Dana Riddle's Laboratory/Tank Build

[Dana Riddle]

Here are some photos of the new laboratory/tank build. I've got about 150 hours in over the last 3 weeks and this is in addition to the contractor's time. Should start moving 80 boxes of lab equipment in to the room next week as well as the first aquarium - a 90-gallon reef-ready tank. Many thanks to the contributors to my Gofundme account! I've got the equipment but it didn't have a home - now it does thanks to your generosity! I'll keep you posted - lab equipment should start moving in this weekend!

 

[jsker]

Nice mud work:) following

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

I'm excited to see this take shape. Roughing in, is always the funniest part!

 

[Dana Riddle]

Nice mud work:) following

None of us are professional drywall finishers (although we did a pretty good job hanging it.) The contractor conveniently had another job to do, so I was tasked with sanding and adding another skim coat. The wall is green board with a primer coat of Kilz followed by a finish coat of oil-based enamel. Should hold up well in a humid environment, although the new central AC plus a dehumidifier should keep it fairly dry. But if I never do another drywall job it will be too soon.

 

[Dana Riddle]

I'm excited to see this take shape. Roughing in, is always the funniest part!

I'll be glad when construction/finishing is behind me. Can't wait to get the first reef up and going!

 

[jsker]

None of us are professional drywall finishers (although we did a pretty good job hanging it.) The contractor conveniently had another job to do, so I was tasked with sanding and adding another skim coat. The wall is green board with a primer coat of Kilz followed by a finish coat of oil-based enamel. Should hold up well in a humid environment, although the new central AC plus a dehumidifier should keep it fairly dry. But if I never do another drywall job it will be too soon.

It has taken me 34 years to figure out how to mud, and I agree;). Mudding is the hardest part of drywalling. looking forward to the rest of the build.

 

[GoVols]

looking forward to the rest of the build.

+1... :)

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Wow this is already looking awesome!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Wow this is already looking awesome!

 

[BigJohnny]

[emoji106]. I need a gofundme!

 

[Salty1962]

It's looking good Dana! Can't wait to get some info from it!

 

[SDReefer]

Can't wait to see how it turns out!!

 

[Sharvey103]

Can't wait to see the final setup and the data you start generating!

 

[Sharvey103]

Can't wait to see the final setup and the data you start generating!

 

[Sharvey103]

Can't wait to see the final setup and the data you start generating!

 

[Dana Riddle]

Thanks everyone for the financial and moral support! Had hoped to move equipment in today but last minute holdups ruled the day. Tomorrow!

 

[drawman]

What do you plan on testing? Lights?

 

[120reefkeeper]

Definitely onboard for this one :)

 

[Dana Riddle]

What do you plan on testing? Lights?

Well, yes. Ocean Optics spectrometers will determine light quality. They can also analyze for coral fluorescence/reflectance/absorbance. A Li-Cor or Apogee quantum meter will determine PAR. A respirometer (along with a quantum meter and dissolved oxygen meter) can determine the minimum amount of light required by photosynthetic organisms. A PAM fluorometer can estimate the number of electrons flowing from Photosystem II to Photosystem I and determine the maximum amount of light needed (photo-saturation), too much light (photo-inhibition) as well as how excess energy is shunted away from photosystems (non-photochemical fluorescence quenching.) A chlorophyll meter can determine how zooxanthellate density/chlorophyll content is affected by light intensity/spectral quality. Various analytical devices (such as an electronic water velocity meter), combined with some of the instruments above, can tell us how alkalinity/nutrients/water motion affect photosynthesis. The possibilities are almost endless.

 

[Dana Riddle]

Things progressing slowly. Contractor completed plumbing Thursday, and the first aquarium moved in shortly thereafter. After leveling and shimming, plumbing was done and allowed to dry overnight. Filled with water - no leaks! This will be the show tank, with a 120 going in ASAP, and Rubbermaid tubs for frag grow out (Rule #1 of aquaculture - maintain at least 2 independent biological systems!)