OT - Rickztah's Low Iron 22g SW Tank Update 11/28

[rickztahone]

I just wanted to start a new thread on this build so that I have an OP with an equipment list and everything is easier to find

As the title states, this will be a Peninsula tank. It is only 22g, but with rockwork it should be much closer to 15g. I'm hoping to offset that a bit with a larger sump.

So, here are the specs:


Tank:

Mr. Aqua 22g Long (Low Iron) - 36x12x12




Light:

Maxspect Razor 16k 160w



Filtration:

Bean Animal side mount overflow

Sump 30g Eshopps - 30x16x12

Skimmer Eshopps S-120

DC-12000 Swapping this out for a DC-3000

DC-3000 This will be the second DC-3000 to serve as redundancy.

3 Way Manifold - will probably end up being run by the second DC-3000

Siporax in eggcrate for bio



Chiller:

Customsealife 1/5 HP



Water movement:

MP20



Water Treatment - RO/DI & ATO

Spectapure 90gpd unit

JBJ ATO - will probably replace this with a Tunze soon enough



Dosing:

Still debating on which brand to go with



Stocking:

1 Pair of Designer Clownfish. Toss up between Frostbite / Phantom / Premium Black Snowflake (Amphiprion ocellaris)



Additional Equipment:

TFL Phosban 150 reactor

BRS GFO & Carbon Dual Reactor

2x STC-1000 - Controllers for heater/chiller and box fans for stand



I like to overthink things and love paying attention to detail on builds, this is why this has taken me well over a year to even get to this stage. I have 80% of all the equipment needed.

As many of you may know, I love DIY, and the one thing that is left is the stand which is where I usually drain all my money in to, lol. I don't plan on doing that this time and will try to keep it simple yet still look good.

I hope you follow along this new venture with me :)


Here is a pic of the equipment so far:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/26782685692_fdfe8c046f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GNGgmY)DSC08431 (https://flic.kr/p/GNGgmY) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7478/26271809683_e50908f596_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G2xTHV)DSC08432 (https://flic.kr/p/G2xTHV) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/26286967103_32c67f32ed_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G3TzuK)DSC08435 (https://flic.kr/p/G3TzuK) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[rickztahone]

As I said , I love DIY. I chose to do my own overflow and drill and cut my own glass. Here's how that went at first:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/26782686032_3b7fde8418_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GNGgsQ)DSC08395 (https://flic.kr/p/GNGgsQ) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/26271811263_3c91b5e6b1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G2xUca)DSC08397 (https://flic.kr/p/G2xUca) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

That was fun :(

Here's my second try:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/26271810443_d00f2a9b6f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G2xTX2)DSC08487 (https://flic.kr/p/G2xTX2) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7763/26782684822_fd63c08866_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GNGg6Y)DSC08492 (https://flic.kr/p/GNGg6Y) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/26782686532_a51727c0ba_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GNGgBs)1 Hole - 2 Hole - 3 Hole (https://flic.kr/p/GNGgBs) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

I also tried to cut the glass myself, however, that was a complete and utter fail. I bought a cutting wheel, running pliers and oil but just couldn't get it to work. A quick tip for those that are planning on getting the equipment to cut their own glass, just save your money and leave it to the pros. They charged me $2.50 per cut and it came out much cheaper for them to do it than it did for me to get the equipment to cut. lesson learned.

Here is how the panes look once cut to the measurements I specified:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/26271809873_f303769c10_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G2xTMc)DSC08495 (https://flic.kr/p/G2xTMc) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Everything siliconed in to place:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7633/26270645964_dc74cc8fd5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G2rVMN)DSC08496 (https://flic.kr/p/G2rVMN) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7614/26270646114_1dca34893d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G2rVQo)DSC08497 (https://flic.kr/p/G2rVQo) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7653/26271809353_33281d694a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G2xTCe)DSC08499 (https://flic.kr/p/G2xTCe) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Sorry about the mess in the tank. I was pretty tired at this point and even taking that out and putting it back in wasn't appealing, lol.

[rickztahone]

If for whatever reason anyone is curious of the sizes of the cut panes, here's this:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/26271810773_c845328743_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G2xU3H)DSC08437 (https://flic.kr/p/G2xU3H) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
the top piece will serve as a lid for the overflow setup

Also, this shot shows the difference between low iron and regular glass if anyone is curious about the difference between the two:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7703/26782685182_7410eb2092_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GNGgdb)DSC08438 (https://flic.kr/p/GNGgdb) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[rickztahone]

I will say one thing about the shattered glass pic of me drilling. There were a couple of things that I did that could have easily prevented this disaster. First, the bottom was unsupported. If you check out the pics of the successful drilling, there is a plywood piece as well as 1/4" Styrofoam piece when you drill through. Also, in the failed attempt, I forgot to lower the chuck to 1. When I hit full speed, it shattered immediately. Going slow at first on 1 will not allow you to go faster than you need to be. Once I got the groove going, I upped the drill to 3. Never really went full speed, because I decided to take my time because the small pane could have easily cracked because of the close proximity of the holes.

[rickztahone]

As I said, going bare bottom with this tank. Painted the tank bottom with Rustoleum textured paint and added flat white in to the mix to better look like reef sand. I have been using this textured paint for years and love how it looks. It gives a good balance between BB and sand, at least I think it does. Better than no paint IMHO.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7601/26805341002_eebd7f7725_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GQGnZL)DSC08501 (https://flic.kr/p/GQGnZL) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7637/26805340822_f498709f1a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GQGnWE)DSC08502 (https://flic.kr/p/GQGnWE) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
After a good round of masking

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/26805340862_e743caaf20_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GQGnXm)DSC08503 (https://flic.kr/p/GQGnXm) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
and done

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/26805340482_198cd695df_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GQGnQN)DSC08504 (https://flic.kr/p/GQGnQN) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

It will look better from the inside, I promise :)

Next I am going to try to make my own lid out of acrylic. Does anyone know, can you use a jig-saw on acrylic?

