CreatiVe2

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So 2 years after my new home purchase, I am now getting back into my salt water addiction.
This will be my 3rd tank, but really my first "Adult" setup. I finally have enough room for a full size sump, refugium, and an observation tank.
This should put the total system volume to just above 245 gallons. The sumps will house the main return + Aux pumps, a Life reef skimmer, 5 media reactors, 1 bio reactor, and a 10 Gallon refugium for just marine pure / livestock jail. Unfortunately going from a 50 gallon setup to a 120, I have to purchase more equipment, but hey, that's part of the fun, right? (Not for the wallet ;p )






Tank Setup January 2017
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Lifereef Extension Sump and 20 Gallon Refugium
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Behind the tank (In the crawlspace) 50 Gallon Observation tank & Marinepure Fuge
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This is shot from the closet to the left of the Display tank, looking into the support system area.
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The Pump for the Marinepure Fuge. Top outlet Goes to custom drain I setup for water changes.
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Head on shot of the 50 Gal Observation Tank.
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Manifold Built for Media Reactors + Main Fuge + Aux Output
(Work in Progress)

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My Old 50 Gal System
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IMG_20180121_233543.jpg


August 2019
August 2018
 
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nautical_nathaniel

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That is an awesome setup with the big Apex readout screen! I'm totally stealing that idea for my future build!
 
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CreatiVe2

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That is an awesome setup with the big Apex readout screen! I'm totally stealing that idea for my future build!

Thank you!

Its just a 32" TV.
I opened chrome browser on my laptop to the APEX website, and I chromecasted it to the TV - The monitor and TV should be same resolution to avoid display spacing issues.
 

nautical_nathaniel

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Thank you!

Its just a 32" TV.
I opened chrome browser on my laptop to the APEX website, and I chromecasted it to the TV - The monitor and TV should be same resolution to avoid display spacing issues.
That's what I sort of figured you were doing, either that or a tablet hooked up to the TV via usb. I like the idea of having a readout near the tank so you can take a quick look whenever you're around the tank and address problems immediately.
 
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That's what I sort of figured you were doing, either that or a tablet hooked up to the TV via usb. I like the idea of having a readout near the tank so you can take a quick look whenever you're around the tank and address problems immediately.
Exactly! I was using my tablet, but its a 3k resolution and doesn't fit on the TV - looks like I need to upgrade the TV ;p
I use it more for reference now anyway, as the system is not really operational.
 

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Your QT isn’t plumbed into the rest of the system, right? It’s fully independent?
 
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Your QT isn’t plumbed into the rest of the system, right? It’s fully independent?

Was wondering about that... I thought it looks more like a refugium/sump than a QT system.

I was a little apprehensive to call it a QT tank, but you are both correct. Its more of an auxiliary tank. It is going to be able to do Water changes, add total volume (main purpose) and quarantine.

I am not fully done the plumbing for the system yet, but when it's finished I will be able to section the back system off to be solely operational on its own if need be.

I have a lot of space back there, so If I need a long term "True QT Tank" I will be able to set it up.

Good eye guys ;p
 

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I was a little apprehensive to call it a QT tank, but you are both correct. Its more of an auxiliary tank. It is going to be able to do Water changes, add total volume (main purpose) and quarantine.

I am not fully done the plumbing for the system yet, but when it's finished I will be able to section the back system off to be solely operational on its own if need be.

I have a lot of space back there, so If I need a long term "True QT Tank" I will be able to set it up.

Good eye guys ;p

I’d call it an ‘observation tank’ to reduce confusion. You know this, but you can’t go dosing any chemicals in it as it is, since it shares circulation with your DT. Also, if you are observing fish in there fir a while, and eg Ich shows up, your system is now contaminated.

Better to do QT in a dedicated tank on its own water ‘circuit’. Rather than plumb in the ability to section it off, id run it as its own system from the get go.
 

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Thank you!

Its just a 32" TV.
I opened chrome browser on my laptop to the APEX website, and I chromecasted it to the TV - The monitor and TV should be same resolution to avoid display spacing issues.
Just remember it is an unwritten rule if you get a big TV the tank must be bigger than the TV :rolleyes: Looks good nice tank
 

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Good stuff.

I was surprised in the number of ‘auxiliary’ tanks needed to do this hobby.

I have 3 x 10g tanks for tank transfer for prophylactic ich quarantine

1x 10g hospital tank where I can run copper

1x 10g for invert quarantine

1x 20long for coral QT

40b observation tank where fish live for 30 additional days after ttm before they hit the DT

Luckily, Craigslist and petco $/g sales got me all this for <$100.
 

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Thats going to be a really nice setup and excellent QT getting a tank for everything to QT. I have been in the hobby for 6 years never QT and just got lucky until last month, restarted my system after neglecting for a while and just having problems, lost all my corals so figured let's start over, so i did. Got some new fish tank was good no problem left it with no corals for about 4 months after no algae problem or anything. Just got corals from 4 different stores and one of them had something and all my fish started to die but for 3, i lost a pair of clow fish that had been with me for all 6 years my very first fish that i ever got. So now I QT. Keep up the good work and dont rush the QT.
 

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Well, I'm just a little jealous that you have that kind of space behind for the setup. That is really nice so far. Keep the posts coming, it's looking great!
 

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Yup, any updates? I know life gets in the way though...
 
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CreatiVe2

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Update August 2018 - We have Water!

As the summer months hit, my focus was more house work/vacations as opposed to tank setup. On the rainy days I was able to make small upgrades and tweaks to the system. With my recent purchase of a Prusa 3D printer kit, needless to say, the tank took a more creative turn. There are a lot of files online that cater to nozzles, probe holders, clips, cable management, and Neptune, and ecotech products. For anyone interested in any printed parts PLEASE Message me. FYI I print in ABS for anything that will be submerged in tank water. Updates since last post.
Most of the new updates came in the small details. Each line item usually came with 2 or 3 additional changes, but I listed the major ones in bullet form, with pictures below.
  • Converted RO system to 3 Stage PRO DI
  • Purchased RODI Booster Pump (Amazing Upgrade)
  • Added Jebao Skimmer Pump (DCP-4000)
  • Added Jebao 50Gal Fuge Pump (DCP-2500)
  • Added 210 Gal of RODI Water!!
  • Replaced Finnex 300W with Jager 300W
  • Installed 2x MP40 Vortechs
  • Added Davy Jones' Skimmate Locker
  • Added One Way Valve for 50 Gal
  • Installed 20 Gal Top off Reservoir with Optical sensors & RODI Solenoid
  • Added additional battery to UPS (6 Total Battery Packs)
    • 6 hours of Offline Time with only 2 COR-20 Pumps on @ 30%
  • Cat figured out how to open door and drink water....

  • Printed Parts
View media item 3299View media item 3296View media item 3309View media item 3298View media item 3316View media item 3311View media item 3305View media item 3313View media item 3306View media item 3297View media item 3312View media item 3308View media item 3307View media item 3303View media item 3302View media item 3301View media item 3300
 
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A worm with high fashion and practical utility: Have you ever kept feather dusters in your reef aquarium?

  • I currently have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 63 36.6%
  • Not currently, but I have had feather dusters in my tank in the past.

    Votes: 59 34.3%
  • I have not had feather dusters, but I hope to in the future.

    Votes: 24 14.0%
  • I have no plans to have feather dusters in my tank.

    Votes: 26 15.1%
  • Other.

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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