planning an upgrade

[SkarfPa]

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I'm in the planning stages for a 180 Gal upgrade would like to put my thoughts out there to get some input. It will be a room divider (I will have to remove a wall not load bearing) looking at glasscages will be veiwable 3 sides so i 'm thinking center or side overflow. Would like to put sump in unheated basement to help with chilling costs.Also looking at solar tubes since this would already be major construction this will be the right time. So my questions: will the added cost of pumping my water out of the basement outweight the cost of running a chiller( 8' up 20'total run). Solar tubes to offset lighting needs and times how much light do they give. what other tank supplier options do I have. advantages to center over side overflows. Any input would be great Thanks in advanced

I currently have a 75 Gal w/30 Gal sump 2x 250 MH 1/10 jbj chiller

 

[rigleautomotive]

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I'm in the planning stages for a 180 Gal upgrade would like to put my thoughts out there to get some input. It will be a room divider (I will have to remove a wall not load bearing) looking at glasscages will be veiwable 3 sides so i 'm thinking center or side overflow. Would like to put sump in unheated basement to help with chilling costs.Also looking at solar tubes since this would already be major construction this will be the right time. So my questions: will the added cost of pumping my water out of the basement outweight the cost of running a chiller( 8' up 20'total run). Solar tubes to offset lighting needs and times how much light do they give. what other tank supplier options do I have. advantages to center over side overflows. Any input would be great Thanks in advanced

I currently have a 75 Gal w/30 Gal sump 2x 250 MH 1/10 jbj chiller

Hi ,You are planning a few things there that few of us(NCPARS peeps) if any have done.there are a few guys on RC that use solar tubes,mostly out west and have varied success with them using artificial light also.

as far as the rest of the plan,i like it but i would do a little research on glass cages,I know they had issues a few years back but now i believe they make a nice product.

The pump in the basement would not add a huge cost for you and i am sure with the right pump you will save money ,not running a chiller.not to mention the added volume is a big plus

The guys in canada make a real nice tank and Todd from something fishy just ordered one from one of the canadian supliers so he would have some fresh info and i would ask him if i were you.

 

[Ricunger]

With the solar tubes you need to add some VHO's to help with the short time that the tubes will be in the sun. During winter you will loose some from snow on the roof. I would add heat cables for the roof to melt the area around them. They sell them at lowes for around 50+. After all the construction & potential problems associated with solar tubes i would really look into Plasma Lighting...

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1739386&highlight=plasma

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1726144&highlight=plasma

 

[knockout]

well you asked for input!

the sump in the basement is great because of the added volume, you can use on of those couple of hundred gallon tubs and really cram a lot of water in the system (if you have the space), as far as the chiller goes it may do the job as basements are cooler, keep in mind thought like I said before that basement is going to be really cold in the winter (most months) and so heating the water will probably be the bigger expense, I will still do it due to the value of added volume.

Solar tubes: We live in PA there is not that much sun year round so that has to play a important role in the decision, how much light will you get and which months of the year!

here is a good read on solar tubes
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1457056

IMO side overflow is what I would love to have someday, the though of not having anything in the tank at all that obstruct the view should be great and since you are doing a room divider then imo is the logical way to go

there is also these guys, I only got a quote from then once, I have never had a tank built so I have no comments on any of them but I did research the same ones being mentioned here, I ended up buying a stock tank, but in your case room divider custom is a must, or non reef ready and drill it.

have you decided between acrylic and glass (starphire)

Coast to Coast Aquariums
732.730.8265
sales@coasttocoastaquariums.com

 

[tnyr5]

In all honesty I'd go with a wider tank considering the amount of work / money you're going to spend here. I think you'd have an easier time getting a more natural look with , say 72L x 30W x 24H. In the grand scheme of your project this would probably not add significantly to the expense.

 

[SkarfPa]

Thanks for all the input guys,this is what I need. I have alot of stuff going through my head and I know there are things I'm not considering. This will be a major build and I want to do it right. When the wall comes down there is no turning back I'll be a reefer for life.and since it is a major remodel I can make the room to fit the tank and not a tank to fit the room so nothing is out of the question. right now I.m working on the basement and the sump room putting in a utility sink and stand for sump and water change tanks.I want to have all the behind the scenes stuff done before I take out a wall, so if anything comes to mind throw it out there I'm always looking for ideas

Thanks

 

[tnyr5]

you could also have two dry compartments on either side of the overflow for vortech pumps like this guy did. http://www.reefflix.com/video/430/1200-gallon-reef-at-9000-feet