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ZX10R
03-16-2012, 09:30 PM
Hi everyone,

Just thought I would start a thread on my new build here at the house and share with everyone what I am doing. I traded off my 92 corner tank for a 180 gallon drilled tank (Thank You Tracy) and plan on putting it in my garage. I have came up with a homemade filtration system that everyone can see and maybe get there own ideas as I build mine. Here are some pics to start off with

Tank
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price001-1.jpg

Overflows
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price002-2.jpg

Box of things
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price005-1.jpg

Another box
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price004-1.jpg

This will become my filter system a 5 gallon bucket with lid, 7" 100 micron filter bag, 30 gallon drum, and a piece of 12 x 12 x 3/4 Polyethylene
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price003-1.jpg

12" rope light I got from work this will be mounted inside the back lip of the tank for at night
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price006-1.jpg

Hope everyone enjoys and I will keep this updated as much as possible

Sean

ZX10R
03-16-2012, 10:08 PM
Forgot some pics

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price007-1.jpg
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price008-1.jpg

random-cichlid
03-17-2012, 01:44 AM
Nice so it overflowing to a moving bed filter yeah.
I like The idea but i think that ur filter sock cleaning may be a bit of a fun prospect if it clogs up what precautions will u have so it overflows back in to were ur filter is and not all over ur floor
regardless thou keen for some finished pics when you get a chance:p

shoveltrash
03-17-2012, 05:27 AM
I'm always impressed by the diy projects I see here (way beyond my skill level LOL)........'will be following this with interest!
what are the gazillion little plastics caps for???

joanstone
03-17-2012, 06:36 AM
That's Kaldness media, it's great stuff.

CajunAg
03-17-2012, 08:13 AM
Subscribed! Can't wait to see more :thumbsup:

ZX10R
03-17-2012, 12:43 PM
Nice so it overflowing to a moving bed filter yeah.
I like The idea but i think that ur filter sock cleaning may be a bit of a fun prospect if it clogs up what precautions will u have so it overflows back in to were ur filter is and not all over ur floor
regardless thou keen for some finished pics when you get a chance:p

I can't share that info yet so keep watching and you will see ;)


I'm always impressed by the diy projects I see here (way beyond my skill level LOL)........'will be following this with interest!
what are the gazillion little plastics caps for???


That's Kaldness media, it's great stuff.


Subscribed! Can't wait to see more :thumbsup:

Thanks everyone this will be a fun project

ZX10R
03-17-2012, 12:47 PM
I really need to buy stock in Lowes

Wood and foam insulation for stand and filter housing
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price009-1.jpg

This is where the tank and filter will be sitting
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price010-2.jpg

I will be connecting into the hot water heater for my drip system. Sorry about all the junkhttp://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price011-1.jpg

T_om
03-17-2012, 10:43 PM
Just a word about drip systems... from personal experience. Forget it.

IMO, you would be MUCH better off with a project this size just designing in a simple water change system... be it automatic or manually activated.

Tom

ZX10R
03-18-2012, 05:02 PM
Just a word about drip systems... from personal experience. Forget it.

IMO, you would be MUCH better off with a project this size just designing in a simple water change system... be it automatic or manually activated.

Tom

What is so bad about a drip system?

T_om
03-18-2012, 06:26 PM
Primarily the outrageous waste of water. You have to drip in almost 10 gallons of water to actually "change" one gallon. There is even a "drip calculator" somewhere on the 'net showing this. Do you really want to drip in 100 gallons of water just to change 10? This is an especially egregious waste if you treat your water first or use RO replacement water. A MUCH more efficient (and faster) method is just to automate the change. Take out the old, put in the new.

Also, unless the drip is more of a "flow" than a "drip", the changeover process takes a long, long time.

A drip system appears attractive at first glance but does not work in the long term. And again, this is from personal experience... I tried it.

But then my Grandfather always said "People that need experience get it, one way or another". I usually get mine the hard way and was just trying to save you from the same.

Tom

ockyra215
03-18-2012, 06:28 PM
Cleaning the prefikter you chooses wont be easy and it will clog rather quickly.I think you need to rethink that with maybe a piece of poret foam and then you can rinse it out easier. And I noticed you only have one heater gonna need a couple for a tank that size. But I look forward to your build!

