151 replies to this topic

[Arkaeus]

This will be the creation of my 250.
I purchased the tank/cabinetry used, and have been working/modding this setup for the past 2 months.
I'm upgrading to this setup from my 90g (LPS,Softies)
Finally added salt to the water last night.

Equipment added from the 90-
Lights- 2 Radions. Will be placed at the left and right sides until I get a 3rd for the center in the future
Skimmer- BubbleMagus BM220-CS (aquabee4000)
JBJ Titanium Chiller 1/4 HP
Dual mp60's
Wave2k- Wave maker for the back center (ordering belts soon)
Apex Controller
ATO System hooked to RKL
BRS Dosing Pumps- Alk, Cal
Substrate- 200lbs TE ReefFlakes
LR- 200lbs (Purchased from ReefRocks)
LiveBacteria- DrTims one and only (already have LR but why not?)

It fits! (pics a little dark)


Tanks in


Plumbing (to sump)


Plumbing (to tank)


Ball Valve- Left to right.
1-Unknown 2- Unknown 3- 3/8 fitting will be connected to BRS GFO/Carbon reactor, then flow into the sump. Adjusting this valve will increase or decrease flow.

Edited by Arkaeus, 03 July 2012 - 07:42 AM.

[Will_D]

Looks good, what all are going to be running off of the manifold?  And what return pump are you using?

[kirk_m]

Off to a nice start!   What's going on above the manifold?  Looks like something got burned there.

[Arkaeus]

Updated what ball valves are for. The previous tank owner had a piece of equipment there and it caught on fire is what I was told (Tanks beauty mark? rofl)

ATM return pump is a mag12

Edited by Arkaeus, 23 May 2012 - 09:43 AM.

[Checkitout]

Thats a nice looking tank. It now just needs some acros in their and you will be all set.

[Arkaeus]

Left to right. Dual 200micron Filter sock Mesh. Skimmer, probes, misc equip


Gravel and LR Fuge (This will be the only part of the sump with substrate)


Macro Fuge, Mag12 return

Edited by Arkaeus, 23 May 2012 - 12:17 PM.

[Arkaeus]

Thoughts? Opinions on sump design?

In the last chamber I might have two pumps spinning the macro in a circle. Atm the water in the sump is 5" too high.

Putting the piece of LR in the sump has started a small cycle, am I correct?

Edited by Arkaeus, 23 May 2012 - 12:16 PM.

[RedStickReefer]

Looks like you got it goin' on!

[kirk_m]

Arkaeus, on 23 May 2012 - 12:14 PM, said:

Thoughts? Opinions on sump design?

In the last chamber I might have two pumps spinning the macro in a circle. Atm the water in the sump is 5" too high.

Putting the piece of LR in the sump has started a small cycle, am I correct?

YOu need some kind of source of ammonia for the cycle to truly start...whether it comes from decaying matter like a dead shrimp, or from a live organism like a damsel fish.

[motorhead428]

Or just pee in your tank!!

[Arkaeus]

Woohoo!!! omw home to "whip it out"

Time for some home made DIY cycle!!!

[RedStickReefer]

kirk_m, on 24 May 2012 - 02:51 PM, said:

YOu need some kind of source of ammonia for the cycle to truly start...whether it comes from decaying matter like a dead shrimp, or from a live organism like a damsel fish.

oh, definitely what kirk said.  With a tank that large I didn't think you were new at this.....

[Arkaeus]

Hahahaa!! no worries guys, I just thought some die off from the LR would start some kinda "little" cycle. Checked my salinity from adding more salt and in goes a damsel into the sump =)

Cycle has started!!

Just food for thought, I think im going to wait to add DrTims one and only until I get the substrate in. Thinking more substrate more room for bacteria to grow?

Edited by Arkaeus, 24 May 2012 - 06:42 PM.

[kirk_m]

Dr. Tim's seemed to work well for Kelly on his big tank build...tank cycled in a week.  Do you have your LR in the tank yet?  If you don't, I think you are wasting the Dr. Tim's since the bacteria will have nothing to colonize.  I'd probably ALSO turn off the skimmer during the time so that the bacteria doesn't get skimmed out when trying to keep it in the tank and on the rocks.

Edited by kirk_m, 24 May 2012 - 06:52 PM.

[Arkaeus]

Yea Kirk, thats why I was saying im going to wait until I get the substrate in. Atm I only have a few pounds of substrate in that small section in the sump. A few days ago I was thinking about switching LR and livestock from the 90 to the 250 but Im just going to wait until the substrate is in and do it correct. DrTims is NOT CHEAP for big aquariums.... Ill add the substrate and let the cycle finish after a week. Once there is no ammonia, I'll switch everything over.
Every successful review I have read said not to run the skimmer for the first 48hrs. I'm going to do the same.

[kirk_m]

Ah, I read your post wrong...

[Arkaeus]

Just ordered the live version of TERF. No way im going to be able to wait a month for the 30lb bags. Got 200lbs. Woot!!! should be in next week! then its Drtims cycle time.

Edited by Arkaeus, 24 May 2012 - 09:21 PM.

[kirk_m]

Live version?  I didn't know they made them in any form other than dry.  Glad to hear you are on your way!

[Arkaeus]

http://premiumaquati...-03816LR20.html
It just comes in 20lb bags instead of 30lb


PA just contacted me, they had 7/10 of the live TERF. Shipping 7 and when the rest come in, they are shipping at no extra charge. I even called them letting them know I didnt realize when I placed my order they were running a Mday sale. They said no problem, and credited my purchse the 10%. Excellent response and service.

Edited by Arkaeus, 25 May 2012 - 11:36 AM.

[Arkaeus]

Just ordered 100lbs of dead rock from ReefRocks.net. @85 $ per 50lbs they have the best prices atm. Great reviews from RC, we will see!

Fedex just stopped by the office!


This one makes 2!!!


Ark/Tapatalk

Edited by Arkaeus, 25 May 2012 - 11:23 AM.