Advice from the Vets? 165 Gallon Mixed Reef Build Thread...

[iCraigerz]

Hey Reefers,

I'm in the process of putting together my first "real" tank. I've had a 55 Gal. FOWLR before and learned quickly that I'd easily become bored with that type of tank. In coming to this realization I've decided to dedicate my new 165 Gal. DSA Tank to a Mixed Reef and am looking for advice from the "pros". This is my first shot at a tank like this and I'll be documenting the process of setting everything up throughout the next few weeks, as well as my trials and tribulations.

After eight long weeks my tank finally arrived today, shipped straight from DSA. I'm also having the stand and canopy for this tank custom built and the stand should be done by mid next week, followed by the canopy in another few weeks when money's not as much as an issue. I've spent a lot on equipment so far as you can imagine and really want to do this thing right from the start.

That's why I'm coming to you guys...

Below is a list of equipment I have so far...

* 165 Gal. DSA Display Tank (72.5' x 20.5' x 27.5")

* DIY 55 Gal. Sump Refugium w/Filter Socks/Foam

* Reef Octopus DCS-250 Int. Skimmer

* Two Ecotech MP-40's (one for each end)

* AquaticLife T5 HO 6 Lamp Fixture w/Lunar LED's

* Apex Neptune Controller w/Lab Grade PH Probe

* Magnetic Probe Holder for Sump

* Innovative Marine Hydrofill ATO w/Pump

* Next Reef MR1 Monster (Kent's Reef Carbon & ROWAphos)

* Marineland Maxi-Jet NJ1100 (294 GPH for MR1 Monster)

* 2 Eheim Jager 300W Heaters (one will by on standby in case of failure)

* Sicce Syncra 5.0 Return Pump (7x/hr. turnover through sump)

* 8 Bags of Caribsea's Bamimi Pink Arag-Alive

* 240lbs of Marcos Rock (some of which I'll use in my 34 Gal. Solana)

* Red Sea Coral Pro Reef Salt

* Hydrometer & Refractometer

* Water & Ice Typhoon 3 RODI System

So, I think that's pretty much it for the equipment so far. I'm still going to need some Live Rock to seed and some test kits and possibly a Calcium Reactor.

What else do I need at this point to get this thing up and running successfully?

I really appreciate it.

Here's some pics of the tank getting delivered!

Thanks again!

 

[nmbeg]

Tank looks awesome. I'm no pro, but along for the ride.

 

[iCraigerz]

Also, here's a few pictures of the foundation for the stand that's coming along. Look at those tolerances!

 

[iCraigerz]

Okay...don't know what happened there, but...

 

[iCraigerz]

Skimmer, Apex, & MP-40's.

 

[iCraigerz]

Lighting & ATO.

 

[iCraigerz]

MR1 Monster & Media.

 

[iCraigerz]

Heaters & Pumps. One heater will act as a fail-safe only.

 

[iCraigerz]

DIY 55 Gal. Sump Refugium (still in the works).

 

[AJsReef]

Looking good iCraigerz! If only my builds were this organized just a friendly suggestion here, if you upload the photos to a 3rd party first (I use photo bucket) and then copy and paste the image code into the thread the image will automatically load (instead of attachments) can't wait to see progress!

 

[nmbeg]

Advice from the Vets? 165 Gallon Mixed Reef Build Thread...

Wow you spared no expense. Looks like it'll be awesome!

 

[HunterBryan]

Along for the ride. I just upgraded from a 29 to a 75 gallon and I'm already wanting a bigger tank. This hobby is so addicting. Hopefully your build will go great and I'm ready to see some more pics.

 

[iCraigerz]

Wow you spared no expense. Looks like it'll be awesome!

Along for the ride. I just upgraded from a 29 to a 75 gallon and I'm already wanting a bigger tank. This hobby is so addicting. Hopefully your build will go great and I'm ready to see some more pics.

Thanks guys. I hope everything goes smooth as well. I learned a lot from having my 55 Gal. FOWLR so I'm hoping I can get this up smoothly and avoid some of the problems I had before. One thing that's going to different this time around is that I'll be quarantining everything. I'm setting up my old 55 Gal. as my QT tank and will running a Fluval 406 for filtration using all the standard media for that. Of course I'll remove the carbon if at any time I decide to dose with copper however I think I'll probably use a hyposalinity treatment over medications. I'll try to get some more pictures of the stand being built this weekend. Thanks.

 

[AJsReef]

Definitely hypo vs medications. I've done it both ways and felt guilty using medications. Any updates so far?

 

[iCraigerz]

Definitely hypo vs medications. I've done it both ways and felt guilty using medications. Any updates so far?

No, not of yet. My stand should be done by Wed *fingers crossed* which at that point I'll get the tank up/plumed,fill with tap water, and run it for 24-48 hours to check for leaks. I'll probably spend that time working on the aquascape since I'm using Marcos Dry Rock. I'm thinking I'm either going to use a drill and some PVC or some zip ties for the scape...not sure yet. Then I'll have to order a few pieces of Live Rock to seed and it should be a go from that point on. It's getting close.

 

[iCraigerz]

Marcos Rocks came in! Whoop Whoop :dance:.

 

[keegoaz]

tagging along ill be setting up a 165 in the coming months as well.

 

[iCraigerz]

Gotta love my friends at work. I decided to put the tank in the office as opposed to my house and this is what I get - btw - they spelled my name wrong on purpose :fun4:.

 

[iCraigerz]

Used a piece of cardboard that came with the tank as a rough draft to start the aquascape on...

 

[dkeller_nc]

Gotta love my friends at work. I decided to put the tank in the office as opposed to my house and this is what I get - btw - they spelled my name wrong on purpose :fun4:.

I'm not a "pro" by any means, but this may be a bad idea. What a tank with the investment like yours needs is powerbackup. I can't emphasize that more strongly, and it really doesn't matter where you live, though if you're in a city away from the coasts you're less vulnerable than some of us.

If your work has emergency power, then good deal. If not, I'd put it in my home and budget for a backup generator with an auto-kickover switch.