therealsharks 187g mixed reef

[therealshark]

well i figured i would do a build thread this time. i had a 150g then downsized to an 83g. then realized i just couldnt do what i wanted with the smaller tank, so i had a new tank built. it is 187g (60"x30"x24"h) with 75g sump.
i thought the hard part was going to be getting by my better half, but she said reno the basement and do what i want (with in reason). LOL

here is a few pics along the way

first gutted the basement of the 70's wall paneling

got rid of the lights on the walls and installed pot lights, then started the drywall. i also ran 2 new powerlines on thier own breakers from the panel just for the tank.

then started on the stand


then on good friday a buddy and i went to calgary to pick up the tank from dave at concept aquariums. polished and beveled edges, i was amazed how it turned out, couldnt be happier. got it home and put in its final resting spot.


filling it with fresh water to check all my plumbing for leaks, turned out good.


then emptied and filled with RO and salt. added some sand and LR to get things going.


then made a quick trip back to calgary for the new skimmer. skimz SM202



then yesterday i figured it was time to move everything over from the old tank. this is how it turned out.




for lighting i have 2x 250w lumenmax3's with a bluewave7 ballast and pheonix 14K bulbs. i plan to get one more pendant to fill in the middle. there is 2x MP40's on the back wall and planning to add 2x tunze 6105's to get the flow to the end.

so far everyone has taken the move quite well accept for one of my cerialis frags and my aussie torch doesnt seem to be opening like it used to.

now just have to finish off the stand and figure a better way to hang the lights. i was going to do a full to the cieling canopy but it closes the room off to much so i am thinking of ideas to have an open top and a nice light rack for the pendants. if you know of any ideas let me know.

thanks for looking

[lastlight]

Open top is nice but then you're releasing all that humidity down there. I've got an open top myself which I think it not great for the main floor but for some reason I think humidity downstairs is worse.

Tank looks great btw. How are you liking the 202? I'm considering the 302 for my own build.

Love the drywalling. I hang my sheets vertical too lol. Makes for easy mudding but to my knowledge most people lay it brick style.

[therealshark]

thanks brett,
im planning to have an HRV installed this fall, hopefully that will take care of any humidity.
i had a friend come over and he said to put the drywall up vertical as it would be easier.

the sm202 rocks. the skimate keeps getting darker and darker everyday.

[cuz]

Looks great!!

Had yourself a busy weekend!!

[therealshark]

thanks larry
ya the last month has been busy.

[Leah]

Very nice tank. Glad you shared too! How is my old light doing? I am sorry I sold it, could have used it now. Funny how that works eh!

[fishytime]

Wow....you have been a busy boy......Looks really good Mike!......what is it with all you southerners coming out of the closet this w/e?

[therealshark]

Originally Posted by Leah

Very nice tank. Glad you shared too! How is my old light doing? I am sorry I sold it, could have used it know. Funny how that works eh!

thanks leah, the light worked great on my frag tank. had to shut it down though for other plans.

[therealshark]

Originally Posted by fishytime

Wow....you have been a busy boy......Looks really good Mike!......what is it with all you southerners coming out of the closet this w/e?

thanks doug, just figured it was time for a build thread. hopefully i can keep up with the updates. need to find a few more fish to fill this one in though.

[viperfish]

Lookin' good there buddy! I really like the aquascaping, Skimmer, Tank... hell there's nothing about it not to like!