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RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 07:19:14 GMT

Hi all,
I had a few PM's in regard to my ozone set up. Here are some picts.
I'm also going to start a thread on trends.

Tom

EuroReef skimmer. drilled a hole for hose connector from an air stone.
This set up allows the ozone to enter into the skimmer and mix nicely.
The black hose is neoprene hosing.

connnector from air stone.

Generator, air dryer and luft pump.

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Anthony Calfo — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:16:16 GMT

yes... the trend thread would be very helpful. FOlks will be fascinated to see how iodine raises ORP, yet feeding drops it... and how eater changes temporarily drop it very low, then raise it steadily higher (than before) with a rebound.

These are the things that RedOx meters help us learn to finess our husbandry.

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 11:48:35 GMT

Cheers Anthony,
Glad to have you back into it!
I have noticed my ORP to rise somewhat, but not to the 350 set point.
I max out at about 325. (maybe thats my probe meters 350?) Water looks great!
I have a few trends I'm following, I'll keep it posted.
Maybe should be a new Thread?
"Ozone, and ORP trends"

Thanks,

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Anthony Calfo — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:25:29 GMT

Very good application of ozone here.... and no worries on the actual number within reason. ORP meters are difficult to keep calibrated and/or give accurate readings (though they are generally pricise... that is to say, they may not have tha correct measure... but they will measure the changes/swings). ORP meters are excellent for monitoring general trends to finesse husbandry.

My guess is the ORP is reading much higher now if you have been running it full time for a month?

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:54:39 GMT

Hi Everyone,
I've been very busy with Christmas preparations around the house,(wife likes to decorate inside and out!) but wasn't busy enough to install
an Ozone Generator. I purchased a Red Sea Deluxe 200mg hr. with a 24 inch long air dryer
and Luft pump.
I found a neat DIY way to hook up my ozone hose(neoprene) to one of my Euro reef skimmers.
Just after the venturi, I drilled a 1/4 inch hole which is a perfect tight fit for a rubber airstone
hose connector. I then attached my neoprene hose to that. So, when I run the skimmer all the venturi air mixes with
the air from the ozone reactor. Works really well. I've covered the top air vents and exit water with carbon.
I have had a bit of a problem getting the ORP above 315 though? Any thoughts?

I'll post picts of the DIY when I clean it this weekend.

Hope all is well,
Happy Holidays,

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 06:51:56 GMT

Hi Alt.
Yes, I probablly could move it up and away. Not to big of a mess to do that.
I'll have to put that on the post construction list!

Thanks,

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Alti — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 23:14:16 GMT

Very nice Tom.

I Agree with Steve on the outlet. Very scary position. Is moving the whole outlet an option? Ive had bad experiences with water and electricity and avoiding them always takes precidence over almost anything else in my setup. Its always better to tear up the wall than burn it down

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:06:32 GMT

Hi Steve,
Your right, I just haven't got around to putting covers on the outlets
I'll be sure to cover it, and rig some kind of protection in that area.
That was a pre-planning problem. I was thinking the sump wouldn't come out that far.
I wanted to add more gallonage after the fact.

Thanks for the insight.

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

CTReefer — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 08:58:41 GMT

Hi Tom: Everything is looking terrific! I agree with the others about paint selection, etc... very nice!

I did have a question/concern however. I noticed that there is an outlet set up very close to that left sump area. I would be concerned about overflow of water and/or condensation affecting that outlet. Perhaps you can just cover half of that sump to prevent any mishaps. Maybe that outlet can also be partially covered as well.

Steve

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Anthony Calfo — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 20:39:25 GMT

a short rain gutter or large pipe (6") [length of the sump at mnost] pegged at the base of the stand (and caped at both ends) with a large single drain spout (3" perhaps) that shoots to the back of the sump will free the forward space of those blocking pipes.

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 20:03:41 GMT

Thanks Anth, Paul,
Just trying to keep the thread alive!

Dont' think I put any picts of my skimmer set-up? 2 Euro Reef skimmers.
Had them both in a 10 gallon tank within the drain side of the sump but taking them in and out
was a handicap. The sump on the left side is 30 gallons filled to the 20 gallon mark. Had to have the sumps set up this way without incurring a lot more expence. I felt this would still work.
All the drains are on slip unions so I can spin them out of the way or take them out with ease. The one on the far right has a
cap inside it. Tell me what I should do with it? won't fit with the others but don't really need it. Each drain is 2".

Here's the picts

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

captbunzo — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 15:05:43 GMT

Agreed - very nice colors and setup. Lovely!!!

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Anthony Calfo — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 13:56:44 GMT

Very purdy... I like it all the way down to the paint colors selected for the room/trim

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 18:10:52 GMT

Getting close to the end.

I painted the wall and put some molding on.
Still have some painting to do on the floor molding, and think we may keep the door natural with
some kind of clear laquer finish.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Anthony, Thanks for the extra Mb's we'll need it for that photo thread

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 06:49:34 GMT

hey, Tom... there might be a new photography subforum on this site

Ahhhhhh... I new you were up to something.
Good call!

