....I read through this whole thing and got no glory shots at the end...Its like foreplay...you gotta give it up in the end....geeeeeesh

WTH....I read through this whole thing and got no glory shots at the end...Its like foreplay...you gotta give it up in the end....geeeeeesh

I'm a tease :D

After seeing Emperor Aquatics UV's in action, I knew I had to have one on my system. So, I went with one of the Industrial 320 watt HO bad boys. A couple of night shots..




http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/UVon2.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/UVon.jpg

Wow that is one intense UV.
Can't wait for the full tank shot

Since all skimmers are the same, I decided to go with a Seaclone. Unfortunately, they were out of stock so I had to settle for an MRC Orca Pro III :D



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/ProIIIa.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/ProIIIb.jpg

HA HA! Looks like you are brewing coffee at the top of that skimmer. What pump for that beast?

That skimmer is a monster!!

Any shots of the UV when you can see the actual unit?
The UV light around the top looks cool..

HA HA! Looks like you are brewing coffee at the top of that skimmer. What pump for that beast?

It's a modified Hammerhead Gold on this bad boy. If I ever decide to switch to 220v, I'm prepared :D

It's currently being fed by a Mag 9.5. I'll probably end up swapping that out with an external Blueline pump-the less heat in the tank, the better!

That skimmer is a monster!!

Any shots of the UV when you can see the actual unit?
The UV light around the top looks cool..

Don't ever ask to see my unit again, perv!

As I said earlier, I'm a tease..that's as much as I'm going to show of the UV for now. Mwahahahahahaha! :lol2:

The skimmer is no skilter (as you'd reccomended earlier), but it'll do the trick!

I decided to go with a Super Dart Gold for the CL pump. It pushes 4300 gph, and I'll be putting it through an OM-4. I may need to upgrade this to a hammerhead..I hope not, but we'll see.


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/dartgold.jpg



And check out this monstrosity I rigged up for the OM unit. I call it the OMopus.



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/OMOcto.jpg




The OM couldn't handle the setup, so I had to perform a few modifications. Now it works like a charm and is dead silent.

I have one Wavysea unit and one Seaswirl. I figure the seaswirl will die at some point, at which point I'll spring for another Wavysea (or whatever Vertex is calling them these days).

Such a tease..

I still say the Seaclone.. Think about it.. All skimmers are the same..LOL

I plan on swapping my dart for a barracuda at some point or another..

Ok, i must have missed this, what makes that water look like glass or better yet... air with fish flying through it?

Ok, i must have missed this, what makes that water look like glass or better yet... air with fish flying through it?

Don't forget the 3/4" pane of glass you're also looking through!

The tank is a starphire tank, which definitely helps with such a thick glass. I also have a monster skimmer, six 7" filter socks and a monster uV. I'm not sure if any single component does it all as I see a lot of gunk in the skimmer and socks; and the UV must be doing something!

Since all skimmers are the same, I decided to go with a Seaclone. Unfortunately, they were out of stock so I had to settle for an MRC Orca Pro III :D



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/ProIIIa.jpg


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/ProIIIb.jpg
For a second I thought you CNC'd your name on it. hahaha

Also, you need a washdown on that thing! :D

Looks great Raj!! Are you planning to run ozone?

Raj you need to show the pictures of the whole UV people would freak out. Looks like a small cannon.

Nice little tank Raj ;)

I have yet to see a better system setup than this one. Its even better than many public aquarium setups I have seen.

Those dart golds are so nice. Wish I had gotten one instead of the regular barracuda

In NASCAR they have their name above the door, same principle with your skimmer ?

Don't forget the 3/4" pane of glass you're also looking through!

The tank is a starphire tank, which definitely helps with such a thick glass. I also have a monster skimmer, six 7" filter socks and a monster uV. I'm not sure if any single component does it all as I see a lot of gunk in the skimmer and socks; and the UV must be doing something!

haha ok, i have been thinking of redoing my sump to incorporate filter socks and i have a UV laying around I haven't even used yet lol

tanks looks great btw

Looks great Raj!! Are you planning to run ozone?

