My slow but fun progress....

[Nurse Payne]

So here are a few updates on my 300 gallon build...

I'm by no means a pro. My hubby built the stand and canopy and I designed the plumbing. I even made my own version of a modified stockman coz I didn't have room for a bean. It's silent so I'm happy and feel a little inventive

 

[Nurse Payne]

 

[H@rry]

Wow, that looks great! You're no novice at plumbing (with the unions around the pump). I can't be sure but I do want to mention it; is that electrical outlet GFIC protected?

A couple of questions:

How did you stick your rockwork together?
What are the two tanks on the floor for?
What lights are you using?
How tall is your ceiling?

Look forward to seeing your progress!

 

[Nurse Payne]

I haven't switched out the plug yet. I'm actually waiting to see if I've got to get my electrician out to wire it to a single breaker. If not, I can switch that out. I will be doing that ASAP tho. Just got the lights on last night so I'm waiting to plug everything in. I'm afraid it will be too much for my breaker?

I'm also thrilled you asked questions! I feel special. Let's see....

Rock work consisted of me INSIDE the tank for about 15 hours? Epoxy and zip ties with a made-as-I-went PVC support. I tried to hide everything. That middle piece and me didn't make for much wiggle room. It actually has lots of nooks and crannies and tons of dimension. The sides are mid tank and center branching piece is further back. You can't budge any of it. It took WAY too long to wet sand and buff that thing to have a tumbling rock mishap!

The lights are 4 of the Tao Tronics 165 watt LED's.

I have two sumps plumbed together, one for a fuge, one for a large skimmer.

The two tanks beside the stand are where I'm making up my saltwater. I look like a saltwater hoarder. I've got cans and tanks everywhere!!

 

[beaslbob]

agreed

Looks like the work of a very experienced reefer.

 

[Nurse Payne]

Thanks beaslbob .

Oops. I forgot. The ceiling is 20 feet so I've got lots of room to go "up". Maybe I can talk the hubby into a wall tank like those large aquariums in Atlanta? Baby steps. He's still freaking at the cost of some of this stuff.....

I hope I can host a reef meeting one of these days when my tank is finished cycling. I would still be happy to let people look now tho. Only reefers understand all the hard work it is. My friends think I've lost my mind coz every weekend I decline invitations coz I'm "working on my tank". Even passed up a full body massage (free at that) to sit inside the tank and wet sand. Yeah. I was "that" person. Obsess much?

 

[Tomoko Schum]

Looks great What is the dimension of your tank? It looks tall.

 

[Nurse Payne]

Thanks Tomoko. It is 72" X 30" X 36" tall. I don't think it's a standard, but I'm unsure? I bought it used and have had to completely redo everything! Now I have extra halides, power compacts, and 200 #'s of lava rock.

Sometimes I think I would've been better off buying new.

 

[Tomoko Schum]

Wow. I would need a scuba gear to maintain the tank :shocked:

 

[kpiotrowski]

Agreed, very nice and clean! question, those outlets under the tank, are they on a GFIC? something to consider now in the build procces.

 

[fishroomlady]

very, very impressive! A girl that knows plumbing - I can never seem to get it but maybe I'm slow. I think you definitely should be proud of your work.

 

[RocketCityReef]

Nice progress so far!

 

[Hassablad]

That I want to see..lol
Watch out for Lion fish when your swimming around their

 

[eric.battani]

One word ........ WOW!!!!!!!

 

[Nurse Payne]

Tomoko, I think I'm gonna need scuba gear too. I'm a little worried about trying to place frags later on.....I may have to get really good using those claw things?

I promise I will change out that plug ASAP. It's on my list that seems to get longer daily. I have had that Reeflo pump apart twice now and about to be a third time when the new impeller comes in.....That thing will be the death of me. Very proud I put those unions on now. I can't imagine what I would have done if it was all glued in.

Right now, we are in the middle of a sand storm....I added some water. Do you know how many 32 gallon Rubbermaid cans, empty 55 aquariums, and days it takes to make all that RO/DI?? How do people do this???

Thanks for all the compliments. You guys made me smile. I'm off to study and wait on this last 32 gallon can of RO/DI before I go to bed. Wish me luck and speed.....

 

[gcrawford]

The tank is looking awesome! I recommend a 2 step aluminum folding stool with the bar in front to lean on for servicing the tank. I use one for mine which really helps. Keep up the good work!

 

[kingb4c0]

Everything looks great but your rock scape is absolutely awesome! Good work!

 

[760mason]

Mine is going slower than yours. It looks looks great! Wife wants to kill me for my build....LOL

 

[760mason]

Holy vaulted ceiling!!! You got room for 1000 gallons +.:xd:

 

[Nurse Payne]

Mine is going slower than yours. It looks looks great! Wife wants to kill me for my build....LOL

LOL...Well, I am sure my husband knows the feeling! I've enjoyed every minute of it, but I don't think he has.

Great idea on the step stool, Crawford. If you have any tips on how to service everything without taking that canopy off, it would be much appreciated.