Newb 150 Gal Build

Cdub150 · 02/16/2014, 12:14 PM

So, after lurking around for a few months and finally creating an account I figured it would be time to start telling people about this project. I need a little guidance on this build. If this is not where it should be posted please let me know so I can have it relocated.Being from the Mid-West there is not an ocean that me and my wife can drive to and enjoy without having to take a vacation we have decided to start a SW tank.

First we were planning on going with a 75/90 Gal tank but after talking with the LFS today we have gone with a 150 due to the price being right and it was really only a few bucks more than the 90 since it was on sale. Normally I would have planned everything before buying the tank but since the sale was ending I needed to pull the trigger quick. Sadly I missed the 1$ sale at petco so my sump will have to be paid for in full.

I know that not having any pictures will cause me to get banned (jk) but ill make sure there are plenty once things get going. I really liked how some other members have done their stands so I will be making mine simular. From the bottom of the tank to the floor I would like to have <= 36" depending on the skimmer that I decide on. Since I got a fat 150 (48x24x30) if I go any more than that my canopy will be a PITA. As it is I will only have about 14'' to the ceiling so that will be fun to play with.

So now that the intro is over down to the nitty gritty.
Plan for the tank is to run base rock in the tank with a little LR to help it get started with the same in the sump/refug. Run manly fish with LR till late this summer then start adding coral after I build my LED lights. The wife is pro fish and pretty so if later on the fish "need" coral it will just have to get added lol.

Parts acquired so far.

150 gal tank (48x24x30) with single corner overflow
Pile of 2x4 and 2x6's for stand
Wifes Blessing
RC account

My plan is to build a stand this weekend but until I have the skimmer picked out I am holding off. Also looking to make a little rock and start cycling it to lower the ph. I was looking at the Reef Octopus NWB 200 Classic Protein Skimmer. Any advise there would be nice, would like to use the 14% off at marine depot.

I Need to figure out a brand of heater to go with (planning on running 2x250w), what pump to run as a return, and a place in town to get glass cut for the sump/refug. What kind of lights are needed for the fish to be happy as a temp fix till my work schedule slows?

Sorry for the long winded post but trying to cover everything at once. Thanks in advance for the help and if you have anything you would change please don't hesitate to speak up.

~C

GT350pwns · 02/16/2014, 12:35 PM

From my understanding, if you are only doing FOWLR for awhile standard T8 fixtures will suffice. But, once you move into corals and such you will need to update to T5HO or some good LED's.

I'm doing the same thing on a smaller scale with lighting. Utilizing the T8 fixture that came w/ my tank until I move into corals, then moving to LED.

Cdub150 · 02/16/2014, 12:53 PM

Thanks GT350 I will have to see if the wife will let me steal from her FW parts that are in the shead. Do you have a build thread?

GT350pwns · 02/16/2014, 05:34 PM

I don't have a build thread, but I will start taking more pics soon and will probably make a thread once I start doing that.

Johnnycat · 02/16/2014, 05:38 PM

Sounds like you're doing it right - planning, asking questions, researching, and taking your time.

I have the concept for a new build and I'm gathering the equipment. While I wait I'm still keeping my 29 gallon going. I've made most of the mistakes with that one. Most could have been prevented by taking my time and researching.

02/16/2014, 12:14 PM	#1
Cdub150 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 2	Newb 150 Gal Build So, after lurking around for a few months and finally creating an account I figured it would be time to start telling people about this project. I need a little guidance on this build. If this is not where it should be posted please let me know so I can have it relocated.Being from the Mid-West there is not an ocean that me and my wife can drive to and enjoy without having to take a vacation we have decided to start a SW tank. First we were planning on going with a 75/90 Gal tank but after talking with the LFS today we have gone with a 150 due to the price being right and it was really only a few bucks more than the 90 since it was on sale. Normally I would have planned everything before buying the tank but since the sale was ending I needed to pull the trigger quick. Sadly I missed the 1$ sale at petco so my sump will have to be paid for in full. I know that not having any pictures will cause me to get banned (jk) but ill make sure there are plenty once things get going. I really liked how some other members have done their stands so I will be making mine simular. From the bottom of the tank to the floor I would like to have <= 36" depending on the skimmer that I decide on. Since I got a fat 150 (48x24x30) if I go any more than that my canopy will be a PITA. As it is I will only have about 14'' to the ceiling so that will be fun to play with. So now that the intro is over down to the nitty gritty. Plan for the tank is to run base rock in the tank with a little LR to help it get started with the same in the sump/refug. Run manly fish with LR till late this summer then start adding coral after I build my LED lights. The wife is pro fish and pretty so if later on the fish "need" coral it will just have to get added lol. Parts acquired so far. 150 gal tank (48x24x30) with single corner overflow Pile of 2x4 and 2x6's for stand Wifes Blessing RC account My plan is to build a stand this weekend but until I have the skimmer picked out I am holding off. Also looking to make a little rock and start cycling it to lower the ph. I was looking at the Reef Octopus NWB 200 Classic Protein Skimmer. Any advise there would be nice, would like to use the 14% off at marine depot. I Need to figure out a brand of heater to go with (planning on running 2x250w), what pump to run as a return, and a place in town to get glass cut for the sump/refug. What kind of lights are needed for the fish to be happy as a temp fix till my work schedule slows? Sorry for the long winded post but trying to cover everything at once. Thanks in advance for the help and if you have anything you would change please don't hesitate to speak up. ~C

02/16/2014, 12:35 PM	#2
GT350pwns Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 600	From my understanding, if you are only doing FOWLR for awhile standard T8 fixtures will suffice. But, once you move into corals and such you will need to update to T5HO or some good LED's. I'm doing the same thing on a smaller scale with lighting. Utilizing the T8 fixture that came w/ my tank until I move into corals, then moving to LED.

02/16/2014, 12:53 PM	#3
Cdub150 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 2	Thanks GT350 I will have to see if the wife will let me steal from her FW parts that are in the shead. Do you have a build thread?

02/16/2014, 05:34 PM	#4
GT350pwns Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 600	I don't have a build thread, but I will start taking more pics soon and will probably make a thread once I start doing that.

02/16/2014, 05:38 PM	#5
Johnnycat Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 86	Sounds like you're doing it right - planning, asking questions, researching, and taking your time. I have the concept for a new build and I'm gathering the equipment. While I wait I'm still keeping my 29 gallon going. I've made most of the mistakes with that one. Most could have been prevented by taking my time and researching.