Jump to content
Innovative Marine Aquariums

Ps2cho's 40B SPS Reef Build <<[June 2016 FTS Update + PAR]>>


ps2cho

Recommended Posts

I am downsizing my 60G cube to a 40B until I have the funds to afford a dream 150G build. The 60G is far too big and heavy for the house move coming up soon, so its probably best for me to downsize and sell it now so theres enough time to find a buyer.

 

Petco has the $1/gal sale for 2 more weeks, so nows the time to get started on this. I will get the stand built, then cycle the tank and after a few weeks a slow transfer of the livestock over followed by the SPS corals. Hopefully they transition ok.

 

Plans:

 

Tank: Aqueon 40 Breeder

Sump: Eshopps R-200

 

Stand: DIY 2x2 with 3/4" Pine top plus canopy.

 

Controller: Apex Lite

Lights: Reefbreeders Photon 24 + 2x39w (36") T5 Retrofit using Blue+ and Coral+ bulbs.

Flow: Vortech MP40WES + MP10ES

Return: Aqueon Quietflow 2300 (600gph)

Skimmer: SCA-302

 

Overflow: Modular Marine Overflow (Synergy Reef Clone) - 3x 3/4" drains and 1x 3/4" return.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191516666574?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

Dosing: 2x BRS Dosers for Alk + Mg.

 

 

 

===================================

Full Tank Shots:

 

August, 2016

 

fts1.jpg

 

 

June, 2016

 

FTS-20160503.jpg

 

 

December, 2015

 

21j9huc.jpg

 

November, 2015

 

t53.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

Here we go!

Link to comment
  • Replies 58
  • Created
  • Last Reply

I read a thread recently where someone calculated the vertical load the lowest grade 2x4s could hold. With eight supports, like you see in most diy builds, it could hold 18,600 pounds. Even if you go with 2x2 I think you'll be fine.

Link to comment

2x2s should be cheaper and save space as well.

 

I want to make sure I have enough space under the tank to hide the electronics well. Anyone have a good build with a slick wiring plan designed into it?

Link to comment

BRS order set. Ordered 35lbs of Pukani, 40lbs of Carbsea Special Grade sand, and misc plumbing supplies.

 

Stand built...interior painted white for what I have so far. I ended up using 2x3's and 3/4" pine for the top and bottom.

Currently figuring out what mixture of walnut and mahogany I want to use, so testing on a scrap piece.

 

stand1.jpg

 

stand2.jpg

 

stand4.jpg

 

 

 

stand5.jpg

Link to comment

Plumbing arrived along with the 35lbs of Pukani, 5lbs of tonga shelf and 40lbs of sand. Might need more sand, but will see. Amazon has it on prime for a 10/15lbs bag so if needed I can get more pretty fast.

 

Drilled the return hole right now. Came out alright for a first glass drill ever...a few chips, but its hidden by the bulkhead anyway.

 

Just waiting for the overflow box on Tuesday, then I can drill the two 1" holes and it'll be ready to fill up. That means I gotta finish the stand this weekend!

 

rocks.jpg

 

return1.jpg

Link to comment

The overflow box arrived today! USPS said Tuesday, so I am thrilled!

Working hard to get the stand finished, because at this point, I have everything to get the tank started!

 

Got the pocket jig on the trim (this is my first time doing a good job on the trim). Need to run back to HD and get more wood then I can get to staining!

 

This overflow is awesome btw! No point buying the more expensive one on BRS when for $60/80 cheaper this modular marine on ebay is the exact same thing minus the magnetic top.

 

overflow1.jpg

 

overflow2.jpg

 

trim1.jpg

Link to comment

The overflow box arrived today! USPS said Tuesday, so I am thrilled!

Working hard to get the stand finished, because at this point, I have everything to get the tank started!

 

Got the pocket jig on the trim (this is my first time doing a good job on the trim). Need to run back to HD and get more wood then I can get to staining!

 

This overflow is awesome btw! No point buying the more expensive one on BRS when for $60/80 cheaper this modular marine on ebay is the exact same thing minus the magnetic top.

 

overflow1.jpg

 

overflow2.jpg

 

trim1.jpg

 

Following along. Pocket holes look great!

That overflow looks really cool. If you wanted a cover you could PM MrReefer81 with the dimensions; I doubt it would be expensive. (He has a laser cutter).

Link to comment

Got impatient for the polyurethane to dry on the trim, so dragged the stand in and started filling her up!

I will attach the trim in the next few days, then work on the doors.

 

Can't wait to show you guys the aquascape, I think its awesome!

 

wet.jpg

Link to comment

Got impatient for the polyurethane to dry on the trim, so dragged the stand in and started filling her up!

I will attach the trim in the next few days, then work on the doors.

 

Can't wait to show you guys the aquascape, I think its awesome!

 

Well, it certainly sounds like it's off to a rocky start but maybe that's just because you're my scapegoat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

:haha:

No but srsly, I'm following along and always excited to see a SPS tank in the making :3

Link to comment

I started my cycle today. I put 2oz of an old fish filet I had in the freezer after washing the seasonings off the top. I also will be doing 2 capfuls of microbacter7 in addition.

