New 240 \ 150 build

[Udle42]

Ok first off let me explain the plan for the new build. I would like to have a 240 gallon (72x30x25) and a 150 gallon (48x30x25) that will be placed side by side. The 150 may be a fish only or a frag tank, I have not really decided yet. I would like to put it all on the same stand and have both systems run together in the same sump. I will also be setting up a separate 75 gallon for a QT tank. I have already started building my LED T5 combo light. I will post some pics soon. I will also post some of my ideas for equipment and filtration.

I would like to run my sump idea by everyone and get opinions, ideas, pros and cons from all. The stand will be 10’ long and I would like to get a 120 gallon (96x18x16) sump. I would feed the tank overflows for both systems into the center of the sump. The center chamber will be 8†wide; it will then have baffles in both directions. The next chamber in both directions will be a 14†wide skimmer chamber (1 skimmer in each direction) then more baffles. Next will be a 15†wide refugium chamber on each side. I am thinking of using this for Miracle Mud (would love some thoughts and opinions on this product if anyone has any) and maybe growing some different things and pods ect. Then some more baffles and the return chamber will be 6†wide on both ends. I have calculated 3†for each set of baffles which is 18†total. All of that should equal out to 96â€. I will have a return on each side going to the 240 and one on one side going to the 150. I liked the 2 of everything idea so if something goes down or needs maintenance I will always have a backup. All opinions, comments, and suggestions are welcome.

I will be doing this project in phases as I get the money. I hope to have it all finished in a year. I will be building everything myself except the tanks (though I will do the glasswork in the sump myself). I have already started the light fixture with the money from selling of my old system. I look forward to hearing everyone’s feedback during this long journey. I hope you will all enjoy following this project as much as I will doing it. I will try and answer any questions as I have time. I will post updates and pics as I have them. Thank for all your future help.

 

[Dowtish]

It will definitely be interesting to see how all this comes together. With a build this size, the plan will evolve and change a few times. I promise.

My only thoughts on having a fish only system connected to a reef system is the amount of feeding that is usually required for larger non reef safe fish. I think that will be a chore trying to keep the whole system at the right parameters. Not saying it cant be done, but you better have an arsenal of filtration.

I think you need to draw something out on google sketchup so folks can get a better idea of your vision.

 

[Udle42]

It will definitely be interesting to see how all this comes together. With a build this size, the plan will evolve and change a few times. I promise.

My only thoughts on having a fish only system connected to a reef system is the amount of feeding that is usually required for larger non reef safe fish. I think that will be a chore trying to keep the whole system at the right parameters. Not saying it cant be done, but you better have an arsenal of filtration.
I think you need to draw something out on google sketchup so folks can get a better idea of your vision.

Hmmm google sketch I will have to try that. I will also be running bio pellets for additional filltration.

 

[H@rry]

I would rethink the sump design. I have 3 tanks with a common sump; two 180s and a 120. That's 16 feet of tank draining into a 5 foot sump. The return chamber is 16 x 16. With all that evaporation I have to top off twice a day to keep the return pump from sucking air. You're planning on 10 feet of tank with a total return area of 12 x 16 (or 12 x 18). With auto top off you may be OK but if it were me I'd keep the sump a straight inline design with a larger return area. Sounds like the center 8" section will be more or less wasted. Others may have additional comments. Good luck with it.

 

[pickupman66]

I always advise making hte return areas of the sump as large as you can to compensate for evaporation.

 

[Udle42]

Update on sump and light fixture

Ok, upon request I have done a basic google sketchup of the sump. I have made some changes to try and take care of the evaporation issue. I resized the skimmer areas to the size of the skimmers I want which has saved me 2" on each side. I resized the overflow area to minimize any space waste. That gave me another 2†on each side. I have upped the total return area to 18x30 (a significant increase). I have put in measurements on each section on the picture. I also labeled the pumps with my pump ideas as well as the skimmers. I will try to get more detailed as I become better with the program.

I made some progress on the light fixture. I should have all the frame and lights in place soon. Here are some pics of my progress. There will be more coming soon.

