David's 225g starphire upgrade

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 03:56 PM

My first salt water aquarium was 55 gallons about 25 years ago, when undergravel filters and canister filters were cutting edge. I was around 13-14 and kept the aquarium a couple years. I remember scrubbing my bleached coral when alge turned it green. The center of attention was my Emperor Angel. Over time he developed hole in the head disease and after he died that spelled the end to my hobby.

I kept near saltwater by joining the Navy for 4 years and then working for companies that rented jet skis and parasailingfor the next 15 years. The hurricanes we had here in 2004 changed my bohemian lifestyle. After several years I wandered into a bookstore and saw the latest issue of an aquarium mag and bought it. I couldn't believe all the changes in the hobby. It really shocked me.
After spending time on here I wanted to dive in and start up the hobby, but I really didn't know where to start, so I looked for a couple months and bought a set up 125 gallon system from the want ads. It wasn't in the best shape but I didn't want to jump in with both feet until I decided if this hobby was for me. After a couple months I bought some clowns and a couple tangs and found I still love keeping aquariums.

Then I discovered TOTM threads and I was blown away with what I saw. I still stare in awe at the SPS tanks that take my breath away. I knew I wanted a SPS tank, now I had to figure out how to get there.

After another month thinking, I knew my 125 would not be the best starting point for what I wanted. So I started looking. Finding the tank was the hardest part, taking months and months. I finally found one here on RC I liked, but it took more time to make sure it would work. Hopefully it will.

I also want to say thanks to the many people that answered my questions with great patience.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 03:58 PM

Tank at previous owner's house.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:00 PM

First sump design

Stuff for sump

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:02 PM

Second sump design. This ended up being too large for under the stand. Had it remade 4 inches shorter and out of 3/8th plexiglass.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:07 PM

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:09 PM

Overflow. It's a little tight in there with 2" drains and 1 1/2 " returns

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:10 PM

Finished overflow

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:13 PM

Final sump design during fresh water test

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:16 PM

Great substrate recommended by alot of people here.

Also recommended by alot of people here.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:19 PM

BRS eco rock. I love this stuff! I am going to get more to replace some live rock next month.

What is wrong in this pic? Look at the box, then the pump.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:22 PM

Old 125 setup. Time to go!

The clowns loved the old tank. Their home was next to the hang on overflow. They don't like the BTA go figure.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:27 PM

One man crew that made this happen. Thanks Dane!

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:31 PM

New tank in place! Started at 4:30PM after work. This point took about 4 hours

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:32 PM

What did I get myself into?

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:33 PM

4 40 pound bags going in.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:35 PM

Sand in

First aquascape done

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:37 PM

Time to fill the sump

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:39 PM

FTS

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:43 PM

Clearing up after about 30 min. It took 9 hours, from 4:30 PM to 1:30 AM to finish the swap with Dane and I.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:44 PM

Super Reef Octo making bubbles

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:45 PM

More room to stretch your fins

King of the mountain!!!!

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:47 PM

Left side shot. I love looking at the tank this way. My 125 had an internal overflow added here which blocked most to the view.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:48 PM

The clowns don't like all this room. There is no HOB overflow to call home.

Dtronic · 12/12/2009, 04:53 PM

That's most of the pics. I still have to add gfo/carbon reactors and the two part pumps I am going to use.

The tank is 72" long 24" wide 30" high and eurobraced. I didn't want a 30" high tank with the lighting requirements for SPS, but it was a compromise. Now though, I love it. The stand is 39" which is fantastic.

Also I am using the lights from my old setup, Current Outer Orbit 3x175 mh and 4x96 pc's. Still deciding on what to use. The canopy with the new tank is 14" high, so I think I will use Lumenmax Elite's and 2x250, 1x400. Maybe Icecap's with radiums. If you have any suggestions..............

tc2008 · 12/12/2009, 05:20 PM

is there a reason you went with low durso? I thought it has to be higher in order to prevent the splashing sound that the water flow over the top...

