230 Gal tank build step by step

[Calgary007newreefguy]

So I am a new member to this forum and I am just getting back into the hobby (move to a house that has the appropriate space) and I was going to post my bnuild ever step of the way and hoping for suggestions and advise along the way. Here is the low down

• 230 Gal - display tank (going mixed coral and fish)
  • so the tank I purchased has no over flow so I will be drilling and installing a real over flow myself
• going to put a 90 Gal custom sump and refugium
• will be putting a Neptune apex automated system (as budget allows)
• setting up a mixing/fish room beside the display tank in my existing storage room
  • To start I will have 2 - 45 gal drums one for RO water and one for salt (will grow in capacity in time)
  • fully automatic tank water change and ATO system

First question I am seeing a mix online but the last tank I had was 150 gal and all plumbing was 1" hard pipe PVC. will that suffice for a 230 Gal system (total water volume of 300 gal)? I assume I am going to need to return pump over 2500 gal per hour

initial "before" pics below

 

[code4]

Nice tank! You have your work cut out. Love the tree.

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[Calgary007newreefguy]

So i did a rough sketch of the over flow a sump plumbing so I can build a materials list. (PDF attached)

hope to go shopping today - also got a line on a used RO/DI unit, I may have to drive a ways for that.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Following!

 

[Calgary007newreefguy]

So I picked up the tank and it was heavier than expected, LOL this is her

 

[Calgary007newreefguy]

I started getting pieces together for the build and set up the mixing station. I also picked up a 45 gal tank to build my sump/refugium out of.

 

[Calgary007newreefguy]

A little disappointed in the Eheim pump I purchased. I am sure it will do the job but I didnt realize it only came with push on fittings not threaded.

Tomorrow I will start building the sump and drilling the glass in the display tank for the over flow and returns.

 

[Calgary007newreefguy]

so.... I drilled the tank. went not bad. a little rough will be covered by bulk heads or an acrylic cover.

 

[Calgary007newreefguy]

So I made some progress this weekend. It has been a while since I updated but O have the tank in place and cleaned. I had the glass cut to fabricate a rear mount over flow. I turned the 66 gal used tank into a sump w/refugium. just finished silicone the over flow on. Also completed the mixing room and started making water........

 

[Calgary007newreefguy]

Tank update..... tank is placed, aqua scape complete, beginning cycle with fish. Black Friday brought an Apex system.....installed. Running out of room may have to rethink some placement.

 

[Calgary007newreefguy]

Added AWC