Almost there

[Sergio]

Hi everyone.
I am starting to get excited, my reconstruction is comming along.
Construction should be done in about a week.
Here are some pic's :dj:

[Sergio]

pic

[Sergio]

here is a pic of my temp setup in my crawl space

[KellyH]

Ohhhhhh, that's gonna be beeeeautiful!! :cheers2:

[Cellenzweig]

Wow! It's coming along well! I have a HUGE crawlspace and never considered using it for a sump, skimmer, etc... I was thinking about running the sumps in the basement, but I would need REALLY powerful pumps to move the water such a distance. The crawlspace would be much better then the basement, as there would only be half the head distance.

Smart thinking! I also like the thought of using metal studs to frame it in. A good way to avoid potential mildew and rotting. Can't wait to see the final product!

Colin

[Mitchell]

Smart thinking! I also like the thought of using metal studs to frame it in. A good way to avoid potential mildew and rotting.

Sergio

what about rust??????

[Sergio]

I don't think the steel studs will rust.
They are made of alum.
Also all studs will be covered with drywall & paint.
Most important the wall will not warp & no nail pops!!!

[Sergio]

Here is the latest pic.
The steel studs are made af galv.
No worry obout rust.
When finished the tank will be flush to drywall

[Dman]

Don't worry, they'll rust as they're usually not aluminum but galvanized tin.
Sorry
Dman
:spin:

[Wiggler]

Beautiful.. Can't wait to see the finished product.

I too am finishing a basement and never thought of putting i a tank like that.

[doh]

Very nice. I am tagging along as I am planning a tank that is viewable from the living room and foyer, which means a hole in the wall separating the 2 areas. I am very interested in how you are planning to make the tank flush with the drywall. As the drywall is about 3/8", are you planning on have the tank overhang the stand by that much? Any concern about stability as a result? Are you planning on framing the hole in the wall? I noticed on RC that one of the guys there played around with the frame (i.e., added a moulding) to hide the 3/8" depth of the dry-wall.

[Sergio]

Doh
I am using 1/2" drywall.
You are right there will be a 1/2" lip that I am going to put moulding to try & hide.
I had a custom stand built & had it powder coated.
The stand is built of 2" square tube with 3/16" wall thickness
It is very sturdy & yes the tank will over hang a bit.
I could have made the tank flush to the wall but I want to hide the plastic trim on the top & bottom of the tank.

[doh]

That sounds like an excellent idea. I think the guy on RC had to do the same thing because of the plastic rim on the tank. I should not have that problem because I am going to go with a trimless starphire tank.

My main concern is stability because I live in a raised bungalow, which means the entrance/foyer is below my main floor (my foyer's ceiling is about 14 feet hight). So from the foyer, the tank will be at around head level, while on the living room side, it will be a good deal lower. In any event, I would hate to see the tank tipped over to come crashing down on the foyer. Keep posting your progress and pics so we can learn from your experience.

[Concept]

Looking sweet Sergio, at least its construction and not destruction now. all you have to do now is plumb those 8 inlets and the tank will be rocking!!

Paul

[Sergio]

Thanks Paul
Anytime your ready!!! :rockon:

[Cellenzweig]

My main concern is stability because I live in a raised bungalow, which means the entrance/foyer is below my main floor (my foyer's ceiling is about 14 feet hight). So from the foyer, the tank will be at around head level, while on the living room side, it will be a good deal lower. In any event, I would hate to see the tank tipped over to come crashing down on the foyer. Keep posting your progress and pics so we can learn from your experience.

You may want to consider making a small lip on either side, even 1/4". This will ensure that your tank doesn't slide. (You never know when a neighbourhood kid will come and lean on the glass from the livingroom side)

Just a thought...

Colin

[dgauthier]

Awesome!! I have a spot in my basement... and recently came to the realization that it would be perfect for a built in such as this... but have been wondering how best to tackle the construction.

Looks great!

[Cellenzweig]

It definately looks good already! I can't wait to see the end product.

