gws294
Premium Member
Geoff’s 380G/190G dual Reef/FOWLR systems
After studying large tanks on this forum for the last 9 months, I’ve started my build. Reefers like Sanjay, Sidewinder, the Ben’s Big Bertha tank, Marc’s plywood tank and exquisite fish room, the plexi work of Melev and his great web site…..man I could go on and on. This forum is filled with the knowledge and hard work of many great reefers. Now I hope that I can ask all of you for your input about my project.
For the past 2 ½ years I’ve had a 3-tank common sump system consisting of a 72 G bowfront main display, a 50G FOWLR specializing in Centropyge angels, and a 20 G “nanoâ€Â/ misc tank for other projects. I’ve come to the realization that I need to separate the tanks, and go bigger. So here are my plans so far.
SPS Reef System
220G (72x30x24) Main (30x turnover rate: 4500 GPH internal, 2000 GPH external)
50G (48x24x10) Frag (1000 GPH internal, 250G external)
70G (48x24x16) Combination Sump (2000GPH bypass, 250 GPH refugium) (melev-type)
35G (35x16x21) Mixing Tank (inline for normal usage: bypassed for salt mixing) (Sidewinder-type)
Other Features
• Manifold System for remote positioning of media reactors and other accessories. Goal: keep equipment at bench top level due to back problems (working under stand is tough)
• Main display located in bedroom, all other equipment in adjacent office/fish room. Noise and skimmer to be located OUT of tank room per mermaid
• Stand and hood built from 2â€Âx2†and 1.5â€Âx 1.5†steel
• Frag tank located under main display, in stand
Unresolved Issues/strategies
• Balling Method vs. Zeovit vs. media reactors for saltwater component monitor and control???
• Pumps and plumbing sizes
• Vendor for main tank
FOWLR System
120G (48x24x24) Main Tank (30x turnover rate: 2400 GPH Internal, 1200 GPH external)
40G (30x24x16) Combination Sump (2000GPH bypass, 250 GPH refugium) (melev-type)
35G (35x16x21) Mixing Tank (inline for normal usage: bypassed for salt mixing) (Sidewinder-type)
Other Features
• Completely separate from Reef System, except for RO/DI and Drain systems
• No unresolved issues on this system
As a final note, all of the equipment will be located in an adjacent room. I have an 8 ½ foot wall space for everything other that the main display and frag tank. Therefore, I am building two 4-foot cabinets with overhead storage (like a stand with hood) out of 1â€Âx1†steel. The units are bolted to larger upright square steel. This is so they can be assembled in the room. The fronts will be skinned with an appropriate wood and the counter top will be solid surface. The schematic of the plumbing listed below is configured along these lines and using your imagination, hopefully will convey the layout. The sketchup diagram will also shop this arrangement.
In closing, I never cease to be amazed at the creativity and experiences of the members of this forum. I look forward to your input and hope that I am worthy of joining this crowd.
After studying large tanks on this forum for the last 9 months, I’ve started my build. Reefers like Sanjay, Sidewinder, the Ben’s Big Bertha tank, Marc’s plywood tank and exquisite fish room, the plexi work of Melev and his great web site…..man I could go on and on. This forum is filled with the knowledge and hard work of many great reefers. Now I hope that I can ask all of you for your input about my project.
For the past 2 ½ years I’ve had a 3-tank common sump system consisting of a 72 G bowfront main display, a 50G FOWLR specializing in Centropyge angels, and a 20 G “nanoâ€Â/ misc tank for other projects. I’ve come to the realization that I need to separate the tanks, and go bigger. So here are my plans so far.
SPS Reef System
220G (72x30x24) Main (30x turnover rate: 4500 GPH internal, 2000 GPH external)
50G (48x24x10) Frag (1000 GPH internal, 250G external)
70G (48x24x16) Combination Sump (2000GPH bypass, 250 GPH refugium) (melev-type)
35G (35x16x21) Mixing Tank (inline for normal usage: bypassed for salt mixing) (Sidewinder-type)
Other Features
• Manifold System for remote positioning of media reactors and other accessories. Goal: keep equipment at bench top level due to back problems (working under stand is tough)
• Main display located in bedroom, all other equipment in adjacent office/fish room. Noise and skimmer to be located OUT of tank room per mermaid
• Stand and hood built from 2â€Âx2†and 1.5â€Âx 1.5†steel
• Frag tank located under main display, in stand
Unresolved Issues/strategies
• Balling Method vs. Zeovit vs. media reactors for saltwater component monitor and control???
• Pumps and plumbing sizes
• Vendor for main tank
FOWLR System
120G (48x24x24) Main Tank (30x turnover rate: 2400 GPH Internal, 1200 GPH external)
40G (30x24x16) Combination Sump (2000GPH bypass, 250 GPH refugium) (melev-type)
35G (35x16x21) Mixing Tank (inline for normal usage: bypassed for salt mixing) (Sidewinder-type)
Other Features
• Completely separate from Reef System, except for RO/DI and Drain systems
• No unresolved issues on this system
As a final note, all of the equipment will be located in an adjacent room. I have an 8 ½ foot wall space for everything other that the main display and frag tank. Therefore, I am building two 4-foot cabinets with overhead storage (like a stand with hood) out of 1â€Âx1†steel. The units are bolted to larger upright square steel. This is so they can be assembled in the room. The fronts will be skinned with an appropriate wood and the counter top will be solid surface. The schematic of the plumbing listed below is configured along these lines and using your imagination, hopefully will convey the layout. The sketchup diagram will also shop this arrangement.
In closing, I never cease to be amazed at the creativity and experiences of the members of this forum. I look forward to your input and hope that I am worthy of joining this crowd.
