Trivan's 45 Gallon Build project

[trivan]

Hi all. I've been lurking on here for a while now and been slowly building my tank project up. I work in NY and live in NJ so I figured that qualifies me to post here, lol.

I've had a Oceanic Nano for the last 2 years. Nothing special, but enjoyed having it enough to do a small upgrade to a 45 gallon Marineland (24x24x18).

I've decided in the beginning that I'm going to do this over time, not rush and try to make all the build decision, before I get water in the tank and then retrofitting it in. Thanks for all the information on this site which has help me a lot. Feel free to comment and criticize the build..

I've been working on this for a few weeks now and hopefully I can start the cycling within a couple of weeks.


DYI Stand being built:

Test fitting the Custom sump made by CustomKing. Its 18x18x16:

Decided to use the Glass-Holes 700 overflow with the 1/2" return. Getting ready to drill.

Success and preping to paint the back black:

So now, I have the stand almost completed and the interior plumbing almost done with the wiring of the Neptune Apex fitting in.

Rocks have been received from Marcorocks and new RO/DI in transit from BRS.

I found a good use of the LED lighting - it makes a great shop light!!

Hopefully the next update will be of some rocks and water in the tank.

 

[rkaragozler]

welcome to MR, and this build is looking very nice. keep the pics coming.

 

[wonderballz]

Great progress Trivan. I would have loved to do a cube. Can't wait to see it set up.

 

[BobNY]

Nice build so far! I'm looking forward to seeing more pictures as things progress.

 

[pauliwalnuts]

Wow, nice shop you got going there. Lol... Love the overflow idea.
Going to keep my eye on this thread.

 

[trivan]

So here is the latest. I'm pretty slow to update.
Stand with tank on it:

A test run of the plumbing lucky only 1 leak from a cracked bulkhead:

I hate painting, but that part is done (the dolly isn't part of the stand):

Installed a new RO/DI, I was having problem with my last unit and I got so frustrated I got a BRS one. Finally able to get 0 TDS.

An finally some in the wall plumbing for WC's

 

[rkaragozler]

Looking good, I would change the 2 90 degree elbows with 2 45 degree elbows, this wat you have less restriction.

 

[acrocrazy]

plumbing looks great!

 

[trivan]

Looking good, I would change the 2 90 degree elbows with 2 45 degree elbows, this wat you have less restriction.

I was thinking about that, but decided to go with the 90 as that's what I had on hand. Also the return is rated for 700 gph, i'm only running 400ish. I have a mp10 waiting to be put in for more flow.

 

[rkaragozler]

That's fine then. A lot of people like to do 10x turnover thru their filtration, which I am totally against.

 

[pauliwalnuts]

That's fine then. A lot of people like to do 10x turnover thru their filtration, which I am totally against.

Really, thanks Rich. :tongueani

 

[trivan]

So after a cracked bulkhead and hours of RO/DI water making the tank is finally cycling.

I still need to order some custom doors and make a housing for the light fixture. But I guess I have at least 4 weeks for the cycle to finish.

 

[pauliwalnuts]

Sweet... Now this gives you time to plan out what type of corals and fish to get.

 

[kidninja]

awesome! update your progress!!

 

[wonderballz]

Looks good Trivan. Cool scape

 

[aagresti]

Trivan, great job on the standand & plumbing. looking forward to see the tank lit and filled with livestock. what are you planning for lighting?

 

[trivan]

Here an update, been a pretty busy few weeks for me so I haven't taking any pictures.

I did about a 15% water change yesterday.
Today I have:
Ammonia < .25
Nitrite : .1
Nitrate : 10
Salinity : 1.025
Alk: 9

The diatoms are starting to grow hairy, which I believe is a good sign (GHA). I'm starting to figure out what kind of CUC i'll be getting.

 

[wonderballz]

John from Reef cleaners . org is a pretty good resource. Fill out the questionnaire on the site and he will email you with a good CUC

 

[trivan]

Trivan, great job on the standand & plumbing. looking forward to see the tank lit and filled with livestock. what are you planning for lighting?

Thanks.
I got a LED light from Redsand in NJ. The guy there had some made for him. He's got his whole shop running with them and his tanks look great.

 

[Lenny718]

Thanks.
I got a LED light from Redsand in NJ. The guy there had some made for him. He's got his whole shop running with them and his tanks look great.

Welcome to MR trivan. I have the same exact tank with the same exact light from Feng. You will be very happy with both! I went from a 250w mh pendent to fengs LED fixture and my corals couldn't be happier. Very nice build