"Crab Tank " Upgrade

[ShakeyGizzard]

Bought 2 return pumps today, one will win the AIO pump chores the other is for another day, possible reactor for my DT. On a side note, decided to pick up the lumber tomorrow needed to build another stand for this tank. the tank I am replacing is sitting on basically a utility table i built at my shop for my planner and jointer. This stand will raise the tank up to a better viewing height. Its still going to be tucked away out of sight in my house. But its going to be a straight SPS tank

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Tank build took a back seat the last week or so due to yard and garden work. But getting back on track, using the 'live" rock from the crab tank and some of the Marco rock i have left over from 40B build to aquascape, looking to build this with SPS coral in mind. Still scoping out ideas for this.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Brine shrimp seem to be doing good, I add some to the tank between feedings.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Been a while, but aquascape is done, I moved the other 20 gallon successfully,. I did have issues with the stand, it was built to hold my planner and jointer at my shop when needed and was used for the crab tank. Was a miracle that the seams did not fail on the original tank. I spent 3 hours removing the top and leveling the frame, then sanding and shimming the top to get it flat. Its in place, aquascape is in, sand and water going in tomorrow. May be 6 months before i add coral, depends on how fast I can get it stable. If I get a chance will take some pics and of the tank and special light mount I made for the ReefBreeders meridian 11

 

[That Crusso Kid]

Been a while, but aquascape is done, I moved the other 20 gallon successfully,. I did have issues with the stand, it was built to hold my planner and jointer at my shop when needed and was used for the crab tank. Was a miracle that the seams did not fail on the original tank. I spent 3 hours removing the top and leveling the frame, then sanding and shimming the top to get it flat. Its in place, aquascape is in, sand and water going in tomorrow. May be 6 months before i add coral, depends on how fast I can get it stable. If I get a chance will take some pics and of the tank and special light mount I made for the ReefBreeders meridian 11

I'd like to see the special light mount for the Meridian.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I'd like to see the special light mount for the Meridian.

Its still using the back of tank mount, but its not attached to the tank.

 

[Paul B]

That is a very cool build. Put some of these in. I have kept them (and eaten them) many times. But you need a tight cover because they will climb out, find your bedroom and eat your feet and your dog while you are sleeping

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

That is a very cool build. Put some of these in. I have kept them (and eaten them) many times. But you need a tight cover because they will climb out, find your bedroom and eat your feet and your dog while you are sleeping

Only place I find those is in the Gulf, they show up in the traps i put out

 

[Paul B]

I have been catching them all my life. They are very plentiful here on Long island NY

 

[fishface NJ]

Love your lid @ShakeyGizzard. Following

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Finished up with my Red Neck engineering project. The light mount is attached to the stand, not the tank. Overkill on strength, but it was made with scraps laying around my shop. I did have to plane the 2x4 to fit into the mount base.

 

[kevgib67]

Wow, well done Jimmy!

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Issues I have with the meridian 11 is mounting options with the supplied stand. The lens is 5x6, cant mount it with the long side of lens going the length of the tank. well, as of right now. I have time to fabricate steel or aluminum adaptor to the light to correct this. I have time.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I have been catching them all my life. They are very plentiful here on Long island NY

We tend to cook them a little different down here, But I have steamed quite a few myself, I tend to steam them when I will be picking and eating. My wife likes to make crab cakes so if i have a bunch, i will cook them up in a low country boil, then pick them for her to make crab cakes.

 

[Paul B]

My wife likes them in tomato sauce with pasta.

 

[fishface NJ]

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

My wife likes them in tomato sauce with pasta.

That's a new one for me, going to have to try it

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I think a 5 gallon reservoir should last my ATO a long time

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

My ammonia level is slightly high at .25 ppm using the API test I have, guess I miscalculated my gallons. But its staying that way . will test again Thursday. Bright note, my Bumble Bee snails are coming in that day for my 40B.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

This is not an "official" build thread but here is my component list :

Tank:
20 gallon Aqueon Rimmed, DIY AIO for the tank.

Aquascape:
- Marco rock, sterile, decided to not transfer anything but live stock from original crab tank.
- CaribSea Aragalive special grade substrate .

Lighting:
- ReefBreeders Maridian 11 with BOT mount
- DIY mount for light that is attached to stand not the tank

Pumps:
- return pump is a knock off from another company, DC controlled. (pic below) from amazon I have another type for back up.
- Jebao SW-2 powerhead, I need 2, have another ordered, added the Tunze nano 6015 for now

Filtration:
- Filter floss, bio filtration added to filter cart
- Tunze Comline DOC 9001 protein skimmer

ATO:
-Tunze Osmolator 3 Nano
- 5 gallon I.O bucket

Stand:
-repurposed planner/ jointer stand from my shop, leveled and slight improvements added


pic of return pump