Starting an 80 Build

[TyWynn]

This reef tank thing is starting to consume me all my free time and money! So naturally, I want a bit more real estate than my current 20 gallon nano has to offer. I have an 80 gallon I'm about to set up, but still missing a lot of things.

I'm looking to building my own LED lights, can anyone provide a suggestion of where / what brands of DIY LED lights I should look into?

Also, if anyone has sump for sale let me know!

Cheers!

 

[tony727]

Yay, you're doing it lol.
For diy I always hear good things from Build My LED.
I've bought the cheap LED diodes from eBay but they don't last very long even though I water cooled then and kept then at 50%.

I have a 20 long you could use as a sump if you'd like.

 

[TyWynn]

Yay, you're doing it lol.
For diy I always hear good things from Build My LED.
I've bought the cheap LED diodes from eBay but they don't last very long even though I water cooled then and kept then at 50%.

I have a 20 long you could use as a sump if you'd like.

Thanks Tony! Yes your comment put me over the edge. LOL

I'll check out the Build My LED. I'll probably end up spending a bit more for the nicer LEDs because I'm lazy to change them out later. I'm looking for one of the sumps with baffling and such. But I may take you up on it if my budget expires before I can get all of it.

 

[Worleyxxx]

Baffling a sump isn't too difficult, I baffled mine on the 180. You may look into grabbing a 40b from petco during the gallon sale or one from one of the local members here. One seems to pop up every week or so and I can say without a doubt it is the best size for a dump I've used.

 

[tony727]

Baffling a sump isn't too difficult, I baffled mine on the 180. You may look into grabbing a 40b from petco during the gallon sale or one from one of the local members here. One seems to pop up every week or so and I can say without a doubt it is the best size for a dump I've used.

When is the next Petco sale? A 40B is a good size for a sump but idk about a dump [emoji16]

How big of a sump can you fit under your tank Ty?

 

[Worleyxxx]

When is the next Petco sale? A 40B is a good size for a sump but idk about a dump [emoji16]

How big of a sump can you fit under your tank Ty?

Ha I didn't even realize that. iPhones aren't reef lingo friendly all the time.

 

[TyWynn]

So here's what I have going on so far with the 80 gallon (40 x 26 x 18 peninsula) build.

- Radion XR30 (2)
- Vectra M1 (2) - one for return, one for closed loop
- Ghost Overflow
- 30 x 18 x 16 sump
- 20 gallon tall refugium
- Bubble Magnus skimmer (not sold on keeping it)

I'm still debating if I want to build a wood stand or get one made of metal. Awaiting for a few quotes on the metal ones before deciding. Also will get an RO/DI, ATO, and heater after I get the tank up and running. I will eventually get a calc reactor or dosing pump, but don't think I need that to get things going now. I would like input on the follow:

1) Should I get an Apex or Reefkeeper now or I can get the tank going and worry about it later?
2) Should I plumb in canister filters? What are the pros/cons?
3) Do I need a chiller? My house temp usually does not go above 78* summer, not sure how much heat will be in the system.
4) Will lighting be sufficient for SPS? Considered added 2 T-5 bulbs, but didn't want to overkill it (is there such a thing?).

Any tips would be appreciated and let me know anything I'm overlooking or just missed.

Thanks!

 

[tigger2577]

1) Should I get an Apex or Reefkeeper now or I can get the tank going and worry about it later? Not Required to get started, can add later
2) Should I plumb in canister filters? What are the pros/cons? I would not, I started off with a canister before I went with a sump, just something I had to clean almost daily due to nitrates, IMO not worth it
3) Do I need a chiller? My house temp usually does not go above 78* summer, not sure how much heat will be in the system. I do not run a chiller and keep my house at 77, only time will tell if you need one, you can always add later

See my answers in red

 

[tony727]

1. Keep the money for your stock or extra equipment
2. I don't have very much experience with canister filters, what are you planning on putting in them?
3. I keep my house at 76 and my tank doesn't go above 81. Just add more water movement or a fan if you need, which you probably don't.
4. I've seen plenty of SPS builds with Radions that do really well, but personally I like to supplement T5s.

How are you thinking of running a closed loop in the 80?

 

[TyWynn]

1. Keep the money for your stock or extra equipment
2. I don't have very much experience with canister filters, what are you planning on putting in them?
3. I keep my house at 76 and my tank doesn't go above 81. Just add more water movement or a fan if you need, which you probably don't.
4. I've seen plenty of SPS builds with Radions that do really well, but personally I like to supplement T5s.

How are you thinking of running a closed loop in the 80?

The tank has four holes drilled at the bottom I'm doing to use 2 as drains and 2 as returns to one of the Vectras (tee off drains and return). I originally planned to out a sea swirl or something but the vectra has wavemaking mode so that'll suffice. The holes are drilled 2 in the front and 2 in the back. I haven't decided how I will set them up.

 

[k_hehenberger]

Can't wait to see it.