Tuck 240g Build

[purplegorilla]

Wow, you did a real professional job on the stand Mike. Looks like brand new again. By the way, bring me some chocolate covered spiders when u go to Bangkok. Last time I was there, I didn't have the nerve to try it but I think I am ready now.

 

[salt reefer]

very sweet.

 

[rbredding]

maybe it's the contractor in me, but i like the build threads more than the reef picture threads...

 

[tuckdaway]

I decided to go with a kilz interior to the stand. And although the sump will be external, my previous experience is that I tend to get water everywhere.

Here are some photos after the second coat. I plan to do four coats total.
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[tuckdaway]

Some final photos of the stand....was able to place the tank on the stand today--Thanks Raymond!

Final connections and aquascaping when I return from business trip in 2 weeks.

A couple of detail shots of the canopy....still needs piano hinge mod and refinishing. Gives you a good idea of where I started with the stand.
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[james s_]

Looks Great! Love the finish on the stand.

 

[fish scales2]

Nice work all the way around. Are you thinking the chiller might not be needed? I am thinking not, what will your target temp be?

 

[tuckdaway]

Fish Scales2;452692 wrote: Nice work all the way around. Are you thinking the chiller might not be needed? I am thinking not, what will your target temp be?

Actually the 1/4 hp might not be enough...considering 1/2 hp mounted outside...I like to keep between 78-80F.

 

[jeffmuse]

This has been a great thread, I love to see the progression of the system! I especially liked the infrastructure pictures... I like how you have all the reactors sitting on a shelf over the holding tank. Good stuff :yay:

 

[fish scales2]

JMO.....Plan for it but I doubt seriously you will need it, where would all this heat be coming from? You will be throttling back the return pump quite a bit right? I have not yet had a situation with T-5 lighting where temp. could not be controlled and maintained with fans. Just the additional money spent on a chiller could be a waste. Maybe plumb it in as a safety net in case a heater goes haywire or airconditioning goes out in the middle of summer. I am guessing you will be heating much more than chilling.

 

[tuckdaway]

Fish Scales2;452709 wrote: JMO.....Plan for it but I doubt seriously you will need it, where would all this heat be coming from? You will be throttling back the return pump quite a bit right? I have not yet had a situation with T-5 lighting where temp. could not be controlled and maintained with fans. Just the additional money spent on a chiller could be a waste. Maybe plumb it in as a safety net in case a heater goes haywire or airconditioning goes out in the middle of summer. I am guessing you will be heating much more than chilling.

I am hoping that is the case...I have TekT5 36" x's 6 bulbs x's two fixtures. Surprisingly they generate some heat. I plan to port the canopy some and will place fans in canopy if needed. Also considering overdriving with Icecap 660's depending on how well the T5's cover the distance to the bottom. I am planning for BB with clams and other light lovers down low as well as up high.

Also amazing how much I can manage the heat in the basement fishroom just by shutting the door. I have an Apex so I can chart the temp throughout the day. Door open heaters cycle...closed not much especially after daylights kickon.

 

[fish scales2]

I installed 2 8 bulb fixtures over MarkO22s 31" tall tanks and am suprised at how bright it is at the bottom. Have not done par test yet though. I am maintaining temp within 1.1 degrees. No fans running yet but I am suprised at how warm the Tek fixtures run. I imagine they will much cooler when you run the Icecaps and I am sure that your clams will be extremely happy with the intesity of light they will get in your 24" tank not to mention the MRC reactor that will be fueling them.:thumbs:

 

[smoothie]

Didn't want to clutter your other thread so........THAT CARDINAL IDEA IS GOING TO BE SWEET!

 

[james s_]

Fish Scales2;452737 wrote: . I imagine they will be much cooler when you run the Icecaps

Why would you think this Chris? Im thinking the exact opposite.. Since wattage is increased, then heat may also increase, all depending on the efficiency of the bulb of course... Do you know of any articles or testing on this?

 

[fish scales2]

James S.;452797 wrote: Why would you think this Chris? Im thinking the exact opposite.. Since wattage is increased, then heat may also increase, all depending on the efficiency of the bulb of course... Do you know of any articles or testing on this?

Just that you can run your ballast remotely, they are currently incased in the fixture. Icecap ballast run much cooler than the OE. You're right though the bulbs are going to be a good bit hotter. hmmm. Light could be raised off the tank a little further and he will get the spread he will need as well. Def not arguing just throwing out insticts, thoughts and feelings. I am not familiar with any articles just my own experiences. Did a overdriven retro 5bulb T-5 recently on a system that was previously running a Current 4 bulb and the temp dropped several degrees.

 

[tuckdaway]

Well finally have the rock the way I want it. BIG thanks to Simon for Aquascaping--he really has an eye for it.

We built a huge arch in teh center with shelves and swim throughs all over. Couldn't be happier. Nice mix of Tonga, Fiji, and base.

I'll stop talking and get to the photos....
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[jcusmarine]

I really like the rock scape...and there are never too many photos =)

Very nice.

 

[mockery]

Mike, the is some really awesome and creative aquascaping! Can't wait to see everything grow in!

 

[grouper therapy]

Looks great Mike! Your Canopy is ready:yay: Will call you back in a moment . Better half is on the phone.

 

[lilrobb]

I am green w envy - if my aqua scaping comes out half as nice as yours I'll be one happy reefer!