150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start

WaywardSon · Dec 5, 2008

DAVIDFBT said:
Did you get a tan? Those lights are crazy bright, how many WPG will this be again?

No tan (lol) - but then again, I didn't leave them on very long. 400 watts over 150 gallons / 2.67 wpg. We plan to start with the 160 go to 240 and then finally the 400 to hopefully control algae.

DrNo · Dec 5, 2008

cfsinc said:
No tan (lol) - but then again, I didn't leave them on very long. 400 watts over 150 gallons / 2.67 wpg. We plan to start with the 160 go to 240 and then finally the 400 to hopefully control algae.

Smart idea.... weren't you going to do a planted cycle with some nutrient sponges before stocking as well?

WaywardSon · Dec 5, 2008

DrVader said:
Dude I'm blinded.... all that talk about the ballast and DIY and now at the end of the install, you must be stoked that you went this route. Congrats man! Looks like you'll have plenty of wattage for the volume.

Vader - thanks again for the follow up and support.

You are 100% correct - I am stoked. In fact, looking back now at the build I am very glad we decided to go this way. Couldn't be more happier with the progress to date. The retro kit was "much" easier than I had anticipated.

Really getting excited to see the tank on the stand ...

Off to Vegas for a couple of days (for a conference we host) - leaving Sunday - this is a very busy time of the year for our business. I am trying to get some time here and there to work on the project.

Thanks again,

Coy

WaywardSon · Dec 5, 2008

DrVader said:
Smart idea.... weren't you going to do a planted cycle with some nutrient sponges before stocking as well?

I plan on running the two 2217s on the 45 for a while and then moving them over to the big tank. I may also grab some of the media out of the Fluvals on the 45. (Wonder how long the bacteria will stay alive??)

With that amount of pre-cycle, we should be able to add the clean up crew right away along with the initial fast-growing plants.

I think I will sell the third 2217 and replace it with a bigger Eheim - possibly the 2260, or Pro 3E (not sure yet). Just don't want to go through this much during setup and have the water the slightest bit less than "crystal." I know - everybody assures me (especially BK) that three 2217s will be enough. Just not 100% sure ...

WaywardSon · Dec 5, 2008

Bk828 said:
Crazy bright.. Hope you wore sunblock

The reflectors with the lights off are bright ... they are bad man, really bad!!

WaywardSon · Dec 5, 2008

rbishop said:
Terriffic looking!

Thanks Bob - the best is yet to come ...

WaywardSon · Dec 6, 2008

Sweetheart said:
Awesome!!

Thanks for checking it out - and the compliment!

roadracr · Dec 6, 2008

cfsinc said:
I plan on running the two 2217s on the 45 for a while and then moving them over to the big tank. I may also grab some of the media out of the Fluvals on the 45. (Wonder how long the bacteria will stay alive??)

With that amount of pre-cycle, we should be able to add the clean up crew right away along with the initial fast-growing plants.

I think I will sell the third 2217 and replace it with a bigger Eheim - possibly the 2260, or Pro 3E (not sure yet). Just don't want to go through this much during setup and have the water the slightest bit less than "crystal." I know - everybody assures me (especially BK) that three 2217s will be enough. Just not 100% sure ...

What kind of filtration are you looking to enhance?

I've got a 150G (72" x 18" x 28") with an Eheim 2217 and an Eheim 2028. I put prefilters on the inputs of both and water is clear. I added a spongefilter on a powerhead to get some additional current flow and give me something to toss in a QT when needed. Between the two canisters and the sponge, I feel like I've got plenty of mechanical and biological filtering. YMMV.

Just my opinion, but I think you'll be well served with three 2217's. I will say, however, that maintenance is much easier on the the newer Eheims like the 2028 just because of the baskets. The 2217's are a great value, however.

Good luck.

WaywardSon · Dec 6, 2008

roadracr said:
What kind of filtration are you looking to enhance?

I've got a 150G (72" x 18" x 28") with an Eheim 2217 and an Eheim 2028. I put prefilters on the inputs of both and water is clear. I added a spongefilter on a powerhead to get some additional current flow and give me something to toss in a QT when needed. Between the two canisters and the sponge, I feel like I've got plenty of mechanical and biological filtering. YMMV.

Just my opinion, but I think you'll be well served with three 2217's. I will say, however, that maintenance is much easier on the the newer Eheims like the 2028 just because of the baskets. The 2217's are a great value, however.

Good luck.

Thanks for the input Racer. Yes, a very good value - I got the 2217s for $135 each shipped to my door. Perhaps I will just stay with the 3 2217s. It takes 2 Fluval 305s to keep my 45 gallon clean - the Eheims just must be that much more filter than the Fluvals. Thanks again!