TD2K and Protagonist's 225 gal Slowest Reef Tank Build in History

[TD2K]

Realized we had not started an official "Build Thread". We are finally making some progress once again.

72"x30"x24" tall tank w/ dual overflows, PVC bottom, starphire glass on front and sides. Tank and stand built by Planet Aquariums in Dallas.

 

[TD2K]

Custom built 60 gallon polypropylene 'fuge w/ 30 gallon "overflow" capacity and 15 gallon ATO Reservoir.
Reef Octopus SRO-XP3000I Skimmer
Will have to look at the pump for model #, can't remember

 

[TD2K]

 

[TD2K]

300# of Figi live rock, came in last Thursday and started the curing process.

Our LFS was kind enough to loan us the rubbermaid container, saved us from having to buy one for 3 or 4 weeks of use and then probably give away because we don't really have room to store it.

The rock had some really nice pieces, several really large ones that will make a great aquascape. I opened one 50# box and it only had 3 rocks in it, one of them has to be 20 or 25#.

Checked ammonia yesterday, it was off the charts. Will do a big water change soon and then put our skimmer in there to start really cleaning it up.

 

[wysiwyg]

wow looking really nice keep the updates coming

 

[TD2K]

started the plumbing last night, got quite a bit done.

Still have to paint the pieces that show (the 3/4" pieces that come out of the overflow to attach to the Loc-Line) Then I can install those.

Here is what we got done on the under side. I was told by a friend of FB that the check valve is the wrong kind, I need the flapper kind. Didn't even think about that, have one coming today. Will swap out tonight, then just need to attached the flex hoses and I should be nearly done.
The one leg of the cross connection that has the shut-off and the hose barb will be to drain the fuge for a water change. I hope it works as planned.

 

[TD2K]

I may end up changing the line to the pump by putting a 90* elbow on it so it comes out towards the front of the tank. Where it is now, it would be RIGHT up against the side of the stand once we get the cabinet built. I didn't realize how long that 2" union shut-off valve really is. Thought 2' would be enough space, turns out the plumbing plus the pump is about 2'-.75". We could have that side of the cabinet built out a bit, or put a vent there to make it look "planned", but I don't want to be limited on what we can do because of my mistake.

 

[TD2K]

After some reading I ended up taking the check valve out of the plumbing altogether. I designed the sump have more than enough room in case of a power outage (30 gals of "overflow" space, no more than 15 gals should drain out during an outage).

Last night I assembled and painted the return lines. Will screw in a Loc-Line 90* elbow "Y", into each end of these, then add the flex Loc-Line to that "Y". I'll have 4 lines per overflow, so 8 total. It may be overkill, but I can control the flow with the ball valves I have on each return line.

Used Krylon Fusion satin black spray paint, think it turned out pretty nice.

I need to pull that drain cap out and paint it as well. I can see it through the slots of the overflow and it will get the best of my OCD before too long.

Shot of the overall plumbing. I got the black hoses because I didn't want an algae problem down the road. They are really stiff, had a heck of a time getting them over the barbs and in place, but I wrestled through it (may have said a few 4-letter words in the process). I hope they'll be OK in the long run.

Going to do a tap water test in the near future and work out any issues.

 

[revsgirl]

Lookin' good!! Can't wait to see how it comes along!!

 

[TD2K]

Did a large (50 gal) water change on the live rocks last night. Pulled out several dead worms from the rocks. They didn't look like bristle worms, more like earthworms or something. They were dead though, so I tossed em.

will check ammonia again tonight, see if it's still off the charts (dark blue-green color)

 

[Aquaph8]

Looking great except for that OU helmet, go horns!!! Looking forward to some water in that bad boy

 

[TD2K]

Looking great except for that OU helmet, go horns!!! Looking forward to some water in that bad boy

|m| (that's my best HORNS DOWN)

Boomer Sooner.

 

[Saltgator]

Great build thread started so far. Keep the updates coming, can't wait to see this wet either.

 

[revhtree]

Gonna be awesome I know it! Roll Tide!

 

[uall8up]

What an amazing tank. Looks awesome. Can't wait to watch this come together.

 

[TD2K]

thanks everybody. we're really excited to finally be making some actual progress.

 

[chort55]

Looks great so far! What are your plans as far as livestock/ coral (mixed/ sps... what?????????????????)

 

[TD2K]

mixed reef. love sps, but also wanna have some softies, LPS, clams, etc in there as well.

 

[Protagonist]

Yup... I have been working pretty hard on that tank....

 

[TD2K]

more like "working pretty hard at my 2nd job for extra money so my wife can buy goodies for the tank"