doing a 300 gal - asking for advice

[jjk_reef00]

thank you very much, I read everything on that sticky, very good information, just see a range of opinions on duration, I like your 14 weeks, I am a patient man and never want to go thru this again, one and done and 100% QT after this, in the immortal words of X-Files "trust no one"; everything is going thru my QT before it gets into my DT
-excellent site with tons of knowledge, hopefully I get experienced enough someday to offer some meaningfully contribution

Welcome to the site and even better to the large tank club
Don't worry you will get there, this is a very addicive hobby :thumbsup:
I'm not sure if you have ordered your tank yet or even have the space but did you consider going 30" wide? That is one thing I'm glad I did when I upgraded to a 300 a few years ago.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you qt coral (more resources for another tank)...
I got out of coral before I had a huge tank so I personally never tried.

 

[MCC]

Have you looked into the new Maxspect gyre xf150?

They move a lot of water and you probably can get away with 2 only at less than $300 each =)

As for UV. I have read enough to know that many people find it useless if its not set up properly. Remember all the 'rated' gph on boxes is target towards free floating algae control only in Ponds. You don't need 3 x 57 watts. Look into the Emperor Aquatics Smart High Output UV 80 Watt (rated up to 660 gallons). To attack ich / algae make sure your flow is 196 gph.

 

[sarens]

Welcome to the site and even better to the large tank club
Don't worry you will get there, this is a very addicive hobby :thumbsup:
I'm not sure if you have ordered your tank yet or even have the space but did you consider going 30" wide? That is one thing I'm glad I did when I upgraded to a 300 a few years ago.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you qt coral (more resources for another tank)...
I got out of coral before I had a huge tank so I personally never tried.

thanks, yes I wanted to go wider but space is what limited me for sure ($ might have also but I didn't investigate as no room, I think I will have to QT corals also, it is the only way to be 100% sure I don't bring in anything right? Don't relish the idea of then another set up but I'm determined not to go thru this again

 

[sarens]

Have you looked into the new Maxspect gyre xf150?

They move a lot of water and you probably can get away with 2 only at less than $300 each =)

As for UV. I have read enough to know that many people find it useless if its not set up properly. Remember all the 'rated' gph on boxes is target towards free floating algae control only in Ponds. You don't need 3 x 57 watts. Look into the Emperor Aquatics Smart High Output UV 80 Watt (rated up to 660 gallons). To attack ich / algae make sure your flow is 196 gph.

thanks for info will look into all of it, I haven't finalized equipment yet for exactly those reasons and why I did my post, thank you very much for input I will thoroughly look at XF150 and Emperor 80W

 

[dave.m]

Here's a recent review of the Gyre if you haven't already seen it.

Dave.M

 

[Fish4Me2]

What an exciting upgrade! I agree with others that you'll want more flow. I have 1 MP60, an MP40, and two 6105s in a 6' long tank, and I suspect I could use more flow for sps.

With such a large tank, I'd also want a very reliable ato system, and a way to control humidity in my home where the tank is.

For lighting, what are your biggest concerns? Upfront cost, heat, ongoing electric usage? That can help guide your options.

I think your QT plan is very wise.

 

[sarens]

everyone saying I need more flow gives me no doubt you guys are correct, looking at ATO unit now, lighting is mix of purchase price and power usage, no SPS for me mainly fish, anemones and softs/leathers/zoo's; I was going to look at what people think of Kessel 360 units

 

[MCC]

everyone saying I need more flow gives me no doubt you guys are correct, looking at ATO unit now, lighting is mix of purchase price and power usage, no SPS for me mainly fish, anemones and softs/leathers/zoo's; I was going to look at what people think of Kessel 360 units

Kessils 360w are awesome lights. For a tank your size I will start off with 4 of them w/ the 90 degree goosenecks. See how the coverage is like, and if doubt when you need more than add a 5th / 6th one.

Remember the amount of light / kind of light you getting also depends on your aquascape for your rocks. If your rocks cover up a lot of space then you will need more fixtures etc.

As for ATO since this is a big project, I recommend spend a little more and get the Tunze one. Never failed on me, and it comes as a full kit with pump and sensors.

One more thing i forgot to mention earlier... you were looking at a 100 gallon sump? since you have so much room to play with in the stand, I recommend go with a 220 gallon standard 6 ft tank. If height is a concern go with the 125 or 180g, the rule of thumb is more room to play with and more water you can hold. The bigger the sump the better your overall stability of your tank system. Plus you have lots of room for a big skimmer and other reactors and refugium, etc.

As for SPS... one day... one day... you will get into it :rollface:

 

[sarens]

Kessils 360w are awesome lights. For a tank your size I will start off with 4 of them w/ the 90 degree goosenecks. See how the coverage is like, and if doubt when you need more than add a 5th / 6th one.

Remember the amount of light / kind of light you getting also depends on your aquascape for your rocks. If your rocks cover up a lot of space then you will need more fixtures etc.

As for ATO since this is a big project, I recommend spend a little more and get the Tunze one. Never failed on me, and it comes as a full kit with pump and sensors.

One more thing i forgot to mention earlier... you were looking at a 100 gallon sump? since you have so much room to play with in the stand, I recommend go with a 220 gallon standard 6 ft tank. If height is a concern go with the 125 or 180g, the rule of thumb is more room to play with and more water you can hold. The bigger the sump the better your overall stability of your tank system. Plus you have lots of room for a big skimmer and other reactors and refugium, etc.

As for SPS... one day... one day... you will get into it :rollface:

-look don't poke me with the SPS stuff:eek2: I'm excersising all of the self restraint I already can, seriously though would I only be shy for lights, dosing and knowledge to do SPS?

 

[thefuz]

As long as your system is stable you can always start with some of the easier, more forgiving SPS like montipora, stylophora, and pocillopora. Might even be able to get away with a slimer right under the lights. Start with inexpensive frags or freebies before you really commit. Good luck!!