Need suggestions on how to set up a 300 gal reef tank

[shana]

Hi, I have 1 year experience with reef tanks. I currently have a 40 gal, 55 gal, & 110 gal reef tanks. they are all set up in my dining room. As you must know it is way too much to have 3 tanks in 1 room.

We ordered a 300 gal tank that we will be combing the other tanks into in March. We would like to keep the new tank as a reef tank.

MY QUESTION IS: Does anyone have any suggestions on what equipment to use on a 300 gal tank. Such as filter, light, skimmer, chiller (if needed), phosphate remover, calcium reactor, ro system, and any other equipment I may be leaving out.

Besides the brands and sizes. I need suggestions on how to set up all the equipment. The smaller tanks seemed so easy and now that I have been shopping for the equipment for this tank the people in the pet stores seem to have no clue what to do for a larger tank. HELP!!! please...

I dont want to waste a lot of money on stuff these people in the stores think I need because they are not familiar with larger tanks.

I am located in s. florida if you know of a really great store I should go to. Online stores are good to if they have the right equipment.

All of your suggestions are more than welcome no matter how large or small they are.

Thank you all so much in advance,
Shana

 

[bergzy]

there is a welcome gif that i never could figure out how to locate...

but:

W E L C O M E T O R E E F C E N T R A L ! ! !

you have a lot of questions that need to be answered slowly and systematically.

i'll answer the first one:

tank location.

where do you want your tank to be?

once you have your ideal location...you should build around it.

think about flooring. carpet is a nightmare, esp with large tanks. you are asking for mold growing underneath the stand if you decide on carpet. hardwood is another non-ideal choice. looks great but water spills (no matter how small) will not only eventually wreak havoc on the esthetics...it can warp the floor. yes, some will chime in about how they have carpet and hardwood with no problems blah, blah, blah...this is true with a lot (and i mean a lot) of work to be really fast with any spill!

i have found that ceramic tile to be the best for tank flooring.

if you are lucky, you may be next to a room that is not used with plumbing. this will allow you to put all that noisy equipment in there instead of having it under your stand as most people do.

there are so many possibilities when it comes to planning tank location. talk to a lot of people, post a lot of questions and think about all the possibilities each and every pro and con each option would bring!!!

 

[Putawaywet]

I mean on offense when I say this Shana but the fact that you have so many unanswered questions is, IMO, a clear indication that you are not yet ready to move up to a tank of this size. However, that's not to say that with some patience and a bit of research you won't be able to achieve your goal. Although you might need to be a little flexible with that March target date as you're going to need a little more time to put your plan together.

So take a step back and spend some more time reading and researching before you start purchasing equipment. This site has a wealth of information that will aide you well in you future hobby decisions.

One thing that you have already discovered is many retail stores do not stock equipment for tanks in this size range for the very reason it is a very narrow customer base. You will have much better luck going online and ordering from places that cater to folks that keep large tanks. The "sponsers" link at the top of the home page will easily take you to any number of places that carry this type of equipment.

I also suggest you stop by the large tank forum and read some of the threads posted by those that have already setup tanks of this size. It will not only save you money, but a lot of headaches in the long run.

Reef tanks in this size range can easily set you back multiple thousands of dollars in just equipment alone. The last thing you want to be doing at this price level is purchasing things that won't meet you needs, or be incompatible with stuff that's already been purchased.

Best of luck to you.

Brett

 

[DesertBandits]

Go to forums. Go to the Large Tanks area. Spend hours read what other people are doing. Otherwise I'd say you are in for disaster

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I spent 6 months researching before I setup my 125g tank
Research on the big tank forum
Plan on spending $50 a gallon in setup/rock/livestock etc

Also figure on your electric cost, I know of lots of Reefers who hadn't counted on a $100+ addition to their electric bills
Then there is the cost of maintenance etc

Look at Tunze, one of the best solutions out there

 

[shana]

Thank you all for replying, I think I was very unclear with my questions and I do apologize for that. I have a passion for reef tanks and want to successfully complete the set up of my project.

