How I Installed My 220 Gallon Aquarium

This week I'm very exited to show you the process I went through to upgrade my main display tank from a 125 gallon to a 220. This video documents the entire process from start to finish and I hope you enjoy it!
Equipment on the new tank (affiliate links):
Sand: amzn.to/2cz9izE
Light: amzn.to/2cLpltE
Big Eheim: amzn.to/2cz9Upc
Smaller Eheims: amzn.to/2cLpYmL
Stand: amzn.to/2c1un8a
Rock is a landscaping stone called Carderock
My aquarium gear recommendations:
kit.co/stevepoland/aquarium-g...
Maximus Aquatics (John)'s Channel:
/ @maximusaquatics7835
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All music in this video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license:
Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod
Something Elated by Broke For Free
Switch It Up by Silent Partner
What It Is by Silent Partner
Standing Here by Silent Partner
Rhodesia by Twin Musicom

[@bobjames9618]

You realy find out who your friends are when it comes time to move tanks that big!

[@Fyyt]

Here here

[@Thanson199415]

I'm glad i love watching the longer more in depth videos, eating food, & chillin

[@tombrook6869]

I loved seeing this tank in person! Beautiful setup and meticulously planned.

[@KGcichlids]

Probably the most enjoyable video I have watched because I didn't have to do the work lol great job man!

[@brianmurphy8032]

this is a serious commitment to fish keeping money and time . makes my entry level 30 ltr tank seem like a bit of a joke but hey its still fun gonna move up to a 45 ltr soon gotta start some where enjoyed your vid

[@MbunaMarcus]

Wow...incredible job...you're going to love this tank 10/10

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Mbuna Marcus - Aquariums, Cichlids and More thank you sir!

[@dwsdarius]

Awesome to see the build...outcome is amazing!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+dwsdarius thanks!

[@nikogarcia5074]

Absolutely love this tank Steve!! Keep up the good work man!!!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Clearly Scaled thanks!

[@BLB13films]

add some drift wood in there and it'll be perfect

[@WellDone..101]

and some plants...

[@jezzabb3707]

@@WellDone..101 These fish will destroy plants...

[@elmee96]

@@WellDone..101 lol do you now what african Cichlids do?

[@WellDone..101]

@@elmee96 eat plants?

[@ericmontoya3447]

@@WellDone..101 i keep plants in mine! Not a whole lot. But definitely keep some.

[@adamc7918]

tank looks phenomenal steve. I did pretty much the exact same process in switching my 125 to my current 220. you don't realize the difference in size until you get it up and running and can see from the side how much more room is available for the fish

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Adam C thanks Adam. It really is huge.

[@adamc7918]

+Steve Poland Cichlids any plans to add any new species?

[@adamc7918]

+Steve Poland Cichlids and I'm assuming you got a warranty card to send in within 10 days of purchase? make sure and do that within 10 days. I forgot and it was a pain in the A to get them to accept my warranty card cuz I was a week late

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Adam C that's a good tip. I made sure to send mine in within the 10 days.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Adam C not at the moment. I combined all of the biggest fish from the 125 and 90 and I'm going to let them chill for now.

[@CurieBohr]

I know what you mean about the sleepless nights. I bought a 180 gallon tank, stand, and canopy. I couldn’t fill it and kept having restless nights thinking the stand would hold 2,000 plus pounds after filled and decorated. So I’m putting in many 2x4s under it to help support it.

[@FloodXL]

Yeah buddy! Congrats on the new tank! Looka awesome.

[@MARKSAQUATICS]

Beautiful tank Steve. I'm still trying to convince the wife that a 1000 gallon aquarium would look awesome in our living room.

[@kylersung7317]

She said you were crazy didn't she... but it sounds awesome!

[@Thegaoat]

😂

[@reelthing4u]

no 1000 gallon is way to small for a living room . you need at least a 5000 gallon for a living room

[@brian__6464]

beautiful tank man, I just got my first 150 yesterday

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Brian Fuller awesome! 150 is a good size

[@Minstra]

I've been designing a 223 gallon, 6'7"x 2'4"X 2'4", for a silver arowana, a black diamond, a pearl and, a motoro

[@paulfeery5221]

you are a master. the patience and work ethic shows me how much better i could be. geez. blows my mind

[@caperonfire]

Ahh went through that process many of times! great documentation and beautiful new tank! that black background makes their colour pop so much!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Old Trout thanks!

