Equipment List For 180 AGA Upgrage!

[drummereef]

Getting ready for the big upgrade from my 40 to 180. Here's the equipment list I've put together so far. Any suggestions?

180 Gallon All-Glass RR (72x24x24)
65 Gallon Glass Cages Acrylic Sump (48x18x17)
3 Luminarc Mini Reflectors
3 Icecap 250 Electronic MH Ballasts
3 250 watt Hamilton 14k MH Bulbs
Euro-Reef RS250 Skimmer
Blueline Velocity T4 Return Pump
2 Tunze 6100 Powerheads
Tunze 7095.00 Multi Controller
2 DIY Durso Standpipes

Thoughts???

 

[Craig Lambert]

Looks nice. I've read nothing but good things about the reflectors you're using. I ran a t-3 pump for a period of time, and it does raise the water temp a couple of degrees. You have a very long run to the return pump so be sure to plumb the connection larger than the intake. I would use 1.5" pipe and then choke it down to 1" right at the pump connection to insure you have good free flow from the sump to avoid cavitation. If the pump cavitates you'll have microbubbles returning to the tank.

 

[Misled]

Looking good drummer, you're gonna love the reflectors!

 

[drummereef]

Thanks guys. Anyone else have suggestions about the plumbing layout? I want to keep it relatively simple so this is what I have so far. Do you think it's a bad idea having the return pump plumbed the way I have it?

Do you think the Mini Lumenarc reflectors will have good coverage compared the large ones?

 

[Misled]

Your return is plumed the same as mine. The only thought I had after I put it in was instead of putting the "T" in the center move it over to where the elbow is on the first riser. I think this will allow an easier flow. Instead of the flow hitting the back of the t it will have a free ride till it hits the elbow on the right. Don't know if outlet on left would have less pressure or not,(since I left mine the way you have yours), but I don't think it would.
Your coverage will be fine. Just make sure you can deal with the "industrial" look of them. My wife didn't like it so I made cuts up either side to make mine fit within a 16x8 pendant that I had over my tank in the past.

 

[drummereef]

Awesome, thanks Jesse! I get what you are saying about the T issue. The tank is going to be an in-wall, so asthetics as far as the reflectors goes isn't an issue.

 

[drummereef]

Forgot to add some equipment:

2 250/300 Watt Heaters - Haven't decided on a brand
Auto Top Off - Will be using the one from my 40 gallon
Controller - ACjr from my 40 (might upgrade to ACIII if budget allows)
RO/DI - 5 stage from The Filter Guys

 

[reefinmike]

the list looks good, what type of corals are you keeping in there?

www.fishsupply.com has the hamilton bulbs for $50 each...

 

[drummereef]

It will be a mixed reef, similar to what I have now, just bigger. Probably a few caps and a couple of other species, but not a dedicated SPS tank.

Thanks for the link! With the 14k, do you think I can get away with not having supplemental actinics?

 

[Misled]

Thanks for the link! With the 14k, do you think I can get away with not having supplemental actinics? [/B][/QUOTE]
Wait, let me look! Yes, I normally leave mine on but just turned them off and neither my wife or I could tell the difference!

 

[drummereef]

:lol: That makes me feel better. I'd like to just have MH lamps and not deal with the actinics if at all possible. I've seen some other tanks online that run the 14k without actinics and it looks good, imo. But, I guess you sacrifice the dawn/dusk effect w/o actinics huh?

 

[Misled]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9268017#post9268017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drummereef
:lol: That makes me feel better. I'd like to just have MH lamps and not deal with the actinics if at all possible. I've seen some other tanks online that run the 14k without actinics and it looks good, imo. But, I guess you sacrifice the dawn/dusk effect w/o actinics huh?

Just have the center come on a couple hours early. You could even have it a few inches higher so the light will spread a bit more.

 

[drummereef]

Sounds like a plan! What do you think of the Blueline T4 return pumps? Is this a good choice for my application?

 

[davocean]

Looks nice!
With the T issue (equal flow)couldn't that be adjusted w. ball valves?
Also, do you guys think the velocity is better than say a sequence?
And have you thought of using an OM squirt?

 

[Misled]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9268140#post9268140 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by davocean
Looks nice!
With the T issue (equal flow)couldn't that be adjusted w. ball valves?

The t issue wasn't about being able to adjust it to be equal. Any bend, turn, or other obstruction creates a pressure loss and back pressure on the pump. While this may or may not hurt the pump,I want as much flow as possible. If you are using a submersable pump ( which I am ) it also may cause excess heat.

 

[drummereef]

Any comments on Blueline Velocity vs Sequence pumps?

 

[MJinMN]

These questions are more for me to learn, since I'm considering a similar project:

- Where is your RO/DI water source going to be? Will it be plumbed direct? Otherwise, where will the freshwater resevoir be?
- Are you planning on calc reactor, kalwasser stirrer, phosban reactor?
- Finally, what type of controller are you going to use?

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9270703#post9270703 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MJinMN
These questions are more for me to learn, since I'm considering a similar project:

- Where is your RO/DI water source going to be? Will it be plumbed direct? Otherwise, where will the freshwater resevoir be?
- Are you planning on calc reactor, kalwasser stirrer, phosban reactor?
- Finally, what type of controller are you going to use?

Some of these are yet to be determined. The tank is going to be an inwall in the basement. So, all the mechanicals will be in an unfinished fish room. The RO/DI will be plumbed directly to the cold water line. The reservoir will be in the same room in close proximity to the tank, and will use a float switch to auto top off the sump. I might end up using a calcium reactor down the road, but have had success with Randy's 2-part for now. I have an Aquacontroller Jr on my current setup that I will implement, but if the budget allows I will upgrade to an ACIII.

No one has comments on the pumps???