Welcome to the chronicle of my 75 gallon reef build. :wavehand:
Staring June 1st and hopefully completed by end of August. Shhhh don't tell Mrs. K I am planning on having it up and running well before then.
We recently moved into a new house and I was given the green light my Mrs K to set back up my reef tank in the basement, aka new man cave. So I sold my 55 gallon pre-drilled reef tank recently in order to upgrade to a 75 gallon. I had a custom sump I made out of acrylic that I used for years. It fit in the stand under the 55gal. It had a skimmer area, bubble traps, fuge, return area with enough room for my heaters, and an ATO area.
So my plan is this. I bought a 75 gal used tank off a buddy at work. I bought a 1500gph overflow kit with a ¾ return kit and they both come with hole saws. I am nervous about drilling the tank but everyone says they were and it went fine. The bottom of the 75 gal had a sticker that said Tempered Glass do not drill. So I did the computer screen test on the glass and the bottom appears to be the only one that is tempered. Hopefully I am right about that because Mrs. K WILL NOT BE HAPPY. I plan on building this built into the wall flush with the man cave and having the sump and everything else in the storage room behind it.
I am still debating on if I should keep my custom sump. At this point it just holds sentimental value I think. It does function as well. The downside is it measures only 9- 9 1/2 by about 47. So it is limited in size. I have run into a few issues with dealing with its size. I am in search of a new skimmer and most skimmers would max out that size space I had (9x9 skimmer chamber) or not fit at all. So I have narrowed it down to two skimmers that will fit into my current size sump. I estimated it holds about 30-40gal.
My other idea is since I don't need to put the sump under my stand anymore that I can really use whatever size sump I want. So I was thinking of getting a 30 or 40 breeder or maybe even a 55 gal used off someone and just adding own acrylic baffles and chambers. I like this idea because then I am not limited on equipment choices due to the size. I am really leaning to this direction unless someone sees a downside to this.
Skimmer: I plan on going with one of these; Aqua C EV with the JG fitting with a mag 7 pump, or the TIA1150, or the Bubble Magus NAC7.I am trying to get something that is rated for around 150gph. I use to have a sea clone 150 but I never felt it worked as well as other skimmers out there.
Lighting: I was originally going to go with a T5HO unit but then after some research decided to go with the Current USA Orbit Marine LED system. I've seen similar units at the LFS. They used the Marineland ones and they were decent and I think the Orbit ones will be a step above these. Also the LFS uses just one 48-60 on their 4ft long tank so I decided to get two of the Orbit units to make sure I can keep what I want. If I need to turn back the units for less intensity that is ok all I can think it will do is prolong their life. But I liked that they run cooler than all other lights out there, no bulb replacement and I've read people are getting good coral growth and they are pleasing on the eyes and fully customizable. They come with a controller that can change intensity and color, replicate cloud cover, dawn to dusk, as well as thunderstorms. They are sleek looking to. They also come with a remote and I can use one remote to control both units. The lights should be in this week and I can't wait to check them out in person.
Heaters: I have two 250watt ebo jagers that if they still work I plan on using in my sump. I'd like to get something as strong but smaller. I haven't done much research in this area yet so I am open to suggestions here.
Pumps: For my return pump I plan on going with a Mag9.5 it should run around 685-740gph which will give me great turnover. For circulation I also plan on getting a Jabao WP 40 or 60 with controller. I want a good amount of flow but I don't want to blow my sand to the moon. I am open to suggestions here. Most reviews I have read people have placed them high in the tank and sometimes even reduced the power to keep the sand in place. I would like to get 30-40x turnover in my tank.
ATO: I built my own DIY ATO last time and never had any issues with it. It was a simple extension cord with a float switch on it. I will most likely upgrade this at some point. For the ATO tank I plan on using a Brute Trash can that will be connection to my RO/DI unit. I am still unclear how you get the RO/DO unit to shut off when the ATO tank is filled. I don't know if I need float switches, float valves or I have seen a solenoid thing. Any input or knowledge here would be helpful if you know.
From here I will have another Brute trash can that will store the mixed saltwater. I will have the ATO top off he salt water tank as well in some form or fashion.
RO/DI: I have an Oceanus 4 stage system. Problem is the company no longer exists. I found a company called purleyh2o and I believe they are the same company, making the same units. During out move my unit ended up getting damaged. We had it in a storage POD and I had water in the unit. It ended up freezing and cracked the smaller white canister on top as well as one of the clear canisters that hang on the bottom. So I need to contact them to A. see if they can replace the canisters, and B. if they can replace the filters. I'd like to order an inline TDS meter and install that as well as figure out how I can make the unit turn off when the ATO is filled.