[@wolvesden7777]

I have a 72 bowfront but I really need a 220 in my life :)

[@ItzConnect]

well earned my friend

[@davisraelify]

congratulations on your new tank!!!! Awesomeness!!!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+israda thanks!

[@inventoryking]

Great video Steve! I love videos they display the whole process. It's crazy how long it actually takes. Looks fantastic!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+inventoryking thanks Paul. You're right, it took a long time.

[@efrainscichlids9038]

was very easy, only took 18:30 the whole project lol

[@jacobchrem2536]

wow that's great congratulations on your new tank. I could use a bigger tank too, but my parents would probably kill me lol

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Jacob Chrem probably best to wait until you have your own place

[@shawncarpenter6251]

Looks amazing! Really enjoy watching your videos. Congrats on the new setup!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Shawn Carpenter thanks Shawn, much appreciated

[@kevincalloway3832]

Great job, beautiful setup!

[@tbax3918]

Good job Steve. I did my upgrade some months ago to a 350 gallon and I love it. A lot of hard work

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+T Bax thanks, yeah it's the kind of hard work that's totally worth it

[@allecelopez9931]

It's so beautiful!!! I'm extremely jealous of you. I just got a 50 gallon for my flowerhorn but I really want a 150 gallon because you're very right about seeing a bigger tank in your home it brings so much peace and there's really no need for a TV on my opinion. Thank you for your video

[@bvaughn777]

Dang those guys are strong if they can carry that tank. Those tanks are heavy. Took 4 people to get mine in the door.

[@ChuySanchez23]

bvaughn777 that's the exact same thing I was thinking. My brother and I had a struggle getting a damn 125 I'm doors lol

[@BeanFart]

bvaughn777 yeah the 125 gallon tanks weigh just over 200 pounds. I can't imagine how much that 220 weighs

[@mauriciomarioni6048]

bvaughn777 goodness you guys are weak lol

[@ipikachuboy7839]

Anybody that wants to carry thing between less people having the chance to do it witth moore......... are not concerned about their back in the future....... young peple....

[@ballsdeep994u]

It was made of 3/8 inch glass. Lol

[@michaelmartinez459]

Wow, that looks amazing. Congrats. Great video too.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

Thanks!

[@chuck3788]

Very nice Steve, congrats on your new tank, looks great too.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+chuck thanks!

[@curt3494]

Absolutely stunning! I could picture myself cracking open a few beers and just sitting and watching those cichlids for hours. SUBBED.

[@johnnynguyen5527]

so he was scared the tank might blow out on him so he sold the problem off to someone ...LOL

[@StevePolandAquatics]

They were aware and it was reflected in the price

[@briggjohnson358]

Yea real stand up guy

[@Bubbles99718]

Buyer beware. The real crime is he thinks he has a good looking set up. It's so freakin bland.

[@julianmendoza3497]

He’s a dick lmao

[@charmaynefrazier3013]

Lol

[@msprofessr]

Thx you for sharing! It was absolutely amazing watching you set up your new tank.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Yolanda Herbert thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@Brendagrady32]

I went from a 125 to a 220 like you but I used two 55 gal drums to save the water and gravel as well as running my filters. It gave me immediate fish stocking without the worry about ammonia spikes and change over so as to not stress out the fish.

[@dudethatscichlid7151]

Painting over a tan carpet without a drop cloth? You must not be married... lol Great video, Steve! Not many people think about reinforcing their floor. Luckily I live in an area of AZ where very few homes have a basement. Fish on!!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Dude, That's Cichlid! I am married but the painting and carpet cleaning both fall under my list of responsibilities so I don't hear much about it.

