235gal tank with 180gal sump - The build is on

[danreef55]

My journey in the hobby began in the late 1970s. I upsized my tank 3 times. In the early 2000s I decided to turn my hobby into a business. I resigned from my profession and started a wholesale business focused on coral propagation and distributing dry goods. It was a success, but we could not handle the demand, so we began to wholesale imported wild colonies. We expanded into fish as well. Gross sales were substantial, but profits were insufficient, and we closed after seven years. I lived without a tank for many years. I recognized being out of the loop for so long some things must have changed. That began my quest researching various aspects of the hobby. SHOUT OUT TO THE R2R which I have found to be an excellent resource.

Well, it is time to get back into the water!

I placed my order for a tank, stand, canopy and sump with Glass Cages today. Here are my current plans which I have changed countless times based upon feedback from some of the R2R members.

The tank will be located inside my office on the first floor with a basement sump. Predominately SPS and some LPS. I definitely have an acropora problem

Display Tank​

Glass Cages 235-gallon 72 x 30 x 25 euro braced with low iron glass on front and both sides with a black background. This will be bare bottom.

Overflow​

An internal 22” wide by 5.5” back to front by 25” tall internal overflow. There will be three 1-1/2” drains and two 1” returns

Stand​

32” high Shaker style made of alder with a mahogany stain which is almost an exact match to the bar that is located on the same wall as the tank

​

Powerheads​

Two Gyre XF350 Cloud Edition - Double Package (2x 5280 GPH) positioned on both side panels. I will observe the flow to determine if I need to supplement with more powerheads. Dimensions: 12.75" x 3" x 1.5"​

Lighting​

Three Photon 24-V2 Pro LED Fixture - ReefBreeders positioned front to back at 18” intervals Dimensions: 23.5" x 8.5" x 1" Four 24" T5 rerto 4 units mounted between the LEDs

Sump​

135 gallons 72 x 24 x 25 with multiple chambers one of which will be a large refugium. Using a 80% actual water volume amounting to 150 gallons.

7 Stage RODI​

7 Stage Deluxe Plus 200 GPD Water Saver RO/DI System & Booster Pump RO 16 x 7 x 18 DI 15.25 x 6.25 x 14 Pump 7 x 4 x 4

Utility Sink​

Sink Return Pumps​

Two Iwaki 100RLT external pumps. At 20’ of head each should deliver 1500GPH. This amounts to 12 times turn. Being overly cautious I am using 7X Dimensions: 12.5" x 7" x 6"

Protein Skimmer​

Regal 250-int Protein Skimmer Dimensions: 16.5" x 11" x 24"

Ozone​

Posiden Ozotech with Air Dryer I intend to run this only a half hour per night. Observe and adjust accordingly. This will be regulated by Hydros controller with a laboratory ORP probe

Calcium Reactor​

Reef Octopus VarioS CR3000 Dual 7inch Chamber Calcium Reactor CO2 Tank - 5 lbs. Large CO2 Scrubber (4.4lb Capacity) sdffsdfsd Dimensions" 15.75" x 13.5" x 23

Auto Top Off​

Osmolator 3 Auto Top Off

Mixing station​

Two CHEM-TAINER 55- Gallons Plastic Green Water Storage Tank 38 high and 20" diameter

System Automation​

 

[ZoWhat]

Get a 3rd job. Lol

 

[danreef55]

You can say that again

 

[Solo McReefer]

I think you're gonna need a

Bigger skimmer

 

[danreef55]

I will definitely consider it. They are expensive to swap out if needed. Thanks

 

[Devaji]

I went with the R.O 250 for my 200 gallon. I will also be using Ozone and have an ATS as well.
stocking mine now will be a FOWLR so you might be able to get away with the 150 + Ozone they are great skimmers.
and from what I hear Ozone is amazing and potent.

what are you using to controller Ozone?

welcome back it's still a fun hobby on the spendy side but enjoyable.

 

[danreef55]

Ozone can be a great addition to your system. I will be using a Hydros controller. Looks like you have a great build going. ENJOY!

 

[cilyjr]

I get the pull to try to monetize your enjoyment of coral propagation.

And many people really do not fathom the costs of bringing in wild pieces and the process it takes to get something wild to something that is viable to sell. Not to mention the pieces that just never turn into that "something special".

Good luck on your build and I am sure you'll find enjoyment in this new endeavor.

 

[danreef55]

Yes propagation takes significant time and effort. Chop shops operation can make money but not from me. I have taken a lot of pleasure planning this system and learning for the past seven months. I have been purchasing equipment that I want - when it goes on sale
Your tank is lovely btw

best regards
Dan

 

[danreef55]

Construction step#1
Cut hole in floor

Step#2 Cover it up before the wife sees jk

If I ever move I will remove the pipes and hide the hole

 

[danreef55]

Dedicated electrical circuits in the basement have been run to the panel for my whole house generator. One more task completed

 

[danreef55]

Flooring for sump area has been laid
Next step is running the water lines.
Then PVC or moisture resistant wall covering.

 

[danreef55]

Working on the power requirement distribution to balance the load on each circuit while creating some redundancy.

 

[danreef55]

Easier to visualize

 

[danreef55]

System Automation - does this look reasonable?

 

[danreef55]

Sump equipment

 

[danreef55]

 

[danreef55]

 

[danreef55]

Big update goto the first page

 

[danreef55]

The tank and sump order has been finalized and delivery in 10 to 12 weeks so around beginning of November.
Decided that the sump chambers will be 18" leaving 6" for back siphon.

Shout Out to Joe, Silas and David of Glass Cages.
Great work gents the process was professionally handled. All my questions were answered & they provided some great input!