Jim's 150 cube

Work completed today - pics

Aside from a couple of honeydoos, I spent most of the day working on my lighting. I did pick up the mat for inside the stand - absorbs vibration, and keeps equipment 1/2" away from misc water spills should (more like when) they happen. I also tested the light fixtures and transformers with the new bulbs and put together the reflectors (8) for the T5 lights.

First pic is the mat, second is the beginning of the rails I put in to mount the lights to, and finally the lighting installed:

 

Apparently the most heat is generated on that end, so cooling is most effective that way. It definitely won't hurt if you cool both ends.

 

Thanks for the tip

Rose: Thanks for the tip. With two fans, it sounds like it would be worth while to alternate the label ends for every other bulb. I must remember to do that when I put them in.

Again - thanks!!

 

Looks like only two Tangs

Based on the feed back I received:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/tropical-fish/how-many-tangs-91530.html#post930607

I'll only have two tangs. Given is a Purple - now for the tough decision - sigh.

 

For a 3' cube I would even say a purple tang will get too big. I would go with the yellow or mimic or a kole tang.

 

I don't know about size issues, but with proper aquascaping, a 3' cube tank can have 2 x 4 foot long runs, which should be good for quite a few of the tangs.

 

Leak test done

Today concluded my leak testing of the tank and sump. No issues with either. Draining and cleaning up the two was very time consuming however. I was surprised at how much gunk is in regular tap water. But both have been cleaned with RO/DI water and now sparkle.

I also painted the back and left side of the tank today (black). I was really surprised at how much deeper the painting made the tank appear.

The cork for the walls behind the tank has arrived. I've got it uncurling under some books on the dining room table. The cork on the walls and the rubber mat in the bottom of the stand should cut the noise down quite a bit.

The reservoir for the ATO shipped yesterday, will be here on Tuesday. Also the last of my sand will also be here on Tuesday.

Finalized the layout in the stand today (I changed it so many times trying to maximize space - sure glad I had Adobe Illustrator) - I hope the ATO reservoir is the size I ordered - If not, I have a problem. Now I can start cutting some shrouds for the chiller exhaust and some additional mounting space for my equipment and BRS dose pumps.

Tomorrow I will be moving the new rock I have been curing into a fresh bin with new salt water. I added Flatworm Exit to the two tubs it has been cooking in on Sunday. This seemed to work with my original rock as I haven't seen any worms in my 75. I will also be making salt water tomorrow in preparation for tearing down my 75 on Monday.

Everything has to sit for a day (Tuesday) while my wife has some construction work done in the Living Room. Heavy Sigh:-X. And Wednesday morning I get to start the new build .

I'll be taking pics/movies as I go, so I will have some posts when done.

Wish me luck - this is my first transition. I think I've covered all bases, but Mr. Murphy is always looking for ways.

 

This will build is going to be sweet! I love deep dimension tanks. Thanks for keeping us up to speed.

 

Thanks for the input Beaun. I had a Kole Tang many years ago, and it was so wimpy. Stayed hidden in the rock all the time. At feeding time, it would swim out for a bite, then retreat to the rocks - so it is off my list. The Mimic Tang however may be a good choice. I also had one of them several years ago. Great fish, lots of personality, always swimming about in the tank, never picked on other fish. I was very sad when I lost it to a BTE - also swore I would never have another anemone in my tank.

Again - thanks!

 

Thanks for dropping by.