220 Gallon Reef-Build Thread

[Greenmaster]

I have the same thing... that way if I want to shut my system down but I don't want the water in the DT to drop till the siphon breaks, I just close the valves.

 

[Purevil21]

My thought exactly. Think of it as a fail safe, in the event anything starts to go crazy and I need to shut down the system, it is as simple as shutting two valves. Then I am free to work on anything in the sump or fuge I need to without disturbing anything in my DT.

 

[Henry405]

Ah I see, wasn't doubting you, was just very interested since I'm planning a 220g this summer also.

 

[Purevil21]

It's cool, feel free to follow along. I am by no means an expert, but I am going to do my best to piece this thing together.

 

[Purevil21]

I bought my lights! I have to pick them up tonight, if the woman would hurry and call me to come get them. Current USA 3x MH 72" fixture with lunar LED's, 175 bucks!

 

[carey]

OOOO sooo jealous!!! how do you find this stuff??? LOL

Congratulations! Can't wait to see them

 

[Purevil21]

Its a secret..ssshhhh

 

[carey]

So since its all the rage today, what are you doing for substrate? Going with a dsb or just regular? I'm going with the pool filter sand myself. Figure I'll save $200!

 

[Purevil21]

DSB, like in my 65gallon. Less maintaining needed, and better natural filter.

 

[carey]

What substrate did you use for your current dsb? Have you actually seen a difference? I run 0 trates now and I have like 1 inch to 2 inches...

 

[Purevil21]

I used Natures Ocean white sand, never again. It showed everything and looked filthy all the time.

Nature's Ocean Marine White Sand at PETCO

 

[carey]

Hehe thats what I have in my pod tank. good thing its not supposed to be clean in there.

 

[Purevil21]

Yeah, I hated it. I am asking Mr. X about the play sand before I decide to use it. I was planning on using aragonite sand.

 

[hackteck]

nice deal you got there

 

[Purevil21]

Yeah I know, I agreed to buy them, but the woman hasn't sent me her address so I can go get them.

 

[merelymiche]

I couldn't tell you the actual specifics of the bulbs. They are just small T5 bulbs, like I said the tank was a freshwater setup I got for free. lol I will look later, thanks for the compliments, I need to clean it up a little more, but it is night and day from before I started.

What are you using to clean the tank? I need to clean my new 110g and 75g tanks, and I have heard SO MANY different things about what to use: iso alcohol, vinegar, only water ... I am lost.

I am new to the hobby (6mo) and for my first 55g tank, I used only water to clean but it took awhile.

Good luck on your build! I am waiting for my guy to come plumb in my new setup so I can get it to start cycling! I found a guy getting out of the hobby that wanted to help someone who was just starting ... he sold me his 110g/75g sump, lighting for both, skimmer, heaters, powerheads, air pumps, brand new RO/DI unit, AND built me a new stand for the sump so if I chose to put fish in it, it would be ground level for my toddlers to watch it. THIS GUY IS AMAZING! I am watching your new build, as well as careys, and am hoping that I will be able to take over such a massive setup as a newbie. I will keep consulting your posts for advice!!!!!!

SO GLAD I FOUND THIS AA BOARD

 

[hackteck]

i use vinegar and water to clean out my tanks and maybe some baking soda for tough spots

 

[merelymiche]

What substrate did you use for your current dsb? Have you actually seen a difference? I run 0 trates now and I have like 1 inch to 2 inches...

Is your DSB in your DT, sump, or both? I am asking both of you, carey and purevil, just because I am following both of your threads and want to see what you'll end up doing (considering you are pros and I am the newbie!)

 

[Purevil21]

I will be using a deep sand bed in both my DT and refuge. I am no Pro, lol, but I will offer any advice I can to help. The deep beds require less maintenance and offer a better biological filter in my experience.

As far as cleaning, hot water and elbow grease!!! lol After I got the bulk of the junk off I used some clear vinegar and a clean sponge and rinsed it out after I was done. Works every time! Welcome to AA btw!

 

[Purevil21]

Got ahold of the seller, I am picking up the halides Saturday!!!! Man I am way too excited about this. I know I am