110 tall build

[smedmonds]

I've been sitting on this tank for few years now and have decided to do my 1st reef tank. I have a lot to figure out yet. Looking forward to the reading the feedback.
I've complied a list that I have found on the web. Not sure if its all necessary or if I have left something out.

1. Aquarium & Plumbing - 110 gallon(4x18x30).
Looking to do Beananimal with Coast to Coast. Looking to drill the aquarium, pretty sure its not tempered( I will take the risk).
Not sure what size bulkheads to use or the size of the plumbing. Is bigger better? Need to figure this out asap so I can buy the drill bit.
Should I do the coast to coast external or internal? Not sure if I have a choice. I read someone said outside is better because it didn't take up extra tank space.
Will paint back of the tank black. How many return lines?
2.Lighting - Not sure. I know it will have to be adequate enough to reach the bottom of the 30" deep tank.

3. Skimmers, Filters & Filtration - Skimmer, no clue? Would skimmer be determined by size of refugium? Leaning towards a refugium. I read the biggest you can fit. Inside tank dimension is 18x41, so I am thinking 30 gallon?? Should you have extra room for other equipment?
Auto top off?

4. Powerheads - No idea
5. Live Rock & Substrate - I don't want a crowded tank. Somewhere in the average range. 50lbs of live rock good?
6. Sea Salt Mix/Saltwater & Hydrometer
7. Heater & Thermometer - 2-500 watt heaters?
8. Air pump & Air stones
9. Test Kits, Additives & supplements
10. Maintenance tools & Supplies

 

[smedmonds]

Am I able to keep my first post updated as I make my changes and decisions? I don't see edit nowhere.

 

[jsker]

I am looking at your post, and will get back to you later for answers

 

[smedmonds]

I am looking at your post, and will get back to you later for answers

Thanks looking forward to it.

 

[jsker]

Thanks looking forward to it.

Thank you for reminding me

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I've been sitting on this tank for few years now and have decided to do my 1st reef tank. I have a lot to figure out yet. Looking forward to the reading the feedback.
I've complied a list that I have found on the web. Not sure if its all necessary or if I have left something out.

1. Aquarium & Plumbing - 110 gallon(4x18x30).
Looking to do Beananimal with Coast to Coast. Looking to drill the aquarium, pretty sure its not tempered( I will take the risk).
Not sure what size bulkheads to use or the size of the plumbing. Is bigger better? Need to figure this out asap so I can buy the drill bit.
Should I do the coast to coast external or internal? Not sure if I have a choice. I read someone said outside is better because it didn't take up extra tank space.
Will paint back of the tank black. How many return lines?
2.Lighting - Not sure. I know it will have to be adequate enough to reach the bottom of the 30" deep tank.

3. Skimmers, Filters & Filtration - Skimmer, no clue? Would skimmer be determined by size of refugium? Leaning towards a refugium. I read the biggest you can fit. Inside tank dimension is 18x41, so I am thinking 30 gallon?? Should you have extra room for other equipment?
Auto top off?

4. Powerheads - No idea
5. Live Rock & Substrate - I don't want a crowded tank. Somewhere in the average range. 50lbs of live rock good?
6. Sea Salt Mix/Saltwater & Hydrometer
7. Heater & Thermometer - 2-500 watt heaters?
8. Air pump & Air stones
9. Test Kits, Additives & supplements
10. Maintenance tools & Supplies

I'll answer some of these.

On the coast to coast question, definitely go external if you can swing it. Look at the Shadow Box by Synergy (or similar designs). I'd think 1.5" holes, but maybe somebody on the #reefsquad who knows more about plumbing can give more clarity on that.

On the lighting question, I'm an LED fan. I love my radions, but to help you decide better, can you tell us what kind of lighting you prefer and also what your budget will allow for.

I have a TUNZE 9410 on my reef and I love it. Another good option is NYOS. If you're looking more budget friendly, check out the Bubble Magus skimmer or (perhaps even better) the Somatic skimmer. Somatic actually has a cool new filtration system that includes sump (with optional expandable modules) and skimmer. I highly recommend you at least look at Somatic this is Vertex's budget brand.

Speaking of sumps, check out Somatic or if you're looking to go a little nicer but still accessible (IMHO) budget wise, check out the ones by Geo's Reef.

Powerheads, again, are there any you like? Budget? I use MP40's and love them, but there are other less expensive options that will get the job done.

IMO 50lb. should be fine in the DT. When I first started, I went with the 1lb per gallon idea, but now as I've learned more, I just build the aquascape based on what I want it to look like and the needs of my fish. If you need extra biofilter, you can always add siporax or LR rubble to your sump.

