My 220g Reef Build!

So I started the reefing hobby back in 05' and have gradually gotten

bigger tanks.  This time I decided to go really big (for the time

being) and decided on a 220.  It's been a work in progress for that

last few months getting everything together and ready for setup.


 Here's the list of stuff I've got so far on it:

Perfecto 220 reef ready

40 breeder for sump (w/ chamber for refugium)

SRO 5000-I skimmer

2 filter socks

Gen-x 55hp ext. return pump

2 400W icecap pendants (thinking of going with 3 panels of LEDs)

2 400W galaxy ballasts

2 6ft VHO actinics

Custom stand and canopy

200ish lbs of live rock

There are a few things I would like to get down the road like a

controller, LEDs, frag tank, etc.

Here are a few pictures of the progress I have gone through so far.  I would eventually like have have it sps dominant with some lps mixed within. Enjoy and let me know what your think!  " src="%3Ca%20href=%22http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/erayk1/?action=view&current=IMAG0134.jpg%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/erayk1/IMAG0134.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%3E%3C/a%3E">
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" src="%3Ca%20href=%22http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/erayk1/?action=view&current=IMAG0308.jpg%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/erayk1/IMAG0308.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%3E%3C/a%3E">
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" src="%3Ca%20href=%22http://s163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/erayk1/?action=view&current=IMAG0146.jpg%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t312/erayk1/IMAG0146.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%3E%3C/a%3E">
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Thanks buddy! It's a work in progress is all...lol

 

The plan right now is to have it be bare bottom. The only reason I might change that is if down the road I feel like my rock structures could use a little better "anchoring". But for now I really love the look of the bare bottom. As for the stand, I had never built anything quite on that scale so it was interesting to say the least. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/tongue.gif I found the plans on the RC site. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1567110 If I were to do it all over again for this size of tank, I would take in account the size of sump I wanted to run first. That was the only thing I really didn't completely think out. I wanted to use a 75 which would fit in the stand I built, but the SRO 5000-I skimmer in the sump wasn't happening...I couldn't get the collection cup out. So depending on the size of skimmer, etc I would have made the stand at least another 6 inches taller. Only draw back is I would then have to use a ladder to get in the tank, its just right for me right now. So long story short I just went with the 40b for a sump since it was short enough and wide enough.

 

Thanks slovan! Lets just say my hands were raw after messing with the rocks that much to get it to what's pictured. Totally worth it though in my opinion. Now if I could just fill it will some of those nice corals I keep hearing you have...lol /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

 

I've got some nice looking plywood with some trim for the skinning. I decided to make it some I could remove the entire front and right side of the stand without much effort. I just want to be able to gain access to everything if I need to. I dont think I will stain anything cause its too cold out and I don't mind the look of the natural wood color. Maybe down the road.

 

Ok, I am looking at getting the LEDs with that group buy on RC and would like to get some opinions about how many and what ratios I should get. I was thinking starting with a base of 3 panels with a minimum amount of 24 LEDs on each panel. I think I would be using the 60 optics since its such a wide tank unless convinced otherwise. What do you guys have or wish you had??