Fish76's "New & Improved" Future Build!

I've been collecting equipment, gathering info from you guys and slowly planning my "New & Improved Build" for over a year now. Because of some life stuff goin' on, my build keeps getting delayed...delayed...delayed :-/, but as soon as I'm back to 100%, this build will go full speed ahead!

My wifey only allows me a small, itty-bitty, corner wall of the living room to put my aquarium, so I decided to max out the corner as much as possible! I'm planning on a custom aquarium 40x29x22 which equates to about 110gal (minus some for glass wall thickness).

My current 65gal setup is in mega ghetto survival mode right now since my canister filter o) failure a couple months back. Suprisingly, my Royal Gramma, 3 damsels, coral banded shrimp and hermits are surviving (quite fat and happy) despite everything.

The new build will be for fish only for a bit, then dabble into simple corals like zoas or something later down the road. I've bought most of the equipment and re-using some that I currently have. Here's my list of equipment I have:

*In Service
*Waiting To Be Used in New Build

• Reef Octopus XP1000SSS Skimmer
• Eheim 1262 Return Pump
• Aquamedic Kalkwasser KS1000
• Vortech MP40ES 8)
• Apex Controller w/WMX, B/O Box, Powerline Network Adapter (only MP40ES hooked up)
• Bunch of bought & DIY sensors for Apex - floats, DIY optical level sensors, water leak sensor, etc (still tinkering with some of the sensors)
• DIY 37 LED (RB-CW) Dimmable Lighting w/Analog Meanwell Drivers
• UV Violet/Red/Green LED upgrade using Meanwell Driver
• DIY Manual Dimmable Moonlights
• GFO & Carbon Reactors
• Custom 8"x3.5"x6" Internal Overflow Box
• DIY 20H Two Chamber Glass Sump
• 70lbs of Marco Rocks
• 3D Marine Rock Background
• Custom ATO System (still tinkering on design/implementation)
• RO System
• Eheim Auto Feeder

Like I said, I've been slowly collecting and tinkering around with stuff when I'm able over the past year, so sorry if this build takes forever ;D.

 

To help me visualize how the heck this thing will fit and look, I decided o draw some stuff up in 3D. So, on with the pics!

This is the wall corner and what the tank will look like, I know not that exciting.....










Canopy and Stand Doors Open (well, didn't quite get to the drawing the doors in yet....)




Exposed Stand Design and Sump







I didn't draw in the Apex control board yet but everything will be installed in the right side of the cabinet. I want to design it so that I can easily pull the whole control board for upgrades (later pics will show the Apex Control Board).

 

My "Apex Control Board".....I only have the MP40ES hooked up to it now and it' somewhat mobile right now which makes it easy to move around for testing and what not. This is what will eventually go in the right side of the tank stand. Apex is pretty sweet 8)




Some pics of my DIY dimmable 37 LED build. I actually added 3 more clusters of RB-CW later so the pic only shows 28 LED's plus some moonlight LED's.








DIY screen tops, bought the netting from BRS and rest from Lowes.




3D Rock Background




Da Sump. Isn't that the ugliest silicone job you've ever seen ? I've seen some of your guys and it puts mine to shame. I almost want to redo it. I'll need to build a stand for the skimmer since optimal water height is 5-1/2".

 

So some things I'll likely buy this week for black Friday madness are:

• Reef Octopus Skimmer Neck Cleaner
• Apex Auto Feeder (Come on already and release it!!!!)
• BRS Reactors
• Other crap I don't need really need

 

This looks like it will be quite the build! Looking forward to seeing the progress

 

Finished up drawing what I'm planning for the electronic panel to look like. I'll have to modify from my previous photo since I'm adding couple things to the system. I'm making it so I can easily swing open the panel door for easy access to all the electrical stuff. Also I'll put in a removable plexiglass splash guard to protect it from water sprays and what not.

 

Well this build went belly-up. But, I have a new build! Check out my "Real" build here:

http://www.3reef.com/threads/my-taking-4ever-but-almost-there-dream-build.153814/

Mods, can you close this thread please.