 

[gmoney243]

what all led colors are u gona use? and what optics? how far apart are those leds?

 

[ToXIc]

In sketchup there is an export option.

Btw. Did you take in consideration display drainage when designing the sump?


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[SuperPro]

Don't know why you want 4 pumps, I would just run one external Reeflo pump that feeds a manifold. To me that's just too much equipment. I would also keep the sump in a traditional "inline" configuration, just cause you're running two tanks off one sump doesn't mean you need to seperate the sump like that. I guess what I'm saying is that you're making it more complicated than it needs to be, but if that's what you want then go for it.

 

[gmoney243]

Yea i would do just a regular sump and get one big skimmer. Also dont make the chamber the same dimensions as your skimmer u need a cpl inches on each side to actually get it in there easy and have a little wiggle room.

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[grumpy-crab]

IMO your sump design is more complicated then what it needs to be. I would do the in line sump method. Its simply easier. Also why do u want 4 pumps? One pump Y'ed off to both tanks or even 2 pumps one to each tank. The simpler the sump/ refuge the easier it will be to clean and maintain everything. I would keep your outside the same size but i would have combine the refuge chambers in to one massive chamber and I would combine your two return chambers into one chamber to house two pumps and heaters. Also make sure you make it tall enough that it can hold all the drainage water if the power goes out or you have to shut down for maintance.

 

[Udle42]

60 cree XPG cool whites, 60 blue, 60 royal blue. 80 degree optics which is the widest they carry. I had them on my other fixture and they work great. They are 2 5/8" appart and 5 1/4 appart from color to color. There will also be 8 5' T5s. Everything will be individualy controlled by an apex.

what all led colors are u gona use? and what optics? how far apart are those leds?

 

[gmoney243]

Thats a lot of light man. I run 90led 2 x5' and 1x 4' t5 and i cant even turn my leds up or stuff wont color right because its to much light.

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[Udle42]

What do you think of this pump? Reeflo Hammerhead Gold HYBRID Water Pump, 5,555 GPH - AquaCave.com I was thinking of using this for the 240s return pump and 2 sea swirls(or something like them) in the back corners. How much flow would you recommend for all that? What pump do you use?

Don't know why you want 4 pumps, I would just run one external Reeflo pump that feeds a manifold. To me that's just too much equipment. I would also keep the sump in a traditional "inline" configuration, just cause you're running two tanks off one sump doesn't mean you need to seperate the sump like that. I guess what I'm saying is that you're making it more complicated than it needs to be, but if that's what you want then go for it.

 

[gmoney243]

For a sump pump? Or a closed loop pump? For a sump pump thats gona be to much. Figure for sump u want like 1200gph for ur 250 and 700 for ur 150 for returns flow from sump. Then figure in what all reactors ur gona run. Biopellets kike 400gph. Carbon like 100gph. U only really need like 3000gph sump pump to run everything. Slow flow through sump allows for more efficient skimming. 3-5X volume through sump is all u need. Also higher flow causes more micro bubble problems. If u run flow slow enough u dont even need bubble traps.

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[gmoney243]

Also as a side note t5s easily kills the shimmer from leds. Mine barely shimmers with just 3 bulbs and 90 leds i do have my leds down to like blues 70% cw 40%

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[SuperPro]

That Hammerhead is a serious pump, you may want to look at the Dart. Just figure up what the head pressure on your plumbing is and anything else you want to feed and look at Reeflo's flow charts and you'll be able to determine what pump fits your needs best.

 

[SuperPro]

Or get a Waveline DC12000 dc variable speed pump and you can control the flow. I run the DC10000 and have been really happy with it.

 

[Udle42]

I am planning to have them on while im gone and when I am there in the afternoon and evening the leds will be on. I use that number LEDs so that I would have a nice even spread over the entire tank. With that number LEDs I should be able to underdrive them quite a bit so that they will last longer.
I do definitely agree with the t5s washing out the leds that is why I'm planning to run them while im not there.

Also as a side note t5s easily kills the shimmer from leds. Mine barely shimmers with just 3 bulbs and 90 leds i do have my leds down to like blues 70% cw 40%

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