34, 90 and now a 40, what a story.

[mch1984]

So still no electrician, getting a little impatient with it. I had another electrician quote it out, but they wanted $300 more, so I guess I will continue to wait. But thought I would post some pics of a few pic ups I got at the local club meeting. That was my first one and it was a blast, can't wait for the next one. Also a random non reef related picture of my plecostomus looking ominous in the fresh water blue lights lol. He/she is called baby and is about 10" long.

 

[mch1984]

So this weekend I got some work done on the tank. I painted/sealed the inside of the stand. Since I decided to enclose it I also decided I needed to vent the stand. Installed one of the fans and the second should be here tomorrow. I decided it was easier to put the fan in without everything in my way. So I’ll wait till I put it back together.

 

[mch1984]

Ok question for everybody, is there any way I could permanently remove the center brace from the tank stand? Maybe a way to reinforce the stand so it could take it? Not only could I then remove the sump when its full but it's just easier to work on. This is really the only picture I have of the stand with the center brace in, but I can get a better one when I get home if need be. Just wondering if anybody has ever done this successfully. thanks

 

[mch1984]

Got a little more done today, obviously wire management is still on the todo list but it’s progress.

 

[mch1984]

My first attempt at my rockscape ended in frustration and me putting the rocks up for the moment. After getting some advice from a friend I started again. Here is the bottom layer of what will be my bigger structure. @ClintL asked if he could help build some and since I’ve seen his work I was happy to get the help. So he will be building the smaller structure. Can’t wait to see what he comes up with.

 

[mch1984]

New toys have arrived!

 

[mch1984]

I have decided I don’t like scaping. I’m going in layers because of the shapes I’m trying to get, this is what I have so far for the large structure. I figure at least three or four more layers and cement sessions till it’s done.

Front view

Side view

 

[mch1984]

Couple of updates, first is the bedroom. We should have the tank back in the room tonight, which is awesome. Here is a pic that got the paint color, a shot of the fake brick wall, and the flooring we choose.

 

[mch1984]

Second update is on the rock, I'm almost done with my big piece but still have a couple of final touches to do. Also got some pics of the piece my buddy did, he's almost done with his as well. So rock scape should almost be finished.

 

[mch1984]

So tank is it’s spot, tomorrow is wiring day. Have to run to Lowe’s early tomorrow morning to get my cabinets and hopefully by the end of the day the wiring is done. I’ve already started a little bit, but no where close.

 

[mch1984]

After finally deciding what to use for a cabinet I like the choice. Obviously it will look better with the doors on but the height worked out perfect. First step of wiring done.

 

[mch1984]

Well I didn’t get all the wiring done but I got a large chunk done. Some of the big steps are out of the way. Good progress for a day.

 

[mch1984]

I think the scape is done, not what I had pictured at first but I like it. There is some more cement drying tonight but I think that’s it.

 

[mch1984]

So I put the rock in the tank and I like the scape a lot more now seeing in the tank. It’s essensially 4 pieces so I can adjust some has needed.

 

[mch1984]

So I plugged in the Apex, and my light to the eb8 and started kind of cranking things on getting stuff figured out on my first apex. I have discovered I have an electrical problem and I'm not 100% sure where its at. I suspect its the used eb8 or my lights, but I haven't narrowed it down yet. I got on the electrical guru thread on R2R and he suggested running an extension cord to a different circuit to see if i can narrow it down that way. I bought the apex used so it may be prier damage to the EB8 like salt creep or something. It's either the eb8, my lights or a power strip I'm using.

 

[mch1984]

I think I figured out the electrical problem. I guess T5 fixtures and GFCI don’t get along. So I’ll have to rethink the electrical some but I think I’m good for the moment. So this weekend will be finalize a couple of wires and plumb the tank.

 

[mch1984]

Well it’s together, tomorrow is sand and start adding water. It will probably take me a couple of days to get it full.

 

[mch1984]

Time for the first pale of water.

 

[mch1984]

Well the tank is up and running. Still getting the salinity up and tweaking the overflow but it’s looking good.

 

[mch1984]

So i had decided to go red sea mature for the cycle, people seem to be happy with their results. I did has it said and let the tank run for 24 hrs at the proper salinity and temperature and then last night started the dosing. I must say I'm impressed, the tank ran over night and I woke up this morning to an obvious bacteria bloom in the water. Hopefully it keeps going like that.