Bolo's 150 SPS Build

[bolo7735]

Hello Everyone, I am currently building my 150 SPS tank. I am half way through my build. It has been a tough build since money has been tough to come by. But it is coming along little by little. I started in this hobby by accident. A friend had given me a 55 gallon tank since he was upgrading to a large one. Since I am a avid fisherman I had plans to making a bait tank. With zero knowledge on how to keep my bait alive I made the mistake on using tap water mixed with Instant Ocean. Lets just say my bait did not make it over night. Frustrated, one of my friend Rob(WhoDey64) introduce me into Reef Central. From there I was hooked.

Here is a picture of my 55 gallon build. Please keep in mind it is my first build so does not look that great. This picture is before my ALK burned that killed 5 SPS. I've learned the hard way about dosing 2 parts.

I want to thank WhoDey, Rogger Costell, and Reef Wreak for pushing me in the right direction on this 150 build. This forum has such much information it can be overwhelming.

I started on building my sump. The dimension is 48x20x16 using 1/4" acrylic. After the water test I realized I should have use 1/2" acrylic. The sump estimate to be roughly around 70-80 gallons.

 

[bolo7735]

New modification added to the sump. Filter pad will be placed on the egg crate to keep as much food and detritus going into the skimmer pump.

 

[bolo7735]

Researching for the right skimmer for my 150 build I've decide to go with a I-Tech 400. All the specs for this skimmer is on I-Tech site if anyone is interest.
http://i-techskimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150
Since I love to stock my tank with a lot of fish I need a skimmer to handle large bio load.
Well Packaged.

Collection Cup

Bottom Section

It is a modified Laguna 1500 pump.

 

[bolo7735]

Frustrated with all the weird hitchhikers, aiptasia, and bubble algae I decide to go with Marco's Rock. I really like the looks of the rock. Lots of holes for the fish to hide and swim through. I cured the rocks for about 2 months. I will also have live rock in my 50 gallon bin as my live rock filtration.

 

[bolo7735]

I got this idea from Rogger's tank. It is a water change drain. Trying to keep the water change as simple and clean as can be.

The main plumbing pipes has been redesigned to be more efficient. I must have cut and thrown away so much PVC and fittings. I keep changing my mind.:spin3:

 

[bolo7735]

Finally everything is coming together. The original Durso Standpipe was very loud and very hard to tune. Rob(WhoDey64) recommend trying the Hofer Gurgle Buster. http://home.everestkc.net/jrobertson57268/HGB/ This modification really works. It was a night and day difference. Great part it was cheap and easy to tune.

Here is a front shot of my tank. The Fiji Rocks are in after 2 months of curing. I used Cora Pet #3 sand. I am running a 1" Sea Swirl attached to a Tunze 6201 pump. I have another 6205 Tunze near the overflow. Both are controlled by the Tunze 7095 Controller.

Here are a few pictures under the tank. You can see the Aquatronica Power Bars mounted on the wall. Skimmer is breaking in at the moment. It is pulling out some nice wet skimmate.

Both my rectors are plumbed via 1/2" John Guest fittings. I am running Ehiem 1262 pumps for my return and live rock bin. You can see the drain from the bin draining to the refuge/fish holding tank.

Another full shot of the tank's set up. I know the trash bin is rough looking. I will probably replace it with a glass tank after I tear down my 55 gallon tank.

 

[reefman66]

nice build! looks very clean. Do you have a link or more info on that water change drain. It seem to be a good info for my future build.

 

[bolo7735]

nice build! looks very clean. Do you have a link or more info on that water change drain. It seem to be a good info for my future build.

I will take pictures tonight of the drain set.

 

[WhoDey64]

Glad I could help in any way, I have learned as much from this build as you have.

 

[gary faulkner]

bolo,
Very nice start.
Do you have pics of

(I am running a 1" Sea Swirl attached to a Tunze 6201 pump. I have another 6205 Tunze near the overflow.)


Thanks

 

[bolo7735]

bolo,
Very nice start.
Do you have pics of

(I am running a 1" Sea Swirl attached to a Tunze 6201 pump. I have another 6205 Tunze near the overflow.) Thanks

Sorry for the late reply. My camera took a dump and had to purchase a new one. I tie strap the Tunze 6200 to the Loc-Line. Works really well.

 

[bolo7735]

nice build! looks very clean. Do you have a link or more info on that water change drain. It seem to be a good info for my future build.

When I fill the new water into the DT it will displace the old water into the sump. The water level will raise and fill into the WC drain. Just notice my drain cup is crooked. Reminder to fix it. =)

Ideally you want to run the drain pipes out of the house through the walls or garage. Since I did not want to do this and my wife will kick my a** I decide to drain it outside the front door. The 2" union ball valve will allow me to take apart the additional drain pipe and store it away. You can use a small diameter pipe. I choose 2" so it can drain the water super quickly.

 

[bolo7735]

Not much have been happening. At the moment I am planning to build the MH canopy. I will be ordering the supplies this week.

I've also ordered a custom tank from Felix @ Reef Savvy. This is for my Cryptic Refuge. This will replace the Rubbermaid Bin. The tank's dimension will be 24" x 24" x 29". 1/2" glass all around except for the bottom which will be 3/4". 3 side of the glass tank will be stained black. Will take 2 months to be ready. Can't wait.

Here is a small update.

Transfer my T5 from the 55 to the 150. This will be just temporary until my MH gets done.

Installed the Tunze Osmolator. This unit kicks a**. No more filling the sump manually anymore.

I also cut out some of the teeth on the over flow to allow more flow. I installed the mesh screen but wonder if this will cause restriction also. I didn't want to install the mesh but didn't want any fish to swim in. Any input would be great.

Installed my warning label.

I finally transfer my live stock and added a pair of Red Scooter from LiveAquaria.com in the Driver Den section. Well packaged and great service. They packed the fish in their individual bags. They used at least 7-8 bags per fish to prevent any puncture or leaks. The bags are stored in a styrofoam box with styrofoam peanuts. The Red Scooters are doing well and eating.

Now since there is bio-load in my tank the I-Tech is pulling out good skimmate. The skimmer and pump has been rock solid and I am very satisfied. Customer service is great too especially when they are located in Tampa, Florida.

 

[Boundless]

I wish I had that label that said keep your hands off my fish tank!

 

[reefman66]

When I fill the new water into the DT it will displace the old water into the sump. The water level will raise and fill into the WC drain. Just notice my drain cup is crooked. Reminder to fix it. =)

Ideally you want to run the drain pipes out of the house through the walls or garage. Since I did not want to do this and my wife will kick my a** I decide to drain it outside the front door. The 2" union ball valve will allow me to take apart the additional drain pipe and store it away. You can use a small diameter pipe. I choose 2" so it can drain the water super quickly.

Thanks bolo for the reply:thumbsup:. So, how many gallons do you change each time?

 

[FOSELONE]

cool bro...whered you get this ???

 

[Ding2daDong]

So you use the stock return as an extra drain? Just trying to figure out the flow of water.

Thanks

-Matthew

 

[bolo7735]

Thanks bolo for the reply:thumbsup:. So, how many gallons do you change each time?

I will be doing 30 gallon water changes twice a month.

 

[bolo7735]

So you use the stock return as an extra drain? Just trying to figure out the flow of water.

Thanks

-Matthew

No, the stock return is closed at the moment. I am running the return to the Sea Swirl. The stock drain is 1 1/4" going into the sump.

 

[bolo7735]

cool bro...whered you get this ???

http://stores.ebay.com/stickfigsstickers