Hubtech's 210 Mixed Reef Build

Hubtech · Feb 19, 2018

Hey guys, brief intro.....I'm basically new to reefing. I have three tanks all setup within the last 6-8 months; a 46 mixed tank, a 90 FOWLR, and a 50 Lowboy frag system. As it happens with many of us.... I've been bitten by the reefing bug. Over the last 3-4 months I've been deal hunting, snagging all of my bits and pieces to build up my system. Before I start picture dumping, I figured I'd lay out my plans and equipment, just in case I'm missing something.

Equipment:

210G Aqueon Reef Ready Tank
Custom built stand to match cabinetry in our home
75G Aqueon Tank (relegated to sump duty)
RO 202-S for all skimming
Jebao CP-40 x 2 Gyres (have some of these in my current tanks and LOVE them
Jebao PP 15 x 1 just in case I need some more flow somewhere
Jebao DCT9 2300 GPH return pump
Deltec Kalk Stirrer
Tunze 3155 ATO
Neptune Apex Controller
AI Hyrda 52HD x2 and 26hd x2 (I currently only have one 26hd..hunting a bargain on another)
Ehiem Jäger 300w heater x 2

Methodology:
Keep it simple.....stupid. I know I'm new... so I lack the years of experience many of you guys have, but I am an avid researcher and have learned a thing or two from running these 3 tanks all at once fairly manually. For this system I'm going to be running as large of a fuge as I can fit in the 75. I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with chaeto or find another fun effective macro for my nutrient export. I will be running the Deltec Kalk Stirrer inline with my ATO to take care of Cal/Alk/PH while I assess my tanks needs and desires.

Hubtech · Feb 19, 2018

Cabinet builder just dropped off my stand... she's a beauty!

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I've got all nail holes filled, corners caulked, primed, and sanded already

Hubtech · Feb 19, 2018

Under Cabinet Lighting & a bit of a Fitting oops!

So the cabinet is painted and looks amazing! using a nice alkyd paint, super strong, zero voc, etc etc. looks awesome and is hard as a rock, AND matches the cabinets in our house so it just kind of helps the 210g aquarium to blend in....right....

Anyway, Today I have lit the cabinet and it looks spectacular. I am a smart home enthusiast, and had picked up some Osram Lightify under cabinet strips at Lowes a while back when they were blowing them out. 6' of these color changeable lights, and the white interior of the cabinet makes for a great amount of lighting! Once I start finishing out the cabinet, I'll clean up the wiring for everything so dont worry about the dangling cords. Check out the shots below:

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I won't say I messed up but.... I messed up a little bit here. My cabinet maker and I must have had a miscommunication and I just caught it. One of the main reasons I wanted a 36" tall cabinet was for the internal space. I didn't realize he was going to soak up 3" of that with the bottom platform. That being said, my 75G tank fits with enough room for me to get my arm in it.. so that's a win but I can't get my skimmer body in/out once I set everything in from the back. I dont foresee this as a big issue, as I can disassemble the skimmer, just can't get the body out so all cleanings will have to be done in sump which is a bit of a bummer but it is what it is. Here's the rest of the pictures for the day. Enjoy!!

This is the 75G "sump" in place. You can also see I warmed up the color of the LEDs.

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Here you can see the skimmer and return pumps in their assumed positions. No baffles yet, so nothings set in stone.

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Question for you guys.. Should I put the back of the cabinet back on or leave it off? Gas Exchange? cool ambient lighting from the cabinet lights if I want? What says you?

Hubtech · Feb 19, 2018

Reserved for Progress 3

Hubtech · Feb 19, 2018

Reserved for progress 4

Daniel@R2R · Feb 19, 2018

Oo! Looks like this one is gonna be great! Following!

Hubtech · Feb 19, 2018

mdbannister said:
Oo! Looks like this one is gonna be great! Following!

Awe, you say that to all the glass cages.

Hubtech · Feb 22, 2018

Well the stand is painted and curing for another day or two. Planning out my 75g Sump design. once more. . . KISS. 3 section fuge with each end being fed by an overflow. 30G fuge > Return< Skimmer .