Losing my Mind!!!

[Dorking It]

I have been reefing for a little over a year now. I can not seem to keep coral happy but its ok; frustrating but slowly figuring it out. I purchased a red sea xxl750 v3 second hand (steal of a deal for the setup) and it has been good to me so far but ....... I keep seeing the failures so it's good until it's not. Since my solid wood floors, livestock and sanity all matter here is the plan with some questions.

Planet Aquarium mega matrix 310 external overflow with PVC bottom (I know if makes it custom). Since its going to now be custom, should I have the returns drilled to 1" instead of 3/4" (looking for high flow tank). What are the pros and cons? I currently have 4 MP40s and 2 MP60s on my 750 and I would think that would be good for the 310. Should I think about closed loop so I can eliminate the pimple on the ends of the tank? If I did the 1" returns for overflow and 2 1" eductors on the bottom (closed loop - with 2 drains 8" up on the back wall) eliminate the need to the MPs?

I am going back and forth on an 80/20 stand vs the planet stands and canopy. Anyone have the planet stand (heritage) and how do you like it?

Looking at the synergy SK60 sump with dual plates for clarisea rollers. Anyone have this sump and when you order with the clarisea dual roller plates is the main overflow drain split between the 2? If split like this is the only true benefit to allow more flow and rolls last longer?

Any and all feedback is very much appriciated.

Daniel

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Bump

 

[Dorking It]

I'm hoping to get some feedback. Bump to the top

 

[ZoWhat]

See if the Planet folks will share some customer contact info on 310s they've sold

I know my next aquarium will be a Planet. Our best LFS near me is a husband wife team, late 30s early 40s.... industry mover and shakers. they travel a lot fir Industry trade shows

They don't mess around with any inventory if it's not the best out there. They have several Planets on display

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Also check out glass cages @Joe Glass Cages for custom tanks


It’s where I had mine done

 

[lesismore]

I second reefing addiction’s thumbs up for Glass Cages. In the end, I sorted though the weeds and was down to 3 possibilities, Glass Cages, Planet Aquarium or Waterbox. All 3 had very positive qualities and built a great tank. Nonetheless, when it came to having the ability to produce a truly stunning tank and equally stunning stand, combined with the array of options offered, Glass Cages was my choice. I’ll start a new build thread here soon as I await my tank and stand. The interaction and overall responsiveness, knowledge, friendly attitude have made me feel very thankful that I chose Glass Cages for my custom build. It’s a big one at 300 gallons and something I have always wanted. I honestly can’t wait to get my reef started. I’ve had a number of saltwater tanks in the past, but this is the dream one.

I’m glad you are not rushing the process. I took my time and learned as much as possible. It’s a huge commitment of time and money. I probably spent a year researching builds, reviews, features, threads and talking to local fish stores. I felt very well educated and informed and time and time again I read of failures from other builders and stellar reviews for Joe and the kind of tank he’s producing. I’m in Mesa, Arizona. Thankfully, shipping options through them were also good. This is going to go right to my LFS that’s doing the install.

Unlike Waterbox it’s not mass produced in China. Each one is custom, hand built in the USA. More than anything, I don’t want a tank that can fail. Again, I chose the best option I felt I had in that regard. Good luck with your process! I’d say take the same approach with your equipment so that you end up getting off to a great start.

 

[Reefing_addiction]

I’m working on getting mine running

I finished the stand myself as they only offer to paint it. Live the way it came out- yes I still need to finish the doors lol

I thought I was going to have to move right after they shipped the tank. Thankfully the landlord didn’t decide to sell….now all the fun!

 

[lesismore]

I’m working on getting mine running

I finished the stand myself as they only offer to paint it. Live the way it came out- yes I still need to finish the doors lol

I thought I was going to have to move right after they shipped the tank. Thankfully the landlord didn’t decide to sell….now all the fun!

Congrats!! Things are looking good. It will be fun to see your beautiful setup in action!

 

[Dorking It]

So here is where I am with this craziness in my head. Looks like I will be doing a synergy SK60 sump. Everyone had a big sale on Clarisea rollers so I purchased 2 5000 rollers, deal could not pass (I feel). They were 20% off plus premium aquatics gave me 10% more as a new customer. I must say their service was fantastic with super-fast shipping. I am so glad BRS and Saltwater sold out of them so quickly. I tried to order the sump, but synergy's website said they do not ship to California. Website error maybe? Anyone have issues with getting one before?

This brings a question for me. Currently I have a 750XXL with a reef factory roller plumbed to the main drain (one main drain), but the new tank will have an external overflow with 2 1.5" drains, and I was wondering if I plumbed the drains into each Clarisea would I be able to equalize both drains to take the benefit of 2 rollers? The synergy has a crash box where each roller is plumbed into and pull from there.

I was also considering a Bashsea Pro60, however, only has 1" drain bulk heads, would this cut flow back to much for a 310-gallon tank? The other Bashsea I was looking at the SS60 which has filter socks and 1.5" drains, how hard would it be to remove the sock holders so I can add the Clariseas? Basically, take the sock section and skimmer section and make into on large chamber and put the skimmer onto a stand to get the proper water height? How hard would it be to remove the wall of the sock section and move it towards the skimmer section and reglue it in place? I guess maybe I should look into a custom Bashsea.

Here is another issue my brain is dealing with. I am deciding between a planet or a glass cages tank which both seem to be quality tanks, and I only really see positive feedback on them which is great. I feel I would not go wrong with either but....... now I add in Glass VS Acrylic. How is the clarity of an Acrylic? Is it clear like low iron glass? I understand that scratches are an issue and cleaning habits would need to change but they seem to be more durable. Help me burn extra calories by keeping my mind into overdrive.

Thank you

Daniel

 

[Dorking It]

So, I heard back from Synergy and they do ship to California it was an error on their site. It was nice to have reply on a Sunday. I'm using this to bump myself to the top again.

 

[Dorking It]

Anyone on the equalizing the drains to utilize 2 rollers plumbed directly into the 2 drains?

 

[Peair]

I have been reefing for a little over a year now. I can not seem to keep coral happy but its ok; frustrating but slowly figuring it out. I purchased a red sea xxl750 v3 second hand (steal of a deal for the setup) and it has been good to me so far but ....... I keep seeing the failures so it's good until it's not. Since my solid wood floors, livestock and sanity all matter here is the plan with some questions.

Planet Aquarium mega matrix 310 external overflow with PVC bottom (I know if makes it custom). Since its going to now be custom, should I have the returns drilled to 1" instead of 3/4" (looking for high flow tank). What are the pros and cons? I currently have 4 MP40s and 2 MP60s on my 750 and I would think that would be good for the 310. Should I think about closed loop so I can eliminate the pimple on the ends of the tank? If I did the 1" returns for overflow and 2 1" eductors on the bottom (closed loop - with 2 drains 8" up on the back wall) eliminate the need to the MPs?

I am going back and forth on an 80/20 stand vs the planet stands and canopy. Anyone have the planet stand (heritage) and how do you like it?

Looking at the synergy SK60 sump with dual plates for clarisea rollers. Anyone have this sump and when you order with the clarisea dual roller plates is the main overflow drain split between the 2? If split like this is the only true benefit to allow more flow and rolls last longer?

Any and all feedback is very much appriciated.

Daniel

On your corals not happy, just make sure good flow and spectrum lighting about 6 to 8 hours a day to avoid algae, try keeping Cal and Alk a little high, and Target feed them with high quality food, I use Benereef, and 10% water change once a month, that's what works for me and my coals are doing good, and you should have a sump.