250 gallon build thread

[fareforce]

If it was me I would run a Ocean Runner 6500 (1700gph) if you need an internal return pump, or a Reflo TARPON UNO Pump (1440gph) if you want an external. Then run a Ocean Motion squirt on the return pump. You will need a bypass ($17.00 from OM) since it is over 1000gph.

If you get the one that has 1&3, or 2&4 open at the same time I would run your left return off of port 1, right return off of port 2, and tie the bypass, and ports 3&4 together for your middle return. This will leave your middle return on all the time (you could split it with loc-line in the tank), and have the two side ports alternating to give you a really nice wave effect.

[michealprater]

Ok, it has been awhile since I updated. Very slow progress, but some progress anyhow.

I bought this 75 from Kribbz. I got a heck of a deal on it. He threw in a couple maxi jet 1200s and a couple 300w heaters, which will save me a few bucks in the long run.

The tank had been used for freshwater and had been treated with copper. Based off the recommendations from RC users, I thoroughly rinsed it, cleaned it with razor blades, cleaned it with bleach, rinsed, cleaned with vinegar, rinsed, cleaned it with vinegar, and did the final rinse. I cleaned it spotless. It looks like a brand new tank.

I put it where it is going to sit. I am not sure if I am going to use it for the fuge or the sump since I still have to get one more tank. Obviously it will not be on the stand in its permanent location, I just put it there so I could have the tank at a decent working height, in case I do have to baffle it.

[SaltwaterChris]

Cool start keep us posted

[michealprater]

I ordered 100lbs of black sand from DFS today. Should put the sand about 1" deep in the display. If I dont like it I will add more later. I will not be doing a dsb in the display, because I am planning on a RDSB.

[michealprater]

Ok, the stairway to heaven is done. This will make it easier to access my tank that is sitting on a 40" stand.

[michealprater]

Alright, more updates. I sold my dj equipment yesterday so I headed out for Lowes today. Picked up a few things I was going to need.

Here are the two Brute containers. One for fresh ro water, one for saltwater.


Here is a couple of sheets of eggcrate and 10 cans for Great Stuff spray foam. I am going to use it to make rock wall background. I just have to figure out a way to make it easily removable since foam is a fairly new concept in reefs and the long term effects are unknown.


And finally, the studs to make the walls, with pressure treated for the floors.

[VSpeck]

Build is looking great. Keep up the updates.

[logiktest]

The staircase is a great idea.

Thats a whole lot of great stuff... I hope it does not float. I have seen magnets used with good results.

[michealprater]

Magnets are a great idea! That would aid in making it fully removable.

[michealprater]

Almost forgot, here is the sand I will be using. It is Tahitian Moon Black Sand. I bought 100lbs to put it about 1" deep in the display. If I do not like it, I will add another 100lbs. Not doing a dsb in the display because I plan on using a RDSB.

[michealprater]

Few more updates to add.

Here is the 70rr I bought off toobrie. It will be the fuge/coral growout tank. I plan on putting one parition in, so I can put macro on one side and frags on the other.


Here are the Maxi Jet 1200s I picked up, two of them came from kribbz and four from dbuesking. I will soon order SureFlow Mods for all of them. This will get me by on flow until I can upgrade to Vortechs. With the mods these six will put 12600 gph in the display.


This fish room is starting to look crazy with all the stuff I have picked up, I cannot believe it is going so well. I expected it to be much slower.



I have not asked for a lot of advice on some of these items, but this one is a major dilema. I have a 75 for a sump and a 70rr for a fuge. I want to mount the 70 above the 75, but the two tanks have identical footprints. How do I make a stand to put the 70 over the 75?

[fareforce]

My stand is a little bit over the top for what you need but it might give you an idea or two. I am using a 18" deep sump, and 18" deep display so I was in the same boat.
You can see my build thread here.

[michealprater]

Thanks, I looked at your build thread the last time you linked it in this thread. I am not looking for a complex decorative stand. I just need a gorilla built stand because it will be in the fish room, and used on the sump/fuge, not the display.

[fareforce]

Originally posted by michealprater
Thanks, I looked at your build thread the last time you linked it in this thread. I am not looking for a complex decorative stand. I just need a gorilla built stand because it will be in the fish room, and used on the sump/fuge, not the display.

You could do something like mine but use 2x6's instead of lam-beams with no sheathing on the outside. Should work just fine. Just make sure you screw and glue the joints.

[michealprater]

Ok, I have the stand together. I plan on adding some more upright supports, but I will have to get the baffles and plumbing in the sump before I box it in.


here is a pic of it in the permanent location.

[amehel0]

excellent build so far. more organized then my fishroom/garage thats for sure.

[michealprater]

well the last two days have been really exciting as the room itself is really shaping up. Seems like the basement is getting more and more trashed the longer I work, but that is ok. The walls were not too bad, had my friend that is a carpenter help me out. If you are wondering about the weird spacing, well there is a few reasons. Some of it is not finished. The space of the the tank will be finished out once I get the cabinet doors. There is also a wide spot on the side that will be finished when I get the door. Plus I used 24" spacing vs. 16" because none of the walls bear any load. Well, enough rambling. Here are the pics. Enjoy.

[ReefEnabler]

Progress is looking really good Micheal!

[VSpeck]

Coming along nicely but i would worry about the board resting on the tank.

[ReefEnabler]

is the tank actually supporting any of that framing? didn't catch that upon first inspection. maybe its actually hanging from the ceiling?

[michealprater]

The frame above the tank is hanging from the ceiling. There is a 1/8" gap between the tank and the frame.

[michealprater]

Need some advice. I will be using great stuff foam and egg crate to make a back rock wall. However I have read that after 8 mo. to a year some people have noticed the foam breaking down some, losing its hard shell and getting kind of soft. Do you think it would be possible to paint it with purple epoxy? That would make it extra hard and color it up quickly. I have seen people epoxy their homemade live rock, so I am not sure why this would not work.

[michealprater]

One other question about rock. I have a opprotunity to pick up some live rock for $1.50/lb. It is the guy that is selling the 400 gallon setup in STL. The rock is well established, some of it has been in the tank for 11yrs, the youngest rock being 3 yrs old. He has 1000lbs so there is way more than I need, as I already have around 200lbs stashed here and there. (trash cans, totes, my 46 gallon). Anyway, the tank has been neglected and the owner tells me there is some aiptasia, manjanos, cyano, hair and bubble algae on the rock. Is the rock worth it with all the nuiscances? How long would the rock have to sit in the dark to kill all of it. I hate to introduce all those to my tank right off the bat.

[JxMetal]

power wash the rock.

[mcliffy2]

IMO 200 lbs of rock will be plenty for the display, but youll need more in your sump for filtration purposes. I'd buy 100-200 lbs from him and throw it into your sump/fuge.

btw, like your avatar...here is me on halloween