Controllers: I plan on getting an APEX Jr. or regular. I just cannot decide which one would be best for me. I know the Jr comes with 4 outlets to control which I would have Skimmer, Powerhead(s), Heaters, and return pump on. My lights have their own controller so I don't think I need them on one of the outlets. And I would get the ATO add on and hook my ATO as well as other float switches for alarms and what not. I like the temp probe, and other probes that you can add on. I just don't fully understand the limitations of the JR. My ideal set up would be a temp probe in tank and maybe sump, PH probe, ORP Probe, Salinity Probe. I would like to be able to access my tank from the web and get text & email alerts. My ultimate goal is to automate and monitor everything I can to keep the tank running. One day I would even like the tank to do its own weekly water change. This way if we leave on vacation I can know my tank is safe on its own and not have to fully rely on family or friends. I really need advice here. I keep leaning towards getting the full APEX for I have a feeling I will be adding on everything anyways.
The rest of my set up will consist of getting about 75-120 lbs of base rock and seeding it with some local live rock. I am going to do last time what I did with the certain kind of play sand. That seemed to work out good last time. I like the look of black sand but people say you don't get reflection back up into the tank and to not use it. I already have it on hand so I am torn on what to do. I am going to give the Dr. Tims fishless cycling kit a try. I have always hated the cycling process and the smell of a rotting shrimp and the mess it makes after. I feel this will be a better route this time to go. Especially so I can keep Mrs. K happy about the whole process. It is a little costly running around $70 but I think it will prevent me from a headache and will make sure my cycle completed quickly and easily.
The main focus in the tank will hopefully be a RBTA with a hosted pair of clowns. I also want to get a blue hippo tang, a cleaner shrimp. Possibly another anemone with a sexy shrimp and then will get into other easy to keep corals especially ultra colorful yuma's and work my way up to harder and harder as the tank matures. I understand the Anemones should be in a mature tank and I will be patient and just stock the fish and work on maintaining stable water parameters for many months before I even attempt to put an anemone in. Based on what I have read 6 months seems to be good although most push for tank up at least a year.
I also have a two fishies chamber thingy. I used carbon in it last time I had my tank going. I don't really remember how to use it. I will have to look that up. Im sure I will need to run carbon or something else in it at some point and should plan now to have it in the sump somewhere.
So the lights will be in this week and so should the overflow kit and returns with the hole saws. Next update will be on either of those and how they go. I am probably going to order my return pump this week as well and get that shipped out.
Sorry this one was so long. I promise the next updates will be more fun, light and short. Thanks for tagging along and I welcome all feed back.
-Mr. K :bounce3:
Staring June 1st and hopefully completed by end of August. Shhhh don't tell Mrs. K I am planning on having it up and running well before then.
We recently moved into a new house and I was given the green light my Mrs K to set back up my reef tank in the basement, aka new man cave. So I sold my 55 gallon pre-drilled reef tank recently in order to upgrade to a 75 gallon. I had a custom sump I made out of acrylic that I used for years. It fit in the stand under the 55gal. It had a skimmer area, bubble traps, fuge, return area with enough room for my heaters, and an ATO area.
So my plan is this. I bought a 75 gal used tank off a buddy at work. I bought a 1500gph overflow kit with a ¾ return kit and they both come with hole saws. I am nervous about drilling the tank but everyone says they were and it went fine. The bottom of the 75 gal had a sticker that said Tempered Glass do not drill. So I did the computer screen test on the glass and the bottom appears to be the only one that is tempered. Hopefully I am right about that because Mrs. K WILL NOT BE HAPPY. I plan on building this built into the wall flush with the man cave and having the sump and everything else in the storage room behind it.
I am still debating on if I should keep my custom sump. At this point it just holds sentimental value I think. It does function as well. The downside is it measures only 9- 9 1/2 by about 47. So it is limited in size. I have run into a few issues with dealing with its size. I am in search of a new skimmer and most skimmers would max out that size space I had (9x9 skimmer chamber) or not fit at all. So I have narrowed it down to two skimmers that will fit into my current size sump. I estimated it holds about 30-40gal.
My other idea is since I don't need to put the sump under my stand anymore that I can really use whatever size sump I want. So I was thinking of getting a 30 or 40 breeder or maybe even a 55 gal used off someone and just adding own acrylic baffles and chambers. I like this idea because then I am not limited on equipment choices due to the size. I am really leaning to this direction unless someone sees a downside to this.
Skimmer: I plan on going with one of these; Aqua C EV with the JG fitting with a mag 7 pump, or the TIA1150, or the Bubble Magus NAC7.I am trying to get something that is rated for around 150gph. I use to have a sea clone 150 but I never felt it worked as well as other skimmers out there.