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 06:42:03 GMT

Hey Doug,

Don't use too much spray foam insulation on the pump or it might float away

You might be right, however, there might be a work around with placement of Great Stuff and pump.
This is why I made the decision to use a CLM so I didn't have to deal with hiding pumps.
If I decide to his hide the CLM in the back of the tank It should be easier then hiding a pump.

Tom.

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Anthony Calfo — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 06:01:24 GMT

hey, Tom... there might be a new photography subforum on this site

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 05:54:07 GMT

Hi Teco,
Thanks, and yes I did the research. Great Stuff is closed cell Polymethylene, Which will not allow water to pentitrate when cured. Your safe.
If your concerned about messing up. Try it on cardboard and practice a bit. I think I posted how I did it back in the thread somewhere.

Good luck,

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

teco — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 22:32:07 GMT

Wow, I gotta say this is a great build thread, thanks for sharing. The room looks really good. I love your rock work and the foam background. Ive seen it done in a couple threads but Ive been too scared to try, but, I sooooo want to.

Im sure you did your research, have you ever heard anything about it getting waterlogged and becoming a problem? Thats just too cool not to consider.

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

dougwilliams — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 19:41:33 GMT

Don't use too much spray foam insulation on the pump or it might float away ...

Or- maybe you could do it on purpose to a powerhead for more randomized water movement...

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 15:04:08 GMT

Thanks so much Paul, I appreciate it!.
I'll keep the pics. coming. I might take Fishtri's idea and use some Great Stuff to cover the back portion of the CL.
I believe I'll wait and see what the coraline and organic growth looks like first. I'm also still trying to get rid of my upstream refugiums bubbles in the display. I guess it's tolerable but not where I'd like it to be. I'd really like to go for real clear water.
My plan is to use ozone in a bit, but I'd like to get the bubble issue over with.

Thanks again,

Tom

PS. Anthony, that sly dog mentioned a Photograhy Thread? What do you think?
We could take pictures and share, not only the pics. but exposure settings, and lighting issues etc.
We could learn from each other.?

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

captbunzo — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 14:01:12 GMT

Been a while since I have checked in, Caspo... I am amazed!!! Very nice work. You are truly an artist!

Thanks for sharing, I will be staying tuned fore more updates and (most of all) pics!

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:53:17 GMT

Great Idea! I would make two halves. This way it would slide off easier (two parts)
You could cover the pump (with plastic wrap) then use Great Stuff, let it cure, then use sheet rock knife or large exacto knife to cut apart. The seam will not be noticeable when painted.

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Spracklcat — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 09:52:57 GMT

I had been talking about swapping out a small in-tank pump for a larger one, and using GreatStuff to coat it (as it would be an eyesore otherwise) and what was suggested to me was that rather than applying the GS directly to the pump, covering the pump with Saran wrap first and then applying the GS and drying it. This way the GS "coat" can be slid off and left in the tank and the pump can be removed for servicing.

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:15:58 GMT

Thanks Guys
Hmmmm? photograghy threeeeeead?
Not a bad idea Senoir Calfo

Another idea might be to cut a long narrow piece of the eggcrate and cut holes in it for the manifold outlets to poke through. Then Great Stuff the eggcrate to hide most of the PVC pipe?

I like this idea Alan, never thought of it. I like it because I could apply the Great Stuff outside the tank on egg crate and, when cured, just slide it over the outlets of the pvc. Hmmm, Not bad

You painted your Great Stuff, and it looks great. Over time, will it get covered by coraline? (read: if I'm lazy and don't want to paint, will it look ok in a couple of months anyway?)

I believe it will get covered to some degree. Just didn't want to wait The natural color of Great Stuff looks quite bad without the paint on it.

Thanks for the input Alan,

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Anthony Calfo — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 19:29:23 GMT

fabulous Tom Looking forward to your photography thread too

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

FishTri — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:27:30 GMT

Tom,

Thanks for the "Welcome". I've been doing a lot of reading over at ReefCentral, but I've discovered a whole new cache of great info here at MD.

Yeah, I was at Something Fishy on Friday. Got there a little late, but hung out with Anthony after his talk. Great way to get some accurate info quickly!

Idea: Do you remember the big display tank Anthony was standing in front of? At the time I didn't know what the background was, but after reading your thread, I'm guessing it was Great Stuff sprayed over eggcrate diffuser (like a plastic grid). Then they stuffed shells and rock into the foam while it was drying. Looked great.

Do you think you could coat your manifold with Great Stuff, and pebble it with pieces of shell/rock etc? Another idea might be to cut a long narrow piece of the eggcrate and cut holes in it for the manifold outlets to poke through. Then Great Stuff the eggcrate to hide most of the PVC pipe?

Question: You painted your Great Stuff, and it looks great. Over time, will it get covered by coraline? (read: if I'm lazy and don't want to paint, will it look ok in a couple of months anyway?)

-Alan

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 20:45:02 GMT

Oh, FWIW the black around my photos is a combination of
an effect I like, and also hides the fact that I haven't painted the dry wall yet!
Lots of spackle can distract from the subject.