Thanks. I have a very nice Ozotech ozonizer waiting to be employed. I'm not sure if I'll actually use it though. I guess I'll see how the water clarity holds up. If it continues as it is right now, I won't need ozone.

Raj you need to show the pictures of the whole UV people would freak out. Looks like a small cannon.

Yeah, but how much fun would that be?

Nice little tank Raj ;)

Danka!

I have yet to see a better system setup than this one. Its even better than many public aquarium setups I have seen.

WOW! That's quite possible the biggest compliment I could have ever hoped for. I just hope that what's inside can come close to your aquarium.

In NASCAR they have their name above the door, same principle with your skimmer ?

I assume you're referring to my copyright? That's only on the photo, not on the skimmer. So, if anybody wants to use a photo of mine, at least it'll carry my watermark :)

I still say the Seaclone.. Think about it.. All skimmers are the same..LOL




:doh:

FTS - you're due.

FTS - you're due.


I tried and I failed. I just can't seem to get a good FTS. Maybe I'll try this cool stitching program I have..

Oh, and the tank is still pretty devoid of life :(

why a white sump? *I know Im going back 6 months*

block the gunk from visibility?

what would a sump like that... but with the dimensions of a standard 75g tank, made of all clear acrylic, cost? feel free to PM :)

why a white sump? *I know Im going back 6 months*

block the gunk from visibility?

what would a sump like that... but with the dimensions of a standard 75g tank, made of all clear acrylic, cost? feel free to PM :)

Using acrylic in a sump that large would be exponentially expensive. This is the only way to go when you go big.

ah ok, the scale of it is surely getting lost on me with no point of reference.

ah ok, the scale of it is surely getting lost on me with no point of reference.

It's a 300g sump!

Pssh, maybe when it's full. It's probably 200g tops when the whole thing is running properly...

I laffed....

Can't wait to see some updates

you'll have to wait...


Raj doesn't know how to work his camera...

you'll have to wait...


Raj doesn't know how to work his camera...
Glad I'm not the only one:doh:

Okay, okay, I hear you!

Updates soon..

Why do people post just to say "Updates coming soon"? It's like seeing a trailer for a movie and not getting a release date or title...

Why do people post just to say "Updates coming soon"? It's like seeing a trailer for a movie and not getting a release date or title...

Updates coming this summer :)

:lol2:Updates coming this summer :)

Updates coming this summer :)
:bash2:

Updates coming this summer :)

we should all just tar and feather him

we should all just tar and feather him



nah,

with the effort of going over to his place to "get him" we could just look at the tank...

The glass was cleaned today. I'm finally getting some algae growing. With the monster skimmer, massive UV, filter socks and (possibly) starting the tank with prodibio, I've had zero cycle (like prodibio promises) and no algae issues whatsoever. :)

what brand skimmer you got in there?:D

what brand skimmer you got in there?:D

Aquarium Systems Seaclone. What else would anybody use?

You're probly bored with that build by now, I'll buy everything at 1/50th of the cost :D

You're probly bored with that build by now, I'll buy everything at 1/50th of the cost :D


you haven't seen a picture of it lately.. .


it could be 1/4 full of brown water and overrun with frogs right now for all we know..

You're probly bored with that build by now, I'll buy everything at 1/50th of the cost :D

HAHA. Not bored, just too busy to work on it. I have some photos I need to resize and post. Nothing special, just the stand in the works.


you haven't seen a picture of it lately.. .


it could be 1/4 full of brown water and overrun with frogs right now for all we know..

Water is still crystal clear. I have little to no algae growth in the tank; it's quite amazing. I'm sending a water sample to Seachem to have them run some lab tests on it, but it appears the moster filtration and UV is doing exactly what it should: keep the tank clear!

I'm on the prowl for some cool fish; the tank is lonely right now. It needs some action!

