OK a 65 G Slowly but the best i can make it

[Basile]

First, as a new aquarist i had to learn about the hobby. I did that with a biocube 29G Here it his




http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/q...9/Photo011.jpg




Now, thats out of the way; the learning curve was fast 9 months and i'm going for the 65 G format. From what i can tel, their're no absolute in this hobby, cause we're dealing with life, and life finds a way.

I work outside the city and i'm home every 45 days for 45 days, and the the cycle starts again. So water changes are at every 45 days and the system seem to be abble to take it. After 45 days all parameters are at 0 except Nitrate between 25 and 40 . After 2 water change i bring them down to 0 every 45 days. Thats the deal. Can't be here and am not gona leave my job for a tank! So this tread is for those who have travelling issues like me and would like to maintain a tank without being there all the time.

[Basile]

Of course you say , who's feeding the fish...GOOD question!

In life if you have a friend its great, if you have 2 its alot, 3 its almost impossible

I got 2


One is taking care of my tank and soon tanks.
The other one take care of my cat

[Basile]

The set is this ;

Predrilled 65 Gallon tank ( picture soon) With a coast to coast over flow.

AquaMedic Lighting system ;

2x250W HQI, 2x54W T5
Oceanlight HQI+T5 Combo lighting systems elegantly blend the power of halides and the efficiency of high-output T5 fluorescents. Each Oceanbulb HQI is powered by an efficient Oceanballast M magnetic ballast and comes complete with bulbs.

Includes:
2 x Aqualine 1000 250W HQI 13,000k
2 x 54W German Ocean Blue Actinics
Hanging kit

[Basile]

The Protein Skimmer is

Reef Octopus DNW 150
Recirculating
Protein Skimmer*
PS-OCT-DNW-150

I chose powerheads for my tank over closed loop; the reason be to minimize the chances of leeks when i'm gone. Thats the only reason Otherwise the loop was in.

So Powerheads;

Tunze Turbelle Nanostream Pump - 6055
- Flow Rate: 264-1453 GPH
- Recommended Aquarium Size: Up to 130 Gallons
- Energy Consumption: 4-18 Watts
- Variable Speed Control: YES

And A VORTECh MP 20

With all the electrical components outside the aquarium and a variety of easy-to-program modes, the VorTech is the safest, most versatile pump on the market. And, if your tank needs to grow, the MP20 can be upgraded to the MP40w—providing you wireless communication between your pumps and even more functionality and flow.




Operational Modes

Feed Mode - Slows down your pump for 10 minutes to allow you to feed your aquarium.

Constant Speed Mode - The pump runs at a constant speed you set based on your aquarium’s specific needs.

Reef Crest Mode - Automatically simulates the high-energy conditions of a natural reef crest environment.

Lagoon Mode - Automatically simulates a calmer, lagoon reef environment.

Short Pulse Mode - Allows for wave pulse timings between 0.3 and two seconds, enabling the creation of FAST alternating flow throughout the tank.

Long Pulse Mode - Allows for wave pulse timings of between two seconds and 60 seconds, enabling the creation of slow alternating flow throughout the tank.

Pump Disconnect - Automatically shuts down the system if the wet and dry sides become separated.

Specifications

Flow: 500-2000 gallons per hour

Power Consumption: 6-18 watts

Maximum Motor Temperature: 50-60 degrees Celsius

Aquarium Wall Thickness Range: 3/16”-3/4”

Appropriate Tank Size Range: 20-70 gallons

Dimensions: Wet Side- 3” diameter by 2.25” long, Dry Side- 3” diameter by 2.25” long

Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 3”

[Basile]

Oh ya the Fuge, its coming , a 29 G should be good, it'll have to be its the only size that fits under the stand LOL.

For my return pump just a simple Ocean Runner 2500.

Well i'm done for the days will update soon with pics.

[Adam Black]

Originally Posted by Basile

Oh ya the Fuge, its coming , a 29 G should be good, it'll have to be its the only size that fits under the stand LOL.

For my return pump just a simple Ocean Runner 2500.

Well i'm done for the days will update soon with pics.

Very similar setup as mine. I actually hate the 29g though. If I were to do it again I would go with the 20 long, it's not as tall. Also that skimmer is kind of tall and unless you run it outside the sump it might be pretty hard to get the collection cup off. I have the same light without the t-5. I went with Vho. I got good growth from the AL 10K BULBS. I switched over to Hamilton 14k. The AL were to yellow. Sounds like it going to be nice!

