Reefgeek 300g build thread

[reefgeek]

Alrighty pics were just uploaded to photobucket so here we go.

This will be the build thread for my current 300g sps/lps build.
To date I have acquired the following equipment: neptune apex controller and auto feeder, reef octopus DCS300 skimmer, reef octopus dc10000 return pump, stormx driven lumia 5.2 led chips (not yet built but will become a chapter of this build), 200lbs of marco dry rock, and just ordered; a custom 100g- ish acrylic sump.

Progress is a little further than the pics currently reveal, a very little.

Anyhow without adue the pics thus far.

One 550lb tank moved downstairs by 2 very dedicated and exhausted people

Had the bright idea to tear a hole in the wall for 4 sided viewing

Wouldn't you know it a supporting wall

A little bracing and no worries

Closing it back in with network access

Stand built in place due to sheer size (74"x 38" x 44" high)

Going for the antique look, pre wax

The finished stand, post wax

Access on three sides

Sump ordered and expected June 2014

 

[Marz]

Wow, for a few posts yoi have alot going on already I certainly am tagging a along. I really like the stand finish! I don't know much about sump design yet? So this will be very interesting for me.

 

[reefgeek]

Thanks Marz, the tank was actually acquired back in June of 2013 so this has been along time coming. I just decided to move over to this site today so thought I would bring my build thread with me.

 

[reeferkeeper420]

Awesome start!! Cant wait to see everything finished and full of water and livestock!

 

[TORX]

That sump is a killer maze of baffles. Awesome custom build and love the antique look of the stand

Inwall Ethernet is a must in any reno IMHO. I have my daughters room done when we reno'ed it and slowly working on the rest of the house.

But I must ask, what is the 1/4 line in the wall. It was not installed on the "Closing it back in with network access" pics, but the next pic there is another electrical box with what looks like poly line. Is that a direct hook up somewhere for storage water? Not sure how much of a good idea that is, those lines may have condensation build up on the (beer can effect), which will not be good behind a closed wall.

 

[reefgeek]

That sump is a killer maze of baffles. Awesome custom build and love the antique look of the stand

Inwall Ethernet is a must in any reno IMHO. I have my daughters room done when we reno'ed it and slowly working on the rest of the house.

But I must ask, what is the 1/4 line in the wall. It was not installed on the \"Closing it back in with network access\" pics, but the next pic there is another electrical box with what looks like poly line. Is that a direct hook up somewhere for storage water? Not sure how much of a good idea that is, those lines may have condensation build up on the (beer can effect), which will not be good behind a closed wall.

Hey Torx,
I have had the sump builder remove some of the final baffles as per his recommendation, the ones at the front that are spread apart are actually for frag rack support and to ensure flow across the frags. At the back is a compartmentalized refugium that will hold ~ 40 gallons.

As for the 1/4 line poly tube you are very observant and correct that will be used for transport of liquids, however the water being transported through the tubing will be room temp which should not cause condensation (at least in my train of thought). I will keep an eye on it to be sure. My reasoning for doing this is that I will have an ro station and dosing chems in the area under the stairs to save me some space under the tank (sump will be tight fitting for certain).

 

[Duke]

I had to insulate my cold water line because running my ro for extended periods in my summer made it "beer can" all over our basement. This build is looking great. Keep up the good work man

 

[TORX]

Oh it is a great idea for sure, and so long as the tubes are at temp, all should be good. Just wanted to be sure some areas are covered. I would hate to see a mold issue in walls (although and easy fix where it is).

This is going to be a killer build. I wish I could do a 300gal tank

 

[reefgeek]

The results of yesterdays hard work, ledge sill and tank in place. A little shimming needed to level it all up but I consider it done.

The size of this thing is just awesome, pic taken with me flat against the opposing wall, just enough room for a couch and an ip webcam for remote viewing fun.

 

[TORX]

Well thought out and strategically placed window there, you will not be able to see the overflows when viewing from the other side, another great idea.

 

[reefgeek]

Thanks Torx, its too bad the tank is only three sided starfire but it will still be quite impressive coming down the stairs to find that view.

Forgot to add this weeks project will be wiring 6 of these bad boys up, already soldered the component boards just need some wire and a few tubes of aluminum channel.

 

[Poseidon]

looks amazing, love that stand!
def following along on this build

 

[EricTMah]

Holy SUMP Batman!

Killer custom build!  Looks like you've done all your research and are on the way to an amazing build!

Love the hole in the wall for a sneak peak at the tank.  It'll be cool to see it through the hole in the wall then actually see peoples jaws drop when they actually see the sheer size of it from your tank room!  Great idea!

Keep the updates coming and keep up the great work!

 

[MrHermit85]

Awesome build! Looking forward to hearig how you like the lumina multichips! !

 

[Marz]

Damn! You have motivated me to get some building done into house! Tank, stand, and location looks awesome!

 

[TORX]

Thanks Torx, its too bad the tank is only three sided starfire but it will still be quite impressive coming down the stairs to find that view.

Forgot to add this weeks project will be wiring 6 of these bad boys up, already soldered the component boards just need some wire and a few tubes of aluminum channel.

DIY LED's are the best

Where did you get them and what are you settling on for you LED project. I was thinking about doing the RapidLED Aurora pucks with driver compatible for the Apex. But still leaning towards the customization advantages to standard LED DIY.

 

[reefgeek]

DIY LED's are the best

Where did you get them and what are you settling on for you LED project. I was thinking about doing the RapidLED Aurora pucks with driver compatible for the Apex. But still leaning towards the customization advantages to standard LED DIY.

Check out http://www.ledgroupbuy.com/ if you would like to know where I got the lumia 5.2s from, they are built with cree leds which is a plus, there are some other brands thrown in there to round out the chip which I figure is allowable.
I have an apogee par meter that I will be using to determine output of the chips and have intentionally added a 6th channel to each of the driver boards for supplementary leds in case I get low coverage as the tank does have a killer footprint.

 

[monizb]

Looking good keep it up

Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk

 

[curiousphil]

This is an epic build!!!! Love it!  What's your LED build going to consist of?  I see that you've got 12 LDD drivers tehre and Lumias, you going to use the Lumias alone or some other LEDs as well?  I'll be interested to see what kind of coverage you get if you use the Lumias alone!  Also I can't tell, but are those optics in the upper left hand corner of your picture?  If not, what are they, and do you plan on running the Lumias without optics??  I'm very intrigued by them in case you can't tell!!

 

[Jewel]

Really Nice, 300 GL WOW, I'm looking forward to your build. Enjoy