Mr_X's 200

[mr_X]

as most of you know, i got the tank from glass cages. it's a 200 with 2 overflows, which are supposed to be 1500 gallons a piece, starfire glass in front, and some extra holes in the back pane for a closed loop.
it's a 5 foot tank, 30 inches deep and 25 high.

so far i have purchased: 1 sequence reeflo dart, which will be for the closed loop.
3 lumenarc mini reflectors- i couldn't fit the L3's, and 2 halides just won't work on my tank (2 center straps on top).
1 ARO 440 watt VHO retrofit kit(model 4LX), which i will be using for actinics.
i'm not sure yet, but i think i'll be running 2 x 400 watt 14k, and maybe 1x 250 watt 10k in the center, with 2x 110 watt actinic in front, and 2 in back of the halides. i think that configuration should do well for most anything i want to put in the tank :wink:

i will be using my 125 gallon 6' tank as my sump with refugium, and frag tank, which will have 1x125 watt 6500k compact flourescent over the refugium, and 1x 250 watt halide pendant over the frag area.

here are the pics so far....

 

[mr_X]

the unfinished basement will be finished, and the tank will sit right where you see that opening in the backround.

 

[mr_X]

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[mr_X]

all ballasts will be stored on a shelf above the tank, and power outlets will be installed above and beside the tank to accomidate. there will also be a steel utility sink installed next to the dryer which will also feed the 100gpd R.O.D.I. pics will be added as progress is made :wink:

 

[mr_X]

i should note that i ran into a problem with the stand. constructed out of 4x4's, i didn't take into consideration that the overflows might be obstructed.
my solution is to lag bolt a 2x6 to the back of the stand for strength, and notch out the 4x4 as needed.

 

[Tenchi]

can't wait to see the progression!

 

[Mthompson]

Wouldn't you rather have a matching dryer and a finished laundry room????

 

[mr_X]

Wouldn't you rather have a matching dryer and a finished laundry room????

i'm in the right forum...are you?

 

[cyro]

will nice to see the finished tank..

 

[Katfsh]

great looking tank!
I will be here dreaming as you build away. keep us updated with plenty of pics.

katfsh

 

[Katfsh]

double post

 

[Snowboarda42]

Looking good so far X!

 

[cindre2000]

So, what room will the tank be looking into?

 

[mr_X]

ok..update:

got the tank mostly done.
i purchased 3 lumenarc minis, for the halides, and i also bought a used VHO retro setup from a very generous local reefer, as a suppliment. i constructed a frame to hang them out of aluminum angle iron, and suspended it with chain.
the retro setup was 4 bulbs in a single reflector, and i wanted to have them- 2 in front of the halides, and 2 in back, so i just cut the reflector down the center, and mounted it to the aluminum frame. it came out pretty good, except that the remaining reflectors are a bit bent up. i didn't think it mattered much since the VHO's have internal reflectors anyway.
the VHO's will end up being all 420nm actinic.


the plumbing-
i had trouble with leaks. the connection just after the bulkhead on ALL of the bulkheads kept dripping. not alot, but just enough to make me very frustrated.
after teflon taping them 4 times, i ended up going to a pool supply warehouse who suggested a stick pen of sorts (see pic). i covered the threads with it, and the problem was solved. i checked the MSDS on it. it claims perfectly safe :?

at the end of the pics...you'll see i added salt and 37 pounds of live rock to get the ball rolling. i bought 120 pounds of aragamax sugar sized reef sand for the substrate. i plan a 2" sand bed.


and lastly, you'll see a small sump. it's just temporary. in it is a mag24. i hope that will do. it was either that, or the 36. glass cages claims these overflows are rated at 1500 gallons a piece, but i didn't want to push it.

 

[mr_X]

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[mr_X]

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[mr_X]

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[mr_X]

i still have to make the standpipes quiet. i saw the design to do this, but it's not formost on my "to do" list right now. i'm just happy to have water circulating

as for the closed loop- i think there are too many holes in the back (i guess better too many than too little :lol: ) so i used 2 as intakes- that way i won't have fish sucked into the grates when the dart pump is running. that's what you see to the left. the others will be returns, along with 2 over the sides, if i ever get the oceans motions 4 way i ordered about 2 weeks ago

 

[mr_X]

i almost forgot to mention- special thanks goes to the mighty shavo, for being such a great help thus far! :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

looking very nice Mr X. Let the cycling begin