That is if I have lighting up and going. I may have to use my 400s. I really want to go with 250s but not sure if I will have the setup by then.
250 gallon build thread
- Thread starter michealprater
- Start date
oneoffcustom
New member
why would you use 250s over 400? This is a legit question.
Tank is only 24" high. 400s are overkill, unless I mount them way off the water, then I am just waisting electric.
logiktest
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14106093#post14106093 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by michealprater
Its my birthday today, so this is the official birthday update.
I got eggcrate in the fuge. Left side will be for cheato and right side will be for plugs.
Happy Happy Birthday!!!!
Your fuge... If Cheato is to be kept on the left side, do you worry about it ending up in the overflow? And the eggcrate... If it sits on the bottom of the tank, wont detritus settle in every little square?
Regular maintenance should keep it out of the overflow, same with the detrius, my python siphon should have no problems there.
Will post some more pics later, 46 gallon qt tank is in place and being filled. Also got the dehumidifier in place. Once the fuge and qt are full, I will proceed with setting up the auto top off in the rodi reservior. Then plumb a pump from it to the sump for top off and one into the saltwater reservior. So much to do, so little time.
Keep the comments and advice coming guys, it is invaluable, and I really do appreciate it.
logiktest
New member
What I was getting at was simply reversing the fuge, and elevating the crate. The Cheato would only need seconds to hop in the overflow, and the frags would likely be happier closer to the light anyway. Plus, I'm not sure how well a gravel vac would work for you if the crate was full of frags.
Great points! Will definately take a look, Just have to cut out where the overflow is on the bottom sheet, space it up with some pvc pcs and move the divider to the other end. Thanks a lot!
For those of you that are following closely, here is a couple of threads that involve the quarantine tank. Did not want to bog the build thread down with the debate.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1547256
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1547287
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1547256
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1547287
OK Mike, I took your advice. Looks good.
Here is a pic of the 46 gallon quarantine. This was my first saltwater tank nearly 13 yrs ago! Still holding water, but not sure for how long. Should make it as a qt for awhile.
Temp is getting close finally!
Here is a pic of the 46 gallon quarantine. This was my first saltwater tank nearly 13 yrs ago! Still holding water, but not sure for how long. Should make it as a qt for awhile.
Temp is getting close finally!
logiktest
New member
Well, thats what I'm here for... to make you do things twice. :lol:
I think it will work better for you now. That 46 looks good too. As for the temperature, I don't think I'm even running that hot this time of year. Whatever you've been raising the temperature for, its ready now.
I think it will work better for you now. That 46 looks good too. As for the temperature, I don't think I'm even running that hot this time of year. Whatever you've been raising the temperature for, its ready now.
I was going to try to get up closer to 80-81 or so. Is that too high? Remember I dont have halides over it yet.
logiktest
New member
Well, if you imagine the "ideal" temp to be 78*F, then yes, starting at 80-81 is too high. Especially before halides. How far from the water will your MH pendants hang? And how many pendants are you going with now?
While the tank is cycling is a good time to figure out how much temp your pumps and lighting system add to your tank.
I'm running steady 76/75 day/night right now. A little higher than 78, or a little lower than 78 is fine. Stability is the key.
While the tank is cycling is a good time to figure out how much temp your pumps and lighting system add to your tank.
I'm running steady 76/75 day/night right now. A little higher than 78, or a little lower than 78 is fine. Stability is the key.
For years I have always gone with the theory that 82 degrees is closer to tropical waters, but I am not dead set on it.
I am going to have 4 250s. and 8 54w t5 actinics.
I am going to have 4 250s. and 8 54w t5 actinics.
I planned on putting an MJ1200 in there , but I do not want the flow too high since my macro will be in the right compartment. For it to be benificial, the flow cannot be too high to keep contact time up. I will just direct the flow towards the frag side.
First off, I have to get the electrical done in the room. Right now I am running everything off of power strips, and I cannot add anything else until I have hardwired recepticals.
Also, quick question on the detrius, considering all of the live rock will be in the sump and the display, how much detrius will actually make it to that fuge? The return will be from the right side of the sump.
First off, I have to get the electrical done in the room. Right now I am running everything off of power strips, and I cannot add anything else until I have hardwired recepticals.
Also, quick question on the detrius, considering all of the live rock will be in the sump and the display, how much detrius will actually make it to that fuge? The return will be from the right side of the sump.
maxxII
Super Housemonkey!
More detritus will build up than you think is possible. two maxi jet mods on either side blowing under from the side closest to the fuge, and one more on the top, blowing towards the chaeto will help keep that from collecting.
Will your fuge drain to the sump or the tank? How is it being fed?
Nick
Will your fuge drain to the sump or the tank? How is it being fed?
Nick
fed and drained into the sump. Easiest way to do it.
maxxII
Super Housemonkey!
Had to scan through the thread to find the pic of the sump....
I'm assuming the left side is going to be the first compartment of the sump (meaning raw water from tank in here), and right side is going to be the last compartment, (meaning water returned to tank from here)?
If this is the case, I would suggest having water pumped to the fuge and back from the first compartment. I would also set up some sort of way to use filter socks in the first compartment, (you dont need to use them, but its easier to plan for them and not use them, then not play for them and decide later you want to use them.) I think they are useful on occassion. I would also place some narrow egg crate and possibly some narrow sponges (Fluval type), to slow down the flow through the sump and use the first compartment of the sump as a detritus settling area.
What is your flow rate through the sump? What is the flow rate you plan for the fuge? Chaeto does best when it has current tumbling it around, exposing all sides to light. A slow flowrate through the fuge but a couple of powerheads creating flow, which would be needed for SPS frags, keep detritus in suspension until it got pulled into the sump where you could remove it, and tumble the chaeto seems like a good solution.
Nick
