The Reef Central Corner Club Thread
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reefscape15
New member
Boret - I was looking at HOB skimmers, and if I got any it would be the new SWC HOB. I believe the ATB is around $600, whereas the SWC is only just over $300. And after seeing it compared to some common items, the thing is HUGE!!!! It's taller than a 5gal water jug like the one's that they use for a water cooler, thicker and wider than a large tissue box! Monster skimmer as far as HOB goes!
Husky_1
Premium Member
I'm with Borat, I had a HOB skimmer once on a different tank..When the thing started to go nuts, water started flowing out of the skimmer and on to the floor....Never again will I run an HOB or external...I am an internal skimmer type of person all the way, it reduces the risk of major disaster.
The sump will go on the right side on the floor next to the wall and possibly extend the cabinet to hide it. Will have a make up tank underneath.
Not planning on a canopy. Gonna try it with MH hanging above.
Everything subject to change ... We are still changing things on our 2 yo 90 that we are happy with
Thanks
Larry
boret
Premium Member
LV74-04 one piece of advice.... provide a solid platform underneath the stand to raise the whole thing about 8-10 inches.
Standing up you don't get a great view of the tank and you need a really low chair to appreciate it. If you are not looking straight at it you get a bit of distortion because you are looking in an angle, you also loose the depth effect. Now that it is empty raising it won't be difficult.
You can get fancy and build a platform that matches the round front, but anything will do. Think about it.
Standing up you don't get a great view of the tank and you need a really low chair to appreciate it. If you are not looking straight at it you get a bit of distortion because you are looking in an angle, you also loose the depth effect. Now that it is empty raising it won't be difficult.
You can get fancy and build a platform that matches the round front, but anything will do. Think about it.
Boret, i am building my stand tomorrow, do you recommend putting the middle of the tank at eye level? It is a 80 gallon Pentagon acrylic and we will custom build the stand. I have found 4" metal adjustable legs that are load rated at 600 lbs/each and plan to use 5 of them to get it off my floor. My tank is 30"x30"x30". I also don't plan to have a hood and have a MH mogul setup with 3x39 t5 unit i am hanging from the ceiling.
McL
boret
Premium Member
Well, it all depends on your height and where the tank is located.
If you have a sofa in front of the tank then your typical 30" off the ground is enough.
I am 6ft tall so for me it would be ideal to have the base of the tank about 40" off the ground. This will allow me to see the whole tank standing, getting a much better view.
But there are a couple of things to consider.
1. How would I get my hands inside of the tank... if I want to reach the bottom?
2. How high is the ceiling?
The first one will force you to have a small step ladder handy so you can get inside of the tank. The least amount of time your body parts spend inside of the tank the better, but at the beginning I had my hands in almost daily rearranging corals, turning over snails and moving things around.
The second one could be critical if you have a canopy. My canopy is fairly tall at 20", and it opens through the front and upwards. The max height available was 82" because an a/c duct just runs above the tank, so I measured everything according to that. In my case I would have to modify the front door if I want to raise the tank.
One advantage is that it will give you more room in the stand to place taller equipment, as long as the platform you build is hollow in the center. For you, building the stand from scratch is not even a concern, but for LV74-04 it could be.
I think Misled's stand is taller than the average corner tank stand, maybe he can chime in.
Another thing to consider is top view. I have a closed canopy, so I never look at my tank from the top down.... would love too though, to really appreciate the colors in my clams. If you are looking into an open top design you might actually want to tank to be at the regular height or even lower.
If you have a sofa in front of the tank then your typical 30" off the ground is enough.
I am 6ft tall so for me it would be ideal to have the base of the tank about 40" off the ground. This will allow me to see the whole tank standing, getting a much better view.
But there are a couple of things to consider.
1. How would I get my hands inside of the tank... if I want to reach the bottom?
2. How high is the ceiling?
The first one will force you to have a small step ladder handy so you can get inside of the tank. The least amount of time your body parts spend inside of the tank the better, but at the beginning I had my hands in almost daily rearranging corals, turning over snails and moving things around.
The second one could be critical if you have a canopy. My canopy is fairly tall at 20", and it opens through the front and upwards. The max height available was 82" because an a/c duct just runs above the tank, so I measured everything according to that. In my case I would have to modify the front door if I want to raise the tank.
One advantage is that it will give you more room in the stand to place taller equipment, as long as the platform you build is hollow in the center. For you, building the stand from scratch is not even a concern, but for LV74-04 it could be.
I think Misled's stand is taller than the average corner tank stand, maybe he can chime in.
Another thing to consider is top view. I have a closed canopy, so I never look at my tank from the top down.... would love too though, to really appreciate the colors in my clams. If you are looking into an open top design you might actually want to tank to be at the regular height or even lower.
Thanks for all the input, my ceilings are 11' and i'm not going to have a canopy, just hang the lights from the ceiling.
With my tank being 30" and me only being 6' tall, i will have to have a small step ladder for convenience to get in my tank. How much room do you think I should have to remove my protein skimmer collection cup? 6" extras at least?
