ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 Introduction This thread is to document the build of my new 300 gallon Marineland Deep Dimension Reef. The dimensions of the 300 gallon are 72" L x 36" W x and 27" H. The plan is to reuse most of the equipment from my decommissioned 180g system. The theme for this reef will be dedicated to SPS, specifically Torts, smooth skin, deep water Acropora, and a few Millepora. I have not completed the fish list, but waiting in holding tanks are the following from the old system: Sailfin Tang, Powder Blue Tang, Scopas Tang, Blue Throat Trigger, Mandarin, a trio of Bartlett Anthias, and a pair of Banghai Cardinals. On the wishlist are two Angelfish, Blueface and Goldflake. Build New Stand I have always built my tank stands and wanted to continue. The stand for the 300g will be built with 2x6's and 2x4's. The build plans are commonly available on the Internet. I can share the actual plans per request. Below is the lumber collected from Lowes. I spent two hours in Lowes cherry picking through the lumber section. I will add that Lowes lumber appears to be better grade than Home Depot. I could be wrong. The stand will be 35" tall, so I had to build it near its final resting position. Building the bottom frame with 2x4s. Bottom frame completed, next top frame. Top frame built with 2x6. I chose 2x6 because I want to have an 50" opening in front. Add legs. Each corner has three 2x4s supporting the structure. Close up of corner showing three 2x4s. Different angle. The bones are near complete. Three coats of Kilz primer to protect the wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan S November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 SUBSCRIBED! Ridetheducati + 300g DD = WINNING! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 Also following along. This is going to be a good one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 Supplies and Reinforcements have arrived... I ordered 600g of Instant Ocean, 160 pounds of CaribSea Dry Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand to establish an 1" sandbed, 80 pounds of BRS Ecorocks, Marco Mortar, SeaKlear Phosphate Remover, and miscellaneous plumbing parts. 80 pounds of BRS Ecorocks. I was happy with the rock, no dead organic matter attached and very clean. Updated my rider to the home insurance policy and enhanced my contingency plan with this... Out with old... 1.5" Gate Valve to control the Herbie Overflow New versus Old Back of new stand 180g tank is gone. I shed a few tears as it was exiting my home, it served me well. Moved the new stand in place. New tiles were added to fill in the space left by the old stand. Dismantled the old stand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowieReefer84 November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 AWESOME. What about moisture down there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surf&turf November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 Wow, awesome build!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddy357 November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 Awesome.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epleeds November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 i hate when i cant see pics at work...going to have to go outside and get on my phone to view this....don't think i can wait till i get home.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 (edited) The gentlemen from Aquarium One delivered the tank. I moved the refrigerator in order to get the tank down the steps. There were three people on the steps walking the tank down. Easy, easy, easy. Bottom of the steps without incident. Tank in place. Let the leveling begin. Not sure why, but it took me four hours to level the tank. In the end, the tank is 1/16 off on the long axis and dead center on the short axis. Front and sides required shims. By the way, I used composite shims. I will cut them off after a couple months. Outdoor carpet used to protect the bottom of the stand. 6x8 remnant at Home Depot $12. Next up, Plumbing... Edited November 14, 2012 by ridetheducati Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 (edited) Plumbing is very simple and straightforward. I am using the Herbie method for my overflows, which means I am using all four bulk heads as drains. Each overflow will run a full siphon and an emergency drain. All plumbing is 1.5" before and after the bulkhead. The 1.5" gate valve is used to fine tune the overflow. This method is extremely quiet. The lack of air in the plumbing keeps the system quiet. Eheim 1262(900gph)will be powering the single return over the top of the tank. The sump is a 40 breeder. Edited November 14, 2012 by ridetheducati Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Der ABT November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 OH looking very nice, some quick progress you got going on here man..... Plumbing is looking nice, suprised a 1262 will turn over enough but the more i think it will probably be just about perfect. What are you dong for flow in the tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 Herbie overflow. In this picture, the 1" pipe is the emergency drain and the other 1.5" pipe is the full siphon. I was going to upgrade the 1" pipe to 1.5", but after testing, the 1" performed well. The water level in the overflow will run approximately 3-4" above the full siphon drain. The blue tape on the tank are guides to assist with aquascaping. System was ran for 48 hours to determine leaks in plumbing and ensure the tank remained level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbartco November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 is that scott? guess he just watched... