190 Gallon SPS build

[spsphreak]

I posted this over in large tanks, but I am going to post it here also, as all I really enjoy keeping are SPS!

It's been awhile, but I am finally getting back into the semi-large tank group. Back in 2002, I had a 200 gallon sps tank for awhile, but since then I have had 2 kids and moved quite a bit, so I am just now back to the point where I am ready for a substantial tank. I have missed it sooo much! On Thursday, I ordered my tank, a custom build by Deep Sea Aquatics here in Dallas. The measurements are 60.5x30.5x24. The front of the tank will be starphire, as only the front will really be viewable. This tank will not be rimless, as my better half will not allow me to have the tank without a canopy.

This will be my build thread, but every thread needs pictures, so here is a picture of some deliveries I have already received for this tank!

 

[spsphreak]

Here is a picture of the stand I have built for the canopy. I have doors on it now as well; I will get a picture with the doors on tomorrow.

 

[spsphreak]

The only problem I am having is while I have been preparing for the new tank, I have neglected my 75 gallon a bit, and my sps have dulled a bit. I gave the 75 some TLC today, and hopefully the colors will come back. It might be moot anyway, as they will more than likely brown again in the move.

This brings up a couple of questions. First of all, how would you do the move if it were yours to do. I have two options. I am putting the new tank where the old one is, so I can move the 75 over a bit, let it run, and slowly set up the new one, or I can do it all in one day, taking the water from the 75 and adding it to the 190. I see pluses and minuses with both ways. What do you guys think?

Also, if you guys could start over, what would you do? What I am referring to is nutrient export. On my current tank I am using VSV, but I am thinking of trying something else. I am thinking of either biopellets or zeovit, or possible VSV if that is the best option. I really do not want a refugium on the new tank. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[neoalchemist74]

One thing I want to do is make plexiglass platforms about a half an inch high for the live rock to sit on then use only a half an inch of sand in beetween the rock "islands". So essentially it would be a bare bottom with a little sand to cover the glass. I'm corious to see how you do the tank swap, as I'm in exactly the same position.

 

[spsphreak]

One thing I want to do is make plexiglass platforms about a half an inch high for the live rock to sit on then use only a half an inch of sand in beetween the rock "islands". So essentially it would be a bare bottom with a little sand to cover the glass. I'm corious to see how you do the tank swap, as I'm in exactly the same position.

That's a really cool idea! It looks like I will be moving the 75 gallon tank this weekend, as my tank is supposed to be completed nex Friday. By the way, that seems really fast, as I just ordered the tank last week, but I'm not complaining.

 

[spsphreak]

Today was a good day. I got a call from my local fish store that the tank I had ordered had come in. A few hours later, the fish store delivered the tank to my house, and I was even more surprised to find out that the tank had a pvc bottom! This tank was built by DSA, and they are obviously now doing pvc bottoms like A.G.E.

Tank on stand

Tank with my 3 year old posing in front...it's good to know that he is 36 inches tall now haha

PVC bottom

This picture shows where the tank will go. It will go right in the alcove where the 75 gallon is currently sitting. It fits into the alcove with about 3 inches or so to spare on each side.

I am so excited now, and the wait was certainly worth it. I now have a ton of work to do though. My first order of duty will be to move the 75 gallon so I can get the 190 to its new home. I hope to get that done tomorrow after work.

In addition to the tank, I received my tropic eden reeflakes today, 2 standpipes, and two 4 inch fans for the canopy I will be starting this weekend. Tomorrow I will be receiving 50 lbs of dry rock and a media reactor kit from Avast Marine for biopellets.

 

[jarrett shark]

nice!!!! keep those pics coming

 

[spsphreak]

nice!!!! keep those pics coming

I definitely will. Part of the fun of this is definitely documenting the journey! I just wish I could take a week off from the office so I could keep working.:headwally:

 

[dvanacker]

looks good....I like your excitement. This is definitely a build to watch!

 

[Logzor]

Sweet tank man. I actually like it in the center of the room though! Do you have a link to your old tank??

By the way what on earth is that sitting on your dining room table??? Looks like some futuristic fishing reel or egg beater.

 

[spsphreak]

Sweet tank man. I actually like it in the center of the room though! Do you have a link to your old tank??

By the way what on earth is that sitting on your dining room table??? Looks like some futuristic fishing reel or egg beater.

I actually like it in the center of the room as well=p I will post up some pics of my old tank, but I really did not have it set up very long at all; only about 6 months. I left the hobby for about 3 years, then I thought I would just dip my feet back in. Of course that doesn't work in this hobby.

I believe the thing on the breakfast table is one my kid's action figures. It does look strange as heck, now that I look at it. I've gotta watch what my kids are playing with:eek1:

 

[clowndude]

Nice looking tank. I will be following along here.

 

[REEF SMAC]

Your comeback looks like it is off to a great start!:thumbsup:

 

[BHD]

Hi, any update on this tank?
Is this the same tank as the 185 Neo tank offered by http://www.deepseaaquatics.net/?

 

[on the spot]

Hi, any update on this tank?
Is this the same tank as the 185 Neo tank offered by http://www.deepseaaquatics.net/?

No news is rarely good news when it comes to these things.

It doesn't look promising. OP hasn't been on for a month.

 

[Crab Rangoon]

Hi, any update on this tank?
Is this the same tank as the 185 Neo tank offered by http://www.deepseaaquatics.net/?

For what it's worth, the DSA Neo 185 is discontinued.
They have replaced it with the new DSA 190, which is 60x27x27" and not part of the Neo line (so it does have centerbraces).

The price of the 190 is actually lower than that of the previous 185, but for those who prefer the 185 & Neo 185 you can contact your LFS and have them check their suppliers warehouse for backstock old 185's. I know that there are still some old ones in stock with the widest supplier in TX.

Good luck.