A New Reefing Chapter Begins

I'll be over tomorrow to get that from you!  I will also have a check for the deposit on the state fair rental.

 

Well I have hit a snag on the project. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/crazy.gif  I have been working with Tim from Iowa Pet Food & Seascapes on getting the 300G DD tank from Marineland.  Come to find out, their machine that does the glass polishing is broken down and cannot be fixed.  So...they are supposedly getting a new machine and my tank won't be here for another 4 weeks; possibly longer.  Tim is still trying to get Marineland to give a firm date on when the tank will be done so I will update once I hear back.  Marineland is providing some compensation for the delay and Tim and Scott have been great about everything so I can't get too worked up about things.  Instead, I see it as extra time to work on the little things that would've been rushed had the tank arrived this week like it was supposed to.  Below are some of the things I want to work on.
1)  Epoxy the bottom part of the stand so it becomes a waterproof basin in case I have any leaks or spills from the tank or sump.
2)  Clean the dry rock and start thinking of how I want to aquascape the tank.
3)  Get the sump in place and operational.  It can hold over 100 gallons of water so I could actually start cycling some water and some rock in the sump while I wait for the tank.
4)  Build a new light rack similar to the one I got from JJ except build it to fit the AI modules between the halides.
5)  Improve my plumbing design.

 

Yep, I am going to use the AIs I had from my previous system.  For MH, I am going to use 2) 400W XM 20K bulbs.  The trick is to match the color temperature of the AIs to match up with the XM 20Ks.  Hopefully I can create a seamless transition of light across the tank.
Here's how I plan on installing the lights going across the tank.  LED|MH|LED|MH|LED

 

Since I got a question on the lights, I realized I didn't have any system specs posted when I started this thread.  Anyway better late than never! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif
System ProfileSystem Water Volume: 375 gallonsDisplay Tank: 300 gallon (72x36x27) Marineland Deep DimensionSump Tank: 75 gallon (72x36x16) custom acrylic by Aquatic System DesignSkimmer: ATB 1050A V1.5 (Rated for 480 gallons)Return Pump: ATB 4200 (Rated for 2662GPH @ 7')Water Movement: Three Tunze 6200s (5283GPH) and one Tunze 6105 (3434GPH)Lighting: Three AI SOL Blues and two 400W XM 20Ks on SLS Blue Wave ballasts and Lumenarc reflectorsATO System: Litermeter III with a 105 gallon vertical storage tankController: Neptune Systems ApexOther Equipment: Deltec KM500s kalk stirrer, Super Reef Octopus BR-110 bio pellet reactor, Finnex 500W deluxe titanium heaterSubstrate: 140lbs CaribSea Arag-Live special grade 1mm-2mm 

 

Thank you, Joe! I may take you up on that offer when my tank comes in. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/wink.gif I went with the ATB pump because I didn't want to use an external pump on the tank. JJ had one and it took up a lot of room on the side so this would have made my stand even longer than I wanted. Therefore, I needed a high output pump that can be ran internally. The ATB can be ran externally as well but I am choosing to go internal on this setup. You are right though. From a power consumption standpoint, I don't lose or gain anything when comparing to something similar like a Dart.

 

Finally!  I got an HVAC guy and an electrician that actually showed up for the job!  They did really good work and the rates were as good and better than many of the estimates I have received.  If anyone in the DSM area is looking for someone to help with their projects, give these guys a call.  Pro Plumbing Co. (515) 689-0833, ask for Lee.  Cruiser Electric (515) 202-1524, ask for Joe.
It was a two-part job since the HVAC guy didn't do any electrical work.  At first, he cut a hole on the vertical side of the bulkhead in the room because that's where I told him I wanted it.  The issue after he cut it was the outlet/duct of the fan wouldn't fit in there right due to the plumbing from the upstairs bathroom.  So he ended up putting it on the bottom side without issue.  The exhaust fan is a [class="Apple-style-span"]Renewaire V150[/class].  It uses a 6" duct and it is super quiet.  It is rated for 150CFM using 32 watts.


Here's what it looks like now.  I am going to patch the hole ASAP as I can't stand looking at it but it is better than looking at a hole in the wall.
Here's a view from the mechanical room of the air return that he put into the fish room.
Here's what it looks like from the fish room.  You can also see the humidistat mounted next to the door.
Here's an up close shot of the humidistat.  Right now, it isn't kicking on until I change the relative humidity to 35%.

 

Sure, it's DH100W.

 

Hey Matt, the fan and humidistat came from the HVAC guy.  On the receipt, it shows the fan was $180 and that is in line with what I am seeing online.  Link to fan

 

Thank you! It's been fun and not so fun. However, I am not going to let the negatives outweigh the positives. For example, this thread has been fun. Everyone has shared a lot of good info that will be beneficial to future build threads. 

 

I blame it all on you Bob! When I first got in the hobby, I got some red cap from you that grew like mad. I thought I was pretty successful and thought I could do anything after that point. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/biggrin.gif