First tank 210g

[Cwd56]

I decided to start a build thread here so I could get pointers and advice as I go. I bought a tank last June and it kind of got put on the back burner. Well, I just about have everything gathered up and ready to start setting it up. Tank dimensions are 84"x24"x24", I am scrapping the old stand due to some water damage where the previous owner let a canister line leak after he stopped taking care of it, and I just didn't trust it. I had a metal stand built that gives me peace of mind and is more than enough. I have a sump that I will be running vs the two canister filters that came with it. I have been buying used where I can to keep costs as reasonable as possible. Here is what I have so far:

72" aquaticlife 12 bulb t5 ho fixture (going with all ATI bulbs, 6 blue+, 4 coral+, and 2 actinic)
Diablo skimmer
Jebao dcp-13000 return pump
2x gyre xf-250's with controller
Apex classic, leak detection, two eb8's, breakout box
150 GPD RODI with TDS meter

 

[Cwd56]

I have cleaned the tank up and leak checked it since these pics were taken. I also replaced all four bulkheads.

I am going to go with a double herbie style system and an over the back return.

 

[Bj’s Reef]

Looks like you are well on your way. I’m going to follow this thread for sure. What do you want to keep in your tank? The new metal stand was a good move. However you may want to get it powder coated or maybe you could coat it with rhino liner or something. It’s just that salt water will eat it over time so anything you can do to protect it will be good. That’s just my two cents worth, again this is going to be a fun build to watch.

 

[Bj’s Reef]

If it were me I would get the tank drilled and put on one of the ghost overflows, it will be less trouble in the future.

 

[Cwd56]

Looks like you are well on your way. I’m going to follow this thread for sure. What do you want to keep in your tank? The new metal stand was a good move. However you may want to get it powder coated or maybe you could coat it with rhino liner or something. It’s just that salt water will eat it over time so anything you can do to protect it will be good. That’s just my two cents worth, again this is going to be a fun build to watch.

I am epoxy coating the stand. The picture was taken by the welder that built it before I picked it up. He charged me $200 for material and labor.

I don't see any issues with simply bringing the return line over the back vs drilling it for a return. It would actually be easier and a lower profile vs adding a ghost overflow would it not? Maybe there is something I am missing?

 

[Bj’s Reef]

I see I missed that. I’m thinking about the drain line. Yeah over the top will work. I was thinking that you were talking about the drain line smh. That stand looks like a elephant could stand on it with no problem. You got a great deal on that stand build.

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

You are in the game now! You are 8 gallons bigger than me : )

 

[Cwd56]

Got the tank inside. It took four of us and it's a heavy sob, but it's in. Dirty from being outside while leak testing.

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

Got the tank inside. It took four of us and it's a heavy sob, but it's in. Dirty from being outside while leak testing.

Looking good! ...I love the irony of the knife and fork next to where the fish will be lol

edit: make sure you are blocking the direct sunlight from that window at first. You might want to put a liner on the window to help reduce heat also.

 

[Cwd56]

Looking good! ...I love the irony of the knife and fork next to where the fish will be lol

edit: make sure you are blocking the direct sunlight from that window at first. You might want to put a liner on the window to help reduce heat also.

The back of the tank is painted, but also what you see there is about as much light that will ever get through.

 

[NautiTang]

Looks like you're off to a great start. Do you have a stock list yet? Will it be a FOWLR or a reef of some sort? Great dimensions, it will give you plenty of options for fish.

 

[Cwd56]

Looks like you're off to a great start. Do you have a stock list yet? Will it be a FOWLR or a reef of some sort? Great dimensions, it will give you plenty of options for fish.

Planning to do a mixed reef. I do not have a complete list, but will be doing a couple of clowns, tangs and a lawnmower blenny to start.

 

[ReefReadyYouTube]

That’s looks like a nice setup in the making. Keep us updated!!

 

[Cwd56]

New bulbs and heaters came in today. Waiting on sand and salt now. I'm hoping to start filling her up next week.

 

[Cwd56]

Getting closer. Playing with the aquascape tonight. What are your thoughts?

 

[Cwd56]

Well, tank is filled and all looking ok. Waters a little cloudy due to sand, but other than that it's going. Trying to get the salinity up a little, was a little low. Took forever to fill with rodi lol.

 

[Cwd56]

Tanks been up and running now for several weeks. I have had some bumps along the way, but seems to be improving. I can't keep favia or acans alive for some reason. Tried a frag of each, both died. Have a blasto, gonipora, duncan, zoas and an elegance that seem to be doing good. I have an ICP test kit coming in today and tomorrow my alk, cal, and mag test kits will be in.

 

[Cwd56]

Here are a few shots and a video of the pods that have just exploded in the tank.