Qualitydaydream's 180 - 250 transplant! **Pics Galore**

Earlier this week I replaced my 180 gallon with a Lee Mar 225 gallon. I wanted to share the pics with everyone in hopes I can gain suggestions and comments.


Above both tanks side by side.


70 gallon sump inserted into the stand





2" PVC for the flow into the sump 1" for the out to the line loc




Sand going in


Live rock being transferred to new tank

More pics in next post...stay tuned!

 

Pumping the water out of the old tank


Setting the base foundation of the Aquascape


Sliding the new 225 into place on felt feet.


Water going in


Fish going in




Initial plumbing setup


3 hours after setup it's already clear


Initial diagram ( changes to plumbing already made )

 

Very nice!

 

First I want to thank Blue Reef Aquatics in las vegas. It's a new shop that is totally dominating the fish and reef scene here. By far the best service, selection and prices in LV by a mile.

Ok so here is where I need the help of the 3reefers...


1. The protein skimmer. BRA - Blue Reef Aquatics kept advising on the PSK-200, I'm comfortable with the brand choice because he uses eshopps PSK's on all his tanks and knows the in's and out's of them. What I am not comfortable with is the size.

I contacted eshopps, and posted in multiple boards and everyone says PSK-300 at the very least. BRA - says I can over skim while everywhere else says over skimming isn't possible. Here's the thing I made sure 3-4 times asking " Are you sure the PSK-200 can handle the 225 + 70 gallon sump" Their answer was always yes but I can't find anyone to agree with that. Any ideas?

2. The lights, right now I'm looking at 2 x Orphek PR156W lights. My dimensions are 72" long x 24" wide x 30" tall. My concern is if the lights will be able to support SPS at the very bottom of my tank. The Orphek website says best used on 28" or shallower. The lights would be suspended 2 feet above the system. Also will it burn the corals near the top?

** My secondary concern is how the power cables look hanging down or how they can be hidden.

Any advice, suggestions, or input you can provide is appreciated.

 

just stunning! Love the setup and layout of the tank..it's nice to see so much room in that tank!

 

That new stand is sweet; I like the clean lines and modern look. What's your plan for the old 180?

 

If you go with the Orpheks, Two will work if you hang them about 15 - 24 inches above the tank long ways. But you are better off with 3 at about 12 above the tank. Get the 156W fixtures and you will have better coverage.

 

lookin good qualitydaydream

 

Thank you, yes that's the plan 2 x PR156W going the long way 2 feet above the water.

I'm just not sure about the power cables that need to run down and if they will look messy.

 

My only suggestion would be to not put it in the door way, but you already fixed that.

Very nice looking tank.

why are you using a back pressure valve?