[Discus-n00b]

I am excited for this. Great craftsmanship. Love the idea of painting the outside bottom, gives me an idea for my next tank.

[rickztahone]

I am excited for this. Great craftsmanship. Love the idea of painting the outside bottom, gives me an idea for my next tank.

Thx Matt. I should also mention that I will be painting the overflow box white but I won't paint it until I get the actual paint for the stand and use that so that it matches perfectly

[Bala de Plata]

Great recovery there Ricardo, looking pretty sweet!

[zchauvin]

Very nice so far Ricardo. Looking good.

[rickztahone]

A fellow RC member was nice enough to give me some extra acrylic he had. I had originally intended to use the acrylic as baffles but then I thought I may just make a tank lid out of it.

Originally I was going to use glass as a top but I cringed at the idea of possibly dropping the lid and it shattering inside the tank. I didn't want to use a whole piece of acrylic because it bows badly. So, I figured I'd try to make a lid which just had the edges and use fishing line to prevent jumpers. So far I have just done the cut out but still need to drill the holes and buy the fishing line.

Also, I need to buy 2 more clips because the way it sits still bows in the middle. Of course there is no telling if all of these things will prevent it from bowing regardless, but I will cross that bridge when I get there. For now, this will be my temp solution and it came at no extra cost, so why not?

Here are the pics of it in progress:

This is the way the tank looks with the painted bottom btw:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/26887736711_2de7903172_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GXYFnr)DSC08505 (https://flic.kr/p/GXYFnr) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7678/26861979112_5e45e509ae_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GVGEwU)DSC08509 (https://flic.kr/p/GVGEwU) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

So first I cut the acrylic sheet down to size and make sure it fits:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7687/26922560996_b6a6721289_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H24aq9)DSC08510 (https://flic.kr/p/H24aq9) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

This is what we started with:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7751/26922561596_25043a0f6d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H24aAu)DSC08511 (https://flic.kr/p/H24aAu) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

All areas marked off. The inner lines represent where I will clamp down a T-ruler and give enough space for blade clearance. Notice I marked little tic marks. Those represent where I would stop with the drop in circular saw so that I could round those corners. Worked out fine:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/26861979412_2b6f648559_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GVGEC5)DSC08512 (https://flic.kr/p/GVGEC5) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Drop ins done and now time for the jig saw. When cutting acrylic with a jig saw, find the finest blade you can and it would go through acrylic like butter:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/26887736491_3627ba112e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GXYFiD)DSC08513 (https://flic.kr/p/GXYFiD) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

All done:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/26861979352_fe4ee64a2a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GVGEB3)DSC08514 (https://flic.kr/p/GVGEB3) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Here's the lid on the tank:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/26351822823_f848171076_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/G9BYQP)DSC08515 (https://flic.kr/p/G9BYQP) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

So, few things, I wish I would have marked the outside white paper to do the cutting. I had taken it off initially because there were areas of the acrylic that were cut. I didn't want to use a cut section so I peeled one side off to check which area to use. Then, I didn't want to place the unpeeled side down in fear of scratching it so I marked on that side. Now, I cannot get the marks off by wiping it away. I will have to sand it off I suppose. No biggie, but lesson learned.

I still need to clean the edges as well, but I ran out of time.

Later this week I will make a jig to drill all the holes and get the fishing line to finish this little project. Hope you liked ;)

[zchauvin]

Looking good man.

[Rapture]

Looks great, I love watching DIY projects.

[Altum Nut]

I would say your off to a promising DIY project. That is pretty thick glass to have cut on your own and you nailed it.
A friend told me the best way to cut glass is on a rubber blanket/mat but your method worked out just fine.
Great work my friend and will follow this project build to the end.

...Ralph

[Discus-n00b]

Can't wait to see it wet. Find something like bird netting at the hardware store, would be easier than trying to weave something yourself with fishing line, maybe that is what you mean anyway.....just trying to save you some work lol

[brewmaster15]

Ricardo,

Looking great...really great. You've done an awesome job documenting the build out too. I'm enjoying this one alot.

Going to be a sweet love nest for those clowns!

Al

[DJW]

Ricardo, if you like working with acrylic you should look into getting a router table. Most of the techniques used in woodworking can be applied to acrylic and you can get perfect lines and curves, as well as smoothing cut edges with small round-over bits and flush trim bits. Not that expensive. Here is a video showing a simple cut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwbudpl0Wqo

[rickztahone]

Ricardo, if you like working with acrylic you should look into getting a router table. Most of the techniques used in woodworking can be applied to acrylic and you can get perfect lines and curves, as well as smoothing cut edges with small round-over bits and flush trim bits. Not that expensive. Here is a video showing a simple cut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwbudpl0Wqo

Thanks Dan. I have been looking at doing my own DIY router table. I have a router but it is an old one and handling bare handed is tough. I will try to do it soon, but for now, this will have to work. I only needed it to keep the fish in. When I take pictures they will all be done without a top :)


To everyone else, thank you for following along. It has been a fun build so far. When it comes to the stand though, that is where stuff gets interesting ;)

[Discus-n00b]

Reef Savvy who? How much to hire Ricardo for my next build? ;)

[rickztahone]

Reef Savvy who? How much to hire Ricardo for my next build? ;)

Lol, my goal is always to document a build so well that when I finish people could say, "if that guy did it, so can I!" Most of the time, I am doing these things for the very first time. First time drilling, first time cutting (failed though, lol), first time dropping in a saw to acrylic haha. All of these things are just forum learned things and again, if I can go through the motions of doing something, I'm sure others can too.

I still feel you can drill that tank on your own. Go to Petco and get yourself a $10 10g tank and practice drilling. Once you feel confident, move on to your tank. I can outline it perfectly for you if you ever decide to do it.