Well, it's hot outside, so it must be summer. That means it's update time. I'll start with a little iphone video of my crosshatch trigger pair doing the bow-chicka-wow dance:


xhatch dance on Flickr - Photo Sharing!@@AMEPARAM@@http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4706159325_af29e6de59_m.jpg@@AMEPARAM@@4706159325@ @AMEPARAM@@af29e6de59

Very cool :up:. They the size of clown gobies in that tank

That is awesome!!!!

thats amazing....thanks for sharing..are those the reef safe trigger or is it the blue jaw that is reef safe?

Well, it's hot outside, so it must be summer. That means it's update time. I'll start with a little iphone video of my crosshatch trigger pair doing the bow-chicka-wow dance:


xhatch dance on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/51204783@N07/4706159325/)

At least they know how to do something besides eating the glass.
Great video.

Awesome.

Looks great!

Sweet man! Thanks for sharing that

very cool! I think I actually heard him pop! lol!

thats amazing....thanks for sharing..are those the reef safe trigger or is it the blue jaw that is reef safe?

These are reef safe.

At least they know how to do something besides eating the glass.
Great video.

It seems like they've had their fill with the glass. I haven't caught them eating any lately! :yuk:

Thanks for the compliements guys!

...I guess that counts as an update...

...I guess that counts as an update...

no it doesn't...

You have anymore updates for us?

I'm a little overdue for updates, so here are a few shots of what's been done, which hasn't been much! You'll have to excuse the crappy iphone pics. I promise the fish and coral shots will be much better..when I get there! :)

We got most of the base worked out. I still need to adjust the doors, caulk, filler and paint it. I have a little more trim work to do also. I hate this part..really, really hate it.

I decided to use MDO as it would be easy to paint and it water resistant. If I had to do it over, I would try Extira or just pony up for birch.



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/Base1.jpg

OMG. Raj released a thermonuclear weapon in his tank. HE NUKED IT!#@%!#@

That's an update? :)

Finally got some work done on the canopy. I wanted it as light as possible so it can be removed if needed, but rigid enough to have full access inside (or as full as possible given that I didn't want a ginormous canopy).

The openings are 11" tall and 37" wide.

Instead of having individual doors, each side of the canopy opens fully. This will give it a more uniform and clean look AND it's much easier to do!

The entire canopy is light enough that one person can lift each end to prop up if need be, and strong enough that it won't collapse if one does that!



http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f27/skriz007/Rebuild/Canopy1.jpg

OMG. Raj released a thermonuclear weapon in his tank. HE NUKED IT!#@%!#@

Haha!

That's an update? :)


Hey, it's better than nothing! :confused2:

I do have a video of my skimmer rocking, but I'm having issues uploading it.

When the canopy and base have been completed, I'll see if I can coerce someone to come take a FTS.

I thought I'd put a little music to the video. I have learned that I am so not good at the video editing thing :)

This is my Pro III in action. Note, I only have 8 fish in the tank!




Rebuild :: MRC ORCA PRO III video by skriz007 - Photobucket

video no worky - but clicking on the header gets you there. (Looks nice - and familiar :) )

video no worky - but clicking on the header gets you there. (Looks nice - and familiar :) )


Yeah, I think the video is too large for the forum. You can check it out on Facebook, though :)

Raj has shown us everything.... but the tank

WE WANT UPDATE!!!

nice skimmer video.. but for some reason, your circulation pump sounds like a pRon soundtrack..

?

nice skimmer video.. but for some reason, your circulation pump sounds like a pRon soundtrack..

?

There's no music, that's just the magic happening :thumbs:

Looks like crap man. Maybe one day you will do a real update instead of pictures of fire wood and video of a pipe with an air leak. J/K can't wait to see a finished product.

Must not have a tank if he cant proove it. All this stuff is maybe for his swimming pool.

There's no music, that's just the magic happening :thumbs:
... you're theme music following you around?? (ala I'm gonna get you sucka)

I see a Tuskfish <3

RAJ... how about a picture of the display.. you know ... for posterity..