Sharkey18 February 15, 2012 February 15, 2012 Last year I remodeled my house. This required me to move out for four months so I moved my 120g that had been running for almost 2 years. In the process I managed to kill every living thing that was in the tank. darn you deep sand bed and my own stupidity. In honor of the 120 here is a memorial photo.
Sharkey18 February 15, 2012 Author February 15, 2012 A week of cleaning the most disgusting smelling crap out of my friends house was followed by several months of mourning where I wanted nothing to do with reef aquariums. But eventually the house was almost done and the plan included a fish room and in wall tank, so time to start thinking about reefs. I was planning on buying a 180g and that is what the stand was built for, BUT....... it tuned out that Watson-Barrett was selling his 250 deep dimension tank and I could resist. So, we moved the tank from Adam's in MD to my house in Arlington
Sharkey18 February 15, 2012 Author February 15, 2012 Because the stand was built for 180, it had to be enlarged to hold the 250. Finally the tank was put into place! Maybe someday it will even hold water!
surf&turf February 15, 2012 February 15, 2012 Looks Awesome!! Can't wait to see it full of livestock!!!
Ryan S February 15, 2012 February 15, 2012 Nice tank. Love the dimensions. Agreed! Can't wait for water! Deep Dimensions Rock!
steveoutlaw February 15, 2012 February 15, 2012 Nice tank. Love the dimensions. Bringing back some memories Rik? I stopped by there yesterday and this thing is going to be awesome when done. Fish room as plenty of room for lots of nice equipment. Keep the pics coming Laura and let us know if you need any help!!
Sharkey18 May 26, 2012 Author May 26, 2012 So excited to finally get back to this tank. Sam is helping me with the build and is going to get the plumbing in on Monday. I actually started making some RO/DI water today, so it is starting to feel real. Total system volume will be about 450 gallons. 250g DT, 100g sump, 20g refugium and 60-80g of Bangaii breeding tanks. There will also be a separate 55 gallon QT system. So now I need to buy salt. Any suggestions on bulk pricing? I am thinking I'll just go with IO like my last tank unless there is a really good reason to switch. Suggestions? Thanks!
Alieu07 May 26, 2012 May 26, 2012 Congrats on the new set up. Petland have the cheapest price on IO salt locally.
roni May 27, 2012 May 27, 2012 I like instant ocean. Cheap, consistent and easily available. I think Fins and Feathers has the lowest prices I've seen. Premium Aquatics offers free shipping and is also a sponsor.
Sharkey18 May 30, 2012 Author May 30, 2012 Plumbing is done! Sam has been helping me out and he was able to get the plumbing done and Monday and came back for a leak test on Tuesday. There were only 2 tiny leaks that he fixed in a few minutes. Ran the tank overnight (tap water) and no flood this morning! Also because all the plumbing is in the fish room behind the tank you can't hear a thing. Next step: empty tank, rock work, sand and salt water. Stir and wait 2 months.... maybe... I am still on the fence about lighting but am now leaning toward Ecoray LEDS. Completed plumbing Closed off valves will eventually go to a bank of 20's and a refugium Filling up. It's tap water but at least I finally have water in the tank!
Sharkey18 June 12, 2012 Author June 12, 2012 It's not going to be that easy, but there is plenty of room on the right and left sides of the tank. Getting to the middle is going to be a challenge. However I am 4'11" tall so getting to the center of this tank is a challenge for me whether the sump is there or not. I am hoping that difficult access might encourage me to leave things alone! Although you are right, access is going to be an issue.
Coral Hind June 12, 2012 June 12, 2012 You could build a small platform that goes over the sump so short people can stand on it to reach into the tank.
steveoutlaw June 12, 2012 June 12, 2012 May I suggest a mask and a snorkel? Actually, that's not a joke. One of the threads on RC has a guy that gets on top of his tank and does exactly that to be able to reach everywhere.
Sharkey18 June 12, 2012 Author June 12, 2012 Time for an update: Leak test was successful so I emptied the fresh water and am now filling tank with RODI. 4 boxes of Salt and 160 # sand are on their way. I still haven't made a decision on lighting. Ordered 100# of rock from Rosco's rocks. Tested some configurations: First placement of rock in tank. I am trying to take advantage of the depth by creating a channel between two sections. Also trying to have it off center for visual interest. Finally: my rock monkeys Suggestions are appreciated.
Sharkey18 June 12, 2012 Author June 12, 2012 David, Your idea of a platform over the sump is awesome! Mask and snorkel just sounds fun! I might actually give it a try. Laura
Sharkey18 June 14, 2012 Author June 14, 2012 So excited! Tank is about half full of RO/DI. Let the cycle BEGIN!
epleeds June 14, 2012 June 14, 2012 What kind of sand will you be using? And are u going to be leaving the rock in while u put the sand in? Just wondering because all the "sand dust" would settle in the rock.
Sharkey18 June 14, 2012 Author June 14, 2012 I am actually on the fence about sand. I might go bare bottom. If I do add sand I will get the carib sea 1.25 - 1.95 sized sand. heavy enough not to fly too much, and I can do it slowly and direct it on the glass. My 120 holding tank is BB but has a terrible detritus problem caused by improper flow, but I still might try it in this tank, just make sure I set up enough flow to keep any detritus suspended I guess....
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