-
New Tank Build/Upgrade
Please provide feedback/suggestions/comments on my approach. Sorry if so long... Also feedback on background and bottom color. I will most likely paint the bottom a sand (light)color using textured paint as some of you may have done. Currently I have black gravel, and looking forward to the change. I can always go tile down the road as well. Was thinking using dark window tint for the background or a blue. White looks interesting too, but not sure...
Current setup:
Inhabitants: Ten 4Discus, six Sterbai Corys, six +/- small tetras
Tank: 100 Gallon Acrylic SeaClear 60Lx18Wx20H
Overflow: DIY Durso and overflow box. 1 down pipe to sump
Sump: Marineland Tidepool II. 3 drawers (course sponge, micro filter pad, chemi pure) and pond matrix in the sump chamber.
Pump/Return: Poseidon PS2 pump 90w. Getting about 500 gph with 8 of head pressure
Water: 90 gallons (270) changed 2-3 times a week (S,W,F). ZERO Nitrates/Nitrites/Ammonia
Heater: Finnex Controller with 800 Watt element (500 & 300 titanium)
Facts: Sump is located in the basement. About 8 from sump to top of tank. I currently can divert the water going back to the sump to a drain to simplify water changes. I hope to continue this in the new build. This all uses gravity.
New Build:
Tank: Advanced Acrylics 72Lx18Wx30H est 180 gallons Paid $650 new. Value based on website $2,186.00. I got this on Craigslist. A restaurant bought two and only installed one about 2 years ago. Tank was still new and wrapped. I got a steal!!!
https://advancedacrylics.com/collections/frag-tanks
Overflow: Synergy Reef Shadow 16 rated at 1500 gph. $159.00
https://synergyreef.com/product/16-shadow-overflow/
Sump: Plan to upgrade with a DIY Sump about 50gal. Something similar to this in regards to how the water flows over and into the socks. Returns can be under water at all times. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2554635
Pump/Return: I Hope to upgrade to a Vectra M1 DC (2000 GPH) - Ecotech Marine
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ecotech-vectra-m1-dc.html
Was also considering the Reef Octopus VarioS-8.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/varios...f-octopus.html
Both about $350
Considerations:
Pumps: Not concerned with APEX integration. Both pumps with the head pressure will be about 1000gph.
Frequent water changes and tank will be BB so easy to clean.
New overflow will be a Bean Animal style fed to the sump. Because the Bean will require a full siphon and the output to be under water I will need to upgrade my sump to allow this. The tidepool is limited in this capacity. http://www.beananimal.com/projects/s...ow-system.aspx. Sump will be of decent size as well as provide all filtration.
May need to modify my water change routine. The new sump could still be high enough to simply drain and re-fill for water changes. Rather than divert the water returning, I will drain the sump instead. I think my current drain procedure may cause issues with plumbing and diverting 3 lines (Bean vs single Durso). Please let me know if my thought process is valid. I did not have to worry about this before.
I plan to use 1.5 pipe from the overflow and output hose equal to the pump selected.
The tank has an existing hold I the center back bottom. I was going to plumb it with a shut off so I could either use it as a drain or input to a canister if I need more filtration. I was considering adding a FX4 but thought I would not need it by upgrading my pump and sump. I can use a standard bulkhead strainer if using for a drain or a ATI Filter Max if using a canister.
I will be documenting the complete build with photos including the transition from old to new. Please provide comments and or questions on my build. I hope to make it a very easy tank to maintain.
Thanks in advanced for any input!!!