[rickztahone]

I had previously done a mock-scape and was advised to keep it lower away from the water line. I had some time to mess around with the rocks today and was kind of happy with the turn out. Not completely happy with it but it is getting there. The "ledge" on the right will be a littler higher by being glued somehow and this will hopefully cover my return lines. The scape would be flipped and the right would be closest to the overflow, I just didn't want to flip the whole tank to work on it. Let me know what you think:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/26393805703_d7f80c2fb2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Gdk9Tz)DSC08542 (https://flic.kr/p/Gdk9Tz) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/26997579885_f0d3888428_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H8FDVg)DSC08545 (https://flic.kr/p/H8FDVg) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[Discus-n00b]

I like it but feel that middle rock may be out of place. Don't have a better suggestion for it but I like two rock piles and the channel in between. This tank has always fascinated me, and that's why I think I like two piles and a channel. Nice sense of depth.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__5D3lMxYVP8/S9HbxywCh8I/AAAAAAAAADc/0UYwu_sQUk4/s1600/cp-farm-japanese-reef-tank.jpg

[rickztahone]

That's pretty cool Matt, good suggestion

[rickztahone]

Added more height and only used 2 islands:
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/26396497863_0bd5f74fa6_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GdyXb8)20160513_190708 (https://flic.kr/p/GdyXb8) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Thoughts?

[Second Hand Pat]

Ricardo, see that one long rock on the right hand side. Perhaps you might consider arranging the two groups so that one long rock just goes behind the left most group a little while still keeping the channel effect. My idea with this is to draw the eye into the tank while creating a sense of depth.
Pat

[rickztahone]

Ricardo, see that one long rock on the right hand side. Perhaps you might consider arranging the two groups so that one long rock just goes behind the left most group a little while still keeping the channel effect. My idea with this is to draw the eye into the tank while creating a sense of depth.
Pat

I kind of get what you are saying. The tank wall behind it is kind of close though. Remember, it will be a peninsula tank so it has to be visually pleasing from both sides....hmmmm...

[rickztahone]

I finally found it! Before I ever got started or even interested in SW tanks, I remember seeing this video:

https://youtu.be/hqcI3nc4HOw

I saw that vid and said, "wow, such a small tank but such beautiful inhabitants". That was the spark. I'm so glad I found it because I remember asking so many people about that video and no one knew what the heck I was talking about. Ironically enough, the tank shows a depictions of what I had in my head to recreate. Whether that be because I saw this video once and it was ingrained in my head or not, I do not mind the direction I have taken ;)

[Bala de Plata]

That's an awesome nano right there,glad you found it again and shared. Looks like it has a Mame overflow too. Love to try one of those but will have to wait til my little girl doesn't have little grabby hands..

[Discus-n00b]

I wouldn't mind doing something similar to my small tank after I upgrade. Whenever that is.

[rickztahone]

That's an awesome nano right there,glad you found it again and shared. Looks like it has a Mame overflow too. Love to try one of those but will have to wait til my little girl doesn't have little grabby hands..
yup, Mame overflow. I like those but felt that a glass inner overflow may be even better at keeping EVERYTHING out of the DT. However, the only problem I foresee is how to keep snail/nems out of my overflow without some kind of guard. I have a guard on my 75g but this would be unsightly in this build. Will ponder this a bit.


I wouldn't mind doing something similar to my small tank after I upgrade. Whenever that is.

Soon hopefully Matt! :)

[Discus-n00b]

I'm trying to juggle allocation of funds for reef upgrade, camera upgrade, and computer monitor upgrade Ricardo. I want them all so deciding what comes first second and third is the tough part.....the struggle is real.

I think Torch corals may be more interesting than hammers, just shape wise. They seem to be a bit longer and flow more like anemones IMO.

[rickztahone]

While I agree with you WRT the torch being more interesting, I don't want to put too many in my tank simply because of their sweeper tentacles. They get rather long and I don't want to risk stinging. Of course they would be off on their own little island, but still.

[Discus-n00b]

True, they wouldn't be the best for the long tank, but in a species tank I would put torch over hammer. I think Hammers would be the better choice for your tank especially in different color forms!

[rickztahone]

True, they wouldn't be the best for the long tank, but in a species tank I would put torch over hammer. I think Hammers would be the better choice for your tank especially in different color forms!

My thought exactly. I can get my hands on a rare yellow bali hammer. Also want some purple and neon green variants.

I ordered my bh's strainers as well as some loc line. This is one part of the build that I had to actually compromise with my vision of what I consider "clean", but oh well, compromises must be made. With that said, the loc line will get in the way of the screen top I made, so 1 of 2 things will happen, I will scrap it completely, or, I will cut the one I have and see if I can weld it. However, I am thinking of not welding because it would have to be joined, cut on cut side which I do not believe it would adhere well. We shall see once the time comes. For now, I am holding off on the fish line since I do not want to go through the hassle of threading twice.

[rickztahone]

Had some time to work on the tank today. Mainly focused on putting the overflow in place. Also, I put in place a white piece of acrylic inside the outer overflow so that when you see the tank from the other end, you can only see white. I added a slight grade on the inner overflow so that the water goes over the overflow more quietly.



Didn't have time do much else :(
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/27171082805_eac5d1fcde_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hp1UhV)DSC08747 (https://flic.kr/p/Hp1UhV) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/27075897182_ec1ac45ddc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HfB3Vu)DSC08749 (https://flic.kr/p/HfB3Vu) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7781/26565164834_e285202d74_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GttpZm)DSC08750 (https://flic.kr/p/GttpZm) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/27171082525_7bd5c61382_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hp1Ud6)DSC08751 (https://flic.kr/p/Hp1Ud6) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/27171082445_018380d69c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hp1UbH)DSC08753 (https://flic.kr/p/Hp1UbH) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[Discus-n00b]

Looks really good! Let me/us know how that grade in the overflow works once it starts running.

[Debow]

Looks great Rick, I like the over flow idea.

[rickztahone]

I have a question I am hoping someone can help me out with.

I am looking at the Reefkeeper controller option. BRS has a great price on the RKL SL2 package. However, it only come with one bar (4 ports). I am wondering, do I really need another bar to run the crucial system operations?

