Custom 230 Peninsula Build

[TimSc2013]

I held off on fragging the Tri-color as the recession appeared to stop, but then on June 6^th I noticed it started back up again and going higher on the main trunk. Fortunately this frag grew like a tree and all the branches sprouted off the main trunk where I could frag at the trunk while maintaining the colony.

STN base after fragging

Fragged colony glued to a piece of rock. Note that you can see the previous base in the upper left corner of the picture.

 

[prsnlty]

I feel for you. I know what it's like to fighting to keep those acros alive and well and lose them It doesn't take much for them to go south. I hope you can save some.

 

[TimSc2013]

With daily water changes I have now gotten back to lower nutrient levels of 0.25 (NO₃) and 0.03 (PO₄) while maintaining my other parameters at around Ca of 460, dKH of 7.7 and Mg of 1400.


I continue to observe all corals and it appears my damage control efforts have worked for now. Unfortunately, I am unsure of whether the “dirtier†water contributed to the events and would be reluctant to try it again. I am now considering what effort I should employ on my new build to keep the nutrients low such as GFO, bio-pellets, algae scrubber or ZEOVIT…:decision:

 

[TimSc2013]

One of the lessons learned for my new build was to make sure all equipment would not be on the same circuit whereas if one GFIC outlet would not take down the entire system if tripped. I thus installed a sub-panel and ran 4 dedicated runs to the cabinetry area, consisting of two 20-amp and two 15-amp circuits.

Unfortunately that means I will have to buy additional Neptune Systems Energy Bar modules…hwell:

 

[prsnlty]

Lol, you need a separate bank account for the tank

Jackie

 

[TimSc2013]

Lol, you need a separate bank account for the tank

Jackie

I do, just don't tell my wife!:wink:

 

[TimSc2013]

Next week begins my new journey as the install is set-up for Monday. I will update with lots of info/pics of the new equipment and progress!:biggrin1:

 

[prsnlty]

arty: Yea, good to hear! Don't forget the install pics

:crossedlips: Yeah my husband doesn't know all the cost either. He would smash the tank if he did LOL. He just knows that he helps with it from time to time and since he sees me DIY and helps sometimes with DIY that he's saving money.

I like your electric set up! I've been thinking of getting Glenn to do this as well in our house. I'm not comfortable running on a in breaker in use for other rooms. I think we should add at least one dedicated to the tank. Might have to wait until fall when it's cooler here though. 200+ deg. in the attic isn't safe.

Can't wait to see your tank set up!

 

[TimSc2013]

I ran to Menard's to get some 1/4" stock bar steel pieces to line the perimeter of the tank for the metal stand to sit on. Mostly because I was bored and had too much time to think about the build :clock: , but also the engineer in me wanted the stand to sit on steel as the concrete is old and I don't want to have any localized crushing happening under the leveling feet sometime down the road making the tank slightly un-level and potentially causing a stress crack in the glass. I don't know how many feet or spacing, hence I lined the whole perimeter. I've been around to many construction sites to see that after finishing fresh concrete you get a thin layer of paste at the surface that later can have surface problems. My slab already has some localized areas that have some spalling. Less than $100 bucks so cheap insurance to make me sleep better at night. :sleep::sleep:

They came in three foot lengths so cut them to fit with the hand grinder.

Painted them black and clear coated them to help prevent corrosion from saltwater.

In-place and ready for the install.
Gotta have something to keep busy while drinking beers on a Friday!

 

[prsnlty]

Hahaha! Well at least you're using your wait time constructively! But seriously, it was a good idea to do this. Now, maybe having to wait on the tank was for the best. You might not have done it if it had arrived on time

 

[TimSc2013]

I received my Neptune System outlet and pH/temp modules today and just in time.

Ran the Aquabus cabling through the ceiling into the fishroom where the main Apex system resides.

Tomorrow I will run tubing from the dosing pumps to the tank that will be hidden in the flooring along the wall and under the wood trim. I have three available pumps left for Ca, dKH and Mg.

 

[TimSc2013]

Ran four lines for my dosing and ATO.

Will all be nicely hidden by my trim.

This will keep all the clutter in the fish room!

Now it's time to relax and get ready for the build tomorrow starting bright and early at 7:30 a.m.

 

[TimSc2013]

The tank arrived at my house, a major milestone!:becky:

Stand in-place, waiting for piano movers to show up to move the tank.

Oh boy, something new to get into...

 

[prsnlty]

On the sidelines cheering!!!! Yay! Glad it finally arrived

 

[ifrizk]

This is one of the best builds I have read. Keep it up, by the end you will have a short book.

 

[revhtree]

Sweet!

 

[TimSc2013]

This is one of the best builds I have read. Keep it up, by the end you will have a short book.

I appreciate that!!

 

[TimSc2013]

Thanks Jackie and Rev!! The build is about 90 percentcomplete, with the remaining finishing touches to be completed on Friday.





I'll show progress pictures as I get time starting withthe tank move down into the basement by the two guys from the piano moving company.

This was a little nerve racking for me to watch to say the least!:jaw:

 

[revhtree]

Sheeesh! Scary!

 

[prsnlty]

Sheeesh! Scary!

^ Yeah I second that! Glad I don't have stairs... WOW