220 Gallon Full Reef Build Thread

[nonstophoops]

Just read through the thread so far, I too very much like the stand/canopy you have for this tank. Should be an exciting build.

I have one question so far, why are you doing 2 inches of sand in the refuge?

I would suggest going with very little or 4 plus inches. 2 inches is in between and not deep enough for the benefits of a Deep Sand Bed. I personally would run a DSB as it helps greatly in keeping your nitrates down. I have a thread on here with info on my 210 gallon, 125 gallon sump mixed reef setup(thread is 210 fowlr tho) and my nitrates have never broken 0 since incorporating a DSB into my system.

 

[Purevil21]

I'm not doing 2" in the refuge, the 2" bed is in the DT. I will probably go close to bare bottom in the refuge and put as much rock rubble as I can possible cram in there. I wish I could do a DSB, but I have restrictions right now with the depth. I'm only running a 12" deep refuge, so a 6" sand bed would leave 6" for rock and chaeto. Down the line I would love to build a 180 gallon sump/refugium, but no space at the moment.

 

[nonstophoops]

Gotcha. That makes sense.

 

[Purevil21]

Been awhile since I had an update. I really haven't had much going on, other things keep coming up. I can happily say that I will have the rock and sand here on March 3rd, so I should be able to get the cycle going FINALLY. I will post pictures once it's aquascaped. Ended up with 300lbs. of dry rock, and 200lbs. of aragonite sand.

 

[BigCountry]

Good stuff man.

 

[sammy77]

Very nice setup. Looking forward to see it up & running.

 

[Purevil21]

Thanks, everything I need to start cycling is ordered now. So I'm excited, soon I will have it going. I'd say in the next 10 days I should have pictures of a tank being born!

 

[sammy77]

Are you placing your tank on a first floor level? Just curious about any precautions about its weight?

 

[Purevil21]

Yeah, I only have one floor, lol. It's gonna be sitting directly on concrete slab. I wouldn't put one upstairs....

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[Purevil21]

Sump Build is underway! Fair Warning, these are some of the ugliest seals any of you will ever see...the caulk gun and silicone didn't want to be friends..... As long as it hold who cares. 3 Panels are done and drying, then I'll finish the other three. Everything is ordered and on the way except lights and a protein skimmer.