Reefsi 240 gallon In-Wall Build

[Reefsi]

Here is the start to my 240 gallon reef tank build! The tank dimensions are 72Lx31Tx24D, it will be an SPS dominated reef tank with approximately a 2.5" sand bed. The only things on order at the moment besides the tank and is 2 60" ATI sunpower T5 fixtures, with ATI Aquablue plus and Coral plus bulbs and 3 Kessil A360N LED fixtures. I also have an Apex controller by Neptune with an extra 8 plug energy strip on order as well. So I am open for any suggestions as far as anything else goes. The sump, stand, and all the work will be done by myself and I will constantly update this thread as the build goes on.

Thanks for any suggestions posted here.


Thank you for following, I hope you enjoy!

 

[Reefsi]

This is the wall the display tank will be located on.

This is the backside of the wall.

 

[bullitr]

Reefsi 240 gallon In-Wall Build

For a minute there I thought you're this guy
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=15135699#post15135699

Good luck with the build

 

[Reefsi]

Last night after work I decided to get started since the tank will be arriving on Friday! So here we go!

Drywall cut out! Girlfriend already cleaning up and I just began!! Haha

Studs removed.

Header in and ready for the stand to be built!

Framing done! Sometimes it pays to have been a carpenter for 12 years!

Dead nuts! Stabila don't lie!

Image looking from basement living room!

Well it was a good nights work! Time to wrap it and get the ceiling in to mount the lights tonight! Hopefully I can get it all done after work today, it's gonna be a loong night! I'll try and post them tonight if I finish up!

 

[Reefsi]

So last night got the vapor barrier up, wrapped the stand with sandply, added the ceiling for the lights, and a couple little other things! Tank arrives today!

Ro/Di installed and plumped!

 

[Reefsi]

So this whole time I was using tapatalk, due to the ease of posting pictures, and realized that the online community cannot view them. So I will now properly post the pictures so everyone can view, sorry for that.

This wall all night one! Which was the 12th

So this is the wall the tank will be placed on!


This is the backside of the wall. Nothing really to see just thought I'd post it.


Drywall removed!


Studs removed!


Backside with header in place!


Stand framed out! Finally taking shape!


Stabila dont lie! Dead Nuts!


Done for the night! Was a long one!



End of Day 1!

 

[Reefsi]

So this was day 2 of the build!

Ceiling up for hanging lights, and vapor barrier back up!




Added the table and backwall for support of Reactors and Neptune system, plus makes it an easier workspace.


Had a little extra time that night and decided to get my RODI hooked up as well.



Ready for the tank to come, LETS BRING IT!

End of day 2!

 

[Reefsi]

Finally caught up with my posting, This all happened last night, it took us until about 1am CST to get it in the house and setup on the stand. We didn't start till late and a few drinks didn't speed things up.....at least I don't think it did haha

The cart I made to dolly it throught the back yard. I had to lay about 25 sheets of 1/2 to make it to the back door.


Tank set!


Had to literally take off 1/16 of an inch out of the header to fit the tank. I was ****ed off and just took way more out lol It worked though! I made it to fit 1/2 styrofoam when we ended up going 3/4.


All in all it was a good time!

End of Day 3!

 

[dave.m]

I love dogs that look like the one on the couch. What breed is that?

Thx

Dave.M

 

[Brando457]

Gorgeous build, his dog is a Golden Retriever. They are the best dogs! I had one for 13 years and my guy now for around 3 years.

 

[Reefsi]

Today got some more work done on the build. Trimmed the tank out and some little odds and ends. Yeah the dog is a Golden Retriever, to be honest its the best dog a man could ask for. They have a great demeanor and are very smart animals.

Trimmed with 3 1/2 Modern Casing and 3/4 cove on the inside. It was tough to miter the casing and cove at the same time because i had attach the cove to the casing beforehand.




Put the bulkheads in. Nothing much but a picture lol




Hate to admit it but I bought a Glass Cages aquarium. Due to the fact that I had a 180 marineland leak on me and a 80 perfecto leak as well. I could have went other routes but decided to go with Glass Cages. I do have to say I was impressed with the build of the tank. There where no bad silicone lines, all bracing was spot on, and the tank was built square and all the sides aligned correctly. I did go Starphire Glass on the front panel.

Next week Ill build the sump and all the goodies arrive! Ill keep everyone posted!

End of day 4.

 

[Reefsi]

Also I purchased a water bluster HY 10,0000 today for the return, its rated at 2500 GPH. Any thoughts or experience with this brand? Think that will be an adequate pump?

Other tank info:
Skimz SM201 Monzter E-Series skimmer
Apex Neptune Gold w/extra energy strip
2 60" ATI sunpower T5 4x80w
3 Kessil A360N LED
120 Gallon Acrylic sump

PS: What about a calcium reactor? Only thing I dont have much experience with

 

[muttley000]

How do you plan to orient the 60 inch fixtures over the tank? Very nice looking area you have going there!

 

[mrmore]

I have been running one on my 210 for over a year maybe 2. It is plenty for my tank also no problems so far with it. I should build a manifold for it to run other stuff like reactors and such in the sump.

 

[Brian Crook]

Great looking build so far!! Also, you have a beautiful basement setup there. I like the open concept.

Am I to understand that you will have 8x T5 bulbs in addition to the 3x Kessil's? I'm also interested to hear how you will be orienting these over the tank. Kessil's in between the ATI's?

 

[Atomic081]

Sweet setup so far. That is gonna be an awesome Man Cave!!!

 

[Brando457]

Reviewing the photos it appears you have your media center rack directly behind the tank in the same room?

I would be careful and ensure there is something to handle the humidity/air circulation in there.

 

[Reefsi]

Thanks for all the replys.

Thank you for the compliments! The basement is pretty much my entertaining area/man cave. Built the house in '08 and finished the basement over the years, 2000 Sq. Ft. open concept basement, did all the work myself and the only structural load bearing column is the one you see in the picture, so its OPEN haha Girlfriend can stay upstairs and I got the basement! so it works out

As for the 60" ATI's I have 2 ideas in mind.

1. Position the lights as so,

Kessil's In between the 2 ATI's, with the ATI's off centered. Front light starts from the left and runs 60" to the right with 12" open on the left. Back light starts from the right and runs 60" to the left with 12" open on the right.

2. Or position the lights like this,

Kessil's Still in between the ATI's, but the ATI's centered from let to right.
There should only be about 5-6 Inches of unlighted space on each side.

Ill post illustrated picture's this evening, This can all change though going to test it out and make changes from there.

What you guys think?

 

[Reefsi]

I do have my media center in the back of the tank which has been a ongoing thought of mine. Actually a Control 4 system that runs the lights, temp, sound, shades, fireplaces, TV's, and etc..... Its cool as **** but the worst waste of money I have ever spent.

I advise people if you want to go hassle free do not go control 4 because if it goes out your screwed until a technician can get to your house.

Right above my tank there is a return that runs to my furnace, I was thinking of dropping a return though the ceiling I made over the tank to try and help with the humidity situation. Still thinking of ideas....

 

[Reefsi]

Question:
I hope I didn't make a mistake, but I used Lexel Silicone to seal the edges of my acrylic covers. They are just covers as the over flow is made up of glass. My question is, was it ok for me to use Lexel?

I thought all silicone after its cured is safe.