150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start

Yes!!!!!!!!!! :headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2:

So sweet dude; talk about pro quality and execution. That tank makes the room! We can't wait to progress from here. I did get the USB issue straightened out so I'll get some shots of my UV/reactor setup (plus shots of my own tanks) later tonight. Congrats again, Coy it really is a tremendous acheivement.

Thanks a million Vader!
 
/\/\ Excellent Vader - thanks a bunch!

So you mounted the UV to the inside of the cabinet?

Drink tube will just last that much longer than others?

What's that handy little gizmo the bioreactor is mounted on?

I ordered a 2215 specifically for this setup.

That gamma UV is heavy when filled with water; I have it mounted to the WALL using drywall mounts.

Drink tube is nice primarily because it collects less gunk (isn't ribbed like Fluval tubing) and with the mesh internal structure, it is almost kink-proof = max laminar water flow.

This loop took me ~7 hrs total (inlcuding testing and final adjustments) to set-up. You'll have to find what setup works best for you (trial and error). My knees were hurtin' when it was all said and done but it was worth it as the setup is as robust as something of this complexity can be.
 
That gamma UV is heavy when filled with water; I have it mounted to the WALL using drywall mounts.

Drink tube is nice primarily because it collects less gunk (isn't ribbed like Fluval tubing) and with the mesh internal structure, it is almost kink-proof = max laminar water flow.

This loop took me ~7 hrs total (inlcuding testing and final adjustments) to set-up. You'll have to find what setup works best for you (trial and error). My knees were hurtin' when it was all said and done but it was worth it as the setup is as robust as something of this complexity can be.

Hopefully, I can mount the gamma UV to the inside of the stand.

Wonder if the green Eheim tubing would be close enough to the drink tube? I ordered 25 extra ft of the 5/8 intake.

BTW - where did you get your drink tube?
 
Jeez, nice house. Tank fits in perfectly.
Gotta see the end result for this setup.
Don't screw it up!!! lol JK
I am sure it will look the part.
 
Hopefully, I can mount the gamma UV to the inside of the stand.

Wonder if the green Eheim tubing would be close enough to the drink tube? I ordered 25 extra ft of the 5/8 intake.

BTW - where did you get your drink tube?

Just use the heaviest hardware you can. The gamma unit can also be laid flat, but I wanted to minimize all tubing length.

I've never worked with the Eheim tubing but I'm sure it will be fine. I picked up the drink tubing from Home Depot; they have a good assortment of sizes. My next project is to ditch the ribbed tubing on the Fluval FX5 and replace with 1" ID tubing.
 
Schedule:

The bioreactor and UV sterilizer, along with the 2215 to run the loop have all been ordered from DFS (Vader's favorite boxes) and shipped. They should all be here on Wednesday.

One of the 2217s was broken and had to be returned. The replacement should be here the end of the week or the first of next.

The next immediate steps are to notch the back of the canopy for in and out hoses (could not build them in - was not sure how many or where). Install the light board and the ballasts; tie down the wiring; and install the fans.

I also have a feeling that the back of the canopy will also need to be "tweaked" to block some light that may be directed at the wall behind the tank. Not sure on that part yet.

After the canopy is done, I will go to work on the Co2 / UV loop.

I also have a "business" trip to Vegas starting on Sunday.

After my return, I am seriously considering running a couple of the 2217's on my 45 for a couple of days to pirate some bacteria (not sure if it will blow the 45 up when I remove them).

Next, I will coordinate with the LFS (also have posts on a couple of forums) for plant stock. I want to load up the 2 wood sculptures just before adding them to the tank. After that substrate, partial fill, plant it out and fill it up. Add some of the cleanup crew and we are off to the races.
 
Wow. It's impossible to fully appreciate the work you put into the stand & canopy until seeing it in the room. I've never, ever seen an aquarium that "fits" so well in a room. Fantastic work! I can't wait to see some water in it... ;)
 
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