Another Adventure
- Thread starter alphasierra
- Start date
alphasierra
Member
Yeah very true Terry. The tank itself will weigh plenty. Let alone filled with salt water, rocks. The price you pay for have a large rimless tank I guess. (no pun intended)
Finalizing the plumbing dimensions these next few days. This whole exercise is definitely a learning experience.
Skimmer is a difficult decision. Created a comparison table to help me decide
Finalizing the plumbing dimensions these next few days. This whole exercise is definitely a learning experience.
Skimmer is a difficult decision. Created a comparison table to help me decide
alphasierra
Member
ha... me too Terry. We'll just wait and see.
Here are some pictures of the new ATI Powermodule Dimmbar 8x80W I picked up the other day. It's amazing. Now I'll have to hurry the build up so I can put it to good use.
General comparison to my current tank
I made a tank layout to help with my planning. You can see the difference in floor area.
All lights operating nicely. Very bright!!
I practiced changing the bulbs (since the store owner installed the bulbs before I picked it up). Operation with a KZ bulb.
These cooling fans look so awesome and are very quiet too!!. I had read that sometimes they don't work and this was the case with me. The problem is that the ATI logo is pushed against the black middle section of the fan (maybe from transport/packaging) therefore preventing them from spinning easily. I just simply raised them up a little with my finger and they worked like a treat.
Now another reason I love the appearance of the fans is because they remind me of this. The engine of the aircraft I fly
Other components, universal adapter and hanging kit
A close up of the universal adapter. This controls the active cooling fans. Notice that it has a selection of voltages to control the speed of the cooling fans. I have read that 4.5V is recommended for normal surrounding temperature, 19c to 22c. I think I'll need to increase it as the room will average much higher. I'd like to link the fans in with operation of the lights too.
I've included a number of pictures of the Dimmbar box as I was unable to find any on any English forums during my research. It's always been a mystery
Inside the box... ahhh, it finally makes sense
Possible layout of wires with a profilux controller
An example someone sent me
That's it. Very happy so far!
Here are some pictures of the new ATI Powermodule Dimmbar 8x80W I picked up the other day. It's amazing. Now I'll have to hurry the build up so I can put it to good use.
General comparison to my current tank
I made a tank layout to help with my planning. You can see the difference in floor area.
All lights operating nicely. Very bright!!
I practiced changing the bulbs (since the store owner installed the bulbs before I picked it up). Operation with a KZ bulb.
These cooling fans look so awesome and are very quiet too!!. I had read that sometimes they don't work and this was the case with me. The problem is that the ATI logo is pushed against the black middle section of the fan (maybe from transport/packaging) therefore preventing them from spinning easily. I just simply raised them up a little with my finger and they worked like a treat.
Now another reason I love the appearance of the fans is because they remind me of this. The engine of the aircraft I fly
Other components, universal adapter and hanging kit
A close up of the universal adapter. This controls the active cooling fans. Notice that it has a selection of voltages to control the speed of the cooling fans. I have read that 4.5V is recommended for normal surrounding temperature, 19c to 22c. I think I'll need to increase it as the room will average much higher. I'd like to link the fans in with operation of the lights too.
I've included a number of pictures of the Dimmbar box as I was unable to find any on any English forums during my research. It's always been a mystery
Inside the box... ahhh, it finally makes sense
Possible layout of wires with a profilux controller
An example someone sent me
That's it. Very happy so far!
reefsmoker
Member
Love this build!! I'm gonna have to subscribe...count me in!
alphasierra
Member
Hey Dave, had a search but nothing at all comes up? Any links.... further info? Maybe it goes by another name?
alphasierra
Member
Thanks reefsmoker. It should kick into full swing soon
ha... one's certainly quieter than the other
alphasierra
Member
Thanks ReefLady for the input... I thought that was what Dave was referring to but wasn't sure.
Dave - As for the 'Calfo' overflow, I had looked into it some months ago but I just simply will not have enough room. I'm limited for space already and I wanted to have the maximum width as possible (up to 26", 66cm). This can be achieved but with no plumbing behind the tank/stand. Hence I 'bit the bullet' and when with an internal overflow. I realize that I'll be encroaching on possible display/swim area but it should not be too much. According to the life size sketches I looks ok. Also, the plumbing should be more straight forward with the drain pipes going straight down.
These are two sketch-up drawings that I created a while back show just how much room I have to work with. The tank pictured doesn't have the lights above it but hopefully you will get the idea.
*PS... The dining table does have chairs but they are a little tricky to draw
Approximate view from the lounge (eye-level)
Dave - As for the 'Calfo' overflow, I had looked into it some months ago but I just simply will not have enough room. I'm limited for space already and I wanted to have the maximum width as possible (up to 26", 66cm). This can be achieved but with no plumbing behind the tank/stand. Hence I 'bit the bullet' and when with an internal overflow. I realize that I'll be encroaching on possible display/swim area but it should not be too much. According to the life size sketches I looks ok. Also, the plumbing should be more straight forward with the drain pipes going straight down.
These are two sketch-up drawings that I created a while back show just how much room I have to work with. The tank pictured doesn't have the lights above it but hopefully you will get the idea.
*PS... The dining table does have chairs but they are a little tricky to draw
Approximate view from the lounge (eye-level)
alphasierra
Member
Hey Terry, currently using Google Sketch up V7.0 (free) and then render them with a program called Hypershot.
alphasierra
Member
I managed to pick up the caster wheels for the sump. I ended up getting 8 instead as they will be able to hold more weight.
Was hoping to get this type to match the skimmer but they informed me that they only distribute (from China) per 25000 pieces and I was only after 6.
Ended up going with these which are a German brand. Rated at 50kg Static and 25kg Dynamic
Ball Bearings all greased up and ready to go
TENTE brand. I've read really good reports about their casters!
Was hoping to get this type to match the skimmer but they informed me that they only distribute (from China) per 25000 pieces and I was only after 6.
Ended up going with these which are a German brand. Rated at 50kg Static and 25kg Dynamic
Ball Bearings all greased up and ready to go
TENTE brand. I've read really good reports about their casters!
alphasierra
Member
Hi Terry.... yep! Lots of progress. Will update soon.
:chair: :lurk:
alphasierra
Member
Wow... it's been a while since I updated. Sorry! Lots has happened so let me start with,
Water Circulation
Trying to come up with a plan/layout to create good flow for the corals, fish and to carry away waste has been a lot harder than I thought. Plus, I'm trying not to have pumps and cords going everywhere.
In the display tank itself, I was looking initially at using Vortechs for flow (since I have one already) but I decided on Tunze pumps instead. Plus they will be compatible with the controller I will use.
So I picked myself up these beauties which will be the main flow in the tank.
After much consideration I have decided on using one return pump instead of two. The main reasons are less noise, wattage and therefore less heat being produced. However to ensure this is the case I have gone with a RD 6.5m3. Which shall be more than adequate.
The final part of the water movement involves having a mini closed loop system within the tank itself. I want to minimize potential dead spots and this concept should help. I will use a Eheim 1001 pump rated at 600l/h.
***Remember the internal overflow has been moved inwards and is no longer at the edge. These are old pics but you should get the idea though.
I created some sand to give myself a better idea of what it might look like.
An idea of where the piping will go. I'm tempted the even drill some holes in the pipe at certain places to create more/random water movement. (IE: bounce off rock work and the outside of the overflow)
Water Circulation
Trying to come up with a plan/layout to create good flow for the corals, fish and to carry away waste has been a lot harder than I thought. Plus, I'm trying not to have pumps and cords going everywhere.
In the display tank itself, I was looking initially at using Vortechs for flow (since I have one already) but I decided on Tunze pumps instead. Plus they will be compatible with the controller I will use.
So I picked myself up these beauties which will be the main flow in the tank.
After much consideration I have decided on using one return pump instead of two. The main reasons are less noise, wattage and therefore less heat being produced. However to ensure this is the case I have gone with a RD 6.5m3. Which shall be more than adequate.
The final part of the water movement involves having a mini closed loop system within the tank itself. I want to minimize potential dead spots and this concept should help. I will use a Eheim 1001 pump rated at 600l/h.
***Remember the internal overflow has been moved inwards and is no longer at the edge. These are old pics but you should get the idea though.
I created some sand to give myself a better idea of what it might look like.
An idea of where the piping will go. I'm tempted the even drill some holes in the pipe at certain places to create more/random water movement. (IE: bounce off rock work and the outside of the overflow)