My 220 build, part "C"

[bkvreef]

Well, I started with a 220 about 8 years ago.  I had it for 5 years but due to other things going on in life I had to sell.
Then about 2 years ago things stabilized so I bought another 220 only to find out that it leaked.
Well thanks a member on here I found a great deal on a 220 setup.

Here is what I got as part of the package:
220 gallon tank (72 x 24 x 30)
stand (needs to be tossed, and build/buy a new one)
75 gal sump
250+ lbs in sand
250+ lbs of live rock
2 dual head powerheads
return pump
RO/DI
AquaC EV-180 skimmer with mag 9.5
BRS dual filter with maxi pump

Placed order through glass holes today:
1500 overflow kit
2 x 250w heaters
thermometer
refractometer
4 x filter socks

Here is what I still have on my list to get:
loc-line
lights (leaning towards marine solutions dimmable l.e.d's three of them)
stand and canopy
salt
salifert test kits (ph, nitrate, nitrite..what else?)
dj strip (for easy on off for pumps, etc)
food
WHAT AM I MISSING?

[bkvreef]

I drilled the overflow holes last night!!!!
hooked up the ro/di unit
I had planned on painting the back black also last night...BUT...after cleaning the back one last time, I learned its still damp...only after I started spraying. The paint ran. And the fact that my basement does not act as a "well ventilated area," I will need to try something else.

The stand is junk so I am looking at alternatives for a nice stand/canopy combo

I still need to rinse ALL of the sand.
right now I'm waiting on the stand to get figured out.

[bkvreef]

SLOW process!
Have narrowed down light selections: marine solutions, or reefbreeders
Met with buddy last night to plan stand and canopy production (hope to begin this weekend).

Will post pics when I remember how to 

[bkvreef]

Here is a preliminary idea of my stocking list:
2 percula clowns
Algae blenny
Mandarin (much later)
Yellow tang
Achilles tang
Would like one more tang (like powder blues but concerned about compatibility).
4 bangaii

What do you think?

[bkvreef]

Wow, I didn't realize how long it had been!
My friend built the stand and canopy!  It looks fantastic.  I will post pictures later.  Only problem was when I told him I wanted a stand that was 30+". I didn't tell him that I wanted the inside to be that.  He built the stand with a 4" platform.  It's still fine but the 75 gal, sump and skimmer are a little snugger than I had hoped.

I picked up a SRO 3000sss for a great deal.

Yesterday I redid the sump so I have a fuge on left and skimmer on right.

Coming the next week I will plan on plumbing.  I hope to T one of the dual overflows to be able to control the flow into the fuge.  I will also t return to feed the BRS dual reactor.  Of course all of that is in theory :-)

[bkvreef]

I had planned on getting pictures up, but plumbing is taking more time than I had hoped.

[bkvreef]

Well, almost done with setup.  Wow
I have rock in now, tank is nearly full.  Dj strips attached, filter sock holders on, fuge light hooked up.
Just about another hundred gallons of water and I should be ready to go.
Dual reactor still needs setup, and lights hooked up.  But the lights should only take a couple minutes, and another couple to program them!

[bbtm64]

I'm jealous. Wish I had room for something that big. Can't wait to see some pics 

[bkvreef]

Stand and canopy made by friend!  Door on side of stand not back on yet since I slid sump in.


Need to get some macro algea and maybe some mangroves for fuge section, but besides that it's good to go.

Still room for the dual BRS reactor for my carbon

[lazylivin]

Absolutely Stunning.   

[bbtm64]

That's impressive!!

[The WuSue]

Very Nice!!!

[Bucknutz]

Looks very good.

[bkvreef]

Thanks, compared to some of your guys masterpieces your being generous.
After having had t-5's (which I liked!) the l.e.d.'s being programmable and dimmable are awesome!
I'd also strongly recommend the use of dj strips for anyone who doesn't have them!  I'm not sure how any times during the setup I had turn off the pump, or skimmer, or a power head.  It was so nice just flipping a switch, compared to climbing back to the power cord and unplugging it.

[bkvreef]

Salinity is a little low, so I will bump it up today.  Only live rock and sand in tank now so not to worried about big jump (and a couple aptasia, but they live throu anything).
Noticed some diatoms in the sand this morning which if I remember correctly is not a bad thing (for the cycling).  If it is please let me know.  :-)

[Twizted1]

Really like that stand and canopy. Looking good.

[bkvreef]

Really like that stand and canopy. Looking good.

Thanks, the pics don't do it justice!  Friend of mine built it for me.  :-)

[bkvreef]

Well day 5/6 diatom bloom.  No livestock, except for rock and sand.  I know to let the bloom run its course, but am wondering if there is anything I can/should do to shorten the life span of the diatoms (lighting schedule, etc).

[bkvreef]

Diatom turned into hair algae.  Have had lights off for a couple of days.  Will do a water change soon.

Have setup dual filter with carbon and gfo.  Running it only at night for now.

Got my cleanup crew today from reef cleaners:
100 nerite
100 Florida cerith
100 nassarius
500 dwarf ceriths

10 mangrove pods, set up (using egg crate) a little stand to hold them in place, especially the shorter ones.