Going from Lg to XL

CaptiveReefer03

CaptiveReefer03

New member
Hello everyone,

My name is Charles and I have just recently embarked on a world wind adventure to upgrading from my 360 gallon to a 600 gallon tank for my new home.( this does not include the sump plumbing or any other system requirements). I will have some pics hopefully in a few weeks as things start to progress. I am having it build here in the tampa bay area and I suppose I should give you a few specs so some of you who are use to the XL systems could maybe make a few suggestions. Overall I am buliding a cube system it will be 72"x72"x24" (tall) , with 2 externally mounted overflows 18"(long) x 6" (wide) and will accomidate (2) 2" bulk heads in each for durso drain systems to be installed. It will also have 1/8" blue acrylic backing on the one side that has my overflows. The walls of the tank will be 3/4" thick with a 1/2" thick top and bottom. The top bracing will be placed as a boarder 6" wide around the tank witout having a center bracing system so I will not have any shadowing or reflection from the lights.

My questions that I have for everyone who wants to put there 2 cents worth in on would be closed loop systems? Should I do them from underneath the tank or from behind? Should I do one of each and what are the advantages for both vs. the disadvantages. I woud primarly like to grow a mix of clams, SPS, LPS in the tank. I currently am housing 6 clams ranging from 10" up to 24" in length and as tall as 12" so accomidations for these are a primary concern as i do not want to overload the flow in the system and kill these, however some of the acro colonies that I have are also quite large and I want to ensure that they have ample flow through them to insure the quailty of health. Anyone with any suggestions to help better my system along I would greatly appriciate it and look forward to hearing from everyone.

Charles
The CaptiveReefer -
 
well here are the first pictures of some of the wonderful epquipment for the new system... I bought 2 of the 3 pumps today and I had picked up the 3rd one awhile back. All 3 pumps are dolphin 1/15 hp pumps and will have a total of 3300 gph per pump with 1.5" plumbing on each, however I will be planning on running everything on 2" wich should decrease the turnover slightly but should not effect it greatly. Any suggestions on if it is too great of a turn over for the close loop systems or running from my sump up to the main return Im open ... Other then that hope to keep the post up and running and hope to have some help along the way.

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I have a closed loop system on my large tank and they run from one side and return across the top to the other side. I used pvc with holes drilled to make a spray bar. This would allow you to control your water flow in certain areas.
 
Purple,

I take it that the bran new outta the box pumps wont ? It says they are designed for saltwater applications....

Di,

How do you like the PVC ontop of your system? I was trying to avoid the returns comming back into the system that way because of the fact that my hood will be suspended above the tank and I was trying to keep a clean look to the system. Any suggestions though I will gladly intertain to help maintain a clean look.

Thanks-
 
You probably have marine seals in your Dolphins. But I would recommend getting the abrasive proof seals.

I purchased a Dolphin pump about two years ago, and also got the abrasive proof seal to go with it. Thought I would see how long the stock marine seal would last. It lasted about 2 weeks then started leaking. Installed the abrasive proof seals and has not leaked since.

Theron
 
I just noticed in your picture of the box, it says, "Pump Supplied With Super Duty Marine Seal". That might mean it has the abrasive proof seal.
 
Theron,

I know that the pumps have had issues in the past but I will try and run these when the system permitts to test them but I was assured that it wouldnt be expensive if they go out in a few years time, but they are naturally covered for 1yr by the company and 9yr limited after that.... so we will just have to see...
 
Manta-

I currently have (5) 400 watt 220 volt MH's that have seemed to stir up quite a discussion over the heating issues of the acrylic in time thus distorting and cracking the tank. I have been told to downgrade the lights but I ORIGIONALLY was planning to have the 400's with a 1000 watter or 2. Not really sure where the balance would lie here as I want the light intensity to accomidate the acros and help increase their colors and size, but at the same time do not want to melt or stress the walls or top of my brand new system. Any suggestions??
 
hey charles,i dont know if youve seen johns 240g lately but it is stressed bad from the lights.i agree with him 100% on why its stressed(underbuilt 1/2" thick and lighting).if your new tank is only 24" tall i really dont see a reason why you cant use 250w mhs.they have plenty of power for the depth.you clams are so big they would still get plenty of light(maybe even more than now)considering your current tank depth.
 
Checkinhawk-

Thats true, I really didnt consider that but remember that its only the top of the tank that will be 1/2" and its a true boarder around the rim 6" wide so there isnt going to be a massive cross bracing system in there to warp and distort the edges and that why i am building it that way. I have also heard both sides for suggestions, because Steve from oregonreef.com said he is running I think 15 400 watters above his tank and I posed the questions on stress from his system and will await a feedback before making a big call but I do know of other systems which support large amouts of light and are very sucessful I just dont know what the life expectancy on the tanks are. I would really rather not have to ever replace this one so Im always considering alot of options and everyones input to the subject and that brings me here to reefcentral :) I do value everyones experence and advice that they have been able to lend me and I really want the system to thrive so given the depth of my tank do you feel or does anyone feel for that matter that the 400's would be too overpowering or too bright for the system even if the hood is mounted say 3' off the top of the tank? I just havent really been able to decide on the lighting but I defently know that the 1000's are out for sure and now its a race between the 400's and maybe the 250's :) I know this will be an ever playing subject in my mind till I complete its all done. Anyways hope everyone is enjoying the tread and please feel free to coment back.

Regards-
 
i dot think 400w would be too big.i just think that they could cause problems if the tank isnt built strong enough.how thick was oregonreefers tank?how thick was the eurobrace?was there any cross bracing?i still think 1/2" eurobrace is kind of thin,if it were my tank to build i would request minimum 3/4" eurobrace maybe even thicker.
 
checkinhawk-

It looks like his tank is 1" all around but he has a cross as his supports uptop. check out his page to see what im talking about and if it isnt too late I will see if I can get it 3/4" all around for mine then and look at reducing the lighting then to also combat the tanks aging process...
 
you will be much better off if you can go 3/4".i have seen his tank,it was euro and cross braced in both directions.it was built very well IMO.
 
ok i just went and looked again.his tank was made from 1" thick top to bottom.it was eurobraced and had cross braces in both directions.
 
FYI too he just got back with me and said to make sure you never mount any lighting system above the acrylic, he said to take note at the fact that all his lights are spaced to miss the cross bracing as well...I just hope I can get ahold of them and its not too late...
 
Checkinhawk-

DONE ! I spoke with the owner and after some discussion with him he agareed that the 3/4" all around would be much better and I have talked to him about a few other things check out the post back home and you can see what I am talking about. Also for everyone else I got a few new things today at a great deal!!!

Thanks to the Vigo company they let me buy (3) 220L ( approx. 60 gallon) ABS Plastic drums for a wopping $4 dollars each so a massively spent 12 dollars today for the system with great results for water production and storage.

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I tested all three and all looks well for use I am soaking with abit of bleach water to rid the smell of previous contents and sterilize them all at the same time.

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Hello everyone -

Just wanted to update here as I couldnt sleep last night and doodled out a sketch of what Im looking to do in the aquarium room. If anyone has any suggestions feel free to let me know and hope you enjoy :)

Regards-

600gallontankbuildplans.jpg
 
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