150 Miracles Tank (200 gal total)

[Devaji]

wow looks like a nice home!
i loved the dems of the 200 gal, 72x36x20H why did you change it? fit better?

 

[TreyC2010]

wow looks like a nice home!
i loved the dems of the 200 gal, 72x36x20H why did you change it? fit better?

Honestly just scared of a bigger tank long term. Trying to find a size that’s manageable with life. I bought the equipment to potentially upgrade to a larger tank in the future. I plan on auto water changes but sometimes I’m sure I’ll need to do some manual ones. This size just seemed to fit for me.

 

[TreyC2010]

I've placed an order on a tank (finally). The dimensions are 48x30x24. I wanted to have a tank that was big enough to play around but not overwhelmingly big for the room. It's still going in that office space. I will post updated pictures of the room and the space. I'm looking at about 8 weeks until I have the tank.

I've ordered dry rocks and I'll be working on aquascapes this weekend. I'm excited to be back in the hobby!

 

[Rollman]

That’s gonna be awesome. I almost went Red Sea but did my 180 custom, glad I did, I saved money for the apex and other goodies. Following along.

 

[TreyC2010]

I’ve been wanting the Abyzz A200 pump for my return/manifold and BRS had an open box one for sale today and it was marked down pretty good. I also got the Aquatic Life 48" Hybrid T5HO 4X54W for my lights and I’ll mix in some LED lights with that. Most likely Kessil but I’ll have to sell some of my children to buy them.

I’ve never used T5 before so I’m hoping there will be a good benefit to using these.

My updated fish list is: (respectively)

1. (x2) Clownfish
2. Goby/Shrimp pair
3. Exquisite Paracheilinus
4. Cirrhilabrus Lubbocks
5. 3 or 5 Ignitus Anthias
6. Tail Spot Blenny
7. (Maybe) Some type of Bristletooth Tang

 

[TreyC2010]

Got the T5 kit in and put together. I’m not sure how far apart I’ll space out the Kessil but I have them about 8” apart in this picture.

Rock work isn’t done but I’m trying to have enough caves while also having swimming room. The tallest point is about 22” so I may completely rework this.

My Abyzz 200 came in today! This thing is huge and heavy. I may be more excited about this than I am any other piece of equipment.

I’m also trying to hang my RODI today. I need to get my sump and water tanks in before I hang the DI canisters. That way I don’t have to redrill this tile. FYI, always use the diamond tip hole saws for drilling tile. Don’t get a carbide tip bit and expect it to do as clean and easy. I used some toggle bolts and a 1/2” bit from Lenox. Start at an angle and then level the drill out to keep it from moving around.

 

[TreyC2010]

So I redid the aquascape. I’ll fill in the connections with smaller pieces as I glue. Trying to think about coral placement too. I’m liking this much better than the “rock wall” I had before.

 

[TreyC2010]

Tried to post a video of the aquascape off of my iPhone but it wouldn’t go through.

I also took advantage of the flash sale at BRS for my skimmer. The Skimz SM202 external. It’s taken some time but I’m finally seeing everything come together. Ready to have a tank here to plumb and actually see.

One thing I am debating is how to hang the lights.. I thought about hanging them from the ceiling but wasn’t sure how I’d like it. I also thought of hanging a sturdy shelf above the tank and having the lights hang from that, using the kit that comes with it. I guess we will see.

 

[TreyC2010]

Little by little it’s all coming together!

 

[TreyC2010]

I’ve got the first pictures of the tank today. Around 3 weeks until it’s here. Can’t wait!

 

[TreyC2010]

Starting the “seat” for my sump today. I had my tile crew come in and build this Ike we do the shower seats. We’ll tile it and then put some glass tile that my wife picked out on the wall behind the display.

Synergy sent an email that said my sump was in the Staging process so I’m hoping the sump and the tank will be ready to ship after Thanksgiving. I’ll post finished pictures of the tile work this afternoon.

 

[TreyC2010]

Finally got it grouted and wiped down a couple times. I need to change that outlet on the glass tile to a gfci outlet but everything is ready for the tank and sump.

Also looking forward to Black Friday/Cyber Monday for some Apex equipment!

 

[TreyC2010]

Ooooohhh yeah...

 

[TreyC2010]

Well I got an early surprise today. Just gotta get the other glass box and I’ll be one step closer to getting my hands wet again. This thing is huge. TS-60 from Synergy. It’s 5 feet long. I got most of my equipment much larger than necessary in case I upgraded one day. I don’t think I will but I like to be prepared and not pay twice.

 

[Eric R.]

Woah, that's a LOT of Kerdi!

Nice tile job!!!

 

[TreyC2010]

Woah, that's a LOT of Kerdi!




Nice tile job!!!

Thank you! Just trying to be over prepared. I’m usually messy once things get going.

 

[TreyC2010]

That sump room isn’t quite so neat and spacious at the moment..

I’ve had a hiccup. I knew it was 18” exactly from the end of my sump to the wall and the water tank I was going to get is 18” wide. I’m worried that they’ll be touching and one of them might bow out slightly. Gotta get another idea going for the water mixing/top off station.

Now I’m trying to line up some of these apex modules and my Ecotech and Abyzz modules. After they’re mounted and the wires routed to the back, I’ve got to mount this board to the wall some how. I got some Rubbermaid boards from Home Depot. Would most people recommend these or something else? I’m up for anyone’s opinion.

 

[TreyC2010]

I’m having some questions. I’m not sure how to organize my Apex. I’m worrying about the MDF not being moisture resistant long term and having trouble finding a good option to wall mount. I was also considering a cabinet on the right side of the sump, in front of it. I just don’t want to take up floor space and not use the wall space. I’ve went through multiple apex threads and I’m still up in the air. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[count krunk]

Wall mounting cabinet or floor cabinet are pretty much the only options.

I don't use MDF for any tank applications just because I don't want to worry about water on it and I am not going to take the time to seal it. I use decent plywood and just paint it

 

[Eric R.]

I don't use MDF for any tank applications just because I don't want to worry about water on it and I am not going to take the time to seal it. I use decent plywood and just paint it

I agree, I would just get a piece of 1/2" plywood that's large enough to mount the Apex system on, paint it, and screw it to the wall inside the cabinet.