185g New tank build question

[blcktitanium]

Hello everyone, I'm in the process of designing a system that I have been planning for over 3 months. The reason its taking me so long to get this underway is because I'm over in Iraq and on my down time I'm doing research, I will be home in March for good If all goes well and I want my System waiting at my home for me when I get there so I will have to place my order by the end of the week in order to get the tank, stand and canopy delivered by the time I get home.

I up in the air about which to go with either an acrylic or glass tank. I have read the pros and cons about both.

My tank dimension are going to be 48Lx32Wx28H (about 185g) with a built in over flow with a pre drilled 2" drain and a 1" return from the sump. I'm also going to have two 2" intakes drilled in to the bottom of the tank for my 2 CLS with each having a 1 1/2" return teeing off to 6 3/4" outlets per system.

I know that for the dimensions I want my tank to be, acrylic would be the most advantageous. However in reading several books of successful reef keepers, it seems like the majority of everyone preferred and suggested the use of Glass over acrylic. If I do go glass it will be made of starphire.

Could anyone give your thoughts on which would be better and way.

 

[mflamb]

I'm a glass fan. I tried acrylic once. I'm too clumsy...scratches everywhere. I would recommend a 1.5 inch return. Most pumps big enough for your system will have a 1.5 inch outlet.

 

[blcktitanium]

mflamb.... thanks for your help and I will up the size of my return to 1.5 inches will also add more flow that way, I believe.

 

[blcktitanium]

185gal New Tank build question (Update)

185gal New Tank build question (Update)

Hey all I just wanted to update my post with a diagram of what I have invision for my tank.

 

[20 20]

Link doesn't work. If it's the diagram in your gallery, here ya go:

 

[blcktitanium]

thanks 20 20 for adding it to the thread for me.

 

[reefez]

Looks sweet. Glass is way heavy compared to acrylic. Acrylic is stronger and clearer then glass, holds a stable temp better then glass. Just my experience I will have only acrylic.

 

[HornetMech242]

blacktitanium PM me what base you are on. I am here as well and leaving about the same time that you are.

Chris