chimera Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Pies? Where you at with this dude? Any more progress? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted December 1, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Progress? A Little Well the tank is at 'stage 1' for fullness. Its as full as its going to be until I get the rockwork sorted. Its running on the overflow using my new 'system' that allows me to drop the height of the water significiently. This has worked out much better than I had hoped. The split overflow system will also provide a platform to attach 2x streams too later, info to come So i've filled the tank. The next big job was to connect it to the existing system, which was completed on Saturday. This means the existing tank got a 1000 litre water change! Oddly everything is looking fantastic! It also means the new system is now being freshwater topped up (auto), kalkwasser is added, water is skimmed etc. This was a big milestone and I am glad its all over. My 3 foot sump is now running 3 tanks and its a little over worked So i've moved all the rock from my sumps (not entirely true, i've moved all the larger pieces) up to the main tank. Its just resting on the reef racks, seeding the new tank with life and letting me see the rock for getting ideas about aquascaping. I will start the rockwork next week, too much on this week. I've also moved up a few soft corals. This has been done only to give me some room to move in the other tanks. So they are just littered about the tank. Not sure exactly what I will do with the softies, I want to keep some and they have NEVER looked as good as they do right now. I suspect I will keep one end with softies (the bommie) and the other end with stonies. But as always this is subject to change. I was also given some snails/conches to help as a clean-up crew. WOW these little things are so small, yet eating soooo much algae. Note one of the photos captures a couple together and some nice golden diatom too These things are small, maybee .5cm long but eat heaps. I also introduced 2x Astrea snails today. So thats it for progress, looking good, starting to get algae growing which has to be a good sign. All the fish are OK, no leaks or anything going wrong or in need of a change. So far its all gone like clockwork, nothing hasn't worked out perfectly and its all looking good. Fish are still months away (probably) but corals will start to be moved into the tank soon as possible. I still need to source a return pump (thanks again for the loan of yours Steve) and lighting. Anyone selling any 400 watters? I have a few options but still arn't 100% yet. Going to put it off as long as possilbe or until a deal too good to pass up comes through. Pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Hey Pies, If you are after 400 Watt ballasts, I just added a third one to my tank, and it only cost me $90 for the ballast, starter, cap, and ceramic bulb socket brand new. Very cheap if you don't mind a bit of wiring. Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drifty Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 I want to get 3 250 watt ballasts, where did you get them from if you dont mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Lamp Specialists down here in Christchurch. It's all "Atco" brand stuff, you should be able to get it from any industrial lighting place, or Ideal Electrical or similar place. Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted December 1, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Layton that sounds perfect. Can you pm/email me the details? I assume you can help me with wiring diargrams? Probably won't do it myself but 3 of my team are electricians so will ask them to do it for me. So for $90.00 you got EVERYTHING you need to run a buld except the bulb? If so that sounds like a perfect option. You are obviously happy with them? Also what bulbs are you using? How much and where from? How about a pic of your tank with the 3 bulbs running? Thanks for your help, I am very keen to get the lighting sorted. Piemania Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Yip, for $90 I got a ballast, ignitor, PF capacitor, and a ceramic bulb socket. All you need on top of this is wire, bulb and a reflector. I still don't have a source for any good premade reflectors though. All stuff is from "Lamp Specialists Ltd" phone 03 365-3491 fax 03 365-3128 The parts are all ATCO brand, part numbers are below. Ballast: OGB400 Ignitor: AZRM6ES Cap: 25uF Socket: E39/40 Pulse Rated 4kV I'm running Coralvue 20k bulbs no fluros at all. But I had one of my old Venture 10k bulbs in this morning, and the visual colour is very similar. I can't tell them apart. I'm sure the spectrum is different though. Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Wiring is a piece of cake. Anyone with half a brain could do it. All the parts come with clearly labelled terminals and there is a little diagram printed on the ballast. Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nodle Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Just came across this. I have the same choke, Ignitor and capacitor at home for my light setup i will be running only difference is that im running 250w. easy as hell to wire up can post a pic tonight if you want one. Hydroponics stores might be a good place to look for reflectors have not tried myself as i am making my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted December 5, 2004 Report Share Posted December 5, 2004 Any updates Pies, must be close to moving corals? Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted December 9, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2004 Lighting is still an issue. I really need to buy lighting, but am just considering my options. 4x400 or 5x400 is the choice, it just how to build them. Not really 100% on anything yet. Was hoping for some 2nd hand action, but still no joy. I am almost certain I will copy Laytons lighting, seems to work well for him and be fairly priced. Still hoping something else will turn up 2nd hand / bargin priced. Got the left hand bommie built. Looking good, with 3 pinicles to attach corals/anemones too. Also put 20kg of sand in there. The sand made a huge difference and makes it look more like a tank than the bare bottom did. I put 1x Stream in there, + 1x Terbelle powerhead. Water is moving VERY agressivly about the tank, be interesting to see how it looks when the other 2 streams are running. This won't happen until the tank has been filled though. A few corals are in there, I will probable move the fungias and clams next week, once I get the base rock done for the right hand side. Clownfish will enter the tank when the Anemone goes in, no other fish for quite some time. The copepod population has started to breed, and I hope that by christmas it will look like my sump, LOADED with life. I am very keen to move everything out of my frag tank and get it disconnected. Suphew wants the tank, and I am keen to stop paying to light it/heat it/circulate it. I have too do a few other things first though. So its moving along well. No leaks or problems, and am enjoying have a completely open lid without the centre brace. Started to tidy up the under tank wiring. Closed loops and streams etc. All of the controll gear will be running under the tank, screwed to the bottom of the base. I will try and get some photos done very soon. Piemania Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chimera Posted December 9, 2004 Report Share Posted December 9, 2004 dum de dum,... waiting for pics.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay Posted December 9, 2004 Report Share Posted December 9, 2004 My suggestion for what it's worth hard wire in Arcadias, if you are'nt having a hood to hide the lights Arcadias look great and do the job well. Don't cut costs now you want the look to go with your great tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lduncan Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 I agree with Fay. If you are not going to have a hood, or can't conceal the lights and reflectors, go with a professionally made unit. DIY will look crap. If you are going to have a hood, DIY will be the most cost effective way (by a long shot) Layton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 I don't even want to think how much the arcadia pendants he'd need would cost new for 4X 400ws. Sooo...I'll go look instead of thinking cause I'm curious. Let's see, from www.aquaria.com.au... a tunze MH 400W is $1770 each X4= $7080 au=$7500 NZ Geisemann, about the same: $6672 au=$7092 nz Arcadias don't seem to have a 400W version sold on there so, for equivalent wattage,2 Arcadia Series 3, 3X250 = $5776au=$6140nz Not including shipping and whatever and any cheaper sources pies could possibly get them from. DIY would be like $800 for 4X400 and I'm sure you could get a really nice surround or something made for them for far less than another $5K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted December 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 Thanks IRA the is VERY interesting. I will be using a collar around the top of the tank, as I think a tank where you can see the water line and above looks horrid. You need to hide the water line. Also I want the collar to make sure as little light as possible escapes from the tank, nothing worse than seeing a tank with handing pendants and all the light comming out from above the water line. Looks terrible. I also hate that ugly pig tail, windy power cable thing they use, UGLY. I have an Arcadia Series 3 pendant for my frag tank, built in timers etc, looks 'OK', but I wouldn't buy another. FAY - Your kididng right? Do you really think I would have done what I have done so far and then put up manky lighting? HOWEVER the Arcadia lights are no different to anything else, just come in a nicely presented box. Not worth the extra $5,000.00, not even remotley. I also want the ballasts remote (under the tank), not hanging above it. Another problem with pendants is the standard size. My tank is 7 foot, which means 2x 2bulb pendants are going to be 8 foot, so they won't fit. I will need to get custom made pendants. Which I am sure will add even more to the cost. Ultimatly the lighting will be DIY, DIY reflectors will also be used. They will be hidden behind the collar, which serves 4 purposes. 