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Thread: In the beginning

  1. #1

    Join Date
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    In the beginning

    My first build thread. After deciding on this, then that, and then something else. I'm going flat. Horizontal that is. I see Worley runs his at a 30 degree angle so I'm shooting for that. 20 degrees would be better for me but I have no idea what i'm doing so we'll see. I was going to go with Algenators Victory scrubber in a new sump tank but could'nt figure out a good running depth for my submersible pump. Could'nt get around thinking my ATO would be coming on in maybe one day then constant on/off until it ran dry.

    It's being built out of acrylic. 24" long 10"wide giving me 240sq. inches and is going to be fed from my overflow with a 600+gph flow rate.

    This is my current sump configuration. Skimmer has been out for a couple of weeks now to push the build. Everything in my display seems to be booming since the removal. I'm excited about this. The plan is to slant it right to left above the refugium and at an angle.
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... -09007.jpg
    Day one:
    Bought acrylic. 24x20x1/4. Scored and broke fairly easy. Roughed up surface as good as I could. Maybe adding something to it in future. Rounded exposed corners for my safety. And temporarily put together with Super Glue gel. Will pick up proper acrylic cement tomorrow hopefully. From what I've seen it just runs down the corners to do its job.

    So here's pictures of todays progress. Sorry I don't know how to post pictures without it being thumbnails or links. Any and all feedback appreciated.
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ild002.jpg
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ild003.jpg
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ild004.jpg
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ild005.jpg
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ild007.jpg
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ild008.jpg
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ild009.jpg

    I was thinking of using this light because I own it already. It measures 15" long 4" wide. But may just go get another reflector and 13W CFL.
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ing002.jpg

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    Union City, CA, USA
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    Re: In the beginning

    Two concerns:
    1) Simple scratched up acrylic is not a good screen. From personal experience, and a lot of other people's posts.
    Read up on mesh, and how to super-roughen it.
    (Maybe that was in your plan already. I was just looking at the pics)
    2) You might have trouble getting warm white bulbs for that light.
    Check before buying.

  3. #3

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    Re: In the beginning

    Hey Ry. Yeah I'm already convinced about adding mesh even before water has touched it. When you say warm. Do you mean the spectrum? The bulbs in that fixture are 27 watts each and are 6400k. I like I already own it, but not on the dual ballasts it has.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    Re: In the beginning

    hi m8 like your tank allot , vertical screens are better than horizontal just my opinion , ryhg is right you want a really roughed up screen , also iam running 4 25w cfl bulbs on a 15 in wide screen there's 100w on each side and there 2700k with this lighting iam getting green algae , believe me ive tried every thing else lol

  5. #5

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    Re: In the beginning

    Yes, spectrum of 6400k could be a problem.
    Definitely look into replacing those.

  6. #6

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    Re: In the beginning

    Okay. Here it is in place. Not complete but in place. Did the trial of what it would be like to remove for cleaning, and I have it out in less than a minute by removing the T configuration and then lifting it out. Quiet. Did I say quiet? It's no louder than one of those table top fountain deals. And a whole lot quieter than my skimmer ever was. Zero splash.
    I was wondering if putting a thin layer of grout on it would be good instead of the hook rug stuff. It would be pourous for the algae to get a good foot hold on. Need lights now.
    So. The pictures.
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ber003.jpg
    Good angle? 600+gph going down it.
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ber007.jpg
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ber008.jpg
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ber010.jpg
    Sweet legs.
    http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab30 ... ber013.jpg

  7. #7

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    Re: In the beginning

    why not lay some plastic canvas in it then you just need to remove that for cleaning ?

  8. #8
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    Re: In the beginning

    Yes canvas will be needed, of course, and it would be removed for weekly cleaning, but I the whole box may still need to be removed for periodic complete-cleanings. The flow looks great. The chaeto will need to go, of course.

  9. #9

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    Re: In the beginning

    i would cut the legs on a slight angle and glue them to the bottom of the tray it will help strengthen it all up , looking good though
    have you decided on lighting

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
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    Re: In the beginning

    Lighting. I stopped at HD today and the spot lights I see they have(CFL) were 23 watt(90 watt equiv) and only 1200 Lumens. So I bought 27watt(100 watt equiv) 1750 Lumens and another reflector. Didn't see any of the recommended 3000k bulbs. Another thing. Do these count as the 1 watt per gallon? Giving me have 2 watts per gallon. Or do I need four bulbs making actual 100 watts(400 watt equiv)?
    Will be in garage roughing up screen.
    The Chaeto has to go? Is that because it will compete with the ATS? I was hoping to have the double whammy on Nutrient export and a place for pods to mature. But if it must go I guess it must go. Should I wait until growth starts on the ATS before removal?

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