190 Gallon Build

bamareef · Dec 13, 2014

I have purchased a used 190 gallon reef tank. It came fully operational. During the setup, I have updated and/or added some things to the tank. So far this build has been challenging from the start. During transport to my house, I had a car pull out in front of my truck, I was barely able to avoid being T-Boned. I am thankful that I missed that guy, by the way, he had no license plate. It would also be my luck that he had no insurance. I had the complete reef system, including the corals that came with the tank on my trailer. I was very fortunate that the accident didn't happen. I thought i need to go check my pants afterwards, but thankful I made it across town in one piece. So here goes starting from the beginning. I want to give thanks to all of those who helped with the tank move; Mike, Kevin, Patrick and best of all, my supervisor Harry.

Painted the stand to match our House

bamareef · Dec 13, 2014

Painted inside with Kilz primer. Installed a PVC shower pan liner to save my hardwoods in case of an water leak.

And decided to add some different substrate, so the long and lovely task of washing sand. Found out a fine mesh sifter was able to decrease washing time by 60%

bamareef · Dec 13, 2014

The tank had an traditional siphon overflow box that was very quiet and worked fine. I decided to drill the tank and install a "Herbie" style overflow system on the tank. I drilled the tank to fit 1" bulk head fittings. I purchased a RSS18 Large Overflow box from BRS. I glued it to the glass using Aquarium Safe silicon purchased from Home Depot. I drilled three holes, one each for "Herbie" drain, emergency overflow and a plugged bulkhead for future expansion if needed. I wish I would have installed a lower bulkhead fitting with a valve towards the bottom of the tank to be able to drain water from main display for water changes or whatever is needed. After drilling, I scrapped the old silicon off the corners and resealed inside of tank. Tank is an older tank. I wanted to be proactive to prevent any leaks. I also painted the back of the tank with flat black primer paint.

TJ's Reef · Dec 13, 2014

Very nice start, what are the dimensions to the tank as looks similar to a tank I just picked up as well.

Cheers, Todd

bamareef · Dec 13, 2014

Now for real test. Water and sand added to tank

bamareef · Dec 13, 2014

TJ's Reef said:
Very nice start, what are the dimensions to the tank as looks similar to a tank I just picked up as well.

Cheers, Todd

Thanks. Tank is 60" Wide, 24" Deep and 31" Tall. When I get to installing equipment, I will list descriptions of them.

fishroomlady · Dec 13, 2014

looking good!

TJ's Reef · Dec 13, 2014

Cool, was thinking it was around those dims. The Acrylic tank I just picked is currently 60x24x34 but I plan to cut it down to around 29" +- to better fit location. Looks like your making great progress.

Cheers, Todd