My final tank build...150DD!

gar732 · 10/12/2012, 05:15 PM

Well after flip flopping a bit on what I want to do, whether to get out or down size or just keep what I have, the wife kind of made the decision fro me to go with this tank (no I'm not that lucky she is totally setting me up for when she wants something, lol). As usual Joe at PC took care of me and I should have it in my possession tomorrow! It would have been today but my buddy's alternator went on his truck while on our way to go get it, lol. Yep, that's my luck, now I have to help him fix it before I can get my tank. And I thought I was going to be able to get some things done this week end that I've been trying to do. There is just not enough time in the day.

As always there will be a custom stand made by me. I want to do something a little different so I'm going to go with similar trim to what I have now at the top and the bottom and stacked stone tile in between. The stand will be finished on all four sides so that I'll never have an issue if I move the tank to a different location later. I'll be including a control panel for all the electronics switches and controllers.

The lighting will be DIY T5/LED combo in a floating canopy that will be able to be raised and lowered by a custom light lift I'll be making at the touch of a button.

I'll be reusing much of the equipment from my 75 though I'll be looking to replace my mp10 with another mp40 and I'm debating wether I should upgrade the pump in my skimz sk181 or if I should just get a new skimmer.

I have no clue what I'm going to do with the aquascape since I've never had a tank this deep so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. I know I want to keep it open and make it interesting.

This build is going to be pretty slow going, mostly due to my schedule I want to plan everything out to make it function as well as it could. Eventually I want to automate as much as possible to keep it as low maintenance as possible. I'd love to hear your thoughts, thanks.

BubbaBoBobBrain · 10/12/2012, 06:07 PM

I can't wait to see the stand! It sounds like its gonna be awesome. I will definitely be following along with this build. Good luck with it.

Useful_Idiot · 10/12/2012, 07:07 PM

Well I think that's awesome! you'll have to stop over again and I can tell/show you how I feel about my aquascape and flow. I like Paul B's idea of having the rock up on legs. Especially with the undertow of a vortech. Congrats!

gar732 · 10/12/2012, 08:09 PM

Thanks guys. I didn't really appreciate the footprint of this tank until I saw yours Pat. I'll definitely take you up on the conversation, aquascape and flow are a couple of my concerns. I can't wait to get started on it even though it will be some time before it gets wet.

BfishLpond78 · 10/12/2012, 09:26 PM

That's awesome!!! Guess no 50B needed...lol. if you need any help let me know...I'm right in Hamden

sent from never never land...

swannyson7 · 10/12/2012, 11:30 PM

Awesome buddy! When does the tank come in? If you need a hand with anything, I'll work for beer... as always!

gar732 · 10/13/2012, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BfishLpond78

That's awesome!!! Guess no 50B needed...lol. if you need any help let me know...I'm right in Hamden

sent from never never land...

No I still want the 50B, that is for a clownfish broodstock system I'm building. I have to squeeze this alternator job into my schedule and see if I have enough time to run out your way too. I work a rotating schedule along with a few doubles so time gets scarce especially with the wife making plans for me whenever I have a weekend off.

Quote:

Originally Posted by swannyson7

Awesome buddy! When does the tank come in? If you need a hand with anything, I'll work for beer... as always!

The tank has been in for a few days now, I've been trying to get my hands on a vehicle that it will fit in. It came in quicker than I though it would. I'll finally be getting around to hooking up that apex and ATO so plan on give me a hand with that, know there's alway beer bro

Pallobi · 10/13/2012, 07:48 AM

I love the hanging powered lite lift idea... And forgive me, but I'd love to know the dimensions unless I read right over it... 36x36x27???

gar732 · 10/13/2012, 08:40 AM

Yup, 36x36x27. I have it in my head how I want to make the light lift, now I just have to put it together. the end result should be similar to the lift used in the reef in the sky thread. I tried to buy your tank both times it went up for sale, obviously I got to it late both times, lol. After the second time I was determined to find something with a similar footprint. I was trying to decide between the 93g cube and this one, the wife made up my mind for me.

Rwinfrey · 10/13/2012, 10:55 AM

I was thinking of replacing my 54 with a 92 hmmm that 150 will fit in the same space. My wife will thank you as soon as I start bugging...........

gar732 · 10/13/2012, 03:46 PM

Start bugging now! Marineland tanks were on sale, I think they still are. I wouldn't be able to buy this tank otherwise. I thought about a 92 also but I wasn't sure if I'd like the distortion from the glass and the 150's footprint is just awesome.

Well I spent the morning changing out an alternator, we finish up and headed right out to pick up the tank. Unfortunately there was a small scratch on the starfire side on the inside of the tank that could only of happen while being manufactured. It was small and near the top trim and I almost just went with it but Joe said he's just order another for me. I'm still not sure if I was being overly picky but as usual the guys at PC were great and very accommodating. The new tank will be in next week but just see that thing has me eager to start with this build I can't wait.

Rwinfrey · 10/13/2012, 04:18 PM

Yep Joe is great

gmate · 10/13/2012, 04:23 PM

Looking forward to some pictures Gabe!

slavver01 · 10/17/2012, 11:28 PM

Looking forward to pics as well, sounds awesome

gar732 · 10/18/2012, 08:48 AM

Well the tank is in but I won't be able to pick it up till this weekend. I'll be going to pick out the tile on saturday morning and I'm hoping to get the chance to pick up some lumber this weekend too. I'll get some pics up this weekend.

gar732 · 10/22/2012, 05:59 PM

Ok, the tank is home! I can't wait to get this thing set up. Thanks again to the guys at PC. I have to get to work on the stand so there isn't much to look at till I get going with it which won't be till next weekend. I've started cleaning up all my old live rock though. It's all sitting in the bleach bath then it will be rinsed and dried and then it will go into the muriatic acid bath then rinsed and dried. So I'll basically be working with dry dead rock though I still don't know what I'll be doing with it as far as rock scape goes. And since I promised a pic here it goes.

gar732 · 10/22/2012, 05:59 PM

Double post.

dvetran · 10/22/2012, 07:10 PM

Curious to know how much the tank cost.

BfishLpond78 · 10/22/2012, 07:13 PM

Nothing like a brand new tank still in the cardboard...woot woot!!! Congrats!!!

sent from never never land...

BubbaBoBobBrain · 10/22/2012, 09:04 PM

Can't wait to see the new tank all.up and running. Congrats on the new tank

gar732 · 10/23/2012, 12:09 AM

Thanks guys, yup nothing like that new tank smell, lol. I got to take another look at Pat's (usefulidiot) tank and get some pointers on setting up this bad boy. Man that's a nice tank and some great inspiration. I wish I had a basement to run a huge sump Like he does but I don't so I have to figure out what to do about a sump too, especially since I want to have a nice fuge in there also. I wish I could take a week or two off from work and just get this thing set up but I have to pay for it somehow so I'll have to do it a little at a time. Now that its here I'm anxious, lol.

gar732 · 10/23/2012, 03:07 PM

Step one of cleaning the rock is done. It's all rinsed and now drying though I'll probably rinse it again tomorrow just to be on the safe side. All the turf algae that was on the rock all turned completely white and most came off nice an easy. What ever is left should come off during the muriatic acid bath.

10/12/2012, 05:15 PM	#1
gar732 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,813	My final tank build...150DD! Well after flip flopping a bit on what I want to do, whether to get out or down size or just keep what I have, the wife kind of made the decision fro me to go with this tank (no I'm not that lucky she is totally setting me up for when she wants something, lol). As usual Joe at PC took care of me and I should have it in my possession tomorrow! It would have been today but my buddy's alternator went on his truck while on our way to go get it, lol. Yep, that's my luck, now I have to help him fix it before I can get my tank. And I thought I was going to be able to get some things done this week end that I've been trying to do. There is just not enough time in the day. As always there will be a custom stand made by me. I want to do something a little different so I'm going to go with similar trim to what I have now at the top and the bottom and stacked stone tile in between. The stand will be finished on all four sides so that I'll never have an issue if I move the tank to a different location later. I'll be including a control panel for all the electronics switches and controllers. The lighting will be DIY T5/LED combo in a floating canopy that will be able to be raised and lowered by a custom light lift I'll be making at the touch of a button. I'll be reusing much of the equipment from my 75 though I'll be looking to replace my mp10 with another mp40 and I'm debating wether I should upgrade the pump in my skimz sk181 or if I should just get a new skimmer. I have no clue what I'm going to do with the aquascape since I've never had a tank this deep so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. I know I want to keep it open and make it interesting. This build is going to be pretty slow going, mostly due to my schedule I want to plan everything out to make it function as well as it could. Eventually I want to automate as much as possible to keep it as low maintenance as possible. I'd love to hear your thoughts, thanks.

10/12/2012, 06:07 PM	#2
BubbaBoBobBrain Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Thompson, CT Posts: 5,937	I can't wait to see the stand! It sounds like its gonna be awesome. I will definitely be following along with this build. Good luck with it. __________________ My fish swam away with my 401k, lol Bob

10/12/2012, 07:07 PM	#3
Useful_Idiot Artificially Intelligent Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Farmington, CT Posts: 1,188	Well I think that's awesome! you'll have to stop over again and I can tell/show you how I feel about my aquascape and flow. I like Paul B's idea of having the rock up on legs. Especially with the undertow of a vortech. Congrats! __________________ Patrick Current Tank Info: 150 DD

10/12/2012, 09:26 PM	#5
BfishLpond78 FUPA Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Seymour CT Posts: 5,796	That's awesome!!! Guess no 50B needed...lol. if you need any help let me know...I'm right in Hamden sent from never never land... __________________ FUPA!!! Current Tank Info: 150G Starfire, BK DC 200, Vertex V6, PS Kore 5th, Ecotech Waves, Controlled by Apex, Topped off by Tunze

10/12/2012, 11:30 PM	#6
swannyson7 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bantam, Connecticut Posts: 2,398	Awesome buddy! When does the tank come in? If you need a hand with anything, I'll work for beer... as always! __________________ May 2013 RC TOTM http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/current-issue/article/133-tank-of-the-month Currently on hiatus...

10/12/2012, 08:09 PM	#4
gar732 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,813	Thanks guys. I didn't really appreciate the footprint of this tank until I saw yours Pat. I'll definitely take you up on the conversation, aquascape and flow are a couple of my concerns. I can't wait to get started on it even though it will be some time before it gets wet.

10/13/2012, 07:48 AM	#8
Pallobi CTARS, BRS & OSRAS Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 7,001	I love the hanging powered lite lift idea... And forgive me, but I'd love to know the dimensions unless I read right over it... 36x36x27??? __________________ Zoas & Palys

10/13/2012, 08:40 AM	#9
gar732 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,813	Yup, 36x36x27. I have it in my head how I want to make the light lift, now I just have to put it together. the end result should be similar to the lift used in the reef in the sky thread. I tried to buy your tank both times it went up for sale, obviously I got to it late both times, lol. After the second time I was determined to find something with a similar footprint. I was trying to decide between the 93g cube and this one, the wife made up my mind for me.

10/13/2012, 10:55 AM	#10
Rwinfrey Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oakdale,Ct. Posts: 2,772	I was thinking of replacing my 54 with a 92 hmmm that 150 will fit in the same space. My wife will thank you as soon as I start bugging........... __________________ FUPA jealous;) Current Tank Info: Wish I had one building a house

10/13/2012, 03:46 PM	#11
gar732 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,813	Start bugging now! Marineland tanks were on sale, I think they still are. I wouldn't be able to buy this tank otherwise. I thought about a 92 also but I wasn't sure if I'd like the distortion from the glass and the 150's footprint is just awesome. Well I spent the morning changing out an alternator, we finish up and headed right out to pick up the tank. Unfortunately there was a small scratch on the starfire side on the inside of the tank that could only of happen while being manufactured. It was small and near the top trim and I almost just went with it but Joe said he's just order another for me. I'm still not sure if I was being overly picky but as usual the guys at PC were great and very accommodating. The new tank will be in next week but just see that thing has me eager to start with this build I can't wait.

10/13/2012, 04:18 PM	#12
Rwinfrey Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oakdale,Ct. Posts: 2,772	Yep Joe is great __________________ FUPA jealous;) Current Tank Info: Wish I had one building a house

10/13/2012, 04:23 PM	#13
gmate MASC Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Littleton, CO Posts: 2,267	Looking forward to some pictures Gabe! __________________ https://www.marinecolorado.org/ 180, 90 and 50 gallon reef ready systems. Fragging & trading since 2010. Current Tank Info: 180g, 90g & 50g frag tank

10/17/2012, 11:28 PM	#14
slavver01 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Springfield, MA Posts: 125	Looking forward to pics as well, sounds awesome

10/18/2012, 08:48 AM	#15
gar732 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,813	Well the tank is in but I won't be able to pick it up till this weekend. I'll be going to pick out the tile on saturday morning and I'm hoping to get the chance to pick up some lumber this weekend too. I'll get some pics up this weekend.

10/22/2012, 05:59 PM	#16
gar732 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,813	Ok, the tank is home! I can't wait to get this thing set up. Thanks again to the guys at PC. I have to get to work on the stand so there isn't much to look at till I get going with it which won't be till next weekend. I've started cleaning up all my old live rock though. It's all sitting in the bleach bath then it will be rinsed and dried and then it will go into the muriatic acid bath then rinsed and dried. So I'll basically be working with dry dead rock though I still don't know what I'll be doing with it as far as rock scape goes. And since I promised a pic here it goes.

10/22/2012, 07:10 PM	#18
dvetran Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Branford Ct Posts: 396	Curious to know how much the tank cost.

10/22/2012, 07:13 PM	#19
BfishLpond78 FUPA Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Seymour CT Posts: 5,796	Nothing like a brand new tank still in the cardboard...woot woot!!! Congrats!!! sent from never never land... __________________ FUPA!!! Current Tank Info: 150G Starfire, BK DC 200, Vertex V6, PS Kore 5th, Ecotech Waves, Controlled by Apex, Topped off by Tunze

10/22/2012, 09:04 PM	#20
BubbaBoBobBrain Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Thompson, CT Posts: 5,937	Can't wait to see the new tank all.up and running. Congrats on the new tank __________________ My fish swam away with my 401k, lol Bob

10/23/2012, 12:09 AM	#21
gar732 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,813	Thanks guys, yup nothing like that new tank smell, lol. I got to take another look at Pat's (usefulidiot) tank and get some pointers on setting up this bad boy. Man that's a nice tank and some great inspiration. I wish I had a basement to run a huge sump Like he does but I don't so I have to figure out what to do about a sump too, especially since I want to have a nice fuge in there also. I wish I could take a week or two off from work and just get this thing set up but I have to pay for it somehow so I'll have to do it a little at a time. Now that its here I'm anxious, lol.

10/23/2012, 03:07 PM	#22
gar732 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,813	Step one of cleaning the rock is done. It's all rinsed and now drying though I'll probably rinse it again tomorrow just to be on the safe side. All the turf algae that was on the rock all turned completely white and most came off nice an easy. What ever is left should come off during the muriatic acid bath.