230 Project Nearing Completion

[PessimisticOptimist]

Happy New Year Everyone

Well this has been a long time coming. I started this project about 14 months ago. I will place the time line below and associated pics. All I have left to do is the finish work to the stand, molding and final coat of paint. As for the aquarium itself, the first inhabitants have been swimming around for nearly a week now, 1 maroon clown fish, 1 fire goby, 7 green chromis.

1. Frame and wall board filtration room in basement
2. wire dedicated circuit for filtration room
3. build tank stand
4. convert 125 to sump/refugium
5. plumb from display tank to filtration room
6. plumb CL under tank stand
7. test for leaks. This took the weeks of time and was VERY frustrating due to persistent leaks
8. add LR and sand
9. install Solaris I5

More to come

[PessimisticOptimist]

Continuing with the list...

5 plumb from display tank to filtration room
6 plumb CL under tank stand
7 test for leaks. This took the weeks of time and was VERY frustrating due to persistent leaks
8 add LR and sand
9 install Solaris I5

[PessimisticOptimist]

And finally, some pics as of last night.

I still have some kinks to work out with regard to microcbubbles in the tank, both independent of and related to the new skimmer, but all in good time.

Regards,

[Amphibious]

Keith,

WOW!!! Nothing like ringing in the New Year with a newly completed reef as spectacular as that one. Congratulations! It was well worth the wait.

Great light coverage using the new Solaris I5 LED lights.

Dick

[FishFinder]

Looks great! I always wanted to setup a tank so i can watched from anywhere in the house especially from the living room and kitchen/dining room. When I get my own place again I may try to take on a similar project.

[SaltCritters]

Looks good. How wide is the tank?

[PessimisticOptimist]

Looks good. How wide is the tank?

24" wide.

[rayme07]

Its looking good I like how you can see the tank from all those different places and the rock work looks awesome.

[CarmieJo]

Keith, what a beautiful set up!

[PessimisticOptimist]

Thanks to everyone for the kind words. I'd like to say it has been easy. To the contrary, it was a bear of a DIY project, particularly the plumbing. I got so frustrated after my first tap water test, I stepped away from the project for almost 2 months.

The only plumbing piece which is still not working properly is one of the four revolutions refuses to index. It consistently gets stuck in either the up or down position. I was messing with it on a daily basis, because it indexes manually (my hand down at the bottom of the tank)

Fortunately, the Rev in question is currently stuck pointing toward the distant end of the tank so I have decided to give myself a reprieve from submerging up to my shoulder for a few days.

I am having issues with my skimmer. I have never used one before in my 30 years in the aquarium hobby, but that is a matter for another thread.

Cheers

[SaltCritters]

i had one of those revolution things in my tank and i found that there had to be air up under the lip inorder for it to work. But mine hung from the top of the tank so not sure about the ones that sit on the bottom.

[PessimisticOptimist]

i had one of those revolution things in my tank and i found that there had to be air up under the lip inorder for it to work. But mine hung from the top of the tank so not sure about the ones that sit on the bottom.

Yeah, mine runs purely on water pressure. Which, actually makes the process run more easily, except for the one REV in question.

[saltaddict]

Very nice set-up Keith.

[Skurvey Dog]

Wowsers Keith.... I remember when you first set the empty tank on it's stand all those months ago and explaining all your plans. I knew it'd be sweet when you got done, but now getting to see all the "behind the scenes" and the completion, I am truly impressed!

[PessimisticOptimist]

Wowsers Keith.... I remember when you first set the empty tank on it's stand all those months ago and explaining all your plans. I knew it'd be sweet when you got done, but now getting to see all the "behind the scenes" and the completion, I am truly impressed!

Thanks Skurvey & Salt Addict.

It sure was (is) a labor of love, I suppose. Like I said before, I had to step away a few times as it was wearing on me without giving much back in the way of reward. Now, I hope to be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor for many years to come.

BTW - I really like both your names. Salt Addicts cause we can all relate to the addiction of this hobby in particular and aquaria in general. Skurvey I am fond of because I am a US Navy veteran so it rings real familiar.

P.S. I like your saying, "Reefers School Together"

[Amphibious]

Keith,

What is the brand name of that Rev device?

[PessimisticOptimist]

Keith,

What is the brand name of that Rev device?

Rev = Revolution, which is the brand name and made by Oceans Motions

[Amphibious]

Thanks, Keith.

[PessimisticOptimist]

Some pics, under the PFO moonlight.

[Amphibious]

Great pics, Keith. I love the moon lights. Thanks for sharing.

Dick

[V]

sweet brother, planning is getting you across the line.

nearing completion.... pffftttt, thats what you think, its never over bud or havn't you learnt that yet...lol

Who is this crazy cat?



Nice bud, very nice. Look forward to following your thread into the future!

[PessimisticOptimist]

Great pics, Keith. I love the moon lights. Thanks for sharing.

Dick

Dick - given your knowledge of the PFO product and your experience with Corals did you ever consider making a guide book?

[PessimisticOptimist]

sweet brother, planning is getting you across the line.

nearing completion.... pffftttt, thats what you think, its never over bud or havn't you learnt that yet...lol

From your lips to my ears, friend.

[Carty]

sure is pretty

[saltaddict]

Keith - I find myself visiting your post at least once a day to admire your tank, it is an awesome build and set-up.