1: Hides the water level 2: stops light from spilling out above the tank and distroying the cool effect 3: Hides the lighting pendants 4: Adds extra protection from jumping fish. Anyway its all stated early in this post, a collar will be used, it will be made of recycled Rimu. DIY lighting will be used, as there is no way I will spend more than 1k on lights (4x 400w or 5x 400w). Thanks for the research IRA makes me even more certain that DIY is the only way to go. I can take the 5k saving and buy something else (like 2 more tanks and stands!). Pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetskisteve Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 5k wow how much fish & coral will you buy??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted December 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 Steve 5k of coral, i'd build my own facility spend the change on a shipment or 2 I should also say that Peter from Port Nichloson Glass included the cost of a custom collar in the price of the tank and stand, so as soon as I know what I want, Peter will build it for me Pie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 I didn't mean manky, I new I should have keep my mouth shut any way glad your having a band. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted December 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 Fay - Having a band? I am pretty happy with the way the bommie is looking, if I didn't have so much on i'd consider moving the anemone, fungias and clams up ASAP. However this weekend is pretty booked, and work is busy. Hope I can find some time during the evening this week. Don't suppose anyone found any more information on winches or similar to life lights? Am looking seriously at car arial motors, but need someone whos a bit more mechnically minded then me, I don't really have any knowledge or skill in this kind of area. Piemania Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 Pies asked: Don't suppose anyone found any more information on winches or similar to life lights? Try Electropar in Auckland. They specialise in low speed high torque motors such as Parvalux and ZeroMax. Other possiblility might be Surplustronics at the top of Queen St Auckland. Both have websites Edit: Mmmm... Found the links. http://www.surplustronics.co.nz/shop/ http://www.electropar.co.nz/noflash.cfm How about converting a Venetian Blind mechanism. Just replace the cords with plastic covered wire rope or high grade nylon rope. Bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RnB Posted December 10, 2004 Report Share Posted December 10, 2004 Sailing shops will sell you a reel of 2 or 3mm "spectra" cord in a variety of nice colours, its very strong, 3mm has a 70kg shock breaking strain and quite cheap, about $17 for a 20m reel in AKL. I agree with Fay that Arcadia lights look the trick, but I would rather spend that type of dosh on livestock.... glad to see it all moving along Mark. I cleaned under the house and measured up etc last week, (took 3 loads of rubbish to the dump!) I am in Surfers this week with Alex on holiday. Finishing MAF application this week and hope to get feedback next month. Once the C2C is finished I will throw myself at concreting and jibbing the space... I have just on 16 sq m over two rooms so more space then I expected to have. And I will put in a sump room for my tank while I am under there! Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_from_nz Posted December 12, 2004 Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 How about converting a Venetian Blind mechanism. Just replace the cords with plastic covered wire rope or high grade nylon rope. Bill. There are two types of common venetian blind motors the tilt only system and the mono control system. The tilt only system is very low power and wouldn't hold the torque the mono control system is very deer as it goes way over board with the motor (if you were to take this path i would sugest contacting somfy in australia directly as they don't work through autherized agents) Also the wire they use is nylon coated stainless steel fishing wire on motorised blinds, I expect this would be ok as the fans are pulling clean air past down through the lights arn't they Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted December 12, 2004 Report Share Posted December 12, 2004 What about going to NZ car parts (or similar) and seeing if you can get a old electric arial and window motor. I have heavy duty 12v battery charger we could use to have a bit of a play and see what works. The arial might be a good bet if it has enough grunt, I have seen one with the top ripped off and they use a drum with wire on it to drive the arial up and down. Let me know when your ready I should have the tools etc we'll need to modify it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pies Posted December 16, 2004 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2004 Suphew - Need to catchup with you at some stage soon. So busy with work, will try and call today. Lighting. DIY still looks to be the way to go, may look at having a pendant made for me. Found this, looks good. Would consider making it black via powder coating as the nice shiney metal doesn't stay like this when near the tank! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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