CustomAquariumBx Posted October 27, 2013 Author Share Posted October 27, 2013 The acrylic does have wayyyy more clarity even when comparing to low iron glass. 1 Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted October 27, 2013 Author Share Posted October 27, 2013 Finally got the bushings for the return pump suspension system. Gotta do some fitting and measuring of the pump and plumbing when I get home today. Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted October 28, 2013 Author Share Posted October 28, 2013 Started some of the mock up plumbing last night. Debating on whether or not I'll be using flex pvc. I still have to drill the holes for the bulkheads into the sump/stand. Quote Link to comment
Sunar357 Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Looks great, very clean, can't wait to see it all done! As a note on the Catalina Goby...they are more of a temperate fish and generally need lower temps (60-70F) than most tropical reefs we run. Quote Link to comment
Reefed419 Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Looking amazing Quote Link to comment
Based Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Looks great, very clean, can't wait to see it all done! As a note on the Catalina Goby...they are more of a temperate fish and generally need lower temps (60-70F) than most tropical reefs we run. 70 degrees is actually a little high for them and would still have a hard time, usually 60-65 degrees is what they need to thrive. Great looking build so far! Quote Link to comment
Mr. Microscope Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Will a single mp10 suffice? I'm going to need some decent flow for the sps.Yes, that should be fine. I also have a 25 gallon cube with one MP10 and SPS. Your build is really cool! I have two points of concern. First, are you planning to paint the plumbing. Since everything is visible, I'd strongly suggest doing so. Second, not to derail your whole concept, but do you think the acrylic will actually be strong enough to support the weight of the cube on top? It's going to be like 250-300lbs. up there. Following! Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted October 28, 2013 Author Share Posted October 28, 2013 Yes, that should be fine. I also have a 25 gallon cube with one MP10 and SPS. Your build is really cool! I have two points of concern. First, are you planning to paint the plumbing. Since everything is visible, I'd strongly suggest doing so. Second, not to derail your whole concept, but do you think the acrylic will actually be strong enough to support the weight of the cube on top? It's going to be like 250-300lbs. up there. Following! Thanks! Yea I was considering painting the glass itself to hide plumbing but decided might as well make everything visible. The original idea of this system was to showcase a modern reef tank in it's entirety. Cleanly! And as far as the stand holding the weight I'm pretty confident it'll hold up well. "Clear-for-life" has been making stands out of acrylic for quite some time now and I've personally seen them hold. Their standard 20g acrylic stand is made of 3/8" acrylic. I went with 1/2". Just for my own piece of mind lol. The stands they make for 75g tanks are made out of 1/2" as well. Only difference is mine is completely clear and will have a front door, integrated sump, a shelf for my ato storage and my 2 part dosing storage tanks.Here's a link and you can check them out, They do some quality work. http://www.marinedepot.com/Clear_for_Life_Black_Acrylic_Cabinet_Aquarium_Stand_Acrylic_(Heavy)-Clear_For_Life-AT6231-FIAQCSAA-vi.html http://www.petstore.com/clearforlife-black-acrylic-cabinet-stand-for-20-gallon-24in-x-13in-x-30in-aquarium 1 Quote Link to comment
Mr. Microscope Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Cool! Good to know it'll be secure. Good luck! Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted October 29, 2013 Author Share Posted October 29, 2013 Drilled the holes for the 1" bulkheads into the sump/stand to the refugium and skimmer section last night. Turns out 1/2" thick acrylic is a real P.I.T.A to drill without it melting. Took some pics of the drilling...... Then it really started to get hot and melt so I needed to use water to keep it cool. Came out pretty good just took some time. More than glass would've! Then on to some plumbing again..... Should start the plumbing for the return soon just waiting on a check valve and one more 1" bulkhead. Cool! Good to know it'll be secure. Good luck! Thanks Mr. Microscope! 4 Quote Link to comment
ebaker38 Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 this is going to look so cool. can`t wait to see going. 2 Quote Link to comment
KSMART Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 freaking sweet!! 1 Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted November 1, 2013 Author Share Posted November 1, 2013 this is going to look so cool. can`t wait to see going. Thanks yea me too! I hope I can find room for the Christmas tree, if not then I may have to wait till after the holidays to get her running! freaking sweet!! Lol thanx! Looks like Christmas came a little early for me and I got my apex controller, cobalt aquatics neo-therm 100watt digital heater, 1" check valve and some 1/4" water line bulkheads for my ato storage tank that I still need to build out of acrylic. 1 Quote Link to comment
