[DonW]

There are alot folks here that Ive already met and have seen my diy antics but for those that I havent had the pleasure of meeting. My name is Don, and I'm addicted to DIY. There isnt much that I havent at least attempted to build myself in this hobby. My current project is a entire new system. My current tank was thriving until my grandson decided it was a penny bank. I lost everything excpt the fish to include some very large clams which is really the part of reef keeping I'm into.
Starting at the top is the almost finished Hqi light, that will have just 2 x 250w halides and ballast. The fixture is made from Maple and Padauk to match the stand thats under construction.

The woodwork is non conventional along with the tank itself which will be a 3 sided zeroedge look alike. The system will have a full line of automation and should be interesting to some that are into that sort of thing.

Don

[Reefland]

Hi DonW,


That is a great looking hood. Would love to see pictures of the top when it is complete/you get a chance.

[DonW]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Hi DonW,


That is a great looking hood. Would love to see pictures of the top when it is complete/you get a chance.

Thank you. It will be hung by geismann cables. I'll get a finish pic once I get the laquer sprayed. Here is a closer pic of the padauk end contrasting maple body.

Don

[redvipe2010]

Very nice!

[scubadude]

LOVE IT! the contrasting wood is a very nice touch

What about venting the hood...are you even worried about that, and how will it mount onto your tank?

[DonW]

Originally Posted by scubadude

LOVE IT! the contrasting wood is a very nice touch

What about venting the hood...are you even worried about that, and how will it mount onto your tank?

Thank yoy, I'm going to use some 3"copper vents with a fan in either end. Its not really a hood its more of a pendant or fixture. It will be hung by a geismann cable kit. The tank wont be able to have a hood since the water will constantly overflow the sides like a zeroedge.

Don

[DonW]

This is one of two drain boxes. Its really black acrylic box that will catch the water from the tank gutters. I'm hiding all the plumbing and wiring that I possibly can.

Don

[scooterman]

Looking forward to seeing this build, that sure justifies the real beauty of this wood

[DonW]

A little more. The stand end panels 1.75" thick made from marine ply and padauk with a maple spline. Should have it looking mor like a stand next week end.

[trigger happy]

would you take the time to use google sketch up so we can get a sneak peak of what it will look like? you can get this program @ google and it is free.

[DonW]

Originally Posted by trigger happy

would you take the time to use google sketch up so we can get a sneak peak of what it will look like? you can get this program @ google and it is free.

I really doubt I could draw much of anything. The stand will be done in the next weeks or so.

Thanks
Don

[DonW]

The space below the bottom will house two drawers for the tanks electronics and automation.

[DonW]

A little update. I havent got much done in the way of woodwork but I did get started on the sump.

[Reefland]

That is separated in a unique way...care to explain the different chambers?

[DonW]

Originally Posted by Reefland

That is separated in a unique way...care to explain the different chambers?

The back section is the intake and refugium section. It will have a elevated eggcrate floor for chaeto to sit on and get tossed around by the incomming flow. It will also have a overflow stand pipe that will go to the sewer for flood protection.

The Right front section is for the return pump and will remain dry for a sequence dart. It is there just so that if the pump were to leak it will not make a mess. It will also have a small drain going to the the sewer drain.

The left front is just for a tunze 9010 skimmer and a low voltage backup return pump that will fire up if the sequence fails or if the power goes out, not much more if I can help it.

Here is a pick of the wiring diagram and the beginning of the box for the tanks electrical. Its all being housed in a 10 x 14 3/8 acrylic box that goes under the stand. There will be very little wire spaggetti and plumbing on this system.

The little black box in the photo is the timer that will run the halides and fuge light. Halides will run for a preset time period and the fuge will go on a reverse photo period.

[Reefland]

Very nice and very detailed. Glad to be able to watch it evolve.

[DonW]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Very nice and very detailed. Glad to be able to watch it evolve.

Thank you. I'm going for a real clean look without sacraficing. I may even cover the sump if there is time before my deadline. I left a extra 1/4 space in the front and sides just in case I didnt like the industrial look of the sump. Might look pretty good with a padauk cover with some sort of maple inlay.

Don

[Reefland]

I am very interested in all this talk you and Charlie had about ATO's, might start a new thread eventually to ask you some questions.

[DonW]

Originally Posted by Reefland

I am very interested in all this talk you and Charlie had about ATO's, might start a new thread eventually to ask you some questions.

Anytime, I love talking about gismos. Ive automated just about everything many different ways and am happy to help.

Don

[Reefland]

I am looking for a decent way (safe, affordable) to set up an ATO straight from our RO/DI unit.