The Bernese Mountain Dog Build

ScottMyers123 · Apr 30, 2016

Nice build! I will be following your progress to see it all come together.

FrankAbagnale · Apr 30, 2016

ScottMyers123 said:
Nice build! I will be following your progress to see it all come together.

Thanks! I think it's going to turn into a nice build and hopefully a successful reef.

reefmania59 · Apr 30, 2016

FrankAbagnale said:
I definitely appreciate the advice! I don't think there will be an issue, but since you brought up the possible issue, I'll probably add some extra bracing just in case.

I may be over cautious. I just think of the weight of a filled tank and what safeguards to help prevent future surprises. I hate mopping. [emoji1]

FrankAbagnale · May 3, 2016

Little update!

I went back and forth on the aquarium itself. As much as I would have loved a custom tank, I needed to be realistic with cost. My LFS ordered me a Marineland 180 with black silicone and without the overflows on Monday. Total charge was $689! There's a chance the tank will arrive on Friday, but it will most likely be next week.

I also ordered tons of items for the tank! I have a total of 11 packages coming from BRS tomorrow! I also have a few other things coming next week and am on the production list for my new sump!

I'm excited to get this thing going!

mmw64 · May 3, 2016

FrankAbagnale said:
Hahaha! I love Saint Bernards! We used to have an English Mastiff so we're definitely partial to larger breeds. And since you asked....!

Adorable!!!

FrankAbagnale · May 4, 2016

Nothing like 11 packages of reef goodness arriving!! I thought this build was going to move a little slower, but I've been thinking about it so much over the last 9 months, there wasn't a whole lot more thinking to do!

FrankAbagnale · May 4, 2016

Along with quite a few plumbing pieces, I received my new return pump, overflow, rocks, and light fixture!

I was originally going to use a Jebao DC-12000 for this build as I've had good luck with the 6000 on my 75g, but at the last minute I bought a Vectra M1. I'm excited about this pump and feel like it will alleviate my concern of the Jebao randomly shutting down in a years time. Ecotech has always had amazing customer service when I've needed help so that has a lot to do with it too.

I went with the SynergyReef 16" overflow for this build. I had BAO build me a custom over flow for my 75G and it has been nothing but great! This time around, I felt like I was getting more with the Synergy overflow and went ahead and pulled the trigger on it.

Chrisfish · May 4, 2016

Very nice thread, what a nice start for you and your future wife:) can't wait to see it set up. Adorable puppy, love my doggies as much as I love my small reef. Speaking of small by the looks of those paws yours isn't going to be. :D

FrankAbagnale · May 4, 2016

Chrisfish said:
Very nice thread, what a nice start for you and your future wife:) can't wait to see it set up. Adorable puppy, love my doggies as much as I love my small reef. Speaking of small by the looks of those paws yours isn't going to be. :D

Thanks! We're both really excited for the new tank! I've been dreaming of a 6' tank for the last 4 years. The pup has been great! She won't be as big as our last dog, but will probably hit 100ish pounds.

FrankAbagnale · May 4, 2016

I've used T5's on my last few tanks and have been very happy with them. My last tank had a combination of T5's and Kessil's and had a really cool look.

This time around.....I'm sticking with T5! I decided on the 60" 8 bulb ATI Sunpower. I may add some Kessil's or Reefbrites in the future, but I'm undecided on these so far.

I also went with Pukani rock again. I've used it on two different tanks now and have been really happy with it. I think it looks great, and for dry rock, you get a lot for your money. I'm starting with 100 pounds for now, and may add some of the rock from my 75G if I feel the need.

One thing I hate.....Packing Peanuts! It was expected, but these dang packing peanuts get everywhere! I haven't pulled the rock out of the bags yet, but it looks like BRS gave me a really nice assortment of pieces. I'm excited to come up with a scape for the new tank.

Scubafrog · May 4, 2016

Great looking build so far. What brand of aquarium are you using? Being from CoMo I assume you order all your livestock online or do you go to KC or STL? I was born and raised in CoMo and there was never a good place to buy saltwater fish. I noticed that there was a saltwater store on E. Broadway a couple years back but it closed before I was able to check it out.

Good luck on the build and marriage.

Joel B in FL · May 4, 2016

Really cute puppy.

I am following along on this build as it looks like it will turn out really nice.

reefmania59 · May 4, 2016

Christmas in May. :) Definitely adds to the anticipation.

jsker · May 4, 2016

FrankAbagnale said:
Along with quite a few plumbing pieces, I received my new return pump, overflow, rocks, and light fixture!

I was originally going to use a Jebao DC-12000 for this build as I've had good luck with the 6000 on my 75g, but at the last minute I bought a Vectra M1. I'm excited about this pump and feel like it will alleviate my concern of the Jebao randomly shutting down in a years time. Ecotech has always had amazing customer service when I've needed help so that has a lot to do with it too.

I went with the SynergyReef 16" overflow for this build. I had BAO build me a custom over flow for my 75G and it has been nothing but great! This time around, I felt like I was getting more with the Synergy overflow and went ahead and pulled the trigger on it.

Were did you get the back flow valve?

FrankAbagnale · May 4, 2016

Scubafrog said:
Great looking build so far. What brand of aquarium are you using? Being from CoMo I assume you order all your livestock online or do you go to KC or STL? I was born and raised in CoMo and there was never a good place to buy saltwater fish. I noticed that there was a saltwater store on E. Broadway a couple years back but it closed before I was able to check it out.

Good luck on the build and marriage.

I'm using a Marineland tank. Hoping I don't have issues...I've done a mix of online and KC or STL. Columbia Pet Center is actually now doing saltwater as well. Their system has been up for about a year now and is really improving. I will probably buy my fish there, but will order most my coral online or pick up pieces in KC.

The store on Broadway was nice, but could have been s much better. The owner wasn't great with customers and made some very bad decisions which led to the store closing.

And thanks!!

FrankAbagnale · May 4, 2016

Joel B in FL said:
Really cute puppy.

I am following along on this build as it looks like it will turn out really nice.

Thanks and welcome aboard!

reefmania59 said:
Christmas in May. :) Definitely adds to the anticipation.

Yeah, I must have been really good so far this year because I have been very generous with my gifts to myself!

jsker said:
Were did you get the back flow valve?

That's a Spears true Union check valve from BRS. They also sell the Georg Fischer wye check valve! I thought about it, but they are pretty dang expensive.

jsker · May 4, 2016

That's a Spears true Union check valve from BRS. They also sell the Georg Fischer wye check valve! I thought about it, but they are pretty dang expensive.[/QUOTE]

I like how the spears comes apart

FrankAbagnale · May 4, 2016

jsker said:
That's a Spears true Union check valve from BRS. They also sell the Georg Fischer wye check valve! I thought about it, but they are pretty dang expensive.

I like how the spears comes apart[/QUOTE]

Agreed! Makes it much easier for maintenance of the valve.