Jules New 180 Gallon Build Thread

[julesjt]

Jules,

Here is a link to another thread here, he has a 90 which is almost as high as our tanks are, he also has his light fixture hanging from the ceiling, it is a T-5 fixture and as you can see he has sps from top to bottom, the last page there he is talking about having to frag some stuff, because of the growth rate, check it out

Documenting my 90 Gallon Tank!

I still know why on
fixtures (tfivetesting)
it gives nova a more entry level system

This aquactinics system seems to be the higher end. Really what can be the difference?

Aquactinics Constellation T5 High Output Fixtures - Salty Critter - Your Saltwater Specialists

Are you pretty much set on going with Nova 72" over the Tek 60"? The grim reefer said in one email I sent him that the 60" would cover most of the tank but the ends would not have the PAR. I really dont put anything on the end,I just wanted to make sure the visual look was good.

I think I will stick with a 72" system, and might go the nova way and hope it can support the clams.

[Parrothead]

Jules,

Here's a 80 gallon with a 4 bulb T-5 fixture, with buddy the clam on the sand bed
My 80 Gallon Reef

I looked at the Tek 60, and was impressed, I really don't think the 6" on each side of the tank would hurt anything at all, and like Zhenya pointed out we could use these spots for the corals that prefer a little less light, and it would make cleaning the sides very easy if you left those areas alone. Or also like Zhenya said, raise the light up about 6" and it would probably cover the whole tank, I'm gonna check with a buddy of mine alittle later and get his thoughts on the two lights and I'll post what he says here....

[julesjt]

Jules,

Here's a 80 gallon with a 4 bulb T-5 fixture, with buddy the clam on the sand bed
My 80 Gallon Reef

I looked at the Tek 60, and was impressed, I really don't think the 6" on each side of the tank would hurt anything at all, and like Zhenya pointed out we could use these spots for the corals that prefer a little less light, and it would make cleaning the sides very easy if you left those areas alone. Or also like Zhenya said, raise the light up about 6" and it would probably cover the whole tank, I'm gonna check with a buddy of mine alittle later and get his thoughts on the two lights and I'll post what he says here....

Ok, I kinda like the tek system better especially it being fanless.

And the price was right.

[Parrothead]

if you are gonna hang it add 25.00 for the hanging kit, and 50 for the arcrylic splash guard, but even still, I think it would be better than the nova, I posted a versus question in my build thread, let everyone know we would love there thoughts, let see what feed back we get

[julesjt]

if you are gonna hang it add 25.00 for the hanging kit, and 50 for the arcrylic splash guard, but even still, I think it would be better than the nova, I posted a versus question in my build thread, let everyone know we would love there thoughts, let see what feed back we get

Sounds like a plan, however I dont think I need the splash guard since I have glass top for my tank. I found having the glass top help evaporation and also more importantly a salty mess on the wall behind the tank.

[Parrothead]

But they also will require regular cleanings because of salt creep and calcium build up, additonally running without aids in the gas exchange at the surface level, JMHO

[julesjt]

But they also will require regular cleanings because of salt creep and calcium build up, additonally running without aids in the gas exchange at the surface level, JMHO

You mean the splash guard? So go with the splash guard even with the glass tops? That is fine I will do that, just wasnt sure. As for glass tops I love having the glass tops. Wasnt a big fan without them, too much mess.

Hey what size pump you going with?

I was thinking a mag 24 which is 2400 gph i believe. What are your thoughs on the pump?

[Parrothead]

OMG

Great minds think alike, same here, mag 24, and then I thinking about a couple of Hydor K-4's one on each end of the tank to increase flow, I'm planning a heavy SPS tank, so I want alot of flow, max. allowed by laws of nature to keep my deep sand bed where it's supposed to be:eek3::eek3::eek3::eek3:

[julesjt]

OMG

Great minds think alike, same here, mag 24, and then I thinking about a couple of Hydor K-4's one on each end of the tank to increase flow, I'm planning a heavy SPS tank, so I want alot of flow, max. allowed by laws of nature to keep my deep sand bed where it's supposed to be:eek3::eek3::eek3::eek3:

Yep I was going with a k4 on each side with one blowing a little angled towards the back and the other a little angled towards the front at around the middle height and I have an extra k3 that was going to be at the top surface to make the surface really active. And as for the return jets I was think those hit the rock, but not sure yet until I have water in it.

