(First Reef Tank Ever) **** 600gal Display **** 1300gal System

ok here are some updates finally since I have been busy working.
all the trim molding are done and cabinets doors hinges are also installed. I am still debating if any molding will be installed around the cabinets doors below the tank. base molding w/quarter round will be installed to match the rest of the house.

 

ok more prep work and orange peel apply then painting.

 

5-14: ok finally finished with cabinet and I am happy how this turn out, just plain and simply exactly how I liked it. I figure if all the trim molding was painted white then I can tell where the tank begin and ends. since i have blended the cabinet in with the entire wall. it has such a better view from all different angles. i will be working on lighting this week then chiller will be mounted and finished the rest of plumbing. 1 step closer on getting rocks & water in.

 

5-15: ok some more work done today and here are the updates.
first thing was to assemble all 3 LM3 reflectors which my 3yrs. old baby volunteer to help and how convenience that the guy sell them on ---- is located down here and had them hand delivered to me. next was to cut aluminum to fit the slides which I had to be extra careful to have the holes drilled just right if not the slides will not work properly even if I am off about 1/4" or so. of course I am not completely done yet and extra supports will also be installed to hold them in place making them more sturdy since I cant afford to have any mistake as kids are around the house. MH are powered by 3 PFO Single HQI 400watts ballast w/14k hamilton. these babies are so bright it feel like I have no roof just direct sunlight.

 

Awesome setup mate:clapping:

 

5-18: ok finished LA3 rack and additional modifications was added to secure all fixtures. 1st 1.5" x 1/8" thick aluminum angle was the main support to hold LA3 in place. 2nd 2x4 was added to top, back and sides to support the entire light canopy making it slides so much easier since the 3/4" plywood was removed due to any heat build up therefore making it lighter. 3rd 1" x 1/8" thick aluminum angle and 1x2 white pine was added to support the LM3 from moving no more than 1/8" either way so MH fixtures would not fall down while sliding rack is in motion. 4th LA3 will also be secure from the top just in case fixtures do ever fall down and hopefully it will not get that far.

 

5-22: ok here are some more updates that I just completed. 2x4 and 3/4" plywood treated w/poly was constructed to finished the shelves for total of 6 PFO HQI Single 400w and 2 IC 660.



Tradewind 1.5HP 18,000BTU also made it here. I will begin forming the area needed to be done then concrete can be poured and the rest of plumbing can be done this weekend. after this i will be starting on my QT's setup which should only take couple days to build the stand then i will finally start making ro water.


200gal ro/di reservoir


the vho's on each end will not be installed just the middle.
3 LM3 w/20k radium (rear), 3 reef optix v w/14k hamilton (front), and 8 36" URI super atinics space between the LM3 and reef optix v.

 

5-29: these are the lastest updates, since it has been raining i guess indoor working for me. hopefully weather will be good next few days so i can start on my chiller and getting area prep and concrete can be poured. today got a chance to build the stands for QT tank (135gal middle) and continuous water change sump (90gal below) and top shelf is for storage. QT tank will be equipped with 2 hang-on refugium w/protein skimmer. Aqua Medic 4 dosing pump will be in charge of auto top-off and continuous water changes. with 2 hang-on filters heavy feeding will be performed to get all the babies in tip top shape. also continuous water change will make it so much easier thus less work for me getting my hands dirty and all left to do is turn ball valve when water change sump gets low. i feel that introducing small amount of water into the system will make all fishes happy and they might not even noticed the change.

 

very nice. can't wait to see it filled

 

WOW ..... neat stuff!

I'm exhausted just looking at the pics and imagining all the work involved.

Great set-up from A to Z !!

Can't wait to see it filled. Keep them pics coming