Brian's new money pit

[IAP Brian]

Hi Everyone, I thought it would be nice to show some of my stuff. I set this 36 x 36x 22, 125gal cube'ish tank up about three weeks ago and have been working on adding components as I have time. I wish I could devote a week to doing nothing but building prototypes for my new uuuhhhhmmmm...."test tank" but alas, people seem to want me to build stuff for them in less than six months...can't imagine why????? :lol: Anyway, I am using an old Berlin skimmer (until I build my own Beckett skimmer), A custom IAP refugium/sump, a dolphin 2100 ampmaster main pump (might switch to a 2700), the closed loop is plumbed with loc-line through the rock work but I have not put the pump in it yet (either a gen-x pcx30 or an Iwaki), and I am still working on my blue acrylic halide hood. It has a 10k Venture halide (thanx Indoor Reef), and two Sunsystems T-5 Retrofit 24w duel lamp set-ups for the actinics (thanx Jonas@ Blue Sierra). I hope to finish the hood tonight and get it on the tank. (the 24w Jalli PC and the two ESU 36w Flor, are just a little under powered for this set-up, but they work in a pinch) I'll add more pics as I go. And when I set-up may frag farm, and the 300 gal in the living room and the bank of grow out tanks............ )

 

[LakeEd]

Brian,

Its lookin good guy! Keep us updated as you make new additions pwease.

 

[bigdave]

Nice Light hood! Who made it so I can get one? Ha!Ha! Looking good have to come over and check it out! See Ya Dave

 

[LS1 WS6]

Is the acrylic going to be able to handle the prolonged exposure to that much heat?

 

[IAP Brian]

Most of the hood was built at the shop, but I have been working on the electrical on my coffee table at night. The Sun Systems (TEK) T-5 lights are a little difficult to figure out on wiring; they don't come with instructions. There is a very nice wiring diagram on the ballast itself but if you don't have wiring experience, I would recommend getting someone to help you. ( if you ever decide to install the retrofit kits ) However, the light output of these little T-5's is amazing.

As far as the heating issue, there will be no problem with the acrylic. The light hood is going to be suspended above the tank anywhere from 8 to 12" and there aren't cross braces under the lighting. I wired in two 4" Radio shack cooling fans to help cool the halide light. ( probably only needed one fan but I put the second one in to keep the hood balanced ) I also have a Pacific Coast Imports 1/4 horse chiller to regulate the tank temp.

 

[IAP Brian]

The light hood is done and in action! (still needs some adjustment on center) Everyone seems to really like the 250w Halide.

 

[big t]

Looking good Brian! That slimer looks familiar. So I bet you can't wait for a nice new IAP skimmer huh?

 

[bigdave]

Lights look great! I will have to come by and see them in person. Dave

 

[NaH2O]

Very nice!!! Look forward to updates!

 

[IAP Brian]

Here's the latest. Sorry I couldn't hold still well enough to take good pics :doubt:

 

[mojoreef]

Looking great Brian!!, I hear ya on those t-5 wiring a real pain and those end clips on the ballast are real delicate to! Keep the updates coming


MIke

 

[LakeEd]

Its looking really sweet there Brian!!! Keep up the great work!!!

 

[IAP Brian]

Just a couple on new pics...

 

[bigdave]

Looking good Brian! I think that pink milli is getting cramped I have room in my tank for it and it want cost you a thing. Dave

 

[IAP Brian]

No worrys Dave. In addition to the five tanks I have running now, I will soon have 850 sq feet of concrete to fill up with more tanks. What was the biggest tank in Kitsap? Hmmmm......

 

[bigdave]

I don't think you can top the twin 550gal double bowfronts. :badgrin: You would have to know someone who owns a Aquarium Manufacturing business to do that. Do you have anyone in mind? Dave