75gal Build

[Wildman]

Thought I would post this over here even though it is probably the smallest tank in this club.

I have been slowly working on this for probably 6 months already and still have a ways to go. Having a baby sure slows down progress on your hobbies.

This build is pretty much all DIY and pieced together from some things I had and lots of help from locals. 75gal tank - MacClellan; 20gal tank for sump - Gladfelter; skimmer - Cory; overflow - Sluf. Rock, sand, pump I already had. LED lighting still in progress.

I decided after trying to silicone rocks to the back wall in my last build I would do a complete DIY background for this one. After some research I decided to go with cement that cured fast and would not raise the PH for months. I drilled the back of the tank to leave more room for display. I went with one full siphon with gate valve and one safety overflow then ran the return up and over the back. I decided on a 20gl tall for the sump for extra volume. DIYed all the baffles from scrap I had. I wanted to go with a manifold on my return which turned out pretty well. I did make a stupid mistake in planning the sump by making the return side so small. I was planning on doing an auto top off anyway and in 24 hrs I still have plenty of water. I just can't leave it for more than a day until I get the top off hooked up.

I know I know, no one cares just show the pics.

full tank shot

detailed background

sump

Return

 

[tangboy]

Interesting with the background with the little ledges etc and the GSP island on the overflow...

 

[MattN]

looking good man...you dont have the smallest tank i do i just have a 20g long for right now but working on a 40 breeder still going to be the smallest but nothing wrong with it they are all very unique in there own way...keep up the good work...i cant wait to get mine going...im bringing my 40 to the meeting this month were sulf is going to show me how to drill a tank..cant wait

 

[SLUF681]

Hey Travis! It's good to see you. I'm glad that overflow is working out. You should come to the meeting next Saturday in Maryville. Awesome group of guys and gals we got here. Let us know if you're interested and one of us will shoot you the address.

 

[Wildman]

Thanks guys. The GSP was the easiest way to cover the overflow. I could'nt move the tank around by myself to cover the overflow with the concrete mix.

Sluf, I keep an eye on all your meetings and if I am ever able to work it out I will definitely come out.

 

[SLUF681]

Good deal. Let us know when you can make one. If there's any particular weekend that you can make one, let us know also. We may be able to try and schedule one so you can attend.

 

[SLUF681]

So, how about an update?!?!?!?!?! How's that tank doing?

 

[Wildman]

Made some progress.

made screen top

LED build

LEDs:
12 Cree XP-G cool white
6 Cree XP-G neutral white
22 Cree XP-E royal blue
8 Violet UV
2 red Osram, 2 cyan cree, 2 green Cree
Lenses:
60 degree across the front to keep the light off the glass
80 degree on everything else
no optics on UV and color LEDs
Drivers:
2 Mean Well 60-1050
3 Mean Well 35-700
1 0-10V Dimmable Nano driver for the 6 colored LEDs
Everything came form Rapid LED. With what I spent I could have purchased two Chinese fully dimable fixtures. I think these LEDs are still supposed to be a little more efficient and I knew exactly what I was getting bin wise. I am extremely happy with the color ratio and see no need in adjusting. Hopefully I can get some pics that show the color temp appropriately.

Power connectors
I am really happy with the bulk head connectors. However, on my next build I will upgrade to a more industrial grade. The inside connectors you solder to are flimsy. The outside of the connectors and pins are just fine. I don't think it is a problem because I won't be disconnecting them very often, but if you were I think the inside connectors might bend and short out.

Groove for glass pane

box on outside of stand for drivers. I decided to move the power bars due to space restrictions.

Looks like I will have to study up on white balance correct for Iphone but here it is running about 70%.

 

[Wildman]

Light fixture wiring 90% complete.

 

[Wildman]

So, how about an update?!?!?!?!?! How's that tank doing?

Sorry Sluf. I just saw this and I check in every day or two. I went extremely slow but have what little livestock I have left all moved into the new tank. Everything seems to be adjusting well to the new light. Since I didn't go with dimable drivers I have two strings I'm not running yet to acclimate everything.

 

[ORchick]

Nice liking tank and fixture. Great idea on the lighting.

 

[Wildman]

I have been working on some safety features lately.

Super excited about this.

This is actually a double float switch. One float switch in sump to shut off skimmer after a power outage one float switch on a DIY skimmate container then a toggle switch to shut off skimmer during cleaning.