It really is a labour of love isn't it! haha that extra support is definitely going to make sure the tank is going nowhere!!
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Very well thought out build. Following along. You see to have thought through your setup and have a plan for how you would like it to run. I think that always makes for a more enjoyable and successful tank long term. Following.
That is great news on having a date for the tank to arrive.
Really like CAD software you used to draw-out (design) your tank. Would you mind sharing what software you use. You are doing a terrific job in describing the progress of your tank and the thought process you went through.Yes! Let’s jump to lighting. I’ve had experience with all LEDs (kessil) then did LED/T5 hybrid, and experimented with a 6 bulb Sunpower with reefbrites. For this build I want to go all LED. I don’t want to change bulbs, and heat is a major factor for me (I’m in California, so I’m cooling my tank with fans more often than heating it).
So for LED only, for an SPS only tank, I wanted good quality, even coverage. Initially I was convinced I would go with 10 XR15s with diffusers spaced out evenly. But the costs made me hesitant to bite the bullet. Almost more than the costs, the idea of managing all those cables and power bricks was giving me a headache.
Ultimately I decided on Orphek Atlantik v4 gen 2. For big tanks, the price per acreage just can’t be beat. I spoke with James at Orphek, and he said 3 panels for a tank oriented perpendicular would work. I decided to go with 4 panels.
For awhile i struggled with how to mount the lights. But I think I’m going with the top diagram.
Really like CAD software you used to draw-out (design) your tank. Would you mind sharing what software you use. You are doing a terrific job in describing the progress of your tank and the thought process you went through.
Where did you get the wood to make the canopy from? I really like the open style concept.I had two AP700s and 4 T5 bulbs. I think for LED/T5 hybrid, Kessils are the best option given its unparalleled shimmer. I have no specific complaints about that combination. Kessils alone do result in a good amount of shadowing.
I used 2 blue plus and 2 coral plus bulbs which give a little bit a whiter appearance, but you can use the Kessils to give it whatever appearance you like.
With 4 bulbs, I had the T5 doing the heavy lifting during the peak periods. With 2 bulbs, the Kessils will have to do a little bit more, but they are more than up to the task. I was only running my Kessils around 30% max power.
I just got it from Home Depot. It’s solid wood (don’t remember what type) and they sell it as a long 3.5 inch wide strip. I used a Kreg’s mini jig pocket hole kit to connect the 4 pieces to make a rectangle. And put one piece in the top center as a cross brace. Really easy! Let me know if you have other questions.Where did you get the wood to make the canopy from? I really like the open style concept.
Thanks for stopping by and saying hi! It’s exciting that you’re planning a tank of that size. That’s probably the one thing that I still wonder about for this build: whether I should have gone 30” tall with eurobrace. One day, hopefully many years from now, if I do another build I’ll probably keep the same stand and just upgrade the tank to that size.Nice looking build! Any update on the tank delivery?
I noticed your intention to plan this over on @rds85 's thread so happy to finally stumble across it (fellow Bay Area reefer here as well). I'm in the planning stage for a large peninsula (a littler taller than yours so would be eurobraced) and your plan has some similarities and I find myself also looking at the same equipment (flow and lights). I go back and forth on cabinet versus floating canopy and love the simple elegant 'floater' you have on your current tank so might have more questions about that.
Looking forward to seeing this come together!
Thanks! I’m enjoying the build. Planning and executing is a lot of fun for me.Great clean build! I really like the passthroughs for managing the cords from the light fixture. I will definitely be using that in the future.
I was planning on adding some dedicated outlets for my upcoming build and was considering whether I should use GFCI vs other means of moisture resistance. I have zero electrical experience, so not sure if this is a valid concern, but I was worried that the GFCI might get tripped while I was away and lose power to part of the system. I was wondering if I might be better served using something like an outdoor outlet cover. Interested to know your perspective on this. Really great build thread!
Thanks, makes sense, and the redundancy on different outlets seems like a good solution.Thanks! I’m enjoying the build. Planning and executing is a lot of fun for me.
I’m a firm believer in gfci protection. I haven’t had a gfci trip on me that wasn’t real. If you look for it, you’ll eventually find the leaky device.
I like having individual outlets as gfci, as opposed to the circuit board switch. That way, less equipment gets shut down if it trips. You can also plan redundancy to equipment. Dual return pumps on difference outlets, same with pumps, same with heaters. So losing one set of outlets doesn’t cripple a tank.
I’m not really following what you mean by installing outdoor covers on your outlets instead of gfci. Gfci isn’t protecting the outlets from moisture, it’s protecting you and your loved ones from your electrical devices in water. Sorry if I’m sounding obvious and I’m misunderstanding.
Even though I feel like I know what I’m doing, I haven’t had the success I want with acros like you and @RandyC. I’m going to be running my moves by the two of you once this gets going.I finally found the New tank build thread. I can see you’re taking this set up serious Gabe, I’m following this build now. Looking sweet so far.