ZX10R
03-19-2012, 07:54 AM
Cleaning the prefikter you chooses wont be easy and it will clog rather quickly.I think you need to rethink that with maybe a piece of poret foam and then you can rinse it out easier. And I noticed you only have one heater gonna need a couple for a tank that size. But I look forward to your build!

I have been using filter bags for a few years now and they are simple to clean. Just throw them in the wash machine with no soap on heavy duty and they come out crystal clean. There is two heater there the other one is in the box so I am using two 300 watt Jager heaters.


Primarily the outrageous waste of water. You have to drip in almost 10 gallons of water to actually "change" one gallon. There is even a "drip calculator" somewhere on the 'net showing this. Do you really want to drip in 100 gallons of water just to change 10? This is an especially egregious waste if you treat your water first or use RO replacement water. A MUCH more efficient (and faster) method is just to automate the change. Take out the old, put in the new.

Also, unless the drip is more of a "flow" than a "drip", the changeover process takes a long, long time.

A drip system appears attractive at first glance but does not work in the long term. And again, this is from personal experience... I tried it.

But then my Grandfather always said "People that need experience get it, one way or another". I usually get mine the hard way and was just trying to save you from the same.

Tom

I am using a activated carbon filter that removes chlorine and sediment. I know everyones water is different but this filter it rated to remove chlorine from 60,000 gallons of water before needing to be replaced. I am sure it won't do that much but even if it gets 40,000 that is still a lot. So what is the difference between doing one large 100 gallon WC a day or dripping 100 gallons in a 24 hr period? Either way you are still changing 100 gallons

ZX10R
03-19-2012, 08:09 AM
Maybe this is what you are refering to

http://www.angelfish.net/DripSystemcalc.php

DiscusOnly
03-19-2012, 09:51 AM
Have you consider doing the auto WC with a sprinkler controller system? If you are going with drip system, have you consider just dripping hot water? This may reduce the usage of the tank heater.

ZX10R
03-19-2012, 10:14 AM
Have you consider doing the auto WC with a sprinkler controller system? If you are going with drip system, have you consider just dripping hot water? This may reduce the usage of the tank heater.

I am thinking now maybe I should use that mixing valve run that thru the carbon filter then into the tank for water changes. Just drain the tank half way every few days then fill it back up.

Just so everyone knows this tank will be BB, no juvies, no breeding

T_om
03-19-2012, 10:52 AM
... So what is the difference between doing one large 100 gallon WC a day or dripping 100 gallons in a 24 hr period? Either way you are still changing 100 gallons

Please re-read what I posted above.

If you do one 100gal CHANGE, you actually CHANGED 100gal of water.

If you DRIP in 100gal, you only CHANGED 10gal... you still have 90gal of old water in there.

See?

Tom

DiscusOnly
03-19-2012, 11:08 AM
I am thinking now maybe I should use that mixing valve run that thru the carbon filter then into the tank for water changes. Just drain the tank half way every few days then fill it back up.

Just so everyone knows this tank will be BB, no juvies, no breeding

That's what I would do. I think draining 30-40 percent a day will be good for normal stocking. Fill the tank directly from the mixing valve. You may want to add an electronic float valve for caution to elimate overfilling or if the tank was drilled on top, you don't need it. It will take some testing to get the correct draining/filling timining down but I have seen this work from someone who had a 240gal tank. To be safe with adding tap water, you can also use an eheim autofeeder to add SAFE in the tank.

ZX10R
03-19-2012, 12:00 PM
Please re-read what I posted above.

If you do one 100gal CHANGE, you actually CHANGED 100gal of water.

If you DRIP in 100gal, you only CHANGED 10gal... you still have 90gal of old water in there.

See?

Tom

I opened my mouth then read online about drip systems and that is why I posted the link to that drip calculator. I see what you are saying now and read up on it. I know several people running drip systems and all I hear from them is how great they are that is why I planned on doing one myself.


