75 gal upgrade- checklist check?

[DracoKat]

I am not a newbie to reefs, however, I've only had nanos. My current nano is a 2 yearold JBJ 28 gal that I am not loving anymore (Would never get cube/bowfront tanks again). Prior to that I had a cute 9 gal that I loved (now a FW planted).

Upgrading to a larger tank seems a bit intimidating and I want to make sure I am not missing anything. Can you guys take a peek at my list and tell me if I am missing anything or need to adjust? Advice would be great too!

Some suggestions on lighting would be great too so I can do some research.
Hopefully I can find some items for great deals while I wait for my birthday to get the tank!

Please and thank you in advanced!


To Get:
75 Gal Reef-Ready Aquarium with Overflow
Stand (possibly custom build)
30 lbs Sand (1 inch shallow sandbed)
~60lbs LR
Sump to be built- size pending on stand (29g+??)
Light- need to research for most corals and nem. (48” T5??)
Heater
2 Powerheads (Jaebo RW series 15??)

Optional down the line Items:
Doser
Controller
Skimmer upgrade

Already Have:
Aquamaxx HOB Skimmer (to be upgraded down the line to an internal skimmer)
Refractometer
Test Kits
RO/DI Filter
2 Nano Powerheads (to be upgraded)
Timer
Salt
Heater rated for 30 gal

To Get From Friends:
Two Little Fishies Reactor
Dry LR

PENDING FISH STOCK IDEAS:
2 Clowns (Currently have in 28 nano)
Six-Line Wrasse (currently have in 28 nano)
Kole Tang (Add last)
Midas Blenny
Blue Spot Goby
2 or 3 Blue/Green or Lemon Chromis

 

[CodyRVA]

Plumbing?

 

[Freakyyfort]

Return pump

 

[DracoKat]

Is the plumbing/return pump part of the overflow kit? if not, I will have to get some too

 

[Freakyyfort]

I don't beileve there is an all in one overflow... you'll need to run plumbing from DT to sump then return chamber houses a return pump that you'll need to run plumbing off to return to the DT from the sump

 

[DracoKat]

thank you!

I am sure my LFS will tell me what I need- I've been going to them for years. The sump is the intimidating part I think- if it wasn't beneficial, I wouldn't have it, lol.

 

[Freakyyfort]

Sump seems like it looking at pics of really nice well thought out and $$$ but they are as easier than the DT itself. Noone has to look at the sump haha.

 

[Freakyyfort]

I too have a 75. 40 gallon breeder sump seems to be good. What everyone told me with the surface area and how wide it is can make for a lot of customizing. Mines basic it works. Tanks been up.... going on 2 months

 

[DracoKat]

great tank!! @Freakyyfort

I can see why people suggest a 40 gal breeder for a sump instead of 20 (which I was originally thinking), there's a lot of stuff packed in there! Did you build your own sump? I if so, can you tell me how you built it? The plans for it? and what you have in each chamber? I want to make sure I do mine right

 

[Freakyyfort]

Don't really think there is a "right" way to build a sump. I've seen so many diffrent combinations. But mine is the basic simple layout.
Yes I built this one myself. My first ever.
And I'd say get a 40b got mine during dollar sale at petco.

I'd say main thing to keep in mind is when you upgrade to an in sump skimmer make sure you know how deep it has to sit. I made that mistake only making my baffles 8.5 inches high. I needed 9.5 so tear down and add new. Not fun. Draw out a few layouts and figure out what exactly you wanna run in it. Now and later. Build a manifold as part of your plumbing too... things I need to do still.
I'm sure more can elaborate on sumps.. I'm still fairly new.

Thanks for the compliment. I have a lot of work left and thanks to r2r they have helped me out a ton for my first build.

 

[Freakyyfort]

They are easy seem intimidating looking at them but once you start it's easy just know the dimensions of your equipment you plan on running. Once you get it all done and cured put in place and running you'll look at it and say I shoukd added this here and look at all that wasted space I could've put that there. Haha it's fun.. it's why it's a hobby!!! Fun!!! Enjoy happy reefing!

 

[DracoKat]

wow, thanks @Freakyyfort !! The photos and advice really helps!!

 

[Freakyyfort]

not a problem. I'll help the best I can. Also if you can find an acrylic shop near buy your socks holder. (Diy) think it cost me 12$ including the acrylic weld on. For a 3 sock holder look up the prices of prefabricated one.. haha

 

[Freakyyfort]

http://reef2reef.com/threads/freakyy-75-build.241522/

My 75 build. Not much in there but something to look at. Others are much better looking but that one's mine and I'm happy