210 FOWLR Build . . .

[BinxBolling]

Howdy All --
I thought I'd post photos/progress on a project to install a 210 gallon FOWLR tank/stand/canopy.
I've attached the pics beginning with the removal of a cabinet where the tank will go and the beginning of the stand. The stand will be rather high - 41 inches. ' more photos will hopefully soon follow - it's gonna be a long process!

 

[BinxBolling]

' frame of stand finished and in place

 

[Bschowa]

looks like your off to a strong start! good luck

 

[BinxBolling]

Birch facade added to stand

 

[BinxBolling]

Top and most of trim on. I hope to finish/stain this weekend. ' also hope to order tank in next few days

 

[BinxBolling]

Decorative element of stand. "Who Dat?!?!"
Also - ' ordered tank today

 

[Bschowa]

sweet! looks great

 

[BinxBolling]

' hole cut into wall to allow access into adjacent bathroom

 

[BinxBolling]

Stain applied

 

[Bschowa]

are you going to have a peep hole through your bathroom wall? if so that is and awesome idea! kind of like a picture that fish swim in and out of

 

[BinxBolling]

I actually did consider the peep-hole idea but I cut the access panel just to access the back of the tank if needed. I figured it would be a heck of a lot easier to cut an access hole before installing the tank

 

[FTMMWS]

Looking good...

 

[BinxBolling]

I'm considering order 4 of these kits to install in the canopy:
http://www.aquarium-supply.biz/Coralife_Aqualight_Retrofit_Kit_2X65W_24_p/res53202.htm

Keeping in mind this is a FOWLR - any thoughts?

 

[BinxBolling]

Stand done! ' waiting on tank

 

[FTMMWS]

Turned out great

The lights look fine IMO,,i too have a FOWLR and just use 2 nova extreme T-5 fixtures(total of 4 bulbs)
So whats going in it..

 

[Bschowa]

wow, the stand looks amazing! im excited for your process lol, what kind of filtration are you going with?>? also i saw on a different tread that you ordered your tank, any idea of when it will get there?

and of course, any idea of what your going to stock it with yet?

 

[BinxBolling]

Yes, I ordered the tank. I'll start on the canopy as soon as I get the tank in. I'm still not 100 percent sure of lighting yet - but, I'll figure it out. As for filtration -- this is where I show my age and I'm rather "old school" or maybe "Berlin Method" is a better description. I plan on a combination of canister filters (maybe a Fluval FX5, and a 2nd smaller canister filter) and HOB skimmers - probably CPR Dual Paks and/or Reef Octopus Duals (I'd like 2 or 3 of these "duals") - then will come the big move: I'll basically clean out my savings account and buy as much live rock as I can!
On livestock: I really only have 2 requests - I'd like and Emperor Angel and either a Chocolate or Achilles tang - after that: whatever my wife wants.

 

[FTMMWS]

2 good choices ,personally i'd get the chocolate but thats because i had one a while back and he died..
Have you ever looked into an algae scrubber for natural filtration?

 

[BinxBolling]

I hadn't considered an algae scrubber but they sure look interesting. Right now I was planning on doing as much skimming/canister filtration/live rock - and water movement from power heads as I can - and see what I get. I had good success with this approach in a 110 gal tank a few years ago - so, I hope to duplicate it on a larger scale.
' went ahead and ordered some lighting just now too. After lots of agonizing; I have 8 T5 bulbs coming; a total of about 450 watts and a few blue LED moonlights. If I don't like the way that looks; I'll add a couple smaller lights to suppliment it

 

[mrbee2828]

Decorative element of stand. "Who Dat?!?!"
Also - ' ordered tank today

I'm not sure but it ain't nobody in the super bowl. (oh snap!) Looking good so far.