Want to build a 300G display need help

[HornetMech242]

I am in the Corp and I am deploying soon. I need something to put those hard earned tax free dollars in so I decided what better way that to upgrade my 26G tank.. Or get rid of it for a 300G display.

When you planned out your tank did you just draw it out on paper? What computer programs did you use and how did you decide what equipment you would be using? How do you determne flow rates and how many over flows and how many returns and where to put them?

To put it simple, where do I even begin on a project like this? I do not have a house yet so I have plenty of time to plan this out. I figured 2 yrs of planning will be enough to get it all worked out.

Thanks for any input,

Chris

 

[thor32766]

do all kinds of research for one. Find articles. You will find tons of opionions, the most consistant ones usually turn out to be the right ones. Research lighting, sump, etc etc. Good luck with your deployment. SEMPER FI>

 

[hawaiianwargod]

Hey devil dog,

I agree with thor regarding planning. Two years of planning a system should be ample of time. First, find a system that you could replicate on these thread. Is your future tank would be accrylic or glass? or is it going to be on a stand or in wall set up?
IME, my 350g system took me time and $$$ because I really did not a good plan when I started the hobby. My advice to you is do not skimp on your equipments and do not add the un necessary stuff of "gadgets", plan to have redundancy to "bullet" proof your system in case of malfunctions. My system now is basically 80% automated not because I'm lazy but because I have other things to enjoy in life besides this hobby. Even though it is automated I still visually check my equipments daily to make sure it is running smoothly. Again many options you could go especially with lighting, flows ( using Tunze's or close loop or simply power heads). PM me sometime if you want to check my tank.
Hang loose devil dog!

 

[HornetMech242]

Over the next seven months I plan on saving up 6 G's while in Iraq. Then another 4 G the year after that. So when me and the wife get our first house we will have 10G saved up. Just reading on here I quickly learned the mistake of cheeping out in the beginning. I want to buy all equipment at once and all the live rock at once before the cycle. Then add the life a few months after the tank is started up. I want to put SPS, Lps and softies in it. And I would really like to put a sting ray in but I still need to do the research on that idea. I am not sure what brand of tank to get so if any one can post links to tank manufacturers that would be great.

Chris

 

[pennyguy23]

aquariumobsessed.com

They built my dream 360gl and put up with ALOT of phone call changes. It went from 180gl to a 240gl to a 300gl to finally my 360gl.

 

[VikeBron]

I agree about AO. External overflows.