Another 250DD upgrade

[bankerboy350]

Took the first step yesterday. Ordered a Marineland 250DD from the LFS. Expect it to be in on Wednesday. Plan to have the new tank up and running by the end of the year.

My current tank is a 90 gl AGA with 20 gl sump. I have had this set up for about 1.5 yrs. Mostly LPS and SPS with a few softies. Current fish are blue, yellow and powder blue tang, occ. clowns (2), blenny, gramma, wrasse and fire fish.

Planned equipment so far:

Tank: Marineland 250DD (60"x36"x27")
Lighting: 2x 250 MH, Lumenmax Elite reflectors, IC ballasts
Will use existing t-5's run on IC 660's
Skimmer: SRO XP 5000
Return Pump: Undecided
Water Movement: Vortechs
Controller: RKE
Calc/Alk: Will likely dose to start with

Will start building the stand in the next week or so. Below are a couple of pictures of the existing 90 gl tank. The first is from Dec 09 and 2nd is from today.

 

[muttley000]

Good Luck! I really like the dimensions on those tanks! Keep us posted!

 

[ojafri]

Tagging along !!

 

[nanoreefbro]

Tagging along !!

+1:rollface:

 

[bankerboy350]

Tank is in. :dance: I have read so many great tank builds on RC for DD tanks. I can't wait to scape this tank. Hope to get by HD this weekend to pick up materials for the stand.

 

[Jason1979g]

cant wait till this comes together!

 

[teesquare]

What part of NC are you in?
T

 

[bankerboy350]

Raleigh.

 

[teesquare]

Was just curious...I am near Asheville. I have a 250DD build thread here on RC as well - welcome to the club!

Will you be plumbing to a basement, or sump under the stand?

T

 

[bankerboy350]

Given the 36" depth, my current plan is to go with a 40 breeder as a sump along the front of the stand and another tank behind it for topoff. I am thinking I will section off about 18" at one end of the stand for electrical.

I am thinking I have read your build thread. Did you just have a recent addition to the family?

 

[teesquare]

Yep! That's me!

 

[bankerboy350]

Just a quick update. Got the stand frame complete. Next up is to add structural support under the floor. Hope to get that done in the next week or two.

 

[gokarter88]

looks great so far!! i love the DD tanks. along for the build.

 

[Rickyrooz1]

Following along

 

[bankerboy350]

Thanks all. I recently read about the soon to launch Vortech MP60. 5500 GPH from a 4" x 3" prop. WOW! Hoping that hits shelves by the end of the year.

Looks like I will be able to put the structural support in on Saturday. Plan to run two treated 4 x 6's under the existing floor joists with each set on two block columns.

Will also wire a separate breaker to power the new tank.

Should have the stand and tank in place as well.

 

[bankerboy350]

Well, got the floor support in yesterday. Wired a new 20A breaker with a couple outlets and got the stand and tank moved in to it's final position.

Next up.... will be working on skinning the stand and some plumbing.

 

[gokarter88]

looks great so far. can't wait to see more progress.

 

[gokarter88]

any more progress?? can't wait to see more!

 

[bankerboy350]

Worked on the sump this weekend and dry fit some of the plumbing. Will try to get some pics up this week.

 

[bankerboy350]

Got a few packages in yesterday from BRS. I am starting with 100 lbs of BRS figi dry rock. I currently have about 100 lbs in my existing 90 gallon. I have been battling a bit of aiptasia with that rock, though. Not sure if I am going to put any of the rock in the new tank. If I do, I am going to try and remove a piece or two at a time and dose heavily with aip x.

Got a RO/DI and the reflectors as well.