Matt's 225g Dream Build

[mattr777]

After about 10 years in the hobby with various tanks, I am finally getting to build my dream tank. The tank dimensions are 72x30x24, built by Exotic Aquariums of Miami, and the plan is to make this an SPS dominant tank. I had the stand done by a local guy and its structured aluminum powder coated flat black. I started this build a few weeks back but haven't had the time to start a build thread so I will catch up pretty quickly over the next few days. Hope you enjoy.
The tank has a built in external overflow that is 24" long. The glass was notched out and replaced with piece of acrylic that has the teeth cut in. This gives me maximum space inside the tank and virtually invisible overflow. I will be doing a bean animal overflow. I did a smaller version of this on a frag tank and its extremely quiet. One of my goals for this tank is to make it dead silent. On the bottom I had them put black starboard in for a bare-bottom tank. This sites right inside the bottom bracing.

Bob and Karen the owners of Exotic Aquarium delivering the tank.

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[lliieemm]

Thumbs up!

 

[mattr777]

Custom Trigger Systems Sump

Custom Trigger Systems Sump

I spent a lot of time researching various sumps trying to find one that would fit my needs and also match the color scheme I was going for. I did not find one that met all of my needs so I contacted Trigger Systems and had them build a custom sump for me. I have a trigger cube sump on a small frag tank in my home office and was really happy with the quality. Since I plan on doing a bean animal overflow I also wanted the proper drain holes in place and most sumps do not have 3 drains built in. I also wanted a white sump which many don't make either. I am really happy with how the sump turned out. Sump dimensions are 40x16x16 or about 40g. Volume is a little small for this size tank but I have additional plans to add to the volume later. Sump has two 1 1/2" drains for the siphon drain and the 2nd drain and 1" for the emergency drain. Water drains in and can use filter socks or floss or both and is covered by a lid to reduce noise.

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[nuxx]

Pretty sump!

We have an older 8' Trigger Systems sump, it's been great... but not fancy looking

 

[mattr777]

For the increased volume I added a 15x20x15 cube sump built by Ryan at Critical Tanking. I will be plumbing this in as well. The use of this extra space is kind of underdetermined at this point. Couple ideas I have are a frag tank, show type refugium, extra live rock since I plan on doing minimal rockscape design, or a zeovit reactor.

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[mattr777]

I have stocked up on the plumbing but I doubt it will be enough to keep me from having to make 20 Home Depot runs. At least it should give me a good start.

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[mattr777]

For lighting I went with a 60" 8 bulb ATI Sunpower and will supplement that with 2 60" Reefbrite Leds. This light is a beast. The reefbrite line up and mount perfectly with just the removal of a couple screws and then use those to put the brackets on.

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[ClownsRCoo]

That's is my dream tank as well. Unfortunately I think I'll have to go with 60" due to space limitations. Definately interested to see how that light set up treats you. Keep going back and forth between the Powermodule or set up like that.

 

[mattr777]

That's is my dream tank as well. Unfortunately I think I'll have to go with 60" due to space limitations. Definately interested to see how that light set up treats you. Keep going back and forth between the Powermodule or set up like that.

I considered the power module as well but I read some bad reviews on it. People were having a lot of issues with it. Then I heard ATI stopped supporting the warranty or tech support for it. Something like that but not sure how true that last part is.

 

[Elfili21]

Wow amazing setup way to go

 

[ericarenee]

Awesome.. Cant wait to see it all setup.

There is only 1 way to make that setup better.... If you were doing it in my House...

 

[mattr777]

Awesome.. Cant wait to see it all setup.

There is only 1 way to make that setup better.... If you were doing it in my House...

Lol

 

[frankabagnale]

Looking awesome!

 

[fishresponse]

Can't wait to see what other gadgets you end up going with

 

[joshky]

Looks like a great start, love that tank.

 

[mattr777]

For my return pump I went with a Waveline DC1200. I also went with a DC skimmer the Reef Life Support Systems R8-I. Originally I was sold on the Reef Octopus Elite 200 but they are on back order everywhere. Very happy with this skimmer once I received it. DC pumps should keep everything quiet and cool. I want to try to avoid having a big bulky chiller.

 

[platypusklr]

Gonna be a beast!!!

Gonna be a beast!!!

Tagging along for this one! Looks to be an awesome setup. What are you planning on running for stock?

 

[ijnoj09]

Beautiful tank!

 

[RingingEars]

Nice start. This is going to be a great build

 

[yellowRubi]

Great setup!!!