Math's 245g Display

[mathusala]

Like the title says it begins...

After a long time of lurking around here on the forums, taking in all the experience I could glean from reading post after post. It was time to start the build. It is going to take some time for me to get through it all but I hope to document it very well to help others as you guys have helped me.

Went to visit our friends over at Great Lakes Aquariums on Friday (7/29/11) to put down the deposit for the build.

Tank:
My wife and I decided to go with the 245 gallon (72x30x26). Sprung for Starphire glass on 3 sides and went with black silicone seams and a black background.

Stand:
Went with the 36" tall stand and 14" tall canopy, yes I will definitely need a ladder to keep it clean.

Sump/Refugium:
90 gallon (48x24x18) Sump/Refugium (GLA Model#900).

Return pump is a PanWorld NX-100PX-X

Water:

5 Stage Buckeye Field Supply RO/DI with BRS TDS monitor

Bulk Reef Supply Jumbo Reactors for GFO & Carbon

Monitor/Controller:
Reef Keeper Elite v2 - Everyone seems to have really good luck with these.

ATO:
Auto Top off is going to be handled by a Tunze Osmolator 3155 (Thanks for the suggestion)

Next items on the shopping list are:

Circulation:
Ecotech Marine Vortex MP60w - One to start with may add another if needed

Skimmer:
Still researching but any advice is welcome. I am thinking Reef Octopus at the moment.

Lights:
Aqua Illumination Super Blue SOL LEDs

I will start adding More pictures in a couple weeks when the tank is delivered!

 

[bagz727]

subscribed!!

 

[mathusala]

Here is a quick and dirty draft of my plans thus far for the sump room.

Feedback welcome!

 

[my40breeder]

can't wait to see it all come together...following along

 

[dzrtrataz]

Can't wait to see it. I so wish I could have a fish room.

 

[mathusala]

Ok now that the holidays are over it's time to get back to my built.

I have changed my sump design a little from the updated pick below I will update it and share some photos of what has been built so far.

 

[mathusala]

Here is a pic of the tank taken with my cell ( will break out the dslr when it gets more interesting).

 

[mathusala]

Next up purchasing 3 ecotech radions to start with, a ecotech mp60, and a super reef oct 5000 skimmer... More to come!

 

[Tamw1se]

Tagging along.......

 

[7 hills reefer]

Looks good man

 

[mathusala]

Getting there took a big break over the holidays but now getting back to the project. Trying to figure out all the plumbing now and how I want to handle it so its easy for waterchanges and maintenance in the future.

I ended up using the GLA sump as well though I think I am going to modify it a bit.

 

[hatfielj]

Very nice! Such a perfect set up for a tank room behind your tank like that. You're very lucky! Keep the pics coming!

 

[mathusala]

Thanks will do. I am in the process now of doing tons of research on bio pellets. I am thinking the Reef Dynamics reactor is the way to go instead of the refugium I had planned on using.

I will still run GFO and GAC as well, I am trying to read through what people have been experiencing with Bio Pellets and it seems lots have had a cyano issues.

I am hoping with the Reef Dynamics version of the reactor with the control they allow for throughput i will be able to dial back NO3 and PO4 without completely stripping the nutrients from the tank.

I am also planning on the output of the reactor to go into a T fitting connected to the input of the Skimmer.

Like I said still doing research but seems like a good plan so far.

 

[7 hills reefer]

When do you plan on filling yours?

 

[mathusala]

When do you plan on filling yours?

I dunno, in no hurry taking my time. I am ordering my radions, skimmer, and mp60 next week i think.

 

[7 hills reefer]

nice I just want to get my 75 shut down so I'm trying to get it up as soon as possible

 

[mseepman]

I would also be looking at the new biopellet reactor from Cadlights. Some of the nicest flow I've seen.

 

[mathusala]

I would also be looking at the new biopellet reactor from Cadlights. Some of the nicest flow I've seen.

I took a look thanks for the suggestion.

I like the way it moves the pellets but in the demo vid I saw it was moving a bit fast, I also love the dump into the skimmer if that works as well.

I really think Reef Dynamics might have a better product though because of the ability to control how much input and output you get from the reactor independent of keeping the media suspended and moving.

I think the theory is that bio reactors in general don't know when to stop cleaning, I want something I can control to lower NO3 and PO4 without removing it entirely.

 

[7 hills reefer]

How do you plan on hanging your radions?

 

[mhowe9]

Tagging along. I have the exact same size tank and same manufacturer