I don't plan on hooking up the light to it since it is controlled on its own.

I could also have the ATO not be connected directly, its a JBJ one but would like to use it if it is more reliable via the RK.

I also have a skimmer (not sure if I need to have this directly connected to the bar?).

What else would I need to crucially need connected to the bar?

Also, I noticed that one of the differences between the Lite Elite and the BRS Lite SL2 Kit is a System Lab X for one and a System Lab 2 for the other. Does anyone know what the difference between those are?

On paper the SL2 Kit looks like a better deal minus the 1 missing bar and whatever the difference between the Lab X and Lab 2 is.

Help?

Here's the link to the item:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reefkeeper-lite-controller-salinity-package-digital-aquatics.html?gclid=CKnPx-DX8MwCFc5hfgodzbYEbA

Oh, and before anyone suggests it, I cannot afford the Apex and not sure that I would like to purchase it down the line either. I'm fine with simply spending the $159.99 with this system with their $100 deal.

[rickztahone]

I just had a "dug" moment. The system Lab X would be the regular module and the System Lab 2 would be the SL2 module. Good one Rick....

My other questions still stand though :)

[Discus-n00b]

Just to give you an idea, on my Apex I let it control power head, skimmer, my hob filter/fuge(N/A your case), Kalk pump if I'm running at the time, ATO, and lights. Most are just an on/off type of control except for power head really. Actual light programming is controlled through the light itself. It allows me to just login to the browser page and cut power to everything if doing a WC then turn back on after without physically hitting a bunch of rocker switches one by one. Not sure if reef keeper is capable of this as I've never used one but it's just how mine is operated.

I've still yet to really dive into full control but I don't have that many things that need real fine control at the moment. My heater does have a program on when temp hits X, off when temp hits Y. When I run Kalk drop same thing, pump on if pH hits X off when it hits Y

[rickztahone]

Just to give you an idea, on my Apex I let it control power head, skimmer, my hob filter/fuge(N/A your case), Kalk pump if I'm running at the time, ATO, and lights. Most are just an on/off type of control except for power head really. Actual light programming is controlled through the light itself. It allows me to just login to the browser page and cut power to everything if doing a WC then turn back on after without physically hitting a bunch of rocker switches one by one. Not sure if reef keeper is capable of this as I've never used one but it's just how mine is operated.

I've still yet to really dive into full control but I don't have that many things that need real fine control at the moment. My heater does have a program on when temp hits X, off when temp hits Y. When I run Kalk drop same thing, pump on if pH hits X off when it hits Y

A RKL can do all of these things as well. The only difference I believe is that the Apex is fully integrated to wi-fi which enables you to access these things via cpt/phone, one thing that the RKL lacks. In all honesty that is more of a luxury that I do not need.

With that said, someone mentioned to me a controller I had never heard of and it has piqued my interest quite a bit. The Reef Angel. Heard of it?

However, it would require me to write code although the wizard code generator seems very intuitive. Thoughts?

[rickztahone]

Got updates coming tomorrow everyone and it will be a good one :)

[two utes]

Got updates coming tomorrow everyone and it will be a good one :)

What a great project...thanks for sharing. Cant wait to see whats coming
up next.

[rickztahone]

As promised, I was able to start my stand build today. Went with premium pine wood for easier time painting it. Very easy wood to work with and I am glad I spent the few extra bucks for it. Went with pocket holes via Kreg Jig for most of it except for side pieces.

I hope you like :)

Fresh cuts from Home Depot. Started with all 48" pieces but cut them down myself. I don't really trust HD cutting. I made the stand 44" tall and there's a reason it is so tall which I will explain later.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7453/26710892074_b2f3e31a47_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmiBY)DSC08868 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmiBY) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

I was drawing the lines that will show me the recessed section of the stand. These are my guide for lining up the side panels.
https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7665/27318060655_da379d7e77_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cFM)DSC08875 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cFM) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Prepping for Kreg Jig
https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7380/27043090550_037fb29090_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HcGUDU)DSC08876 (https://flic.kr/p/HcGUDU) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Done with Kreg Jig :)
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7193/27318060555_fa3550b363_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cE4)DSC08877 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cE4) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Now these were much thinner than all the rest. Reason being was that if I went with 1x4's like I did for all others, I wouldn't have too much side panel access, probably 2" max. By going with a smaller wood piece it gave me much more clearance. However, this meant I couldn't do pocket holes. So, I predrilled and also used a pilot for recessed screw heads that I can cover up later.
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7330/27318060755_21945a8bf6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cHv)DSC08878 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cHv) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Everything drilled and ready for assembly
https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7286/26710891924_d662b152b3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmizo)DSC08879 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmizo) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Laying everything out to get an idea of where everything will go
https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7567/27318060685_3cf31ff77d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cGi)DSC08880 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cGi) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Better shot of all 4 panels upright
https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7565/26711782903_bec615a445_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGqSr6)DSC08881 (https://flic.kr/p/GGqSr6) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Clamp and drill time
https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7109/26710891824_9f591a6183_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmixE)DSC08882 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmixE) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

All done but still need to add cross beams for tank support. Still need to do the bottom cross beams but didn't get to do it at the time. Will actually work on that now but wanted to get these pics up
https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7527/27318060485_92cc5a3e41_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cCR)DSC08883 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cCR) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Cross beams in. Also used pocket holes here
https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7447/26710891684_d03916bef5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmivf)DSC08885 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmivf) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

You'll notice the stand is actually a little off the ground. I did this on purpose and I was hoping it would add something to the overall build
https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7039/26710891384_8b9f633d09_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmiq5)DSC08886 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmiq5) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Back to what I was saying about the height of the stand. I made it so tall because this room is actually going to get painted and I will also be adding a mid-level trim piece on all walls. I wanted to incorporate this in to the stand itself so it flows with the walls as well. Being that it is so tall, I will have to brace it to the wall which shouldn't be a big problem.

