Our new 250 is finally ready for water!

ktsdad

ktsdad

Member
3 weeks after receiving our new tank/stand/canopy from the "custom" builder, we finally got it ready for water!
Tank specs....
240 gallon (72Wx24Tx30D)
50 gallon custom sump
Top Fathom skimmer
3x Little Giant pumps (1200gph)
UV filter
Nu Clear filter
Oceans Motions Head for wave making
JBJ chiller (1/3 hp)
Hamilton 250 MH w/2x 55 PC x 4
8 40cfm fans in the canopy
Originally the manufacturer had the chiller installed in the stand. I decided I didn't like that. So when I removed it, it freed up space for the 2nd closed loop system (3rd pump) with the Oceans Motions head (4 output). During the leak check, I was amazed at how much water is moving when all three pumps are on!

Currently the RO/DI is slooooooooowly filling the tank. Hope to turn on the pumps and add salt by Sunday! :jumping: :jumping:
Then of course we will be putting in the dead sand, dead rock and 100lbs of live rock and forcing a "cycle" for a few weeks. Then adding my live sand and some critters!

We have saved for this for so long, then having to sit and watch it sit in the living room while I was waiting for parts was killing us!
I will update with new photos as this monster progresses into the reef of our dreams





 
treybomb

treybomb

Active Member
forgot to say.. it looks awesome ... if you dont mind what would you say is the total cost of it so far?
 
zman1

zman1

Active Member
Looks awesome
Would you mind providing some close-ups of your sump with side views. Looks like a 2" drain in the back and I want to see how the chambers/baffles are setup. Thanks in advance!
 
bret61081

bret61081

Member
wow! amazing!!
I am guessing but with all the lights I'd say your doing a reef?? Looks great...can't wait to see it in a year!! is it rude to ask what you have invested in that tank so far? Great good...keep up the good work!!
 
jayc

jayc

Active Member
Thats going to be an awesome setup! I also want to know what u plan on putting in that monster?
Josh
 
carshark

carshark

Active Member
dude that is gonna be wicked!! those lights make me melt...and that filtration!!! top notch
interested also to see what you intend on putting in there...
 
ktsdad

ktsdad

Member
Thanks all for the kind words!
As far as the sump goes, I really don't have any pictured of the sides. The manufacturer built it into the stand before I had a chance to see it. I can tell you that it does get feed from the overflow in the tank by a 2 inch tube into the center of the sump top. It feeds into the drip tray onto the bio-balls then into the smaller section with 2 dividing walls (different heights). That chamber is where the pump input is located. The output of that pump feeds into the skimmer, which then feeds back into the sump. I wanted to take out many of the bio-balls and put in some LR and a light, still might later - would take much work the get the top off sump. Disadvantage of getting a tank built for you then putting it next to a wall.
We want to put what ever we want to in this thing! That is why we went all out with everything! I am tired of being told I don't have a good enough tank for something special!
We have a bunch of softies in a current reef that is going in, then we want to get some clams, anemones and may try a SPS or 2 :happyfish
As far as $$$$ let's just say we have exceeded the $7K mark, but that happens when you are not a real good DIY type person and have to rely on other to build things for you! :notsure:

Today we put in our "dead" rock and sand. RO/DI has it about half full.
Hopfully tomorrow there will be enough water to start the pumps and start adding salt!

Then of course we go back into wait mode for a tank cycle!
 
zman1

zman1

Active Member
Originally Posted by ktsdad
I wanted to take out many of the bio-balls and put in some LR and a light, still might later

If you do this, keep us posted... I would be interested in knowing, if you start having a micro-bubble issue after the swap. Again, awesome setup
KEEP us posted either way on the progress.
 
vejomatic

vejomatic

Member
Originally Posted by ktsdad
I am tired of being told I don't have a good enough tank for something special!
I think you've covered most of your bases... <<< compliment:joy:

~mc
 
shnabbles

shnabbles

Member
Very nice set up cant wait to see updated pictures.
When we move I plan on setting up a 225-300 gallon tank... Im gonna have no clue were to start as i only have a 55 now with no sumps or fuges lol..
Keep us posted!
 
vanos

vanos

Member
Great pics, do you plan on installing a wavemaker? I've seen these and they put out a huge force of water every 90 seconds or so making a big wave.
 
ktsdad

ktsdad

Member
It's hard to see, but if you look at the 3rd picture down on the left hand side, you can kinda see the Ocean's Motions wave maker we installed.
Thanks for the compliments everyone and we'll add pictures as we get it cycled.
 
ktsdad

ktsdad

Member
We are going to start with a few softies that we have in our current 60 gallon reef.
And of course the fish we have also, Clarkie, Tomatoe Clown, 2 Green Chromis (plan on getting more), cleaner wrasse and a nemo.
Eventually I really want some tangs. Specifically a Naso, Purple, Mimic and Sail Fin (red sea).
I have always enjoyed them, but never really had a tank big enough for one or 10.

Also want to get into an SPS or 2.
 
lion_crazz

lion_crazz

Active Member
that is going to be a great tank. I just set my 210 up and it was so worth it. It looks fantastic once it is all set-up and running. Good luck!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top