[@dudethatscichlid7151]

Well it helps that you're not sloppy or clumsy ... I'd have done it, too. My wife's the same way... but only after a few years of minimal accidents or spills and knowing I'm crazy careful with every project. By the way, what was the price the seller agreed on for the 210 you resealed? I'm curious what I should be thinking of paying myself. Also, that tank would've held without a doubt. No one ever really trusts their first reseal. After ten years I might have reseamed it but if there weren't any stress bubbles you'd have been golden for another decade with a reseal. FISH ON!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Dude, That's Cichlid! You may be right but I will sleep better this way. I sold the 210 for $400.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

Equipment on the new tank: Sand: amzn.to/2IpvFWy Light: amzn.to/2rJZb29 Big Eheim: amzn.to/2rKKjRh Smaller Eheims: amzn.to/2IkxM1Q Stand: amzn.to/2rHORsb Rock is a landscaping stone called Carderock My aquarium gear recommendations: kit.co/stevepoland/aquarium-gear

[@jasonhintz1254]

Steve Poland Cichlids The 210 that you had I used to build them at all-glass aquarium and know the guy that built yours small world

[@ThirstysURL]

that's not a tank...

[@briankind8728]

Big fan

[@StreetCarCartel]

How long is the tank . ?

[@kevindigit]

Where did you get the adjustable jack posts? Really would appreciate it!

[@brandonlyautey9803]

This makes me feel good about those light pine stands. They are stronger than they look. I just got one for a 125.

[@johnfurious8419]

Love that setup

[@kevinbretscher]

i Always siphon the sand. dont know if it works on Big tanks like this one

[@chrisshaw9328]

Wow I can’t believe how much volum the rocks took up

[@jakollyrblx5673]

Ikr

[@DramaticAquatics]

looks great Steve fantastic video!!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Dramatic Aquatics thanks!

[@Cichlids23]

Thats awesome Steve....

[@myselfdotcom]

You should have water test the new tank as well :)

[@silvercollector434]

Watching you paint with carpet under the take was stressing me out lol

[@fromanabe]

i know right that totally made me question this guys credibility!!

[@efrainscichlids9038]

big project, looks awesome

[@weldaz67]

i feel this was one the most explained and interesting videos i have seen for a long time. Please keep up the good work. Very nice tank. Subbed

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+weldaz67 thanks!

[@TheCichlidShack]

Outstanding!!! I want one so bad but 140 tanks is the wife's max lol....

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+The Cichlid Shack haha can't really blame her there

[@TheWildBuckOutdoors]

Can you please tell me the dimensions of the tank? I'm looking for something like that right now, but have to made it custom because cant find so big tank in the stores in my country. Thanks!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

Valentin Bozhilov 72" x 24" x 30"

[@TheWildBuckOutdoors]

Steve Poland Cichlids Cheers

[@kifter4254]

The Cichlid Shack 140 is still big... I have a 5.5 gal..:( im new to the hobby. Would love to decorate more and have more fish

[@ashleymanville5698]

Did you begin filling the new tank with water straight from the tap? I'm curious as to how to you filled it while also preserving the bacterial in the sand, assuming that the water wasn't already dechlorinated. Wouldn't dechlorinated water kill any beneficial bacteria?

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Ashley Manville the beneficial bacteria in the sand is very hardy. The small amount of chlorine in tap water won't kill most of it. But yeah I just filled it right from the tap and added dechlorinator a minute or so after it started. I also preserved most of the bacteria in the biomedia in my filters.

[@ashleymanville5698]

Thank you! I'm beginning to plan the move of my goldfish from a 29 gallon tank to a 75 and I have sand as substrate right now also. Good to know the bacteria can be saved! lol

[@622wesc]

I would have saved as much water from the old tank.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

No benefit to doing that

[@622wesc]

Is that because all the bacteria is in the filters and sand?

[@robnutt4655]

Nice work bud, Super pumped to get my new big tank in a couple of weeks. Inspired!!

[@evancheese4898]

Beautifully done and like how it’s ina dark room

[@mursebryan]

how much was the 220 gallon tank?

[@miguelarias5000]

New new is around 500-800 w a stand. Not including shipping n stuff

[@jonathanadams6823]

luis arias where did you find your tank?I’ve been looking for a little while now

[@BADFISHHHHHH]

makes my 55 gallon look like poop

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+BADFISHHHHHH nothing wrong with a 55

[@BADFISHHHHHH]

true. seeing this just makes me wanna get a bigger tank or add more fish... my tank seems under stocked also.How many fish would you put in a 55?

