Over the past 6 months, I went through my first tank build and had a ton of success (150.4 waterbox) making the tank almost 90% hands off and automated. Based on this (and I warned my wife ahead of time), I've decided to up my game to a 300 gallon-ish sized aquarium.
I just purchased a "used" Planet Aquariums 260 gallon custom tank - specs below - from World Wide Coral for approximately $2,500.
I have yet to deal with Planet Aquarium as a company and don't necessarily have a great pulse on their pricing structure given this is a custom aquarium, but this seems like a great deal in comparison to the LX Waterbox aquariums I was looking at.
It's important to note that what I purchased includes the steel stand and aquarium itself exclusively.
With that being noted, I'm looking to start a larger build than my current Waterbox 150.4 and am looking for advice on anything I need to consider.
Sump
Bashsea PRO Series 60 - new via New Year's sales
vs
Royale Premier Reef - used sump that was with the tank for $250 (unsure if this can support a fleece roller without customizations)
Fleece Roller
ReefMat 1200 Fleece Roller Filter - I'm a bit unsure about this one, as I needed to bump up to a 1200 for my Waterbox 150.4. I'm slightly afraid this might be a tidbit undersized.
If I could find a sump sized around 65 gallons with a build in roller, I might go for that but I'm currently unaware of any.
Controller
Apex DOS - ATO
Apex DOS - for any chemical dosing - I'm still debating on having a FOWLR setup so maybe not
Apex DOS - for water changes
2x Apex EB832
1x Apex Trident - I'm still debating on having a FOWLR setup so maybe not
Apex Pro
1x Apex COR20 - Debating on a backup/second return pump
Protein Skimmer
Nyos Protein 300 - I've had good experiences with Nyos so far
vs
Regal 250SSS - Everyone seems to go with Reef Octopus at this point so maybe?
Media Reactors
I'm unsure atm - I will have a refugium though
Powerheads
3-4x MP40s - A bit worried I may not get the shimmer effect I want with these, but their look and maintenance is a cinch. Maybe I'll bump up to MP60s but I don't think I need to.
Lid
The tank comes with a premade ClearView or TopLid top
Autofeeder
100% The Plank again
Lights
2x Kessil - AP9X - I have 2x AI Blades on my Waterbox, although they're great at distributing light, I really want the shimmer effect on this tank.
Livestock
I want something to compliment the size of the tank, but I'm unsure yet. If I run a FOWLR tank, really looking for exotic fish. I'll probably eventually move my Purple and Gem Tangs into it. Really have been tempted to get a Epaulette Shark in it eventually but unsure if this tank is just under the comfort zone size for that ("around" 300 gallons).
I just purchased a "used" Planet Aquariums 260 gallon custom tank - specs below - from World Wide Coral for approximately $2,500.
I have yet to deal with Planet Aquarium as a company and don't necessarily have a great pulse on their pricing structure given this is a custom aquarium, but this seems like a great deal in comparison to the LX Waterbox aquariums I was looking at.
It's important to note that what I purchased includes the steel stand and aquarium itself exclusively.
With that being noted, I'm looking to start a larger build than my current Waterbox 150.4 and am looking for advice on anything I need to consider.
Sump
Bashsea PRO Series 60 - new via New Year's sales
vs
Royale Premier Reef - used sump that was with the tank for $250 (unsure if this can support a fleece roller without customizations)
Fleece Roller
ReefMat 1200 Fleece Roller Filter - I'm a bit unsure about this one, as I needed to bump up to a 1200 for my Waterbox 150.4. I'm slightly afraid this might be a tidbit undersized.
If I could find a sump sized around 65 gallons with a build in roller, I might go for that but I'm currently unaware of any.
Controller
Apex DOS - ATO
Apex DOS - for any chemical dosing - I'm still debating on having a FOWLR setup so maybe not
Apex DOS - for water changes
2x Apex EB832
1x Apex Trident - I'm still debating on having a FOWLR setup so maybe not
Apex Pro
1x Apex COR20 - Debating on a backup/second return pump
Protein Skimmer
Nyos Protein 300 - I've had good experiences with Nyos so far
vs
Regal 250SSS - Everyone seems to go with Reef Octopus at this point so maybe?
Media Reactors
I'm unsure atm - I will have a refugium though
Powerheads
3-4x MP40s - A bit worried I may not get the shimmer effect I want with these, but their look and maintenance is a cinch. Maybe I'll bump up to MP60s but I don't think I need to.
Lid
The tank comes with a premade ClearView or TopLid top
Autofeeder
100% The Plank again
Lights
2x Kessil - AP9X - I have 2x AI Blades on my Waterbox, although they're great at distributing light, I really want the shimmer effect on this tank.
Livestock
I want something to compliment the size of the tank, but I'm unsure yet. If I run a FOWLR tank, really looking for exotic fish. I'll probably eventually move my Purple and Gem Tangs into it. Really have been tempted to get a Epaulette Shark in it eventually but unsure if this tank is just under the comfort zone size for that ("around" 300 gallons).
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