150 Gallon Tank Build

[SPitts6654]

I've had several tanks, but this is the first build that I am doing that I feel like I am taking the time to get it right so I don't have any regrets when I am done.

Equipment that I have decided on/purchased to date:

• SCA 150 (originally had an internal overflow, but I removed it and drilled it for an external overflow and dual returns)
• Shadow Overflow
• Custom stand
• Custom 40 gallon sump
• ClariSea SK-5000
• RO Elite 200-Int Skimmer
• 120 pounds of CaribSea LifeRock (shelf/shapes/arches/branches)
• 100 pounds of CaribSea Crushed Coral Dry Sand
• 48" Aquatic Life T5 Hybrid (undecided on bulbs)
• 3 - XR15 Gen 5 Blue
• Full Apex w/ ATK, DOS, Trident, LDK, FMK, MPR and COR-20
• 2 - MP40QD (not sure if this will be enough, I plan on it being predominately SPS, so I may have to add at least one more)
• 10 gallon ATO
• 10 gallon refugium (I have the tank, but I'm still working out the details in my head of what I want to do with it)

I've always used live rock and sand, sot this will be my first tank using dry rock and sand, I hope to be able to keep unwanted pests out, at least for a while.

 

[SPitts6654]

The Tank: SCA 150 with internal overflow (removed) and drilled for a shadow overflow and dual returns.

I’m happy with the build quality of the SCA tank and would recommend them to anyone looking for a reasonably priced tank.

 

[SPitts6654]

Putting the tank on the stand: I don't have any help around strong enough to help me lift the tank, so I enlisted the help of two motorcycle jacks.

Still trying to figure out how I want to finish the outside of the stand. For the sump area, after I get all the plumbing figured out I'm going to seal it up with a nice coat of white paint to make it nice an bright.

 

[SPitts6654]

Started the plumbing:

 

[SPitts6654]

Building and installing the aquascape:

 

[Tiki Reef Joshua]

Lookin good. I am fond of SCA tanks. I think their build quality is exceptional for the price. I have a 100 gallon 4’x2’x20” SCA. Love it. Looks like you have a well thought out plan. I too have 4’ hybrid lighting with 3 primes. I run 2 blue plus, actinic , and coral plus. Looks good. All the best with your build. I’ll be following along.

 

[SPitts6654]

Started cooking the rocks a couple weeks ago.

 

[Tiki Reef Joshua]

What is your plan for coral?

 

[SPitts6654]

What is your plan for coral?

Plan is to go mostly SPS, but will likely mix in a few LPS and some softies. Will be staying away from mistakes made in my early tanks, like GSP and mushrooms.

 

[SPitts6654]

Well it’s been it’s had water in it for about a month and it completed it’s cycle a couple weeks ago. Used BW FaStart-M and MicroBacter7. Nitrates are holding steady around 5 ppm. Need to get BBC all my wires cleaned up and cabinet finished while we go through the ugly stage.

Also decided to not go with the T5 hybrid, @BRS let me return it and I went with a 4th XR15 Blue. Currently running them with the Radiant Color template at 30% intensity.

 

[SPitts6654]

Still need to cleanup the Apex sensor wire routing, but it’s coming together.

The Clarisea and Skimmer are really pulling out a lot more than I thought they would in a new tank.

Recently moved some fish over from their previous home.

 

[Nargard]

I'm in day 12 of my cycle. I used MB7 for the 1st 6 days before I learned of Fastart-M. Now I'm dosing with both per the manufacturers recs. I'm wondering what your process was. How long did you use both? If daily did you use Fastart-M, let it disperse for at least an hour, then dose MB 7? I used live sand and Life Rock so I think I have a pretty good amount of bacteria present especially with boosting it with MB7. Adding the nutrients from the Fastart-M should really boost them. Currently have 0 ammonia and 0 nitrate. I am planning on adding ammonia in the next day or so to see where I'm at. So much info out there it's tough to know what is right. Thanks for any input.

 

[SPitts6654]

I did about the same, started with 250 ml bottle of MB7, then used a bottle of both MB7 and FS-M.

Started adding fish after about 6 weeks.

Tanks been looking good. Starting to get more corals to the tank now.