Getting a new 300 out of the ground

[spibytes2003]

Hi Guys,

Been out for a while but now have the time and space and finances for nice tank. My major problem is that I am a distance from a water source in the house so I guess I'll have to use a bunch of hose to transfer water, etc,.

My question is on main pump drives and skimmers. It seems that a good skimmer on here is the ASM G-4x for my size of tank for a relatively low cost. Is this the general consensus?

Also on main pumps, I don't think a Dart is big enough is it? So I was looking at the dolphin 4000, or the Eheim ( I forget the number)? That would be better that a mag or an Iwaki right?

I will have both 1 1/2 drains running to the sump with 5 returns overhead ran by the main and one smaller backup pump... Is this a good idea?

 

[Wryknow]

There are a lot of skimmer options. The ASM G-4x seems to be popular and is likely a good choice. The returns that you are discussing are very different (internal vs external, high vs low flow.) I like the E-heim 1262 (internal pumps with relatively low flow) personally but it will not provide enough flow to keep your tank healthy by itself so you will need to supplement it with either a closed loop system or internal powerheads.

The Dart is a very good closed loop pump, especially when combined with a wave-maker like the oceansmotion 4-way. Lots of people like that set-up. You could use the Dart as a return pump, but it will create a lot of flow through your sump. I like my sump flow to be in the 3-5 times total tank volume per hour range (so 900 - 1500 gph.) For a 300 gallon tank I would personally consider using 2 x E-heim 1262s for return pumps so that I have built-in system redundancy with very reliable pumps.

For additional flow I personally prefer to use powerheads over a closed loop system because they use less power and there's no chance that they will leak! Lots of good choices here too: Tunze streams, Vortec, and Seio are all good options. You'll probably be wanting 3-6K GPH of flow from whatever pump combinations that you decide on.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[mflamb]

I'm also working on a 300. I will use 2 darts, both on om 4-way, as returns from the 180g sump.

 

[phc567]

the asm g4x is too small for a 300 gal. i had one on a 180 and it didnt keep up too well. if you can afford it go deltec or some thing high end. for water movement i would go tunze. you'll thank your self later when the energy bill comes. JMO.

 

[spibytes2003]

The Deltec 702 is almost 6x as expensive as the ASM is it really worth that much more.. The Tunze units are around $330 each for a 6100 right? I need two or four of those?

 

[Wryknow]

Deltec and Tunze are very nice but certainly very pricey. If you can afford them great, but if not there are other alternatives.

An ASM G4x might work for you but there are a TON of variables that effect this: primarily how much livestock you have in the tank and how much/how often you feed. ASM does make bigger skimmers, like the ASM G6, if you want to err on the safe side, as many, many reefers do.

Personally, I don't see the need for super-sized skimmers. They may be necesary for some people but I think that in many instances the over-sized skimmers are a waste of money and electricity. My skimmer (PM bullet 1) is only rated for 180 gallons and my tank is around 275 gallons in total water volume. My nitrites and nitrates are always 0 though and I believe that it is because I have plenty of liverock and a large refugium with a lots of macro algae, mangroves, and copepods.

Similarly, the Tunze powerheads are GREAT, but you don't need to spend $1200 to get good flow in your aquarium. Seio pumps do a good job for a comparitive bargain - 4 Seio 1500s would give you 6000 gph of flow (20 x tank volume) for around $280 bucks.

 

[mflamb]

Correction to my earlier post...2 darts/om 4 ways on closed loop, one dart as a return from the 180 g sump. I'm also going with a Precision Marine skimmer...Bullett XL 2. Closed loop uses more power but is visually more pleasing without the powerheads visible in the tank.

 

[yoboyjdizz]

Asm G4x should be enough for a 300 gal bigger is better but it will do.. People use Asm G3 on 180-240 gal tanks with great success! I hoping tow since the G4x i'll be using on my 280.

 

[spibytes2003]

Alright guys, My tank and sump are finally here.. Time to get to work...

 

[VikeBron]

I run 2-G3's for skimmers and 2-Hammerheads, each with 6-1 3/4 outputs on a closed loop. All plumbed into the basement and brought back with another Hammerhead. Lots of flow!