Help with Tank build

[looneywun7]

Hey guys I need help with my tank build. I am about to build a 225 gallon tank and i have a few questions as for this will be my first big tank build. Ive usually delt with nano aquariums. So my first question is what is a good skimmer i should get. and how big of a sump do i need or does it not matter. I have a 40 gallon sump right now one side goes to a refugium and one side goes to the sock. Does it matter how big a sump is or not? and what other things should i consider building the tank Please help a brotha out hahah.


Much appreciated.
Brian

 

[Logan killer]

First start with stand, DIY or someone build it for you?

 

[looneywun7]

Its DIY!

 

[oredith]

biggest sump you can afford / fit under there.. and the biggest skimmer you can afford / fit in that sump you just put all that money into..

 

[looneywun7]

biggest sump you can afford / fit under there.. and the biggest skimmer you can afford / fit in that sump you just put all that money into..

LOL wish that money was no option ahahah

 

[Logan killer]

biggest sump you can afford / fit under there.. and the biggest skimmer you can afford / fit in that sump you just put all that money into..

Lol, Jeff give good ideals =P.

K, so DIY stand going to cost you around maybe 200-300 depend where you buy the things from. You never want to rush on big builds. Got a design for the stand? Jeff can help you out with design if you got questions =D. 2nd, Sump doesn't have to be really big. But some people on here buy sump from AA that cost around 200 - 300 +. If your on a budget then keep your 40G as a sump. Are you using 40 Breeder?

 

[Emac909]

I wouldn't go any smaller the 70 gallon sump I put a 90 under my 300 and when I turn my pumps off to feed the fish I only have about 4" from the sump filling to the top.

 

[oredith]

I wouldn't go any smaller the 70 gallon sump I put a 90 under my 300 and when I turn my pumps off to feed the fish I only have about 4" from the sump filling to the top.

hey eric, what's that crazy light you have over the fuge?

 

[Logan killer]

UV for algae growth?

 

[Emac909]

hey eric, what's that crazy light you have over the fuge?

180 watt LED hydroponic light.
120 watt in red LEDs and 60 watt in blue LEDs.

 

[looneywun7]

Lol, Jeff give good ideals =P.

K, so DIY stand going to cost you around maybe 200-300 depend where you buy the things from. You never want to rush on big builds. Got a design for the stand? Jeff can help you out with design if you got questions =D. 2nd, Sump doesn't have to be really big. But some people on here buy sump from AA that cost around 200 - 300 +. If your on a budget then keep your 40G as a sump. Are you using 40 Breeder?

No its a sump i bought from a lfs a while back its just been sitting there. thing its time to use it. I bought the tank with the stand its a complete set. What kind of light you think i should get i want to run mainly sps i got 2 250 watt metal hallides but i dont know if thats enough.

 

[Logan killer]

No its a sump i bought from a lfs a while back its just been sitting there. thing its time to use it. I bought the tank with the stand its a complete set. What kind of light you think i should get i want to run mainly sps i got 2 250 watt metal hallides but i dont know if thats enough.

You really want metal hallides for budget build? The heat will make the water evap really quick, especially when your in fountain valley where 90 is normal high in summer........... Also, chiller will cost you a bunch with MH........

 

[oredith]

No its a sump i bought from a lfs a while back its just been sitting there. thing its time to use it. I bought the tank with the stand its a complete set. What kind of light you think i should get i want to run mainly sps i got 2 250 watt metal hallides but i dont know if thats enough.

(2) 250 sounds kinda low, but i'm not very familiar with MH and their spread.

what kind of reflectors do you have on it?

what's the long dimension of the tank?

 

[looneywun7]

Lol i know what lights would you recomend that wont kill my wallet

 

[looneywun7]

(2) 250 sounds kinda low, but i'm not very familiar with MH and their spread.

what kind of reflectors do you have on it?

what's the long dimension of the tank?

what lights would you recommend? tank dimensions are 72L x 24W x 30H

 

[Logan killer]

Main thing is do you want to pay high monthly electric bill, or pay a higher fee and lower monthly bill.

 

[oredith]

Lol i know what lights would you recomend that wont kill my wallet

all kinda depends.

for my 180 build in the near future, i'm planning on using the (3) generic chinese full spectrum LEDs in the center, plus (4) T5s on the sides.

the MH fixtures are cheaper, but you have to replace the bulbs, which are more expensive than t5, and they eat electricity, and spit out heat.

you can probably start with 3 of the LEDs, and then add the t5's later, or vice versa.

 

[solitude127]

For a sump, pick up a 55g from petco's dollar sale and the get some glass cut for baffles. All in all, should cost you about $75 for a 55g sump

 

[Logan killer]

all kinda depends.

for my 180 build in the near future, i'm planning on using the (3) generic chinese full spectrum LEDs in the center, plus (4) T5s on the sides.

the MH fixtures are cheaper, but you have to replace the bulbs, which are more expensive than t5, and they eat electricity, and spit out heat.

you can probably start with 3 of the LEDs, and then add the t5's later, or vice versa.

+1, Look into DIY T5 for better sps coloration. They burn electricity a bit more, but are cheaper upfront cost then LED. If your willing to pay a bit more to keep monthly cost down, go with LED. Maybe Hydra?

 

[looneywun7]

+1, Look into DIY T5 for better sps coloration. They burn electricity a bit more, but are cheaper upfront cost then LED. If your willing to pay a bit more to keep monthly cost down, go with LED. Maybe Hydra?

Yea im going to need like 4 hydras lol