First big tank/tank build 210

[Toddrtrex]

Never had a large tank (( been wanting one for years )), and since I am now in the process of setting one up, figured it was time to have a tank build.


A little background about me and my tanks...

Started my first saltwater tank back around 1991 or 92, back in college. It was a 55, which I had for about 5 years or so. The center brace cracked and I upgraded to a 75. Have always had a tank running since then, even when it was just a 10 gallon.

About 5-7 years ago my tanks were at their peak...

58 gallon,

75 gallon,

Six back surgeries over 2.5 years really took its toll on the tanks, and they became more easy coral tanks.
As the 3 stand as of the most recent pictures (( which aren't all that recent )),

40 breeder, (( doesn't look nearly as good currently )),

65

75 (( maybe a 2 year old picture ))

Con't --- current day.

 

[Toddrtrex]

So, the girlfriend and I have been wanting to redo the "basement" -- where the 75 is currently. The space was feeling a bit cramped. Took down the CD racks (( was some on the other side of the window, not pictured )), and decided that taking the 75 out of that room was the best choice. We were helped with that choice when I had a friend from college (( who is a designer )) stopped by to give some ideas.

The main floor (( 3 story townhouse )) has a living/dinning room which had the 40 breeder; it was sort of used to divide the 2 rooms (( against the wall, however )),

The designer asked why the smallest tank was in the biggest room. Basically said that if we are going to have a tank, to have a tank. So the decision was made to take down the 75 and the 40, and place a "large" tank in the dinning room. Wanted a 6 foot tank, but wasn't sure if a 180/210 would fit or not, so I decided to make a quick 2*3 stand and place some Home Depot boxes on it ---- that showed that a 210 would actually work...

Of course the stuff on the walls will come down, and it may shift to the left, but that is the basic placement.

Not sure yet when the tank/stand/canopy will be delivered (( there was a flaw in the canopy at the LFS, so a new one is being made )), might stop there tomorrow and see what the status is currently. Have to go there anyways, want to return a 40 breeder I was going to use as a sump. Decided to have one made --- which is suppose to be here by the end of day today, here is a picture of it;

 

[ajespo85]

That 65... HOLY XENIA BATMAN!!

 

[Toddrtrex]

That 65... HOLY XENIA BATMAN!!

It has gotten a bit out of hand, to say the least. However, the girlfriend works from home, and that tank is in the office/loft and she loves the stuff....

The new tank will NOT have any.

 

[Toddrtrex]

2 shipments came yesterday, one from Premium and the other from BRS (( feel like spreading my money around, ha )). And I picked up the overflow kits for the tank from the LFS that I am getting the tank from (( had to return a 40 breeder that I had thought about using as a sump )).

2 MP40s (( currently have 6 MP10s, all over 3 years old, 4 that are about 5 years old, never had an issue. Just vinegar them once in a while )). Might see if the 10s will stay in place on the back wall, or get 2 more 40s in the future.
An ATO, "Smart ATO", will be my first ATO, had always used a 5 gallon Kalk dripper as one.
2 150 watt Eheim Jager heaters. Will see if come winter if they will be enough. Should be easy enough to switch one out for a 250 watt. And to be honest, I planned on getting 2 250s, but clicked the wrong ones. Instead of returning them, I will see what happens.

Now have a couple things on the Excel spreadsheet that I can cross off.

A picture of the goodies,

For this tank, I want to keep things as neat as possible --- case in point, a couple of pictures of my work space in the garage, have tweaked it about 20 times.

So, once the tank/stand is here, going to pick up some wire duct and what not.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Oh, and this is the frig next to the workbench -- I might have slight OCD

 

[mypepper]

You forgot the baking soda in the frig

Bye the way, your girl friend is one lucky women to have you around the house with your OCD.

I'm sure your new 200 gallon system will be amazing and keep us updated on your progress.

Have a great evening,
Randy

 

[Toddrtrex]

You forgot the baking soda in the frig

Bye the way, your girl friend is one lucky women to have you around the house with your OCD.

I'm sure your new 200 gallon system will be amazing and keep us updated on your progress.

Have a great evening,
Randy

No baking soda needed when it is kept clean all the time. (( wink )) (( too many images ))

You would think she would feel that way, but at times she finds my OCD annoying

Thanks, and thanks --- spent the early evening unpacking some goods, and then took the pup to the dog park.


Pictures of the goods that came today.

The pup not being able to go outside -- UPS sort of blocked the door.

Was able to get it inside, after moving the big box so could open the screen door.

Acrylic/static cling/peanuts suck.

Rigid foam packing

Finally out of the package

Probe holder, built into the sump

10 gallon ATO container

I had originally planned on making my own sump (( my 3 existing tanks all have 20 long sumps )), but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted a "proper" sump. Looked around a lot, did plenty of research, and decided to go with one from Elite Aquatics. Was really happy with the layout of the sump, and the size --- really wanted to make sure it would hold all the water when the pump is off/power outage. While looking around at their site I found the ATO container, liked the shape of it better over a 10 gallon tank, and it is covered. Plus, it just looks good next to the sump.

 

[1000rrstunna]

Looks sweet I'm local to you as well if you ever want coral ect

 

[Toddrtrex]

Looks sweet I'm local to you as well if you ever want coral ect

Thanks.

