$600 system build - well that's the plan......

[MJH01]

I thought I'd share my first attempt at this hobby. I will share what I bought to get me started, what I needed to add and keep an update on how I am getting on.

Local buy of used :
90 gallon frameless cube
cherry stand
triggersys sump
coralife turbo twist 12x UV sterilizer
lifegard aquatics quite1pro 4000 pump
2 x Taotronics 212W LED fixtures
Via Aqua heater
Rio 14 HF pump
Eshopps S120 protein skimmer
2 x Hydor Koralia Power heads

I will post the pictures 'as bought' but they are replicated on my introduction thread.

 

[MJH01]

 

[MJH01]

After investigation :

Bad
LEDs on working on blue with some blues out
Both pumps seized and not salvageable with a vinegar soak
Heater does not function

Good
Protein skimmers works
Power heads work
UV sterilizer works
Not one scratch on tank

 

[MJH01]

Tank cleaned with a neat vinegar spray and razor blade

 

[nicholas.babb@gmail]

You able to disassemble the pumps?

 

[MJH01]

Stand sanded, took almost seven straight hours

 

[MJH01]

You able to disassemble the pumps?

The rotor on the 'quite one' was rusted in the stator, no chance that it was removable, it snapped after three days of tapping and gental pulling! The rio is being stubborn but not broke, will submerge in the water vinegar mix for longer.

 

[Reefrookie220]

As mentioned above, take the pumps apart and clean the impellers. They seize pretty easily when not in use, also a good time to make sure the magnets around them haven't swelled. Cost of new impeller<cost of new pump.

 

[MJH01]

Stained cabinet

 

[MJH01]

Polyurethane coating applied

 

[MJH01]

Internal coated with white flex seal and caulked all joins

 

[MJH01]

Sump plumbed with all new PVC, new bulk heads, unions fitted to allow splitting the display tank, union used for pump line, three valve manifold, Durso drain and lock line return. Battery powered LED for cabinet lighting.

 

[NickNiz]

Looks awesome-- that's a great deal! Even if some of the parts aren't usable. Following!

 

[MJH01]

Original tanks and equipment was $200. Added new lifegard pump off ebay for $41 rated at 1018GPH. PVC fittings approx $55. Bulk heads and return approx $30. Salt 200G $39.99. Filter guys RODI Ocean wave 5 stage $192.

Used dry rock came with the system so will need to prepare that next.

So running total $557.99, hmmm $42.01 left for sand, may get a half inch layer for that unfortunately.

 

[Nick92515]

Petco had 40lb# seaflor for $35 shipped. Thats about an inch deep or so. That sale may be over but look around... get aragonite sand, not the cheap alternatives.

 

[tj w]

Great job on the tank and stand. Looks great, I wish I would start doing things myself as well. Looking forward to watching it all come together for you!

 

[nicholas.babb@gmail]

Plumbing looks solid

 

[PSXerholic]

Looks great ;-)
Awesome job so far.

Told'ya, if you would not have bought this beauty of a tank, it would have become my new frag tank for $200 only !!!!!!
Perfect for a start in the hobby.

Love seeing when people bring things back to life so neat.

-Andre

 

[mmw64]

Looks awesome-- that's a great deal! Even if some of the parts aren't usable. Following!

I love seeing what can be salvaged with some hard work! Great job!!!

 

[DanE39TLX]

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