[sponsored] Project 70 by Elder1945 75g

Elder1945 · Jan 22, 2019

lbacha said:
I think the dry side just plugs into the control board so I may be able to open the controller unplug it route it into my box then plug it back into the control board and put the case back on. I want to look at the plug as well since I may need a little more length so I may need to make an extension for them

I would like to make a in line plug around 4' from the pumps back into a water resistant connector. This would add the ability to extend the cables if need. I have a extra MP10 QD sitting around and will give it a go soon.

lbacha · Jan 22, 2019

Elder1945 said:
I would like to make a in line plug around 4' from the pumps back into a water resistant connector. This would add the ability to extend the cables if need. I have a extra MP10 QD sitting around and will give it a go soon.

I know the case comes apart easily as I added a wireless card to one of mine. I didn’t look at the dry side plug but they sell a new dry side as a plug and play option so it should be fairly standard (I read it’s a 10 pin molex connector) if that’s the case it should be an easy conversion

Elder1945 · Jan 22, 2019

lbacha said:
I know the case comes apart easily as I added a wireless card to one of mine. I didn’t look at the dry side plug but they sell a new dry side as a plug and play option so it should be fairly standard (I read it’s a 10 pin molex connector) if that’s the case it should be an easy conversion

Yes I think it will be quick to do. I kinda wonder why it does not have a plug on it... Same as the Nero 5 although the controller for the Nero is quite small.

siggy · Jan 22, 2019

Project is looking Good, I like those power cables NAIAS Auto Show is going on, you do much of that anymore?
I use these for over-sized connectors/cables. You could get the proper size to squeeze the drive threw.

Elder1945 · Jan 22, 2019

siggy said:
Project is looking Good, I like those power cables NAIAS Auto Show is going on, you do much of that anymore?
I use these for over-sized connectors/cables. You could get the proper size to squeeze the drive threw.

These are cool.... I will use something like this on my next build

Thanks for sharing.

Elder1945 · Jan 26, 2019

Finishing a few things with the Orphek's.

I mounted the antenna inside the light and after a few tests seems to work just fine. It is a overall cleaner look.

Elder1945 · Jan 26, 2019

Ekoral sent me over ther doser and needed to mount it somewhere accessible and clean.

I decided to mount it on the back of the system.

This was unexpected as it comes with a nice holder for the dosing tubes.

It worked out quite well and end up mounting another If needed.

I hope to have the tank in my home in the next week or so.

I am setting up all the support equipment and QT in the next week or so aswell.

Should have water in the tank in the next 4 weeks or so we will see

.

Elder1945 · Jan 27, 2019

Had to do some mods to the somatic sump. I am flipping it around to give me more room for equipment.

Also needed to fit the Roller from d-d. No more filter socks

Now I will have to make a adjustable baffle but have way more room now.

dantimdad · Jan 27, 2019

Believe me you will love the one power cord setup. I did mine that way and it was a great decision.

I would like to see more detail on how you did the LEDs in the legs. If you don't mind.

Elder1945 · Jan 29, 2019

dantimdad said:
Believe me you will love the one power cord setup. I did mine that way and it was a great decision.

I would like to see more detail on how you did the LEDs in the legs. If you don't mind.

What would you like to know?

dantimdad · Jan 29, 2019

Elder1945 said:
What would you like to know?

What size led strip?

Did you route a dado to put them in?

What did you cover them with?

You asked...

Elder1945 · Jan 29, 2019

What size led strip?

I use custom ones made for my other business there is nothing special about them but they are UL and IP65. Any decent RGB LED strip off amazon would work. I think most are 1/2" wide by 15 feet. You can buy quick connects for them to cut and extend around anything if needed. I solder all my connections but this is not needed.
(https://www.amazon.ca/Lights-Waterp...d=1548780903&sr=8-3&keywords=amazon+led+strip)
(https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07M6D5DSH...&pd_rd_r=a506631f-23e6-11e9-8b12-b5a7828cf626)

Did you route a dado to put them in?

Yes and no.... The LED's in the legs are placed on the steel stand. The wood that surrounds the stand was made 1" larger then the steel so that left a channel or Dato to put the LED's in. I do my best to leave a minimum of 1/2" from the face of anything when lighting things up to help spread the light and cut down on hot spots.

What did you cover them with?

The first layer that is closest to the LED is just 1/8" clear acrylic. it then has a white film placed on the outside furthest away from the LED's (this is to better reflect the light as the cover is black). The last layer is a 1/8" black PVC that is glued to the acrylic. I could have used wood or anything that is opaque but the black seemed to work just fine.

dantimdad · Jan 29, 2019

Elder1945 said:
What size led strip?

I use custom ones made for my other business there is nothing special about them but they are UL and IP65. Any decent RGB LED strip off amazon would work. I think most are 1/2" wide by 15 feet. You can buy quick connects for them to cut and extend around anything if needed. I solder all my connections but this is not needed.
(https://www.amazon.ca/Lights-Waterp...d=1548780903&sr=8-3&keywords=amazon+led+strip)
(https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07M6D5DSH...&pd_rd_r=a506631f-23e6-11e9-8b12-b5a7828cf626)

Did you route a dado to put them in?

Yes and no.... The LED's in the legs are placed on the steel stand. The wood that surrounds the stand was made 1" larger then the steel so that left a channel or Dato to put the LED's in. I do my best to leave a minimum of 1/2" from the face of anything when lighting things up to help spread the light and cut down on hot spots.

What did you cover them with?

The first layer that is closest to the LED is just 1/8" clear acrylic. it then has a white film placed on the outside furthest away from the LED's (this is to better reflect the light as the cover is black). The last layer is a 1/8" black PVC that is glued to the acrylic. I could have used wood or anything that is opaque but the black seemed to work just fine.

I was figuring as much. I solder mine too.

Clever on not having to specifically dado the wood.

Thanks for the reply!

Elder1945 · Jan 29, 2019

dantimdad said:
I was figuring as much. I solder mine too.

Clever on not having to specifically dado the wood.

Thanks for the reply!

Any time... If you ever have questions let me know I will do my best to help replicate or help people take inspiration.

dantimdad · Jan 29, 2019

What is your opinion on using PVC sheet to mount power head controllers and such to it?
I am really not happy with the finish on my control board and was thinking about white or very pale gray PVC about 3/8" thick.

It will have to span 23"

Elder1945 · Jan 29, 2019

dantimdad said:
What is your opinion on using PVC sheet to mount power head controllers and such to it?
I am really not happy with the finish on my control board and was thinking about white or very pale gray PVC about 3/8" thick.

It will have to span 23"

PVC is a amazing material and is what these are made of (https://www.marinedepot.com/search?tag=marine-depot-controller-boards#/results:products)

You can also paint most of the PVC sheets that are out there.. The only issue that I have with most of the stuff that is out there is that it is softer then I like. This is because most of the PVC sheets that exists are made for flat bed printing and not for building anything out of. We actually have PVC made for us but we order a few skids of it at a time a few hundred sheets

.

That all said even the softer stuff works quite well.

dantimdad · Jan 29, 2019

Thanks again!

As far as soft, the 1/4" I have isn't too bad. I was sent a small sample of 1/2" and I could compress it a bit with my fingers. So I will not be using that brand.

I really do like the way PVC machines. I have used a table saw, router, hand saw and drills and it works great.