Wachuko's 210gal AGA reef build journal

[wachuko]

I like how ReefWaters did his thread so I will follow his outline as well.

I started my first reef tank three months ago... well looks like I really like this and spend hours just sitting in front of the 72 gal tank I have looking at all the amazing things that go on inside... it helps that my wife also has the bug...

The idea of providing more space to the fish and the rest of the crew along with the ability to have the added space for coral, mushrooms, and other forms of life was just too tempting...

This will be my build journal. I will update this main post with the latest equipment so it is easier for others to track what was used...

The Basics:

Tank
- 210 gallons
- 72" x 24" x 29"
- Dual corner overflow
- Made by All Glass Aquariums, AGA
- 2" Aragonite live sand bed
- 200lbs of Fiji live rock

Lights
- 72" Current 3x250W HQI + 4x39W/3x39 T5 + 12/12 Lunar (model 1079)

Stand
- 36" tall (I wanted the extra space for installing a light, the power center, better organization of the electrical wires, more clearance for taking stuff out or installing new equipment down the road, etc.)

Refugium
- Pending I research, learn, and decide

Propagation Tank
- Pending I research, learn, and decide

Primary Sump
- Berlin acrylic - Pending specs

Water Change Sump
- Great idea... Pending I research, learn, and decide

Skimmer
- Pending I research, learn, and decide

Sterilizer
- Current Gamma UV 40W Sterilizer

Ca Reactor
- Pending I research, learn, and decide

Kalk Reactor
- Pending I research, learn, and decide

Return Pump
- Pending I research, learn, and decide

Circulation
- Thinking about a Tunze Wavebox but really Pending I research, learn, and decide on what model works best for this size tank

Control
- Pending I research, learn, and decide

Temperature Control
- JBJ Arctica Titanium Chiller DBM-250 1/3HP
- 1000Watt heater

I will pick up the tank, stand, chiller, sump, and lights on Friday. For now here is a very poor photo of where the tank will be located:

That is all for now... got to continue reading on Controls, Skimmer, etc. As you can see, a lot of areas where I need to decide on equipment. Open to suggestions.

 

[kennykimny]

You may want to think about moving the tank somewhere where it isn't exposed to so much sunlight...you might have a hard time battling algal growth...

 

[fish cowboy]

I totally agree. You should stay away from direct sunlight and drafts as much as possible.

 

[wachuko]

My wife is going to kill me for posting a photo of the lanai before cleaning up the mess... I have been working on the summer kitchen cabinet (removing the stove we don't use and covering the top with tiles).

But so you can see what is behind the doors... it is a covered lanai. And the area past the lanai is screened. We are also going to apply reflective film to the doors and change the drapes for thicker ones.

 

[gabe3d]

Good start, i like where your tank is going. I have it in a similar location but mine is actually in front of a window with shutters and curtains to highlight the tank. What is on the other side for me is a covered patio.

I have the same chiller as yours and same tank and I feel that the chiller is running a tad bit on the long side. If it were me i would get the 1/2 HP commercial JBJ artica. Spec wise it seems like a more efficient chiller. HTH and keep up the nice work.

 

[kennykimny]

Fiji Rock

Fiji Rock

Hey,

Where are you getting your rock from? I'm looking to buy another 20-25 pounds, just wondering if you knew anybody reliable...

- K

 

[wachuko]

Re: Fiji Rock

Re: Fiji Rock

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11666800#post11666800 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kennykimny
Hey,

Where are you getting your rock from? I'm looking to buy another 20-25 pounds, just wondering if you knew anybody reliable...

- K

I got the one for the 72 tank from the LFS. Cured. So I will get the rest from them. A bit more than the online stores at 4.75 /lb but they are 5 miles away from my house.

 

[nauticac4]

The sunlight will help...algal growth stems from nutrients in the water. If the water is right and he has a decent clean up crew the light would be great for the corals.

 

[kennykimny]

"There are two categories of algae of concern to aquarists: "good" and "bad". Good algae is present in small quantities, is indicative of good water quality and is easily kept in check by algae eating fish or simple removal during routine maintenance. This algae is a natural consequence of having a container of water with nutrients and a light source. Bad algae is either an indicator of bad water quality or is a type of algae that tends to overtake the tank and ruin the aesthetics the aquarist is trying to achieve. The label of "bad" is entirely subjective. For example, one type of green, hair-like algae is considered a plague by some American aquarists, yet is cultivated by European aquarists as a valuable addition to most tanks, serving as a dietary supplement for the fish. "

"Green unicellular algae will sometimes reproduce so rapidly that the water will turn green. This is commonly called an "algae bloom" and is usually caused by too much light like direct sunlight. An algae bloom can be removed by filtering with micron cartridges or diatom filters. UV sterilizers can prevent the bloom in the first place. Green water is very useful in the raising of daphnia and brine shrimp. Film algae Grows on the aquarium glass and forms a thin haze. Easily removed by wiping the glass. Considered normal with the higher light levels needed for good plant growth."

http://www.aquaticscape.com/articles/algae.htm

 

[kennykimny]

Keep us posted with any equipment purchases/decisions you make!

