Opinions wanted for new build

[Brianrobb]

Hi All

I am planning out my next tank build. I'll be upgrading from an 85g Tall to a 120 -180, not decided on size yet. I'm currently running a FOWLR, but looking to get back in to reeling once the new tank is running and stable. I have a few questions and would like to get as much insight as possible.

1. Closed Loop- does any one use them anymore? If so, how much flow do you run? If not, what do you use for circulation?

2. Overflow - new tank will be drilled but I'm not a fan of tower overflows. I'm considering either a Synergy Reef Systems Shadow overflow or a Custom Aquariums H2Overflow with stealth box. Does anyone have experience with either of these? Is the something better out there?

3. Sump/Refugium - build my own or buy a pre-made sump. I really like the features of Trigger Systems and Skimz sumps but not sure I want to pay that kind of money for something I can build myself.

4. Top off water storage.what is everyone using for top off storage? My tank will be nowhere near a water source. The only reason my wife agreed to this new tank was that I had to promise to get my top off buckets out of sight. I want something that will hold 5-10 gallons, maybe more but I can't afford to lose too much space in my stand.

5. Return pipe - through the glass or up and over the rim? I will be using a canopy so up and over the rim can be disguised easily.
Thanks all for your input.

Brian

 

[mcgyvr]

1- sure.. I might on my next build.. you can run as much flow as you want really and replace powerheads with a closed loop system

2-Nothing better than a coast-coast (or as near as coast-coast as possible) type overflow box with a bean animal drain system.. I would never run that h2O thing http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx

3-if you can build... a sump is a fun project

4-whatever container you can find that works for your specific setup

5-either.. choice is yours... (remember to ensure it doesn't become too much of a siphon when power goes out)


oh and welcome to the site...

 

[Ron Reefman]

Hi All

I am planning out my next tank build. I'll be upgrading from an 85g Tall to a 120 -180, not decided on size yet.

I had a 180g and after 6 years it developed a leak that couldn't be repaired. I got a 125g as a replacement. Yes, it's a bit smaller,
but I love the 20" vs 24" height. It's so much easier to work in. You might look at my build thread as I have pics of the old 180g and the new 125g.
(there is a link address in the signature below)


1. Closed Loop- does any one use them anymore? If so, how much flow do you run? If not, what do you use for circulation?

I had one in the 180g and gave it up in the 125g. They work, but with the newer wave making powerheads and laminar flow like the Crossflow or gyre, I like them better for the more random and yet controllable flow.

2. Overflow - new tank will be drilled but I'm not a fan of tower overflows. I'm considering either a Synergy Reef Systems Shadow overflow or a Custom Aquariums H2Overflow with stealth box. Does anyone have experience with either of these? Is the something better out there?

If I had my choice, I'd have the overflow out of site. But the in tank overflows are safer IMHO. Damage to an overflow hung off the back can present real issues.

3. Sump/Refugium - build my own or buy a pre-made sump. I really like the features of Trigger Systems and Skimz sumps but not sure I want to pay that kind of money for something I can build myself.

My Cadlight system came with a sump (bigger than Red Sea sells with their 125g system. But it's still not big enough for me. So I added a display refugium and now I'm considering making the in stand sump bigger so I can use a bigger skimmer. But I have built several tanks, including the 50g cube display refugium.

4. Top off water storage.what is everyone using for top off storage? My tank will be nowhere near a water source. The only reason my wife agreed to this new tank was that I had to promise to get my top off buckets out of sight. I want something that will hold 5-10 gallons, maybe more but I can't afford to lose too much space in my stand.

I'm doing a 10g tank in the stand under the display refugium. It's not what most people would be able to do without a 2nd stand.

5. Return pipe - through the glass or up and over the rim? I will be using a canopy so up and over the rim can be disguised easily.
Thanks all for your input.

Either way works. My 180g was over the back. The new 125g is through the bottom glass. If I was using a canopy I'd consider making the through the bottom return into a drain and run a new return line over the back. And now you have me thinking of how I could do that and keep it ultra clean looking??? Thanks, I needed a new project! :love1:

Brian

Good luck with whatever you decide. And do what makes sense for you, don't do it because other tell you it the best way. I have lots of things I do that very few on here would do or have done in their tanks. Like raising the live rock up off the sand bed. I think it works great for extra open sand for critters, the bottoms of the rocks are exposed and sponges and feather dusters grow there, and there is flow under the rocks so less issues with cyano and more space for good bacteria to grow. But to look at my tank, you'd be hard pressed to notice the difference in overall look.

 

[MarkW64]

2. Overflow - new tank will be drilled but I'm not a fan of tower overflows. I'm considering either a Synergy Reef Systems Shadow overflow or a Custom Aquariums H2Overflow with stealth box. Does anyone have experience with either of these? Is the something better out there?

IMO the "best" overflow is an external overflow box with bean animal drain system. Some of the custom builders will do an overflow like this -- no internal tower or box at all, the water flows over a notch in the top of the glass into the external box which houses the plumbing.

 

[thegrun]

You might want to check out my 120 gallon system, it is a stand alone tank and the tread covers many of your questions:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2627280