200G Seaclear 2 wet/dry removal?

[Reef808]

I just picked up a 200g acrylic from c-list. It's a seaclear 2 system with built in wet/dry filters in the back. It's 8'L X 24"H X 28" (including filters) deep. I'm gonna make a 40G sump and don't think I have a need for the built in wet/dry. Would you "rotozip" the wet/dry system and baffles out to open another 4" more of view space? Also what do you think of my planned setup. I'm going to have a mixed reef with SPS, LPS, and a high bio-load.

Planning:
40g breeder sump
Bubble Magnus curve 7 skimmer
3-4 ocean revive led lights 120w each
Sicce return pump
2- jebao RW-20
Algae Refugium and maybe miracle mud?

 

[Reef808]

Upon further research the tank is a 280g contrary to how it was advertised. Maybe I scored but not sure cause I'm gonna be in a different realm of equipment needs. I've also decided to keep the built in wet/dry. Although it would be nice to have more realestate for reef scaping.

 

[scooter31707]

I would get rid of the wet/dry filter, IMO being a thing of the past. Are you planning to use bio-balls, they can become nirate factories messing with your water quality.

 

[homer1475]

There is a reason you don't really see wet/dry systems anymore, nitrate factories. Bioballs are OK as long as you keep them fully submerged.

 

[Reef808]

I'm not sure if I'm gonna use the bio balls. I'm on the fence with that and never used them in the past. Just don't wanna waist the wet/dry space and I think it would be a major ordeal to cut the filter system out . Was planning a sump for a bigger skimmer and algae refuge. I'm sleepless trying to figure my plan out. I got the tank for $1000 on c-list in perfect condition. It's a little overwhelming since it's not just a straight forward tank and also the size. Where I live aquarium resources are minimal and electricity is $$$. The tank is sitting in my garage until I have a confident plan.

 

[Reef808]

As an update I decided to leave the built-in wet/dry in place as it would be a huge task to remove and make it look decent. Since it has 2 seperate filters, I drilled each for bulk heads and will use them as overflows. Not stoked on it cause these take away from potential DT area and are another source of maintenance but my resources for tank options are very limited where I live. I also chose to drill through 2 walls (back of tank and black acrylic backing) for my returns. I'm using a 55G sump tank for my equipment and a DIY Agea scrubber.

 

[fudsey]

You could maybe use the wet/dry as a refugium?

 

[leviburns89]

Lol you still have over 200g of DT space.

Unless you plan on keeping sharks, you have ample room to do more than most people can.

The added benefit of adding a sump will just mean less maintenance. You now can have a very large refugium, sump area for skimmer, biofiltration.

You can diy almost the whole project and have everything segregated, which is very ideal.

Good purchase imo

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[Reef808]

That's a good idea. I've considered that but the wet/drys not easily accessible. I think it may just be a void since my equipment will be in the sump. I want as clean of a look as possible.

 

[Reef808]

Your exactly right. Couldn't agree more. That's the direction I've taken. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Reef808]

 

[leviburns89]

Link is broken for me.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk