The Official Build Thread Of Slm32123 (Steve)

[slm32123]

They actually locked into each other perfectly, no matter how much i push forward, back, down, on a side, they do not budge at all. I may have to fasten the LR on somehow, But I hope not

 

[Bifferwine]

You don't have to fasten them down if they are sturdy.

 

[coolhandgoose]

Uh-oh that refractometer says "for expert use", are you sure you're up to the challenge :)

 

[BigH55]

One question. If your using a sump why did you go HOB for the skimmer. However, you did pick a great one.

 

[slm32123]

I had to get the HOB skimmer, it was the only one that was in stock during the group buy, I didn't a HOB in the first place, but it was the only option

 

[slm32123]

Uh-oh that refractometer says "for expert use", are you sure you're up to the challenge :)

I'm beyond expert with that thing...

however ive never used one before:shock:

 

[slm32123]

Had to do a little bit of a modification to my lights, but now I will be able to use the canopy! it looks so much better with the canopy.

I will post pics as soon as i get the time.

 

[tankedchemist]

I'm beyond expert with that thing...

however ive never used one before:shock:

haha. be sure you calibrate it periodically... don't want your things being out of whack. :mrgreen:

 

[slm32123]

I thought it was time for a new update.

 

[slm32123]

Those tank shots were before adding in the black sand, these are after.

And heres my sump setup

This is the return chamber

This is the refugium/skimmer/overflow chamber (10g tank) which is then pumped into the above chamber

And this is just behind the tank, where you can see plumbing, overflow box, and skimmer

 

[slm32123]

And here are the lights, all mounted in.

Had to mod the fixtures to get them to fit into the canopy, so I cut off part of the plastic cover, and then drilled 2 holes the size of the wires to mount them in. and this is how it turned out!

 

[cageburn]

WOW! EXCELLENT work steve. You've done a great job and have made some serious progress! I love the rockwork and hows its all open on the sand it looks reallly good. Cant wait to see more!

 

[slm32123]

thats only 40 pounds of sand, and have another 20 pound bag on the way!

 

[BryanS]

where did you order the black sand from?

 

[slm32123]

i ordered it from marine depot, it was about 20 bucks a bag shipped. one bag came with a small tear in the top and lost about a pound so they shipped out another bag for me

 

[cageburn]

sweeeeet. are you mixing the black and white?

 

[slm32123]

no, the white is under the black to take up space and add the beneficial bacteria

 

[slm32123]

What's the best place to get a clean up crew? and how much of everything would i need?

 

[BL1]

I really like ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Home John there is a great guy If you go here ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae you can fill out that form and get a CuC custom designed for your needs free of charge. The first time I ordered from him he sent way more snails then I had ordered. I ordered from him again last night and he's been emailing me all day trying to help me out with an algae outbreak I'm having.

 

[slm32123]

Thanks BL1, The other problem I have is I don't know how many of each to get to have enough. And do you know how much shipping costs?