I've been without a tank for almost 10 years now and it's time to get back in as I finally has some time and $ saved up to make a real go at this. Looking back this is the longest stretch I haven't had a tank - the technology and knowledge is so much better than when I was last in thanks to communities like R2R. Love seeing the tanks out there.
All my prior reefs were 29g or 20g so I really need a definitive jump - going for 180g (although the temptation to bigger is there). Goal mixed reef with softies, LPS and dipping toes into SPS. In the planning gathering stage - any feedback from the community is appreciated.
DT:
Aqueon 180g (6x2x2) - will drill myself for first time (gulp)
Synergy reef overflow with bean-animal 1" - 16" vs 20" (leaning 20" for more skimming)
Return bulkheads x2 3/4"
Dead rock - Pukani
1" Sand bed
Wav powerheads on ends
Supplements with JeBao on back
Lights (still thinking):
2x 80W T5
Radeon or Kassil or SB reef lights
Stand and canopy:
DIY - 36-40" high.
Will replace the green couch
Life support in basement (~15' vertical)
Fish room will be an ~13' x 12' room with a 4x6 foot little tab that is unfinished but has a roughed in wall. I'll finish to keep the humidity localized (the furnace and water heater are in the same unfinished area)
Fuge (36x18x18)
- 1st compartment for Siphon from bean animal
- 2nd: Overflows to 2x filter socks
- 3rd: Underflows to refugium for macroalgea/cheats
- 2x 3/4" bulkheads to gravity feed to 150g Rubbermaid
- 1x 3/4" bulkhead emergency drain
Sump (150g Rubbermaid) - ~75g volume
- Seal stock bulkhead and drill new 1" bulkhead
- Liverock/Marinepure for future frags
- Heaters
- Skimmer - Reef octopus 150EXT
- 2 part dosing
- Iwaki 70 return pump rated 1000-1200gph at 15'. Goal around 1000gph (5-6x turnover/hour)
- Return drives manifold for GFO/Carbon and T off for water change
Controller:
- Apex
- Avast ATO
Power:
DT power on 15A circuit that is lightly used.
Sump room power on a separate 15A circuit that is lightly used.
Option to use 3rd 15A circuit for other accessories
Backup plan - UPS or other backup under DT for powerheads. Consider backup power for return pump but not sure what is the priority.
Questions for those with the experience:
- ?Plan for humidity in fish room. Currently at 55-65% RH even without the tanks. Will likely add a 100CFM fan to vent out but considering HRV options. There is an AC vent in the ceiling.
- Are 2x 3/4" bulkheads enough to deal with Fuge output? Will there be too much flow through the Fuge if I put the siphon there? Should the siphon go to the sump?
- Are custom tanks with star fire worth the extra $$ and wait?
- Is 20" overflow worth it for skimming for 72" tank?
All my prior reefs were 29g or 20g so I really need a definitive jump - going for 180g (although the temptation to bigger is there). Goal mixed reef with softies, LPS and dipping toes into SPS. In the planning gathering stage - any feedback from the community is appreciated.
DT:
Aqueon 180g (6x2x2) - will drill myself for first time (gulp)
Synergy reef overflow with bean-animal 1" - 16" vs 20" (leaning 20" for more skimming)
Return bulkheads x2 3/4"
Dead rock - Pukani
1" Sand bed
Wav powerheads on ends
Supplements with JeBao on back
Lights (still thinking):
2x 80W T5
Radeon or Kassil or SB reef lights
Stand and canopy:
DIY - 36-40" high.
Will replace the green couch
Life support in basement (~15' vertical)
Fish room will be an ~13' x 12' room with a 4x6 foot little tab that is unfinished but has a roughed in wall. I'll finish to keep the humidity localized (the furnace and water heater are in the same unfinished area)
Fuge (36x18x18)
- 1st compartment for Siphon from bean animal
- 2nd: Overflows to 2x filter socks
- 3rd: Underflows to refugium for macroalgea/cheats
- 2x 3/4" bulkheads to gravity feed to 150g Rubbermaid
- 1x 3/4" bulkhead emergency drain
Sump (150g Rubbermaid) - ~75g volume
- Seal stock bulkhead and drill new 1" bulkhead
- Liverock/Marinepure for future frags
- Heaters
- Skimmer - Reef octopus 150EXT
- 2 part dosing
- Iwaki 70 return pump rated 1000-1200gph at 15'. Goal around 1000gph (5-6x turnover/hour)
- Return drives manifold for GFO/Carbon and T off for water change
Controller:
- Apex
- Avast ATO
Power:
DT power on 15A circuit that is lightly used.
Sump room power on a separate 15A circuit that is lightly used.
Option to use 3rd 15A circuit for other accessories
Backup plan - UPS or other backup under DT for powerheads. Consider backup power for return pump but not sure what is the priority.
Questions for those with the experience:
- ?Plan for humidity in fish room. Currently at 55-65% RH even without the tanks. Will likely add a 100CFM fan to vent out but considering HRV options. There is an AC vent in the ceiling.
- Are 2x 3/4" bulkheads enough to deal with Fuge output? Will there be too much flow through the Fuge if I put the siphon there? Should the siphon go to the sump?
- Are custom tanks with star fire worth the extra $$ and wait?
- Is 20" overflow worth it for skimming for 72" tank?