Lighting: I was originally going to go with a T5HO unit but then after some research decided to go with the Current USA Orbit Marine LED system. I've seen similar units at the LFS. They used the Marineland ones and they were decent and I think the Orbit ones will be a step above these. Also the LFS uses just one 48-60 on their 4ft long tank so I decided to get two of the Orbit units to make sure I can keep what I want. If I need to turn back the units for less intensity that is ok all I can think it will do is prolong their life. But I liked that they run cooler than all other lights out there, no bulb replacement and I've read people are getting good coral growth and they are pleasing on the eyes and fully customizable. They come with a controller that can change intensity and color, replicate cloud cover, dawn to dusk, as well as thunderstorms. They are sleek looking to. They also come with a remote and I can use one remote to control both units. The lights should be in this week and I can't wait to check them out in person.
Heaters: I have two 250watt ebo jagers that if they still work I plan on using in my sump. I'd like to get something as strong but smaller. I haven't done much research in this area yet so I am open to suggestions here.
Pumps: For my return pump I plan on going with a Mag9.5 it should run around 685-740gph which will give me great turnover. For circulation I also plan on getting a Jabao WP 40 or 60 with controller. I want a good amount of flow but I don't want to blow my sand to the moon. I am open to suggestions here. Most reviews I have read people have placed them high in the tank and sometimes even reduced the power to keep the sand in place. I would like to get 30-40x turnover in my tank.
ATO: I built my own DIY ATO last time and never had any issues with it. It was a simple extension cord with a float switch on it. I will most likely upgrade this at some point. For the ATO tank I plan on using a Brute Trash can that will be connection to my RO/DI unit. I am still unclear how you get the RO/DO unit to shut off when the ATO tank is filled. I don't know if I need float switches, float valves or I have seen a solenoid thing. Any input or knowledge here would be helpful if you know.
From here I will have another Brute trash can that will store the mixed saltwater. I will have the ATO top off he salt water tank as well in some form or fashion.
RO/DI: I have an Oceanus 4 stage system. Problem is the company no longer exists. I found a company called purleyh2o and I believe they are the same company, making the same units. During out move my unit ended up getting damaged. We had it in a storage POD and I had water in the unit. It ended up freezing and cracked the smaller white canister on top as well as one of the clear canisters that hang on the bottom. So I need to contact them to A. see if they can replace the canisters, and B. if they can replace the filters. I'd like to order an inline TDS meter and install that as well as figure out how I can make the unit turn off when the ATO is filled.
Controllers: I plan on getting an APEX Jr. or regular. I just cannot decide which one would be best for me. I know the Jr comes with 4 outlets to control which I would have Skimmer, Powerhead(s), Heaters, and return pump on. My lights have their own controller so I don't think I need them on one of the outlets. And I would get the ATO add on and hook my ATO as well as other float switches for alarms and what not. I like the temp probe, and other probes that you can add on. I just don't fully understand the limitations of the JR. My ideal set up would be a temp probe in tank and maybe sump, PH probe, ORP Probe, Salinity Probe. I would like to be able to access my tank from the web and get text & email alerts. My ultimate goal is to automate and monitor everything I can to keep the tank running. One day I would even like the tank to do its own weekly water change. This way if we leave on vacation I can know my tank is safe on its own and not have to fully rely on family or friends. I really need advice here. I keep leaning towards getting the full APEX for I have a feeling I will be adding on everything anyways.
The rest of my set up will consist of getting about 75-120 lbs of base rock and seeding it with some local live rock. I am going to do last time what I did with the certain kind of play sand. That seemed to work out good last time. I like the look of black sand but people say you don't get reflection back up into the tank and to not use it. I already have it on hand so I am torn on what to do. I am going to give the Dr. Tims fishless cycling kit a try. I have always hated the cycling process and the smell of a rotting shrimp and the mess it makes after. I feel this will be a better route this time to go. Especially so I can keep Mrs. K happy about the whole process. It is a little costly running around $70 but I think it will prevent me from a headache and will make sure my cycle completed quickly and easily.
The main focus in the tank will hopefully be a RBTA with a hosted pair of clowns. I also want to get a blue hippo tang, a cleaner shrimp. Possibly another anemone with a sexy shrimp and then will get into other easy to keep corals especially ultra colorful yuma's and work my way up to harder and harder as the tank matures. I understand the Anemones should be in a mature tank and I will be patient and just stock the fish and work on maintaining stable water parameters for many months before I even attempt to put an anemone in. Based on what I have read 6 months seems to be good although most push for tank up at least a year.
I also have a two fishies chamber thingy. I used carbon in it last time I had my tank going. I don't really remember how to use it. I will have to look that up. Im sure I will need to run carbon or something else in it at some point and should plan now to have it in the sump somewhere.
So the lights will be in this week and so should the overflow kit and returns with the hole saws. Next update will be on either of those and how they go. I am probably going to order my return pump this week as well and get that shipped out.
Sorry this one was so long. I promise the next updates will be more fun, light and short. Thanks for tagging along and I welcome all feed back.
-Mr. K :bounce3:
