180 from the ground up

[Ocean Images]

After a long time in the works I am finally starting a new reef tank:dance:
I thought I would share with everyone the different stages highlights of this project, I think the first highlight will be getting the tank down the basement stairs;)
Anyway, before I just start hanging lights and running hoses I have lots of work just preparing the space where the tank will make its home. I am tired of not having enough outlets and amps to run all the equipment so I will start the project with 4 designated power outlets with their own breakers;) its nice having an unfinished basement. I will keep you posted how the electrical works out...........
A month ago I ordered a MyReefCreations MR-2 skimmer, it arrived today, Andy sure does nice work
:D
The tank itself is still in my garage, I am searching for a glass shop with a portable hole drill to come and drill the holes for me. I think this is going to happen on Saturday.
For now, here are a couple pic of the MyReef skimmer.

[Ocean Images]

MyReefCreations MR-2

[ajx22]

CONGRATS!!!!

WooHoooo!! The MyReef products are starting to enter Canada!

Can't wait to see this bad-boy set-up and running!

Keep us informed and updated -

I'm a sucker for seeing tank plans come together! :D

Best regards,

[rottn]

Congrats OI! Looking forward to the updates. :D

[Ocean Images]

Wiring for outlets is done, all thats left to complete the wall is drywall.
Lets move to the next stage of the system....the sump :dance:
Got two holes drilled today, one will feed the Little Giant return pump and one will feed the Mak4 for the MyReef skimmer.
This sump is also going to be the new home for my Refugium, tomorrow I find out just how expensive acyrlic really is:(
Approx. 1 foot of this 3 foot sump is going to house the already existing Refugium, my plan is to install the lighting inside the cabinet. hummmm the cabinet, when does it all end??? I guess when the pockets are empty;)

[Dman]

OI,
When your pockets are empty is when the fun begins:)
Dman
:spin:

[Ocean Images]

OK, now the boring work has been completed, the wall is built and painted and the hydro is run.
Its time to start putting the equipment into place. The 180 has was drilled last week, a hole for the stand pipe and one for the return. Next will be the levelling, if its not perfect now it could be a disaster down the road.
This week comes the plumbing end of things, the stand pipe will be mounted and adjusted and the return lines will be plumbed to the sump and the little giant. The DIY sump was has two holes drilled, this will take care of the return pump and the MAK4 for the skimmer. Under the tank is starting to get a little crowded, a shelf may be welded in to hold the Reactor and the CO2 bottle, the stand is 44" high, I hate to waste the upper section:D

[afss]

looking good.. congrats.

I still have calurpa etc if you need some next time you are down this way..

[Red-Sea]

Congrats. O.I, looking good so far wish you all the luck with the setup.
Ihave a question for u if u don't mind me asking,I was looking to get the same skimmer from andy but on his web page it tell's you to check UPS site for shipping pricing & it calculates about $165.00 for shipping charges, I want to know how much did it cost you the whole thing at your door. Thanks in advance...

[Ocean Images]

Red-Sea, I ordered the MR_2 and the CR-2 (Calcium Reactor) from MyReef, the shipping charges were $36 each (can) but the custom charges were around the $80 mark for the two items.
Next time I order something I will be getting it delivered to a friend in Buffalo and simply picking up the package from there.
Good luck, I am sure you will be happy with the MR-2

:cheers:

[Dman]

I just noticed that your stand was 44 inches high, hope you bought a step ladder :D
Should bring the tank to a nice viewing height
Dman
:spin:

[Ocean Images]

Scott, this tank will have a DSB unlike my last reef tank which was a bare bottom.
I will be putting 4" or so of sand so I will be looking for some wildlife shortly, maybe you could spare a scoop from your refugium?:dance:

:cheers:

[Red-Sea]

Thanks O.I for the fast reply, I think I will do that as well get it shipped to a friend in the U.S & he'll carry it next time he comes over.

[Andy]

Just wondering how the MyReef skimmer is working out for you. I'm expecting my MR-2 with 2 injectors within the next couple of days. What pump are you running yours with?

[Ocean Images]

Andy, I am almost ready to run the MR-2 on my 180:dance: I have been very busy with work and vacation and am just finishing the plumbing so I can start adding water to the new system.
I am running a Mak4 with my skimmer, I should be able to give you a answer to its performance sometime over the weekend:D You will be very pleased with the overall quality of the construction of the MR-2. i read nOTHING but good things about these skimmmers on Reef Central.
:cheers:

[afss]

Just saw this thread come active again.. sorry i don't think i responded to you looking for some live sand or stuff from my fuge.
Let me know when you want it and you can have some

Scott

[Ocean Images]

Thanks for the offer Scott, the new tank will be running this weekend, I will let you know if I need any goodies:cheers:

[Ocean Images]

:dance: :dance:
The new 180 system is now officially up and running, the equipment is working perfectly:D The only thing left is the lighting, that will be happening today.

[ian cooper]

Like Scott, I have alot of critters in my tank. Let me know if you need some live sand or some amphipods, copepods, small bristleworms etc., My tank is loaded with them.

[afss]

Looking good :cheers:

I can't wait to go bigger:D

[Red-Sea]

O.I, How is the MR2 working so far, any comment's good-bad .
Mine should be arriving this weekend I got it with dual beckett injectors. Any input...:blob:
Ps: which pump your running it with???

[Andy]

Hi Red Sea

I've had my MR-2 with dual injectors running now for 4 days on a heavily stocked 280 reef. I'm driving it with a Mag24 pump. It hasn't started skimming yet. Bubbles burst at the water surface and don't climb up the riser tube. I'm assuming its still breaking in. Good to hear from other MR-2 users to compare notes. P.S. The duty/brokerage fees were a killer. Lets keep in touch.

Anddy

[Red-Sea]

Hi Andy, I got mine shipped to friend of mine in the U.S & he's going to carry it down with him this weekend, it only cost me $15US for shipping, I know custom fees are insaine. Keep me updated about the skimming part...Thanks

[Ocean Images]

My MR-2 is skimming like crazy, I have a 5 gallon pail catching the gunk (most of this is from the 500 lbs of Southdown):D
I am using a MAK 4 to run the skimmer.
Today, I took my refugium apart, I relocated it into my DIY sump, this should bring some life to this system!:dance:

[Ocean Images]

New refugium (in sump)

[Ocean Images]

Thats it:dance: I am finished other than building the cabinet. This was a big project with limited resources:D
From start to finish approx. 30 hours worth of work. Now if it would only stay this clean;)

[Andy]

Great lookin setup Bill. Let's see more pics. Closeups would be great.

[IJO]

that MR-2 looks awesome.... roughly how much did it cost you?

IJO

[Ocean Images]

IJO, the MR-2 is working better than expected:D
The skimmer itself will cost you aprox. $180 USD but by the time you pay UPS and custom charges add another $70 Can.
You will also need a fairly powerful pump to run the skimmer, I am using a MAK4 which Andy at MyReefCreations recommends.
I still have a five gallon pail as my collection cup:laugh: but it is slowing down, I only have to empty the pail once a day now.
:cheers:

[ajx22]

Andy (Reef Creations) and I have spoken recently, and we should have the Canadian Distributorship worked out VERY soon. This would mean that the items would be payable in CANADIAN funds, and we should be able to import these items at a much lower overall cost to you!

Anyone who is truely interested in owning a My Reef Skimmer or Reactor - please let me know ASAP via e-mail!

Thanks to all and good luck,

[Ocean Images]

Close ups?? thats a bit of a problem with my Radio Shack $49 digital camera :laugh:
This is about the best I can get........

[Trent]

Hey, for 49$, you can't expect much
;)
If you're interested, I could arrange to take some pictures for you.

And AJ, I've heard good things about the MyReef Creations products. That's great that you may be able to bring them in.
As my system expands, there's a good chance I'll get an MR-2.
:bablefish

[IJO]

I do plan on picking one up eventually... I just can't find the need ATM. (everything seems to be doing fine). If its not broken... don't fix it. If its blonde... errr nevermind :btong:

IJO

[Ocean Images]

Trent, your right for $49 you don't get much these days. The only reason I bought this was for pics on Ebay. This little camera works great for those..........ask this camera to get detail shots though and your pushin' your luck:D