McL
reefscape15
New member
BorEt(hahaha) and Husky - Yes I am planning on adding a sump, and I wish I would've just gotten a RR tank in the first place! I had all HOB from my 20gal, and thought it would be ok on the 54, but the skimmer is way to underpowered, and the sump will give me more options for filtration, not to mention take the skimmer and fuge intakes and outlets out of the display. I'm planning to make this overflow:
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/overflow.html
I'm sure you've all seen it before, but I like this one since it uses no weir's and gives a cleaner appearance. I plan on 2 1" drains into my old 20gal for a sump. Drains into skimmer section, then move the crap from my HOB fuge into the fuge section (middle) of sump, and then just a bubble trap and return section. For now I'm not planning on adding any reactors, but we will see what the future holds. Also I'm going to make an ATO, just so I don't have to keep filling up the sump, and it will allow me to keep the water level in the return somewhat low in the case of a power failure/pump failure. I will need some suggestions for a return pump, as I've never had to deal with these before. For the skimmer I think I'm going to run the Gen-II Vertex IN-250. I know it's overkill, but if I go with this one, I'd be able to safely upgrade to quite a fully stocked 120+gal in the future and use the same skimmer.
Well I just rechecked Marine Depot which had the IN-250 for sale which was cheaper than the IN-180, but now it's no longer even listed, so I may be looking for something in the $300 range which is comparable to the IN-180 or 250. I've seen the 250's on Ebay quite often for about $250 or so, but let me know what you think. Vertex skimmers seem like a very great skimmer. Pretty much the same as an Octo Extreme series, but for the size, they are a bit cheaper. Much cheaper than the ATB multi, and in the Vertex IN-280 vs. ATB Multi Cone thread, the Vertex outskimmed the ATB for half the price!
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/overflow.html
I'm sure you've all seen it before, but I like this one since it uses no weir's and gives a cleaner appearance. I plan on 2 1" drains into my old 20gal for a sump. Drains into skimmer section, then move the crap from my HOB fuge into the fuge section (middle) of sump, and then just a bubble trap and return section. For now I'm not planning on adding any reactors, but we will see what the future holds. Also I'm going to make an ATO, just so I don't have to keep filling up the sump, and it will allow me to keep the water level in the return somewhat low in the case of a power failure/pump failure. I will need some suggestions for a return pump, as I've never had to deal with these before. For the skimmer I think I'm going to run the Gen-II Vertex IN-250. I know it's overkill, but if I go with this one, I'd be able to safely upgrade to quite a fully stocked 120+gal in the future and use the same skimmer.
Well I just rechecked Marine Depot which had the IN-250 for sale which was cheaper than the IN-180, but now it's no longer even listed, so I may be looking for something in the $300 range which is comparable to the IN-180 or 250. I've seen the 250's on Ebay quite often for about $250 or so, but let me know what you think. Vertex skimmers seem like a very great skimmer. Pretty much the same as an Octo Extreme series, but for the size, they are a bit cheaper. Much cheaper than the ATB multi, and in the Vertex IN-280 vs. ATB Multi Cone thread, the Vertex outskimmed the ATB for half the price!
reefscape15
New member
Jeez boret! I need a chair to stand on just to reach the bottom of my tank, and it's on the standard stand! But then again I'm only 5'3"
boret
Premium Member
My skimmer (SWC300) only needs about 1-2" clearance to be removed. It all depends on the skimmer, but whatever extra room you might have the better. I don't use the stand for any equipment (only spare parts, extra bulbs and food).
There are some great skimmers in the $300 range. However, for $370 I would get this one LINK
When I am in front of my tank, with the 30 inch stand, my eyes are 12 inches above the tank. Looking down I don't get to see the depth as I do when I sit in front of it. It is your call. In my case, if I ever empty the tank, or I build another one the stand will be 10 to 15 inches higher.
I am not thrilled about RR in the corner tank. It just takes a ton of space in the back and it really doesn't provide a lot of flow as it is limited to 600 gph. You have to use both the intake and output as drain to get close to 1000 gph. I wanted mine not RR so I could drill it.
I had a good overflow box in my previous 55, but it was by far the weakest point (plus it took a lot of space). You are totally depending on the U shaped tube not loosing siphon. If it does your tank will overflow into the floor.
If you feel like emptying it (i know, major pain in the --s) i would drill it reefscape15. I drilled a 1-1/2" hole in the far top of the right glass pane. It has worked perfect!
You can see it here:
and here from behind:
There are some great skimmers in the $300 range. However, for $370 I would get this one LINK
When I am in front of my tank, with the 30 inch stand, my eyes are 12 inches above the tank. Looking down I don't get to see the depth as I do when I sit in front of it. It is your call. In my case, if I ever empty the tank, or I build another one the stand will be 10 to 15 inches higher.
I am not thrilled about RR in the corner tank. It just takes a ton of space in the back and it really doesn't provide a lot of flow as it is limited to 600 gph. You have to use both the intake and output as drain to get close to 1000 gph. I wanted mine not RR so I could drill it.