[rickztahone]

I'll apologize in advance because this next post will be a LONG one with a lot of pics.

So, things to mention:

The stand is intentionally bigger than the tank. This was on purpose so that I can put a nice acrylic or glass finish to reflect the tank a little along the lip. Also, it is larger to fit a larger tank down below so that it isn't so snug.

Also, I still need to add plywood on both tank bottom and sump bottom. They are just sitting on cross beams now. Will fix this soon. There's cardboard under the tank to preserve the painted bottom.

The outer overflow box WILL be painted so it will not be an eyesore as it is now. It will be painted the same white as the stand so I am waiting to get that in before I paint this section.

I am sure I am forgetting other things, but as it stands, it is more than half way done. Pretty happy with the way it turned out.

Let me know what you think.

Lets go:



https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7796/27249414361_b1ca364625_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnwZ)DSC08911 (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnwZ) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr


https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7055/27044557390_0482c491df_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqGf)DSC08913 (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqGf) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7621/26712352084_026d469efb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGtMCy)DSC08915 (https://flic.kr/p/GGtMCy) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7104/27249413941_093ed58c91_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnpK)DSC08918 (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnpK) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7271/27249414281_27d6883273_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnvB)DSC08919 (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnvB) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7355/27044557270_a774318513_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqEb)DSC08922 (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqEb) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7717/26712352334_7bb08217ae_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGtMGS)DSC08923 (https://flic.kr/p/GGtMGS) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7608/27044556990_7a5016b720_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqzm)DSC08924 (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqzm) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7405/26712352024_5195def432_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGtMBw)DSC08928 (https://flic.kr/p/GGtMBw) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[rickztahone]

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7203/27249414171_1c64da83b5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HvWntH)DSC08932 (https://flic.kr/p/HvWntH) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7399/27044557220_44344cc7e6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqDj)DSC08933 (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqDj) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7444/27249414121_5b034ca3d1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnsR)DSC08936 (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnsR) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7113/26712352154_4105786385_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGtMDL)DSC08937 (https://flic.kr/p/GGtMDL) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7353/27044557090_9fbf139bdb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqB5)DSC08938 (https://flic.kr/p/HcQqB5) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7422/27249414111_3dbc97894e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnsF)DSC08939 (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnsF) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7475/27249413741_056c728ab4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnmi)DSC08940 (https://flic.kr/p/HvWnmi) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[Discus-n00b]

You sir do very very fine work. Excellent craftsmanship!! I like my tanks sitting on larger stands, I like having a lip around them. I have a few inches in front of my cube, easy to set frags, racks, fish food etc when working in the tank.

[rickztahone]

You sir do very very fine work. Excellent craftsmanship!! I like my tanks sitting on larger stands, I like having a lip around them. I have a few inches in front of my cube, easy to set frags, racks, fish food etc when working in the tank.

Thanks Matt. I tried to put a lot of thought in to this build.

[rickztahone]

Was able to acquire a very nice 4g glass tank with dims 12"L x 4"W x 16"H

It just so happens that these are the perfect dims of what I needed as an ATO. I couldn't have planned that better. The best part? This thing came with a fusion air pump/DW/marbles (that I gave to my daughter)/and a light. All for a whopping $20.

Great condition tank too. Silicone looks almost brand new. Just need to bleach it and I will be set.

[Debow]

Thats a odd size tank, I am looking for a water storage container that is 12'' wide but long and tall. Need it to fit in between my washer and wall.

[rickztahone]

Thats a odd size tank, I am looking for a water storage container that is 12'' wide but long and tall. Need it to fit in between my washer and wall.

I've actually seen such a container on craiglist. Have you checked there? It was called a space saver container or something along those lines. It was rather large though considering that it was so thin.

[Discus-n00b]

Thats a odd size tank, I am looking for a water storage container that is 12'' wide but long and tall. Need it to fit in between my washer and wall.

Look for a "Doorway" water tank. Might suit the need if you can find a smaller one.

[rickztahone]

Look for a "Doorway" water tank. Might suit the need if you can find a smaller one.

There you go! That's the name for these type of containers. Doorway water tank

[rickztahone]

Didn't do much but was able to install some plywood to the top and bottom as well as create the sectioned off area for the electronics. The pieces of plywood don't matter much as they will be painted and covered. The top will be covered in trim and will not show the exposed edge:

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7333/27515825222_32bb8442df_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HVtNcG)DSC09077 (https://flic.kr/p/HVtNcG) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7509/27004988554_06042de73d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H9kCfW)DSC09081 (https://flic.kr/p/H9kCfW) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7319/27515825132_c90e37b827_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HVtNb9)DSC09082 (https://flic.kr/p/HVtNb9) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7336/27004988534_656aa383ef_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H9kCfA)DSC09083 (https://flic.kr/p/H9kCfA) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

I still need to add the top plywood in the bottom section since I plan to add recessed lighting in there. It will also give it a cleaner look. Hopefully the section off area will keep the humidity out of there.

[rickztahone]

This wasn't part of the original design, but things always change when I have spare scraps and free time, lol.

I decided to add a "floating panel" on the access side. I plan on putting led's behind this section for a nice effect. I'm going to have to do a really good job painting this area because the wood is rough and I want it to match the rest of the quality of wood on the stand. I still need to drill a hole at the bottom of the floating panel to route the wires. In this manner, you shouldn't be able to see any wires what-so-ever. I still need to add an area inside the actual stand in order to mount a DJ switchboard but other than that, I am all set for plumbing and painting and finally the doors. The doors will be magnetic.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7535/27557531381_0e0d43fee5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HZaxZp)DSC09113 (https://flic.kr/p/HZaxZp) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7289/27596744836_197b0efb91_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/J3CwMs)DSC09114 (https://flic.kr/p/J3CwMs) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
These pieces didn't have to be accurate or pretty. They will never be seen and were just used to have this floating panel off the other piece of wood to able to route the wires behind it. It needed to be wide enough to pass a plug so I stacked these 2 each.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7542/27353062040_b3732f260e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HF6AnW)DSC09115 (https://flic.kr/p/HF6AnW) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
This is how they will look behind the panel

https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7709/27557531311_0b80622dcd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HZaxYc)DSC09116 (https://flic.kr/p/HZaxYc) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
This is them mounted up before I add the floating panel on top of them.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7391/27557531301_565c0bb139_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HZaxY2)DSC09117 (https://flic.kr/p/HZaxY2) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
and all done. It is difficult to photograph this to look how it does in real life but I think it came out great. The Led's should accent the whole build pretty well.