Heaters: 2 500w heaters should be fine. I'd be sure to put them on some kind of digital controller. Btw, heaters are one of those pieces of equipment where people are tempted to skimp on budget...DON'T! It can be lethal to your reef.

 

[Brew12]

Not sure what size bulkheads to use or the size of the plumbing. Is bigger better? Need to figure this out asap so I can buy the drill bit.

No, bigger is not better. You need to determine how much flow you want through your sump and then go with the right size plumbing. It is better to err on the high side sine you will need to control flow with a valve but you want to be in the ball park. This will let you know the maximum gravity drain flow for a given size of PVC. It also shows which size hole you need to make for the appropriate bulkhead.

Will paint back of the tank black. How many return lines?

This is really up to you. You can do one main return line and tee it off at the top. You can tee your return at the bottom and again at the top to give you 4 returns. It really depends on the flow pattern you are looking for.

Skimmer, no clue? Would skimmer be determined by size of refugium? Leaning towards a refugium. I read the biggest you can fit. Inside tank dimension is 18x41, so I am thinking 30 gallon?? Should you have extra room for other equipment?

I think you are referring to a sump, not a skimmer. The biggest you can fit is a pretty good rule of thumb but you don't have to get excessive. You will need extra equipment, like an ATO tank, but those can be kept outside of the tank stand. Its up to you with what you want.

I don't want a crowded tank. Somewhere in the average range. 50lbs of live rock good?

50lbs would be pretty light for a tank that size. You might want to at least consider going with 75lbs.

 

[jsker]

Thank you Guys for chipping in
1. Aquarium & Plumbing - 110 gallon(4x18x30).
Looking to do Beananimal with Coast to Coast. Looking to drill the aquarium, pretty sure its not tempered( I will take the risk).
Not sure what size bulkheads to use or the size of the plumbing. Is bigger better? Need to figure this out asap so I can buy the drill bit.
Should I do the coast to coast external or internal? Not sure if I have a choice. I read someone said outside is better because it didn't take up extra tank space.
Will paint back of the tank black. How many return lines? I like the synergy overflows also here is a link with more information link . I purchased all of my bulkheads on Amazon and used the Banjo fittings on Amazon. Do not go cheap on your return lines, and overflow lines, I used clear braided brews hose for those and surgical hose for doser lines, and my skimmer air line. I would also use unions when possible for cleaning and changes that one will make in the future. Use gate valves instead of ball valves for more control of flow. I use a wye check value also on my return link some do not like to use them, but I am glad that I did for the reason that the water does not overwhelm the sump up on shutdown

2.Lighting - I am very happy with my Hydra 26 HD's and I would recommend them.

3. Skimmers, Filters & Filtration - I like the RLSS skimmers and build my sump. I build my sump for the reason that I have the equipment, specific size need, and the setup I needed. I also want a drain in my sump plus a overflow in case of a shutdown. I basically built in a safety so my wife would not be mad if the water overflowed on the floor.

I use a auto aqua top off and I am switching of to a pacific sun Kore 5th for ATO, AWC, and dosing.

4. Powerheads I like my gyres and my one Mp 40. The gyres mix it up on top and the Mp 40 move the water down below

6. Sea Salt Mix/Saltwater & Hydrometer I use the AquaForest reef salt and I am very happy with the product line. I have used others and out of the other I like AF. Hydrometer is good to have around and any calibrated one will do, but I relay on my controller

7. Heater & Thermometer - I use the Finnex titanium heater and I use the controller to monitor the temp. I use a 300w in my 80 gallon system and 800w would be more than enough for your system depending where you live and how cold you keep your house in the winter.

8. Air pump & Air stones there is no need for them unless you are dosing something that needs more oxygen

9. Test Kits, Additives & supplements I use the Red Sea test kits and as far as the additives I use the Balling Method and use AF balling products.

10. Maintenance tools & Supplies This one is going to be put together as you go alone and find what works for you. I do have hemostats, tweezers, turkey basters are my basics and a toothbrush and a towel

I apologise for the delay, I need to be sitting at a desktop for this one

 

[smedmonds]

Look at the Shadow Box by Synergy (or similar designs).

I like the simplicity. I am assuming the 16" is the right size? Bonus they are on sale too!

can you tell us what kind of lighting you prefer and also what your budget will allow for.

I think I prefer LED but my knowledge of lighting is minimal. Budget.... I'm thinking middle of the line on most of the project. Go higher if needed or hold back if it makes sense.

budget friendly, check out the Bubble Magus skimmer or (perhaps even better) the Somatic skimmer.

These seem to have good reviews.

