starting a 75 build

ironworker · May 27, 2012

i will begin collected parts for a 75 gal. anyone have advice on parts for the system. i thought of using bio pellets rather than building a refuge with chaeto and rock. i kinda want a lower maintenance system. if there is such a thing. all input and advice is appreciated. also what are you guys using to dose i wanted something efficient and effective. everything will have to be contained in the stand as i don't have a garage or basement to drain to.

Loki · May 27, 2012

Best I can think of for a low maintenance system would be to have a huge fuge and a even bigger skimmer. I have a 120 with two 40g breeder sumps and a skimmer rated for over 250 gallons and I don't have to do much. I would say that it would be better to have even more fuge. Something like equal size fuge/display and a skimmer that can handle 100 or so more gallons. IMO

MBG75 · May 27, 2012

I have a 75 also.
Find a 30long for a sump (36" length). I was also able to squeeze a 6 gal top off pail in my stand and a dual reactor.

Paint the inside of the stand white for brightness and I put a flouresent light mounted up top of the stand for working in there

Also used a Dj powerstrip so I don't have to unplug to shut stuff off

REEFKEEPER10 · May 28, 2012

I run a fuge and biopellets but phosphate are still a issue so you going want to get a phosphate reactore for sure. I run a 75g with a 30g long. Make sure not to get a cheap skimmer like a corallife because it is barely enough to pull stuff out. If your house gets hot during the summer invest in some fans unless you have the money for a chiller. I hope this helps.

gmoney243 · May 28, 2012

I run an algae scrubber with gfo that's it. Cheapest way and very low maintenance.

Oh and kalkwasser for dosing

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revsgirl · May 28, 2012

Alright! Lookin' forward to it!! Good luck! 1smile1

Dowtish · May 28, 2012

If you want to run bio pellets, you will need a over rated skimmer, and a good reactor for the pellets. As far as sump design, all you will need is a 3 baffle bubble trap for the skimmer, and something to hold a filter sock, if you want to use them. Very simple.

Something like this:

ironworker · May 28, 2012

thanks for the input guys. i was already planning on using a 30 long for a sump so at least i got that part right. also i dont buy cheap anything i look for nothing but the best in anything i buy, was thinking reef octo for skimmer or maybe a vertex since they aren't on back order. was definately planning on running gfo for phosphate removal and maybe a small fuge alond with the bio pellets. lighting is a whole nother issue halides are out because of heat, so i'm thinking a mix of leds and t5s. not worried about a chiller i keep my house around 70 at max, my electric bill and wallet hate this but i hate being hot.

ironworker · May 28, 2012

love the dj power strip idea.

.AcroKiller. · May 28, 2012

I like it too

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Loki · May 29, 2012

Oh! I run a reef keeper controller. I don't even think about it anymore. A tank controller is a must have for any tank. I have one on my 120 and one on my qt tank so that things can be as close to the same as possible.

I won't have another tank without one.

REEFKEEPER10 · May 29, 2012

Yeah I need to get me one of those dj power strips. Even though I have a controller I don't have my return pump, skimmer, or fuge light connected to it. It is a pain when I want to do a WC. Thanks for the idea.

catran · May 29, 2012

My friends rave about them. It would be easier for my wc's too!

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MBG75 · May 30, 2012

The DJ power strip is from Guitar Center. $30.
Really can't beat the price. 8 outlets with lighted switches.

I use that and I also have an Apex lite for my lights, heaters, and doser.

Some pics from in my stand.
It's a 75 dt, 30 gal sump.

MBG75 · May 30, 2012

http://m.guitarcenter.com/Item/Default.aspx?itemno=1155517&urx=1

oigimsar · May 31, 2012

Is there a way to integrate the DJ Strip with the controller?

MBG75 · May 31, 2012

oigimsar said:
Is there a way to integrate the DJ Strip with the controller?

Actually my strip is plugged into my Apex lite. I use Ph limits as protection, since I top off with kalk and run a doser
If my Ph goes above 8.5, due to kalk or alk overdose. the controller shuts off the strip, which shuts my skimmer, return pump, and Ato.

It's not perfect I'm sure. But it works.