[rickztahone]

Was working with acrylic rods to get the rocks how I wanted them:
https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7401/27848388492_6097568b0d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JqSgFb)DSC09128 (https://flic.kr/p/JqSgFb) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7361/27915732246_b320270359_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JwPqCo)DSC09133 (https://flic.kr/p/JwPqCo) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Although you would never see the side trimmings of the top piece that is under the tank, I still plan on replacing that piece of plywood. It is just annoying to see and I plan on getting a nice piece instead. It will eventually be covered by trim, but still, lol.

[Kal-El]

Looks awesome so far. Looking forward to the finish setup.

[Discus-n00b]

Looks good! Just make sure you have clearance to get under the overflow ledge should you need to!

[rickztahone]

Looks awesome so far. Looking forward to the finish setup.
Thanks. I can't wait to get this thing up and running. However, the more and more I think about, the more I think I should wait till end of summer to finish it, lol. It has been ridiculously hot so far and we are not even in full swing summer mode yet.


Looks good! Just make sure you have clearance to get under the overflow ledge should you need to!

Yeah, I do have access there. It is a bit tight but I can get in there. I am actually thinking of breaking up some extra rocks I have and making "rock rubble" out of it to get some good sized rocks and adding zoas on the outskirts of the layout you see above. Do you think that would be a problem? I figured that the zoas wouldn't spread past the rubble I provide them? I want to keep them off the main rock so they don't get stung.

[Discus-n00b]

They will spread to any substrate or glass, but they are much much easier to remove from something like substrate than rock rubble. They basically produce a jelly/skin like mat underneath them. I don't think it should be an issue. Just give the LPS with longer sweepers wide berths. Just pluck or trim any Zoas that try to make a run for it. Generally speaking, I would side with LPS in a coral fight between them and Zoas. They have a much more potent sting. But like you said it'd be best to avoid that all together.

[rickztahone]

Gotcha Matt.

Follow the link for my biggest inspiration so far for this tank. I don't see how I could possibly top that tank, it just looks so beautiful!
http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/366969-mikeymikemikes-shallow-reef-iwagumi-sps-edition-updated-june/?p=5353691

Unfortunately, that member just had a recent tank leak and half of his top colonies are gone :(

[rickztahone]

Looky looky what I came home with today :)
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8710/28273150142_5c8fb84e77_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/K5phvU)Reef Angel (https://flic.kr/p/K5phvU) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[Bc chick]

As promised, I was able to start my stand build today. Went with premium pine wood for easier time painting it. Very easy wood to work with and I am glad I spent the few extra bucks for it. Went with pocket holes via Kreg Jig for most of it except for side pieces.

I hope you like :)

Fresh cuts from Home Depot. Started with all 48" pieces but cut them down myself. I don't really trust HD cutting. I made the stand 44" tall and there's a reason it is so tall which I will explain later.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7453/26710892074_b2f3e31a47_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmiBY)DSC08868 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmiBY) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

I was drawing the lines that will show me the recessed section of the stand. These are my guide for lining up the side panels.
https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7665/27318060655_da379d7e77_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cFM)DSC08875 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cFM) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Prepping for Kreg Jig
https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7380/27043090550_037fb29090_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HcGUDU)DSC08876 (https://flic.kr/p/HcGUDU) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Done with Kreg Jig :)
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7193/27318060555_fa3550b363_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cE4)DSC08877 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cE4) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Now these were much thinner than all the rest. Reason being was that if I went with 1x4's like I did for all others, I wouldn't have too much side panel access, probably 2" max. By going with a smaller wood piece it gave me much more clearance. However, this meant I couldn't do pocket holes. So, I predrilled and also used a pilot for recessed screw heads that I can cover up later.
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7330/27318060755_21945a8bf6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cHv)DSC08878 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cHv) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Everything drilled and ready for assembly
https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7286/26710891924_d662b152b3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmizo)DSC08879 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmizo) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Laying everything out to get an idea of where everything will go
https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7567/27318060685_3cf31ff77d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cGi)DSC08880 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cGi) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Better shot of all 4 panels upright
https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7565/26711782903_bec615a445_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGqSr6)DSC08881 (https://flic.kr/p/GGqSr6) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Clamp and drill time
https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7109/26710891824_9f591a6183_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmixE)DSC08882 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmixE) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

All done but still need to add cross beams for tank support. Still need to do the bottom cross beams but didn't get to do it at the time. Will actually work on that now but wanted to get these pics up
https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7527/27318060485_92cc5a3e41_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cCR)DSC08883 (https://flic.kr/p/HC1cCR) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Cross beams in. Also used pocket holes here
https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7447/26710891684_d03916bef5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmivf)DSC08885 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmivf) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

You'll notice the stand is actually a little off the ground. I did this on purpose and I was hoping it would add something to the overall build
https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7039/26710891384_8b9f633d09_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GGmiq5)DSC08886 (https://flic.kr/p/GGmiq5) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Back to what I was saying about the height of the stand. I made it so tall because this room is actually going to get painted and I will also be adding a mid-level trim piece on all walls. I wanted to incorporate this in to the stand itself so it flows with the walls as well. Being that it is so tall, I will have to brace it to the wall which shouldn't be a big problem.

Wish i had a rick in my pocket!! Looks great

[rickztahone]

Wish i had a rick in my pocket!! Looks great

lol, thanks. I will pass on the sentiment to my wife haha

[rickztahone]

ok, lets bump this up..

