Matt's 180g SPS blue reef build

[MMOORE0324]

agreed, not like the 40's are hard to sell either.

I didn't even think about that, great point Chris. :thumbsup:

I saw in Gary Majchrzak's thread "Junior's reef" he is running a single MP60 on his 225 with great results.

Doing a closed loop is also something I've been toying around with... the only real problem with a CL is that you are pretty limited with the type of flow and also the higher power usage of a larger external pump.

 

[tpallas]

Sweet build. Tagging along. Great choice in fish.

 

[MMOORE0324]

Sweet build. Tagging along. Great choice in fish.

Thanks! Welcome to the thread! Hopefully we can get things moving along a little faster soon.

 

[chrishayes]

I didn't even think about that, great point Chris. :thumbsup:

I saw in Gary Majchrzak's thread "Junior's reef" he is running a single MP60 on his 225 with great results.

Doing a closed loop is also something I've been toying around with... the only real problem with a CL is that you are pretty limited with the type of flow and also the higher power usage of a larger external pump.

To me, the cost of a large pump and the electricity to run it along with the plumbing complexity causing reason for worry, they just dont make sense anymore since we have vortechs available. You get the same flow for around the same cash when you factor electrical use for the big ol pumps, plus its fully controllable and small and sleek.

 

[chrishayes]

Pennisula tanks are the only ones that I can see a closed loop being well suited to anymore. Not saying theres anything wrong with them though, just antiquated.

 

[MMOORE0324]

Pennisula tanks are the only ones that I can see a closed loop being well suited to anymore. Not saying theres anything wrong with them though, just antiquated.

Agreed 100% also with your comment above. Paul Whitby's new 600g reef made great use of a closed loop and was very well designed but ultimately I think he ended up adding either Tunze's or Vortechs to the design. That thread hasn't been updated in a long time so I'm not sure.

 

[allsps40]

If I were you, I would go with two mp40s, for mainly two reasons. One, it creates an equal balance of flow. Some people say, "the corals near the vortech grow a lot faster than on the far side." IMO, I would want corals to grow equally on both sides, so two vortechs would be great for this. Second, you would not have to buy another powerhead after these two. You could just turn the dial up when your frags start to turn into colonies. Also if you added another powerhead, like you said you would with an mp60, then it could change the flow patterns on your existing corals. This could create new stress, and or STN/RTN of the corals.

This looks like a great build, and I am definitely subscribing!!

This kid is very knowledgeable for his age.

 

[MMOORE0324]

This kid is very knowledgeable for his age.

Agreed.

 

[chrishet]

Tagging along...looks like an excellent build thread. My 2 cents... I love (d) the MP20 on my 22gal reef...my only complaint with the Vortechs are the wires, if there is one great thing about a CL system is you don't have wires, or pumps, to obstruct the side views. Also, I was looking at your build xls and I see a BRS BP Reactor..I have no personal expereince but I've read a few reviews that these tend to clog up, you may want to look into say a SRO, Vertex or Avast reactor...Good luck!

 

[MMOORE0324]

Tagging along...looks like an excellent build thread. My 2 cents... I love (d) the MP20 on my 22gal reef...my only complaint with the Vortechs are the wires, if there is one great thing about a CL system is you don't have wires, or pumps, to obstruct the side views. Also, I was looking at your build xls and I see a BRS BP Reactor..I have no personal expereince but I've read a few reviews that these tend to clog up, you may want to look into say a SRO, Vertex or Avast reactor...Good luck!

Welcome to the thread Chris!

I have also heard a few people say that about the BRS BP reactor. I think that was on the jumbo version though. I was going to use the SRO model but I figured my reactors could be a good way to save some capital up front. I'll just have to see how the budget all comes together as I start buying equipment.

 

[MMOORE0324]

Well I had hoped to have a good update about my fishroom posted by now but I have just been super busy. The next three days I will have some free time so I'll try to get that posted. Fishroom's are always one of my favorite parts of builds!