The Good, Bad, and Great SCA 187 build

[Demonic]

So about a year ago I sold off my 93 cube and decided to upgrade. After several quotes from companies I decided on SCA to build my tank.

After several emails back and forth we finally settled in on the tank dimensions and a few special requests. Got the tank in around Aug ‘17, where it sad for about 18 months due to work and home life getting in the way.

Fast forward to this week. I finally uncrate the tank.....I find this

Now at this point I’m stressed to the max as I should have inspected the tank when it arrived. So I email Steve the pics of the tank and fully expect him to say good luck with your adventure. Then I call almost immediately afterward because I have no patience. He’s super busy and says he will get right back to me. Didn’t know they got some weather in and forced him to scramble with some things.

So I call the next morning and Steve says send me an email with the dimensions and the requests and I will have one out on Monday. WHAT!!!! He says that’s how we operate. Holy Cow! I have never met a company that would ever think of doing that.

If Steve’s out there a big thank you goes out. This build is because of you!

Now that is getting taken care of the build is back on.

Here is what I have or coming so far.

Tank: SCA 187 gallon 60Lx30Wx24H - drilled for Synergy 16” overflow
Sump: Bashsea SS-48
Lighting: AquaticLife 48” 4x54 Hybrid with 3 Noopsyche LED lights
Return Pump: Jebao DC pump (I think it’s a 6000)
Skimmer: Bubble Magus Curve 9 (I’m a skimmer junkie so this always changes)
Heater: Finnex Titanium
Controller: Apex
Water movement: Jebao pumps with Apex control and a gyre (Also will change)

I haven’t decided on a fuge or algae reactor yet but I want the extra space in the sump for a frag grow out area. I have a CPR hang on back refugium but still unsure what to do there.

Rock is currently cooking in muriatic acid

 

[408Dartfish]

Great to hear that SCA has great customer service. Best luck to the rest of your build. Dustin

 

[dantimdad]

Wow! That is some serious service!

Well done SCA!

 

[Demonic]

Thanks, hopefully it continues on a good path.

I got the stand built for the sump the other day and started on the stand for the tank today

Sump stand

[

 

[Demonic]

Start of the main display stand

 

[Demonic]

Should be able to finish the stand tomorrow.

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

following nice looking build are you mixing hard woods with softwoods?

 

[Demonic]

following nice looking build are you mixing hard woods with softwoods?

I am, trying to keep the stand as light as possible and put some shelves with lights in. It wont have a sump underneath so making the most of the room available

 

[Demonic]

Got a little more done today, hopefully get it finished by Tuesday.

Then start the rock work. Took it out of the acid bath tonight and will start soaking it in water tomorrow

 

[Demonic]

Got a little more done today, hopefully get it finished by Tuesday.

Then start the rock work. Took it out of the acid bath tonight and will start soaking it in water tomorrow

 

[Devaji]

wow great job SteveC from SCA aquariums for the tank the is amazing CS right there after 18 months most builders would sat not out fault. I had there 90 cube then sold if off for a biger tank. but have gotten many quotes for custom tank build over the last 2 years always a pleasure talking to them. so a big shout out to SCA aquariums!

I am excited to see how this comes together.

 

[Demonic]

wow great job SteveC from SCA aquariums for the tank the is amazing CS right there after 18 months most builders would sat not out fault. I had there 90 cube then sold if off for a biger tank. but have gotten many quotes for custom tank build over the last 2 years always a pleasure talking to them. so a big shout out to SCA aquariums!

I am excited to see how this comes together.

Yeah, I couldn't believe it. I will recommend them anytime anyone mentions a new tank. I hate to see it sit there, its such a beautiful tank to go to waste.

I have to go get some more 1/4" Oak wood as I didn't plan for the inside area being so deep but I think I will like it more. Ordered some LED lighting for the inside and a couple gallons of resin for the top.

 

[Demonic]

Finally got the stand bottom done. I am still waiting on the resin to get in to start the top part of the stand. Will have some glass shelves made and I ran lighting into the shelving area.

 

[Demonic]

Rock is cooking

Sump is in place and skimmer in

Stand and light is up

Just waiting on the tank. May start the plumbing this week. Was waiting to order all the valves but will probably order them today as well.

I ordered the tanks for the water change station but one went on backorder. Seems like the tank is testing my patience before it even gets water in it.

Getting the itch bad.

 

[Demonic]

I started the aquarium top today. I have a few more coats of blue then white then clear to go. I hope it turns out.

I took a big gamble that the new tank measurements are the same as the old one. I hope that pays off as well.

 

[Demonic]

First fish picked by my daughter going into QT

 

[JBKReef]

Great build so far and amazing customer service from SCA.

You’re using Noopsyche, were you one of the winners?

 

[JBKReef]

Great build so far and amazing customer service from SCA.

You’re using Noopsyche, were you one of the winners?

 

[Demonic]

Great build so far and amazing customer service from SCA.

You’re using Noopsyche, were you one of the winners?

Thanks

No I bought them during the group buy. Didn't get that lucky but still a great price for the output.

 

[JBKReef]

Thanks

No I bought them during the group buy. Didn't get that lucky but still a great price for the output.

I’ve been considering a couple for my quarantine/grow out tanks. Hope they workout!

 

[Demonic]

Good news is the tank should be here end of week, bad news is I liked my hospital/QT tank too much and it's now being converted to a coral tank.