Author Topic: 220 tank build (Read 10676 times)

Sonnyred · « **on:** March 19, 2013, 13:37:34 »

I don't know what I was thinking but for some crazy fishy reason I'm going to be upgrading to a 220 mix reef from a 90. Whats the worst case, ill feel salty either way lol. Well I initially wanted to place the new tank at the old tanks location which is in the livingroom but there is just not enough space. So I decided to convert my formal dining room into a fish lounge. Well the wife is not too please with the idea I know but she is still very supportive of my hobby so far. I consider myself lucky so far. Lol. Anyways all I have now is the stand. The tank will be here Friday and the lights will be in sometimes in April. I plan on building the sump out of a 40 breeder. I'm also going to be building my own canopy. Here are some pics of what I have. I will be posting my progress. Feel free to give me pointers because ill always feel like a newbie in this hobby.

Viggen · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2013, 14:38:41 »

Looking forward to seeing its progress

Only thing I would do/consider is go with a bigger sump..... By the time you add a skimmer and a fuge in there (that is if you were going to) that doesn't leave much room for when the power goes out.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2013, 15:01:24 »

Viggen now that you mention that, I think I might be dealing with a flood in the house. I will be doing some research because I do like how the 40 breeder layout will be. Man I'm torn now lol. On another note ill be picking up a mag 24 for a return pump and so far I will have 2 koralia 3250 gph power heads. How much more flow do you guys think I should add?

Neogenesis · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2013, 15:45:22 »

As for flow....what are you wanting to keep?

Sonnyred · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2013, 15:48:57 »

I mainly have lps. But I am starting to have interest in sps.

Viggen · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2013, 16:31:08 »

Those mag pumps are very noisy..... Just a word of caution.... Or I guess I should say every large one I have been around is loud! My mag36 I hear 20 feet away and it was outside

I also think the mag would be to much for the 40g sump creating lots of bubbles, splashing etc. you only want 2-5x turnover through your sump, on the low side if your sump is small

I used a dart on my tank and it was to much flow for my dual 50-60g sumps however at that time my baffles weren't installed yet..... Presently use a water blaster 5000 which is just about silent, 70w and turns my tank over about 3x a hr

If it was me.... I would consider having glass cages or someone else make a sump. If your tank is a 6ft 220g I would do something 4ft long, possibly 75g would fit down there depending on how your stand is. if you can fit a 5ft sump down there w/o a doubt do it. On my old 210g I could only put the sump in via the back of the stand and I had to remove the center brace.....

If I was doing my tank over.... I would change my sumps..... Live and learn I guess... This was my first non fo tank that's over 90g and my first tank with a fuge.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #6 on:** March 19, 2013, 18:17:36 »

Thanks for the info viggen!

Neogenesis · « **Reply #7 on:** March 20, 2013, 07:54:15 »

Agree with Viggen, one of the est decisions I made was a oversized sump on my 180. Now I could get away with a bit larger than you can go due tomy DT being on the first floor and my sump in the basement, but my 125g sump makes things nice!!!

Sonnyred · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2013, 12:40:48 »

I'm really considering a 75. The only problem with that is the height of the tank. My stand is a regular standard stand so it's short in my opinion.

Viggen · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2013, 12:49:32 »

Yes..... A 75g wold be a much better choice if it fits.....

Also Consider glass cages.... I ordered my sumps from them and they can make just about whatever you want. If a standard 75g is to tall for under your tank they could make a lowered one for you. Just be sure it fits BEFORE you order whatever you want.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2013, 13:23:13 »

If you hadn't mention, I'd forgot all about glass cages. But I will have to see how much it would be with them. Numbers dropping in my checking acct fairly quickly lol. But after all what did I expect.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #11 on:** March 20, 2013, 15:57:50 »

Ok after talking to glass cages they suggest I get a 65 gallon long with is same as 75 without the height. Great I was thinking but they want like 450 for it and I'd still have to pick it up in Columbus or cincy. They only come around once a month also

I think I'm going to make the 40 work. It will take a lot of critical thinking but I think it can happen. Wish me luck.

Neogenesis · « **Reply #12 on:** March 20, 2013, 16:23:29 »

Just be careful with your deign and how much water will back flow in the event of a power outage and you'll be ok.

joncat24 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 20, 2013, 16:25:36 »

I use a 40 breeder on my 180 and it worked out fine. I don't have a lot of flow going through the sump. My return pump is a rio 14hf and is valved back a little. It is quiet, no splashing, and I get my in tank flow from Koralia powerheads.