You are also correct is saying I am not ready. I was not ready for the other 3 tanks either. My husband loves the tanks and it is my responsibility to (figure out) how to succesfully create and keep them. Thankfully I have been succesful with the 3 we have. Basically he wants it and I make it happen.

Ok, here is the situation. I am setting this 300 gal. tank up as a room divider on a ceramic tile floor. On the other side of the wall is the garage. The suggestion to put the equipment in there is excellent. Is a heavy duty metal shelf ok for the equipment?

We have already ordered the tank and oak stand from glasscages.com and we have to pick it up March 11 unless I push the date back.

We currently have a 40 gal, 55 gal and 110 reef tank in our dining room. We will be taking all of the sand, crushed coral, live rock, fish etc from those tanks 205 gallons worth of live stuff to start the 300 gal tank. I will add another 95 gallons of fresh ro/di water with salt to the new tank. I will also buy more live rock and sand for the new tank.

I have successfully taken care of all 3 three tanks over the past year. I did manage to loose a horseshoe crab and a star fish. I no longer keep either in my tanks.

Since then I read, read, read, and all the books I can on what is compatible with what. Along with the proper lighting, filter, skimmer, chemicals, cleaning schedule, water changes,etc.

I do not claim to be a pro; I know I have tons to learn. I wanted to learn form all of you. I will read the section on large tanks. I had no idea it was here.

My questions I asked are to gain more knowledge and as some of you said not to waste time and money.

As of today, I have the a/c guy coming to move the vent out of the way. I have 2 guys coming to give an estimate and set up the ro/di system.

I have the wet/dry filter, skimmer, pump, & light on order at the pet store I shop at for all my other marine supplies. What other supplies do I need to order?

The canopy we will build once the tank is in place, we want the tank room divider to go from floor to ceiling. The stand is 36" tall; the tank is 31" tall that leaves me 29" to work with. We are going to try to make a canopy that has railing on the top to allow for heat to escape and match the kitchen cabinets. I also want the canopy to slide open to the side to make cleaning and feeding easier.

I think I have covered much of the project. Please feel free to fill me in on what preparations I may have missed. I will not be insulted by anyone's reply. I welcome all comments.

If you live in south Florida and want to come give me ideas or are available for a consultation please email me.

Thank you so much,
Shana

 

[inlandreef]

[welcome]

 

[bergzy]

inland!

there ya's go!!!



shana,

post a picture of where you are putting your tank, the possible equipment room, the electrical outlets (which should all be upgraded to gfci) and any plumbing, sinks, drains in the near vicinity.

pic's do absolute wonders in helping plan out large systems!

 

[perpetual98]

Have one or two separate circuits installed in your circuit breaker run dedicated to the tank. What are the dimensions of the tank? What do you want to keep in the tank? I can get you some good deals on equipment if you like, or at least point you in the right direction. Like previously mentioned, save up and get the good stuff, or you'll end up spending more money buying the right equipment to replace the wrong stuff.

 

[jmkarcz]

I'm sorry, my heart just broke reading that a fellow hobbiest judged another as "not ready". I though we were here for encouragement and help.... come on...

I think it's great that your upgrading. I wish I was smart enough to combine tanks. Instead I figured I was doing well with 380 gallons in multiple systems... why not buy a 300???

In september of 04, while I was under the gun with a nursery that was not finished and a baby almost here, I bought a dealers display tank, my 300 acrylic. I promised my wife that the baby would come first, and she has.

I let the tank sit. And by sit I mean that I resisted all urges to change anything about it and I move it and it's problems to my house. I continued to feed the fish (1) and care for it as they did.

I read alot in the big tanks forums. I have visited alot of fellow reefers with tanks my size(even Sea World). I have a folder on my hard dive (of pilfered RC pics) and a binder in my possesion at all times to jot ideas and concerns.

