180 -> 200 gallon build

[RokleM]

They aren't impressed with the occasional gurgling of the sump Seems to happen just when they're walking by.

 

[SteveJakubiec]

Could you possibly get a top-down shot even tho there isn't anything in the tank? Just wanted to see how it looks. Might sound like a wierd question.

 

[SteveJakubiec]

DBl Post, Bump

 

[RokleM]

 

[mike660r]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13613219#post13613219 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RokleM
I'm pretty happy with the tank. The main thing I would have changed is larger holes for bigger bulkheads.

Are you not getting the flow you anticipated through the overflows? I know I have been looking closely at mine and wondering if its going to be enough flow with the 1 1/2" pipes.

 

[RokleM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13615141#post13615141 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mike660r
Are you not getting the flow you anticipated through the overflows? I know I have been looking closely at mine and wondering if its going to be enough flow with the 1 1/2" pipes.

The 200 has 4x 1" bulkheads (2 in each overflow).

I'm using a pressure rated pump due to ~50' feet of distance, so honestly 3/4" would have been fine for returns for me. I plan to run probably 1" all the way to a Y under the tank at which point it will go to 3/4" on the left and right side.

The drains however are also 1". The pipe in the overflow itself is 1 1/4-1/2, but it reduces down to 1" at the bulkhead. I'd like to just run one drain down to the sump, so I'll likely combine the two 1" drains to a 1 1/4-1/2 under the tank and go from there.

For me it's not a huge issue, but I know a lot of people like REALLY big drains (3-5x the capacity of their feed). I do however cringe a little at the fact both drain/feed are 1". That's a mistake waiting to happen for a new tank owner

 

[RokleM]

And onto the part I fully admit I'm TERRIBLE at. Trying to design the rock. I want something more minimalistic, however I do have wrasses that need to sleep in the rocks, a Tomini tang that will want to cuddle in somewhere, clowns that need to host somewhere/something... I'm fighting REALLY hard to not build a rock wall and/or start stacking rock like mad :lol:

Stick is 22" tall, roughly the space I have to work with after the sand, etc is in. Front to back the sytro is just slightly short (1-2"), but you get the idea. Front and sides WILL STAY CLEAN (that's my goal this time), so nothing up against them. SPS primarily, w/ 400w + T5's, so I need the rock UP a bit, but not too far.

 

[RokleM]

Oez noez... I cheated already.

 

[RokleM]

FYI, initial thoughts on flow will be 2x Vortech's on the back wall, or on the left glass. Primary viewing panes will be right (entry/kitchen) and front glass (living room).

 

[Genetics]

Is there any possibility the vortechs can be mounted to run on your overflows, at an angle?

 

[RokleM]

No, they aren't dry overflows and are in a curved form (rough outline in bright yellow on the back left/right of the styro). I'll be using them to create a wave anyways, so I need them both going the same direction or facing each other. Supplemental Tunze's will likely be used as well depending on how things go.

 

[naldopr]

if this help here is a 300 already running...just for reference ^_^
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1488089

 

[RokleM]

Sand needs to settle quite a bit, but I took a shot anyway. Little octopus skimmer is going crazy. Definitely not the final layout, but I think it's looking decent. Back middle pile needs to come forward a slight amount. The big flat rock on the left/right are almost directly under where the 400w MH's will be.

 

[naldopr]

hi eric sorry for asking but do you plan to have more rock?
this guy have almost the same tank as yours check this out
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/xcapier/280 Reef/P1010275bc.jpg

 

[sammie]

Eric: What kind of rods are you using in the rock? Tractor supply has fiberglass electric fence posts that are 4' long and about 3/8 inch diameter that looks like it would work. I bought one and played around a bit with it. Looks promising.

 

[Ratpack]

Love the size of that tank, can't wait to see it full of life.

 

[RokleM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13621180#post13621180 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sammie
Eric: What kind of rods are you using in the rock? Tractor supply has fiberglass electric fence posts that are 4' long and about 3/8 inch diameter that looks like it would work. I bought one and played around a bit with it. Looks promising.

Amazing balance Honestly, I just have it stacked stable for now. I'll have to see how much more I add and if I can get away without using some sort of process to bind them. Acrylic rod seems to be popular.

 

[jh2pizza]

I do however cringe a little at the fact both drain/feed are 1". That's a mistake waiting to happen for a new tank owner

I have snails that are 1". Thats a little scary

 

[Mantis]

Looks good so far,

I used thick plastic coat hangers to pin some of my rock together in impossible configurations.

 

[jh2pizza]

I am going to try the black Pond foam to hold a cpl together while its still dry.