Pat's 200 Upgrade Aug 2009 Pics

[pterfloth]

Well, it has been a busy weekend! I picked up GSP's 200 gal tank last Thursday evening. Rented a U-Haul trailer and coerced my son and friend to help me move tank and stand. Spent the last few days:

- tearing down 120 gal tank, put everything into buckets and bins
- moving out 120 gal tank and stand
- moving in 200 gal tank and stand
- transferring rock, fish and corals into 200
- plumbing in 200
- painting lights
- hanging lights
- running another electrical circuit for 3x400w MH
- setting up ballasts
- putting out small electrical FIRE!
- replacing burnt out wiring on ballast

Here's the old FTS:
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo171/pterfloth/FTSApril19.jpg

New tank FTS:
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo171/pterfloth/2002.jpg

I ordered some Sunlight Supply 95% reflective aluminum sheets to line the refectors. They are just painted right now. I will also install fans into each reflector for cooling and then I have to add some actinic lights and a wavebox. Then...

You know the story. LOL

[christyf5]

Awesomeness! It looks fantastic!! :cool:

I see you've gone BB as well eh? :wink:

[pterfloth]

Thanks Christy! Congrads on TOTM! Yes, I went BB. We'll see how
I like it.

[Jack]

Looks awesome. Great layout.

[Skimmin]

Wow! What a beauty. I am nothing but envious!!! lol. Someday I too hope to join the 200+gal club. Really nice job on the set up. Looks like its been running for years. What are the dimensions on the new tank?

[pterfloth]

Looks awesome. Great layout.

Thanks Jack! Tried to correct the things I didn't like about the old setup.

[pterfloth]

Wow! What a beauty. I am nothing but envious!!! lol. Someday I too hope to join the 200+gal club. Really nice job on the set up. Looks like its been running for years. What are the dimensions on the new tank?

Thanks Skimmin! The tank is 72" x 30" x 22"

[Rbacchiega]

mmmmmm it's like everything good and fantastic crammed into a 200gallon tank.

Great looking tank

[pterfloth]

mmmmmm it's like everything good and fantastic crammed into a 200gallon tank.

Great looking tank

Crammed? And I was loving the openness! There is loads of room for new stuff! I can hardly contain myself. LOL! :biggrin:

[Oxymoron]

This tank looks amazing. Well done.
The old aquascaping looked good, but the new aquascaping looks great.

[Jason McK]

Look Great Pat. Aquascaping it awesome, Love the caves and tunnels

J

[Rbacchiega]

Crammed? And I was loving the openness! There is loads of room for new stuff! I can hardly contain myself. LOL! :biggrin:

I only say crammed because usually you see these tanks take forever to build. IE weeks or months even. The 'scape is great, I personally wouldn't change a thing.

And I think you'll LOVE BB...with the exception of the goby nano...I dont' think I'll set up another tank that isn't BB...

[Delphinus]

Would love to see a closeup picture of that red/green brain just to the right of centre? What is it?

[pterfloth]

Would love to see a closeup picture of that red/green brain just to the right of centre? What is it?

Its a lobophyllia from the Makassar area of the Indo Pacific. I'll post a pic when I get a chance later today. I really like it. Was in rough shape when I got it but is doing well now. Hand fed it for weeks until it rebounded. Puts out tentacles 1" long from the red folds at night.

[pterfloth]

Look Great Pat. Aquascaping it awesome, Love the caves and tunnels

J

Thanks Jason. Your tank has always been an inspiration for me.

[pterfloth]

I only say crammed because usually you see these tanks take forever to build. IE weeks or months even. The 'scape is great, I personally wouldn't change a thing.

And I think you'll LOVE BB...with the exception of the goby nano...I dont' think I'll set up another tank that isn't BB...

Was just kidding! LOL What do you see as the advantages of BB? It's growing on me. Easy to keep clean for sure.

[Rbacchiega]

I like the options it gives me for high flow without having the constant sand storms. Also I've found it easier to controll nutrients (or lack thereof) and since moving to BB and changing salts, my corals are growing faster and seem to be brighter. Not sure if it's just their time to get fantastic or if it was because of the changes...but it's working for me, so I'll keep at it!

[hillegom]

Yes lots of room now! Love the layout.

[pterfloth]

I like the options it gives me for high flow without having the constant sand storms. Also I've found it easier to controll nutrients (or lack thereof) and since moving to BB and changing salts, my corals are growing faster and seem to be brighter. Not sure if it's just their time to get fantastic or if it was because of the changes...but it's working for me, so I'll keep at it!

Love the sound of that! Won't miss the sand storms and am trying to run ULNS.

[pterfloth]

Yes lots of room now! Love the layout.

I am really happy with all the open space. Fish are behaving quite differently with more room.

[pterfloth]

FTS
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo171/pterfloth/fts.jpg

Blue Acro
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo171/pterfloth/blueacro.jpg

Purple Valida
http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo171/pterfloth/purplevalida.jpg

[christyf5]

Holey cow, that is one gorgeous tank!!! That FTS needs to be much larger :wink:

[lastlight]

Holy cow you put that tank to good use! The change has been drastic in such a short span!

[Sebae again]

I say tank of the month!

[pterfloth]

Holey cow, that is one gorgeous tank!!! That FTS needs to be much larger :wink:

Drop by any time Christy! Maybe when you come from the swap? It would be an honor. :biggrin:

[pterfloth]

I say tank of the month!

Thanks! (blushing) Not FTOM yet but someday... needs to fill in more. There are some amazing tanks on Canreef. You all inspire me.

[Jason McK]

WOW Looks Great Pat. And to think it all just tap water LOL

Stunning

J

[fishytime]

Bravo!.....looking really good.

[Lance]

Very Nice! Well Done!
Is that a Blasto in front of the Yellow Tang? That thing is huge!

[muck]

Great looking tank Pat!
Upgrade was well worth it.. :mrgreen::mrgreen:

[pterfloth]

Very Nice! Well Done!
Is that a Blasto in front of the Yellow Tang? That thing is huge!

Its a Lobophyllia. It was in rough shape when I got it but is doing quite well now.