Long Island Mikes 200dd

[LongIslandMike]

Hi Guys, well I decided to get back into the hobby after leaving for a year or so. To be honest, I have always regretting getting out. It was nice for the first week or so (no worries. didn't have to check any levels, feed any coral or fish ext, ext) but after a week it was like being on vacation and wanting to go home. I really missed everything, feeding the fish, checking the levels standing in front of the tank all hours of the day and night just looking for problems or just enjoying the view. The only thing was, that I knew that if I told my wife I was putting in another tank I would be out in the street with the fish. So I just excepted it and tried not to think about it.

Well, a couple of months ago I decided to just through it out there about getting a new tank and sure enough it stuck (who would have thought LOL) So the hunt began. I am going from my 210 so I knew I wanted to go deeper maybe 3ft... the 300 looked good but when I saw a lightly used 200DD for a great price I knew thats the tank for me. Let the fun begin.

 

[LongIslandMike]

I decided to put this tank in my basement (dads little getaway pad) I also decided to paint the stand and canopy white. I always did my tanks in white, just love the look.

 

[Uncle Luke]

Did you strip the old paint then paint it or just painted it over the old paint? I want to paint mime as well and yours came out looking great!

 

[LongIslandMike]

Hi Uncle Luke, Thank you very much for your kind words. Yes, I just painted over the old black paint. I used a paint primmer combo. It used a couple of coats but came out well I think.

 

[LongIslandMike]

My wife thought we should probably put in a new rug. No arguments here!! Finally DAD has a place of his own!! Well for now anyway LOL

 

[sarens]

is that another stand to right I see?, what is going there?

 

[LongIslandMike]

Hi Sarens, Yes Thats a stand I built for a seahorse tank. I have been working on this build for the past couple of months. More pics to come soon

 

[LongIslandMike]

Its funny, at this time my tank is empty but I still find myself sitting on the stairs staring at it like its full LOL. Anyway, after looking at the tank I realized that I have to raise this thing up. :idea: I decided to build a platform to raise the tank 9in. I find it a lot nicer not having to bend over to look into the tank. time to take out the tools. I built this in November before the snow hit

Much better!!

 

[dave.m]

I find it a lot nicer not having to bend over to look into the tank.

This statement reveals that the tank is obviously not situated correctly. Proper placement of the tank would ensure your recliner and beer fridge are placed directly in front of the tank at the perfect height for constant viewing without interruption from any lesser mortal.

Dave.M

 

[LongIslandMike]

Hi Dave, yes please excuse my poor design. Something was telling me I was missing something during the build. I thought I covered all bases, now I know I didn't. I even included a massage chair. O well, I guess it just gives me a reason to upgrade to my 300 sooner. I mean what can I do? I am sure my wife will understand :debi:

 

[dave.m]

Yes! Yes! A beer fridge to replace that stairway. You know it only makes sense.

Dave.M

 

[LongIslandMike]

Yes Dave, That does make sense. I was thinking of moving the sump to the room behind the tank and incorporating a beer cooler under the tank plumbed into my chiller? But your way does sound better!! LOL

 

[dave.m]

:thumbsup:

Dave.M

 

[LongIslandMike]

OK, I picked up sump and skimmer. Time to do the plumbing.

 

[LongIslandMike]

Hay guys, well I got her up and running.
Added the Sand, Rock, Salt (ESV) and water. My Daughters always help me out with the tank. I like to teach about keeping a tank. You never know when they might want their own reef

 

[RichK]

Great job on the base for the stand. Makes me think about doing the same if I go with a 300DD

 

[LongIslandMike]

Thank you very much Rich. Yes, I found that It really makes a big difference

 

[Map69]

Nice setup. I really like the MS Pacman machine. I'd love to have one in my mancave. I think it would compliment my tank well. Btw where did you get that sump?

 

[LongIslandMike]

Thank you very much Map. Yes, My kids get a kick out of the pac-man. I also put in a full size see ball machine LOL
I got the sump at a local fish store (tropical island)