125 to 225 gal upgrade

[m2140]

I'm still new to posting on message boards but I wanted to give it a try with my new tank build. I'm upgrading from an old 125 gallon reef tank to a brand new 225 gal tank.

Tank dimensions:
72 wide x 30 deep x 24 high

The tank will be setup to be visible from both sides with overflows on the short sides of the tank. The overflows are both trapezoid each with a 1 in hole for water return and a 1 1/2 in hole for the drain.

Over the next couple of weeks I will be posting pics of the progress of the tank. I'm going to be building a stand, canopy, custom light mount for 4 AI hydra's.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[m2140]

I got some parts so far for the new tank build. I'm going to reuse my 50 gallon sump from my old tank that has a Waveline DC-12000 pump. I got the pump with the plan to upgrade to a bigger tank. I will be running 2 SCWD's on the tank from the single pump. I intentionally did not get the overflow drilled so that I can put the SCWD at the top of the overflow just over the water line and have it feed 2 pipes on each side of the tank. I hope to create enough random flow that I don't need to run any power heads. Well see how that actually works out.

I also plan on using a DJ power strip to control all the major components (I can't afford an expensive apex system). And create my own cooling fans out of these really large PC fans. I'll have 2 fans on each side creating a nice flow over the water.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[pgr11]

Looks last like your off to a great start. Following to see the progress

 

[m2140]

Here is my stand design so far. I've seen a lot of people go overboard with the amount of support for the tank. But I always wonder why because they over do it to the point you cannot really get a sump in. Not a decent size sump anyway.

I pan on going minimal and making sure all the joints are secured really well with pocket screws. I also plan on adding plywood at the top and bottom of the tank to make the stand stronger.

Let me know what you guys think.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[UMass14]

Thats going to be a sweet setup.

 

[AddictedtoSalt]

Looks good to me. I would probably run 2x6 for the front and rear upper horizontals though.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

 

[pgr11]

Looks good to me. Maybe Jeff can chime in here. He seems to really know his stuff when it comes to this

 

[Tangwich]

ah yes, nothing quite like the look and feel of a brand spankin' new tank. congrats on the upgrade.

 

[m2140]

Looks good to me. I would probably run 2x6 for the front and rear upper horizontals though.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk

I was thinking about that too. but is the 2x6 really going to make that much of a difference if the support legs are still 2x4? when looking at manufacturer stands and even some custom, they all have used 2x4's. Only when you start getting into the really big 400 gallon tanks have i seen 2x6 used.

 

[KarL]

Nice. Lots of people starting up larger tanks. I really want one now.

 

[SchnitzelReef]

I don't think one DC12000 is gunna be enough flow in your tank. Either plan on upgrading your pump, or just run a power head.

 

[m2140]

I don't think one DC12000 is gunna be enough flow in your tank. Either plan on upgrading your pump, or just run a power head.

The pump does 3170 gph and I plan on using 4 1in flow accelerators, 1 on each corner of the tank. I really want to avoid power heads if I can because I have several anemones. We'll see how it works out when it's finally up.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[m2140]

Ok, so a redesigned the stand. I did a little more research and I needed to make the stand stronger. I'm now using 2x6's for all the main supports and then using 2x4's everywhere else.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Fly5150]

Ok, so a redesigned the stand. I did a little more research and I needed to make the stand stronger. I'm now using 2x6's for all the main supports and then using 2x4's everywhere else.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

You may want to add another vertical leg inside of the 2 others to help lock the legs into the stand.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Fly5150]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[m2140]

You may want to add another vertical leg inside of the 2 others to help lock the legs into the stand.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm going to lock the legs to each other using pocket holes. I saw another guy online build a 225 setup and do the same without having to add an extra wood. Also made cutting the wood for the bottom shelf easier to cut.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Fly5150]

I used plenty of pocket screws, but IMO pocket screws won't be very strong once you have 2500lbs of rock, sand, and water on top. Your only talking 4 extra 2x4's and a little extra layout for a lot of peace of mind. Suit yourself though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[djam]

I like the overflows in your tank, both sides is interesting...i'll have to consider that.

 

[Lanshark]

Could add 1/2 plywood skin to all sides and router. I went lam-beam and skin approach via Garf method, worked great and very strong.

 

[m2140]

I like the overflows in your tank, both sides is interesting...i'll have to consider that.

Thanks, I wanted them on the sides because it's going to be a room divider between my living rm and the wife's library. I currently have my 125 in the same spot and I really like the look. Also with the new tank being 30 wide I have a ton more space for corals when you can see it from both sides.

I also want to add rock to somewhat hide the overflows so that I can have the main part of the tank more open.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk