Tufa's tank!!!

rmlevasseur · 01-18-2008, 04:38 PM

Decided to start my chronicle early, yea! After about 6 weeks of planning, everything (almost) is now ordered!

For the tank, I went with a custom 72x25x25 tank which I got through Jack. Three sides will be starphire. I also went with the euro bracing as I just love the look of that much better, especially since I'm not going to use a canopy.
Should be here in 4-6 weeks. One center overflow with two drains, 2 returns.

For the sump I went with the LifeReef. I also got the lighted fuge, skimmer, and Ca. reactor from LifeReef, so it should be a very clean integrated system. The circ pump is blueline. I'm a little hesitant with a venturi for the skimmer, but Jeff at LifeReef convinced me it was excellent and pretty much set and forget. JFK told me the same - and who can argue with his tank??? I did however have a hole drilled into the sump (and plugged) if I ever want to go to something external. Also ordered the PH monitor from Jeff.

I will likely order the Solaris for lighting. It's a mint but I just can't turn down the safety advantage. I have the cash for this project now, but over time I just couldn't justify the cost of MH. I've talked with enough owners now that I am satisfied that the Solaris is the best option for me.

Tank will be mostly softies but I will have the option to add stony as the tank progresses. I have ordered 50 pounds of LR from Marco, 60 pounds of Timora from Premium Aquatics, and 50 lbs of Fiji from Reefer Madness. I received the Timora and Fiji today and have it curing in a 45 gallon tank. I am very happy with the rock and would recommend both places. The Timora, however, is ESPECIALLY nice. Premium Aquatics got me some VERY nice large pieces. Reefer Madness, however, got me the package next day when I paid for for 2nd day. So kudos to both places. I will likely order again from Premium simply for the large pieces they were able to get me upon request, or pick up a few more pieces at the LFS (which is still 2 hours away, lol).

For the bottom I am going with aragonite sand, probably SSB. I just don't think reef tanks look natural bare bottom, but I can see why people do it. Ordered a refractometer and jager heaters, but still undecided on controller. I'll have the cycle time to determine whether one will even be necessary.

I'm having the stand custom built. I have a utility room on the opposite side of the wall where the tank will be, and would love to get the sump and equipment in there. The only problem is, my house was expanded over time and the wall is actually cinderblock foundation. I may be able to safely drill some small holes however for tubing. If not, the stand will actually be about 3 feet longer than the tank itself, so there should be plenty of room underneath anyway.

Total cost so far (figuring in the Solaris, but not the stand):
$9750

Wish me luck!

michael_cb_125 · 01-18-2008, 04:47 PM

Sweet. Your tank sounds alot like mine

lcstorc · 01-18-2008, 04:53 PM

Great plan.
You have definitely done your research. Very good choices on the equipment. I wish I have the $ for the Solaris lights. I am convinced they are the way to go.

Royalscott · 01-18-2008, 04:54 PM

Sounds like a winner to me!!

rmlevasseur · 01-18-2008, 05:03 PM

Yes Mike. Truth be known JFK was the inspiration, but your opinion helped shape my decisions too. I went with Jack primarily because of his service to you and your high opinion of the quality of your tank. Thanks!

rmlevasseur · 01-18-2008, 05:03 PM

now, how do I post pics? Kinda new to posting on boards

rmlevasseur · 01-18-2008, 05:40 PM

Here's the rock. The pictures don't do it justice and the glass is a mess

P1010091.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

rmlevasseur · 02-08-2008, 09:00 PM

Well, the anxiety is mounting...

Tank...not shipped
MarcoRock...not shipped
Solaris...not shipped
Sump...not shipped

AQTCJAK · 02-08-2008, 10:33 PM

I think the tank was shipped however I didnt get an e-mail with your delivery info. They rep was out today & yesterday sick. I will have info for you on monday evening. When you are ready for the Solaris let me know

rmlevasseur · 02-09-2008, 12:20 AM

Sorry Jack - didnt see you were looking for info. Will check my PM's again and send you some info.

***ooops, I think you meant an email from the company, not me. Will the bulkhead already be in the tank?

rmlevasseur · 02-16-2008, 11:55 AM

Well I received my LifeReef sump, refugium and Ca reactor today and they all look outstanding. My only concern is the skimmer the system shipped with. It is a venturi with a self cleaning venturi. I've talked to a few people that say they work great but I kinda feel like its an old technology which has been improved on. However, I wont judge it until I see how it does.

Tank and marco rock should be in mon-wed!! As soon as I get the tank I will start work on the stand. Very excited!!! My kids are going nuts with anticipation as well. Since it took so long for the Marco to ship, I'm going to give this 50 lbs a muriatic bath to help speed curing. I likely will only be able to cure it 3-4 weeks after the bath. The rest of my 200 lbs is cured and ready to go.

Does anyone know if dead marco rock has to be cured in saltwater, or can I use fresh?

rmlevasseur · 02-16-2008, 12:36 PM

Also time to order powerheads for this 180. Don't want this tank to have limitations to what it can hold. Anyone wanna make suggestions as to what I should get and how many? Also wavemakers?

Right not I'm leaning towards the Koralias, but thinking I need something with a different pattern as well. Also want to minimize the intrusiveness of any monster poweheads. Vortechs may be in the future but not now.

Thanks for any input!

michael_cb_125 · 02-16-2008, 01:19 PM

I have Two Korailia 4s,2 tunze turbells, and One EcoTEch Vortec. The koralias are 1200 GPH, the Tunze are 1585GPH, and the vortec is 3000 GPH. I have ALOT of flow. I really like the Tunze Korailia Combo.
~Michael

Craig Manoukian · 02-16-2008, 01:26 PM

Your 195 gallon tank sounds like a dream. Will enjoy following along and see pictures of your progress!

rmlevasseur · 02-16-2008, 04:02 PM

You got those on any sort of wavemaker Mike?

01-18-2008, 04:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Torch coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 593 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Tufa's tank!!! Decided to start my chronicle early, yea! After about 6 weeks of planning, everything (almost) is now ordered! For the tank, I went with a custom 72x25x25 tank which I got through Jack. Three sides will be starphire. I also went with the euro bracing as I just love the look of that much better, especially since I'm not going to use a canopy. Should be here in 4-6 weeks. One center overflow with two drains, 2 returns. For the sump I went with the LifeReef. I also got the lighted fuge, skimmer, and Ca. reactor from LifeReef, so it should be a very clean integrated system. The circ pump is blueline. I'm a little hesitant with a venturi for the skimmer, but Jeff at LifeReef convinced me it was excellent and pretty much set and forget. JFK told me the same - and who can argue with his tank??? I did however have a hole drilled into the sump (and plugged) if I ever want to go to something external. Also ordered the PH monitor from Jeff. I will likely order the Solaris for lighting. It's a mint but I just can't turn down the safety advantage. I have the cash for this project now, but over time I just couldn't justify the cost of MH. I've talked with enough owners now that I am satisfied that the Solaris is the best option for me. Tank will be mostly softies but I will have the option to add stony as the tank progresses. I have ordered 50 pounds of LR from Marco, 60 pounds of Timora from Premium Aquatics, and 50 lbs of Fiji from Reefer Madness. I received the Timora and Fiji today and have it curing in a 45 gallon tank. I am very happy with the rock and would recommend both places. The Timora, however, is ESPECIALLY nice. Premium Aquatics got me some VERY nice large pieces. Reefer Madness, however, got me the package next day when I paid for for 2nd day. So kudos to both places. I will likely order again from Premium simply for the large pieces they were able to get me upon request, or pick up a few more pieces at the LFS (which is still 2 hours away, lol). For the bottom I am going with aragonite sand, probably SSB. I just don't think reef tanks look natural bare bottom, but I can see why people do it. Ordered a refractometer and jager heaters, but still undecided on controller. I'll have the cycle time to determine whether one will even be necessary. I'm having the stand custom built. I have a utility room on the opposite side of the wall where the tank will be, and would love to get the sump and equipment in there. The only problem is, my house was expanded over time and the wall is actually cinderblock foundation. I may be able to safely drill some small holes however for tubing. If not, the stand will actually be about 3 feet longer than the tank itself, so there should be plenty of room underneath anyway. Total cost so far (figuring in the Solaris, but not the stand): $9750 Wish me luck!

01-18-2008, 04:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
michael_cb_125 Manta Ray Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Charlotte,NC Posts: 3,073 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Sweet. Your tank sounds alot like mine __________________ 240 Gallon MIXED REEF SUPER TANK Well at least thats what I want it to be 240 Gallon Custom Made Starphire Tank Life Reef Custom Sump,Life Reef Skimmer, Little Giant Return, 2 1200gph Koralias, 2 1580 GPH Tunze Turbelles, 1 Vortec, 72" Solaris I series, PM Kalk Reactor, Custom Made Fug, way to many more things to list Jose say hello to your NEW LITTLE FRIEND!!!!!!!!

