Mike's 300 DD peninsula build

[kris101]

My current tank is a 180 RR that went up in 2/2014. It was “ok” for what is was but I was not happy with it. For whatever reason (Martha Stewart voice) “it didn’t fit in with the room”!

I picked up a Used MarineLand 300 DD with a stand and canopy locally with the intention of turning it into a peninsula tank with a bar attached. The tank will be in my finished basement.

I decided to do a thread because I was trying to remember the last 20 years of reefing of all the things I would have done better or differently. I welcome any suggestions or comments!

Its better to do it now than later!

Equipment list:

MarineLand 300 DD 72 x 36 x 27 starfire
80 gallon sump 48L x 24W x 16H
20 Extra tall for top off 20L x 10W x 25H
VS3-30 LifeReef Skimmer
Reef Octopus BioChurn 170 int biopellet reactor
WaterBlaster HY10000 return pump
Aqua UV 57watt
Vortec MP40w ES x2
Bubble-Magus BM-T01 3 pump dosing pump (dosing 2 part)
Smart ATO

Lighting:
Kessil LED’s 2 x 350w 1 x360w ( bought the 350’s months ago)
2 x 60” T-5’s Actinc and Blue Plus

Apex
PM1 PH
PM1 ORP

Pictures to follow

[kris101]

[kris101]

Since this will be a penisula tank, I cut out the Overflows and was thinking that I would use just one in the back corner. There are 2 1" holes in each overflow so I figured that I could use both as drains.

After some research I found the the Marine Land overflows are very limited and at best I could turn the tank over maybe 2x's an hour. I like to run a slower sump but I would like to get at least 4 or 5 times per hour

My LFS suggested I look at the Glass Holes overflow kit and I ended up ordering the 1500 GPH kit. The kit was very reasonably priced and I even got the lid. Its a very nice product

Drilled the 2 holes and painted the back black

[kris101]

I am debating if I want to drill 2 1" holes flanking the overflow for the returns.

I have drilled several tanks but every time its nerve racking!

[kris101]

I decided to go ahead and drill 2 1" holes for the returns as well. I think its a cleaner look than the returns coming from over the top of the tank


Drilled my sump while I was at it

[kris101]

Old tank was removed and now to start building the stand


The New stand will be a peninsula and made from 2x6's. It will have a bar attached to the front and have a tile "back splash" to the ceiling. There will be a canopy attached to the ceiling to hide the lights.

[rocsec1]

I would add and ald module for the apex

[kris101]

The basement floor is way out of level and making things challenging. Going to have the shim all the way around before I move any further on it.

[michika]

Nice progress.

[kris101]

Thanks michika!
kind of at a stand still shimming the stand to the floor

[kris101]

It turned out to be way to much to level the stand. it was off a 1/4 over 4'. It was to much try to chase level so a friend and laser level rebuilt the stand level to the floor! It about 80% complete but well on the way to becoming a Bar!

[kris101]

As much as I love and have a long history with Lifereef skimmers, the New 30" I just bought few months ago is very border line for 340g system. I do have a few larger fish so there will be a heavier load on the system. I don't have the space go taller with the stand and a 27" tank or have anywhere to locate one remotly to jump up to a larger Lifereef skimmer.

So Im sad to say my new lifereef will be for sale shortly

I did decided to go with a Alpha 300! I'm pretty sure that this will handle the load. I got such a great deal on it I couldn't refuse

[kris101]

Perfectly level! Drywall will cover the front and side. Doors for access to the equipment will be on the back. The bar will attach to the front.

[kris101]

I used 2 55 gallon tanks. I also plumbed in 2 1/4 flex tube to the other side of the basement to the tank which will deliver RO water for the top off tank and saltwater for water changes. No More Buckets!
[IMG][/IMG]

[kris101]

The latest debate I am having is what skimmer to use. I was going to use my current lifereef VS3-30 Veturi Skimmer but it is not big enough to handle 340g. The size I need from lifereef will not fit in the stand. Very dissappointed about that.

I did pick up an Alpha 300 with 2 Red Dragon pumps. Its probably to big for my tank but got a great deal for it. I believe that the skimmer is the most important piece of equipment so I was still looking at other options.

I picked up a RO Elite 220 INT rated for 530 gallons. Really nice skimmer. well built and has a DC pump. I doubt it cab handle 530g but I think it can handle my 340g

I am torn between that 2. Any opinions???

[avandss]

that is a beefy looking stand! good job. before you cap it, if you can install the 300dd and fill it, then level it again, sometimes under compression the level changes (depending on what is underneath the tiles, cement slab, raised floor....)

btw nice shim, properly done...

i would highly recommend you do not use the SMART ATO. i have 2, and they always start beeping (quick temp changes, or when the water fluctuates) mine are in the garage on my qt tanks so it is no problem, but in our living space my wife would hang me

if you can try to drill your sump and install 2 horizontal float switches plugged to your apex (you can see what i did in my build) also as far as programing your apex let me know if you need any help

good job so far!

[kris101]

avandss

Thanks for the suggestions. I am planning on filling and leveling again.. I suspect a few more shims here and there will be needed. its a lot of weight!

Agree about the Smart ATO. I was using it on my 180 and the damn thing would beep for no reason sometimes! I will look in to the Apex

[kris101]

So far all level. adding more water and checking level at full weight

[AJ460]

Not trying to sound like a smarta$$ but once it's full of water how do you level it. I ask because mine tank could use some leveling

[kris101]

after you get a level with it full, drain it and shim it. Most shims are tapered so they can be pounded into place

[AJ460]

Ok so u have to empty it that was what I was thinking thanks

[avandss]

You should consider changing your return to a Herbie system, it is dead silent

[kris101]

avadss

I was thinking about that. Not sure if the Glass holes over flow box has room for it

[kris101]

The photo is sideways!
[IMG][/IMG]

[kris101]

Added the baffles to a the 80 Gallon. 48 x 24 x16
Plenty of room for the Alpha or the Elite. I Still haven't decided yet.

Hopefully water testing tomorrow!

[IMG][/IMG]