I am building a 215 gallon reef system. This is going to take the better part of a year for me to complete this prodject, so, I thought I would post my progress along the way. Hope this does not bore any of the more experienced reefers out there and maybe help a few folks getting started up. I will try to explain some of my choices in equipment and where I bought them.
First a little background. I have wanted to do this for a long time, but, I work for a liveing and about the only way I could get the boss to agree to let me undertake this build is if I worked some extra overtime. Now, when I look at a tank or a stand, instead of thinking in terms of $$$ I think in terms of "how may days of ot this is going to be?" lol I was all set on the idea of doing a 180 gallon rr tank. Just recently found out that the company I am going with for the tank no longer makes a 180 gallon. Since bigger is better, I am going to the next size up wich is the 215 gallon.
For my sump, skimmer, refugium, system pump, and plumbing, I went with Lifereef. I chose lifereef for their excellent craftsmanship and versility. They offer everything and anything you need for filtration/overflow. I also like the fact that I didn't have to run around all over the place and piece together something that "might" work for my first time doing this. I think things that are designed and built together work better as well. I also have a calcium reactor on order that will be included with this set up. Hopeing to see it late this month or early next month. You can find all of this and more at
Lifereef Filter Systems. It is worth a look just for informational purposes.
I chose a refractometer to check salinity. This was a lfs purchase. I probably paid more there than if I had bought it online, but, I plan on doing most of my business with this store and they have been more than helpful with information. You have got to take care of the ones that take care of you. Even though it was expensive, it is the most accurate way to keep tabs on your salinity, plus, it looks cool. lol If you decide to purchase one, which I think is a good idea as much as you will be checking salinity with water changes, make sure you get one with automatic temperature compensation.
The test kit I am going to use is the Master Test Kit by Nutrafin. I chose this because it is what the lfs I plan on doing buisness with also uses. It includes high and low ph tests, iron, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, calcuim, general hardness, and carbonate hardness tests. It works for salt and fresh as well, purchased this from same lfs as the refractometer.
For heaters, I purchased two 300 watt Visi-Therm Deluxe from another lfs. I have always had good luck with these heaters in the past. They are nice for the price and easy to find in most local stores.
This is what I have so far. I am getting there, just at a snails pace. I would wrather do it this way than throw a bunch of stuff together that I wouldn't be happy with down the road. I am going after top shelf equipment that will last a long time and won't have to be upgraded or replaced because they don't work or end up falling apart. I am going to be in this for the long haul and failure is not an option. The wife would kill me.lol
Next up on the hit list is an ro/di unit. I am almost certain it will be a Kent Marine Maxx hi-s 60gpd unit. That will more than likely be an online purchase. Have not found one localy at a reasonable price yet, but I am still hunting one down. I will post when I find/buy one.
Current Outer Orbit 72" 250 mh will take care of the lighting. It looks to be a quality unit for the money. This will also be an oline purchase if I can't find it localy. I will also be keeping tabs on the LED lighting that is new to the hobby.
What does that leave? hhhmmmmmmm, Oh Yea, The tank! I am either going with the Oceanic 215 or the all-glass 210. I am going with this size due to the wide and low profile. I also love the viewing from the sides. Both tanks are 72" x 24" x 29". Also, it will be quite a while before I outgrow that size of a tank and need a larger one. This will be a lfs purchase, same place I purchased the refractometer from. BTY, did I mention I will get free shipping (30 miles)? Remember that refractometer cost thing? lol The tank will be reef ready with the twin megaflows.
The stand will be built as soon as I figure out who will do the work. I am doing some research on that now. I am sure I can come up with something that looks good and functions for less than what they are asking for one. I just need to finalize a desigh and get going on it. Summer is just around the corner and so is the nice weather, great for doing prodjects. That is it for now!
03-17-2007, 11:16 PM
215 gallon build update 
Similar Threads 