I need help:

I need to find a couple of cheap LED lights that are recessed and will not be affected by water/humidity in the sump area.

Also, I need to glue some magnets (permanently) to wood. Any recommendations for a good glue that will not fail over time?

[Discus-n00b]

Not real sure on glue. Wood glue? Superglue?

Not sure how much you'd want to DIY more, but you could always recess any LEDs you get yourself. Drill a hole, put some acrlyic or glass in there and the LED behind it. Or even recess them into a piece of acrylic, since the LEDs would really emit the heat out the back you can stick the heatsink or whatever out of the back and just use the acrylic as sort of a shield. Push comes to shove you can always use something like This (http://www.homedepot.com/p/EnviroLite-Standard-Retrofit-4-in-White-Recessed-Trim-Warm-LED-Ceiling-Light-with-92-CRI-3000K-EVL4730MWH30/205978325?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|DigitalDecor|google| D27L+Interior+Lighting|_pkw__pmt__product_20597832 5&mid=smueyePST|dc_mtid_8903yuu57254_pcrid_141547667 661_pkw__pmt__product_205978325_slid_&gclid=CJDhqrWd288CFQwUgQodPWALdQ) and then get you some cheap light sockets to plug into.

Another option would be to get the waterproofed LED strip lights.

[Altum Nut]

Ricardo...I think this sticks to anything and water proof...http://www.gorillatough.com/gorilla-glue

As for Led lighting, I bought some of these when I got rid of my compact and T5 floresents and stuck these under my glass lids which are submerged on the water surface with no issues now 2 years later. They come in different size lengths.
https://www.amazon.ca/Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Underwater-Light/dp/B00JP9CDAW/ref=lp_6292452011_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1476493447&sr=1-3

...Ralph

[rickztahone]

Thank you both for the ideas. Matt, when using a screw bulb receptacle, how do you power that via AC/DC?

I will keep your suggestion in mind as well Ralph.

[Discus-n00b]

Just plug it in with something like this or something similar that fits.
http://www.pixball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/light-socket-plug-ebay-wall-mounted-lamps-with-cords-wall-lamps-with-cord-home-depot.jpg

[rickztahone]

That's a great idea Matt. I will actually end up doing that.

Thx

[Debow]

What are you using for LEDs that screw into there

[rickztahone]

What are you using for LEDs that screw into there

Some recessed lights that I found on ebay. I'm at work so I can't link to it now but I will post them later.

They are going in sump so not too worried about them being too strong.

[Debow]

Ya I am interested, I am going to need some lights for my new fish rack that are cheap but do the job of providing light.

[rickztahone]

Ya I am interested, I am going to need some lights for my new fish rack that are cheap but do the job of providing light.

With a fish rack I may suggest the LED strip lights. they are very effective. Unless you are set on recessed lighting.

[Debow]

Nope i just want cheap lighting any links you know of for a source to buy from?

[rickztahone]

Nope i just want cheap lighting any links you know of for a source to buy from?

Ebay is really your best bet. I have bought a bunch of the strip LED's. I've seen Joey do some great ones on his channel. What is your budget per?

I would use rain gutter guard and led strips if all you need is light and nothing fancy. Depending on the size of your fish room/tanks, it shouldn't be that expensive.

[Debow]

Ya I watched all his videos on his DIY lights with rain gutter and pvc pipe and the flexible strip lights. Id say $20-$30 per shelf.

[rickztahone]

Ya I watched all his videos on his DIY lights with rain gutter and pvc pipe and the flexible strip lights. Id say $20-$30 per shelf.

Sounds about right to me. Let me know how it goes.

[Discus-n00b]

Yeah the strips are really cheap on Amazon/Ebay. Can go RGB for extra visuals if you wanted to lol. Make the stand glow.

[Altum Nut]

These come in various sizes and are submersible. I actually have them on the underside of my glass lids inside with suction cups out of site.
You can't beat the price and two years in still working great.
https://www.amazon.ca/Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Underwater-Light/dp/B00JP9CDAW/ref=lp_6292452011_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1477082853&sr=1-1

...Ralph

[rickztahone]

Well after a big break from this build, I started back up.

Two tone Paint and installed the magnets for doors and sump lights. Still need a few other things like plumbing which is the main part and after that I should be good to go.

On to the pictures:

1
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5779/31115542072_7f21a0f877_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PpzhBj)DSC00333 (https://flic.kr/p/PpzhBj) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Added the frost tint from HD

2
https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5603/30891571610_21fccd286f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/P4MnZC)DSC00334 (https://flic.kr/p/P4MnZC) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Prepped overflow side for painting. I wasn't overly satisfied with the way this turned out. I initially started painting it with a roller and didn't like the lumps it was leaving behind. Ended up spray painting it but some of the lumps still show throw which is really aggravating my OCD, lol.

3
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5749/30451575893_6272f8b5fa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhAz)DSC00336 (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhAz) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Before Paint

4
https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5466/30451574663_7d01541817_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhen)DSC00337 (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhen) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
After 1 coat of primer.

5
https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5816/31223309706_1681569f80_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Pz6CaY)DSC00437 (https://flic.kr/p/Pz6CaY) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
forstner bit used for recessed magnets.

6
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5485/30451575553_d114d000f7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhuH)DSC00439 (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhuH) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
More magnet holes

7
https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5825/31115541892_9615023a2b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ppzhyd)DSC00466 (https://flic.kr/p/Ppzhyd) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
This is the template for the recessed lights in the sump.

8
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5817/30451574253_9510e192a3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NoUh7i)DSC00467 (https://flic.kr/p/NoUh7i) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Tools used for this

9
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5804/30451575333_593b70af24_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhqV)DSC00468 (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhqV) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Not the cleanest circle but it will do.

10
https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5598/31259154935_3dcdc16b77_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PCgkHa)DSC00472 (https://flic.kr/p/PCgkHa) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Recessed lights for the sump installed. Still waiting on the wiring for these to hook them up.

