Upgrading to a 220g

[Stork141]

Wanting to upgrade and go Big.

Not sure if this belongs here if not move away ha.

So in the next couple mouths i will hopefully be moving to a new home and wanting to go Bigger. I currently have a 72 bowfront with a total of around 120g. I would like to set up a 220 DT if the wife gives me the A-OK. With that being said i would like to hear from you guys who and have gone HUGE in building aquariums.
The only thing i can really use form my current system is a reef octopus dual chamber Ca reactor rated for ~300g, 2 everglow LEDs (will need more than 2 i know that), media reactors, Sand, LR, Fish, and Coral.
I have a buddy who will be holding on to all of my live stock.

I would like to have a sump room where i can hid and keep the noise lvl down so i can run larger equipment.

So now i ask you guys for your advice on the best equipment, plumbing ideas, and all in all best way to set up a large aquarium.

The grasshopper is ready to learn from the masters,
Mike

 

[worm5406]

Well... start by looking at the first few pages of large tanks and seeing the updates as they are posted.

There are so many options and ideas, not to mention opinions, that this thread would be a cut and paste of each other thread.

YES this is the right place for your thread and welcome to the large reef tank section.

I will give you a hint that some of the threads that have over 200 posts are the ones you should start with, these threads will show you both the UPS and downs of the construction.

Again, welcome.

 

[e55driver]

Check out local clubs for more info and help.

 

[Stork141]

I have been reading through alot of these build threads they have been very knowledgeable and are helping alot. I was more meaning by this thread if someone had a due over or something what they would have done different. Like buying a low iron glass instead of regular glass. Things that once done you cant really just go back and fix like buying a larger skimmer.

I know most of you guys spend months/years planning these large tanks just curious if you had a re-due what you would want to do differently.

 

[maddmaxx]

the only thing I would have done differently if I had more time planning my system, is I would have bought better equipment. meaning I would have waited to get vortechs, and a bigger skimmer etc etc. however with that said. I do know what corals I don't want to keep this time around lol. some corals are just grow to much...

 

[worm5406]

If I were to do differently... I would have gone to a 265, which would have fit in the same spot... Just made it taller.

In a 5g tank a chemical problem can come up quick and really play havoc. A larger tank can absorb and show the imbalance slower, not only to give you time but not kill/damage things as quick. Granted it takes a lot more chemicals and elbow grease at the start, but in the end it really is worth it.

+2 on equipment. Glass and equipment are two things not to cut back on. Well there are a lot more too.

While I am planing out plumbing in a 120 and a new 75 sump in WITH my 180, I am taking it slow and going to let it run it's cycle. That way it will meld right in, with little to no problems.

 

[Stork141]

Thanks guys its nice to hear from you and learn about these things that can easily be over looked. I know if i could change my plumbing in the 72 i would definitely do that. Is there any good plumbing set up for larger tanks?

 

[maddmaxx]

see I always notice ppl mentioning plumbing. and I think ppl over complicate this. you want the drains to go to the proper spots in the sump, and you want the least amount of restriction for the return. pretty simply I think...

 

[Stork141]

Ive just seen so many different styles of overflows like the bean, herbie, or durso. So many options to go with.

 

[worm5406]

Still all the same... the wet stuff on the red stuff... OOPS.. that is the Fire House rule on water... LOL