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 20:40:20 GMT

Hi Alan!
Welcome to MD.
Were you at Anthonys mini seminar on photo. in Northampton?
We should have had name tags.

Are you using Anthony's photo tips?

Yes, Some. Some I've been experimenting with on my own.

I'm planning a return manifold like yours. I'm curious how you plan to reduce its visual impact.

My only plan is to add molding to the dry wall that will, from the standing position hide the
manifold. When seated, you will see some of the effluents in the back of the tank but most of the front will be covered. I'd much rather see a neat black pvc tube them big chunky pumps. I'm also thinking about some coral I could grow on it to hide it even more.

Thanks for asking.
Any questions feel free,

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

FishTri — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:27:45 GMT

Tom,

We should have had name tags on Friday. I was in Allentown trying to pick up pointers on setting up a big tank. I should have just talked with you! Are you using Anthony's photo tips?

Your build looks great, and I'm planning a return manifold like yours. I'm curious how you plan to reduce its visual impact.

-Alan

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 17:10:41 GMT

Here some picts. H2O is still a bit clowdy and some bubbles I'm trying to deal with.
But I thought I'd post some.
These are experiments with exposure settings. I need to work on these. These were all
no flash, just tank lighting and no ambient room light. High app. slow shutter speed. and Tri-pod
Mostly soft coral as you can see. and I'm leaving lots of room for these few to grow as large as possible. I may only add a few more fish.

Tom

All picts. Nikon D50 standard lens.

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 20:09:33 GMT

Hi Sprack!,
Bob was cool wasn't he!
I think Bob was taking the same thing Eric has been on in his dissolution thread. hee hee

Met the big A in PA last night Sprackl. Very cordial, humble, and easy to talk to.
Kinda like me.

I'll keep the picts. coming. I have most of the live stock in the tank but it's
still a little clowdy for photo shoot.

Peace out,

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Spracklcat — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 07:39:50 GMT

Does that mean that while you were painting you were saying to yourself "now, let's put some happy little coralline here. There.... doesn't that look happy? And now this polyp wants to live in this little nook over here...see, now it has a home. A happy, cozy little home...."

'Cause that would have been sweet.

Long live Bob Ross I wish I had what he was taking.

(and thanks for the painting techniques. I'm still nervous about spraying though--)

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Anthony Calfo — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 07:00:32 GMT

outstanding info again, my friend... thank you for building this thread and sharing with fellow aquarists

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 20:44:05 GMT

Forgot one point, When you get this stuff in the water is takes away any
shine that the Kryon had to it which is great! It looks better under water then out.

Over and out.

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 20:40:24 GMT

Sure,
Painted it with Krylon Fusion spray paint. (Did the research, ok for Aquarium use)
1. Light grey coat first ( light sweeping motions, small bursts so you don't run/drip it.) 15min dry- repeat grey again
2. Green coat next. same as first coat, sweeping motion. Now the art part starts where to put it where not to. 15 min dry - repeat green again
3. Black (Matt finish not glossy on ALL colors) short bursts in crevises (creates depth in the rock) 15 min dry
4. RED! ahh "coraline" small bursts top of rock surface ( don't over do it) 15 dry
5. Back to Green to cover areas of too much black and red
6 Don't go back to the Light grey or you'll have to start all over. Thats just your base coat.
Some of the spattering of the black, red and green create a natural texture.
This is what "Bob Ross" called "Happy Accidents!" ( Bob Ross was a channel 13 PBS artist in the 70's with a huge afro that use to do an entire painting in a half hour show. Too funny!

Hope this helps,

See you tommorrow Anth.

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Anthony Calfo — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 19:36:14 GMT

can you tell us a bit more about how you color the faux rockscape?

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 18:47:38 GMT

It just keeps getting better and better looking--even without any livestock! amazing how that Greatstuff looks so realistic even next to the real rock--wow

Thanks Spracklcat!
The "Great Stuff" really was fun to work with, and easy!
I also made a nice find in Thorite Cement. It cures in 5 hrs. and drys hard as rock.
The pict. below is about 10 pieces of live rock from my 55 gallon made into 2.
There in the 150gal. as we speak, as well as my coral and fish. Waiting for the water to clear up a bit before I post picts.

Thanks again.

Tom

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Spracklcat — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 08:00:20 GMT

It just keeps getting better and better looking--even without any livestock! amazing how that Greatstuff looks so realistic even next to the real rock--wow.

Great job--

RE: 150 gallon In Wall Contruction And Progress

Caspo — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 19:19:43 GMT

Hi Guys,
Was at a Wedding,

Hi bourbeaue, Welcome to MD

Tom, hwere did you get your Thorite cement

Got it from a guy I found on RC. I should still have his name.

Do be sure the Nerites you choose are not intertidal (need exposure)

Family Neritidae Nerita funiculata, I was told they stay in the aquarium and are not intertidal.

Hi Tom: Gee, it's looking terrific. BTW, that's exactly the mechanism that I use to raise & lower my lights, you are going to love it. Simple & very effective! Great

Thanks Steve, your right it's really cool.

Tom