new large build tips

JachPot · Mar 20, 2022

Hey all,

Tomorrow I pick up my Nuvo 200 EXT second hand that looks like it just shipped. I'm super excited about it, but I have about a month to plan things out before I get started with it.

I haven't chosen any hardware yet, so I'm welcoming recommendations with your suggestions.

What I wanted to ask was "what are your tips for starting up a reef this large"

I have done a 150 in the past when I was a college student and I quickly ran out of money to continue keeping my tank running well. I ended up selling it because I knew it cost too much. Now that won't be a problem, but I'd still like your sage advice on all the things you guys screwed up (or didn't) and how you would start this tank now with the knowledge you've gained.

Operator Wrasse · Mar 20, 2022

Get a mixing station and never wheel around trash cans again.

If possible, create a fish room or closet. It's way easier to work and have all the hardware easily accessible.

It's okay to still take the "easy" road with softies and LPS. Lighting and flow is way more simple if desired and weekly or automatic water changes can probably satisfy all your Alk and Cal needs.

JachPot · Mar 20, 2022

Operator Wrasse said:
Get a mixing station and never wheel around trash cans again.

If possible, create a fish room or closet. It's way easier to work and have all the hardware easily accessible.

It's okay to still take the "easy" road with softies and LPS. Lighting and flow is way more simple if desired and weekly or automatic water changes can probably satisfy all your Alk and Cal needs.

I have a large room under my stairs where I'll have all my non tank equipment. I'd probably still use the trashcan method because the room is like 20 feet from the tanks, but it should make things easier.

I'll probably have a birdsnest and a monti cap or two, but not many more SPS. Not a fan. Euphilyia are the best and I'll be sticking with lots of them, a large tentacle plate coral, tons of zoas and acans.

JachPot · Mar 20, 2022

Picked up the Nuvo 200 EXT today and it's a beauty!

JumboShrimp · Mar 20, 2022

Photos, or it’s all a hoax!

Lol. Best wishes for great success.

JachPot · Mar 20, 2022

Currently it's just the tank and stand! I'm in the market for all the hardware and I'm open to suggestions! I'm building my wishlist now.

JumboShrimp · Mar 20, 2022

My simple #1 tip for IM tanks— a Neat brand feeding port. For your length tank, you might want two.

JachPot · Mar 20, 2022

JumboShrimp said:
My simple #1 tip for IM tanks— a Neat brand feeding port. For your length tank, you might want two.

This looks 3d printable

Sean Clark · Mar 20, 2022

JachPot said:
Currently it's just the tank and stand! I'm in the market for all the hardware and I'm open to suggestions! I'm building my wishlist now.

Can I be the first one to say the stand is backwards lol. I am just giving you a hard time. Great tank.

I will say make sure to give yourself plenty of working room in and out of the sump. That shouldn't be a problem with a 6 foot tank but as I am sure you know from you 150, that space will disappear quickly.

I am off to your build thread now. Good luck.

JachPot · Mar 20, 2022

Sean Clark said:
Can I be the first one to say the stand is backwards lol. I am just giving you a hard time. Great tank.

I will say make sure to give yourself plenty of working room in and out of the sump. That shouldn't be a problem with a 6 foot tank but as I am sure you know from you 150, that space will disappear quickly.

I am off to your build thread now. Good luck.

Haha build thread hasn't started! It's in the garage. I gotta hire people to take this downstairs. It's like 500+ lbs since it's 3/4" glass. I'm currently shopping for a sump and return pump. I gotta start looking through build threads to see what people suggest I guess.

Sean Clark · Mar 20, 2022

JachPot said:
Haha build thread hasn't started! It's in the garage. I gotta hire people to take this downstairs. It's like 500+ lbs since it's 3/4" glass. I'm currently shopping for a sump and return pump. I gotta start looking through build threads to see what people suggest I guess.

I used the Trigger Triton 44v2 on mine. In hindsight I wish that I went with something a few inches taller/wider/longer. The extra height of the stand will easily accommodate an 18 or 20 inch tall sump and still give you room to work. Bashsea or maybe something custom were my other options.