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan S November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 I am also surprised that such a small return pump would work for such a large tank. And why just a 40g breeder for the sump? Why not a bigger sump, like a 75g or a 125g? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 OH looking very nice, some quick progress you got going on here man..... Plumbing is looking nice, suprised a 1262 will turn over enough but the more i think it will probably be just about perfect. What are you dong for flow in the tank? Generally, I strive to turn over the tank three times. In this case, 900gph is where I need to be. Currently, the Eheim is pumping around 700gph. Down the road, I may change out the 1262 for a Water Blaster. The skimmer performance will ultimately determine if I need to ramp up the return pump. I currently have two Tunze 6100's and I ordered two Tunze 6095's, I was waiting for Premium Aquatics to start their holiday sale. Approximately 11,000gph for in-tank circulation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 is that scott? guess he just watched... No, Scott was not available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nbgen12 November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 Wow man, I am definitely subscribed to this one. Sent from my MB865 using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharkey18 November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 Looks awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 I am also surprised that such a small return pump would work for such a large tank. And why just a 40g breeder for the sump? Why not a bigger sump, like a 75g or a 125g? For my system, the skimmer pump and other factors determines what return pump to use. I think the PSK2400 does about 600gph, so I try to stay in that area, while maintaining three times the turnover. The 40g breeder holds all my equipment, skimmer, heaters, and powerheads that feed calcium reactor and activated carbon reactor. Also, it holds the water when the power is cut. I see no need for anything larger, but you will notice I have the flexibility to go large if needed. Many WAMAS members have physically seen my old system and can attest that I keep things very simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott711 November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 is that scott? guess he just watched... Why would that be me? Great looking work! Can't wait to see it all set up!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 All systems are green, except I have not hung the Metal Halides yet. Time to fill the tank with RODI water. Purchased a connector from Home Depot to extend the line to the tank. 25 feet extension. Also, there are three 20 gallon Brute trash cans holding approximately 210lbs of well seasoned live rock. I dont recall if the RODI membrane is rated at 75gph or 100gph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan S November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 Simple is better, I like that. My only concern (and it may not be a concern at all, I'm just thinking out loud) is that with the small sump volume, and small return pump --- could such a small volume of water (30g/10% of the DT) with a low turnover rate, keep accurate and consistent heating throughout the entire 300g DT above? Does that make sense? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epleeds November 14, 2012 Share November 14, 2012 Generally, I strive to turn over the tank three times. In this case, 900gph is where I need to be. Currently, the Eheim is pumping around 700gph. Down the road, I may change out the 1262 for a Water Blaster. The skimmer performance will ultimately determine if I need to ramp up the return pump. I currently have two Tunze 6100's and I ordered two Tunze 6095's, I was waiting for Premium Aquatics to start their holiday sale. Approximately 11,000gph for in-tank circulation. although i can't see the pics at this time, have you checked your gate valves to see how far you had to close them to achieve full siphon? I am currently running a 1262 with a 1.5" herbie and my gate valve is closed almost 90% of the way. I just upgraded to a reeflo blowhole that I am going to hook up this weekend. It just made me nervous with the gate valve almost completely closed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 While that is filling up, time to mount the electronics. (3) 400w Lumentek Ballasts looking for a home. I will mount these after I hang the reflectors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridetheducati November 14, 2012 Author Share November 14, 2012 Simple is better, I like that. My only concern (and it may not be a concern at all, I'm just thinking out loud) is that with the small sump volume, and small return pump --- could such a small volume of water (30g/10% of the DT) with a low turnover rate, keep accurate and consistent heating throughout the entire 300g DT above? Does that make sense? There will be ~270g of water in the system and I have 900 watts of heat. As I mentioned above, additional factors exist that will determine whether I need to upgrade the return, it is something that I will monitor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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