Newbie here setting up a 190gal

MikeP471612 · 07/18/2006, 03:31 PM

I've only been into marine for a few months so I still have a lot to learn. Recently my Dad gave me his old tank and I figure if your gonna have a 190 gallon tank it had better be salt water (I will likely have FOWLR and maybe some soft corals). I would like any help or tips from start to finish on getting this thing going (leave nothing out even the smallest details help). I don't have any real specific questions right now so just start throwing posts up. I have my 55gal I can use for a sump/fuge but have no idea what equiptment I need or even how a sump works. I also need to know about lighting. I'm sure I will think of many questions once I get going. One thing that does come to mind is that I am worried about the age of the tank, it's over 10 years and has not had water in it for a long time. I will check the silicone and test fill it if I can but is there anything else I should think about when starting up an older tank? The reason my dad took it down was because the center piece of glass (the brace?) came loose and he found it at the bottom of the tank one day. He was concerened about the integrity of the tank without the brace and didn't want it to break itself open one day. I will take some pics and post them ASAP.

Thanks for any help
Mike

NickP123 · 07/18/2006, 04:14 PM

replacing that brace should be the first thing you do

MikeP471612 · 07/18/2006, 08:27 PM

That is the first thing I plan to do, my dad already has the stuff to do it but he just never got around to it.

Thanks

mailoo · 07/19/2006, 05:26 AM

I agree... dont go putting any water in it till that brace is repaired solidly.

Does the tank have a built in overflow area? is it drilled for drainage?

I just got a 225g and set it up, my tank is not drilled and has a 4 inch glass rim and a glass center brace.

Feel free to PM me if you wanna chat... i am pretty new at this whole thing, but i did a years research before i got the big tank.

MikeP471612 · 07/19/2006, 08:59 AM

PM sent.

07/18/2006, 03:31 PM	#1
MikeP471612 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 379	Newbie here setting up a 190gal I've only been into marine for a few months so I still have a lot to learn. Recently my Dad gave me his old tank and I figure if your gonna have a 190 gallon tank it had better be salt water (I will likely have FOWLR and maybe some soft corals). I would like any help or tips from start to finish on getting this thing going (leave nothing out even the smallest details help). I don't have any real specific questions right now so just start throwing posts up. I have my 55gal I can use for a sump/fuge but have no idea what equiptment I need or even how a sump works. I also need to know about lighting. I'm sure I will think of many questions once I get going. One thing that does come to mind is that I am worried about the age of the tank, it's over 10 years and has not had water in it for a long time. I will check the silicone and test fill it if I can but is there anything else I should think about when starting up an older tank? The reason my dad took it down was because the center piece of glass (the brace?) came loose and he found it at the bottom of the tank one day. He was concerened about the integrity of the tank without the brace and didn't want it to break itself open one day. I will take some pics and post them ASAP. Thanks for any help Mike

07/19/2006, 05:26 AM	#4
mailoo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Thailand Posts: 153	I agree... dont go putting any water in it till that brace is repaired solidly. Does the tank have a built in overflow area? is it drilled for drainage? I just got a 225g and set it up, my tank is not drilled and has a 4 inch glass rim and a glass center brace. Feel free to PM me if you wanna chat... i am pretty new at this whole thing, but i did a years research before i got the big tank. __________________ Mailoo Current Tank Info: none Right now

07/18/2006, 04:14 PM	#2
NickP123 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: setauket ny Posts: 233	replacing that brace should be the first thing you do

07/18/2006, 08:27 PM	#3
MikeP471612 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 379	That is the first thing I plan to do, my dad already has the stuff to do it but he just never got around to it. Thanks

07/19/2006, 08:59 AM	#5
MikeP471612 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 379	PM sent.