New Ray Tank Build - General Information Appreciated

[JK47]

I found a used Iwaki IWAKI MD-70RLZT that I could purchase for about $150. Rated for 1500gph, is that enough turnover for a 350g tank? Turnover would be about 4x per hour. My most recent tank idea is a 6x4x2 so it will have a much wider footprint than the 210g tank I was previously looking at.

Honestly no that is not sufficient. Rays produce a substantial bioload and need over filtration. Especially with lower water volume for immediate dilution. For a tank that size I would bbe running 3,500 GPH but no less than 2,500 GPH. A quality pump like a Reeflo Dart would be perfect. If you prefer submersible, I also like Laguna brand pumps (2900 or 4280 would be great). Some folks stand behind Jaebao pumps as well but I’ve not had any experience with those so can’t speak to them.

I used metal (2” steel) stands but there are people by the bucket full who use DIY or professional wood stands. The advantage to me is peace of mind and more access underneath the stand. Sumps for rays get big, quick.

 

[DThompson]

Honestly no that is not sufficient. Rays produce a substantial bioload and need over filtration. Especially with lower water volume for immediate dilution. For a tank that size I would bbe running 3,500 GPH but no less than 2,500 GPH. A quality pump like a Reeflo Dart would be perfect. If you prefer submersible, I also like Laguna brand pumps (2900 or 4280 would be great). Some folks stand behind Jaebao pumps as well but I’ve not had any experience with those so can’t speak to them.

I used metal (2” steel) stands but there are people by the bucket full who use DIY or professional wood stands. The advantage to me is peace of mind and more access underneath the stand. Sumps for rays get big, quick.

Thank you for being honest and letting me know before I bought a pump that was suboptimal. I'm now looking at either a Jebao DCT15000 (3900gph) or a Reeflo Dart. Only problem is that the Jebao is an internal pump and the Reeflo is external and IDK which what to go yet with this tank setup.

 

[Dloks]

Thank you for being honest and letting me know before I bought a pump that was suboptimal. I'm now looking at either a Jebao DCT15000 (3900gph) or a Reeflo Dart. Only problem is that the Jebao is an internal pump and the Reeflo is external and IDK which what to go yet with this tank setup.

I used Jebao and I’ve used Reeflo hammerhead back in the days. Reeflo is quality no doubt about that. It does get a bit warmer than the jebao but the jebao has always been used in submerged applications. Jebao is bang for your buck and I stand behind it. I recommend the DC(P/T)18000-22000. You can adjust the flow which the controller. Both Jebao and Reeflo are brands I would only use when I set up my tanks, just depending on how much cash I have laying around.

 

[DThompson]

Alright, got a Reeflo super Dart/Snapper Gold series pump (rated for 4300gph) and an Alita AL60 air pump on order for the 360g tank (isn't built yet). I think I might still order a Jebao DCP18000 as a backup pump just in case something happens to Reeflo pump.

Next thing to order is media for my filter. I was planning on getting K1 for my 55g drum moving bed filter, where do people usually purchase their K1 from, or where is it cheapest? How full do people usually fill their MBBR reactors? the 55g drum is about 7 cubic feet. I was thinking about ordering 4 cubic feet on amazon for $85.

In the first 55g drum I will have ceramic media and filter floss, where do most people get theres from?

Amazon has all these and they seem like a reasonable price: $86 for 4 cubic feet of K1, $31 for 10lbs of ceramic rings, Matala filter pads on amazon are kind of expensive at $39 per half sheet (39"x24"x1.5"thick).

 

[Galantspeedz]

I use pumice stones and ceramic rods