Custom Builds and equipment

[sts04c]

Hey there,

I just have a few questions in regards to custom built reef tanks. Other than dimensions not fitting, WHAT and WHY are some of the mods you would or have made?

Basically, I am toying with the idea of a new tank when we move soon. I have a 120watt evolution LED fixture that I would use. Currently running a Tunze 9002 skimmer and would like to keep this if I do not have to upgrade, (probably going to have to since it tops out at 52 gallons). The idea for the new tank is 36"x24D" x18H"(67 gallons~), with a simple 3-door stand, and old 30 gallon long for a sump. Bringing total water just under 100 gallons.


Example topics:
-Internal vs. external overflow
-recirculating skimmer vs non'
- closed loop vs. non on this sytem
-suggestions for plumbing
-suggestions for sump division

Also please feel free to suggest, critique, or ridicule any idea. Also I do not nor have I run a sump system ever, FYI. Just looking to find out some ideas that I have not thought about or make mine better. Thanks in advance.

 

[gmpolan]

I got Chris to incorporate a bulkhead internally within the tank to allow ease of water changes since i didnt have a fish room nor a basement to run into. It allows me to plug up a hose onto a barb fitting and run it right out my front door. Just my .02 on a custom design but i was limited due to i was just replacing an existing broken tank while using the same equipment. If i had the option, i would gone overflows externally to give myself alittle more room within the tank for rock structures.

 

[sts04c]

Geoff,

Thanks man for the info, this is exactly the things I am looking for. Any other benfits to external overflows compared to internal that you can think of?

 

[gmpolan]

Heres two examples of custom tanks close to the size your noting, Brians is a 67 gallon and not sure about angie's
Hope these give you an idea of what the set up will look like although it obviously can altered to your design.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=50410">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=50410</a>

[IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=51941">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=51941</a>

 

[mockery]

sts04c;599952 wrote: Geoff,

Thanks man for the info, this is exactly the things I am looking for. Any other benfits to external overflows compared to internal that you can think of?

External overflows are nice because they allow for more room I side the tank and less of an obstruction.

 

[sts04c]

Mockery;599957 wrote: External overflows are nice because they allow for more room I side the tank and less of an obstruction.

Ok, excellent. What about closed loop system, is that good for big tanks that need extra flow or any other uses ?
If you where to build a custom tank anything you can think of that is a must?

 

[mockery]

sts04c;599961 wrote: Ok, excellent. What about closed loop system, is that good for big tanks that need extra flow or any other uses ?
If you where to build a custom tank anything you can think of that is a must?

Well my tank is a custom but if I were to do it again; I'd do the external overflow, the drain that Geoff mentioned and and emergency overflow, which is basically an extra hole with pipe 1/2 in above the water line in the overflow box that way if one of the drains gets clogged your tank won't flood.

 

[sts04c]

Excellent, noting this stuff. Any opions on skimmers (hahahaa, opinions on Arc, never.....) , do I need a re-circ or not? or is it just better than a non-re-circ?

Does it matter the order of flow in a sump, or is there a preferred method?
(skimmer-&gt;fuge-&gt;return chamber-&gt;.....?

What about the little extras? What are they?
example: acrylic filter sock holder, probe holder, etc.....

Thanks again.

 

[gmpolan]

You ll get alot of debate on all those topics, alot of its just personal preference. Take a look at my build thread in the large tank section or heck just come by one day during the weekend and ill show you my set up.

Heres where alot of people go for sump designs

 

[elfloyd]

When Chris builds my new 200+ gallon tank I'm gonna have him do a coast-to-coast over flow with an BeanAnimal overflow. (Didn't know this, did you Chris!)

 

[morganatlanta]

Your overflow doesn't have to be coast to coast for that, you just need three pipes in one overflow, coast to coast or not. For a long tank, a single overflow in one corner would work and wouldn't take up as much space. If I was doing a custom tank, I'd probably do that.

I'd go with an internal overflow if you want your tank to back up to a wall nicely. Otherwise it will have to sit 4" or so off the wall.

 

[elfloyd]

MorganAtlanta;599990 wrote: Your overflow doesn't have to be coast to coast for that, you just need three pipes in one overflow, coast to coast or not.

Yep... I know it doesn't need to be C-C for the AB overflow... just my preference.

 

[fncracing]

i prefer the coast to coast overflow i am in process of doing a 125 gallon upgrade from my current 90. It has a closed loop and going to do a coast to cast as i think the top back of the tank is wasted space anyway not too much happens up there anyway