1370 gallon propagation system

[Reefer93105]

Started building my propagation system two weeks ago and need some input on lighting. Livestock will be mixed reef. I'm thinking of using 12 to 14 Evergrow D120. Anyone have long term experience propagating with these lights? I have 4 Radion Pros at home above my 300G eurobraced which is currently being outsource repaired by LeeMar. Center brace came off the seam(there is another thread regarding that). The Radions are great and very satisfied with them. But using 12 to 14 Radions Pros for my prop system is out of the questions.

As for the 1370G prop system. There are 5 150g tubs, 300G framed tank, and a 300G tub. Three 150G tubs for corals, one for refugium, and one acts as sump where the skimmer is located. Return pumps are 2 special 2" in/out Reeflo Hammerheads. These pumps produce so much flow I have to throttle is down a little and make a 4" main drain return where 2" drains from the tubs. Skimmer is an ASM G6 with two Sedra 15000 and it's skimming 800lbs of dry/live rock combination. So much foam. My GEO CR1218 is still being made at the moment. Apex Gold will be used later on with the system. My 300G blue tub that is housing my livestock will be tied to this system behind the skimmer when my other 300G gets fixed.

Please chime in regarding lights. Thank you.

800lbs or rocks

4" main drain

Full view

Return pumps

After one day of skimming 800lbs of rocks. Have to take foam out manually.

Daughter taking out foam manually. I gave her a large metal kitchen strainer to use.
She couldn't keep up with the foam coming out of the collection cup.

 

[slayerhellfire]

dang thats crazy you opening a buisness? As for lighting go with LEDs sace money on electric

 

[Dan1789]

Way cool.

 

[TheEngineer]

Whoa!

I'd agree with the LED suggestion, but you're probably way more concerned with growth rates than you are with electricity usage. That said, those tubs and tank are really deep, so you're either gonna need really tight optics or something really strong (or both).

I'm interested why you went with deep tubs like that. Not a criticism, just wondering as I've thought about making a small propagation setup in the past. Would wider, but shallower tubs allow you to get more corals in the same water volume?

 

[Matthias7]

Awesome build. Where did you get those tubs?

 

[Reefer93105]

I'm definitely going the LED route. Used to use 400W Radiums many years ago. The tubs are actually only 25"from bottom to waterline. By the time the egg crate racks are placed, it will only be 12" to 13" deep. Will also be housing large colonies so I need the depth too just in case. I just wanted more water volume for stability.

Tubs were found at Farm Supply. They are seasonal but can be found online too.

 

[TheEngineer]

Well that makes sense. The pictures of deceptive. That gives you lots of room for good flow all around.

 

[Reefrookie220]

UN related- what's under the car cover? I'm a greaser lol.

 

[Reefer93105]

UN related- what's under the car cover? I'm a greaser lol.

It's a 1974 MB 280C beige cream color. Original 55,000 miles, original shiny paint, no cracks on the dash, and good seats. That car's been in the family since it was bought brand new in '74. Just needs minor exterior cosmetic work. Missing some trim and the hood star. Also need to get a few dings out. Other than that, the car is in good shape. No one really drives it. Last time I took this car for a cruise is almost 4 years ago.

 

[Reefer93105]

Finished the return and drain plumbing for the 300G. Shimmed the stand empty. Will fill the 300G with water tomorrow 100G at a time and shim some more. Made some DIY drain strainer with 2" male adapter and 3" floor drain strainer. Used 2" pipe insulation foam to securely place the 2" return pipe for the 300G above the other 2" return pipe. It fits nice and snug
.

 

[sharkboy99999]

Man this is awesome

 

[Reefer93105]

Yea it's fun but it's very tiring. It's not even done yet. I'm waiting for my other 300G to get repaired so I can move my livestock back in my house and plumb the 300G tub that's housing it to this system. I still have a 180G and a 95G that I'm going to move to this warehouse.

 

[Reefer93105]

300G filled and is cycling with the system. Total water volume so far is 1070 gallons.

 

[adam knaus]

I have a 6 foot older Hamilton technology halide and compact fixture that I wanted to used for a large grow out tank. Never did lol I'd let you take it. Your gonna need some light that's for sure!!!

 

[Turbo's Aquatics]

Dang that's some foam!!

 

[Reefer93105]

Thanks for the kind offer Adam. I still have a bunch of halide and PC fixtures in my garage that are kept for emergency. Very pleased with LED and going LED all out on this one. My 300G at home are under 4 Radion Pro Gen3. Colors are way better than when it was under 400W Radiums. Even considering Solatubes for this prop system.

 

[Reefer93105]

No Floyd. It's beer!!! I'm bottling some!

 

[Djtonton]

those cheaper ocean review artics would work they work great for me if you find someone good you can get for 130$ a piece im sure at that amount! not bad units....good stuff cant wait to see how this turns out!!!

 

[Reefer93105]

I will look into that. Thanks DJ

 

[Reefer93105]

Frag racks built.