 

Will be a cool test to see how long it takes for the bacteria to grow and consume the entire piece of food and then ammonia and nitrites to hit zero. Once they are both zero for a few days I will start by moving my royal gramma over as he is the most timid fish from my 60G.

Link to comment

A little clearer today...

 

The island on the left is pretty large...larger that I thought it would be in the tank, but I kinda like it. There is a big tunnel that goes through the middle although photo is hard to see it. Tons of overhangs and places to put corals on.

 

Photos will get better once it clears further and lighting is better.

 

Also I accidently drilled the return too low, so I am waiting on some flexible loc line to arrive so I can fill it up more. The sump will be transferred from the main tank in a few weeks so until then the water level needs to be lower to make sure the waves from the temporary WP-25 don't splash into the overflow and onto the floor.

 

wet2.jpg

Link to comment

Getting pretty clear now!

 

I receive a fresh API set tomorrow so I can start running my ammonia / nitrite tests. I threw my last set away as it was years old and who really checks for NH4 when everything is running smooth on a multi year old tank ya know?

 

What do you guys think of the aquascape? Tough to photograph without the reef light into the tank...

I think my bendable Loc Line arrives saturday so I can fill the rest of the water up to the top.

 

wet3.jpg

Link to comment

The cycle is definitely rolling! The Microbacter7 I am sure is helping speed this up. I am doing 2 capfuls each day as the bottle suggests...Well maybe a little extra over what it says, but I dumped that 2oz piece of fish in, so there is quite a lot of food for the bacteria to chew up. I can let the bacteria go nuts for 4 weeks with the food. Can't hurt right?

 

Looks like 8+ppm ammonia and 5+ppm nitrites

 

cycle1.jpg

Link to comment

Did some more work this weekend. Got the silicone down on the inside seams to create a bucket at the bottom that would at least hold a little water in case of a leak so it doesn't go on the wood floor.

 

Next I got the electrical panel that I will be attaching my Neptune Apex and Vortech parts to so its on the opposite side of the sump away from splashes etc. Its not completely separated, but I have a vent with a 120mm computer fan that will rid of the moisture anyway, so this should be fine.

 

Also drilled some holes for wiring each side, and attached my electrical cable raceway duct that I got off amazon.

 

I think from here I just gotta finish the doors, and start the canopy. I am debating adding 2x39w T5's, one each side of the Photon 24 LED so it will allow the undersides of the coral to get some light and not die off as I am experiencing in my 60G tank.

 

wiring1.jpg

Link to comment

I removed the decaying food and after 3 days ammonia is down to 1ppm, nitrites 5+ ppm and nitrates 10ppm. The microbacter7 is really speeding this cycle along since I am on day 9.

Link to comment

Dang this is going to be a nice tank when it's setup. I don't know if I missed it or not but what are you using for your lights?

 

Edit: nvm I found out

Link to comment

Veterans day off -- Canopy is almost finished. Pre-stain on and then I'll stain it with the mix of Dark Walnut and Red Mahogany.

 

The LET T5 Retrofit kit arrives tomorrow. One problem I found however was that someone on a forum said the reflectors can be separated, but when I asked BRS, they said they are a dual reflector. I guess worse case I can use some tin snips and cut the reflector down the middle so I can get one T5 on each side of the Photon 24.

 

Pics:

 

canopy1.jpg

 

 

canopy3.jpg

Link to comment

Cycle is getting close now. The Microbacter7 definitely works. Tank is on Day 11.

I'd say either 0.25 or 0.50 ammonia. Nitrites still 5+, but I'd say one more week and Nitrites should be zero and I can slowly start moving livestock over.

 

I'd like to move the Royal Gramma first I think. The clowns would have to go as a pair so 2 full size clowns off the bat might be too much for the bacteria to handle. A single Royal Gramma for 2-3 weeks might be a better choice.

 

cycle2.jpg

Link to comment

Oh man.....This retrofit came out AWESOME!!!

 

BRS was WRONG also -- they are separate reflectors. This worked out far better than I was expecting! And I still have a ton of space for the Photon24 LED in the middle :)

 

Now I have lights on the tank, what do you guys think of the aquascape?

 

t51.jpg

 

t52.jpg

 

t53.jpg

 

t54.jpg

 

t55.jpg

Link to comment

11/13/15:

I'd say ammonia is zero and nitrites are 0.25 to 0.50. By sunday the cycle should be done and I'll do a 90% water change and I might attempt to transfer over the royal gramma if I can catch him :D

 

Day 13 of cycle

 

cycle3.jpg

Link to comment

Sump removed from the 60G, cleaned (for the most part) and in place.

 

Hard plumbing almost done now. Later today I should have it running for leak tests.

 

While cleaning my SCA-302 skimmer, I accidently broke off the guide pin that runs through the impeller arghh....I'm hoping that it will still work. I see no point buying a 3rd Atman pump for this thing and I'd rather just buy a better skimmer so hopefully it will work and hold me over for a little while longer til I can get the skimmer I really want.

 

plumbing1.jpg

Link to comment

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recommended Discussions


×
×
  • Create New...