Tom's 100 gal (Re)build tread

Hi Guys, I recently picked up a 60 inch 100 gallon aquarium on a trip to Seattle. I have been in process of putting it together for around 6 days now. I will try to be brief while explaining the process. The aquarium is Acrylic and is drilled to return in the upper back in two places as well as having dual overflows, an internal water movement system with 2 "draws" and 4 outputs, a refugium and a sump. As you will be able to tell by the pictures the plumbing in done via PVC piping. As the tank had set for an extended period of time the first item on order was a thorough cleaning. I went simple in this, tank and stand on lawn with a scrubber =-). Once clean I enlisted the help of a neighbor to move it into position in my living room. After a brief debate with my wife, we turned the couch so that the tank is the primary focus. I love my wife. I re-connected all of the pvc piping using some apoxy glue and plumbers tape. I had to change out a few fixtures that leaked to much for my tastes. I removed the 4 returns from the internal water circulation system that I will put in once I find the proper pump for the task. I just wanted to get the return pump in action at around 1200 gph (with my 4.5 feet of head) to get the tank cycling. I think another 2000 gph circulating should get me about where I want to be. I finally got everything (basically) leak proof and ran tap water through the system for a good 24 hours. I drained the tank of water (including sumps) and have been filling it with ro/di salt water from the LFS for the last several hours. I am about 84 gallons in and will have to complete it tomorrow when they re-open. My return pump is a mag drive 18. I have a 7.5 on my 55 gallon and I loved it so I stayed with them. Right now I have this as the only water movement (once i start it up tomorrow when the tank is full). I placed my Aqueon heater to get this warmed up and am excited to get it all going tomorrow. I placed an order that should ship on Monday for 100lbs of dry rock from Reef cleaners (John's customer service is first rate) and I am still searching for some light colored sand (and ideas?). I am going to seed the rock with a nice piece I found at the LFS containing lots of Coraline and visible copepods. I need to find someone with light sand to help seed once I decide which sand to get. From there I can't decide is I want to use grainier sand or pump for the refugium/sump. Oh the choices. Lighting will be LED's, not sure exactly which ones but I can't afford 2700 for the AI's.... as much as they are awesome. Leaning towards the boost led mu series. Seems cost effective and I have some of their lamps and they flat out work. Thank you for listening to my long winded post. Please feel free to offer ideas/advice. I will keep posting pictures as I keep modifying the tank.

 

I had to mess with these photos to get them to work

 

good looking setup, sounds like a great plan.

 

Off to a great start!! Good luck!

 

any suggestions on where to find sand?

 

A lot of people get sand from Marcorocks.com, including me

 

Thank you for the tip, I just ordered 120 lbs of fine argonite sand

 

I just finished filling it up. With the overflows, piping, refugium and sump the whole thing took 120 gallons! So far there are two very minor (drip every few seconds leaks). The guy at the LFS said the salt should encrust and close those up? Any other thoughts? The only other issue I have, is it is loud as hell!!!!

I will post more pictures as I start to add sand/rock etc.

 

I now have the sand in the bottom. Because I made the oops of adding water first my tank is going to be cloudy for a few days =-(. Looking at the sand bed, do you guys think it is to deep? I know I need to level it out. I have a few other sand related quetions;

1. Should i put sand in my sump?

2. I am hearing "mud" in my refugium, any other thoughts?

3. If it is to deep, any other good uses for reef sand? =-)

 

Today the "dust" finally settled. I have learn a very valuable lesson....... DO NOT ADD WATER UNTIL AFTER SAND AND ROCK.

I also received the Rock from Reefcleaners.com . As usual, John has fantastic customer service and an even better product. In case you were wondering, you can find a picture of 100 lbs of his rock. It is very heavy and full of holes. I wanted to put it in tonight but i stirred up the sand after the picture below by trying to level it out. More pics soon