120 Reef Set up help and recommendations

[Sky's Reef]

Given the current state of our forum I figured I'd start a thread to start some reef related discussion.

Now I've set up 10 or so reef tanks over the last few years, however, I'm guilty of doing it darn near the same way everytime. Like the old saying goes if it ain't broke dont fix it.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS THREAD IS TO HEAR AND POSSIBLY UTILIZE OPINIONS FROM OTHERS ON HOW TO SET UP A REEF.

I'm trying to add a little variety to my diet and see other ways of reefing.

This isn't meant to be an arguement about the right or wrong way to set up a tank nor the best or worst product/equipment to use.

That being said I'm hoping some of you all will follow along and tell me how you would do something if this was your tank.

 

[Sky's Reef]

The tank is a used 4 x 2 x 2 glass 120 with stand and canopy.

 

[Sky's Reef]

Immediate impressions encouraged.

 

[jessesoto33]

I have the same dems tank and I would have defiantly went with the biggest sump I could possibly find

 

[Sky's Reef]

My first question is what to do with the overflow. There is a 1.5" and 1" drain. There is no hole drilled into the overflow bow itself so the return will have to come up over the top. Because of this I could bring the return up and over on the right and use both holes for drains or use the smaller hole for the return line.

What would you do?

 

[Sky's Reef]

I have the same dems tank and I would have defiantly went with the biggest sump I could possibly find

Thanks jesse. Guess I should do a quick equipment list.

 

[Sky's Reef]

Equipment I already own:

Lighting:
2 ai sols
1 hamiliton fiji sun 4' 6 bulb t5
4 24" panorama blue led strips
(initial plan is to essentially split the fiji fixture on either side of the leds)

Return:
Fluval Sp6

Skimmer:
SRO 2000xp

Sump:
Homemade 48 x 22 x 18t acrylic sump
(iffy on using this might just be temporary)

Heat:
2 200 watt heaters

Contoller:
Apex
2 eb8s

Misc:
2 mp40s
jbj ato

I'm sure I forgot a thing or two. Will update as I remember lol

 

[jessesoto33]

My first question is what to do with the overflow. There is a 1.5" and 1" drain. There is no hole drilled into the overflow bow itself so the return will have to come up over the top. Because of this I could bring the return up and over on the right and use both holes for drains or use the smaller hole for the return line.

What would you do?

I have 2 returns with two dorso' one higher than the other in case of one getting plugged but I'm sure you can use one the 1 1/2" and use the 1" for return that's what I would do. I'm personally don't like over the top

 

[newtothis]

I would use the 1.5 as my main and 1" as my emergency. For the return I would just go up and over on the opposite end of the tank. Also I would go pipe less on the main in the overflow, so all the detritus won't build up and get flush into a mesh sock with fiber floss. I would do a 4x.5 valve manifold for reactors, chiller, uv(optional), WC or whatever, since your sp4 will spearhead the flow. As mentioned by [MENTION=2662]jessesoto33[/MENTION] I'd do the biggest sump you could fit under your stand. I'd also do a BB minimalist scape, so the fishes can swim wild...Cheerios mate..

 

[DEC6]

One suggestion is to keep all the lines, cords, pumps, buckets, lights, etc., etc., hidden from sight as much as possible. I have always kept my tanks in the living room for all to see and enjoy. If you do this, it should fit in with the furniture and not look like you are waiting for the first lightning storm to raise the dead. Your spouse will be much more supportive of your hobby if it is not an "eye sore". My first tank had **** going every where as I improvised this and that and I thought it looked fine but I have since evolved.

 

[TH64]

Use both as drains...herbie set ups I have seen are very quiet

 

[Sky's Reef]

I have 2 returns with two dorso' one higher than the other in case of one getting plugged but I'm sure you can use one the 1 1/2" and use the 1" for return that's what I would do. I'm personally don't like over the top

I'm not a fan of up and over eith but there is no hole drilled in the overflow box so at the very least it'll have to come up over the box.

 

[Sky's Reef]

I'm just tape some black pastic on the back because I'm not a fan of clear backs.

 

[Sky's Reef]

One suggestion is to keep all the lines, cords, pumps, buckets, lights, etc., etc., hidden from sight as much as possible. I have always kept my tanks in the living room for all to see and enjoy. If you do this, it should fit in with the furniture and not look like you are waiting for the first lightning storm to raise the dead. Your spouse will be much more supportive of your hobby if it is not an "eye sore". My first tank had **** going every where as I improvised this and that and I thought it looked fine but I have since evolved.

I definitely agree. wire management is going to be emphasized lol.

I'm thinking of building a small cabinet on the right side to hide cords and jold my apex.

 

[KarL]

You can always drill a hole on the overflow box or back of tank for the return if you don't like over the top

 

[Sky's Reef]

You can always drill a hole on the overflow box or back of tank for the return if you don't like over the top

that would be ideal but to be honest I'm not comfortable drilling it.

 

[Sky's Reef]

I have a 4' x 30" x 27" t (dream tank) glass tank waiting to be set up. That's another motive for this thread is to learn some new tricks and streamline the set up for that one. I had it set up for awhile but the better half gave me permission to put it in a wall and use a hall closet for equipment. The catch is it'll butt up right next my kitchen cabinets so I've got to build a new stand that will hopefully match my cabinets. A heftly priject I wont get to till next year.

 

[KarL]

Yeah if its a tempoetry tank then no need to go thru trouble of drilling

 

[Tangwich]

AdHD kicking in..we need more pics...lol

 

[Sky's Reef]

AdHD kicking in..we need more pics...lol

lol not much happening yet. Spent yesterday making salt water and planning.


Leading me to a couple questions.

1st: I have a correction to make. The drilled holes are 2" and 1" so my drains will be 1.5" and .75"

My understanding on a herbie is to run the larger diameter hole as the emergency, however, I don't think the .75" drain at full siphon will be adequate. What's your opinion?

Secondly: I have the fluval sp6 should I down grade to a sp4?