farkwar Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Ive only liked two posts, but I like them all. Didn't want to flood you with more "like" spam than you're already getting. 1 Quote Link to comment
Pinner Reef Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 This could be epic 2 Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted November 30, 2013 Author Share Posted November 30, 2013 Haven't posted and build updates in a while now. Been working my a$$ of between working overtime at work and headgaskets on my Subaru I haven't really been able to do much on the tank. But all is well now and I've been able to do a lil here and there so here's a photo dump of what I've gotten done since the last update. Fitting the tank in the corner where she'll sit permanently. Next to it is my temporary tank which will be moved and end up as the QT tank. Damn that 20w led flood light for the refugium is bright! Couldn't wait to see what it would look like with a lil light on it! Fitting the return plumbing, the "T" will be for the chiller if necessary. The check valve will help the sump from filling up too much when I shut the return down. The diablo Dc pump is mounted with bushings and nylon screws to it's base. Hopefully it will keep vibrations to a minimum! Set up the Apex controller on the QT tank to get some practice with the programming. I'm gonna need it for what I have planned lol Everything fits well in the corner so I'll drill the sump at the height for the pump with the bushings. Got some goodies! Here's the stuff I've been waiting for to make my auto water change system. Told you I'd need practice with the programming! The solenoid valves I'll be using for the auto water change system. Neptunes breakout box to make float switch wiring easier. 3 Quote Link to comment
skyscraper2290 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 This looks awesome! 1 Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted December 1, 2013 Author Share Posted December 1, 2013 This looks awesome! Thanks skyscraper2290! I was doing a little reading today and found that the inlet and outlets of the DC 5500 are actually 1.25" mpt and not very good for using the inside as a slip. So I guess I'll be making a trip to home depot tomorrow after work. Can't go today because I'm stuck doing another double at work on a Sunday. AGAIN!! Smh!! Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted December 1, 2013 Author Share Posted December 1, 2013 Did a lil playing with the rock the other day and forgot to post pics. I'm going with a nice bonsai type scape. I had some serious design influences from crazy4acros tank on reef central. That has got to be one of the most beautiful reefs I've ever seen. So let me know what u guys think! .....don't mind the beer on the counter! 2 Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted December 4, 2013 Author Share Posted December 4, 2013 Ok so I tried to find a 1.25" FPT to 1" slip reducer for the return pump at home depot and it didn't go too well. The Home Depot in Bronx NY stinks! So it looks like I'll have to reduce it after with a bushing. I also found some nylon thumb screws with the correct thread pitch to mount my refugium light to the refugium cover. Quote Link to comment
Illuiix Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 I hope that acrylic glass stand is sturdy enough....25g is pretty heavy ahah, scares me. 1 Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted December 4, 2013 Author Share Posted December 4, 2013 I hope that acrylic glass stand is sturdy enough....25g is pretty heavy ahah, scares me.Lmao yea first time I personally saw one supporting a 30g I thought I was gonna need my wet socks! It was only 3/8" thick black acrylic, and held up surprisingly well! And with the added benefit of being completely water proof and customizable. I've seen one beautifully done on a freshwater planted tank a while back that was amazing not sure where I found it but here's some pics I saved of it: Being that I've worked with acrylic for years now I just had to try it myself, so I opted for 1/2" cell cast just to be safe and made the sump built in. Ever tried to crack a piece of acrylic? Not very easy, it flex's but won't crack easily. I built in support beams into the upper panel, mid section shelf and of coarse the sump area to prevent it from shifting in any direction. I've load tested it and it was pretty sturdy, but for the long run I need to make sure it's completely level to evenly distribute the load to prevent any kind of shear loads/tension. 2 Quote Link to comment
Illuiix Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 I see. Ok, I'm not worried anymore. Thanks for showing that picture and brief explanation. 1 Quote Link to comment
CustomAquariumBx Posted December 4, 2013 Author Share Posted December 4, 2013 I see. Ok, I'm not worried anymore. Thanks for showing that picture and brief explanation. Lol no problemo! Quote Link to comment
KSMART Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 I love the aquascape. Looks like everything is coming along very nicely. 1 Quote Link to comment
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