Build thread for 80 DBP rimless

cee · Feb 10, 2015

Thought I would try a build thread with my latest undertaking. Feedback is appreciated.

Originally this started out as an attempt to place a 60 cube on an oversized stand with the intent to upgrade in the future. I came to the realization that this might be my last foray into the hobby (I know, bite your tongue, you've heard this before blah, blah, blah) so I decided to go with the longer-term goal of a 80 gallon rimless tank (48" X 24" X 16").

I built the stand myself as I typically do as I can't stand (pardon the pun) the kinda cheesy stands I see offered commercially. My wife says if it doesn't look like furniture I can't put it in the house so after about $200 and many hours of labor I can usually produce a passable stand. If the tank isn't too deep I can get away with 3/4" oak plywood with a 3/4" solid oak front and trim it out. I use 2X2s in the corners for a little structural integrity (even though not necessary; I don't biscuit or use other fancy joints, just glue clamped). The bottom is typically using PVC shower pan liner although sometimes I put a 1/4" plywood bottom on it. I've found this to be extremely durable, easy to install and better than Red Guard or other sealers over wood. I typically leave the back unsupported in the middle unless the tank exceeds 4' in length and then I put a removable center section in. I'm somewhat lazy so I use the poly/stain combo products and get a good color and seal after 2 coats. Below is a picture of the current stand, sans aquarium, with the lights:

cee · Feb 10, 2015

The lights, as you can likely tell, are Ocean Revive. I got a deal on the remote-controlled T247 although I'm fine with the old-fashioned S026 that uses potentiometers for intensity control and requires external timers. I like to tinker so I'm not a fan of the fancy controllers, electronics, etc., although I generally make my living dealing with that sort of thing. But I digress...

I like the OR fixtures because they use 10k and above LEDs. This wasn't always the case; I used to have to "upgrade" the LEDs to my liking. Also, I like the way the LEDs are spread out as they give better coverage than the competing fixtures that cram 55 or so bulbs in the minimum amount of space.

Where's the tank you ask? That is pending. Since I had to go with a RR version, I'm going to have to cut a hole in my stand and live with the vendor's overflow. I prefer an overflow in the back of the tank but for a bunch of different reasons that wasn't possible. If anyone wants bulkheads and an overflow I have one for sale LOL.

cee · Feb 10, 2015

I guess the next logical piece of the puzzle is the sump. When I shut the other tank down, no one would take me up on my offer to sell a 40 breeder cheap. Therefore I'm left with that. Fortunately (or perhaps by subconscious design), the 40 breeder fits nicely under the stand. I thought I'd try making arrangements to include a refugium in this system so I added baffles. Acrylic cut to size and siliconed in with the GE stuff HD and Lowes sells (supposed to bond acrylic to glass) and I ended up with this:

cee · Feb 10, 2015

The skimmer I found off of ebay, had to buy it new even though I prefer used (it's a piece of plastic and a pump, after all). Got a good price so no complaints. I would have preferred a bubble blaster or whatever CoralVue is calling their skimmer pumps these days but ended up with an "Aquatrance" skimmer pump (who dreams up these names or what do they smoke at night because I apparently need some of that) instead and the specs looked good. Anyway, it is borderline in my opinion as I favor significantly over-skimming in my tanks but should suffice and gives me an excuse to upgrade in the future. Low and behold an NW-150 or some such nonsense (looks kinda puny compared to what I'm used to but this is only 80 gallons):

cee · Feb 10, 2015

What else? I like lots of water movement (after all, I'm trying to simulate reef-crest type conditions although I'll never come anywhere close in my aquarium) but don't like to cause too many Sahara-like shifting sands so I thought I'd try these out for size. They seem to be about the right flow rate without overpowering such a shallow tank so I can still have my sand and not bury corals every other time each powerhead blasts full power.

cee · Feb 10, 2015

Finally, for today, the dead LR is cooking. I always start out with Pukani (so nice and light but full of dead sponges, starfish, who knows what else) but put it in a hydrochloric acid bath first (dissolve the outer layer off a bit) followed by a lanthanum chloride treatment to precipitate out the phosphorus. It has worked well for me in the past and minimizes the nuisance algae problems in the beginning. Add a small piece of real LR from the LFS and let it steep for a couple of weeks. Needs a water change as the organic compounds from the LR are coloring the water but it should be ready in about a week:

cee · Feb 10, 2015

If people find this interesting / useful / controversial I'll continue to update otherwise I'll get the hint and drop it altogether.

Dave

ZIGGY63 · Feb 10, 2015

Looking good, I'm going to try those ocean revive fixture

Esage · Feb 10, 2015

Those 80g shallows are really nice, can't wait to see it up and running.

KJ · Feb 10, 2015

Looking good Dave.

Rob.D · Feb 10, 2015

Awesome build so far Dave, I find the factory ReefOctopus skimmer pumps to be insanely inefficient.

BTW, I like the shower pan liner

cee · Feb 11, 2015

Rob.D said:
I find the factory ReefOctopus skimmer pumps to be insanely inefficient.

Great, already something that will have to be replaced...

Chriscrna · Feb 11, 2015

I'm interested in watching this progress. I will eventually build one myself and love to see how others do it.

Jmcdaniel0 · Feb 11, 2015

cee said:
Great, already something that will have to be replaced...

This has been my experience as well.

cee · Feb 11, 2015

Jmcdaniel0 said:
This has been my experience as well.

Yeah, I checked a bit. The OTP pumps that they used to put on these skimmers were garbage; I had one of those once. This Aquatrance AQ-2000S on my skimmer claims to pull 25 scfh which, although not as good as a Bubble Blaster 3000 at around 34 scfh, isn't too bad. When I ran it with vinegar it was pretty frothy but time will ultimately tell.

Dave

Ole Man · Feb 11, 2015

Looking good Dave,I got your PM the other night sorta looks like that but can't say for sure.I'll get a picture to ya ASAP and I'll be watching this build so don't stop,glad to see you starting back up...:wink:

cee · Feb 11, 2015

Ole Man said:
Looking good Dave,I got your PM the other night sorta looks like that but can't say for sure.I'll get a picture to ya ASAP and I'll be watching this build so don't stop,glad to see you starting back up...:wink:

If it is what I think it is then I'm first in line for a frag!!! It is truly a gem!!! The guy I sold the colony to lost it and I'm not sure yet if my original source still has it (he's gotten into the business end of the hobby).

Dave