New project is underway:180g SPS w/ 150g macro sump

[aquavista99]

So you're going to use a slow flow sump, which is a great idea.  I am still trying to determine which return pump to get...I like both the Iwaki series and the Eheim 1262.  I am also wanting to get some more info/feedback on the Tunze stuff.  Since I am going with a 4' tank, I was wondering if 2x6100 would be too much for it or if 2x6000 would be enough?  Your thoughts would be nice...

Travis, I am going with a slow flow sump because of two reasons :1) I will be using a very large skimmer (IE, less flow means more time to skim) and 2) I will also be growing lots of macro algae in the sump, which prefers low flow.

 As for the tunzes,  I would recommend going with two tunze 6100s for your 120 gallon system. I ran two tunze 6000s on my 90 gallon, then ran two 6100s, which was overkill. However, your tank could handle it. I think Scott (Verper) is running two tunze 6000s on his 120g and he has lots of flow as well. Keep in mind that you can adjust the speeds/flow on the tunze 6000s and tunze 6100s, so either one will give you great results!

Both return pumps you selected are great! If you go with the Iwaki, make sure you purchase the Japanese pump (not American version). The Japanese version runs quiet and is built better, hence it costs more. You could go with the same pump I am using or the MD 40 RLT model, which is one size smaller.

[bigfalcon36]

What kind of critters are you going to have in your sump?  I suspect that the skimmer is going to be an external one with the sump design that you have.  By the way, PM sent.

[aquavista99]

*****Update*****

I am almost finished with the plumbing. Sure hope nothing leaks!

[aquavista99]

What kind of critters are you going to have in your sump?  I suspect that the skimmer is going to be an external one with the sump design that you have.  By the way, PM sent.

Yes, I already ordered a Euro-Reef RC 500 skimmer. It comes with three Eheim 1262 pumps and is rated for aquariums much larger than my existing system.  As for the critters in my sump, mostly pods, small snails and worms. I purchased 80 lbs of Fiji Pink reef sand for the sump and it will be all open air/look down.

[bigfalcon36]

That's going to be one badass system, your skimmer will open up a lot of options for you to add on later down the road if you wanted to.  I can't wait to see that monster once you get it in and set up.  Where did you order it from?

[Reefinmike]

controller?

[ohioreef]

Wow!! I wish I had the room to set up a larger sump/refugium for my system.

[aquavista99]

That's going to be one badass system, your skimmer will open up a lot of options for you to add on later down the road if you wanted to.  I can't wait to see that monster once you get it in and set up.  Where did you order it from?

Aquariums Etc is now an authorized Euro-Reef dealer. I purchased my skimmer through Joel.

[aquavista99]

****More updates*** The plumbing is 95% complete and the sump is now hooked up. I will be building a large stand behind the sump to house the calcium reactor and skimmer.

[aquavista99]

controller?

All Tunze pumps with a driver can be controlled electronically to simulate various marine flow conditions in the aquarium. I am using the Tunze Single controller 7091 with a branch adapter.

[Emily]

Where did you get your pink fiji sand from?  Chris and I are looking to buy sand in the next week

[aquavista99]

Where did you get your pink fiji sand from?  Chris and I are looking to buy sand in the next week

Aquariums, Etc. Joel sells 40 lbs bags of sand (various types, including the Fiji sand). 

[Reefinmike]

why not use a tank controller. it makes it so much easier keeping track of tank pH, having timers for lights and other equip which will shut off when the tank goes above a certain temp and a heater control which makes virtually impossible for your tank to overheat... when you're already spending all the money to make it top of the line, why not go all the way?

[aquavista99]

****More updates****

The lighting on the display is now finished!!! I added a third ballast and reflector over the weekend and removed the heaters to the overflows. Here are a few updated pictures ... Now running three 400 watt 14k Hamilton lamps on three Galaxy ballasts.

[verper]

Looking good.  I like the hood.  Might have to copy yours. 

[aquavista99]

Looking good.  I like the hood.  Might have to copy yours. 

Copy away, Scott. Open air hoods in basement set ups = no heat issues! I copied my canopy design after Hugo's (snipersps) TOTM  set up on Reefcentral. I posted some pictures of Hugo's canopy below.

[ohioreef]

Looking awesome!!

[aquavista99]

Looking awesome!!

You must be talking about Hugo's tank, huh? Just kidding. My project is a work in progress and a financial strain....but as long as my corals and fish are happy, it is worth it.

[ohioreef]

Nope, talking about yours!!

[aquavista99]

Nope, talking about yours!!

Thanks, Gary! It is hard to finish the project because I spend so much time just looking at the reef now (and need more funds) ... but it looks much better in person.

[aquavista99]

Finally took a close up picture of one of my clowns today. My wife named all the fish and this fish is called "Lucky" because she jumped in the overflow when we first purchased her in 2005 and we thought she did a peter pan!

[Reefinmike]

sorry to derail a little but this beautifully matured tank is all dead now. i believe it was from a power outage.

Copy away, Scott. Open air hoods in basement set ups = no heat issues! I copied my canopy design after Hugo's (snipersps) TOTM  set up on Reefcentral. I posted some pictures of Hugo's canopy below.

[micki]

That would suck... 

[ohioreef]

sorry to derail a little but this beautifully matured tank is all dead now. i believe it was from a power outage.

That's sad.

[aquavista99]

Unfortunately, power outages occur. Some people in the Cincinnati area lost power for up to 18 hours during the recent snow/ice storm. I am looking at purchasing a 1000 watt battery backup system (power invertor) in case my power goes out.