Dana Riddle's Laboratory/Tank Build

Dana Riddle · Jul 27, 2017

Here are some photos of the new laboratory/tank build. I've got about 150 hours in over the last 3 weeks and this is in addition to the contractor's time. Should start moving 80 boxes of lab equipment in to the room next week as well as the first aquarium - a 90-gallon reef-ready tank. Many thanks to the contributors to my Gofundme account! I've got the equipment but it didn't have a home - now it does thanks to your generosity! I'll keep you posted - lab equipment should start moving in this weekend!

jsker · Jul 27, 2017

Nice mud work

following

Rufus’ goofs · Jul 27, 2017

I'm excited to see this take shape. Roughing in, is always the funniest part!

Dana Riddle · Jul 27, 2017

jsker said:
Nice mud work following

None of us are professional drywall finishers (although we did a pretty good job hanging it.) The contractor conveniently had another job to do, so I was tasked with sanding and adding another skim coat. The wall is green board with a primer coat of Kilz followed by a finish coat of oil-based enamel. Should hold up well in a humid environment, although the new central AC plus a dehumidifier should keep it fairly dry. But if I never do another drywall job it will be too soon.

Dana Riddle · Jul 27, 2017

Ergodyne said:
I'm excited to see this take shape. Roughing in, is always the funniest part!

I'll be glad when construction/finishing is behind me. Can't wait to get the first reef up and going!

jsker · Jul 27, 2017

Dana Riddle said:
None of us are professional drywall finishers (although we did a pretty good job hanging it.) The contractor conveniently had another job to do, so I was tasked with sanding and adding another skim coat. The wall is green board with a primer coat of Kilz followed by a finish coat of oil-based enamel. Should hold up well in a humid environment, although the new central AC plus a dehumidifier should keep it fairly dry. But if I never do another drywall job it will be too soon.

It has taken me 34 years to figure out how to mud, and I agree

. Mudding is the hardest part of drywalling. looking forward to the rest of the build.

GoVols · Jul 27, 2017

jsker said:
looking forward to the rest of the build.

+1...

revhtree · Jul 27, 2017

Wow this is already looking awesome!

revhtree · Jul 27, 2017

Wow this is already looking awesome!

BigJohnny · Jul 28, 2017

[emoji106]. I need a gofundme!

Salty1962 · Jul 29, 2017

It's looking good Dana! Can't wait to get some info from it!

SDReefer · Jul 29, 2017

Can't wait to see how it turns out!!

Sharvey103 · Jul 30, 2017

Can't wait to see the final setup and the data you start generating!

Sharvey103 · Jul 30, 2017

Can't wait to see the final setup and the data you start generating!

Sharvey103 · Jul 30, 2017

Can't wait to see the final setup and the data you start generating!

Dana Riddle · Jul 30, 2017

Thanks everyone for the financial and moral support! Had hoped to move equipment in today but last minute holdups ruled the day. Tomorrow!

drawman · Jul 30, 2017

What do you plan on testing? Lights?

120reefkeeper · Jul 30, 2017

Definitely onboard for this one

Dana Riddle · Jul 30, 2017

drawman said:
What do you plan on testing? Lights?

Well, yes. Ocean Optics spectrometers will determine light quality. They can also analyze for coral fluorescence/reflectance/absorbance. A Li-Cor or Apogee quantum meter will determine PAR. A respirometer (along with a quantum meter and dissolved oxygen meter) can determine the minimum amount of light required by photosynthetic organisms. A PAM fluorometer can estimate the number of electrons flowing from Photosystem II to Photosystem I and determine the maximum amount of light needed (photo-saturation), too much light (photo-inhibition) as well as how excess energy is shunted away from photosystems (non-photochemical fluorescence quenching.) A chlorophyll meter can determine how zooxanthellate density/chlorophyll content is affected by light intensity/spectral quality. Various analytical devices (such as an electronic water velocity meter), combined with some of the instruments above, can tell us how alkalinity/nutrients/water motion affect photosynthesis. The possibilities are almost endless.

Dana Riddle · Aug 5, 2017

Things progressing slowly. Contractor completed plumbing Thursday, and the first aquarium moved in shortly thereafter. After leveling and shimming, plumbing was done and allowed to dry overnight. Filled with water - no leaks! This will be the show tank, with a 120 going in ASAP, and Rubbermaid tubs for frag grow out (Rule #1 of aquaculture - maintain at least 2 independent biological systems!)