Looking for opinions/suggestions...

[yort265]

Hi all,

I've been researching this and other forums over the last 4 months. I've finally come to a basic understanding of how all this works. I hope. I got it in my mind what I wanted, then I went shopping. Here's my current plan... Some equip has already been purchased, the rest will come over the next month or two:

Tank, Sump & Stand
Custom 105g (48.5 x 20.5 x 25) rimless aquarium - Planet Aquariums; Dallas, TX
Custom sump w/no fuge (explain later) - local acrylic sump builder
Custom stand - local cabinet builder

Lighting
Vertex Illumina SR360 - 3ft. model

Skimmer
Vertex Alpha 170

Other filtration
BRS Carbon Reactor
BRS GFO Reactor (if needed; may be temporary)
Super Reef Octopus BR-110 BioPellet reactor - the reason for no fuge... research suggests the two compete for nutrients and aren't necessary.
LiveRock - 100 lbs Pukani from BRS
LiveSand - 100 lbs Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand from BRS (maybe less)

ATO
Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155

Dosing
BRS 2 Part w/Peristalic dosing pumps.

Controller
NeptuneSystems Apex Aquacontroller

RODI Unit
BRS 6 stage chloromines RODI unit

Pumps
MagDrive 3's for Carbon & GFO
MagDrive 5 for Biopellets
MagDrive 12 for return.

Overflow
'Herbie' style - 2 drains (1 full siphon & 1 for emergency)
(1) 3/4" Return split into (2) 1/2" Loc-Line flare nozzles

Circulation
(2) Vortech MP40W ES (1 on each end)


I just want to know what your thoughts are, if there can be any improvements, or if there's something I'm not thinking of.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Troy

 

[Reefmedic79]

I would find other pumps other than the mag drives. Don't get me wrong they are great pumps and a reworkhorses when it comes to utility applications, but IMO&E they produce and transfer a lot of heat to the water.

I personally would go with an appropriate external pump for the return. BRS' GFO/Carbon reactor can be run off one Maxi-jet 1200. As for the Bio-pellets I would go without it unless you find the need absolutely necessary in the future.

[WELCOME]

 

[thegrun]

I would find other pumps other than the mag drives. Don't get me wrong they are great pumps and a reworkhorses when it comes to utility applications, but IMO&E they produce and transfer a lot of heat to the water.

I personally would go with an appropriate external pump for the return. BRS' GFO/Carbon reactor can be run off one Maxi-jet 1200. As for the Bio-pellets I would go without it unless you find the need absolutely necessary in the future.

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

+1, if you want to stay with internal pumps I would use an Eheim 1262 (for efficency, heat and noise reasons) for your return and definately go with the Maxi-jet 1200 for the duel reactor. I'm old school so I would also use a refugium over the bio-pellets. It's a very nice set up whichever way you go, good luck and keep us posted.

 

[sponger0]

I would go with a pump that would be able to handle the return and any reactors you need. As of right now, you dont know you will need any. So just ger a big enough pump and make manifolds on the return so you can connect reactors if you need to in the future.

 

[Fizz71]

+1 on what the others have said on the pumps but I want to add that "fuge" is short for "refugium" meaning "to take refuge." A fuge isn't just for nitrate/nutrient export, it's a place for pods and other fuana to flourish without predation and provide live food to your tank. It's certainly not necessary, but I don't want you to think biopellet reactor makes a fuge not necessary.

I don't have a macro algae or mud style fuge right now either, but I have a 100g sump loaded with live rock and no predators. The last time I changed my filter sock I had about 30 HUGE pods stuck in there so I know they're around.

 

[yort265]

I haven't thought about the idea of making a manifold off of a single (large) return pump to support all reactors I end up with... that's a pretty nifty idea. Thanks! Any suggestions on one that would be sufficient yet still virtually silent? (...submersible)

 

[Dr. Reef]

a manifold is a great idea. i adopted that in my last build. i run all my equipment off it. i am running a reeflo dart 3600gph pump.
here are a few pics.
before

after