Somatic actually has a cool new filtration system that includes sump (with optional expandable modules) and skimmer. I highly recommend you at least look at Somatic this is Vertex's budget brand.

Speaking of sumps, check out Somatic or if you're looking to go a little nicer but still accessible (IMHO) budget wise, check out the ones by Geo's Reef.

kinda lost me. Are you referring to this? https://premiumaquatics.com/product...on-system-sump-skimmer.html#.WRPNdva9ZQU.link

heaters are one of those pieces of equipment where people are tempted to skimp on budget...DON'T!

Got it!

Thanks for taking time to contribute!

 

[smedmonds]

No, bigger is not better. You need to determine how much flow you want through your sump

This is really up to you. You can do one main return line and tee it off at the top. You can tee your return at the bottom and again at the top to give you 4 returns. It really depends on the flow pattern you are looking for.

I think you are referring to a sump, not a skimmer. The biggest you can fit is a pretty good rule of thumb but you don't have to get excessive. You will need extra equipment, like an ATO tank, but those can be kept outside of the tank stand. Its up to you with what you want.


50lbs would be pretty light for a tank that size. You might want to at least consider going with 75lbs.

How do you figure out how much flow I would need?

After thinking about it would 4 returns(2 top, 2 bottom) be a good idea because of the height of the tank?

Probably need most if not all equipment in the stand, unless it can go in my basement.

Thanks for taking time to contribute!

 

[smedmonds]

Thank you Guys for chipping in
1. Aquarium & Plumbing - 110 gallon(4x18x30).
Looking to do Beananimal with Coast to Coast. Looking to drill the aquarium, pretty sure its not tempered( I will take the risk).
Not sure what size bulkheads to use or the size of the plumbing. Is bigger better? Need to figure this out asap so I can buy the drill bit.
Should I do the coast to coast external or internal? Not sure if I have a choice. I read someone said outside is better because it didn't take up extra tank space.
Will paint back of the tank black. How many return lines? I like the synergy overflows also here is a link with more information link . I purchased all of my bulkheads on Amazon and used the Banjo fittings on Amazon. Do not go cheap on your return lines, and overflow lines, I used clear braided brews hose for those and surgical hose for doser lines, and my skimmer air line. I would also use unions when possible for cleaning and changes that one will make in the future. Use gate valves instead of ball valves for more control of flow. I use a wye check value also on my return link some do not like to use them, but I am glad that I did for the reason that the water does not overwhelm the sump up on shutdown

2.Lighting - I am very happy with my Hydra 26 HD's and I would recommend them.

3. Skimmers, Filters & Filtration - I like the RLSS skimmers and build my sump. I build my sump for the reason that I have the equipment, specific size need, and the setup I needed. I also want a drain in my sump plus a overflow in case of a shutdown. I basically built in a safety so my wife would not be mad if the water overflowed on the floor.

I use a auto aqua top off and I am switching of to a pacific sun Kore 5th for ATO, AWC, and dosing.

4. Powerheads I like my gyres and my one Mp 40. The gyres mix it up on top and the Mp 40 move the water down below

6. Sea Salt Mix/Saltwater & Hydrometer I use the AquaForest reef salt and I am very happy with the product line. I have used others and out of the other I like AF. Hydrometer is good to have around and any calibrated one will do, but I relay on my controller

7. Heater & Thermometer - I use the Finnex titanium heater and I use the controller to monitor the temp. I use a 300w in my 80 gallon system and 800w would be more than enough for your system depending where you live and how cold you keep your house in the winter.

8. Air pump & Air stones there is no need for them unless you are dosing something that needs more oxygen

9. Test Kits, Additives & supplements I use the Red Sea test kits and as far as the additives I use the Balling Method and use AF balling products.

10. Maintenance tools & Supplies This one is going to be put together as you go alone and find what works for you. I do have hemostats, tweezers, turkey basters are my basics and a toothbrush and a towel

I apologise for the delay, I need to be sitting at a desktop for this one

No need to apologize! I know how valuable time is

1. I like the Synergy, I assume the 16" is good for my tank?

2. Hydra 26 would do good for tall tank? Any other budget friendly suggestions?

3. Not sure if I want to buy or build one. Cost will play a part but also looking for simplicity too.

Thanks for taking time to contribute!

 

[jsker]

No need to apologize! I know how valuable time is

1. I like the Synergy, I assume the 16" is good for my tank?

2. Hydra 26 would do good for tall tank? Any other budget friendly suggestions?

3. Not sure if I want to buy or build one. Cost will play a part but also looking for simplicity too.

Thanks for taking time to contribute!

1. yes
2. yes
3. you could alway find a used one