That's what I would do. I think draining 30-40 percent a day will be good for normal stocking. Fill the tank directly from the mixing valve. You may want to add an electronic float valve for caution to elimate overfilling or if the tank was drilled on top, you don't need it. It will take some testing to get the correct draining/filling timining down but I have seen this work from someone who had a 240gal tank. To be safe with adding tap water, you can also use an eheim autofeeder to add SAFE in the tank.

The way I am doing my filter if I over fill the tank it will run into the filter and the filter I am doing a high level drain if that makes sense. Basically if the water for some reason over flows it will drain out.

ZX10R
03-20-2012, 10:00 PM
A few updated photos

Painting the bottom of the tank with this textured sand paint. Looks really good just ran out and need more

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price012-1.jpg
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price014-2.jpg
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price013-1.jpg

This will have my heaters in it and Kaldnes

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price016.jpg
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price017-1.jpg
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price015-1.jpg
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price018.jpg

ZX10R
04-03-2012, 10:18 PM
Update

Here is what I did with the 12 x 12 x 3/4 plastic and 5 gallon bucket
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price020.jpg
With filter bag in it
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price021.jpg
Inside the 30 gallon barrel
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price022-1.jpg
And here you go about 90% complete just a few small things to finish
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price023-1.jpg
The filter system
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price024-1.jpg

DiscusLoverJeff
04-04-2012, 09:31 AM
Hey Sean,

I am sorry I missed this thread, I am very impressed at this great project you have taken on. I am in love with this filter system you are setting up. You will have to PM about the logistics.

I see you have some great feedback and advice. Hope all this helps in your build.

Can't wait to see what goes in this tank when you are up and running. Any ideas yet to what you will stock it with?

Great job my friend. A roadtrip is now a definate to see this up close and in person. Oh and 18 holes as well.

Jeff

ZX10R
04-04-2012, 10:36 AM
Hey Sean,

I am sorry I missed this thread, I am very impressed at this great project you have taken on. I am in love with this filter system you are setting up. You will have to PM about the logistics.

I see you have some great feedback and advice. Hope all this helps in your build.

Can't wait to see what goes in this tank when you are up and running. Any ideas yet to what you will stock it with?

Great job my friend. A roadtrip is now a definate to see this up close and in person. Oh and 18 holes as well.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff,

And getting in 18 holes is a must I look for any reason to go golfing these days :)

I will post a pic tonight of what will be going in here

ZX10R
04-04-2012, 10:57 PM
I don't know why I keep posting on this no one seems to be interested I feel like I am talking to myself :crazy:. But here is what I will be putting in the tank.

7" Female Hybrid ray hopefully will have another ray coming soon. Trying to get my hands on a Pearl ray to go with her.
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price.jpg

Rummy
04-04-2012, 11:26 PM
I don't know why I keep posting on this no one seems to be interested I feel like I am talking to myself :crazy:.

Please keep posting. :) plenty of people are quietly watching this build. The filter is impressive. I am sure that nobody minds if you are talking to yourself!

Thanks.

nwehrman
04-05-2012, 12:29 AM
Impressive filter and nice ray!!


Nicole

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

dprais1
04-05-2012, 05:13 PM
I'm listening, I just don't have anything to say. I love seeing what sort of home-made sumps and plumbing people do. I gets the wheels turning in my own brain.

ZX10R
04-05-2012, 09:58 PM
Please keep posting. :) plenty of people are quietly watching this build. The filter is impressive. I am sure that nobody minds if you are talking to yourself!

Thanks.


Impressive filter and nice ray!!


Nicole

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


I'm listening, I just don't have anything to say. I love seeing what sort of home-made sumps and plumbing people do. I gets the wheels turning in my own brain.

Thank You!!

Cameronv
04-05-2012, 10:32 PM
Impressive set up, the full system looks classy together. I look forward to seeing how your filter system works in the long run, and how you feel about the drip system. Great looking ray!! I'd love to have one myself, but I'm not sure where to get one and the laws in CA for them. Just wondering, how high did you build your stand? I just built mine at 34" for my new 110gal... and now thinking I want it at 36 :( but then again no one likes a wet arm pit..

rubinsteinnyc
04-08-2012, 08:25 PM
Been gone from this forum for a while... your DIY is jaw dropping, love the filtering system, best of luck!

