200g show tank build

[troy tucker]

Its really nice.

[cu0ngsayz]

if the wrt dry and the 2260 is a old filter you can just add it to the tank and add fish right away. No need to cycle tank

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: 200g show tank build

Oh ok.

[NDsuperduty]

You mean without fish? I am going to add fish this weekend. The main reason I wanted to get the water moving is because it is a little cloudy from the sand. Figured the more filtration it gets the faster it will clear up, even the 2215 is nothing for a 200g its a start.

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: 200g show tank build

Nice tank and stand!

Why are you cycling the water?

[NDsuperduty]

200g show tank build

Tank came in today. Filled it up until it was about an inch from the overflow and started cycling the water with my 2215 that I use at home. I'm working on the durso intakes and the return plumbing right now. Hope to have the wet dry and 2262 running by tonight.

There is a canopy but it's off.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1347487621.189138.jpg

[NDsuperduty]

200g show tank build

This build is going to be epic

Haha, I hope it lives up to expectations. I can honestly say this is the first tank I've done where I didn't have to skimp on something because I didn't have the money. I mean I have a budget, but everything I want to do is within it.

Troy, thanks for the advice.

[troy tucker]

As a tradesman. I have a lot of tools. in the old day we use water levals. Now we use lazer. A 1/4 of an in. isn't a lot but this is a business so I am sure you want it to look not just great but Fantastic!! So Leval the sand using shims thin add a maching toe molding around the bottom. that will give it a clean look at the floor and the top of the tank will look fantastic....
I really look forward to seeing this tank....

[SunnyHouTX]

This build is going to be epic

[NDsuperduty]

200g show tank build

Thread still sucks because I don't have any pictures to show but do have a few updates.

As I said above I have a wet dry that will have the intake and returns plumbed through the overflow. I have an Eheim 2262 ordered that is being delivered with the tank, and if there are enough holes it will be plumbed through the internal over flow as well. I believe there are 5 total holes which would be enough to plumb both the wet dry and 2262 but i will figure it out when it gets here. I also purchased a used Fx5 that will be on the tank to get things started but not sure of it will stay long term. The wet dry and Fx5 are cycling right now so hopefully they can get my tank running and cycled really quick.

To heat the tank I purchased 2 Jäger 300w but I had no idea how long they were. I was hoping to put them in my wet dry but they will not fit at any angle. So now I have 3 options. Option 1, I can put them in the tank like a normal person but I was wanting to avoid this to keep the tank very clean looking. option 2, buy smaller heaters which would probably result in needing 3-4 heaters taking up a lot of electric outlets and probably using up more electricity. Option 3, buy or build a longer/custom wet dry that would allow me to get the heaters submerged. I like option 3 the best but have to figure out the cost.

I have also decided that I want to try keeping an Mbu Puffer in this tank. It's a risk sense he will not be alone in the tank but I really want one and think customers will love it.

For the substrate I have 60-100 lbs of the black and white Eco-complete African sand from an old tank that I plan to use. This sand is dry, so no live bacteria but I am planning to buy another 60-80lbs of new Eco-complete white sand. I wanted to do all white sand but I'm not gonna let the black and white sand I have go to waste.

I think that's it for now. Should have some pics late next week of the install

[cu0ngsayz]

I'd just level everything. Thats just me cause when you add the water, tank, sand and etc on the stand all that weight might shift the wood work a little then the doors might not close right etc.

[barrettsline]

if its a minimal shim no. I re-enforced my stand before i even set it up, not saying you need to. but an 1/8" wont weaken it (unless the stand is already damaged) for quite some time (10+ years IMO), that is unless you water damage it or something.

[NDsuperduty]

200g show tank build

It's a painted concrete floor. If I do the shim only on the front will than weaken the stand since the sides are not touching?

[barrettsline]

I agree or simply cut 1/8' shims from a 4x4. Thats what I did on my 210 to level it out. Now I do want to ask this, sorry if I missed it, carpet or tile?

[supadave]

I would cut that six foot shim. As for the sides.....you won't even notice the 1/8 or 1/4 from the floor .