Need Help with Upgrade

[chipnamanda]

I just received a 180 gallon standard tank. I need some help with my plans on putting this system together. If I could get some input from everyone on what they like best on their tanks, or what they would love to change, I would appreciate it. Here are some questions I am currently looking at. Should overflow be coast to coast or something like glasscages model? Should I use closed loop or powerheads or both? SSB, DSB or BB?

Thanks,
Chip

 

[Easily Distracted]

Personally I am a fan of closed loop with moderate flow through the sump. I feel it gives you greater control over the flow in the Display while reducing the chances of issues with micro bubbles, sump height, etc... I do like coast to coast overflows especially if you may have an anemone, or anything else that could get stuck on or clog a smaller overflow. There are a few people in the club that might be able to fabricate one for you. Also, there is a thread in the DIY section about a "fail safe" 3 tube overflow that seems to one-up the stockman and Durso standpipes. Might be worth trying. I like the idea of having more than enough skimmer in case you ever need it in an emergency. Also, always try to design your system so it is easy to do water changes and general maintenance. It seems silly to say but installing a valve or drain now may pay off for years to come.

 

[Shark Keeper]

I agree with Easily Distracted on the closed loop. That is what I have on my 180 but that is considered "old school" now. A lot of people now use Vortex pumps that operate in tandum.

I am not personally a fan of the coast to coast overflows. I have 1.5" drains on each end that go into my 100 gallon sump that is devided in to three compartments. The first is where the skimer is the second is my fuge and the last is where the heaters and returns are. I could never get the Durso's to be totally silent for me.

I also agree with the tought process of do overkill now so that in the future it may come out as an advantage. I have three outlets on my sump to connect additional pumps if ever needed. I currently only use one for my return.

 

[biecacka]

i wish i had a c2c overflow. i have 2 bulkheads now and feel with a c2c you increase skimming that top layer of "film" off your tanks water
corey

 

[Sinistard]

Personally I am a fan of closed loop with moderate flow through the sump. I feel it gives you greater control over the flow in the Display while reducing the chances of issues with micro bubbles, sump height, etc... I do like coast to coast overflows especially if you may have an anemone, or anything else that could get stuck on or clog a smaller overflow. There are a few people in the club that might be able to fabricate one for you. Also, there is a thread in the DIY section about a "fail safe" 3 tube overflow that seems to one-up the stockman and Durso standpipes. Might be worth trying. I like the idea of having more than enough skimmer in case you ever need it in an emergency. Also, always try to design your system so it is easy to do water changes and general maintenance. It seems silly to say but installing a valve or drain now may pay off for years to come.

I agree with all of this.

I used the "fail safe" 3 tube overflow or at least I assume that's what I'm using, I think it was called a tuned overflow or something along those lines when I set it up. It's a lot quieter then a standpipe and you don't have the air bubbles to worry about.

I used a closed loop simply to eliminate all the pumps in the tank, I like the clean look. Look into an ocean motion 4 way if you want to create some random flow with a closed loop. I have an acrylic tank so a closed loop was easy for me I don't know how much harder it will be in a glass tank. If you do use a dart for you closed loop pump make sure you have a 2" intake for it.

If you go with a large Rubbermaid sump install a bulkhead as close to the bottom as you can and install a valve to allow you to drain it. If I could do it all over again I would have done this to allow me to easily syphon out the crap that collects on the bottom of the sump....with it on the floor there is just no good way to get it.

Anyways that's all I can think of right now if you want to look over my build thread and have any ideas about something I did feel free to ask and I'll let you know how well or in some cases not well it worked.....there are definitely things I would have done different now that I know.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=660682

 

[chipnamanda]

Thanks for the info guys. I have a 150 gl rubbermaid on my current setup, but I will definetly have to upgrade my skimmer. I am on the lookout for something capable of a 500+ gl system. I have wanted to try a closed loop for years but never had a really big tank to where I could justify it, I agree that I think it keeps the tank looking clean. And I have drilled a few tanks in my time so the overflow is still up in the air as to style and design I still need to see what is going to work best for me there.

 

[Reefdiver72]

I personally Love my Tunze wavebox in my 180 and the 2 overflows going to the sump in one in each back corner top I used to have korlias but after anemones I went with the wavebox and it just makes everything grow different. I dont know what or why but my tank has changed so much since installing the wavebox.

 

[chipnamanda]

The wavebox is an option I haven't even thought about. Does the single box create enough of a wave for the entire tank?

 

[WmTasker]

I don't think anyone else has mentioned this part of your question. I would go BB or perferably with a starboard bottom. I love the starboard. You can get anything to grow on it and the glass is protected. If zoa grow on it, you just scrap them off for fragging. Nice clean look and easy to clean. You can also get white or black starboard depending on your preference.

 

[jh2pizza]

I personally Love my Tunze wavebox in my 180 and the 2 overflows going to the sump in one in each back corner top I used to have korlias but after anemones I went with the wavebox and it just makes everything grow different. I dont know what or why but my tank has changed so much since installing the wavebox.

+1


I had a closed loop running for the first few years on my 180, but once I put the wave box in and another tunze, everything including the closed loop come out.


As for an overflow, Geo built ours.