Viggen · « **Reply #14 on:** March 20, 2013, 17:03:03 »

Yes low flow can be fine but if you put a lot of flow through your sump you have a much greater risk of not having enough room in your sump.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #15 on:** March 20, 2013, 23:03:29 »

My new baby nemos. 2 Wyoming whites and 2 premium onyx Picasso. Still being qt until the 220 is ready for them. Pic isn't the greatest but I will update better pics later once they are in their new home.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #16 on:** March 23, 2013, 01:01:43 »

Got the 220 today and that puppy is heavy! Swap tomorrow and work on the sump maybe canopy too.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #17 on:** March 24, 2013, 12:11:53 »

Well finally decides I'm going to make the sump out if the 40 breeder. Got the baffles in and now just waiting for it to dry.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #18 on:** March 26, 2013, 14:02:35 »

Picked up this protein skimmer. Aquac ev240.

Sump is complete and ready to put in place. Only missing another sick and another piece of sponge.

Neogenesis · « **Reply #19 on:** March 26, 2013, 14:11:48 »

Looking good...can't wait to see it up and running!!!

Sonnyred · « **Reply #20 on:** March 26, 2013, 14:46:59 »

Thanks Neo. I've been itching for that day to come.

volcano · « **Reply #21 on:** March 26, 2013, 22:00:25 »

I can't wait to see complete. It's going to be very nice.

NEWMAN · « **Reply #22 on:** March 27, 2013, 00:25:38 »

Its coming along good, looks like it will be up and running soon...

Sonnyred · « **Reply #23 on:** March 28, 2013, 04:39:00 »

Got all the plumbing done for the tank. Now just waiting for sand and rocks to fill up the tank. Hopefully I will find some time to work on the canopy here soon.

lazylivin · « **Reply #24 on:** March 28, 2013, 20:43:16 »

Looks great!

Sonnyred · « **Reply #25 on:** April 07, 2013, 22:45:35 »

I have no idea how you folks fill up a big tank but it's taking me all week and its still not filled. A couple more days I guess.

lazylivin · « **Reply #26 on:** April 07, 2013, 22:56:21 »

Crazy how slow our ro/di units are.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #27 on:** April 07, 2013, 23:16:45 »

Yea I just have a cheap one that only put out 50 GPD. And now I have to accelerate this process because my sump in my 90 had a leak and the transfer needs to happen soon. I now don't have a sump for the 90. Currently running a hang on back filter. Been paying very close attn to my corals and especially my two mandarins. I find this hobby is like a car. You go in to fix something and something else needs fixing. Just my luck lol.

lazylivin · « **Reply #28 on:** April 07, 2013, 23:22:00 »

If it becomes more dire you can always buy distilled water which is the same as ro/di water.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #29 on:** April 07, 2013, 23:27:26 »

Yea I was thinking that but wasn't sure. However that might just be what I have to do. At first I wanted dry rocks but that's out of the equation. Now I will have to do live rocks. I bought all live sand I think the brand was oceans direct. The salinity so far is .024. Hopefully after two weeks it can be ready for transfer.

lazylivin · « **Reply #30 on:** April 07, 2013, 23:30:39 »

If you are pulling live rocks directly from current tank to new tank it should be ready immediately but wating two weeks can't hurt and is best way to go if you have that kind of patience

Sonnyred · « **Reply #31 on:** April 07, 2013, 23:44:29 »

Well yes I will be putting all the live rocks I have now in there but that is not enough rocks. So my worries is when I add more rocks I just don't want it to re cycle my tank and kill everything in it so I think I should buy live rocks. I don't know if that makes any sense lol. Honestly I rather can't wait. I hope once the tank clears up and the water is up to par I can just transfer everything. Two weeks is max I can wait because I don't thing the filter can keep my babies alive in that tank for longer than two more weeks.

charlieweaver · « **Reply #32 on:** April 08, 2013, 00:07:11 »

Yeah if you get more live rock I would deffently make sure you cure it out of thay tank so you don't cause an ammo spike from any die off of the the rock you buy and I would add if slowly to the 220 so its not a huge change of lots of doe off causing a small cycle. Did you get tank full yet? If not I can offer some water for you. I always have about 55gallons of salt and about 30 gallons of fresh. And pleanty of buckets to transport if your close to me?

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Sonnyred · « **Reply #33 on:** April 08, 2013, 00:23:12 »

Charlie thanks for the offer but the tank is almost filled. This is another reason why this club is so great. We have good people around here

ohioreef · « **Reply #34 on:** April 08, 2013, 07:01:02 »

Quote from: Lazylivin on April 07, 2013, 23:22:00

If it becomes more dire you can always buy distilled water which is the same as ro/di water.

I've always read you should stay away from distilled water as some companies use copper tubing in the process and you run the risk of introducing copper into your system.

Not sure if its true or not.