 

[wachuko]

Tank is in...

 

[wachuko]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11668587#post11668587 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kennykimny
"There are two categories of algae of concern to aquarists: "good" and "bad". Good algae is present in small quantities, is indicative of good water quality and is easily kept in check by algae eating fish or simple removal during routine maintenance. This algae is a natural consequence of having a container of water with nutrients and a light source. Bad algae is either an indicator of bad water quality or is a type of algae that tends to overtake the tank and ruin the aesthetics the aquarist is trying to achieve. The label of "bad" is entirely subjective. For example, one type of green, hair-like algae is considered a plague by some American aquarists, yet is cultivated by European aquarists as a valuable addition to most tanks, serving as a dietary supplement for the fish. "

"Green unicellular algae will sometimes reproduce so rapidly that the water will turn green. This is commonly called an "algae bloom" and is usually caused by too much light like direct sunlight. An algae bloom can be removed by filtering with micron cartridges or diatom filters. UV sterilizers can prevent the bloom in the first place. Green water is very useful in the raising of daphnia and brine shrimp. Film algae Grows on the aquarium glass and forms a thin haze. Easily removed by wiping the glass. Considered normal with the higher light levels needed for good plant growth."

http://www.aquaticscape.com/articles/algae.htm

I am hoping that the new drape, painted back, UV sterilizer, and frequent water changes minimizes the likelihood of this happening.

I really do not have another place to put it…

On another note, I thought I could go back to my initial post and update it as I was working on the tank and, based on recommendations here, pick out the equipment… but after an hour the site does not allow any edits to posts… that sucks, specially for folks with a thread they use as a journal…

 

[wachuko]

A few more things came in today... lights, chiller, heater with control

Skimmer
- EuroReef RS250

Return Pump
- (2) 1262 Eheim (900gph). One will feed the chiller

Need help on what Ca Reactor to get.... suggestions are welcomed. And a recommended setup for water motion... something without having to drill holes and that will not distract too much...

 

[wachuko]

Some delays with the sump and skimmer... so I took the time to do some plumbing, finish the changes to the summer kitchen, etc.

With the help of my father-in-law we now have 20amp and 15amp outlets outside, chiller, etc.

A few photos:

I installed a shelve in the back of the tank to place the ballast there... they will be one next to the other with good space in between for air ventilation (not like in the photo...)

Got water in the tank and the sand... I was hoping the sump would be here to get it going with some live rock but no such luck...

I am running a pump to a sock inside the tank to keep the water moving while the sump and skimmer arrive...

After some clean up...

 

[sfilingeri]

Nice stand, is that a DIY?

 

[wachuko]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11703192#post11703192 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sfilingeri
Nice stand, is that a DIY?

Got it from the LFS... I was going to build my own... but between work travel and honey-do list it was going to take me awhile...

Making a few mods to this one instead.

 

[Kannin]

Nice job and nice thread. I think you and I have a lot in common (regarding the hobby) I mean. I have a 54 bow front and am building a 220. I like your other tank too, by the way. Are you keeping it? I'm keeping mine... although it is another room. Not right next to the new tank.

 

[wachuko]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11708535#post11708535 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kannin
Nice job and nice thread. I think you and I have a lot in common (regarding the hobby) I mean. I have a 54 bow front and am building a 220. I like your other tank too, by the way. Are you keeping it? I'm keeping mine... although it is another room. Not right next to the new tank.

Great! Will look for your thread to see the build.

I will keep the 72, in another room as well (my bedroom), but will, most likely, be a coral only setup, not sure at this point. I will use what is in there in the big tank and when we decide on what we will use it for then I will put it back together. For the 72 we also want to do a few mods to the overflow to quiet it down as it is very loud today.

Flying back home today from a work trip. Can't wait. Sump and Skimmer should be at the LFS for pickup tomorrow morning.

Here are a few low quality photos from today (sent by my wife):

 

[wachuko]

A few more photos of the progress from today:

The skimmer and sump... you just can't graps the size difference until you have them next to each other... the RS-80 looks like a toy next to this beast!!

Started with 200lbs of rock... once all is in place then I will move the rock that is in the 72 over...

This thing was going crazy on me... had to turn it off until tomorrow... will try again and see... foam and water where filling the cup way too fast... once all the floating stuff has settle I will turn it back on and see if it is a matter of adjustment or what...

That is all for tonight... going to sleep now..

 

[aspinn]

looking good bud, cant wait to see what its gunna look like fully stocked =)