500 gallon basement fish den

rayn · Nov 28, 2017

jackson2424 said:
Mabey you could raise the floor in that area so the pipes go under it.

Desgada said:
Would there be an issue having a predator tank tied into your reef tank, the filtration would need to be pretty on point to handle the load so it doesnt effect the reef tank?

That was more of a question than anything. The layout looks pretty sweet, and as far as the layout goes the 40 could be a very nicely made frag tan if you are into that type of thing.

The original layout has changed dramatically. I don’t foresee a need to have piping on the ground anymore. Also the need/desire to plumb the two tanks together is also gone. I will have two systems, they will just be separate.

Still figuring out how I want to set everything up, but there is the 240 and the 120 for display tanks. Then there is a 150 wave style tank for coral grow out (at this point ). Then the various tanks for QT systems. Still a lot of work to be done before water though.

rayn · Dec 3, 2017

Had two sheets of blue board left from a different project and put them up in front of the tank. All basement walls are built and insulated. I also insulated the walls around the stand to help hold temp in. Now onto drywall!

I also picked up a trio of MH lights and ballasts today, so lights are settled. May add inT5 supplement later.

rayn · Dec 7, 2017

It’s taken me two years to get to this point! I finally have the basement how I want, with the tank built in.

dbraun15 · Dec 8, 2017

Nice progress...I used to live up north and grew up with a basement, but now living in the south, they aren't possible. Miss having one for this reason! Keep the progress rolling!

tripdad · Dec 9, 2017

That's going to be an awesome room when it's done, nice job!

rayn · Jan 1, 2018

Figured I should update to help keep track of my journey with this build.

Still trying to figure out the rock work, very small amount in the tank at the moment but I have plenty more I can add. Also debating hard about using my stock 120 as a sump for this.

But you can also see the 40b set up along the side. I am debating about using this as a stand alone refugium.

FredsNJReef · Apr 18, 2018

Any updates on this beautiful room build?

Genomecop · Apr 18, 2018

Following

rayn · Apr 18, 2018

Actually there are updates! Slow as it goes. First pic is the frag tank I just finished plumbing and am heating now. Heater will be moved to the sump once it’s all heated up. Ends up being a total of 130 gallons with the sump.

I believe the second pic is my finished rock work. It will be a reef, and currently going BB. It is holding water as you can see, but I haven’t finished plumbing it yet. 240 display with a 120 sump.

This is the “finished” basement. I still have some trim work and a bit of ceiling to finish, but it is a usable space now. Hoping to add another couch across from the tank to sit and watch it rather then the tv.

FredsNJReef · Apr 19, 2018

Looking totally awesome! Nice Challenger hood and Mopar stuff too!

rayn · Apr 19, 2018

FredsNJReef said:
Looking totally awesome! Nice Challenger hood and Mopar stuff too!

Thanks. I had to include the Mopar into the pic. Now granted the opposite wall is completely VW.

FredsNJReef · Apr 19, 2018

Haha Vee Dub in da house!
It's nice to have fellow car guys here!
Bikes/Cars/Boats here

rayn · Apr 25, 2018

Picked up a aqua excel 601 skimmer for the frag tank over the weekend. Then time got away and I haven’t set it up yet. But it will be in the sump tonight. Sump is currently cycling.

Let the wait begin.

rayn · May 20, 2018

Today marks the beginning of week 5 of my fishless cycle, started with dead silversides. Ammonia is still at .5.

Still waiting...

rayn · Nov 23, 2018

May tooooo November! I’m still here, but work is a killer. Main job, then all my side jobs are taking all my time. Even had to go out of town for work for a bit. But this long weekend gave me a chance to settle back and do some long overdue maintenance to the frag tank.

Water change, pumps cleaned, and added a auto top off. Man did they need some work too.

jsker · Nov 23, 2018

rayn said:
May tooooo November! I’m still here, but work is a killer. Main job, then all my side jobs are taking all my time. Even had to go out of town for work for a bit. But this long weekend gave me a chance to settle back and do some long overdue maintenance to the frag tank.

Water change, pumps cleaned, and added a auto top off. Man did they need some work too.

Tank your time.