[julesjt]

OMG

Great minds think alike, same here, mag 24, and then I thinking about a couple of Hydor K-4's one on each end of the tank to increase flow, I'm planning a heavy SPS tank, so I want alot of flow, max. allowed by laws of nature to keep my deep sand bed where it's supposed to be:eek3::eek3::eek3::eek3:

Just curious how close are you to getting water in yours?

Need to decide on the lights and need to find a way to get my sump. I would rather buy it sectioned out like I want but having a hard time finding that. I suck at silacone and limited in time for that.

[Parrothead]

Yep I was going with a k4 on each side with one blowing a little angled towards the back and the other a little angled towards the front at around the middle height and I have an extra k3 that was going to be at the top surface to make the surface really active. And as for the return jets I was think those hit the rock, but not sure yet until I have water in it.

Here's a thought for the back wall, and yes, Mrs. Jules is gonna have to approve this one;);), I'm sure you've seen the 4 x 8 fiberglass wall board that Home depot, etc. sells, it's used alot in showers etc., comes in 4 x 8 foot sheets, just a thought, get a couple of them for behind the tank, they come in white that I know of, and possibly other colors, it would make for easy clean up vs. drywall and paint. Like I said, just a thought

[julesjt]

Here's a thought for the back wall, and yes, Mrs. Jules is gonna have to approve this one;);), I'm sure you've seen the 4 x 8 fiberglass wall board that Home depot, etc. sells, it's used alot in showers etc., comes in 4 x 8 foot sheets, just a thought, get a couple of them for behind the tank, they come in white that I know of, and possibly other colors, it would make for easy clean up vs. drywall and paint. Like I said, just a thought

WTF!!! I am a dude, didnt we have this conversation before. "Jules" is a dudes name too. Don't you remember the 415 lbs bench video I sent you?

[Parrothead]

WTF!!! I am a dude, didnt we have this conversation before. "Jules" is a dudes name too. Don't you remember the 415 lbs bench video I sent you?

I was referring to your wife, if she is anything like mine, any modification to HER house has to be approved, and yeah I saw the 415 bench press, which only proves I can run much faster than you

[julesjt]

I was referring to your wife, if she is anything like mine, any modification to HER house has to be approved, and yeah I saw the 415 bench press, which only proves I can run much faster than you

oh I am freaking sorry, I read to quickly. Boy do I feel like a jerk. Obviously I have problems with my name

As for my wife Patience another off name, she does not have a say in the matter, this is my man cave. I am selling my pool table for this hobby and turning the game room into the reef lounge.

[Parrothead]

"she does not have a say in the matter, this is my man cave. I am selling my pool table for this hobby and turning the game room into the reef lounge"


Famous Last Words, I got twenty bucks on the wife

[Steve McKay]

Jules,you need to slow down my friend your getting in a rush to get your tank up and running.That is not a good sign.Nobody expects you to have corals next week,you should be doing this for yourself.Slow down a do it right.

[julesjt]

Jules,you need to slow down my friend your getting in a rush to get your tank up and running.That is not a good sign.Nobody expects you to have corals next week,you should be doing this for yourself.Slow down a do it right.

You are right, I updated my new thoughts in Parrots Build thread.

I am concentrating the next few weeks on my sump / plumbing. I am going to get either a 40 long or 50 gallon tank and making my own sump using glass baffles that I get cut at a local place.

I realize I need to relax and do it awesomely and take a step back. So it will be easily 2 months before I order my lights.

[mpwolken]

isual look was good.

I think I will stick with a 72" system, and might go the nova way and hope it can support the clams.

The Nova's "individual" reflectors are not nearly wide enough to give you the full benefit of the true individual reflectors you find in Aquactinics fixtures or retrofit kits.

This thread shows a nova "extreme" with "individual" reflectors. This is nothing like the effect of high quality parabolic reflectors that literally make the fixture look like it's holding three times as many bulbs as it is when they are turned on.

[julesjt]

The Nova's "individual" reflectors are not nearly wide enough to give you the full benefit of the true individual reflectors you find in Aquactinics fixtures or retrofit kits.

This thread shows a nova "extreme" with "individual" reflectors. This is nothing like the effect of high quality parabolic reflectors that literally make the fixture look like it's holding three times as many bulbs as it is when they are turned on.

Well I am easily convinced

I am about 2 months away from buying my lights, and I may look at LED is possible and build my own.

[Steve McKay]

I am concentrating the next few weeks on my sump / plumbing. I am going to get either a 40 long or 50 gallon tank and making my own sump using glass baffles that I get cut at a local place.

I would suggest the 50g for two good reasons.One,more water volume.Two,the best reason,it's 6" wider unless your talking about the 40 breeder which is 18" wide too.