245 mixed reef build

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 21, 2018

Found a great deal on a used 245 GLA show tank 72x30x26. Starfire glass front and sides. Drilled,Two 2in drains, Four 3/4 returns ..one will be a emergency drain. Also has two covered with glass, two 2in drains I won’t be using on the bottom. Not sure of the brand of overflow but it’s 20x7 and only across the top center back. I believe it was setup for a bean drain. Stand is solid but needs skinned. I’ve had it two weeks and I’m rolling along pretty good. I had a 125 mixed reef 3 years ago...after losing so much in a move. I sold everything. Any advice or opinions are welcome. This will be my first sump system and it will be in the basement with a fish area. Tank is on the first floor.

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 21, 2018

Starting point.

jsker · Jul 21, 2018

That is the start to a great system!!:)

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 21, 2018

Taped out where the tank would be. Doubled up my floor joists. And screwed them together every foot with 2 screws, then 6 inches between that with one. High psi breaking strength screws. Two floor jack/beams. Not that hard or costly for peace of mind.

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 21, 2018

This plumbing was on the tank. One of the top holes inside the tank has a pipe on it just above the overflow water line also. Bean drain setup? The pipe is white so plan on painting it black,can’t find black pvc...as the back is black. I ordered black line lock for the 3 returns inside the tank. And blue pvc pipe ..grey fittings for outside plumbing.

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 21, 2018

I already have 3-40 gallon breeder tanks. I order a Fuji sump kit for one. I’m thinking about drilling another one and making a refugium.

Flippers4pups · Jul 21, 2018

Nice size!

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 21, 2018

This thing is huge! So many skimmer choices.. The reviews where good and the price wasn’t bad.

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 21, 2018

Getting my equipment together. I have more on order

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 21, 2018

130lbs of rock so far.

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 21, 2018

Painted the room and got the tank in the house. That was fun.. used heavy duty moving straps. Time to finish the stand. Adding doors and trim. Would of been even wider with it on getting in the front door.

SPR1968 · Jul 22, 2018

That’s a great looking tank and thanks for all the pictures!

And welcome to R2R as well!

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 22, 2018

Thank you!

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 28, 2018

Basement fish area is coming together nicely.

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 28, 2018

Drilled 2 of my 40 breeders today after watching a few videos online. Super easy. Assembled my sump kit.

Flippers4pups · Jul 28, 2018

Nice progress!

Williamson’s Reef · Jul 29, 2018

Flippers4pups said:
Nice progress!

As much extra plumbing as I ordered... I’m still short 2 pieces...lol. Another BSR order should be here Wednesday and I’ll start plumbing. Also ordered a DYI screen top, Trigger 10 Gallon ATO reservoir and 2- 55 Gallon food grade barrels.