fort's 57 gallon Rimless Reef Build

[fort384]

AI Sols installed. They are much brighter than they appear in the photo. I am impressed.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Wow... coming along nicely. Definitely need some water in there. Are you painting the back? That may have already been addressed and I missed it.

 

[fort384]

Nope. Those wires will be the only thing behind the tank. Gonna leave it clear.

 

[Ziggy953]

I'm digging the tank!

I have a few days off so I'm going to be working on my system as well. Gotta get caught up!! Great looking so far!!

 

[fort384]

Thanks guys. I talked to Steve at reefrocks.net. He said he is going to ship my order tomorrow. That is really all I am waiting for at this point. My multi switch rack mount power bar will be in tomorrow so I can start to clean up the wiring.

I just tested the ramp down to blue and the lunar cycle. Worked like a champ. I love these lights. They are running super cool too. The aluminum fins and the fans really dissipate the heat (and they are basically silent).

 

[TLTGF]

Looking good Bud! I'm really enjoing this one!

 

[Ziggy953]

SWEET!

I love the tank! I kind of wish I had more options for tank size where I am but being in an apartment I'm somewhat limited to the 40g. This is going to be a fun build to watch!

 

[carey]

Great progress so far! Those SOL's look really good! Kinda nice to see someone doing abuild so fast and with quality as well. It should serve you well starting at the top instead of upgrading your way to what you have now. LOL

 

[fort384]

Thanks Carey. I made all the equipment mistakes when I started my first planted tank so hopefully I can start my first reef build off with less issues .

 

[cmor1701d]

This is a really impressive build. Keep up the fine work. And keep posting pictures.

What are you using for a ramp up/down period?
On my PacSun units I have 40 set points and do a ramp up every 5 mintues for 2 hours to 100% for both white and blue and the same period down after an 8 hour daylight period. Just wondering if that's similar using the AI controller?

Now that these units are out I'm almost sorry at being an early adopter with my Pacific Sun units.

 

[fort384]

I am not sure what I am going to do for a photoperiod. The combinations and possibilities are almost endless with the controller. I am thinking there is no way I will ever need both units at 100%. But as far as how long to ramp up, what to peak at and for how long, and how long to ramp down (as well as the balance between white and blue), I need advice and need to do research.

 

[NyteGTI]

Honestly, the balance of white & blue is a personal preference. I keep my lighting at a 2 to 1 ratio of white to blue. depending on how high you need the intensity you can use that as a base. but I like a bluer tank in the 15K-20K range.

 

[fort384]

10 gal ATO reservoir arrived today. It is just a poly water tank for an RV - $20 on eBay. I painted it black to match my speakers and aquarium stand. It should blend nicely and hardly be noticeable.

I am working on installing all the electrical now. This tank has a few more wires than my FW tank...

 

[fort384]

Ok electrics all installed. ATO turned out nicely. Everything is snug but it fits in the stand.

 

[carey]

Looking good. So nice and neat still underneath. lol I love the labels too, I have a label maker just for my tanks.

 

[fort384]

Ok, tested my ATO tank and aqua lifter. Working like a champ. It is a tease, even drippin in water with the aqua lifter .

Good news is my rock and sand shipped and it has an estimated delivery of Friday! Would be nice if I had it going into the weekend...

 

[Epuerto]

It looks really good so far

 

[Ziggy953]

The system is looking great! I guess I need to get my behind in gear! I can't have you beating me in this race to reefdom!!!

LOL seriously though things are looking awesome!

 

[fort384]

Thanks Allen and Ep. I am very pleased with the progress.

 

[Sniperhank]

That is a great idea for an ATO! How has the aqualifter been doing for it? Do you just have it set up to drip into a sump?