And I will keep that in mind when it is up and running.


Both the sump and the ATO container are in the garage full of water -- 18 hours so far and bone dry.



I am now wondering about the electric. The circuit that would be used for that tank is already an 20 amp one. The circuit is for the outlets for the dinning room and the eat in part of the kitchen. My 40 breeder is on it, and never had an issue, but that is a lot smaller tank. Nothing else would be on the circuit full time, but once in a while a crockport when we have a party or guests over.
Was thinking that I should just put in a separate 20 amp circuit for just the tank. And since I am doing one, putting in 2 wouldn't be that much extra (( pretty much what I did in the basement for my stereo, and again in the garage )).
Again, not sure I need it, but if if turns out I do need it, I won't be able to change things --- the outlet would be behind the tank.
Thoughts?

 

[Toddrtrex]

I am now wondering about the electric. The circuit that would be used for that tank is already an 20 amp one. The circuit is for the outlets for the dinning room and the eat in part of the kitchen. My 40 breeder is on it, and never had an issue, but that is a lot smaller tank. Nothing else would be on the circuit full time, but once in a while a crockport when we have a party or guests over.
Was thinking that I should just put in a separate 20 amp circuit for just the tank. And since I am doing one, putting in 2 wouldn't be that much extra (( pretty much what I did in the basement for my stereo, and again in the garage )).
Again, not sure I need it, but if if turns out I do need it, I won't be able to change things --- the outlet would be behind the tank.
Thoughts?

Anybody have any thoughts about the above? Thanks.


Was out of town for a week, during that time the ATO container and sump sat in the garage with water in them, not a drop on the garage floor. Longer wet test than I planned, but it worked out.

Ordered the lights (( ATI 8*80 SunPower )), doser, doser containers, main pump, filter socks and lamps. Most of that stuff should be here tonight, but won't be able to play with any of it -- Fantasy Football draft tonight.

Still need to get the controller (( APEX )), sand, and want to put a pond liner in the bottom of the stand, under the sump, for minor spills.

 

[dave.m]

If you are going to put in a dedicated circuit for the aquarium you might as well put in two. That way you are prepared for any future choice or eventuality and you didn't even know it.

I would keep a couple of those old aquariums around for quarantine tanks until you get the final fish selection that you want for your larger set-up. And you never know down the road when you might need a hospital tank in a hurry.

Dave.M

 

[Toddrtrex]

If you are going to put in a dedicated circuit for the aquarium you might as well put in two. That way you are prepared for any future choice or eventuality and you didn't even know it.

I would keep a couple of those old aquariums around for quarantine tanks until you get the final fish selection that you want for your larger set-up. And you never know down the road when you might need a hospital tank in a hurry.

Dave.M

Thanks.

Yeah, if I do do this, will get 2 (( same as I did in the basement for the stereo )), since it really doesn't add much to the cost.

Mainly wondering if I really need a separate circuit.

I will either keep the 40 breeder, or pick up a 20 long for a QT (( have a 10 and a 5 gallon already )). Leaning towards the 20 for space issues.

The doser came yesterday, but really didn't have time to look at it.

 

[anbosu]

Todd, what kind of lighting are you planning on running?

I would probably go ahead and get the extra circuits run. I didn't for my 360 build and it's been a hassle.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Todd, what kind of lighting are you planning on running?

I would probably go ahead and get the extra circuits run. I didn't for my 360 build and it's been a hassle.

For right now, I am going with 8*80 ATI T5s, Sunpower. Down the road I might try the ATI T5/LED fixture, but for the near future it will be the Sunpower.

I had thought about going with MH (( have it over the 65 )), but heat and having a sleeker looked changed my mind.

That is the thing, I won't know fully if I need them until the tank is up and running, and by then it would be a huge PITA to add -- given that the outlet will be behind the tank.

 

[anbosu]

You should be able to figure out the amp draw for each item. Isn't it usually listed on the product or the website?

 

[Toddrtrex]

You should be able to figure out the amp draw for each item. Isn't it usually listed on the product or the website?

With some very rough math, I figure I am around 16 amps -- it is a 20 amp circuit. Doesn't leave much room for anything else, I guess it is better to be safe than sorry.

 

[anbosu]

With some very rough math, I figure I am around 16 amps -- it is a 20 amp circuit. Doesn't leave much room for anything else, I guess it is better to be safe than sorry.

Yeah I don't know how much it costs to have a few circuits dropped in, but I can tell you tripping the breaker is no fun!

 

[Toddrtrex]

Yeah I don't know how much it costs to have a few circuits dropped in, but I can tell you tripping the breaker is no fun!

Judging from the cost to add 4 circuits in the garage and 2 in the basement (( the garage ones were easy, the panel is out there )), it isn't going to be cheap, but not ridiculous.

You are right, tripping the breaker would not be fun at all, so it looks like I have added a few $$ to this project. :blown:

At least all I have to do it pick out a skimmer (( and purchase it )), and order the APEX, otherwise most of the stuff is already ordered/delivered.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Some more goodies came today, this time from Premium, the ATI lamps (( still in the box, until the fixture comes )), doser, doser containers, filter socks, and main pump.

First an older pic of the wet test for the sump and ATO container,

The doser and containers -- the doser was only next to the container for the picture, so far they are passing the leak test, but don't want to risk anything.