Starting up my first big tank

[bbandu]

I just got into the reef scene about 1.5 years ago. I started with a 90g and now I am moving up to a 150g.

So here is the beginning
150g (60 x 24 x 25)

now the new skimmer

In the process of getting the materials for my stand, I am going to build a steel frame stand and put a wood facade around it that attaches with magnets.


And for the sump I am going to use a 40g breeder that I am going to add baffles to, this will also hold the refugium.

I will be picking up the steel for the frame tomorrow.

Will update this thread as the build progresses

 

[skinz78]

Right on! It is looking like you are off to a good start! Have you decided on which lights you are going to use?

 

[Uninja]

that is a beautiful tank i can wait to see how it turns out. I wish u good luck :0 and i hope it goes smoothly.

 

[bbandu]

I already have six retro fit T5's that I am going to us. I also going to add some led moonlights

 

[subdrive]

Beautiful!!!

 

[dougers31]

That looks like its going to one sweet tank when set up. Are you going to use rods to do the rock work?

 

[akabryanhall]

Alright! Nice dimensions on the tank. Will be following along with this one!

 

[re-fin-away]

I love watching new tank builds. What are your plans for the tank? Are you going SPS LPS mixed reef? Do you still have the 90 and if so what do you have that you are going to transfer into the new tank? Make sure if you do do a transfer that you use new sand in the new tank. I have heard too many stories about sand bed transfers.

 

[tangboy]

MAn oh many if my wife only let me have a tank that large! Rember to take your TIME and have lots of PATIENCE :)

 

[bbandu]

That is the plan, I never intended to buy all new for this upgrade but it looking like its going that way. I am hoping to have running by mid-next week with just wand and rock. The best part is that the sand and rock are cycling right now which will cut the overall cycle down some. I do not plan on putting anything into the tank till the end of march to early june. Going to give it plenty of cycle time and make sure the water parms ar right.

 

[tangboy]

Wow... that is some patience... I had my rock cycling forever and then tossed it in the tank, no diatoms or cyano bloom for me! I did have a small green feathery algae bloom but it won't start anywhere the snails have eaten it away. I need to get pics up! Keep us posted, I eagerly await updates!

 

[bbandu]

well its not all patience, I will assure you. My rock and sand have been cycling for about three week now. Howerver I think it is going to take me another week to week and half to finish setting up the tank.
I then have to go on travel for work for three weeks. I really do not want to put anything in the tank and then leave.

 

[sprinklerdudes]

figured out what kind of livestock ? oh, and by the way, welcome to reef 2 reef,

 

[bbandu]

I love watching new tank builds. What are your plans for the tank? Are you going SPS LPS mixed reef? Do you still have the 90 and if so what do you have that you are going to transfer into the new tank? Make sure if you do do a transfer that you use new sand in the new tank. I have heard too many stories about sand bed transfers.

well the 90g was sold and all my livestock is in my QT with some live rock.

That looks like its going to one sweet tank when set up. Are you going to use rods to do the rock work?

I do have some acrylic rods that I can use when aquascaping but I have not quite decided how its going to look right now. I have about 200lbs of live rock to
pick from.

figured out what kind of livestock ? oh, and by the way, welcome to reef 2 reef,

well I will transfer my current livestock which is yellow tang, pair of clowns, two anthias and a black sailfin blenny

 

[bbandu]

Ok so its been a week or so since I updated this thread, so here are some updated pics.

I am building my stand out of 1.5" steel tubing with a wall thickness of 3/16. The stand is not completely welded
yet, it is just tack welded. Will finish all the welding and cleaning up the welds tomorrow.

Here is the material

Top and Bottom of the stand

Have added the legs

and just some additional pics of the tack welding

After the welding and cleanup, I intend to prime the frame and coat it. I am not
quite sure what I am going to coat the stand with but I am leaning towards
herculiner.

 

[bbandu]

Ok well the gusset plates have been added and also added some tabs to us to anchor the wood facade

tomorrow I will try to finish grinding down the welds and get it primed.

 

[bbandu]

Well one step closer to getting this thing ready for wood. The steel frame has now been primed and is ready for the Hurculiner. I will start applying this tomorrow after work.

 

[skinz78]

Looking great!

 

[Jcr's Reef]

looking good!

 

[1fishkeeper]

Quick question is that a aquarium stand or a battle tank stand? But looking really good.