New Tank Plans

McAllyn · Dec 7, 2015

Looks like Dishan and I will be heading back to TN in March, and the first thing I'm planning (well, second after finding a job) is bringing up a tank. Pretty sure I have enough stuff in storage in the shop to do a small build. Once things get settled, I'll probably upgrade, but even the 30g that I have gathering dust will be awesome.

I know I've got a 30g tank, a 29g sump, an RKL, 3 or 4 skimmers to pick from, and at least 1 return pump. Still have the RODI and probably the refractometer. Might (okay, definitely will) get crazy and drill the 30. Probably set it up with a Bean, since I've never done one.

Think I'll just be a light and heater short... may even have a heater laying around.

novajohn01 · Dec 7, 2015

Hope all is good with yall bro,glad to see ya coming back to Tennessee, ive got a 46 an a 36 bowfront u can have if u need it,anything else u need jus halla

bknapp · Dec 8, 2015

Welcome back (well, almost.)

schooleyosis · Dec 9, 2015

Just can't stay away from us, or the hobby huh? Awesome! Can't wait for you two to come back!

McAllyn · Dec 9, 2015

Maybe a little of both? We're pretty excited that we'll be home at swap time! Might have the tank running by then.

schooleyosis · Dec 10, 2015

McAllyn said:
Maybe a little of both? We're pretty excited that we'll be home at swap time! Might have the tank running by then.

You MUST have a tank running and cycled by then so you can support all of our great vendors.

McAllyn · Dec 20, 2015

OK, narrowed down the build list. Let me know if you have any recommendations:

Red Sea Reefer 350
(2) Kessil 160ws
Reef Octopus SRO1000 Skimmer
Eheim 1262 pump
MP40-QD
Jager 200W heater
RKL (already have this, otherwise would go Apex)
Marco dry rock
TE Reef Flakes

Really only want to do this once, unlike the year before last where we setup and took down 9 tanks in one year.

Mac

bknapp · Dec 20, 2015

Personally I would reconsider the Kessils, maybe look into the new AP700. They're good lights if you can handle the shimmer. And I've always preferred to run two heaters a little extra safety and redundancy. But the MP40wQD, Ehiem pump and Marco rocks are great choices.

McAllyn · Dec 20, 2015

I had a 160 before, and really liked it. I can't do an AP 700 because it's not quite enough for a 4ft tank. I considered two 360s and the controller, but I think the 160s will be fine. Thanks for the remind on the twin heaters, though. I've always run twins, and I'll make sure I do this time, too.

bknapp · Dec 20, 2015

I can't give you too much insight on the AP700 but I know @Defective_Weeble is using one.

Defective_Weeble · Dec 21, 2015

Ahoy there!

So the AP700 on a 4 foot tank eh? I happen to have something to help you there. Bear in mind that I did this video before the software update came out.

The software is still a little bit buggy, but it's at least fully functional (as long as you have an iPad). Yes, it will absolutely light a 4 foot tank. I grew (lower light) SPS at 1 inch above the sand bed without issue.

With the Reefer 350 being 21 inches deep, I think you'd be VERY pleased with it. What I will warn you about, however, is to measure the overflow box. If you're going to use the tank mounts for the AP700, they sit exactly 16 inches apart. Accounting for the mount itself, you'll want to make sure that the overflow box is no wider than about 14 inches or so. Alternately, you can use the hanging kit.

Any other questions. feel free to ask.

McAllyn · Dec 21, 2015

Wow, that looks great. The shop here that I was talking to said it was built for a 3ft tank, so I took that as gospel. Should have known better because I ran a 4ft T5 over a 6ft tank and liked the outcome a lot. So you have to have an iPad? I have a tablet, but it's Android.

Defective_Weeble · Dec 21, 2015

McAllyn said:
Wow, that looks great. The shop here that I was talking to said it was built for a 3ft tank, so I took that as gospel. Should have known better because I ran a 4ft T5 over a 6ft tank and liked the outcome a lot. So you have to have an iPad? I have a tablet, but it's Android.

It is definitely more ideal on a 3 foot tank. Kessil says that too. But at 14-15 inches, it absolutely covers a 4 foot tank without issue.

FOR NOW you have to have an iPad to program it. Kessil has Android and iPhone apps coming, but there's not been much of an update as to when. My advice? If you like the light, buy it and come borrow my iPad to program it

I had actually sold my iPad but found a used Mini on Amazon for cheap so I grabbed it. Its sole duty is to program my lights (which I haven't touched since I first programmed them) and to run Fusion for my Apex.

gmoney243 · Dec 21, 2015

Awsome willbe good to see you guys again

NeveSSL · Dec 21, 2015

Gotta be honest... glad you two are coming back!

Brandon

McAllyn · Dec 22, 2015

We're looking forward to getting back as well. This place is cool, but we've got to handle some stuff back there that's just too difficult to do long distance. And we get to have a new tank!