Filling The Tank 06.02.13

The Barracuda 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis Unit is in full gear!  I think it is going to take about 12 hours from start to finish...



Radion LED Lighting

I remember every aquarium I have ever had.  When it comes to the light I was using 15 years ago, I think of something similar to a desk lamp.  Today I found myself plugging a USB cable into my laptop from Ecotechs new Radion LED fixture.  All of a sudden there isn't a need for timers, adjustments in bulbs (spectrums), or worrying about my lamps being so intense they could bring water to a boil.  Advances in these technologies continue to amaze me, and lights that were once intended only as indicators on a dashboard are now able to provide the same resources as the sun.



Set-Up and Planning

Still waiting on a couple supplies before I start filling the tank.  Also trying to nail down a plan for the rock work...





Christmas In May!

I just flew back from Ohio and walked through my front door to see this...
 

 

 

I think Livie already knows what is going inside...

Custom Bracket - Ecotech Radion XR30w Pro

I have no idea why Ecotech doesn't make a mounting bracket for aquariums.  They only sell suspension rails and chains, and I have no intention of screwing them into the ceiling of my apartment.  Jeff at LifeReef constructed the bracket below specifically to fit the Radion XR30w Pro and I think it will look great over the tank.



Sneak Preview

The tank is complete!  The only thing that will be different from the pictures is the lighting that was used.  Other than that it turned out better than I could have imagined!!

Dimensions:
- Total Area: 24L X 24W X 20H
- Display Area: 24L X 16W X 20H
- Rear Area: 24L X 8W X 20H

 

 

 

 



Stand Completed 05.15.13

The stand was delivered today and looks amazing.  A big thank you to Norms Custom Woodwork for doing such a great job!

 

  

5 Mos Later: The Build Is On!!



Updated Drawing 03.05.13

I am glad there is such a long wait for these builds so I have more time to think.  I put together another design which I think will be more friendly than the longer dimensions I had in my last design.  This one is also much more simplistic and will rely mostly on the protein skimmer to handle the limited bioload I plan on having in the tank.  The dimensional change will also increase the expected volume from 17.6 gallons to approximately 26.5 gallons with the new footprint.



Updated 02.21.13 + LED's

2 Months until the build is complete and I can start my new tank.  I updated my design, and placed an order for the lighting system.  LED's - the way of the future!