11
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5523/30451574613_aed58e732d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhdv)DSC00483 (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhdv) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
I cleaned the sump area a little to represent more of how it will look like

12
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5467/30451575413_0ba9e0a0b0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhsi)DSC00476 (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhsi) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Right side view

13
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5828/30451575073_ee8b9fea78_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhmr)DSC00477 (https://flic.kr/p/NoUhmr) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Left

14
https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5797/31115541742_3da19171e9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PpzhvC)DSC00481 (https://flic.kr/p/PpzhvC) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Solo tank shot

15
https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5333/31259155115_b5f5f54f4d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PCgkLg)DSC00492 (https://flic.kr/p/PCgkLg) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
You can see the 2 tone paint job a little better here.

16
https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5604/30451574123_44278581a0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NoUh54)DSC00497 (https://flic.kr/p/NoUh54) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Side panel. This is still in progress. I still need to drill that bottom plug port and I need to buy smaller screws to hang up some other accessories in there. I didn't do the greatest job in painting this are which is kind of driving me nuts but you can't see that part anyways.

17
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5329/31144740901_9d7c70097c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Ps9Wpp)DSC00507 (https://flic.kr/p/Ps9Wpp) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr
Finally, doors are on.

I would have shown the side shot as well with the doors on but the side of the large doors doesn't have paint on the sides and it is an eye sore. I will paint the sides and reshoot when the wiring for the sump lights come in.

Thanks for stopping by :)

[Phillydubs]

Looks amazing my man. Such a nice clean look and feel. Very Miami!! Haha

[Discus-n00b]

In all my time in the hobby I've never considered frosting the glass, and I have to say that looks incredible. That'd be killer for photography I would think too, it's like built in artificial bokeh. Such a clean build, really impressive Ricardo! Inspiration for me whenever I finally decide to upgrade.

[Second Hand Pat]

Wow Ricardo, what a nice clean design :)
Pat

[rickztahone]

Thanks all.

What I failed to mention is that the reason I had actually lagged on this project is the fact I had to paint the living room for my vision of the tank. I added the trim in the middle of the walls, but I set the trim at the exact height where I knew I wanted my stand height to be.

It was a lot of planning, a lot of painting and a whole lot of money invested. I spent $600 on paint and trim because when I was going to paint the living room, the boss (wife) said, "since you are painting already, you should just paint the kids room too"..."ok honey. .."

[rickztahone]

Wired the sump lights. They look a little more yellow than they do here in the pics. I really like how bright they are considering they are LED's though. This will toggle via the Reef Angel controller from the wifi module via my phone just as everything else will :)

I'm still in the process of organizing the rats nest. I had to get some low profile extensions for the outlets or else my door wouldn't close. That ran me $40 and that is just for 8. I still need another 8. Truth be told, I am not even sure I need the other 8 plug relay. Seems like overkill. However, when I got the controller, the guy just threw that in. I wasn't going to say no to a $120 relay.

https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5670/31293836316_03293df44f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PFk6h1)DSC00517 (https://flic.kr/p/PFk6h1) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5603/30507669024_50e4ffa13d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NtRM8w)DSC00519 (https://flic.kr/p/NtRM8w) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5446/31293836126_470004fbeb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PFk6dJ)DSC00526 (https://flic.kr/p/PFk6dJ) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5559/30507668904_25683f728c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NtRM6s)DSC00528 (https://flic.kr/p/NtRM6s) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[SidJones]

Very impressive!

[Discus-n00b]

I see what seem to be magnets on the controller side of the stand, is it a solid wood panel or does it have a window?

[Clawhammer]

Beautifully designed, organized, and constructed. Part science, part art... Can't wait to see it stocked!

[rickztahone]

Very impressive!
Thank you!


I see what seem to be magnets on the controller side of the stand, is it a solid wood panel or does it have a window?
There are magnets on the door, yes. The doors are made out of 1/4" plywood. There is no viewable window on the panels. I thought about it but in the end I thought it might be too distracting. Truthfully I am not sure how I am going to hide all these wires. The space is much more restrictive than I first imagined it would be.


Beautifully designed, organized, and constructed. Part science, part art... Can't wait to see it stocked!
Thank you. I hope I can do the build justice with the tank itself.

[Altum Nut]

I would put your build on the scale of 11 out of 10 Ricardo. Well thought out but way to complicated for me.
Pat yourself on the back my friend.

...Ralph

[Jenene]

Very well thought out! Clean design and the custom build provides perfect room for all of that equipment! Some very lucky fish are waiting for you out there. Can't wait to see it stocked! Thanks for sharing!

[rickztahone]

I would put your build on the scale of 11 out of 10 Ricardo. Well thought out but way to complicated for me.
Pat yourself on the back my friend.

...Ralph

I will not disagree with you there. I have spent the last 3 hours working on wiring and had to take a break but it got frustrating. I hate running wiring

[rickztahone]

Wiring this was not fun. I was not happy the way everything ended up. I wanted a cleaner side panel but the truth is I just simply didn't have enough space. I will get zip ties and such but the wires will be visible to an extent :(

Oh well. Can't have everything your way. Wiring the dosing pumps and the ATO was not fun at all, but the worst of all was the power wire for the RA relay. It took me close to 30 minutes to run one wire. I had to stop in the middle of the wiring because I got so frustrated lol. In the end I got it though. I didn't buy enough of the low profile extension cords. Still need 4 more but I may just buy all 8.

I never imagined that I would use up more than one relay but as it stands, this is what I have plugged in:

Main Relay
1-Return Pump (Main)
2-Heater (Not yet purchased)
3-Light fixture
4-Calcium doser
5-Skimmer
6-Alkalinity Doser
7-ATO
8-Sump Lights

Second Relay
1-Chiller (not wired as I do not know the location of it yet)
2-Return pump #2 for chiller
3-MP20
4-ORP

https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5517/31202848522_e4dfed6855_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PxhKLW)Wired 22g (https://flic.kr/p/PxhKLW) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr