150g Build thread

[chucklez]

Not any updated pics yet as the tank as it is still sitting in the garage, but I wanted some advice on a few things. So just for starters I will link to a pic Lance A. Lot posted and a pic the original owner posted.

It is a used 150g tall Glass Cages. Her measurements are 48"x24'"x31". Dual corner overflows and it has 9 holes drilled into the back for a CL system. First time ever doing a closed loop system so we will see how that goes. I need to sand then gel stain the stand and canopy to get it to match our current living room colors. Then the install will commence in earnest.

While we wait, 2 questions for the gentlemen and women of the group. I currently have at my disposal a wide assortment of lighting options. 3x Radion G3 (non-pro), 2x 32" Reefbreeder Photons, 3 DIY LED lights built by Nexenn, and a 6 bulb T5 fixture w/ new ATI bulbs. I was thinking of hanging the T5 and 2-3 of the Radions over the tank. Too much? or just go with the Radions and keep the T5 for the frag tank that is in the basement? Never had a tank this deep before so leaning on you guys for advice.

Concerning placement. This is going to go in our upstairs living room. Entire reason for moving from my existing system to this one is my old system is in the basement, and no one goes down there. This way it will be where the family can enjoy it. I am putting it into our living room, and placing it against an outside (load bearing) wall. Unfortunately this will probably be going horizontal to floor joists. but I will make sure to get it over atleast 2. I also plan to support the underfloor with one, possibly two of these. Probably use a 4x4 as a header underneath the floor joists and on top of the jack to span across multiple joists. Estimated weight is approximately 1800#. Going to go heavy and say 2000#. Thoughts?

 

[Lance A. Lot]

Imo... Use T5 and radions. The blended T5 and led tanks have wonderful growth with great color... plus if you like to ramp up and down you can schedule lighting to ramp up with the radions then kick in the T5 for peak light and then kick off T5 and later ramp down. It's what I do with my combo setup...

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[mpgrant77]

I use 6 T-8's over my 120 and it is plenty of light but yours is a little deeper. So may be a little short on light. I think I would use the radions then supplement with only 2 of the t-5 bulbs along the front and back with actinic bulbs.

 

[Pife]

I have 2 radions and 12 ati powered t5s over my tank.

As for the jack. I'd use something other than a 4x4. Rather a couple 2x6s on edge. 4x4s aren't designed to work sideways. They are typically designed for post.

 

[chucklez]

I have 2 radions and 12 ati powered t5s over my tank.

As for the jack. I'd use something other than a 4x4. Rather a couple 2x6s on edge. 4x4s aren't designed to work sideways. They are typically designed for post.

Yes, was planning on putting them on end. Didnt think about a 4x4 like that. A 2x6 or so would definitely be better.

Another thought, has anyone used an OceansMotions flow diverter? They are pricey, but worth it if a big enough pump is pushing water?

 

[chucklez]

Starting to sand down the rough spots in the hood. Get the cabinet and hood silky smooth then plan to gel coat using General Finishes antique walnut to match rest of the cabinets in the house.

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[Badams75]

Have you worked with that gel stain before?

 

[chucklez]

Yes. I stained an old computer desk that I had that was going in the basement. Used it as a practice piece to see how it goes. It originally was a light maple in color. Almost a yellow. I figured out what i did wrong with this piece and will apply what I learn to another piece of wood I am staining for a shelf. Then i will use that knowledge and experience on the tank, then finally on our kitchen cabinets as in the spring we are putting in granite tops.

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[chucklez]

Yes. I stained an old computer desk that I had that was going in the basement. Used it as a practice piece to see how it goes. It originally was a light maple in color. Almost a yellow. I figured out what i did wrong with this piece and will apply what I learn to another piece of wood I am staining for a shelf. Then i will use that knowledge and experience on the tank, then finally on our kitchen cabinets as in the spring we are putting in granite tops.

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Leak testing commenced.

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[chucklez]

Leak test is concluded and it is fine. Tank is now sitting in my living room. I tossed up plans here awhile back. Since the sump is going in the basement I will need a better return pump than my existing Vectra L1. Either the L1 or my COR20 is going on the CL system in reef crest mode and the other is running the green lines.

Anyways, I am looking at return pumps with enough oomph to get upstairs and give around a 5x-8x turnover rate. Calculating head height to be around 16'. So I will need a pump to do between 800-1200 GPH at 16'.

Im looking at around a Panworld250PS or Blueline70 or for even more flow, a hammerhead/barracuda. These each run 290W or up for power usage. Or I can get a Sicce SDC9.0. Power usage is 95W max. Each of these pumps push the around the same volume, but the Sicce is controllable, has a better warranty and uses less power. So why go with the traditional Reeflo type pump? Am I missing something?

 

[chucklez]

Update. Months later. Plumbing FINALLY completed. Going to slowly start filling it up. Run it for a week or so to make sure no leaks in plumbing. Use jack post and a couple of 2x10 to help support the floor underneath.

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[chucklez]

Whelp. Water is in. Some rock is in. Just finished putting some sand in. Sure glad I rinsed it before adding it to the tank. [emoji849]

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[Pife]

Right on. Pizza night in September!

 

[chucklez]

Cleared up nicely for night. Now to put the next box of sand in tonight

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[chucklez]

Cycle well underway

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[chucklez]

In the latest installment if the never ending build...

Remember the tank is drilled in back. That's what the holes are in the wall. I didn't want a full size rock wall up the back so went about half height.

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[chucklez]

Lookie Lookie. After having it 'cycling' for a year plus, I finally have started moving coral from the old into the new.
Have some bigger coral that isnt going into this tank as well as some equipment up for sale soon.