300 Gallon Tank Build

[J&K Reefers]

I am beginning a new tank build with a used 300 gallon acrylic tank. I just picked up the tank on Saturday 5/6. I will be wet sanding with 1000 and 2000 grit paper then finishing with the 3 step Novus polish. I will try to keep posting pictures to show the progress. I plan to empty both of my current tanks (170 and 120) into the 300 when it’s ready. Any thoughts or should I start fresh.

 

[blaxsun]

If you don't have any issues in your existing tanks it certainly saves on salt/new water.

 

[J&K Reefers]

No issues, but I have decided to keep my Reefer 750 XXL up and going. It’s been running since September and is finally starting to get coralline algae and thing are growing like crazy. I spent all weekend working on the new tank. Here is my progress.

 

[J&K Reefers]

It is not perfect, but a far cry better and once I get water in it most of the scratches left will be near invisible. Now on to building a stand.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Can't wait to see it once it is filled!!!

 

[J&K Reefers]

Sorry it’s been so long since my last post, but a change in mindset has added a lot of time to this build. In this amazing hobby you hear all the time and if you are like me say to others “be patient, nothing good comes fast”. That is something I struggle with, but have managed to grasp with this project. I want to do this RIGHT, so I decided to have my LFS (Biggs Lagoon) do the plumbing on my 300 gallon tank. As a result it has extended the time on this build. So I decided to spend more time re-sanding the tank to get as many scratches out as possible, this time starting with 400 grit sandpaper. I have built the stand and just need to put the side panels and doors on it. I will order the plumbing parts and a second pump today, install is scheduled for 6/14. More to come!!

 

[J&K Reefers]

After roughly 15 more hours of sanding and polishing here are the results. Still a few scratches, but I am very happy I took the extra time to get this tank looking the best I could. If anyone is interested I can explain my process.

 

[Haggisman14]

looks like you did a dang good job from over here!

 

[Wasteoftime247]

That's a lot of sanding but it is "clearly" worth it in the end. dang I'm punny as hell. Looking forward to seeing the plumbing work!

 

[J&K Reefers]

Started painting the stand last night and will finish today. More pictures to come. I want to start getting equipment like power heads and lights. Any thoughts on if it is worth spending the money on an MP60 vs MP40? I bought Nico Bars already and plan to combine Radion XR30’s with them. Will let you know what I end up with.

 

[Rennurdoar]

Started painting the stand last night and will finish today. More pictures to come. I want to start getting equipment like power heads and lights. Any thoughts on if it is worth spending the money on an MP60 vs MP40? I bought Nico Bars already and plan to combine Radion XR30’s with them. Will let you know what I end up with.

Great start so far! Looking good! I definitely think the mps are worth it just for keeping wires out of the tank.

 

[J&K Reefers]

I wasn’t clear about my flow question. Would it be best to use an MP60 on this tank or MP40? The dimensions are 7’x3’x2’. I also will be using 2 maxspect jump 10K’s.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

After roughly 15 more hours of sanding and polishing here are the results. Still a few scratches, but I am very happy I took the extra time to get this tank looking the best I could. If anyone is interested I can explain my process.

Fantastic job!!

 

[1ocean]

Just sharing here....I got a 300 bare bottom except for far right back corner has sand for wrasses. I got two mp40's One pushing along bottom from left and second mid tank from left. Two gyres, one on each side and two vca random flow gen on the two returns from the sump , one on e the far left and one on far right corner. I get lots of flow

 

[J&K Reefers]

Thanks, that makes me feel better. I also have 2 maxspect 4K gyres to go along with the 2 maxspect 10K jumps. My returns will be in the middle of the tank with Y attachments. I will give the MP40’s a try.

 

[billyocean]

Thanks, that makes me feel better. I also have 2 maxspect 4K gyres to go along with the 2 maxspect 10K jumps. My returns will be in the middle of the tank with Y attachments. I will give the MP40’s a try.

If you can go mp60s...go mp60s and turn them down. Better to have extra power on deck

 

[J&K Reefers]

That makes sense. Running them at lower capacity should make them last longer as well.

 

[J&K Reefers]

Plumbing is finished. I filled the tank with tap water to make sure everything runs properly. I am running 2 return pumps and made sure there are no leaks. I found the inside of the tank has a haze from the sanding and polishing, so I will have to spend a little more time getting that cleared up. I will post again when I fill with salt water, sand and rock.

 

[CHIEF_OF_THE_REEF]

My vote is MP60s, again because you can run them lower which will make them last longer, but also because of the noise level the 40s may have being turned up to almost max.

I have a 375, 8 ft long tank. My 60s are on the far ends and the 40s are on the back wall. My 40s are only running 40 percent, but it is only really for the surface movement and the front to back as my tank is 36 inches front to back if that makes sense.

 

[J&K Reefers]

We have water in the 300!

I finally have water and rock in my new 300 gallon tank. Pictures will follow.