JeffT72's 150g Build (1 Viewer)

[jefft72]

Figured I would start a build thread to help track progress as I get this system up and running.

System details:
150g display tank (60x24x24) with 55g sump
Lighting: 3x 250w MH fixture with 2x VHO actinics
Flow: Planned for a Vortech MP40 (still looking), koralia powerheads to supplement, mag9 return
Planned livestock: Mixed reef with heavy SPS, clam(s), plenty of inverts for clean up. Our planned fish list hasn't been thought out completely yet. Our current 55g houses 2 clowns, a coral beauty, chromis, and a peppermint shrimp.

First off, I am happy to have finally made progress. I bought this tank at the beginning of July and up until recently I was not 100% sure that I was actually going to follow through with setting it up. 4 kids keep you busy and free time is certainly at a premium. I went back and forth on whether or not to do a closed loop system, but I finally decided against it and am currently looking for a vortech mp40 to provide the main flow. I chose the vortech route mainly due to the flexibility that it provides and the bonus of energy savings compared to a CL system.

Glad to say that I finally dug into it and am currently making water (15g at a time) and working out some final details. The kids are excited to see water finally in the tank.

Photos can be seen here in my facebook album:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2363423893455.141795.1486091544&l=4bd6b666c9&type=1

I will be updating as I go. It should be full of water by week end and I will be able to start cycling.

 

[toefu]

depending on what you keep your house temps at, you'll likely need a chiller for 3x250w in a 150.

I run 2x250 in a 178 (60x29x24) at 77f house and top out at 80f while running a fan over the top.

 

[soymilk]

looking pretty good so far. keep on posted on your tank.

The mp40 is an awesome powerhead. I would certain consider getting 2. They pop up from time to time in the Buy/Sell area for a pretty decent price.

 

[jefft72]

A chiller came with the with system luckily and I will be putting that in line during the cycling process.

And yes, a second mp40 is likely going to be needed, but I will have to budget for that one.

More RODI water created overnight.....time to empty the barrel and start again.

 

[cliner]

Kool start

 

[flexrac]

Nice start, i would sell the mh and get t5's or do a trade.
See if fjw can hook you up.
This will lower your energy consumption but not your bulb cost. Go with a 6-8 bulb fixture. It will give a good spread plus good par and color options.

I had 2x 250's on a 5ft 110 tank, then switched to diy t5 and vho, loved it.

 

[jefft72]

Felix: I actually had T5s over my last tank before I moved from Austin and still have the 660 and 430. I loved the T5s and the color combination possibilities. My SPS grew like crazy and had excellent color under the T5s.

It's definitely something to consider especially with the energy cost of halides.

 

[mwilliams62]

What kind of wood is the stand made out of????

 

[jefft72]

As far as I can tell the stand is all oak ply.

Update on tank:
After making RODI water for the days I now have water flowing through the system. Now to add more salt and reach a usable salinity level.

I had a small leak in my bulkhead plumbing, but I bought some Rectorseal 2+4 and that solved the problem.

Now to use some sand my current running system to help the cycle out.

 

[jefft72]

We are really excited to have made some big progress this past week. Below are some pictures of where we are currently.

Some progress to add to the thread:
- tank cycled
- rock work built and we are satisfied with it for now
- corals moved over from temp 55g

Sill left to do:
- clean up chords and wires around tank stand
- Put lights on timers
- move remaining fish into new tank

Almost Full:

Full of water, with some rock:

Complete rock work, 1x250 MH + T12 actinics:

Actinics only:

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

Sweet the tank looks nice. I like the rock work... if only I had more options lol.

Will you be putting more lighting over the tank? What happened to the 3 mhs?

 

[cliner]

Good so far, what's next?

 

[jefft72]

@Narny the 3x250MH are still being used. When I took the picture I only had 1 ballast hooked up. Still need to mount the ballasts inside the stand. The rock work is courtesy if my wife. She designed and directed as I stacked. I tried it by myself and it didn't turn out very well.

@cliner up next is getting the rest of my fish moved over and letting all the dust settle. Need to let my corals acclimate to the light change (pc to mh) and get my water storage setup (currently making 15g at a time. Need to get some 55g drums.) After that we will see....additional sps and a clam are certainly in the plans.

 

[Jamie9169]

Looks very nice. Glad to see another reefer in League City.

 

[jefft72]

Updated with a youtube video link......I missed how to embed the video in the web page.

This is the system 1 week in. Nothing earth shattering, but it is fun to document it.

http://youtu.be/MDwaEuu47mU