12/12/2009, 03:56 PM	#1
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	David's 225g starphire upgrade My first salt water aquarium was 55 gallons about 25 years ago, when undergravel filters and canister filters were cutting edge. I was around 13-14 and kept the aquarium a couple years. I remember scrubbing my bleached coral when alge turned it green. The center of attention was my Emperor Angel. Over time he developed hole in the head disease and after he died that spelled the end to my hobby. I kept near saltwater by joining the Navy for 4 years and then working for companies that rented jet skis and parasailingfor the next 15 years. The hurricanes we had here in 2004 changed my bohemian lifestyle. After several years I wandered into a bookstore and saw the latest issue of an aquarium mag and bought it. I couldn't believe all the changes in the hobby. It really shocked me. After spending time on here I wanted to dive in and start up the hobby, but I really didn't know where to start, so I looked for a couple months and bought a set up 125 gallon system from the want ads. It wasn't in the best shape but I didn't want to jump in with both feet until I decided if this hobby was for me. After a couple months I bought some clowns and a couple tangs and found I still love keeping aquariums. Then I discovered TOTM threads and I was blown away with what I saw. I still stare in awe at the SPS tanks that take my breath away. I knew I wanted a SPS tank, now I had to figure out how to get there. After another month thinking, I knew my 125 would not be the best starting point for what I wanted. So I started looking. Finding the tank was the hardest part, taking months and months. I finally found one here on RC I liked, but it took more time to make sure it would work. Hopefully it will. I also want to say thanks to the many people that answered my questions with great patience. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 03:58 PM	#2
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Tank at previous owner's house. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:00 PM	#3
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	First sump design Stuff for sump __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:02 PM	#4
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Second sump design. This ended up being too large for under the stand. Had it remade 4 inches shorter and out of 3/8th plexiglass. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:07 PM	#5
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	__________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:09 PM	#6
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Overflow. It's a little tight in there with 2" drains and 1 1/2 " returns __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:10 PM	#7
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Finished overflow __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:13 PM	#8
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Final sump design during fresh water test __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:16 PM	#9
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Great substrate recommended by alot of people here. Also recommended by alot of people here. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:19 PM	#10
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	BRS eco rock. I love this stuff! I am going to get more to replace some live rock next month. What is wrong in this pic? Look at the box, then the pump. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:22 PM	#11
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Old 125 setup. Time to go! The clowns loved the old tank. Their home was next to the hang on overflow. They don't like the BTA go figure. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:27 PM	#12
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	One man crew that made this happen. Thanks Dane! __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:31 PM	#13
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	New tank in place! Started at 4:30PM after work. This point took about 4 hours __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:32 PM	#14
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	What did I get myself into? __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:33 PM	#15
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	4 40 pound bags going in. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:35 PM	#16
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Sand in First aquascape done __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:37 PM	#17
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Time to fill the sump __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:39 PM	#18
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	FTS __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:43 PM	#19
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Clearing up after about 30 min. It took 9 hours, from 4:30 PM to 1:30 AM to finish the swap with Dane and I. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:44 PM	#20
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Super Reef Octo making bubbles __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:45 PM	#21
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	More room to stretch your fins King of the mountain!!!! __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's Last edited by Dtronic; 12/12/2009 at 05:03 PM.

12/12/2009, 04:47 PM	#22
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	Left side shot. I love looking at the tank this way. My 125 had an internal overflow added here which blocked most to the view. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:48 PM	#23
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	The clowns don't like all this room. There is no HOB overflow to call home. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's

12/12/2009, 04:53 PM	#24
Dtronic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cape Coral, Florida Posts: 272	That's most of the pics. I still have to add gfo/carbon reactors and the two part pumps I am going to use. The tank is 72" long 24" wide 30" high and eurobraced. I didn't want a 30" high tank with the lighting requirements for SPS, but it was a compromise. Now though, I love it. The stand is 39" which is fantastic. Also I am using the lights from my old setup, Current Outer Orbit 3x175 mh and 4x96 pc's. Still deciding on what to use. The canopy with the new tank is 14" high, so I think I will use Lumenmax Elite's and 2x250, 1x400. Maybe Icecap's with radiums. If you have any suggestions.............. __________________ 225g SPS starphire display - 75g 3/8" acrylic sump- MP40's - SRO 5000 Internal - Dart -Current Chiller - BRS Dosing Pumps and Reactors - Radiums - Lumenmax Elites - Lumatek 250/400w ballasts - Reef Brite LED's Last edited by Dtronic; 12/12/2009 at 05:19 PM.

12/12/2009, 05:20 PM	#25
tc2008 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Garden Grove, CA Posts: 204	is there a reason you went with low durso? I thought it has to be higher in order to prevent the splashing sound that the water flow over the top...