Gradual tank build long read please help

[darylb94]

Hey guys I got my 55 gal reef tank set up already but I'm thinking of upgrading everything about it im going to build a new stand for it because the one I have is made of mdf and it's got a bit of water damage I can't complain to much cos I got the tank and stand for $50.

My biggest problem I'm facing is I have a set of 400 watt metal halides it's got 2 globes in it over 4 feet I'm going to be putting a sort of canopy style thing over head I just wanna know the best way to cool it down. I can't afford a $700 chiller so I was thinking some fans maybe what would use do.

I'm also going to run a sump I will have 1200mm of space length ways and 450mm wide and there will be 1000mm head room under the tank any suggestions on what size sump and refuge I should run? I am planning an SPS reef

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Sounds like a fun build.
The fans sound like a good idea.
Make the sump as big as possible.

 

[darylb94]

What about the hight of the lights the fixture has 2 400 watt halides I don't have any idea about them

 

[Zero Nitrates]

I have never used them but I have seen them on tanks about 2 feet above the water level.

 

[darylb94]

Yea that's what I was thinking its going to be quiet the mission keeping the tank cold

 

[darylb94]

Here is my stand drawing I finished it up tonight I need to make a frame for the halides to sit in still but it should work out well

 

[darylb94]

Might update quickly I bought some led lights 165watt dimmable full spectrum I got 3 fixtures for $430 one is going over my 20gal I also started building the new tank stand today I only got the base frame done so far but here it it

 

[darylb94]

Another update I got my lights so happy there amazing here are some pics of my corals

 

[darylb94]

 

[Zero Nitrates]

That clown looks happy!

 

[darylb94]

It is usually it will just host at night when it's closed up as soon as I added the LEDs it went straight in there kinda weird but really cool

 

[darylb94]

Well be of an update I have personally built a sump and refugium for my tank it's a 40 gallon sump and a 9 gallon refuge I plan to get it all done within the next month I have to wait a week for the silicon on the 9 gallon to dry and at the same time I'm leak testing the 40 so it will be filled up for about 2 weeks and then the same will go for the 9 I then have to sort out how to plumb this into my existing tank I'm going to have to move the tank for the new stand and probably order some hang on overflows I will get 2 so I reduce the risk of blockages

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Nice! I wish I planned everything out like you when I set up my tank.

 

[darylb94]

Nothing is that planned the refuge was a build just to see how well I could cut glass today I have started building my stand already so I'm going to modify it now I'm gonna add a step to the back under it will be the Sumer and refuge and will have a false floor so I can work on the sump or refuge

 

[darylb94]

Well here it is tell me what you think!

 

[darylb94]

 

[darylb94]

Been a while since I posted haha this is how my tank is looking now

 

[darylb94]

Got some new coral today some type if acro $25