ZX10R
04-09-2012, 12:26 PM
Impressive set up, the full system looks classy together. I look forward to seeing how your filter system works in the long run, and how you feel about the drip system. Great looking ray!! I'd love to have one myself, but I'm not sure where to get one and the laws in CA for them. Just wondering, how high did you build your stand? I just built mine at 34" for my new 110gal... and now thinking I want it at 36 :( but then again no one likes a wet arm pit..

I built my stand 38" tall I don't like bending over to see what is in the tank I like things more eye level.


Been gone from this forum for a while... your DIY is jaw dropping, love the filtering system, best of luck!

So far it has been working good but long term will be the test. The only complaint I have about the filter system is I am blowing so much air into the barrel to keep the K1 moving that it is echoing in the barrel making it a little loud. The system is fully inclosed but you can still hear it humming.

Chicago Discus
04-09-2012, 12:34 PM
Sean, I love the what your doing with that sump. Its really cool how you came up with that design................Josie

ZX10R
04-09-2012, 12:37 PM
Sean, I love the what your doing with that sump. Its really cool how you came up with that design................Josie

Thanks Josie,

I tried to make everything to were it can come apart for cleaning and easy acess. Just ordered two more rays today for the tank hopefully will have them this weekend :D

CrazyAngels
04-09-2012, 03:14 PM
Sean, love your filtration setup. I'll have to take a closer look at it and see how I could benefit from something like it. Awesome job.. BTW, that is one cool ray.

BigPoecilia
05-05-2012, 09:12 AM
Your setup is awesome! Great post. It gives guys like me who can't build a bird house some hope. LoL

Lionel

rubinsteinnyc
05-05-2012, 01:15 PM
any updates on this baby?

ZX10R
05-05-2012, 09:43 PM
Your setup is awesome! Great post. It gives guys like me who can't build a bird house some hope. LoL

Lionel


any updates on this baby?

Thanks,

I will have to get some pics up I am getting ready to add some LED lights to the tank. So far everything seems to be running great no problems yet.

Darren's Discus
05-05-2012, 10:38 PM
Nice job.
Cheers

ZX10R
05-06-2012, 11:35 AM
Nice job.
Cheers

Thanks Darren

zchauvin
05-06-2012, 08:24 PM
Looks awesome man, only thing.. you should have cut out that wall and made it viewable from inside with filtration outside ;) that would have been the ticket!! Btw, beautiful ray you have there

ZX10R
05-07-2012, 11:06 AM
Looks awesome man, only thing.. you should have cut out that wall and made it viewable from inside with filtration outside ;) that would have been the ticket!! Btw, beautiful ray you have there

Thanks Zach,

Trust me I thought the same thing but don't think the wife would have gone for it. You mean was a beautiful ray she jumped out on me last week I found her dead on the floor in my garage. I have two more rays in there also I will have to post pics of them.

zchauvin
05-07-2012, 12:53 PM
Ah, you switched defaults... I remember that just got mixed up. At least you still have the other two. Systems look killer though, very good stuff.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

ZX10R
05-08-2012, 11:12 PM
Here are some update pics

Picked these LED lights up ate Lowes for under $30. Each 3" disc has four LEDs in them
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price027-1.jpg
Tank with light on
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price033.jpg
My male Peruvian ray
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price034.jpg
My male Pearl ray
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price032.jpg

TNT77
05-08-2012, 11:22 PM
Really like those lights. That pearl ray is gorgeous.

ZX10R
05-08-2012, 11:51 PM
Really like those lights. That pearl ray is gorgeous.

I am surprised how good they look. I can't wait for my pearl to get bigger and start to.color up more.

Thank Tara

shoveltrash
05-09-2012, 04:49 AM
the tank looks great!
and yes, both those rays are gorgeous :). you keep them in a bb tank?
(apologies, I'm totally ignorant when it comes to sting rays!!!)

ZX10R
05-09-2012, 07:53 AM
the tank looks great!
and yes, both those rays are gorgeous :). you keep them in a bb tank?
(apologies, I'm totally ignorant when it comes to sting rays!!!)