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+BADFISHHHHHH depends on he type of fish

[@BADFISHHHHHH]

African cichlids of course! Mostly from lake malawi

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+BADFISHHHHHH mbuna, peacocks, or haps? Makes a big difference

[@iCitDzn]

Omg it is so nice Steve. I love how you setup your tanks. Im getting my 125 gallon this week and im going do the same thing as you

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+iCit Dzn thanks! Let me know if you have any questions

[@iCitDzn]

yes sir i will do!

[@Theatersounz]

Thanks for going to the trouble to share your setting up process, very much enjoyable!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Dave Woodley thanks Dave

[@samthegreatgenius]

I wouldn't call it tank envy. The perfect number of fish tanks is more. It's common knowledge.

[@HappyBuddhaBoyd]

major overkill on the canister filters. That one big one is more than sufficient for those fish.

[@ThirstysURL]

he's probably looking for longevity so it can stay cleaner for longer...it's a mighty task is cleaning day for these tanks..

[@jjcale2288]

With one canister the water would never be cristal clear!

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

great work there and lots of works changing tank

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Man i had a 180 and these things are HEAVY! Those 2 guys carrying that 220 surely must have ate SPINACH! WOW! It took 4 of us to move the 180! I sold my tank 2 years ago, if i get back in i would def do a 220 now! Cool video, and yes, from my experience over 30 years into fish, always empty out as much water as possible before trying to catch the fish. I am debating wether to build a 350 gallon indoor pond, or get a 220. Decisions, decisions.

[@novatheaussie4399]

220

[@kronicstudios7599]

i'm the fish trying to take cover in the sand substrate from the net

[@brianj.p.5763]

0:33 "bigger tank syndrome"

[@Fyyt]

I'm feeling this way right now and it's driving the wife nuts, lol

[@santamonicahelpassistant418]

Steve that's an excellent DIY video! and NICE tank! the black paint was absolutely the right move 👍👍 -Abdullah

[@lou9294]

Congratulations my friend That is absolutely awesome

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+lou9294 thanks Lou, much appreciated

[@teezy_s]

that was basically a 200% water change

[@rp101aquatics6]

Ehhhh he added bacteria

[@kevinbretscher]

pretty cool that that Fish burried himself

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Kevin Bretscher yeah I didn't see it happen so it was fun to find it on the video

[@frankwite1033]

Excellent video Steve. I just finished up painting the back and bottom of my new 220, now just waiting for help to pick the sucker up and get set up. Transferring from a 125 as well and its already sold so I've got to get these fish move asap. Thanks for sharing this video is was just what I've been searching the tube for.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Frank Wite thanks Frank. It's quite the difference in size and weight. Hope this helps you a bit with planning.

[@7kj1777]

It look great! I started out with 110g. I started love to watch those cichlids then changed to 180g and keep110g for grow out. I m very happy with them and still enjoy them

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+KJ Mason it was tempting for me to keep my 125 as a growout. I've done they in the past. It's hard to give up a good tank.

[@Jen-wh4pt]

Do you think fish know what we do for them :p ..

[@proudricefarmer4700]

Jennie Reynolds no.

[@Thegaoat]

Lol I hope so I can’t be a lot of work at times!😂

[@j727100]

I accidently flushed my discus fish down the toilet. 🙁

[@fishtaniam5745]

Justin Beaty How?😂

[@deanmanning5671]

Mine definitely dont know how much they make me enter my overdraft 😂

[@stevengiem8495]

Where can I find a not overpriced 100-125 gal tank?

[@letmesleepinpeace7052]

Petco when they have a $1 per gallon fish tank sale. Its up to 40 gallon tank thats a dollar a gallon, then 50% off for any higher than that.

[@MeiklesAndDimes]

Awesome video! Great video production too!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Brandon Meiklejohn thanks Brandon, much appreciated

[@prince151ful]

Beautiful tank.. it is something really satisfying about setting up a new tank.

[@kaivalyaghadge]

Give me your old tank please

[@muffemod]

Dude drill that shit and toss the canister filters.

