Tank Upgrade -Innovative Marine- 170 EXT build Thread

[SinCityRee4r]

So I am way behind on this so it will start out as a photo dump by progression. New tank received on January 16, 2025. I had to break down my old 120G and do some repairs due to it had been there for 8 years.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

I moved all of my livestock and rock down into my basement in a 150G stock tank. where it has been since the 120G breakdown.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

Tank arrived on January 16, 2025 Crate was a little banged up but everything arrived in tact.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

I assembled the stand and the Mrs. nearly had a nervous breakdown when she saw just the stand in place

 

[SinCityRee4r]

Note: I’m no fool I added additional support below the tank does sit on 5 floor joists and is against the outside wall too.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

So since I could not line up the guys to set the tank on the stand I had my Bashsea 3618 sump and the tank so I took all my measurements and drew up some prefabrication drawings and pre build all piping before the tank got set on the stand.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

My next hurdle was for all of my apex modules and other equipment controllers. As all know the APS stand is all open with nothing to mount to. I found a custom clip here on the forum using APS cam clips and 3D printed brackets. I install everything using cellulose 1/2” PVC panels on the 2 ends and left quadrant where the sump does not extend.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

Next task took a bit of time I built my own controller boards. The main board on the right end is easily removable by utilizing some french clips. all power blocks are mounted on the back of the panels with 3D printed holders.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

I decided to install a 1080AH EPS unit. I cut an outlet into the wall and ran all wiring to the basement where the Ecoflow unit is located. this will run all of my wavemakers and return pump for at least 6 hours which is plenty of time to start the genny.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

Finally Water test day!! This was a life lesson. I decided to fill the display and let it fill the sump after the display.(Never will do that again) Let’s say this did not go well. I left the paper on the bottom of the new Bashsea sump and to my surprise it had a hairline crack across the bottom which was not evident from the top until water weight got into the sump. Let’s just say I learned to move really fast. Quickly pumped it out, guessing 2-3 gallons made it onto the floor. tore everything apart removed the bottom panel and got fans running on the hardwood floor for 3 days. Got lucky this time.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

This last situation got the creative DIY mind going. I run leak detection in stand and behind. I want to know there’s a problem before it’s a real problem so I built a custom Drip pan which will contain 6 gallons before i’m in deep dodo. I built this out of cellulose PVC also and it slides right in on top of factory panel.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

Next it was time for my custom canopy. I mulled this one through my mind for quite some time. I wanted a canopy to block out light spill in the living room but also wanted easy full top side access so this is what I came up with. the front panel also flips up for feeding and easy general maintenance. I painted anything wood with white pond armor.
I will post finished pictures soon. I am planning on painting this hopefully this weekend. Paint store was able to match the APS stand color perfectly.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

Sump update Bashee provided a replacement sump body at no cost. it took almost 2 months. I had white with grey originally but their cutting table had issues and had no white in stock so after 2 months waiting I decided to switch to blue and grey and this was sent right out. Had this in hand in 3 days. Big shoutout to @Saltwateraquarium.com and the @Bashsea team!
Before installing the new sump I also put down some race deck garage flooring so any water that got under the sump would dry right out.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

So water test 2.0 finally happened. Had a loose union but other than that success. let it run for the week and dialed in the drains and returns. Wife actually caught me smiling this time.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

Now that we have no more water running on the floor. I set up the New MDP-10000 manifold pump for my UV and reactors.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

So this week I got sand and 100Galloms of water in the display. I was expecting new lights to show up this week but they are delayed another week due to tariff non sense. I plan on moving rich without coral in the display. trying not to set up they lighting 2x but if delayed more that a week I may have to set up the old lights temporarily through the marineland power filter in the display to capture some of the sediment in the water.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

Finally had a chance to get 1st coat of paint on the canopy. Color match with the stand looks to be a solid match. Going to do 3 nice even coats.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

I also had some time to move in the new stand (reclaimed this end up shelf) And replace the 20L with a 36 x 18 x 10 28G frag tank so I now have some room to frag stuff in my stock tank where everything has been living since February. Don’t mind the crooked light it’s missing a hanger lol. ordered a new pair today.

 

[SinCityRee4r]

So the tank has now been running for a week and a half. I have been working out a few things and fixing a few things but so far very happy with my Scape. Lots of room for Coral with this new tank. here a few pictures.

 

[Typhon]

Looking great! Planning to get the IM 200 Ext in next couple of months. So following along for ideas.