[Basile]

Originally Posted by Adam Black

Very similar setup as mine. I actually hate the 29g though. If I were to do it again I would go with the 20 long, it's not as tall. Also that skimmer is kind of tall and unless you run it outside the sump it might be pretty hard to get the collection cup off. I have the same light without the t-5. I went with Vho. I got good growth from the AL 10K BULBS. I switched over to Hamilton 14k. The AL were to yellow. Sounds like it going to be nice!

Thanks; my Skimmer will be outside the sump yes, in the back easy access so its cool.So the fuge is just separated in 2 sections by the baffles. The small return pump section and the rest for the fuge.

[Basile]

Ok well today i've set up the space for my 65 G, i've been talking about it for so long. The reason be, Funds and available materials. My rocks are ordered but the supply is low so i have to wait , i'm talking about marco rocks for aquasculptures, dry rock if you will see RockWork

The tank



Its located near my closet in the computer room, i have no other place for it, so the corner will be its place

This is the coast to coast over flow, not cleaned yet, just done you see lol



The fuge with only 2 chambers , my skimmer is outside, why deprive myself of fuge space when that suckker can be out right, better pics when the hooking up process starts.Some parts in there now




Thats the Ro/DI Bin, i took a rain water bucket at Canadian Tire, not cheap but better than a garbage can, this is made to contain water.Its inside the closet so hidden.



You can see my Aquamedic lighting here far right, top of the tank , not installed yet got to wait for the hookups to be made to center it properly.

[Basile]

Well got my New protien skimmer
Reef Octopus DNW 150
Recirculating
Protein Skimmer
PS-OCT-DNW-150



Basile likes to help unpack





More like sitting around and let me do all the work.



The bin and connection



A bit of silicone to prevent disaster







RO/DI connection

[Adam Black]

R u going to add a shut of kit to your reservoir?

[Basile]

Originally Posted by Adam Black

R u going to add a shut of kit to your reservoir?

Yes i got it , just didn't put it yet waiting for the silicone to dry and one last test, before running the system. Can't afford any mistake, 67 gallon on my white carpet is not an option lol. Its just a little floater. By the way tanks for taking the time. I'll soon begin my sculpture, got my dry rock comming in on the 25; finally! I'm using pvc, acrilic rods, foam, eggcrates, and zip ties. Can't wait to start that. I'll try to make a video for youtube.

[lcstorc]

Looks like a plan.
I like the idea of the rain water container for an RO container.
I would be sure to double all safety devices (like float valves etc) if you are gone that long.

[Basile]

Well got the RO/DI going again.











See how much space i don't have LOL. Oh ya i'm doing a wash to see if the pressure will change, just checking, i don't like surprises with water, do you?






Ya i know i'll take care of the ugly water lines its in the works .

[Basile]

Well i added a hose to my 67 gallon RO/DI tank ; i also found a little drip, i'm just praying for the carpet



The hose comes back to the side drain just in case water is traped in the hose it goes back in the water tank. Made the mistake of filling up the tank, without the cover, now the cover don't fit LOL.



This system has already surved its purpouse today, filled up my smaller RO top off tank for the biocube.







I have to leave the back panel open for the extra heat from the compact to escape. One thing that oceanic could improve ; air circulation of these fans.

This is the 65 g in the corner closet door closed



Closet doors open; you see the main Ro tank in there.



My protein skimmer will be in the closet too. Hope it works like this.





Here i'm planing a small fuge for pods, gravity linked to the main tank.



On top is my Ballast for the Aquamedic, still in the box.







Thats my gear for that sculpture i'm suppose to build for the tank out of dry rocks ; they're on their way. Some eggcrates for the background, using the techniques from the rockwork thread. Got my pvc tubes, and all.



This is the corner with the tank and doors closed


The Biocube in the forefront



The cube and the Algae biotope with the seahorses



And the computer Chairs from which me and my guest can admire those tanks.
Thats the hole room.

[Basile]

Today was reading day. Reading some reef chronicle threads to see how others made their set up , and see how i can improve mine. Not too many read mine but its ok; i keep this thread as a journal of my adventure, hope i don't have bad luck with my purchase as some had. Basile is always looking at the tank, he's the foreman of the operation lol. I can't wait to start my sculpture, with the dry rock, from Marco rock Co. I'm picking it up today at a UPS Store in the States . I live 1 hour from the border. they don't deliver in Canada for some reason. But that don't stop me. I'm not handy with wood , glass or electrical stuff . But sculpting i think i can manage that. Its the creativity in me. Better be in my line of work, or i'd be out of a job. Well thats the end of my rambling for today. If anyone read this today thanks for taking the time, not too many do, i wander why??? Maybe i'm a bad writer lol.