Reefcowboy’s 150 gal SPS System

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

Full Tank Shot 7/2020

Hi my name is Carlos and I live on Long Island, NY. I moved here from NYC last December and finally have had time to set up my tank. I have planned this build for a few years, and seeing it now come together has been very rewarding.

I have been reefing for many years and although I like anything tank related, sps are my main passion in the hobby. Not saying Im not also crazy for nice colored lps and softies!
Here are pics of my two previous tanks.

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

When shopping for our house, I was always looking for a good spot for the tank, and found one with a room in the basement that would be perfect for it... I replaced the old carpet by vinyl planks and it all seemed to be coming together

When I moved the tank in, I realized one big mistake... forgot to check how unleveled the concrete floor was!

After staring at the tank for a few minutes, got the feeling I lived here

AtlCPA · Jun 9, 2018

Nice, looking great

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

I decided to pull up the new floor, level off the concrete and start right so that was what I did...

Laid tiles this time, as I think it will be a better option long term against any leaks or water spills

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

Ok so back to the build. The tank I chose was an SCA rimless 150 gal, pre-drilled for a 20” Synergy Reef overflow box. I also considered the Red Sea Reefer, but found the sump area and center overflow to be issues for my filtration plans. I love the SCA, 15mm starfire glass and very sharp looking.

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

When looking for a custom stand, I learned about Tony, a good stand manufacturer upstate NY who I chose to build mine. I gave him all measurements and he got me exactly what I asked for. Reinforced corners and rear with 2x4’s and side access doors. I was very happy with how it came out.

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

On to the sump. My wife asked me to keep all equipment inside the stand, she didnt want ATO and dosing containers out cluttering the room. I wanted as big as possible sump, and an ATO and 3 part dosing container that would support the tank for at least a week without need for refill.

I decided to get a custom sump, and my local guy pulled it through for me. The colors I chose were to match my existing Apex controller equipment. The overall length of the three pieces is 56”.

The sump is 40”x18”x18”. The dosing and ATO containers 8x18”x18”.

Pmj · Jun 9, 2018

Very, very nice. Love everything so far.

fishybizzness · Jun 9, 2018

I didn't know that sca made a rimless.. I'm currently thinking about a sca 150 as well but I thought they all came eurobraced.. interesting.

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

I added an extra compartment to the sump, figured could use it to store frags, media or even a calcium reactor down the line although Im very satisfied with 3 part dosing. The walls have holes so flow easily passes through.
I made frag shelves that can be removed/stacked. I also made a clear cover in case I ever decided to store any fish/invertebrate without risk of it jumping over to the return pump section.

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

fishybizzness said:
I didn't know that sca made a rimless.. I'm currently thinking about a sca 150 as well but I thought they all came eurobraced.. interesting.

I initially had ordered the eurobraced, but it wouldnt let me install the overflow box without considerably dropping the water level in the tank.

SCA came out with the rimless version about two years ago when I bought it. I returned the eurobraced and got the rimless. REALLY glad I did!

fishybizzness · Jun 9, 2018

I want to do a synergy overflow as well but with the eurobraced tank it would be very difficult to access the weir section for cleaning. I definitely think this is the route I will take. Thanks for the info,. Following!

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

fishybizzness said:
I want to do a synergy overflow as well but with the eurobraced tank it would be very difficult to access the weir section for cleaning. I definitely think this is the route I will take. Thanks for the info,. Following!

Ask for the 150 Gal “Version 2”. Thats what they call the rimless one. The overflow outside allows for much easier aquascaping, and the 20” box can keep up with serious flow, if needed.

NY_Caveman · Jun 9, 2018

This is looking great so far! If those past tanks are any indication, this is going to be sweet!

fishybizzness · Jun 9, 2018

Awesome build! I'm definitely thinking of going this same route!

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

Got the lighting and supplies for this bad boy...I had been running Orphek and Radion G4 Pros, loved both.

For this build I will go with a Giesemann Spectra MH/T5. Nothing wrong with leds, I just had insane growth and color with halides and wanted to go that route now. Im curious to see if I notice differences from my last led set ups.

Im still undecided if I will add the new Orphek blue strips or retrofit kessils for blues/dusk & dawn. Blue leds for pop are a MUST!

Next on to the custom algae scrubber....

jp_75 · Jun 9, 2018

so far really strong! following!

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

As for nutrient control, I ran refugiums and had great results. In my last tank dosed NoPoX and although it worked, felt it was hard to keep some stuff that sps need in the water. Ive come to realize with the amount of light ill hit the corals with the Spectra, I will need to keep some nitrates and phosphates to get the colors that I target.

Issue is I dont have room for a large refugium and in my experience tunning nutrients with Chaeto can become tricky. I had some serious sps friends who ran algae scrubbers and I was pleased to the simplicity and how effective they are. It will be difficult to skip GFO use(my goal) but if I can keep filtration as natural as possible, I will be happy.

I had space in the rear of the sump, above the heater holders. I designed a scrubber that would sit on the sump baffle and acrylic legs. I also needed a big enough screen to handle a large bioload, as I plan to load this box with Anthias through time

Reefcowboy · Jun 9, 2018

So the build must go on... the screen size is 8” X 12”. Both screen sides should handle my system without issues. I designed a tray that will support a splash guard, although the led bars I chose are waterproof. I got a pump that would hit the target flow of 35 gals per 1” of screen.