Marc's Cadlights 70g Artisan II Build [video]

DarfrogDojo

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Hi all - after a few years away from the dartfrog hobby, where I had over 60 vivs and my lonely 29g Biocube reef tank, I recently decided to get back in the game. (oh, and I also added planted tanks to the mix) One of my first steps in the "mancave 2.0" makeover, was getting my Biocube back up and running. After pulling out a 1" think layer of crud from the biocube, I was pleasantly surprised to find crystal clear water and half the tank covered in turtle grass macro algae (I had to look it up). I don't know where the turtle grass came from, but it must have acted as a natural filter to keep things balanced. The salinity was high, but given that it was already cycled, the tank only needed a little TLC and time before things were back on track.
As you can imagine, it was just a matter of time before felt the urge to add a bigger tank to the project. Given that I had several vivariums to re-build, I resisted temptation....but then I came across this baby! It's not necessarily one on the big boys, like many of you have, but it's more than double the size of what I have.
So, I welcome you to follow along the build of this 70 gallon Artisan II Reef, as I share the ups and downs of my new reef venture. It's been a while since I started a tank from scratch, but I am looking forward to the journey. The tank and all of the equipment (except for the sump and plumbing) is pre-owned and purchased on the secondary market. Hopefully, buying used stuff won't come back to bite me, but we'll see.

Current Equipment List:
Cad Lights 70 gallon Artisan II w black piano stand.
Eshopps R-200 refugium sump.
Bubble Magus filter roller (medium)
Reef Octopus 150int Elite DC protien skimmer
Reef Octopus VarioS 2 return pump
BRS media reactor
Kessil H150 refugium light
Kessil A360w (2) w controller
Maxspect Gyre 250 (2) w controller
Neptune Apex (2016)
And a few other doo-dads and thig-a-ma-gigs.

I plan to post weekly until the tank is reasonably stocked, then every 90 days, until it's one year anniversary. I am also doing a video journal on YT for the first time. I welcome your comments, opinions, and constructive criticism.

STAY TUNED & Stay Safe.

VIDEO - Ep.1 Equipment [Cadlights 70g Artisan II Build]

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DarfrogDojo

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HARD PLUMBING INSTALL: Added the hard plumbing. Overall things went well, although I had a few issues with the return line. Initially I had a straight line, then I added a union ball valve, which did not fit well with the big butt drain. I finally went with a regular ball valve and seperate union. Eventually got to the leak test, where I found a few leaks, that were easily fixed by tightening the unions and bulkheads. Next step is to mod the Eshopps R-200 sump to fit the Bubble Magus medium filter roller.

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DarfrogDojo

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PLUMBING UPDATE: Decided to put a ball valve on the return line. Initially, I put a union ball valve, but it was a little too big and would not fit nicely along side the drain line ball valve. I tried to accommodate the return valve with a few elbows, but it would increase the head pressure. I was able to get a regular ball valve and a separate union to fit nicely.

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Plumbing with elbows to accommodate larger union ball valve.

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Final plumbing with regular ball valve and union.
 
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DarfrogDojo

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SUMP MODIFICATION

Below are the 7 (abbreviated) steps I took to modify the Eshopps R-200 sump to accommodate the Bubble Magus medium filter roller mat. Filter socks be gone!

Ep.3 Sump Mod video

Step 1 - Remove the 7" filter sock shelf with precision surgical tools. Rotary tool, and Saw-Zaw.
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Step 2 - Repair the damage caused to the sump during surgery with Mother's headlight repair kid. 800 / 1200 / 3000 grit then buff.
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Step 3 - Create in-take connection and modify filter roller intake.
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step 4 - Drill hole in return chamber wall and install filter intake bulkhead.
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Step 5 - Use coragrated plastic dam to create back pressure to ensure proper water flow thru refugium.
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Step 6 - Make stockman drain to quiet flow to roller mat.
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Step 7 - Make fine adjustments to ensure proper operation.

Next step is the water test.
 
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Jgerm

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P
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Final plumbing with regular ball valve and union.
The final plumbing definitely looks the best as well. I will say the return and main drain ball valves look like they will hit if both are closed. I’m sure it’s just the angle of the photo. Great work! I’ll be following along.
 
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DarfrogDojo

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The final plumbing definitely looks the best as well. I will say the return and main drain ball valves look like they will hit if both are closed. I’m sure it’s just the angle of the photo. Great work! I’ll be following along.
Thanks. They dont touch. There is a few millimeter gap when they're both closed.
 
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DarfrogDojo

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Why waste filter roller material during the setup and cycle, when you can use a filter sock. Got this little handy-dandy 3D printed magnetic filter sock holder off Ebay. It's a little big, but works pretty well.

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DarfrogDojo

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Scape is done. Planned to uae Paleo Bond glue to keep everything together, then finalize with e-Marco purple. Paleo bond didn't work too well. E-Marco was great.
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Mastering the art of locking and unlocking water pathways: What type of valves do you have on your aquarium plumbing?

  • Ball valves.

    Votes: 42 48.3%
  • Gate valves.

    Votes: 46 52.9%
  • Check valves.

    Votes: 20 23.0%
  • None.

    Votes: 22 25.3%
  • Other.

    Votes: 9 10.3%
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