65g Build...input/opinions welcome

[hoju74]

Hi everyone,

I've finally decided to upgrade from a nanocube to a 65g. Here's what I'm thinking of for equipment...let me know what you think:

Tank "“ 65g reef ready with corner overflow (36L X 18W X 24H). Black pine stand and canopy

Sump "“ DIY 20g long with drain/skimmer, fuge, & return sections

Skimmer "“ Reef Octopus NWB110

Return Pump "“ Eheim 1260

Plumbing "“ This is the part that intimidates me"¦.I'm DIY challenged. Main goal is to keep it simple, quiet, and safe. This is probably where I'll need the most help.

Lighting "“ Still not sure about this. Want to go the LED route but haven't decided on a brand/fixture

Powerhead - If everything works out, a Vortech MP40 will provide flow in the tank.

Heater "“ Ebo-Jager 300W

Fish "“ Tank will be built with a jawfish in mind, deep substrate of varying grades. Also would like a mandarin (once the pod population builds up) and royal gramma. Other than it, still up in the air

Coral "“ Mixed reef"¦LPS, softies, shrooms. Probably some SPS high in the rockwork once the tank is established.

So, at first glance how does this look ? Equipment choices okay ? Anything sound ridiculous or ripe for disaster ? I'll be posting some pics of the tank/stand this weekend.

 

[3seconds2live]

Does he tank have a built in overflow or is it drilled or will you be using an overflow box?

 

[livingcorals]

I have just about the same setup. But 30 sump 15 gal refugium. I use a mag 7 for the return.

 

[hansnfrans]

Here's an idea..... Buy my 65gal tank :lol:

 

[jayjigga]

Here's an idea..... Buy my 65gal tank :lol:

Haha, I thought he was buying yours until I read "corner overflow"...

OP: I'd go as big a sump as you can, based on your stand space. Also, if you can draw your plans out, people here will be more than happy to critique before you buy the actual plumbing, but there are tons of great plumbing threads that you can just mimic.

Good luck and will definitely be looking for updates.

 

[livingcorals]

Here's an idea..... Buy my 65gal tank :lol:

Now if I said that I would get slapped for selling with out a price.

 

[hoju74]

Tank is reef-ready with the mega-overflow.
Hans - I looked at your tank, but a peninsula style won't work in my small 80 yr old bungalow.

In the next couple days I should be able to post my sump/plumbing plans. The only thing so far that's purchased is the tank, stand/canopy, and 20 long sump tank.

 

[jkf1983]

Congrats!

As for lights, I'm sure I wont be the only one to say this but for lighting check out the pheonix DIY LED fixtures at reefledlights, awesome company, almost half the price per led of a pre-built fixture and they're local, so they'll definitely help you out with the DIY part of it haha.

 

[DgenR8]

Here's an idea..... Buy my 65gal tank :lol:

This post is a TOS violation without a price. Please put a number to your for sale post.

 

[hoju74]

jfk1993....reefledlights is on the short list of my lighting choices. Especially since I'll have a canopy.

 

[hoju74]

Okay...here's my very rudimentary sump/plumbing schematic. Let me know what you think. I'll put the gate/check valves in once the layout is more solid

[/IMG]

 

[jayjigga]

Now if I said that I would get slapped for selling with out a price.

This post is a TOS violation without a price. Please put a number to your for sale post.

Oh schnap! I think it was in jest...but I think the free toaster offer is almost expired. I'd have to check the FS thread.

 

[Fish_wiz2]

Okay...here's my very rudimentary sump/plumbing schematic. Let me know what you think. I'll put the gate/check valves in once the layout is more solid

[/IMG]

Looks like a good layout, but you dont need that extra return for the fuge in my opinion, enough flow from the skimmer chamber. Send all the return pump's juice to the tank.

But is there a chance you can go bigger than a 20L? Ive had a 20L before and to be honest, it gets tight and fast...

Wiz.

 

[hoju74]

I have the standard AGA stand, and the 20L was a tight fit. I had to put it in through the top !

Now that I look at my mock-up, what do you guys think about putting the fuge at the far right, and the return in the middle ? A fellow reefer recommended putting a ball valve and tee on the drain line, not the return. I thought this was a huge no-no ?

Also, if my skimmer runs at a recommeded depth of 7"-8", how tall should I make that baffle ? 7" or 8" ? Thanks for all the feedback everyone !

 

[reef4mat]

My sump plan is very similar except without the additional return back to the fuge. I added a second set of baffles between the fuge and return.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Do not count on check valves to prevent a flood -- they will fail, it isn't a matter of "if". I have a 65 with a 20 long sump. Using a Mag 5 for my return, and that is more then enough, in fact I have to throttled back a bit.

My sump is pretty simple -- inflow/skimmer section, baffles, fuge section, single baffle, return section (( I used the exact sump layout for my 40 breeder and 75 )).

 

[hoju74]

After reading up a bunch this weekend, I'm second guessing my design.

What if the sump was arranged from left to right...skimmer/return/fuge with the drain teed-off to feed the fuge dirty water ? This made more sense since the main pupose of my fuge is to breed pods and they probably want unskimmed water.

The main drain wouldn't be restricted...just a ball valve to send slow flow to the fuge. With this design, there's two sections feeding the return from each side.

Thoughts ?

 

[hoju74]

Not much to report, but I did get my American DJ power strip.
Probably going to order the skimmer, return pump, and filter sock holder tomorrow.

 

[codeblue48]

I have almost the same setup. I had to go from the top to be able to fit my sump in that Aqueon stand though.

 

[hoju74]

I have almost the same setup. I had to go from the top to be able to fit my sump in that Aqueon stand though.

I had to do exactly the same thing. I took out the horizontal cross piece that runs front to back. Can you believe this thing is held together with staples ?!