Hello guys,
Finally I have gathered up all the courage needed to upgrade to a 180 gallon tank with a sump. I have been reading and researching about all the necessary equipment required to run a 180 gallon aquarium with sump.
Since this is my first attempt...I would be sticking around with fish only and no corals or anemones at least for the next 1 year.
Request: Please feel free to criticize this post and I am looking forward for some genuine feedback.
Lets start from the start
. The display tank will be 60 x 24 x 30 inches respectively and the sump will be about 75 gallons.
Question: What should be the ideal dimension of the sump keeping in mind the above stated display tank dimensions?
I will be using the overflow box with the capacity of moving 800gph. It is available at marine depot for approx. $110.
For the skimmer, I am looking at Super Reef Octopus 5000 Internal Protein Skimmer or Super Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer XP-2000 Internal. I have finalized these 2 keeping in mind adding of anemones and corals at a later stage.
Question: Which one of the 2 skimmers listed above is ideal for me?
Coming to the return pump, since the overflow box has a capacity of 800gph, I thought of having a return pump which has the capacity to push back volumes anywhere between 700 - 800gph in the display tank. The one I have shortlisted is the Pan World Magnetic Water Pump (Model 100PX) pushing 740gph which falls nearest to the range.
Question: What are your views on the Pan world pumps and will the above mentioned pump be ideal for the tank?
For the wave maker, I have finally shortlisted the Ecotech Marine VorTech Propeller MP40 Pump w/ Gen2 Wireless Wave Driver. I found them the best as they don't occupy any space inside the tank and are easy to setup. Looking at the capacity of the tank (180gallons), I decided to go with 2 of them.
Question: Are these wave makers good?
Do you think it would be wise to go with one first and then order the second?
What is the ideal placement for these wave makers, on the sides or on the back of the aquarium and at what height?
Now the lighting, this has been the most frustrating part of it all. As per the plan, I am planning to keep the lights at least 10 inches above water. I was looking at the 48 inch Aquatic Life Powercompact CF Light Fixture w/ 4 Lunar LED's. It has auto timers and 3 different lighting setup. When I looked up at the dimensions, the width is only 9 inches. So I decided to have 2 units installed instead of 1. That would add up to 18 inches in width, leaving only 6 inches which should be fair enough.
Question: Do you think 2 units will be fine?
What is the ideal height at which these lighting fixtures should be placed?
What other options can I have apart from these, preferred with auto timers?
I humbly request everyone to express their views. I want to ensure I get the right stuff as the place I am living in (India), such high tech equipment is out of reach and not available in the market. So I will be shipping this all to my folks in U.S. and they will be sending it down here. Its going to be a costly affair but looking at the final outcome, I think it would be worth every penny
Awaiting your feedback,
Andy
P.S.: Once this gets sorted out, will come to the plumbing part
Finally I have gathered up all the courage needed to upgrade to a 180 gallon tank with a sump. I have been reading and researching about all the necessary equipment required to run a 180 gallon aquarium with sump.
Since this is my first attempt...I would be sticking around with fish only and no corals or anemones at least for the next 1 year.
Request: Please feel free to criticize this post and I am looking forward for some genuine feedback.
Lets start from the start
. The display tank will be 60 x 24 x 30 inches respectively and the sump will be about 75 gallons.Question: What should be the ideal dimension of the sump keeping in mind the above stated display tank dimensions?
I will be using the overflow box with the capacity of moving 800gph. It is available at marine depot for approx. $110.
For the skimmer, I am looking at Super Reef Octopus 5000 Internal Protein Skimmer or Super Reef Octopus Protein Skimmer XP-2000 Internal. I have finalized these 2 keeping in mind adding of anemones and corals at a later stage.
Question: Which one of the 2 skimmers listed above is ideal for me?
Coming to the return pump, since the overflow box has a capacity of 800gph, I thought of having a return pump which has the capacity to push back volumes anywhere between 700 - 800gph in the display tank. The one I have shortlisted is the Pan World Magnetic Water Pump (Model 100PX) pushing 740gph which falls nearest to the range.
Question: What are your views on the Pan world pumps and will the above mentioned pump be ideal for the tank?
For the wave maker, I have finally shortlisted the Ecotech Marine VorTech Propeller MP40 Pump w/ Gen2 Wireless Wave Driver. I found them the best as they don't occupy any space inside the tank and are easy to setup. Looking at the capacity of the tank (180gallons), I decided to go with 2 of them.
Question: Are these wave makers good?
Do you think it would be wise to go with one first and then order the second?
What is the ideal placement for these wave makers, on the sides or on the back of the aquarium and at what height?
Now the lighting, this has been the most frustrating part of it all. As per the plan, I am planning to keep the lights at least 10 inches above water. I was looking at the 48 inch Aquatic Life Powercompact CF Light Fixture w/ 4 Lunar LED's. It has auto timers and 3 different lighting setup. When I looked up at the dimensions, the width is only 9 inches. So I decided to have 2 units installed instead of 1. That would add up to 18 inches in width, leaving only 6 inches which should be fair enough.
Question: Do you think 2 units will be fine?
What is the ideal height at which these lighting fixtures should be placed?
What other options can I have apart from these, preferred with auto timers?
I humbly request everyone to express their views. I want to ensure I get the right stuff as the place I am living in (India), such high tech equipment is out of reach and not available in the market. So I will be shipping this all to my folks in U.S. and they will be sending it down here. Its going to be a costly affair but looking at the final outcome, I think it would be worth every penny
Awaiting your feedback,
Andy
P.S.: Once this gets sorted out, will come to the plumbing part
