Help Building and Designing My Next System

[Mallard]

Well the upgrade bug has bitten and I'm starting the process of planning and research. I am looking for any helpful suggestions in all area's of my build.

I currently live in an apartment and therefore will need to limit the size of my tank. I believe I am set on the a 24x20x20 custom starphire tank. Because I live an in apartment, I'm looking for something simple as far as plumbing goes to mitigate my risk of leaks. So any helpful hints and suggestions would be great. Also, I like to do things right the first time and don't mind spending more to get it right and looking the best.

As far as equipment goes here is where I'm at:

Tank:
24x20x20 Custom Starphire tank, pretty much set here but considering 24x24x20...

Overflow:
Maybe glass-holes.... Not to sure on this.

Lighting:
I am warming up more and more to switch from MH to T5HO so I'm thinking about a 24" tek 4x24w setup or an ATI 6x24w. However, I was eyeing some of the Giesemann fixtures as well... HELP here is appreciated:neutral:

Skimmer:
Really open to idea's here. I really like the new cone skimmers... So any suggestions are appreciated.

Sump:
Thinking of a 15g tall. I would like to keep everything in sump, so my skimmer would need to fit inside. Also, would like a nice little fuge here as well.

Return Pump:
Looking at a reefdart or other simular model....

Powerhead:
1 MP40 (This is pretty much set)

Controller:
Reef Keeper Elite or Lite, not really sure

ATO:
Tunze or Elos Osmolator

Thanks! (And yes Josh, I'll document this build )

 

[clownnut]

i will at least get a controller.

 

[Mallard]

Yeah good call, I'll likely get a RK of some sort and either a Tunze or Elos Osomolator to go along with it.

 

[ddr_phish]

Sorry that you caught that nasty bug from me

Looks like you have it pretty well outlined though.

 

[smchais]

Why not look into a Solana or the Solana 60gl that is supposed to come out this year. I used to have large complex systems that cost small fortunes. With the dimensions that you stated, The Solana would work. I downsized from my large system and now have a 34g solana and absolutely love it. I am going to have an MP40w on it this coming week. There are many mods that you can do in order to make it to exactly what you want without the headaches of building out a new system.

With mine, all I do is a Kalk top off and I am having totally crazy sps growth even with the stock skimmer. I am planning on upgrading the skimmer, but until I do the original does the job pulling some nasty skimmate daily. I am also planning on getting the Tunze osmolator in the very near future.

I wish you the best of luck and hope this helps at all. Please post lots of pics when you get whatever you decide up and running.