I am new to the site but I figured I would jump right in and start my first build thread on this forum. I have just purchased a new tank and am planning to build a full reef. Here are the specs:
Tank:
Marineland 220 Gallon w/ Dual Corner Overflows (72"x24"x30") - Both the drain and return on each overflow is a 1". The stand and canopy are a birch wood stained expresso.
Sump:
I am currently building a DIY 55 gallon sump. I will divide the standard 55 gallon tank into three sections, the first will contain both drain lines from the tank and my skimmer. The middle will be a refugium and separated from the third section by a bubble trap. The third section will contain both my return pumps. I prefer to use dual pumps, in the event of a failure the system can at least maintain 50% of the turnover until I get the pump repaired.
Everything else has not been purchased yet, but this is the planned equipment.
Lighting:
I am planning on three (3) 400w Hamilton Technology Metal Halide pendants that can be seen at the link below. I will be using 20k bulbs, I know halides are a little old school, but I love the look of them and I think these will work great for the livestock I plan to keep. I do plan on upgrading to the electronic ballasts.
http://www.affordableaquaticsupplie...uct_info&cPath=13_166_185_188&products_id=732
Bio-filtration:
I will use 250 lbs of dry rock in the Display and 25 lbs of live rock rubble in the refuge. I plan on a two inch (2") bed of aragonite sand. I will be using Chaeto algae in the refuge as well.
Skimmer:
I am big time believer in over killing on skimmers. This new monster will be no different then my past tanks, I plan on using an SWC Xtreme 300 skimmer. As you can see on the attached link, this skimmer is rated for 365 gallons with a heavy bioload and up to 690 for light bioload.
http://www.swcskimmers.com/Original-Xtreme-Skimmers.htm
Return Pumps:
I plan on using two Quiteones 6000 model pumps. With 6' of head they should turn over nearly 2400gph combined. Plus the price isn't too bad.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23814
I am going to monitor the temperature before putting in any livestock to determine if I will or will not need to add a chiller.
I hope everyone enjoys watching the build, please be patient with me as this one is a big undertaking. That is my 6 month old in the stand to give you an idea of the size of this thing.
Tank:
Marineland 220 Gallon w/ Dual Corner Overflows (72"x24"x30") - Both the drain and return on each overflow is a 1". The stand and canopy are a birch wood stained expresso.
Sump:
I am currently building a DIY 55 gallon sump. I will divide the standard 55 gallon tank into three sections, the first will contain both drain lines from the tank and my skimmer. The middle will be a refugium and separated from the third section by a bubble trap. The third section will contain both my return pumps. I prefer to use dual pumps, in the event of a failure the system can at least maintain 50% of the turnover until I get the pump repaired.
Everything else has not been purchased yet, but this is the planned equipment.
Lighting:
I am planning on three (3) 400w Hamilton Technology Metal Halide pendants that can be seen at the link below. I will be using 20k bulbs, I know halides are a little old school, but I love the look of them and I think these will work great for the livestock I plan to keep. I do plan on upgrading to the electronic ballasts.
http://www.affordableaquaticsupplie...uct_info&cPath=13_166_185_188&products_id=732
Bio-filtration:
I will use 250 lbs of dry rock in the Display and 25 lbs of live rock rubble in the refuge. I plan on a two inch (2") bed of aragonite sand. I will be using Chaeto algae in the refuge as well.
Skimmer:
I am big time believer in over killing on skimmers. This new monster will be no different then my past tanks, I plan on using an SWC Xtreme 300 skimmer. As you can see on the attached link, this skimmer is rated for 365 gallons with a heavy bioload and up to 690 for light bioload.
http://www.swcskimmers.com/Original-Xtreme-Skimmers.htm
Return Pumps:
I plan on using two Quiteones 6000 model pumps. With 6' of head they should turn over nearly 2400gph combined. Plus the price isn't too bad.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23814
I am going to monitor the temperature before putting in any livestock to determine if I will or will not need to add a chiller.
I hope everyone enjoys watching the build, please be patient with me as this one is a big undertaking. That is my 6 month old in the stand to give you an idea of the size of this thing.
