Apex Neptune Themed/Planet Crystalline Build!

[michealprater]

It has begun! I have ordered my 36x24x24 Planet Crystaline aquarium and it will be here in the next week or two. I will be moving all the contents from my current 40 gallon breeder reef to the new setup. I figured I would get the build thread going so I can just update it as I go. I will try to include as many pictures as I can. Stay tuned!

 

[michealprater]

Current system

 

[michealprater]

Current system

 

[michealprater]

Some of the equipment I will be transferring.

Reef Breeders 32" Photon accented with a actinic lumen bar and a small kessil light for added shimmer.
Apex system with Trident and all the probes.
Reef Octopus 150INT skimmer
Ozone generator.
Aqua UV 25w sterilizer.
Reef breeders RPM power head
Jebao gyre pump
Ecotech MP40 (once I get a new wet side)
Sicce Syncra return
Co2 scrubber

Livestock.

Potters Angel
Pair of mocha clowns
Pink skunk clown
CUC
Multiple ultra, rainbow and one sherman anemone
too many mushrooms and zoas to list and a couple SPS

New tank will have a grey cabinet, the sump compartment will be all grey and orange (neptune themed). I will be 3D printing multiple custom items for this build and will have a controller board.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Tank looks great!

 

[michealprater]

Finally got the tank. Now the tedious process of a clean build!

 

[kevgib67]

Finally got the tank. Now the tedious process of a clean build!

Build away! Following.

 

[michealprater]

My orange and grey theme will be made possible by 3D printing a lot of the equipment. Here is my custom made large co2 scrubber, mini trident, various brackets, holders and orange tubing, and of course my 3D printer in action!

 

[michealprater]

My UV sterilizer is a very old model. It will be plumbed outside the tank. I am thinking of spray painting it. What would be the best paint to use?

 

[michealprater]

Mocked up some plumbing tonight and installed the equipment board. Now to populate it!

 

[michealprater]

Are valves on the return lines needed with a variable speed return pump?

 

[michealprater]

Dang, was hoping for more participation and answers to my questions… but oh well.

Got custom printed Neptune Trident mini and reagent holders mounted.

 

[CasperOe]

I do like that mini-Trident mod you got going on there! Sadly, mine is still within warranty..

 

[michealprater]

I do like that mini-Trident mod you got going on there! Sadly, mine is still within warranty..

Yeah, definitely would suggest waiting for warranty to lapse. Thanks for participating!

 

[michealprater]

Doing lots of work today. Step one taking skimmer offline on old system and getting it cleaned up and put in the new system. As you can see, the new sump setup will be light years better than the old!

 

[CasperOe]

It looks awesome honestly! Your 3D parts, did you design them yourselves or are they open source from somewhere?

I recently sat up a Bambu Lab X1 printer, I am building up my library

 

[michealprater]

It looks awesome honestly! Your 3D parts, did you design them yourselves or are they open source from somewhere?

I recently sat up a Bambu Lab X1 printer, I am building up my library

I design most of my own stuff. I do take some from thingiverse if it fits my needs. On the printer today is custom designed brackets to mount the pvc to the stand and keep it all sturdy and free of vibration.

 

[michealprater]

 

[MoMoTheMonster]

Are valves on the return lines needed with a variable speed return pump?

We put ball valves on the return lines and have variable speed return pumps running. Haven't used them but wanted the option to shut off if needed for any reason.

 

[Kraig]

Looking good! I'm running a 40B (going on 2 years) and have been thinking a lot lately about upsizing.

You will have to let me know how you like that Planet tank after it's up and running for a bit.