Looking at upgrading tanks

[AcuraCl1]

Right now I have a 75 gallon aquarium. I am looking at upgrading, I know the bigger the better, but I really don't want to get to big.

I am looking at going to a 100 - 120 gallon reef ready aquarium. I would like to have it drilled and everything, that way I don't have the external overflow.

I am looking at getting an OCEA aquarium in alabama since their prices seem to be very good. Plus having them build the stand.

I am going to have the front and sides starphire with the black silicone that way I don't have to see algae stains if I didnt get it cleaned real good. I would like to go rimless. Can you use a light fixture on a rimless aquarium or do you have to use a hanging light fixture. Where I am putting the aquarium, I either have to use a canopy or a light fixture. If I cannot put a fixture on a rimless, then I will go with a canopy and use T5 lights most likely.

And for the size I am going with, am I better with one overflow or two and is there a difference in going with a triangular one versus a box style.

For power heads, I will be using a Tunze nanostream and a Koralia 4. Should I have them install anything special like closed loop or etc. Since I am going to have them custom build it, I would rather have everything done now, and not get it built and then go, I should have them do this also, lol.....

I will also have them build my sump/refuge. What would you recommend as far as size for the sump.

Thanks for any tips.

 

[commonstranger]

Hmmm thats alot of questions. They are building me and custom built 60 gallon cube "nano" right now. I should have it next weekend. Yes Im excitied. Laugh Ok back to your ?'s.

1. I agree I wouldnt want a external overflow if I could keep from it.

2. Black silicone here on mine aswell and for the same reasons.

3. Ok as far as the lights go I would say use hanging pendants. Reason being is you have had a rimless tank made for the reason of it looking cleaner and more streamline. (my reasons anyway) I wouldnt place anything (except a glass cover receased the smallest amount below the top of the glass on the sides) on the top of it to take away from the clean lines and the overall apperance of it. I wouldnt use a canopy because it would be in a fixed position and would be a hassle to work around. Then again you could use a canopy and put it on a pulley system. Although if you do this be reminded of the extra weight your adding with the wood. You would have to have a pretty heavy duty pulley system for that. I would recommend just using hanging light pendants. You can get them that already have the PC,T5,moonlights,fans etc in the same assembly as the MH. They arent cheap but once again be reminded that it sounds like your going for a clean look and if I were you I would try to keep it that way. So many people want to get their stuff set up "Now" and end up cutting corners or buying something that is cheaper which doesnt look as good as what they really wanted so they can have their stuff " NOW". Im saying take your time save your money if you have to and buy "exactly" what you want and dont cut corners.

4. I believe one overflow will be fine.

5. Closed loop is up to you. It will cut down on dead spots in the tank and give you more flow but, that is clearly up to you. When I upgrade to a 215 mine wil be closed loop. (It will be SPS dominate) If your keeping things that need more flow Id go with it. If not I wouldnt and closed loop is going to bump the price up a little more as well. Once again your call.

6. 100-120 gallon tank I would want atleast a 40 gallon sump if not between 50-60 gallons.

Hope this helps some and I wish you the best on your upgrade.

 

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks. Ok, I have decided to not go with rimless, since I have no way of doing hangers. So I am going to go with eurobracing with a canopy. And a sump around 40 - 50 gallons. And 1 overflow.

Does it make a difference on where the overflow is, and should I go with 1 or 2 returns.

Now to decide on a closed loop. I am wanting to do this right, that is why I am doing my research first then I will get the aquarium, no hurry.

 

[poolkeeper1]

Think long and hard about a closed loop! I tried one on a 120 and IMO did not care for it, the reasons being. Additional pump adds heat to the tank, the returns in the tank are hard to get to after rock is added, or if left out to access them are not clean looking as you would think. In my case it was a costly mistake that i would not repeat! I looked around for a used set of Tunze 6100 & 7095 controler and i am much happier with those. Much more Control options and more flow than the loop. Another option would be a MP40 setup but the cost is high at around 400.00 ea. Jus a few things to think about, hope it helps.

 

[AcuraCl1]

Thanks, I am going to pass on the closed loop. So, you suggest going with some different for the returns.

 

[poolkeeper1]

Two returns from the overflow box you have planed would be fine. I would do the Tunze's if its in the budget, Then you won't have to upgrade cause your already there! IMO. Cheaper power heads will also work but are not as good. Also forgot about Oceans Motions can also be an option! Look in the Sponsors section for them.

 

[AcuraCl1]

Ok, thanks. I will go with 2 returns. I am definately going with one tunze which I am getting from you, and then a koralia 4 for now until I find another tunze or equivalent. Does the location matter for the overflow box. And where should the returns be located. Just want to make sure that I have them drill it correctly.

 

[poolkeeper1]

You can have the returns come out of the overflow box, not necessary to drill holes. You can do that if you want but it is not mandatory. That being said look at some tank that have already been built and decide what is best for your needs! Sorry i forgot you wanted the Tunze from me. I'll send you a PM on that.

 

[AcuraCl1]

Ok, thanks