[@hotelaccounting4217]

owl yea, herbie overflow to a refugium sump in the basement right underneath. and good thing you ditched the 210, while a reseal like you did is fine on up to a 55 gal, the only safe way to reseal a big glass tank is complete tear down because when you do the inside corners they are permanently bonded to the layer between the glass and this becomes a mono pour gasket for strength...

[@Whey2010]

Absolutely Gangstah! I loved it! Tankster Steve!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Rely Flores haha thanks!

[@maddawgzzzz]

I got the 300 of this. Love it. Mines marine, with overflows, sump, skimmer, grow cheato, a few media reactors and plumbed with extra returns since I run 2200gph with 2 mp60s

[@MRJAZZ1959]

Who makes these tanks and are they trust worthy?

[@SUM1SLY83]

5 rocks in the middle was a bit of a letdown, doesn't even look natural. Might aswell put nothing in there.

[@MrWils25]

SUM1SLY83 good thing it doesn’t belong to you huh?

[@baaziz2006]

Are you polish

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+fox wolf no

[@baaziz2006]

anyway nice tank

[@baaziz2006]

do you have clown fish

[@StevePolandAquatics]

fox wolf no

[@baaziz2006]

ok

[@dermont5]

Awesome, congratulations and thanks for sharing.

[@maximusaquatics7835]

Looks incredible Steve! Definitely worth all the blood, sweat & tears...lol. Huge thanks for the shout out my friend.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Maximus Aquatics and thanks for the help!

[@maximusaquatics7835]

Anytime!

[@soogimohrle3343]

Boring, an EMPTY tank, no decoration, no plants (yes, I know it is a Malawi tank, so is mine).

[@michellewally2501]

Nice tank, just boring looking tho.

[@solodolo304]

Waste of time and money if thats all you gonna do to it. But its big though

[@GSP-76]

I'm using the same exact 220g tank... absolutely love it... especially the 30 inch height. Gives a great front viewing panel.

[@Savethemanual]

what's the glass thickness?

[@GSP-76]

@@Savethemanual 1/2 inch.

[@nuttcase769]

Wow this video was awesome I love the step by step process great stuff Steve 👍🏽🏈

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Nuttcase7 thanks!

[@Samhain2323]

Absolutely Awesome !!!

[@factsdontmatter7664]

I am so jealous. That tank kicks!!

[@gingaboybuda]

Great video👍👍 ive just upgraded to my biggest yet, only 40 gallons but i love it cant wait to have something as beautiful as yours!

[@DisneyEnigmaticDreamer]

Excellent! I always had small tanks when growing up. When I moved out of parents' house, I had a 30 gallon for years. I'm now in my own home, and I would like to get a nice large freshwater tank. I would love to get a 200-300 gallon tank.

[@quinlanmcnoland6080]

Awesome. I'm used to heavily planted tanks, but the minimalist look of yours is quite nice

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Quinlan McNoland thanks!

[@Hunterny64]

Great video, tank looks awesome!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Cichlid Sal thanks!

[@TheMostAriel]

I appreciate your attention to detail.

[@jasondouglas4957]

Beautiful tank!

[@kerrbearbaby]

very nice! I loved the fast forward of you moving fish

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+kerry riley thanks!

[@kevanking520]

Looks Great!!!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Kevan King thanks!

[@nosumpreefing8287]

thanks for the video and the red shoulder. great to see your tank!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+Brian Bain thanks, always good to meet local cichlid lovers

[@robertbrennan4957]

Beautiful!

[@clearwaterbeachhomesearchm5957]

Congrats on tank. Looks great

[@aidanarmas2667]

Great video. Nice job filming it the camera angles and different camera views were great!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+TankOn 35 thanks!

[@JEC11718]

nice job, Steve! that's a nice center piece for your channel and your house!

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+JEC11718 thanks!

[@ANGKOI1]

Beautiful display. Great effort. You made it look easy. Thanks for sharing.

[@StevePolandAquatics]

+ANGKOI1 thanks!

[@briancastaneda9020]

Great Job!!!

[@l.rod2827]

Badass aquarium. Good job. It looks fantastic

[@mroberts1083]

Great job steve.

[@michaelangelo0430]

this video was awesome bro. kept me interested til the very end. im so pumped to set up a bigger tank now probly 150gal🤗