Ramathorn937 · « **Reply #35 on:** April 08, 2013, 08:39:05 »

This brings up a good question I should ask, at the house I'm staying in right now, I have my RODI hooked up to a sink that is supplied by copper pipes... even though I'm getting 0 TDS is this a potential problem?

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charlieweaver · « **Reply #36 on:** April 08, 2013, 08:56:55 »

No. The rodi will remove the copper. 95% of houses have copper and any house made before 1999 it almost 99% sure they have copper in them.

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Ramathorn937 · « **Reply #37 on:** April 08, 2013, 09:14:00 »

Thanks Charlie

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Sonnyred · « **Reply #38 on:** April 09, 2013, 15:07:40 »

So I got the tank running finally!!!!!!!

viggen you are right that mag 24 is loud but the water returning from my skimmer is louder. Now I have to find a way to tune down all these noise

lazylivin · « **Reply #39 on:** April 09, 2013, 15:14:03 »

That is a big tank! So jealous..... I want one!

Sonnyred · « **Reply #40 on:** April 09, 2013, 15:27:47 »

Lazy yea I always thought it was big but now it just looks small to me for some reason. Well when I told my wife that the conversation shut down fast. Lol. This hobby is worst than drugs...

Mussin · « **Reply #41 on:** April 09, 2013, 18:17:48 »

That is a BIG tank! Love it! Cant wait to see it progress...

Jeremy

Viggen · « **Reply #42 on:** April 11, 2013, 10:31:33 »

About impossible to quiet down mag pumps. Sometimes putting a mouse pad under it will help but they are still LOUD

Not sure on the skimmer return, what skimmer do you have? Pics? Did you test to make sure the sump can hold the tanks water when the power is off?

Mussin · « **Reply #43 on:** April 15, 2013, 16:18:18 »

I have a mag 9.5 and it is silent, glued several mouse pads under it. I am using hose instead of pvc though.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #44 on:** April 15, 2013, 18:41:06 »

Quote from: Viggen on April 11, 2013, 10:31:33

About impossible to quiet down mag pumps. Sometimes putting a mouse pad under it will help but they are still LOUD

Not sure on the skimmer return, what skimmer do you have? Pics? Did you test to make sure the sump can hold the tanks water when the power is off?

Quote from: Mussin on April 15, 2013, 16:18:18

I have a mag 9.5 and it is silent, glued several mouse pads under it. I am using hose instead of pvc though.

I'm running a 9.5 mag on the skimmer. Viggen the skimmer is an aquac 240. And yea I had measure out to where the max level of water is in my sump I case electric goes out. Instead of mouse pads I use silicone as the padding and it helped a lot.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #45 on:** April 15, 2013, 18:53:26 »

Pic of skimmer

Here is a pic of the mag quiet by silicone

Sonnyred · « **Reply #46 on:** April 19, 2013, 20:18:48 »

Got the clowns and lights today. Here is a few shots of how great theyve acclimated

Sonnyred · « **Reply #47 on:** April 19, 2013, 21:27:46 »

So I ended up getting 6 led fixtures. I just wanted to make sure all area are covered. Or is this over kill?

Travis8896 · « **Reply #48 on:** April 19, 2013, 21:42:30 »

Nice clowns

bkvreef · « **Reply #49 on:** April 19, 2013, 22:45:08 »

What lights did you go with?
I am also in the (very slow) process of setting up a 220 tank and went with 3 reefbreeder photon 16's.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #50 on:** April 19, 2013, 23:11:34 »

I bought 6 evergrow d120

Sonnyred · « **Reply #51 on:** April 20, 2013, 18:07:49 »

So six lights is definitely overkill. I guess I'll just mount them vertical

Travis8896 · « **Reply #52 on:** April 20, 2013, 19:04:49 »

Nice lights

Sonnyred · « **Reply #53 on:** April 22, 2013, 10:38:36 »

Canopy in the works. 72x24x18

Sonnyred · « **Reply #54 on:** April 24, 2013, 14:18:38 »

Finally the canopy is done and the lights are all hung.

lazylivin · « **Reply #55 on:** April 24, 2013, 18:14:31 »

Nice work Sonny

Sonnyred · « **Reply #56 on:** April 24, 2013, 19:14:47 »

Thanks Lazy but I can't take full credit because I had my cousin who is really good with carpentry to help me. Her is a pic of the lights on and everything from the 90 gallon. I gotta stock this thing soon lol

matt78goins · « **Reply #57 on:** May 06, 2013, 21:31:20 »

Your tank is looking really good. I think the worst part of this hobby has to be all the waiting. Keep up the great work on the tank.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #58 on:** May 06, 2013, 23:07:42 »

Thanks. So here is updates so far. I lost about 75% of my corals but all fish made it. Starting to get an out break of the brown diatoms on the sand bed. Lost two of my favorite corals (Duncan and open brain) that hurt... Well hopefully it gets better.

charlieweaver · « **Reply #59 on:** May 06, 2013, 23:35:44 »

Did you see I have some Duncan's for sale. Both green and some blue ones too. They are some of my favorite too.

