Tank design ideas

[Lion_posion]

Ok all,

Here it is, I just bought a 6 x 2.5 x 2.5 tank. It has a single hole drilled in the base for a 40mm bulkhead at one end.
As yet no wier box has been installed. You could say its a blank canvas.

I'd like to get peoples ideas for equipment, twin wiers or single, closed loop or powerheads (tunze vs vortech) Sump designs,
even a pros/cons list for different setups. I'm pretty much sold on a RO beckett skimmer.

I also wouldn't mind some ideas for auto water change systems, ATO units.

Lighting will most likely be 2 x250w 1x 400w Reeflux 12k globes in Lumenbrite reflectors. Over an open top.

Tank will deferenatley be SPS Dominated

I have fallen.....

Thanks guys + gals.

 

[Untamed12]

Rather than list specific ideas...you can browse my build thread. The reason I created it was to provide ideas for others...You'll get most of the build stuff in the first pages....

Hope it helps!

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=28436

 

[Lion_posion]

WOW, congrates on Totm.

Its a little on the wilder side with the twin OM4-ways. I guess my 2 biggest worries with CL systems would, leaks and flow patterns once the corals grow out a bit.

 

[Untamed12]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13709329#post13709329 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lion_posion
WOW, congrates on Totm.

Its a little on the wilder side with the twin OM4-ways. I guess my 2 biggest worries with CL systems would, leaks and flow patterns once the corals grow out a bit.

Thanks!

I always figured that the CLs would be the foundation of flow. If I ever needed to add flow I could build upon that by upgrading the CL pumps or adding a powerhead or two.

At almost two years and some VERY large coral heads, I have seen no need to alter the flow patterns whatsoever. There are a couple places where the flow is too intense for a coral to grow..so I just don't have any coral in those particular spots.

 

[Kigs]

Untamed, I loved your tank thread! I think I sat here for about an hour reading through 60 something pgs. Great job! You need to start a tank thread here!

 

[Lion_posion]

I thought there would be more input, it should be a free for all
with ideas.


My tank idea


System Objectives:
A showcase for our natural environment

System Type:
SPS dominated Mixed Reef

Display System:

Display Tank:
72 x 30 x 30
Twin Wiers in back corners, with Aquamedic comb.
25mm Syphons, with 32mm Standpipes
40mm Durso, with 40mm Standpipes

Display Lighting:
3 x Lummenbright Reflectors
12k Reeflux globes
3 x 250w ballast

Hood:
No hood, open top.

Sump:
3 x 2 x 2
split into 3-4 chambers with bubble trap.

Refugium:
Unsure.

Refugium Lighting:
Unsure.


Support systems:

System Water:
Natural salt water

Display Water circulation:
2-3 Vortech powerheads.

Return Pump:
Sedra 7200 lph.
32 mm pvc return over the back edge,
in the middle, split to 2 outlets at 45 angles.

Skimmer:
RO Beckette

Evaporation Top Up:
Auto topup


These are just ideas. You guys are the brains behind this hobby, and your input is greatly respected. :thumbsup:

 

[Untamed12]

OK...I'll get specific.

No dursos...design using Herbies.

Yes to refugium. I didn't think I needed one, then I had to fit one in later. I wish I had designed it in from the start.

Think about maintenance five times before you do anything. Think..."how am I going to take this apart and clean it/replace it once the tank is running?" If it is hard to do...you won't do it.

Don't start up the system until it is finished. Once you have an operating tank, changing things gets more difficult and you don't have the time.

 

[Lion_posion]

Thanks again Untamed12.

Here is what I'm using on my 3ft.

Silent Overflow - Syphon and Backup Overflow Design

So a herbie and the newer beanie is a similer idea.

 

[Untamed12]

I can't follow the link...but it sounds like the same idea. In fact, that is a much better name than "Herbie".