New System

[saltank]

I currently have a 46gal bf in my basement and pretty much decided I want a 72gal bf in my living room.

Help me put a system together and I will share the progress via pics and updates:

My general plan right now is a 72gal bf with built-in overflow so I can have a sump, a shallow sandbed in the show and perhaps thicker sandbed in sump. Sump will house macro (I can take chaeto from my current 46gal).

Plan on keeping softies and some lps, perhaps a couple easy sps (would like to stick with pc lighting to keep heat down, it can get warm in my living room due to high ceiling and western exposure in the afternoons here in Michigan). Of course I will have plenty of lr and use a skimmer for filtration.

Input I am looking for includes, but is not limited to:

-brand/wattage of lighting
-size of sump
-return pump brands/sizes ( I will have atleast one ph in the showtank)
-plumbing recommendations
-topoff recommendations
-additive recommendations (have used with success kalkwasser in my current topoff) but really want to automate the topoff process
-ro/di filter recommendations (I plan on keeping the 46gal in the basement and do not want to lug that much water from the water store to accomodate both tanks)
-skimmer brand/size (have used remora pro on the 46gal, works great)
-hood recommendations
-backup/interruptor power supply considerations

I think that is it for now. Thanks to all in advance who respond. I really think the expertise on this board can help me create an awesome reef tank!

 

[ChrisRD]

It's all very subjective but here's what I would probably do...

-brand/wattage of lighting
For a mixed tank with some SPS if I was going with fluorescents personally I would go for a good quality T-5 setup like those from IceCap or Sunlight Supply. Personally I prefer the look of halides.

-size of sump
20 to 30 gallon should do it...

-return pump brands/sizes
I prefer external so I would probably go with a small Iwaki (a fanless model).

-plumbing recommendations
I'd go with 1" PVC to keep flow losses minimal

-topoff recommendations
Float valve or dual float switch setup on a freshwater reservoir. You can also combine the topoff function with some of the automated additive dosing methods below although it's nicest to have them separate IMO...

-automated additives
I like to use a small peristaltic pump or aqualifter + digital timer (or a litermeter would work great too) to dose kalk periodically throughout the night (for better pH stability). If kalk alone can't keep up with Ca/Alk demands (or you don't want to use it) you could suppliment with a 2-part like B-ionic or Randy's homemade version. That can also be automated (litermeter + aux pump, AquaMedic dual doser, DIY air pump driven 2-part doser, etc.)

-ro/di filter recommendations
I have an Oceanus from Aquatic Reef Systems - works great. Most of the major brands seem to be fine IMO...

-skimmer brand/size
ASM is a tough value to beat for an in-sump skimmer. A G-2 or G-3 would be nice.

-hood recommendations
Flourescents are low profile so you could get a retro kit and install them in a stock canopy (if you don't want to build your own stand + canopy). Personally I prefer to build my own matching stand and canopy.

-backup/interruptor power supply considerations
I recommend investing in a generator or at least a large DC/AC inverter in case of emergency. Battery powered air pumps are good to have around as well.

For partial automated flow/aeration backup you could run a small powerhead on a large PC type power backup like the ones from APC. If you want to get crazy there are some nice DIY rigs that use an automatic transfer switch, inverter, charger and deep cycle marine batteries... :wink:

JMO and HTH...

 

[saltank]

Thanks for the response, that is precisely the input I am looking for. As far as T-5 lighting, is it as powerful per watt as pc lighting?

 

[Anonymous]

The t-5 is more powerful, but also runs hotter. If heat is an issue and you want to stick with PCs, you can get some PC retro kits for relatively cheap. Look on ebay for them.

I have that same tank (the 72 gallon bowfront AGA) I have the standard hood. I used a 1x2 to mount the reflector to the inside of the hood. I run 4 96 watt 36" pcs (2 10,000k and 2 actinic). I can grow SPS under it and I have a very large maxima clam that has been growing for over a year under that light. It should be enough for anything you want. You might go with the 48" bulbs, but I like having room on the sides to stick my hand in so I stagger the 36" bulbs and it works fine...it also concentrates more light in the center for my large clam.

I installed a cooling fan and with that, it keeps everything running cool.


You can't have a tank that size with enough lighting for what you want without radiating some heat into your living room.

Honestly, if I had it to do over again, I would get two MH pendants and hang them from my cieling. :lol:

But when I bought my original tank, it came with 2 96 watt PCs, so I stuck with PC and upgraded the lighting with 2 more bulbs.


Good luck...keep us posted.

 

[saltank]

Manny

Thanks! I have though about using 36" for the reason you stated and also perhaps not stagger them to leave one side of the tank with less light for low-light softies (just an idea)

The only issue with the MH pendants are my ceiling height - 18' AND I do want a hood on top of the tank for a more professional appearance.

I have also thought about using 36" pc with MH on one side but again not sure about he heat issue with it being under the bowfront hood (the covers I have seen are made of some type of plastic material)

What type/brand hood do you have?

I probably need to do more research on hoods that fit the bowfront, I think the one I have seen at lfs is a CSL brand and for the 46gal bf they wanted like $125 for it! Ouch! (can't imagine how much $$ for the 72gal) Can you DIY a hood for the bowfront?

Thanks again :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

Manny

Thanks! I have though about using 36" for the reason you stated and also perhaps not stagger them to leave one side of the tank with less light for low-light softies (just an idea)

The only issue with the MH pendants are my ceiling height - 18' AND I do want a hood on top of the tank for a more professional appearance.

I have also thought about using 36" pc with MH on one side but again not sure about he heat issue with it being under the bowfront hood (the covers I have seen are made of some type of plastic material)

What type/brand hood do you have?

I probably need to do more research on hoods that fit the bowfront, I think the one I have seen at lfs is a CSL brand and for the 46gal bf they wanted like $125 for it! Ouch! (can't imagine how much $$ for the 72gal) Can you DIY a hood for the bowfront?

Thanks again :wink:

I payed something like $300 for the stand and hood together. They are the standard ones you see with the AGA 72 bowfront. The hood is made of some kind of hard plastic. It's black. Not sure what company makes it.

It is hard to DIY a bowfrond hood because of the curving front. I'm sure it can be done...you have to be pretty handy though.