VB68's Tank Build

[VB68]

This has been a long time in becoming a realality for me. I have had freshwater tank for as long as I can remember and always wanted a SW Tank. About a little over a year ago, I got the chance to buy a 100 gal tank off of a member of our hunting forum. That was the start. The stand wasn't much to look at, as you can see....... Luckily... I found a local reef club

 

[VB68]

Was put in touch with a member that built custom stands. It started out to be just a stand and turned into a piece of furniture(my wife wanted the doors and trim to match the kitchen cabinets and fireplace) . LOL. He was 3 hrs away, so he did all the work off of pics of the tank and light system w/ a tapemeasure held by them. So all the credit for the stand goes to Kevin Koplen of Arkansas, I think he did a super job. Everything fit perfectly.

So, for the last year, I have been reading everything I can, buying a few piece of equipment, reading some more,buying some more. The equipment I have gather so far.......... Hamilton Tech. Cebu Sun 2-175w MH,4-80w T5's and 6 moon LEDs CPR Deluxe Overflow CS100 Dual BRS GFO and Carbon reactor Quiet One 4000 pump ADHI-30 Refugium sump Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155 Aquamaxx AM250 In-Sump Protien Skimmer Marine Depot Pro Refractometer Cooling Fans MP40w RKE controller 6-stage RO/DI,100

 

[VB68]

some pics of the tank now.....

 

[VB68]

Some other stuff........ Mixing area

QT

RO/DI

 

[VB68]

Hopefully in June I will have it up and running. Planning on getting live rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater. I'm wanting to maken it a mixed reef. I know it's not much to look at right now,but maybe in June I will be more appealing, some "eye candy"

 

[revsgirl]

Love that! Looks amazing!!

 

[revhtree]

My criticism is that......ok there is none! Wow great transformation!

 

[Aquaph8]

That old stand polished up nicely, the stuff from the infomercial really works. JK. That stand is awesome, very very nice looking. Now go put water in it

 

[VB68]

That old stand polished up nicely, the stuff from the infomercial really works. JK. That stand is awesome, very very nice looking. Now go put water in it

I can't hardly wait-- it's going to be like Christmas in June, LOL

 

[TankScraper]

WOW very nice cabinet/layout.

 

[Degener8]

Super clean.. a real piece of furniture there.. I love it..

 

[Mike Cruz]

Wow, what a turn around! Gorgeous build!

Good luck with the contest!

 

[VB68]

Update...... Got my Reef Keeper Elite controller all hooked up. Getting closer...

 

[VB68]

Well, as some of you know -I had an issue with a heater the other day( whether to add one or get a bigger one). My tank wouldn't get past 76*. I added another 150w heater to it and now the water is holding at 79* In 3 weeks will be getting the rocks,can't wait

 

[BarbH]

Wow I am in love with that stand your builder did a great job. Looking foward to seeing how things progress with your build.

 

[Mstansbery]

Nice clean up work with those wires etc!!

 

[larryl]

Killer start wowza.....

 

[weaponsofmassdesign]

Very nice setup!

 

[VB68]

Saltwater is in the tank(1.025), ph-8.2, temp-77.6-78.8(thru out the day with lights on). Rocks ordered from TBS,first shipment will be here Monday. Finally will have something in my tank. Been a long time in the works( 1 1/2 yrs). RKE is all setup and running.Still need to order ph calibration fluid to try and get the ph probe properly calibrated. Going to be a long 5 days. :bigsmile:

 

[VB68]

Finally got something to put in the tank. First order of rock from TBS arrived early Monday morning.