I have not changed much. Not because I don't want to, but because when I do, I won't take it lightly. I watched my ele bill spike, and I havent plugged in that big pump I've bought. But I also was not smart enough to plan to eliminate some stuff to (other tanks).

My advise. Think everything thru very well. Make notes, listen to opinions, and make up YOUR own mind. Make your decisions based on what your "plan is" with your tank. Don't stray from your plan. My plan: Since my 300 is a Penninsula, and can be viewed on multiple sides, I have learned that I have water flow issues. I have though long and hard about these. I have planned multiple coral heads which will contain strainer returns to the filter underneath, and no less that 3 alternating spray heads in each coral head returning the water to the tank to eliminate dead spots. Not to mention one heck of a closed loop. I will have some pumps turn off at noght, and others stay running... and on, and on, and on. My plan is Lotsa Grammas and Lotsa Angels and some clowns. (I am terrible with tangs.)

And would let no one in this forum will tell me I'm not ready when I pickup my drill next week to drill the hole for that 4" bulkhead.

You may consider getting an Aquatic Eco catalog, I have found it particularly helpful. I think the site is Aquaticecosystems.com I got my first one by placing an order, and then requesting a fish room catalog. Some items are slightly more, but shop around. This is where I find alot of serious equiptment and ideas. These people are set up for larger fish tank you or I, so it's like... going to buy guppies all over again...your the little fish in their store. Then read the Big Tank forum. I know some threads get long, but look for everyone's pitfalls. I had to run 2 dedicated 20 amp lines accross my basement. I got tired of flipping breakers.

Look at the equiptment the big reef geeks are using, and ask where and why, they like that... Oh and I also got that book about Saltwater Dream tanks... or something like that... helped me with some ideas.


None of us are pros, some just think things through, some don't the fact that you asked is a credit to a responsible reefer.


Good luck and welcome.

Jmkarcz
Green Bay WI
Fox Valley Reef Society

My problem... Not for long.I've done alot to it but barely scratched the surface.

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c205/jmkarcz/DCP_7593.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

 

[Putawaywet]

Karcz,

I think if you go back and reread my response you will see that it contains plenty of encouragement.

I encouraged her to continue to gather valuable research, to visit the large tank forum here on RC, and to take a look some of the sponsors to find the equipment that her LFS seems unable to provide. However, I also encouraged her to take some extra time before she rushes in and finds herself in over her head, which IMO, is the best advice in Shana's current situation.

I can not in good conscious offer up blind encouragement to someone who comes asking for assistance and by their own admission has limited experience and no clear idea of what it will take to make a tank of this size a reality. That would be a huge disservice to Shana.

A 300 gal tank can certainly become a reality. I'm merely pointing out that she needs a bit more time to get her plan together and that March might not be realistic if she wants to do it right.

Brett

 

[shana]

Hi guys,

I want to let you know I cancelled my order for the 300 tank in March, only and only because I read one of the forums on here that had feedback about glasscages.com. We have decided to buy from somewhere else. If you know of a good store or website to order one from I am looking for 72ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚L x 31ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚H x 30ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚W. I have 30 years fresh water fish experience and 1 year salt water experience.

I still want my tank in March. These other 3 tanks are way to noisy in my dining room, we have ceramic tile throughout the house so the noise travels. I live in Florida and of course have no basement to transfer the equipment to.

I will continue to welcome all of the advice I can get from all of you. The advice I need in addition to reading all the great posts in other sections of this forum is. What equipment is recommended? For instance, what brands and sizes have each of you been happy with? Equipment that will last. I do not mind replaces it when it wears out, however I want it to last a long time before I must replace it.

The lightning is important to me, I really like coral life lights because they are packaged nice and are very easy to use. They seem to be working great on the reefs I have now. Some people have told me halides are better. How much day, night and lunar wattage do I need? Should I stay with Coral life? Or go with metal halides.

