xtrstangx's 120g BB thread

[xtrstangx]

I figured I'd start the documentation of my 75g tank. Its going to be mostly SPS, but I will have a few softies and my LPS I'm picking up the tank on the 17th (hopefully) from someone in Springfield. Its an Oceanic tank and I'm getting a good deal on it too (never been used either)

Its going to be an upgrade from my current 40g. It will be going in the same spot and use most of the equipment.

So far this is what I have planned:
- Closed loop: Mag 7 with a SCWD
- Lighting: 2x175w MH and probably 2 VHO for supplementation
- Skimmer: ASM G-1X... considering getting a second skimmer (like a Coralife Super Skimmer for ozone )
- Live Rock: 45 pounds of Fiji in my current tank and I got another 45 pounds from a local reefer that looks like Kaelini (its cooking, sorta)
- Sump: my current 40g
- Fuge: my current 30g sump will be turned into a BIG fuge
- Return pump: GenX PCX-40
- Sandbed: 4-5" DSB with sand from Ace Hardware (cheap aragonite)
- Misc: Phosban reactor (for carbon and Phosban), Randy's 2 part Cal/Alk additive
- Flow: 2 Seio 820's for general movement and a Maxi-jet 1200 to ripple the surface
- Fuge flow: Probably going to feed the fuge with a Maxi-jet 1200 or two.

After doing my first setup, I've thought of lots of good ideas. Hopefully I'll be able to incorporate a 20g long prop tank (maybe a species tank?)

I'm going to go with a basement sump. It won't quite be a fish room, it's the current storage room. It will have my two tanks, my saltwater mixing bucket, and hopefully a sink.

Nothing is really decided on my closed loop yet. The tank I am getting is already drilled, but the guy can't get to the tank yet to measure them. I will make it work though. I'm thinking of using a Mag 9.5 I have now on the closed loop and using the Mag 7 to feed the fuge. Suggestions?

I'll post pictures soon. Unfortunately, my hard drive started on fire and I lost all of my pictures from my 40g

 

[robilium]

I got a similar 75 setup - check it out..... again I think you visited when it was a 46.

 

[kbmdale]

I am in the process of the same set-up or similar.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=745569

Ican tell ya know between the gen-x and the closed loop mag. 7 scwd you won't need a surface ripple pump. I got shots of flow from the exact closed loop your talking about and an iwaki rxt 40 for my return in that thread. check it out.

 

[xtrstangx]

Thanks for dropping in already. Time to read some more threads Thanks for the links.

 

[IndoorOcean]

Looking forward to reading more about this one!

 

[Jon Evans]

I use a wavemaker right now, and i've been thinking about switching to a sqwd to save on electricity. Let me know how the sqwd works.

 

[xtrstangx]

I just got back from the fish store. They had an Oceanic 75g that I was planning on buying, but they also had a 120g that caught my eye. Thinking about going bigger and probably custom made. My LFS is going to a MUCH bigger store so he's putting in an order for 30+ tanks and I'd be able to get a non-custom price on a custom tank.

We'll see. I dunno. I'd need to sell my halides and buy some 250w. I'd also probably have to get an ASM G3 or G4+. Going to think whether I want to put another $500 in the upgrade or not.

 

[IndoorOcean]

What happened to the tank you were getting from the guy in Springfield?

 

[xtrstangx]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6497746#post6497746 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IndoorOcean
What happened to the tank you were getting from the guy in Springfield?

Ah, I forgot. He backed out.

Anyways, I think I'm going to go with the 120g now.

 

[IndoorOcean]

The bigger the better!

 

[rdmpe]

Cool! A bigger tank is never a bad thing. So did you order it yet? Custom drilled? What is your plan for drilling / overflows?

 

[zanemoseley]

I would reccomend 250's for a 75 gallon tank. 175's would work but not as well for SPS's. I would also be careful with the sand from Ace hardware and make sure it is indeed aragonite and not a silica based sand.

 

[xtrstangx]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6522373#post6522373 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zanemoseley
I would reccomend 250's for a 75 gallon tank. 175's would work but not as well for SPS's. I would also be careful with the sand from Ace hardware and make sure it is indeed aragonite and not a silica based sand.

Nothing is wrong with silica sand.

Since I am going with the 120g, I will have to upgrade to the 250w, pretty much no matter what. I also have to upgrade skimmers.

I was thinking of 2x250w MH with XM 10K's. Good PAR and I can always buy VHO to supplement. For the skimmer, I was going to go with a ASM G4 or G4X (or similar). I really like my ASM now and definately want to get another bigger one.

As far as my tank, I can't order it for probably another 2 weeks. Thats when my LFS is placing their order and I'm getting my tank with the LFS (so a custom tank for a noncustom price).

I am thinking of turning the tank into swiss cheese. I don't want 3600 GPH from a Sequence Dart, but I am looking at Iwaki/GenX/Panworld for about 1500-2000 GPH for my closed loop. Maybe 3-4 holes on the back and 2 on the bottom (they will temper the glass after its drilled so I can put holes wherever I want).

I will probably do a center overflow with a 1 1/2" bulkhead as backup. I will probably run my return through the overflow to and use another 1 1/2" bulkhead.

I'll draw a diagram in AutoCADD tomorrow at school.

 

[elephen]

Tagging along

 

[xtrstangx]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6522946#post6522946 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by elephen
Tagging along

Good to see you. Wheres the link to your thread? Seems like we will end up having similar systems (you got better equipment though )

Did I mention I'm thinking about BB?

 

[zanemoseley]

I've heard silica sand is bad for micro fauna as well as promoting the growth of algae.

 

[tsquad]

Silica sand is chemically fine. It is composed of the exact same stuff as the glass of your tank.

The problems associated with silica sand are the quartz sands. These are crystalline and jagged, which do not provide a very safe home for infauna, and have a tendency to collect detritus, and compact. However, the amorphous sand is spherical and smooth, fine for a sandbed.

 

[elephen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6522980#post6522980 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xtrstangx
Good to see you. Wheres the link to your thread? Seems like we will end up having similar systems (you got better equipment though )

Did I mention I'm thinking about BB?

Only reason I have better equipment is I can get deals on certain products =\

Yeah I have a 75 SPS tank setup right now that my new 120 will be replacing. Just got my return pump today - Pan World 150PS, it'll be driving 2 eductors on the returns.

I havn't started a thread yet. Said I would but I havn't yet. I finally finished the stand and canopy last night. I'll shoot you over a link when I make one.

 

[xtrstangx]

Elephen, have any diagrams for your closed loop? I was thinking of either a Dart (meaning I gotta put lots of holes in the tank) or may go with another Gen-X Mak4 (less flow).

I just need someone to push me towards the Sequence Dart.

 

[zmalexander]

Can't wait to see some pics!!!!
Zac