01-18-2008, 04:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 16,395 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Great plan. You have definitely done your research. Very good choices on the equipment. I wish I have the $ for the Solaris lights. I am convinced they are the way to go. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g Jawfish enjoyment ASM answer girl. Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

01-18-2008, 04:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
Royalscott Torch coral Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 561 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Sounds like a winner to me!! __________________ Janetta & Scott 29 Gallon BioCube The Nano Club Wear Gloves

01-18-2008, 05:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Torch coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 593 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Yes Mike. Truth be known JFK was the inspiration, but your opinion helped shape my decisions too. I went with Jack primarily because of his service to you and your high opinion of the quality of your tank. Thanks!

01-18-2008, 05:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Torch coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 593 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! now, how do I post pics? Kinda new to posting on boards

01-18-2008, 05:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Torch coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 593 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Here's the rock. The pictures don't do it justice and the glass is a mess P1010091.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

02-08-2008, 09:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Torch coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 593 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Well, the anxiety is mounting... Tank...not shipped MarcoRock...not shipped Solaris...not shipped Sump...not shipped

02-08-2008, 10:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
AQTCJAK Tiger Shark Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 6,146 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! I think the tank was shipped however I didnt get an e-mail with your delivery info. They rep was out today & yesterday sick. I will have info for you on monday evening. When you are ready for the Solaris let me know __________________ A Wiseman once said build a stage add a pole & they will dance - Jack 2007 www.aquaticaggression.com Projects & Chronicels http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...car-buffs.html http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nts-tanks.html http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...t-science.html Videos http://murrayproductions.org/DIY%20a...%20off%204.wmv http://murrayproductions.org/Reef%20...grass%2007.wmv

02-09-2008, 12:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Torch coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 593 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Sorry Jack - didnt see you were looking for info. Will check my PM's again and send you some info. ***ooops, I think you meant an email from the company, not me. Will the bulkhead already be in the tank?

02-16-2008, 11:55 AM	#11 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Torch coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 593 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Well I received my LifeReef sump, refugium and Ca reactor today and they all look outstanding. My only concern is the skimmer the system shipped with. It is a venturi with a self cleaning venturi. I've talked to a few people that say they work great but I kinda feel like its an old technology which has been improved on. However, I wont judge it until I see how it does. Tank and marco rock should be in mon-wed!! As soon as I get the tank I will start work on the stand. Very excited!!! My kids are going nuts with anticipation as well. Since it took so long for the Marco to ship, I'm going to give this 50 lbs a muriatic bath to help speed curing. I likely will only be able to cure it 3-4 weeks after the bath. The rest of my 200 lbs is cured and ready to go. Does anyone know if dead marco rock has to be cured in saltwater, or can I use fresh?

02-16-2008, 12:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Torch coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 593 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Also time to order powerheads for this 180. Don't want this tank to have limitations to what it can hold. Anyone wanna make suggestions as to what I should get and how many? Also wavemakers? Right not I'm leaning towards the Koralias, but thinking I need something with a different pattern as well. Also want to minimize the intrusiveness of any monster poweheads. Vortechs may be in the future but not now. Thanks for any input!

02-16-2008, 01:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
michael_cb_125 Manta Ray Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Charlotte,NC Posts: 3,073 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Tufa's tank!!! I have Two Korailia 4s,2 tunze turbells, and One EcoTEch Vortec. The koralias are 1200 GPH, the Tunze are 1585GPH, and the vortec is 3000 GPH. I have ALOT of flow. I really like the Tunze Korailia Combo. ~Michael __________________ 240 Gallon MIXED REEF SUPER TANK Well at least thats what I want it to be 240 Gallon Custom Made Starphire Tank Life Reef Custom Sump,Life Reef Skimmer, Little Giant Return, 2 1200gph Koralias, 2 1580 GPH Tunze Turbelles, 1 Vortec, 72" Solaris I series, PM Kalk Reactor, Custom Made Fug, way to many more things to list Jose say hello to your NEW LITTLE FRIEND!!!!!!!!

02-16-2008, 01:26 PM	#14 (permalink)
Craig Manoukian Regular Guy Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Marina Del Ray, CA Posts: 15,624 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! Your 195 gallon tank sounds like a dream. Will enjoy following along and see pictures of your progress! __________________ Currently tankless. 20 Gallon mini reef with mated pair of Maroon Clowns given to Rougiem! 80 gallon reef given to Rougiem/Wooster HS.

02-16-2008, 04:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Torch coral Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 593 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Tufa's tank!!! You got those on any sort of wavemaker Mike?

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