Deep Reef's 150 gallon tall DT hurricane Irma build
 

This was the 4 year old 120 DT a week ago:
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This was it After two days without power:
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And finally today a week later emptied:
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All the inhabitants died (I obtained a generator 2 days too late). By the way they did turn my power on until today almost exactly a week later. I do appreciate their effort.

Well the first decision I had to make was whether or not to stay in the hobby. The tank added a unique feature to our living space so I decided to give it another try and to rebuild. Since I decided to rebuild , now was the time to go bigger. However, I didn't have space to go longer and I really didn't want to build a new stand. The only option was to go tall by getting a 150 DT which has the same footprint so I could keep my stand and canopy. So that is where I'm headed. Hopefully you can join me.

In this build, I plan to address the things that bothered me about the 120 DT build I had done and explain why so maybe I can save a newbie some grief or at least give them things to be aware of.

I am open to any/all comments since I am looking for this tank to be better. Oh yes I know tall tanks are a maintenance PIA.

I hope to post again soon with an update.




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That's the spirit! Sorry for your loss but I am sure you will be back with a nicer tank, cause you would be able to fix all the little things that you wish you would have done in your previous tank, Ive been there a few times.
I would be glad to give you my opinion when you start your build, congratulation


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following...

Brown santa arrived

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Rocks


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Ok so previously I had obtained my rocks either from a LFS or from Marco Rocks. I wanted a different look. Also there are some posts that rumor the Marco along with the BRS reef saver can leak phosphate into the tank. Therefore I bought the Pukani 70 lbs (very light/porous), Tonga flat pieces 20 lbs and Tonga branching 20 lbs. Total 110 lbs. I know this is less than recommended but I wanted less in the DT and the Pukani is larger due to it's porousness. I will be adding some biological filtration bricks to the sump to help.

So I moved the delivery into the garage for unpacking:
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All were packed in plastic bags surrounded by peasants.
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I removed some peanuts and pulled out the bags.
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Opened the bags to see what was sent.
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I wasn't completely thrilled with the Pukani it had quite a few small pieces but I will make it work.

I bought a new 44 gallon brute so I could cook thus Rick over the next 2 months.
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Loaded all the rock including a couple of base rock and tonga pieces from my 120DT.

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I guess the packing was adequate as the remaining debris was minimal.
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Here is another shot of the branching tonga before it went into the Brute.
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First package of new parts arrived today, a pair of mp40's
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Got them on sale saved $100.

Great start


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Well yesterday a couple of new boxes arrived.

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Trigger systems sapphire 34 sump and matching 10 gallon ato tank. Great quality!

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Deep Reef's 150 gallon tall DT hurricane Irma build
 

Sump and ato set in stand. A perfect fit. Roughly 1-1/2" left in length.

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Looking good! Following

I've got the Trigger Systems 34 in Amethyst for my upcoming build. I'm interested in seeing how you handle it. Tagging along for the ride.

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Deep Reef's 150 gallon tall DT hurricane Irma build
 

My last build, I made the sump to save money. It was functional, but it was missing the ability to run filter socks or other media. It was also missing the ability to adjust skimmer depth. So changing my skimmer required building a platform for proper operation. Also, having only a 4 foot tank, the 37" long breeder took up a lot of room.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...98f9ea15af.jpg

As seen in the pick it was very crowded and I had all I could do to squeeze in a 5 gallon jug for my ato. This required my to add water twice a week. I also had to use thin containers for dosing.

The Trigger sump is shorter and their 10 gallon ato container ends up fitting perfectly which will hopefully give me a weeks worth of top off allowing for reduced maintenance while I'm away on vacation.

The only down side I see with the sump (btw quality is excellent) is chamber #1. The top where return connections attach is not removable. Therefore I see no easy way to clean it out as it will most likely develop detritus build up. I will have to develop a method for this.


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I had a thought on that that I had seen somewhere else. Could drill and install a smaller half inch bulkhead into that first chamber. Then run a half inch line off of the return with a valve. Crack open the valve weekly to blow all the detritus into the filter socks.

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Btw the 2 connections are removable but the drain pipes fall into the chamber if not careful. I plan to put a union there so maybe I can drop a hose or something down the opening.


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Well picked up the new tank today.
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A Marineland 150 High.
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I decided to buy new as I may not do another build for awhile. Also, the used ones I looked at all had issues. I bought from exotic aquatic. They were listed as a marineland dealer and when I called they were very helpful. I've bought many fish from them and didn't know they could give me good pricing on a tank. Great people.


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I missed an entry last week. My order of schedule 80 pvc fittings, gate valve, ball valves and unions, along with blue pipe to match my sump arrived.
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So I'm ready to start the plumbing process.


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Deep Reef's 150 gallon tall DT hurricane Irma build
 

Saturday, I had a major set back.

The story: For the last 6 months I had seen sand on the floor around the tank on the floor but also around the top rim. I thought it was my diamond goby. However, with no fish in the tank for over 2 weeks how could I have fresh sand build up? I moved the stand and canopy and found a pile of sand under the stand. What the hell! I googled termites and sure enough the sand grains were from dry wood termites. It seems that last May when I killed some flying bugs around my tank I didn't get them all. My stand was infested.

Thank goodness I figured it out now before installing 1500+ pounds of tank, water and rock. The down side was that I couldn't figure out where they were and how much damage was done. Rather then take a chance on a major collapse I took the canopy and stand out to the curb.

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Now I have to add a new stand to this build/rebuild!


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Well I've been doing some research and it appears that the pvc cement and primer found at the local hardware store is not that great. So I ordered commercial grade product from Weld-on
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It arrived yesterday.


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Another brown santa delivery.....(2) 40 lb bags of caribe sea reef special grade. Got a good deal, less then $45 per bag plus an October special deal gave me another 20% off. This was a great capture!
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I love this everyday is Christmas. Last night I got home from work and had another delivery. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4853f2cdbf.jpg

My tunes ATO.

Since I’ve been spending money I also received a BRS tee shirt.
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I can’t wait until I can get started on the new stand.[emoji122]


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Good job so far, sorry to hear about the termites. Do you suspect you have them elsewhere in your house?

I see no other signs. I have an inspection scheduled, we will see


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following along. picking up the pieces for my own 150 Tall.