200G Inwall Fishroom Build

[nickjj]

Time for an upgrade.

Finally convinced the wife (after a couple of minor overflows) that it's time I build a proper fishroom for a tank upgrade. I think the last few years have worn her down and I'm well on my way now.

Currently I have a 120g regular glass inwall setup that's ok but I wanted to invest in a better tank and add a frag tank to the system. I have a relatively small space and couldn't plumb one into the setup.

New room specs;
- room is @7'x8' sink and drain in the room
- Ordered a 3/4" 180g 60"x30"x24" custom end overflow tank from Envision Acrylics (can hardly wait to get it)
- 120g 48"x24"24"sump
- 65g frag tank 48"x18"x8"

I'm taking my time with this build and will be taking pictures every step of the way. This project started over the Christmas Holidays and I will be slowly adding pictures of the progress to date

Here is a pic of the area before demolition,

Rebuild has started.

 

[nickjj]

One of the problems I had with the location of the new tank is a drain about a foot away from it. The floor was very uneven sloping down to the drain. I decided to build a concrete pad that will be leveled to build the stand on.

I built a frame out of 2x3's and styrofoam and made sure the top of the frame was level. I used about 5 bags of high strength concrete and built the pad.

And the finished pad perfectly level.

Had to add a little finishing cement to the edges to clean it up. Ready for the stand framing.

 

[am3gross]

nice! how often do you play risk?

 

[nickjj]

I use to play alot when I had the time. Kids don't quite get the game yet and just gang up on me. Did migrate to Axis and Alies for a while though....

 

[Achapman]

Nice washer and dryer!

 

[nickjj]

Thanks Achapman. All the water and energy I save with it is offset by the tanks consumption.

 

[nickjj]

Still playing catch-up to my current progress.

After lurking on the forum for a wood stand I like. I came up with the following design. The tank is planned to be viewed from two sides and will make up the bottom part of the wall.

For any of you building a wood stand. I recommend using Gorilla glue. This stuff actually foams into the cracks and dries hard as hell. I couldn't get the stuff off my fingers for a week.

Finished stand has two sheets of 3/4 plywood. One is glued and screwed to the stand and the other will be sanded and float on the other.

I should be able to get three 20g Brute containers under the stand for fresh water and change water storage.

 

[nickjj]

Based on the the new setup do you think that my current skimmer, a EuroReef RS180 will keep up with the tank?
I plan on having a mixed reef that could be heavilly stock in the future.
Would an external skimmer work better and what about changing to a recirculation type?

 

[Cozmo]

moar pics, plz k thnx....


if you've been happy with the 180, you'd likely appreciate the RC250 even more

External is the way to go here....

did I meanton moar pics??

PS, looks good...i know who to call next time I need gobbs of cement mixed up by hand

 

[nickjj]

Here's a pic of my current 120.
I want to get away from the rock wall scenario and plan on building two islands in the new.
The tank will be acrylic so I want to keep the rock away from the sides as much as possible.
The Naso is about 6" and needs a little more swimming room.
James said he'll be starting to build my tank in a week. CAn't hardly wait.

 

[nickjj]

Continuing my progress with the build.
All the framing and drywall has been install. I'm putting in a pocket door to the fishroom to save on space.

The finished walls. Just one more layer of compound and then the fun part of sanding begins.

Tank fits perfectly with lots of room to spare. Kidding that's the frag tank that will be setup at the back of the room.
Here's a picture of the 120g sump

It has three bulkheads and 2" true union valves for each. These suckers are huge and will directly connect to the dart pumps.

 

[nickjj]

Anyone have any input on the Reeflo Orca 250 skimmer. Would it be overkill for my setup?

 

[mtome]

Keep up the good work!

 

[nickjj]

Thanks mtome...

 

[nickjj]

OK finally up to date (for anyone that's interested)....

Drywall and plaster is all done in the room. Even got two coats of primer on the walls. The stand needs more though.

I mention earlier that water on the floor was a concern. So I've created a 3" baseboard of waterproof drywall around the perimeter of the room. I'm going to use Rustoleum Stone Effects on the floor, under the stand and on the baseboard. Step 2 of this stuff you trowel on after the primer coat (which you see in the pic). This will create a water proof pan around the room so any water will be directed towards the floor drain.

I may have some pictures of the Tank next week since James at Envision should be starting it soon.

Guys/Gals any thoughts on my skimmer situation?

 

[Baron]

:thumbsup: Looking good keep the pictures coming!

 

[nickjj]

James at Envision has started my tank. He was nice enough to send pictures of the progress.

Tank is 180G 60"x30"x24" 3/4" acrylic. It will have an external overflow on one end.

 

[reefdna]

Very nice! Thise are almost the same dimensions as my glass one though I went 30" deep. hindsight 24" is a perfect depth IMO. Looking forward to following this build. Keep the pics coming.

 

[saltysupply]

looking great, seems like you got alot done in a timely manner

 

[nickjj]

Reefdna - actually the tank is 25 1/2" inches deep. James reminded me that we decided to keep the full 24" viewing height. The 3/4"edges of the tank will be covered by wood trim. I get enough wet armpits from my 24" tank I can just imagine what it would be like with a 30" one.

Saltysupply - It has been a couple of months of work, just kinda condensed the thread a little.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. There's still a ton of work to be done.