Pheonix 185 Build Thread

[orthokardia]

As the title implies I will be raising one of Bill's old tanks from the preverbial ashes, dust and cobwebs of Bill's garage. I am really going to need to step up my reefing game on this one for two reasons. 1. It is going in the living room which is Leslie's domain. 2. The tank has certain expectations after living will the poolkeeper (trumpets blow). So....I need your help. I am not a detailed person and this build needs to be very disciplined. Tough love please.

THX in advance
-bart

 

[orthokardia]

Plan of attack

1 Structural
1.1 floor loading calculations
1.2 stand design (mechanical)

2 Water flow
2.1 in tank flow decisions
2.2 circulation flow decision - to sump in basement or under stand
2.3 plumbing layout
2.4 spec pumps / powerheads

3 Lighting
3.1 T5 / MH / LED decisions
3.2 lighting layout
3.3 hood desing

4 Filtration + other in sump equip
4.1 skimmer selection
4.2 carbon reactor
4.3 ecoback reactor
4.4 heaters
4.5 RODI

5 Astetics
5.1 aquascaping (rock)
5.2 sand or bare bottom
5.3 viewing angle / coral placement
5.4 stand/canopy design -style / color / ect

6 Electrical
6.1 load calculations
6.2 house wiring - breakers, GFCI, ect
6.3 controler
6.4 stand wiring layout

7 time and money

 

[Pickupman66]

Bart, this will be fun to see it happen especially if you can do as we talked in joining it with the other system.

Since you helped me plant my 180 in the house, let me know and I can help you plant this one in yours.

 

[poolkeeper1]

Bart, I will call you this eve as there are many things i can help with in this area having already went through the do's and don't of this size tank. Lighting, Flow,Sumps,Power, Rock size and Placement Etc.
Talk to you later
Bill

 

[orthokardia]

what would your perfect stand height be for a low tank? there will be no equiptment under the stand so that is not an issue.

 

[Pickupman66]

Bart,

as for not having equipment under the tank, i LOVED the 24" high stand on my 75. it was great for sticking your hands in and working or just sitting on the floor and watchign the tank. I had a sump under mine and the skimmer was a PITA, but other than that, i liked the shorty stand.

 

[poolkeeper1]

I would have to agree on that as getting to the back center of this size tank can be a challenge, As long as you are not using it for equipment make it low as you want.
Bill

 

[orthokardia]

question #2
is there any reason to not use the DSB in my sump (oolite-sp?) as the sandbed in the new tank?

 

[AdrianBryce]

get new sand, imo. your DSB is probably nasty.

 

[CloudIX]

If it fits you budget, try to keep the tank as green as possible. Things like running your return pump as a 220v (if it can) instead of 110v will make it cheaper to run. Since the TVA has already proved that rates are on the rise, it could pay off in the long run to do that homework now.

 

[poolkeeper1]

The reason would be because of Sulfide that is a function of a DSB and once disturbed releases that deadly substance into your system. Even if cleaned i would not take the chance of laying the ground work of a new tank with old bricks, So to speak. Sand can be bought pretty cheap in bulk online or from AC depending on the grade you want.
Mel has a bunch of new sand that is real fine grade from Marco Rock, That he will probably give you but it does blow around some in the tank with a lot of flow. Maybe if you mixed it with some larger grain sand it would be OK?
Bill

 

[GT_Jacket]

+1 on not utilizing your existing DBS. I switched to a unique brand that I really like. If you are not set on sugar fine check out Tropic Eden Reef Flakes from Premium Aquatics. The zeovit guys put me onto it. 1 x 30lb bag was plenty for my 90 so 2 would be fine for you. It was super clean during the rinse and tested 0 PO4 after 2 day soak in RO/DI. 2 x MP40's don't move it in my tank. Also, easy to vac from time-to-time.

Brett

 

[Pickupman66]

Dont do the sand. get new.... seed it with some from your 300. or ill give you some of mine. I have plenty.

 

[josh_tn]

I have several unused bags of the aragamax sugar sized sand left from my build if you decide to go that route.

 

[poolkeeper1]

I can donate a 5gal bucket 3/4 full of sugar size sand too.
bill

 

[orthokardia]

I am thinking of installing a coast to coast overflow between the corner overflows. This will allow me to lower the water level a bit and skim from the center of the tank, both important when running a wavebox. I am looking for thoughts on
1. optimal depth (front to back)
2. local options for black acrylic
3. other comments like this is a dumb idea

thx,
-bart

 

[mapn4reef]

You probably want to talk to Mixer911 (Rick) for the acrylic questions...

 

[orthokardia]

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[poolkeeper1]

Wow seeing that brace out almost makes me want the tank back! That will make access a breeze.
Bill

 

[mapn4reef]

What's going on with that HVAC return...is that where the tank is giong to be located??