Vances 700 plywood build.

Vance · Dec 2, 2017

Anthony Mckay said:
I'm between 10 minds at the moment. Might go for the big tunze (think its the 9840) but can't seem to find any reviews about them

I'm not familiar with the tunze skimmers sorry... you peaked my curiosity and I found this review though!

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2038546

NeverlosT · Dec 2, 2017

Awesome tank and thanks for showing us some build pictures. Can you show more pictures of the filtration setup?

I am afraid that I was an early adopter of the Vectra L1 and I had one melt internally such that the plastic bubbled and started rubbing the impeller magnet. Ecotech overnighted me a new one, but like has been said, that is a real pain in the rear and if you are away at the time, potentially game over. The pump is strong, but it also heats up (even when run at 70%) and then its power seems diminished. If I turn it off for a water change and turn it back on once it is completely cool, it seems to run stronger.

Anyhow, for my money these days, I'd probably wait for the Neptune COR or just bite the bullet and get some red dragon speedys.

Keep it up, the tank looks great!

Vance · Dec 3, 2017

NeverlosT said:
Awesome tank and thanks for showing us some build pictures. Can you show more pictures of the filtration setup?

I am afraid that I was an early adopter of the Vectra L1 and I had one melt internally such that the plastic bubbled and started rubbing the impeller magnet. Ecotech overnighted me a new one, but like has been said, that is a real pain in the rear and if you are away at the time, potentially game over. The pump is strong, but it also heats up (even when run at 70%) and then its power seems diminished. If I turn it off for a water change and turn it back on once it is completely cool, it seems to run stronger.

Anyhow, for my money these days, I'd probably wait for the Neptune COR or just bite the bullet and get some red dragon speedys.

Keep it up, the tank looks great!

Oh those red dragons are expensive!!! I have considered just getting a few more dolphin pumps and just running them through some sea swirls. I'll have to see if I have the room up top for the swirls though...

Filtration is still kind of lacking, just one skimmer and some socks on the sump right now. Algae however has not been an issue, I clean the glass and do a 45 gallon water change once a week and that seems to work well so far! Here is the sump and a quick shot of the water change station (best thing I've ever made! Makes life sooooo easy, water changes are effortless and I don't even have to get my hands wet). The hose barbs are for a media reactor and calcium reactor, and one more skimmer will be added here soon.

Vance · Dec 3, 2017

I have decent camera again! Here are the fish and a couple new coral additions.

Herlock goni.

Lobo.

Fish

Everyone gets along so well! Hard to see the chevron in this pic but its in there and the only fish not in this pic is the Mandarin

Maculeceps, absolutlely LOVE THIS FISH!

And the camera hog.

NeverlosT · Dec 5, 2017

beautiful fish! I very much want a Maculeceps one of these days.

I hear you on the pump prices, it is crazy, and they aren't even the most pricey, look at Abyzz!

Also, I have WC-Station envy, I have gathered the parts to make one and need to find the time, they make life so much easier! I had one in my old house.

Keep up the great work, those look like happy fish and corals!

Daniel@R2R · Dec 5, 2017

This. Is. Awesome.

Ostentum · Dec 6, 2017

I would recommend reeflo pumps for a closed loop. I run a barracuda on my 260 which I have to dial way back with a ball valve and my skimmer is run by a dart gold. Skimmer is rated for 1300g old school reeflo or a 250 pro. I believe MRC took over the design if your looking for a larger skimmer

Clayton Jessup · Jan 10, 2018

What a amazing build Vance , this is amazing to see that size tank !

Vance · Jan 22, 2018

Well still waiting on loop pumps but I got another round of corals through QT and in the display!

FTS

Pearlberry, Mattv hornet, and garf bonsi.
These were pretty beat up when I got them but they made it through QT and are finally starting to show their true colors.