Colin

[Sergio]

Thanks Guys

Colin I don't think I have to worry about the tank sliding.
Tank empty weighs about 500 lbs
220 gal of h2o = about 2200 lbs
about 300 lbs of live rock
about 300 lbs of crush coral & sand
You do the math it would take a pretty biggggggg kid to slide the tank off the stand LOL!!
But thanks for the concern.

[Cellenzweig]

Good point... I didn't realize that you were talking about such a large tank.

[Sergio]

Its starting to come together.
Here is a pic of my son swimming in the aquarium
(cleaning it) LOL :rockon:

[Wiggler]

LOL Love the new fish :D

Pam

[Concept]

So I guess you won't be needing the new mag scraper will you?

looking sweet Serge

Paul

[Sergio]

I'am waiting

[Mckitrick]

LOL! Nice one, Sergio. What do you feed that blue tang? I hear they like gummy bears and pop tarts but that's not good for them.

[Sergio]

Its comming along.
I have most if not all the plumbing done by monday night.
I hope!!!!LOL

[Sergio]

Ok have most of the plumbing done.
Filled all tanks with tap water to check for leaks.
Here are some more pics

[Sergio]

another

[Sergio]

sorry about the mess I have to clean up lol

[Sergio]

this is my new RO/DI/UV Ster unit with flow meter & booster pump

[Sergio]

100 gal refugium

[Sergio]

last one for now lol
Aj I hope you don'y mind

[ajx22]

Not at all Sergio...

Keep them coming!!!

(Very nice job thus far)

Thanks for sharing!

[Sergio]

Thanks Aj

[Sergio]

old sump

[Sergio]

one more

[Sergio]

Well I started plumbing my 8 way that I got from Paul @ Concept. :victory:

[Sergio]

Ran out of fittings

[Sergio]

one more

[Sergio]

ok one more

[Sergio]

Paul thank you very much for all your help.
I really really really appreciate it
Thanks again
Sergio

[Mitchell]

Wow Sergio this looks like a candidate for a future tank of the month. I'm glad to see the amount of thought that went into your endeavor.

Well done bud. keep the pics coming.

[Sergio]

Thanks Mitchell
Your frags are doing well in by buddys tank
Cant wait to bring them home

[Wiggler]

Serg: it's lookin awesome!!!!!

Can't wait to see more pics :D

Pam

[Sergio]

Well Im getting impatient waiting for my Ro unit to make 500 gals of water so I went out & bought 250 gals of ro.
Got it for a good price. I think its a good price anyway.
$125 for 250 gal

[Asmodeus]

SERG looking really great ,how long before the big day ?

Mike

[Sergio]

I started filling it yesterday.
hopefully a week

[Wiggler]

Hey Sergio,

How's the tank coming along??

Any new pics??

Hopefully ya haven't forgotten bout me!! :D

Pam

[LUIGI]

Hey Sergio what happened to the pics??? :omg:

can please share them with us lolp

[Sergio]

Luigi
Im working on it.
Had a setback but ,nothing major.
Hopefull some more pics soon
Thanks

[Dory]

NicE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sergio]

Thanks Dory
Hope to post some more pics very soon

[Sergio]

Well I transfered allmy live rock & fish in to the aquarium today, from the temp setup in my crawl space. I will post some pics tomorrow after the dust settles. :victory:

[Sergio]

Well I moved everything from my temp setup in the crawlspace over yesterday. Wow it took a long time. Here are a few pics.
There is no light over the aquarium when the pics were taken, only the light on in the room. Let me know what you guys & gals think.

[Sergio]

pic

[Sergio]

pic

[Sergio]

pic

[Sergio]

pic

[Sergio]

I got this from Habfan with the live rock that I bought from him.
Thanks again Habfan!! GO LEAFS GO!!!
Sory I couldn't resist

[Sergio]

I got this form Brent (creat-a-reef)
Thanks again Brent!!
Also great frags!! :thanks:

[Sergio]

the clam is a royal blue colour but looks green in the pic. Cool!! :victory:

[kentracey]

Wow Sergio, you da tang man!! Nice tank!! You've been very busy. Putting up that tank would be a ton of work, literally.

