Roses' Reef Tank Build Elos 200 XL

My nick is Reef4Rose. Rose is my precious 2 year old. I have been thinking about a tank for a year plus now. Returning after decades removed from a saltwater tank. This will be my daughter and I's fun. Never had corals before. The tank is waiting patiently in the garage for a stand. That's Rose in the tank. She loves to visit her tank. She says "see big tank daddy". She loves going to the LFS. The tank will be between the living and dining room under the archway. So here's what I have so far:
A place to put it!
Elos 200 xl 250 gallons 78.75Lx31.5Dx23.5H
Bashsea SS60 Sump
Nyos Quantum 220 skimmer
Eheim 300 watt heaters
RO DI unit.
Some Tonga Pedestal rock
Still need lots! Mainly lights, return pumps, substrate/rock and of course salt.
Looking forward to getting this party started!

 

What a little sweetheart she is!

 

Yes she is very sweet and so smiley. This tank will be our therapy as we recently lost her gramma tragically and suddenly.

 

I'm sorry for your loss.

 

Maybe her first fish should be a Royal Gramma. Really beautiful and girly colors.

 

Thanks...

 

That is a definitely colorful and a good idea.

 

What a beautiful aquarium

 

Can't wait to see more!

 

Looks like stand will be made out of 80/20 aluminum. Need to get that ordered tomorrow. Changed out skimmer to the Nyos 220. Hopefully have water in it soon. Stand takes 7 days plus freight.

 

Moving along. Some pedestal rock, NYOS 220 Skimmer, RODI unit and Bashsea SS60 Sump have arrived. Ordered welded metal stand today should be done in a couple weeks. Changed from doing t-slot extruded aluminum. Still need some plumbing parts, return pump, lights and salt.

 

Progress...
Stand is finally done!
Playing with aquascape.

 

This looks awesome. What are you doing for lighting?

 

Lighting is the final piece I need to decide on. I've gone from considering something architectural or interior design perspective utilizing pendants fitted with high quality led floods to kessil to? May create a floating or suspended canopy to house fixtures. Any and all lighting options would be welcomed.

 

21ledusa.com has a flood style bulb using Cree led's with internal fan for 65 per bulb. Seems intriguing as they would allow usage of a fixture built purchased or designed. Does anyone know of or have any experience with this type of product?

 

is that a custom stand? I was hoping to see what a elos absolute stand looks like for the 200xl

 

Yes I had the stand made. Will eventually get a wood wrap.

 

A little dry run...

 

how thick is the 2x2 stock on that stand?

 

I'd have to ask what gauge he used. It is sealed so I can't see it. When I saw the raw stock it appeared to be at least .125" thick