Thanks Trish,

I am sure they would like a little sand in there but just like discus they can be kept in BB.

CrazyAngels
05-09-2012, 11:33 AM
Sean, you got some awesome rays bud, sure do like the lighting from your simple LED kit. For the money on the lights, they sure do awaken your tank.

Second Hand Pat
05-09-2012, 12:20 PM
Here are some update pics

Picked these LED lights up ate Lowes for under $30. Each 3" disc has four LEDs in them
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price027-1.jpg
Tank with light on
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price033.jpg
My male Peruvian ray
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price034.jpg
My male Pearl ray
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/sig4s/Price032.jpg

Nice build Sean, how did you mount these lights. Guess they run pretty cool.

ZX10R
05-09-2012, 03:26 PM
Sean, you got some awesome rays bud, sure do like the lighting from your simple LED kit. For the money on the lights, they sure do awaken your tank.

Thanks I didn't know how they would work out but after I turned them on for under $30 I was very happy.


Nice build Sean, how did you mount these lights. Guess they run pretty cool.

The top of the tank has three 1" blue foam panels I cut out. The lights are 3" diameter so what I did was take a 4" hole saw went down about a 1/2" then I drilled all the way threw with a 3" hole saw. Cut out the lip with a razor blade then cut out some 4" acrylic circles and siliconed them in. The lights are sitting on the acrylic and when I seen them at Lowes they had been on all day and they were cool to the touch. They had a little warmth to them but not much that I thought would cause a problem or melt the acrylic.

Good news is the wife said I can buy another female ray for my birthday to replace the one I lost a week ago :D

zchauvin
05-09-2012, 03:38 PM
Awesome man, how much do rays like they run?

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

dawrtw
05-09-2012, 03:55 PM
I thought that tank looked familiar. Sorry but I'm just now seeing the thread. I couldn't believe how much of a system you were putting together. I see why the wife wants it in the garage. lol.

I'm still crazy about my 92 corner bowfront. I get more comments on it than I did the big tanks. Glad it worked out.

Thanks again.

shoveltrash
05-09-2012, 05:00 PM
Good news is the wife said I can buy another female ray for my birthday to replace the one I lost a week ago aw!!! that is so sweet. what a wonderful wife!
btw, I'm VERY impressed with all this "DIY"......I am useless when it comes to stuff like that! :crazy:

ZX10R
05-10-2012, 08:47 AM
Awesome man, how much do rays like they run?

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

I'll send you a PM


I thought that tank looked familiar. Sorry but I'm just now seeing the thread. I couldn't believe how much of a system you were putting together. I see why the wife wants it in the garage. lol.

I'm still crazy about my 92 corner bowfront. I get more comments on it than I did the big tanks. Glad it worked out.

Thanks again.

Glad you are still enjoying the tank I won't lie and say I don't miss it :) Thanks for the help in making this happen.


aw!!! that is so sweet. what a wonderful wife!
btw, I'm VERY impressed with all this "DIY"......I am useless when it comes to stuff like that! :crazy:

Thanks Trish,

Growing up with a handy man dad and now my job requires a lot of fabricating and building things has paid off over the years.

frinklinduds
05-10-2012, 04:57 PM
are you also putting discus with this stingray? im interseted in doing so thats why lol .... looks good btw

CrazyAngels
05-10-2012, 07:00 PM
Thanks I didn't know how they would work out but after I turned them on for under $30 I was very happy.


Awesome Sean, I look forward to the next time I go to Lowe's I'll try to find and pick some up.

ZX10R
05-11-2012, 09:08 AM
are you also putting discus with this stingray? im interseted in doing so thats why lol .... looks good btw

I commented on your thread


Thanks I didn't know how they would work out but after I turned them on for under $30 I was very happy.


Awesome Sean, I look forward to the next time I go to Lowe's I'll try to find and pick some up.

You can see the pics of the two rays how much light they produce

yusufm52
05-11-2012, 09:36 PM
Really cool build love the filtration system and the lights.. :)

ZX10R
05-11-2012, 09:55 PM
Really cool build love the filtration system and the lights.. :)

Thank you