[Sergio]

The total renovation took almost 4 months.
I'm tired & I'm not finished yet. But ALMOST THERE!!!! LOL!

[trigger]

Wow awesome tank bro!

Trigger

[Dory]

:awe: :awe: LOVE your Nasos!!! :awe: :awe:

[cancruiser]

Lookin good dthere sergio. Sure beats that black tub in the crawl space!

:victory:

[Sergio]

Thanks everyone I will post more pics with the lights on soon

[Sergio]

Here are some pics of my revolutions. These things are amazing.
They even work upside down. :toomuch:

[Sergio]

:toomuch:

[Sergio]

:victory:

[Sergio]

:toomuch: :thanks: :toomuch:

[Concept]

Serge I noticed you kept the original overflows on your system, obviously they work for you.. are they quiet and who makes them.

Paul

[Sergio]

When set up properly yes they are silent.
They are made by Marineland Products.
http://www.marineland.com/products/consumer/con_jetstream.asp

[Sohal Tang]

Guys, I have seen this tank in person...wowwwsers!
Sergio has been in the hobby a whole 2 years and is
now pushing 600 gallons of reefwater!!!! Including a
sump that is bigger then my 90 gallon tank! and Refugium
that is bigger also! Hello!!!!!!!! Wowwwww Sergio...
you do stuff in a BIGGGGGG WAY!!! hahaha Very nice
set up! Super nice guy! A complete pleasure to meet you
Sergio... Go slow and everything will work out great!
When your coraline kicks in and you fill it with corals it is
going to be absolutely breathtaking!

HEYYYY nice TV!!! Hey....I got the same one!! hahaha

Tim
:toomuch:

[create_a_reef]

Sergio,
Im gonna have to come over and get another plumbing lesson from you. What you have done with your tank is amazing. Cant wait to see it when its done.

Brent

[Sergio]

Hello Everyone!!
Here are somw updated pic of my tank, taken with my new camera Canon EOS 10D with a 17-40mm Canon lens. Just got the camera.
Long Tenticle Plate Coral
from ORG.

[Sergio]

Blue dot shroom
from Mithcell

[Sergio]

I think its called a finger tip coral
from Aquarium Depot

[Sergio]

Purple Shroom rock
From HABFAN

[Sergio]

Full Shot

[rickg]

Wow! You're tank is looking good Sergio. It must be that finger leather you added, lol. Soon to be Tank of the Month?

[Sergio]

Thanks Rick
The Leather is doing great.
Thank you again!!!

[sohaltang]

Hey Sergio...coming along verrrry nicely.....
That is a gorgeous plate coral!
Super!
Tim
:rockon:

[Michael_Lambert]

Very very very nice, !!!

Could you post some images of all the hardware and how its all Plumbed up :)

[Wiggler]

Hey Sergio,

Your tank looks absolutely incredible!!!


I must come backa nd see it now :D

Pam

[Sergio]

Hello everyone.
My tank is doing well it has been established for over a year since the melt down. I will post some pics soon, but first I am very excited of my newest purchase. I haven't got it yet & won't it for about 2 weeks. It's on order from Extreme Marine. Ok I bought a H & S skimmer today. It wasn't cheep but I think it's worth every penny.
Thank you Archie & Ryan for the expert advise & amazing customer service.
I would also like to thank Paul (concepts) Aj, Tim (Sohal) & Brent from Create a reef.
I have recentlly bought a bunch of live rock, corals & frags from the above mentioned. I will post some new pics as soon as everything settles in.
Thanks again Guys.
P.S. can,t wait for my skimmer to show up. :wasted:
Oh ya the model is H & S A-300-3X1260 rated for up to 1000 gal system.
Time to get a bigger tank. Not my wife would kill me. :bolt:

[Aquadude]

Are you running a oceanmotions 4-way or 8-way? Looks great!

[KevinFJB]

Tank looks fantastic - really nice job.

[Sergio]

Aquadude Yes I am running a OCEANS MOTIONS 8 WAY & I have been running it sence I setup the tank. No powerheads in the tank. Yeah!!!!! :dance: :dance:
I am running the 8 way with a Little Giant 4MD pump.
Take a look at the beginning of my tread & you can see how I plumbed it.
Some good news, I know Paul @ Concept sell them as a plumb & play, so very easy to install. I am also running 7 of Oceans Motions Revolutions.
I my opinion money very well spent. If anyone has any questions or comments please PM me or call me.
I should have an open house one day to show off my system.
Not to tute my own horn but this is the BRAGGING RIGHTS FORUM. :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

p.s. Kevin

[Sohal Tang]

Looking darn good Sergio!
I dont know when you posted that plate coral but THATS A BEAUTY!
The tank looks like a real ocean! CHE CHING! very nice!
Congrats!

Tim

[lotus02]

Do you have a recent picture of the tank? Remember we love pictures.

[Sergio]

Thanks Tim I no longer have the plate coral I sold it. I think that was a big mistake. I must buy another one. :sob: :sob: :sob:

Like I said earlier I just added a bunch of things to the tank, so I want to wait & let things settle in before I take any new pics.
I agree I love seeing all the pics & I love taking them also. :jumpin:

[Sergio]

Ok
I need to buy a new lighting system. (sold my existing setup)
Looking for your opinions.
I want to go with 3 or 4 individual fixtures 400 watt , icecap electronic ballast, 20 000k XM mogual bulb.
Should I go with double or single ended bulbs.
What pendant to choose Champion Lighting, Cool Touch Lighting, Etc. Etc.
I dont want a Bell Fixture & I dont want a 72" long fixture.
Looking for the best lighting money can buy.

If you have any comments please reply or call me 905 208 0804 Sergio Thanks everyone.

[ajx22]

You're already going with the good stuff - so continue:


IceCap HQI Pendants (nicely mated to the IceCap MH ballasts)
Giesemann 14.5K HQI Bulbs

Will be STUNNING!!! :)

***Will be the lighting on my new / next tank***


Cheers,

[Sergio]

Any one else!!

[jastonataquapro]

Sergio, I did what AJ is recomending, went with IceCap & 250W DE Geissemann MegaChromes 14,500K's. I must admit it still needs a little actinic supplemation although I hope to add a 400W 20,000K in the center to balance everything out. Currently my two pendants cover 2/3's of the tank. The last third is dark.

I also noticed you have your booster pump mounted upside down. You should actually not be able to read the writing, otherwise you'll burn out your bearing sooner that it should have. I've lost one booster pump that way (Aquatec) and the guy who runs a local water store in Oakville told me what I did wrong.

Oh yeah, I went with metal studs as well, it's only been a couple of months but they've already been soaked in salt water a few times, so far so good.

[Sohal Tang]

Hi Sergio....

I will be lighting my 235 with 4 x 250 DE HQI 20K Giesman bulbs
and I will use 2 x vho actinic simply for dusk/dawn as the 20K do
NOT need further actinic supplementation...
But...my tank is only 25" high? HOw high is your tank?
You may wish to take AJ's recommendation and go with 14K

I had 14K and I agree they STILL need further actinic supplementation
but if your tank is much higher then mine then that may be best???

These DE HQI lights I love them!
and the 20K spectrum is extreeeemly addictive!


Tim

[Sergio]

I was at ORG late this afternoon & Flavio recommended that I go with:
Reef optix III Plus pendant
250 watt Giesemann HQI double ended bulb. 20 000K
250 watt Icecap electronic ballasts.
Sounds good to me.
What do you guys think.

[coolwater]

RO III is one of the best pendants out there. If I were you I'd go with the PFO HQI ballasts.

[ajx22]

Sounds awesome to me.

(either the Sunlight Supply ReefOptix III or the IceCap's are great pendants)

http://www.icecapinc.com/images/250400pen.jpg


IceCap’s New 250/400 Double Ended (HQI) Pendant
Introducing our new line of 250/400 HQI pendants. The pendants accept both 250 Watt and 400 Watt HQI bulbs by simply adjusting the ceramic lamps sockets. These pendants are built to last, made from Aluminum, which is powder coated and guaranteed to never rust. The computer designed reflector system incorporates the 95% reflectivity of “Alanod Miro 4”, the best reflective material available. The dimensions of the IceCap Pendant are: 15" Long, 8.75" Wide and 5" High.

[Sergio]

Coolwater
Why the PFO ballasts.
I want to go with Icecap because they will not interfear with my AquacontrollerII, If you are using DCHD units that Neptune offers & I have 3 of them. This is the main reason that I am changing my setup.
Still curious why the PFO over the Icecap?

[Sergio]

I agree AJ
Flavio said the same thing but the reef optix are a bit cheaper, and acording to Flavio they are just as good if not better than the Icecaps.

[jastonataquapro]

Sergio, the setup that Flavio gave you is the setup I'm running (also bought from ORG). It works well. I use the actinics to help in dusk to dawn. I've also have the aquacontroller but I haven't tested X10 switches with the ballasts yet.

[Sergio]

I dont use x10 controlls I use this instead.
It is called the DC4HD sold from Neptune systems. I paid $199 usd each & I have 3 of them.
Just noticed they dropped the price to $159 usd.
Still deciding if I am going with the Icecap pendant or the Reef optix III pendant.

[Bun]

Sergio, I'm using the reefoptix III on my 250DE setup, (purchased with the confidence it has one of the best reflectors on the market), the only issue I've had is that the socket may damage some of the contacts in some of the DE bulbs - I think I recall on RC that they may have damaged some of the soft connecters on giesemann. Recommend you check that out of course, as I've damaged a few sunaquatics bulbs that way...

In all very happy with the pendant.

B

[Sergio]

What do you think of the icecap pendant

[Sergio]

Anyone!!! :thanks:

[Sergio]

Here are some pics I just took.

[Leroy]

tank is looking better each day, maybe one day i will be there. your copperband

looks nice. let me know how its doing in your tank, i'm thinking on geting one

[rickg]

Very nice Sergio! Everything looks great. Thanks for housing my Sohal for me, I will be down to pick him up soon!! JK.

Rick

[Sergio]

Thanks Leroy & RickG.
Can't wait untill I get my new skimmer & lights.

[Sohal Tang]

Wow Sergio your tank is really looking great!
Those tangs look very happy....
I would LEAVE THE SOHAL THERE and BUY HIM ANOTHER ONE!! hahahaha
It looks too happy in the 220 ! :cool:

TIM

[Sergio]

Thanks Tim
The Sohal is my favorite fish. I just love it & yes he & all my tangs (7 or 8) are all happy & very healthy!
Thanks again. When are you comming over to see what a Big TV looks like.
You got me by 35 gal on the tank but I got you by at least 10" on the TV LOL :bang: :bang:

P.S. Please don't call the TANG POLICE :cop:

[Sohal Tang]

Have you seen OPEN RANGE on that TV yet?
Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall?

Tim

[lotus02]

Thanks for the pictures your tank is looking great.
I think you should change the title from:
Almost there - to - I'm already there LOL

[Sergio]

Tim no I did not!
Lotus thats the problem you are never there & never happy with your tank!
LOL :btong: :btong: :btong:

[Sergio]

One more pic of the new Elegance Coral I just picked up from E Marine today.

[Sergio]

Some pics of the new toys!

[Sergio]

Here is a better picture of the micro bubbles

[Klay]

how's that elegance doing now sergio?

[Klay]

the one i from emarine a month ago isn't doing so hot =/. classic elegance death signs. ah well