New 200G Bowfront build! Need advice please!

[Reefrookie733]

Hello All,
Thank you for the great reception. I have acquired several pieces over the years and now that i have ALOT of time on my hands i would like to try to put this thing together. Here are some pictures of what i have so far.

 

[Reefrookie733]

Ok, so i'm pretty lost thus far with the build part. I am really trying to figure out how to get the preexisting plumbing down to the sump with the least turns to reduce pressure. Are there any diagrams/videos for how to make that happen? Thank you all!
Wes

 

[Ucyibd1]

When I went through the floor with my build, I used spa flex hose. It is flexible PVC.

 

[Reefrookie733]

I am using the stand that came with the tank, but obviously there's always concern for a wooden stand to get weaker over time? I realize that a metal stand would work better but based on looking at this one do you think this will suffice holding 200G of water + all the rock ?? I will post a couple more pictures of the inside of the bottom. Thanks!
Wes

 

[joseserrano]

You can build a stand pretty easy and cheap. Make super over build for be little money. You also do not want to resume plumbing. Buy new, not worth things potentially leaking or cracking

 

[Reefrookie733]

Here's a couple more pictures of my stand. I wonder if i can reinforce it below with anything just as a precautionary measure?

 

[joseserrano]

If you plan on keeping the tank for a while, build the stand. It will be less than 200 bucks for a significant peace of mind

 

[Reefrookie733]

Ok so been about 6 weeks to get to the "cycling" part but it's a step in the right direction. Took alot longer to drill the rock just like i wanted to and plumbing it. But here is phase 2 of the build. Saltwater, rock, sand in place and now ready to move onto getting the chemistry good! I have to say the filter sock is actually doing a really good job especially considering how much crap was in it after i put the sand in, and i rinsed the heck out of the sand!

 

[KleineVampir]

Where's your overflow and sump? Seems like I saw them but I don't see them connected. I dunno about that powerstrip.

I love your doors!

 

[KleineVampir]

Well I guess you don't have built-in overflows. Those pipes don't look too big. You're gonna be running your sump on the other side of the wall? For 200 gallons you're gonna need a pretty serious return pump and overflows. Otherwise your filtration system just won't be doing much.

 

[Reefrookie733]

Well I guess you don't have built-in overflows. Those pipes don't look too big. You're gonna be running your sump on the other side of the wall? For 200 gallons you're gonna need a pretty serious return pump and overflows. Otherwise your filtration system just won't be doing much.

Here are some pics of my sump. Its a 75G but only half full obviously. I am just orgainizing my equipment on the back side while the tank cycles, ie RO, booster pump, Apex, skimmer. Just trying to work out a good flow for things. Any suggestions from anyone?


and yes i do have dual overflows on my DT if thats what you were asking.

 

[KleineVampir]

My concern is that the overflow pipes aren't big enough. But maybe I'm wrong! I mean I have a 40 gallon system and I run 700 gph through it. I found that upping the GPH was huge to making the sump actually work. For you I have to imagine that you'd want to run at least double that...1400 gph. I'd feel a lot better about this setup if you had a couple 2-inch pipes.

 

[Reefrookie733]

My concern is that the overflow pipes aren't big enough. But maybe I'm wrong! I mean I have a 40 gallon system and I run 700 gph through it. I found that upping the GPH was huge to making the sump actually work. For you I have to imagine that you'd want to run at least double that...1400 gph. I'd feel a lot better about this setup if you had a couple 2-inch pipes.

Well for overflow I’ve got 2 x 3/4 inch siphon drains and then 2 x 1 inch emergency drains.

 

[KleineVampir]

Yeah I don't think you have emergency drains right now. You just have 4 drains. Lol. Check this out, credit goes to the king of diy...I ripped this picture off his video. But it's helpful.

 

[KleineVampir]

If I were you I'd probably up the 3/4 drains to 1.5 inchers and leave the emergency drains as is.

 

[Reefrookie733]

Ok so quick update to my 200G Bowfront build. It's been almost 2 months and I finally started my fishless cycling process yesterday with ammonia and Dr. Tim's One and Only. I will test ammonia and nitrites in a few days and post results. Working on putting my Apex (older model) together.

 

[Reefrookie733]

Also getting my Apex setup. This thing is pretty cool! Trying to figure out how to get video of my tank too!

 

[Reefrookie733]

Just a quick update. Still cycling tank but got my lights situated in the canopy. Had to do some cutting but I think they turned out ok.

 

[Reefrookie733]

Here is a quick update on my 200G build. Attached are a few pictures. It has been up and running for about 4 months now and all of the parameters seem to be doing well. I ordered some frags from a place online. They were extremely tiny. Maybe that's what you get when you order online? The Green Star Polyp and the Green Ricordea I got from a LFS. They seem to be doing very well.

Any suggestions are highly encouraged! lol

Thanks
RR

 

[southerntnreefer]

Beautiful build!!!