Starting build planning stages. Help I'm a rook.

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firemedix911

New member
So Ive decided after throwing a ton of money away to just go ahead and start from scratch. I'm gonna have a go at a completely new build. I've been in the hobbie for a very short amount of time. aboput 6 months but I wanna have a crack at it.

I'm currently in the process of ordering a custom built tank from Exotic. Karen has been great at answering my questions. I want an 84x30x30 tank(327Gall more or less).If anoyne has had their tank built by them feedback is greatly appreciated it. I need help with the overflow specs. I'm thinking of doing the Herbie system for the OF. So I'm wondering I one single overflow in the center back will work by only drilling two larger holes to acomodate the flow.
I want to have about 8 times the return. Can this even be done that way? Or will I need all 4 holes for the herbie to handle the flow? So you fellas that know your stuff and have waaaay more experience than I do, please give me your opinion.

Another thing that I need help with is the return pump. I'm definetly going extrenal. I just need to figure out which pump would give me the right amount of flow for about 8 times the return? Keep in mind I want to incorporate a manifold with at least 4 outlets ideally 5 to run reactors, UV and maybe chiller if needed. Looking for low heat transfer and as quiet as possible. it will be in my Livingroom. I'm in no rush I've learned the hard way to be patient with this hobby. And again I've learned a ton already from you guys. Please feel free to shoot out any advice you have for me. Thanks.
 
My opinion:
1) Width is better than height because it's easier to clean and easier to aquascape! Therefore, I would go with a 84"x36"x20" tank
2) Go with external overflow if you can because it just looks so clean! And you can go with a ghost external overflow. It has three 1.5" holes and that's plenty for a 300 gallon even a 500g tank. If you can't do external overflow, I personally think it's easier to plumb and looks cleaner to have a corner overflow.
3) You really don't need an 8x turnover. You're good with 3-5x.

I can draw you a sketch, maybe this will help. I'm already saving at least 20k when my wife and I purchase a house for our next tank, 80x40x16! I have a shallow tank right now, 60x24x12, and it's just so much easier to maintain and the top down view is so awesome!

Hope this helps! :) Good luck
 
ARVERLY said:
My opinion:
1) Width is better than height because it's easier to clean and easier to aquascape! Therefore, I would go with a 84"x36"x20" tank
2) Go with external overflow if you can because it just looks so clean! And you can go with a ghost external overflow. It has three 1.5" holes and that's plenty for a 300 gallon even a 500g tank. If you can't do external overflow, I personally think it's easier to plumb and looks cleaner to have a corner overflow.
3) You really don't need an 8x turnover. You're good with 3-5x.

I can draw you a sketch, maybe this will help. I'm already saving at least 20k when my wife and I purchase a house for our next tank, 80x40x16! I have a shallow tank right now, 60x24x12, and it's just so much easier to maintain and the top down view is so awesome!

Hope this helps! :) Good luck
Click to expand...
Thanks. By all means. Shoot me a sketch. As far as dimensions I know the challenge of a taller aquarium. I have a 30" tall right now and it's tough but not that bad for me. I can reach the bottom with 1.5" sand bed. I'd love to go 36 deep but it just won't fit right where I'm going to place the tank. So I have to compromise and have decide that I'm gonna go with those dimensions. That's about the only thing I have set in stone bc the way it'll sit at the house. I could maybe do an 84x32x28 but that'd be pushing the depth too much and would look a bit weird in my living room. So I'm thinking I'm sticking with 84x30x30.

The external overflow I'd definitely consider it. I'd have to research it as well. But if it looks good and works by all means. How loud can those be?
And as far as the flow I wanted that much flow so I can grow SPS without having to use power heads except may some small ones to blow detritus behind the rocks. That's why I wanted the high flow. If the x5 can accomplish that then I'm good with that as well.
 
The ghost overflow/bean-animal style is dead silent! Do a quick google search and you'll see.

If you want SPS, you will definitely need some random flow. With an 84x30x30, I would use at least 4x MP40s, or 2 MP60s. Check out the new Maxspect gyres also. The XF170 gyres are coming out soon. You could put two of these, one on each side or the back if you want to hide them. Or the Jebao RWs if you want to save $$$.
 
I'm no expert on large tanks, but here's my 2. As far as dimensions, you know what you like. If you are going custom, do what will work for your situation.

As far as the overflow, definitely go Herbie, but also consider beananimal. I would strongly consider an external overflow, but keep in mind it needs space behind the tank so it will push the tank off the wall considerably. Not sure what the situation is at your place, but in some cases that could be off putting. If you can hide the external overflow, or you are going in wall, than its a non-issue.

With flow, get it out of your head that your return is going to provide enough flow for the tank, especially an SPS tank. You're going to need powerheads or at least a few gyres. If you want to keep it low key and don't want the look of powerheads in there, then look into doing a closed loop system.

I suggest you pick the brains of some on here with big tanks. First that comes to mind is Matt. He is awesome with sharing info, and knows his stuff. He's usually pretty good about showing off his system as well, which is quite impressive. HTH, and good luck!
 
Thanks rovster. I've read biggar's build thread completely. Every post/every page. That's what I'd like to use as a guide more or less. My hopes are realistic though. The guy's attention to detail is amazing. Hopefully I can morph into something like that. Lol. If my build comes out half as good I'll be happy. My tank is gonna sit on a stand against a 7.5 foot wall. I'm leaving about 7-8" between the tank and the wall so I can access stuff behind there if I ever need it. The herbie system looks pretty simple. I'd have to look at the cost of external OF vs in tank and what does it add in distance to the back of the tanks.
Since I'm gonna have to use power heads what pump should I shoot for. About 2600gph good enough? Maybe Even less? Heat transfer and as little sound is what I really want besides the pump capacity. Thanks.
 
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