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Sonnyred · « **Reply #60 on:** May 07, 2013, 00:11:42 »

Charlie yes I did and I can't wait to see them in person

Boonjob · « **Reply #61 on:** May 07, 2013, 00:12:00 »

Looks Great Sonny! Looking forward to updates

Sonnyred · « **Reply #62 on:** May 09, 2013, 18:19:35 »

These are the newest members to the tank. Could not resist... That's why I gotta start practicing to stay home and not go to the lfs. Now if I could make it to cincy and pick up a couple wife's for that male lyretail

Sonnyred · « **Reply #63 on:** July 06, 2013, 15:52:34 »

Just a short update been so busy... I was able to get a sea hare and the hair algea is starting to get under control again

for some reason I cannot get macro algea to grow in my sump. Anyone have any input? Oh and been busy with this new member of the family but starting to make time for the tank again slowly. Everyone wish him luck he is going to surgery for his ear cropping on the 10th

Steve · « **Reply #64 on:** July 06, 2013, 21:24:23 »

What type of lighting do you have on the sump?

Sonnyred · « **Reply #65 on:** July 07, 2013, 00:02:58 »

Steve I've been itching to get some frags from you just gotta find the time to head that direction. I just have a regular 6500k bulb on the sump. That's the first thing I thought was lighting issue but the spec of the bulb I bought were matched to grow the algea. So I have no idea. I've never had a problem like this before.

Steve · « **Reply #66 on:** July 07, 2013, 00:14:31 »

How many watts is the bulb? And I have plenty frags still available.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #67 on:** July 07, 2013, 01:13:10 »

It's one of those energy efficient but equal to 90 watts

Steve · « **Reply #68 on:** July 07, 2013, 18:52:42 »

Quote from: Sonnyred on July 07, 2013, 01:13:10

It's one of those energy efficient but equal to 90 watts

Not sure how you have it set up, but probably will need a couple of those.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #69 on:** July 07, 2013, 20:21:55 »

I'm going to add one more light and lets see how that works. Ill keep ya updated.

Sonnyred · « **Reply #70 on:** July 07, 2013, 20:37:28 »

Done with rock works finally!

New RBTA

Some shots of how big the snowcassos have grown

Sonnyred · « **Reply #71 on:** July 07, 2013, 20:42:19 »

Then here is sponge bob literally

bbtm64 · « **Reply #72 on:** July 07, 2013, 22:18:13 »

Looks really good, Sonny!

chromiumlux · « **Reply #73 on:** July 07, 2013, 22:23:20 »

Your tank looks great Sonny! Have you tried cheato in your fuge?

Sonnyred · « **Reply #74 on:** July 07, 2013, 22:58:20 »

Thanks guys but I still have a bit to add to it. In about two weeks my brother will be bringing me a bunch of corals he frag for me. Ill post more pics once its in so everyone can enjoy

Sonnyred · « **Reply #75 on:** July 09, 2013, 17:40:19 »

Quote from: chromiumlux on July 07, 2013, 22:23:20

Your tank looks great Sonny! Have you tried cheato in your fuge?

Yes it all died and that's why I'm shocked

chromiumlux · « **Reply #76 on:** July 09, 2013, 18:13:15 »

Quote from: Sonnyred on July 09, 2013, 17:40:19

Yes it all died and that's why I'm shocked

I beleive someone else asked what type of lighting do you have over the fuge?

matt78goins · « **Reply #77 on:** July 22, 2013, 03:38:15 »

I see you are from Dayton, I've got what I think is some Ogo if you want to try that in your sump. Not sure if it'll work any better. I've got it growing in my sump under what sounds to be a similar lighting set up.

Your tank is looking really nice by the way. Congrats

Sonnyred · « **Reply #78 on:** July 22, 2013, 16:32:49 »

The brother can visit and brought some stuff. Was super busy acclimating all weekend. Here are some pics but sorry the iPhone just doesn't do too well with led.

This is now my favorite wrasse in the tank. Gotta get a few more.

Super stunning Christmas wrasse!

cant remember what the names of the zoas but they can from my brother and it was free!

And then I ask for frags but instead he brought me colonies. Too bad he is mainly sps and I don't have much luck with sps so gonna try out a birdsnest if it makes it then another trip to fill this tank up!