I had a good overflow box in my previous 55, but it was by far the weakest point (plus it took a lot of space). You are totally depending on the U shaped tube not loosing siphon. If it does your tank will overflow into the floor.
If you feel like emptying it (i know, major pain in the --s) i would drill it reefscape15. I drilled a 1-1/2" hole in the far top of the right glass pane. It has worked perfect!
You can see it here:
and here from behind:
reefscape15
New member
Boret - I saw your build when you first posted it on here, and I was very impressed with the pcv work! No, emptying the tank is not an option for me. The way I'm going to make my return section is to divide the tank up and have the return just slightly larger than my return pump. Also, I will only have the skimmer section up to about 10" out of the 18" high. So, if the overflow looses suction, there won't be very much water that will be allowed to be pumped back into the tank. Also, if the power goes out, there will be more than enough space in the sump for the tank to drain into the sump without worrying about a flood. I'll prob have the water 10-12" deep in the skimmer section, and then drop it to 8"ish for the fuge. Then after the bubble trap I'll hope to keep the water only 1-2" deeper than my return pump, and maybe 1/2" clearance on each side. The fuge section will end up being somewhat "L" shaped, and drain into the fuge from 3 sides.
reefscape15
New member
I definately plan to go with a sump. I feel for the money, you can get such a better in sump skimmer than you can HOB. They just seem so much more efficient compared to HOB, and a $300 HOB will skim up to MAYBE 125gal max. For $300 you can get a in sump skimmer that will skim up to 250+gal pretty safely. Plus it would give me the option to add media reactors without having to see another intake or pump in my display. That, and the fact that more water volume will be added, and temp will become a little more stable are the main reasons I'm adding one.
boret
Premium Member
Don't get me wrong, I am all for a sump, I have 2!!!
As a matter of fact I have more water in my sumps than my main display I just feel you are very limited underneath the tank, plus the dimensions don't allow for many tank options (kind of difficult to fully utilize the space). If you can access another room through the wall or the basement I really like the wetroom option.
Indeed, the sump gives you a lot of options. You can place the heaters and probes there, avoiding their placement in the display tank, you can have extra Live Rock in there, you can dose in there, you can place an ATO system (which you can do in the main tank but I don't like a float switch in there). You can add a fan to cool the tank down if necessary and you get more water volume which always gives you more stability.
I hear you about the HOB skimmer vs in sump skimmer. I also like the in sump option. I like it better even than out of sump skimmers. I don't have to worry about anything failing and flooding the basement. Are you getting a custom acrylic sump or going for a glass tank as sump?
Do you think that you can add a piece of furniture besides the tank to house a larger sump?
As a matter of fact I have more water in my sumps than my main display
I just feel you are very limited underneath the tank, plus the dimensions don't allow for many tank options (kind of difficult to fully utilize the space). If you can access another room through the wall or the basement I really like the wetroom option. Indeed, the sump gives you a lot of options. You can place the heaters and probes there, avoiding their placement in the display tank, you can have extra Live Rock in there, you can dose in there, you can place an ATO system (which you can do in the main tank but I don't like a float switch in there). You can add a fan to cool the tank down if necessary and you get more water volume which always gives you more stability.
I hear you about the HOB skimmer vs in sump skimmer. I also like the in sump option. I like it better even than out of sump skimmers. I don't have to worry about anything failing and flooding the basement. Are you getting a custom acrylic sump or going for a glass tank as sump?
Do you think that you can add a piece of furniture besides the tank to house a larger sump?
reefscape15
New member
Also more room for fuge area will be a nice bonus!
reefscape15
New member
No I doubt I can get away with that one. Tank is in our bedroom, and it's pretty packed in there as it is, but I do have about 8" of room where if I pre-brace an opening, then cut out the space to slip my tank through the hole, I'll easily be able to add my 20gal under the tank. I wish I had room for a basement or adjacent room sump area, but in this house, there is no such option. I may end up pricing put some glass or acrylic, and deciding to go DIY route with my sump to maximize the space.
Having the tank in the bedroom also gives me a problem with noise. The way it's set up right now, it's pretty quiet, and I'm hoping that I will be able to hush the new sump once I get it up and running. I've heard that if you cut your drain tube/tubes on a severe diagonal, having half the pipe in the water and half out, it will quiet the entering water and also eliminate the gurgling that you get if you fully submerge your inlet pipes. I guess I'll have to toy with that once I get to that stage. Getting the inlet pipes and pumps out of my tank will make the sump addition pretty much worth it.
Having the tank in the bedroom also gives me a problem with noise. The way it's set up right now, it's pretty quiet, and I'm hoping that I will be able to hush the new sump once I get it up and running. I've heard that if you cut your drain tube/tubes on a severe diagonal, having half the pipe in the water and half out, it will quiet the entering water and also eliminate the gurgling that you get if you fully submerge your inlet pipes. I guess I'll have to toy with that once I get to that stage. Getting the inlet pipes and pumps out of my tank will make the sump addition pretty much worth it.
