Bills CDA 225 gal 72x30x24 tank upgrade/SPS Dream Tank!!!

[Camaro Show Corals]

Looking good Bill!

 

[Billldg]

I picked up the 100 gal Norwesco containers today. I just cleaned the outside, I will clean the inside after I pick up some vinegar and a long brush to scrub the inside. I will probably build the stand this weekend.

I am also in the final stages of finalizing my build sheet with Zoya from CDA. Its starting to get real. ;Woot ;Woot ;Woot

 

[Billldg]

I started to cut the lumber to create the deck on which the saltwater mixing station will sit on. Forgot to get screws, so I didn't put it together, but I will pick some up tomorrow and put it together and take some pictures. I may be over building it, but with almost a ton of water sitting on it, I'm good with over building it.

 

[Billldg]

I made a change to my return pump choice. I will run 2 Ecotech M2's. I will cut out the small partition in the sump that held the filters to gain more room for the pumps.

 

[fishguy242]

cool,still expecting mixing station pic's today

 

[Billldg]

cool,still expecting mixing station pic's today

LOL, just got done with the lawn work, about to head downstairs to start.

 

[Billldg]

K, this is the official beginning of my mixing station build, lol. In case anyone wants a list of what it took to build the platform, I listed it below. The platform is 6ft x 3ft and is 2ft tall. I raised it up to 2 ft because I will install tee's with handvalves that will be pointed down in case I need to put 5 gal buckets under to get some water. I will need to get RO/DI water to fill my ATO container. The joist are 12 in on center.

6-2x6x8 pressure treated
3-4x4x8 pressure treated
1-4x8 sheet of 3/4 plywood
8 1/2 in bolts
16 1/2 in washers
8 1/2 in nuts

It may be over built, but with over 1600 pounds sitting on it, I will sleep better, lol!

I have plumbing fittings on order, and other fittings waiting on @Bulk Reef Supply to have a preferred reefers sale, lol!

 

[fishguy242]

nice,you can park a car on thatit will hold

 

[Billldg]

I just ordered a Apex EB4 for my mixing station. I have no plans on using a EB832 for a heater and a pump and I have no clue how long they will continue to make the EB4. I plan on installing a Apex PM2 module, that way I can monitor salinity and temp in my saltwater container.

 

[Clownfish2]

Billldg, what is your plan to get this tank in your house? You gonna hire your LFS or have a moving company lift it?

 

[highest_tides]

Following!

 

[Billldg]

Billldg, what is your plan to get this tank in your house? You gonna hire your LFS or have a moving company lift it?

It will be delivered by freight and then I will get several friends to help move it in.

 

[Billldg]

As much as I love my MP40's, the way the Maxspect Gyre 350 moves the water is second to none. They move such a massive amount of water, gently, that is moves the whole tank. Currently I am having trouble deciding on whether to go with 4 MP40's or 2 MP40's and 2 Gyre 350's. The only drawback to the Gyre is the maintenance. The impeller needs to be cleaned every 3 weeks or so to keep the flow up. Decisions, Decisions.

 

[Reef370]

Sorry I can’t be of any help... I have two gyre 280s and 4 mp40s... I have the best of both worlds!

Cleaning the gyres is definitely a chore but you have to what you have to do! Lol

 

[Billldg]

Sorry I can’t be of any help... I have two gyre 280s and 4 mp40s... I have the best of both worlds!

Cleaning the gyres is definitely a chore but you have to what you have to do! Lol

That's what I am looking at, the best of both worlds. I currently have a Gyre 350 and a MP40 and a MP10 in my 120 gal tank. I love that combination, but a better combination may be 2 Gyre 350's and 2 MP40's in my 225. The way the Gyre moves water is second to none. i am sure you understand when I say the Gyre moves the WHOLE tank gently.

 

[Reef370]

Yes sir I do! I think the combo you stated will work out fine in your new tank! I think we should talk to Ecotech about making a gyre that is easy to clean, that would shut down the pump market for sure! Lol

 

[TX_Punisher]

Would love to see some close ups or that shelf rock! Good thing you found a sale as they’re proud of it.

also looking at a CD tank in the future.

Sounds like a nice setup for sure.

 

[Billldg]

Would love to see some close ups or that shelf rock! Good thing you found a sale as they’re proud of it.

also looking at a CD tank in the future.

Sounds like a nice setup for sure.

I talked to Zoya at CDA, as they didn't have a sale yet and see gave me 15 percent off everything, which is the best I have seen them give sale wise. I was surprised that BRS had the Marco Shelf rock at 10 percent off for the 4th of July sale, so I jumped on it and bought 170 pounds.

 

[Reef370]

Zoya, is the best! I didn’t have any problems. Great communication, the only problem I had was the time difference, no fault to them. I didn’t mind that because I knew she would email back every time I sent an email. I’m thinking about getting my frag tank from them as well.

 

[TexAgReefer]

As much as I love my MP40's, the way the Maxspect Gyre 350 moves the water is second to none. They move such a massive amount of water, gently, that is moves the whole tank. Currently I am having trouble deciding on whether to go with 4 MP40's or 2 MP40's and 2 Gyre 350's. The only drawback to the Gyre is the maintenance. The impeller needs to be cleaned every 3 weeks or so to keep the flow up. Decisions, Decisions.

I have ultimately decided to go with 4 MP40s in my 235 for the sole purpose of maintenance. It’s one of those things I could see starting out well but 1-2 years down the road not being consistent enough.

The only question I have currently is placement. I’d like to put all 4 on the back wall. Basically an 18x30 space per MP40. May also go 2 in the back, 1 on each side.