150 gal tank build
 

So after a few weeks of deciding how big? Where to put it? And what shall it look like? I am starting my tank build. As of yesterday, thanks to concepts aquariums my tank should be here on Friday. I will start with what I have so far. This is my first salt water tank. I had a fresh water when I was young but I would considered a novice at best. The tank is a 48L x 24W x 29H 150gal I like the bit wider tank so I might be able to create some islands for fish to swim around.

I will start with the stand build

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Then we stain, place it, and test fit the sump tank

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Here is a few shots on the equipment purchased for the build

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Just a heads up; with a high sump like that, you'll have problems removing the skimmer cup

Looking great, and I'm so pleased that the gents at Concept are getting your tank made for you. :)

I'm wondering if you can get your sump out of the stand through the doors in the stand? And, Marko makes a good point. While you've got lots of vertical height to take the skimmer cup off, is there enough room between the sump and the stand's doors to get the cup through the opening?

I noticed that and had a back up sump tank that was wider and shorter

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/01/yhuhaqa6.jpg

I do admit though Inverness sump is in the stand it is staying in the stand

Sorry type error post should say "once the sump is in the stand it will be staying in the stand". It won't fit through the doors

If the sump fails (which hopefully it never does), you'll need a way to replace it. Will one of the end panels on the stand be easy to pull off?

I can modify the stand enough to get the sump out. Considering making mods now instead of later

So at the end of last night I added a few more items and then called it a night

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/01/yqeguseg.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/01/zeputyme.jpg

Very good idea :)

Nice to see that you invested in a controller. I'm using an Apex and an Apex Lite, and I think they're great insurance. :)

[quote=Nice to see that you invested in a controller. I'm using an Apex and an Apex Lite, and I think they're great insurance. :)[/QUOTE]

With this being my first tank I thought the control will give me a bit of an edge for success

This morning I ran down stairs to start water. When I got back my wife thanked me for starting coffee. I said "huh????" She said "you started the coffee water"

This is the water I started.....

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/01/u4ytajy5.jpg

She will just have to learn in guess. Hahahahahahaha...

Hey Spencer,

Skimmer looks great. Do make sure you're able to get it in and out of your sump. I had a similar problem and had to have Dave build me a second stand cause I couldn't get the skimmer in or out.:redface:

Also you'll want to make sure that Rubbermaid bin is food grade. Especially being black it may leech contaminates into your water. Do some reasearch on Brute bins as they are food grade. You can pick them up from Home Depot.

Coming along nicely! I know that you already know this, but man 29" is tall yo! Over the years that is probably the single most complained about aspect that I hear about people's tanks. ie, that it is too tall. Anyway, I've been following your threads so I know that your dimensions are deliberate.

You can't go wrong with the Double Ds at Concepts!

:pop2:

Build looks really good.
Looks like your very well on your way I'd say.


Sent Via The Pirate Ship...

Is that what we are calling them now?

I really like a deep tank. Just grab a snorkel if you can't reach the bottom. Experience your tank in a whole new way.

looking great buddy , glad to see some pics now you just need a tank to put on that badboy eh;)

im not sure if we taked about this the other day but nows a good time to start thinking about nutrient export, i see you got a skimmer which is a must have but you also may want to consider running a reactor with gfo to export phosphates.

phosphates are the leading cause of nusance algae and it inhibits growth and colors in corals.

when you come to pick up the tank friday ill show you one of the reactors on the store tanks and show you how it works , they are fairly cheap and they do one hell of a job.


one idea for your stand to get you sump out is to create a false wall on the side of your tank using magnets or something similiar to take it off, then your sump could slide in and out in case of an emergency, the framing on the side can be more open then in the front provided your horizontal suports are doubled up:)

cheers buddy loving it so far:)

Hey guys. What are the thoughts of being able to do the fill with fresh and mixing in the tank instead if pre mixing?

If the tank is empty of live stock, sand and rock- its ok, but I'd suggest more frequent water changes as you cycle your tank.




Sent Via The Pirate Ship...

its ok , you may get some calcium precipitate onto your glass if the waters cold in which case it just scrapes off with a blade.

I had a 75g a few years back on a beauty of a stand I built but the only way in and out for the sump tank was when the display tank was off, and sure enough Murphy's Law did strike. I had to remove the old sump with a hammer and ended up installing its replacement in the room in behind the tank after cutting the drywall to allow pipes to pass through.

You did a nice job on your stand, keep it, but what I'd recommend is changing out one of the sides to be a door so that the sump can slide in and out that way. You'll never regret more access.

Where'd you pick up the Apex?

I have completely thought this through and I am going to put a metal support frame across the front and I am going to make the center section between the doors removable.

[quote=Where'd you pick up the Apex?[/QUOTE]

I got the Alex online at Go Reef

Well here it is at the shop. Pick up tomorrow!!

Thanks again Dave and Denny!!!

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/02/9u2y2atu.jpg

I solved the problem of getting the sump in an out of the stand. Took about another 10 lbs of hard lumber for support.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/03/7aqaju5u.jpg

I see you took out the centre brace. Nice work.

Trip to the LFS......http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/03/usudenan.jpg

looking great can't wait to see it wet!!
One day you will look back and thank the deity of your choice that you removed the center brace. having full access to the sump is critical IMHO

Well I am glad the tank fits in the mini van. Decided not to bother bringing the truck so I can keep the tank warm

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/03/rytuvaqy.jpg

Well it made it in on the stand!! Lights sure look good

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/03/aba7aba4.jpg

So clean looking. Nice work Spencer

Looks awesome

A suggestion though if you haven't done it already is to buy some egg crate and put it on the bottom of your tank before you add sand it's just extra insurance in case one of your future creatures decides to move a live rock and it tumbles even a short drop can have serious consequences.

Home Depot sells it for about $6 a sheet

This being said this is a very debateable addition. If you do however add it be prepared to see the ugly eggcrate on the bottom of your tank because of sand being moved but current and moved by sifters or whatever else.

I will agree that if something was to fall or whatever the eggcrate would increase your chances of not having a disaster, but if you stack your rock right the first time you should be okay. I have never had the problem of anything falling.

Before you make the decision really way your pros/cons - once the egg crate is in there its a PITA to get it out especially with your tank running.

I finally finished building and pluming in the sump. Can't put water in the tank until Monday. Mixing salt water so I am ready for the fill. Still waiting for my shipment of heaters and other items

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/11/04/ruqu7ypu.jpg

I intend on going with a deep sand bed so I assume I wouldn't have as much risk of this happening, but I never considered it to be a problem so I will keep an eye out for it.

I'd suggest filling with just tap water to leak test everything first, if it's good to go, drain and fill with your mix! An extra step but worth it! Would suck to fill with salt water and have to drain it.

Build is looking great btw! Coming together quickly!

Well....... Tank I full if sand and water..... A few small issues to deal with but all in all it is running.

Out in Calgary shopping for rock. Probably split between 2 LFS

You don't think that the bright lights of the tank will be annoying while trying to watch the TV right beside it?

he'll be watching his new tank for a while, no more tv lol