Someone asked for a picture of where I am putting the tank. I am not sure how to post a picture. So I will explain it. It is going to be a room divider with a stand and canopy between my dining room and living room. The wall next to the tank joins with the garage. I will be putting all the noisy equipment in the garage area on shelves.

That is another question? What type of shelf do I use? I want to get the industrial metal shelfââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s that hold approx 600lbs per shelf. My concern is will the metal shelves rust?

So, my other questions are basically the same format. What is a brand and size of a skimmer, calcium reactor, phosphate remover, ro/di system... etc that people have had success with?

I am confident I can handle this tank. Letââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s face it for a beginner; I have only killed 2 things this year. 1 horseshoe crab and 1 starfish. I am getting the hang of it pretty fast. I also give the tanks lots of attention and feed them with high quality foods.

This website has proven to be the most beneficial part of my experience, the knowledge you all possess is priceless. Please share and I do not get insulted easily so donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t worry.

jmkarcz, first of all thank you for defending me. And second please do not take this the wrong way. I know your daughter comes 1st, I have a teenage daughter and they all demand lots of our time. But, my gosh I really want to come put your tank together for you, although I canââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t. Can you take anytime at all each week to work on your tank? It looks like it will be so beautiful when you are finished.

Brett, I did not take offense to what you said because I did not explain myself throughly.

I did look at the big tank section and sponsors. WOW, there is so much here to choose from. That is another reason I need brands and size recommendations.

Shana

 

[bergzy]

email me the picture and i will post it for you.

i'll get some pics of my 180g with all the equip in my garage up shortly to help give you an idea of what can be involved.

 

[bergzy]

okay,

faster than i thought!

here is a pic of my main display.

here is a pic of it in the home setting.

here is the equipment room located in the garage.

it is not as ocd as a lot of reefers equipment rooms but i have zero concerns about spilling water, kalkwasser, weird solutions...whatever...on the floor. i always spill water on the floor whether i am adding freshwater top off or dosing some buffer...thus, the huge disadvantage of having your equipment under your stand. it is hard to work on and maintain your equipment...thus, harder to maintain your aquarium...which puts a lot of people to sorta neglect good regular maintenance. of course, a lot of reefers dont have the luxury of being able to put all their stuff in a remote room...so, i am very lucky BUT i also planned the tank set up to be this way. it was not by accident that i put my tank where it was so that i could have all my equipment in an adjacent room/garage.

notice the sink. it is a massively (is that a word?) joy to have that right beside the equipment!

 

[GoldStripe]

As far as shelves go, the higher quality ones have a strong powder coat on them that will resist corrosion. I can't swear to it but I think I've seen stainless steel shelving as well.

 

[perpetual98]

Sinks rock. One of the best things I've done in this hobby is set up a RO/DI in the garage and a Brute trash can on a stand that I can drain fresh RO/DI water right into another Brute trash can that's on wheels for SW. While I was running the water lines, I also put a utility sink in the garage.

 

[GoldStripe]

is that 3 skimmers on the same system? WOW! Looks like the large skimmer could use a good cleaning j/k.

 

[GoldStripe]

perpetual, i have the same setup in the garage with ro/di. fresh on top / salt on bottom on wheels.

 

[shana]

thanks for the pictures, I think I may have to eliminate a closet I have in the garage to allow more space for the equipment. I do not have the entire garage to work with. It also is my laundry room and an office. There is a wall separating the laundry room from the office.

 

[bergzy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6748502#post6748502 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GoldStripe
Looks like the large skimmer could use a good cleaning j/k.

hehehe!!!

yep,

just cleaned it last week...time to do that again! ahh, if only i could get a wet neck mod on it!

shana...

the two sumps i have pictured is excessive...some say i have too much spare time!!!

in reality, all you need is one. for a 300g...look at the available space that you have and try to max that out for a sump!