I Almost Grew Two Feet

[seffieuk]

Can't help with the LEd lighting directly Nemo but PM Morri, he did his own LED hood so will be able to help you I'm sure that AK, Ben, or Rabbut would also be able to help

Seffie x

 

[-Nemo-]

Thanks Seffie

I was actually hoping one of them would answer
May just have to PM them, although the sump/plumbing is priority at the moment. So I've still got some time to figure out lighting. Still need to buy a new tank too

 

[-Nemo-]

Just a little update.
Tank's been very slow going. I did buy a new 75G about a month ago though. No one's allowed to go near this one.

Been wanting to have the tank drilled by my dad, but he is currently in the process of re-doing a bathroom which is taking up all his time. I think i'm going to work on the sump, however, if I get some free time.


It's been nearly two months since I made the LR and PH Tests out currently at 9. Taking longer than planed because I have certainly been lazy (or maybe forgetful and busy) with doing the water changes everyday!

 

[-Nemo-]

This project is back on its feet

Figured out my sump measurements for good, marked up the to-be-sump, bought heavy duty plexiglass,cut it to size and cut teeth into two of the baffles.

Here's the final sump design:

the two baffles on either side of the refugium will have teeth on the top of them and then eggcrate on top of the teeth. This is to prevent any creatures (such as a little hawkfish) from escaping, while still providing good flow. The baffle in-between the refugium and the output will have additional teeth in the middle of the baffle as to prevent the water level from going too low and running either the refugium or the pump chamber dry.

Here's a picture of that baffle:

Hopefully I'll be siliconing it all together this weekend.

 

[GAB99]

yay... btw hows the breeding coming along with all your fish?

 

[-Nemo-]

It's going OK. Just frustrated with it for now

No sump completion yet, but I did buy the pump today (cost: $105)

Magdrive 950gph. I decided that i'm going to aim for about 750gph from the return (I'm going to drill two 3/4" holes in the DT for the input into the sump) and then add a powerhead or two to get it up to 20x+.

 

[-Nemo-]

Managed to silicon one side of 2 of the baffles tonight. I will silicon the other side of them tomorrow. And then 2 more days of siliconing!

 

[-Nemo-]

Should finish the sump tonight

Sorry for quality of the pictures, batteries were gone in the camera so I used my phone


Here's the sump thus far:

Big boy pump:

And here's some of the to-be-live rock
A quick small aquascape with about half of the rocks:

Some individual pieces:

 

[-Nemo-]

Sump is officially complete.


Yesterday I ordered a 1.5" Diamond Drill Bit and hopefully when that gets here the drilling will begin!!
I also ordered the SCWD Wavemaker and an Auto Top Off Float Valve

 

[-Nemo-]

Holes drilled in the tank today
One of the most nerve racking things I've ever watched!!


Close-up. Blue tape is markings for the overflow, please don't mind the dust

Overview. Tank in its new and permanent location.

Also got the SCWD, some plumbing pieces and Phosban reactor in the mail today.
Overflow to be built and put in this week hopefully.

 

[-Nemo-]

Been looking around at lighting... was originally planning to go with LEDs but even retro fitting some will be too expensive still. A local reefer near me recently broke down his set-up, he has a TEK 48" 6x 54 watt T5 HO unit. It's only a year old and he is offering 1/3rd the price of a new one. I'm definitely up for it, so I'll probably be taking a look at it this weekend and if all looks well, taking it home

Been researching, and it seems I should be able to do a lot of SPS and possibly even maximas? The unit has individual reflectors.

He's also selling off a lot of LR cheap, I might get some to help seed the new tank so I don't have to disrupt my current tank.


Also, picking up the material for the overflow (AKA weir) tomorrow. Worked out the plumbing as well, how complex it is this time around! I made it pretty fail proof I think. If the SCWD doesn't work as planned or needs to be maintained, I'm plumbing in a by-pass line so that water will still be going back up to the tank.

 

[Morri]

Nice find Nemo you will defo be able to keep a maxima under them lights you can always add a few aquarays to boost the lighting and get some shimmer thats what I have done

 

[-Nemo-]

Thanks Morri I'm glad to hear! As much as I love my Derasa, Maximas are too darn gorgeous and I would love one or two.

Picking the light up Friday. Working on the overflow tomorrow if I have time.

 

[-Nemo-]

I am horrible with updating!!!
Well the guy that was suppose to sell me the light completely stood me up and then I saw him (online) selling it to someone else...
So, I instead I bought a 4x t5 tek ho unit brand new. A couple bulbs less, but I think I will supplement with LEDs later on regardless.

I've gotten quite a bit done, currently working on plumbing the return.


Overflow got finished, ended up siliconing glass in first and then black plastic over it. Props to my dad for bending the plastic so perfectly for me.

The plumbing down to the sump is simple, external durso with just plastic tubing going down into the first chamber.

With SQWD

And the small part of return plumbing done

 

[seffieuk]

Coming along now isn't it - when do you hope to have it finished?

Seffie x