ZEOvit/200G Build Journal - 34G Solana

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

So as I mentioned before I am setting up the new tank in February. Most of the equipment will be the same but I will take lots of pics of the build this time. Starting with the stand. My brother and I are building it this weekend. Just a regular overbuilt 2x4 frame, plywood and a laminate finish. Hopefully we can find the super gloss white (or maybe black) laminate we are looking for.

The other option is to tile the stand. I have a few ideas in mind for that but we'll see what the cost would be. I found the 1" sq. tiles I like (they are meant for a kitchen backsplash) but they are $23 a square foot...not too cost friendly.

I guess I will modify the thread title a bit


Here are the tank equipment specs:


Tank: Custom 72"x30"x22"
1/2" side panels
3/4" bottom
Center Overflow drilled for herbie overflow and return line
Eurobraced

Sump: 72" 120G (my current display)

Lighting: Dual 400 watt MH with Lumenbright reflectors
Either 14k or 20k...not sure yet. Bulb suggestions are welcome.

Flow: Tunze Wavebox
2 x Modded Koralia 4's (over 2200 GPH each)
800 GPH return line


I will be still running ZEO but haven't decided if I should get a bigger reactor or not yet.

The tank stand is going to be as sleek and "modern" as possible to match the rest of the condo. Just a very, very basic gloss white "cube" for the tank to sit on. The doors will be panels that slide (like Lastlight's stand ) so they are basically not very noticeable when closed hopefully.

No canopy. I am going to hang the lights from the ceiling, about 20" off the water surface which is ideal for the Lumenbright reflectors and should give ideal PAR and not cause heat issues. The thing is, they may not look right because the ceiling is 14' tall...kind of long cables Might look into other options.

Other than that...not much. That is all the equipment for now. Once the cost of all this dissipates a bit, I will be switching from annoying two part dosing to the Balling method. Just can't spend $500 on a new dosing pump right away

This project HAS to be up and running by the first week in March when our place is being used for a fashion photo shoot. So relatively fast.

I was hoping to move livestock over very slowly but since the display tank now is going to be the sump, I have to do it quickly...probably going to fill the new tank with new sand and some rock I have cycling and half new water. Do the plumbing and whatnot without the sump in place (its VERY simple). Let the new tank sit and do its thing for a week or two and when it is stable and testing the same as the current display, start moving stuff over. Set up the old tank as the sump and hopefully everything lives!

I have lots and lots of people offering to help so I think the actual day I transfer everything over and finish the plumbing will go fine.

Hmmm...that got long! Work is quite boring today I usually work from home but had to go into the studio for a few days. Its very weird not being home with my tank!