220 Gallon Mixed Reef Setup

[Zack K]

Was wondering if you Reef junkies could help a young guy out. I am currently 17 and have been in the hobby for close to 7 years now and moved to saltwater about 2 years ago. In our basement we have a 220 gallon Freshwater tank with a sump. I own the tank and all of its contents and want to convert it to a saltwater tank when I move on out. BUT in order to remove this goliath from the basement it needs to be empty. I was going to start with dry rock and dry sand so it is easy to aquascape and will be pest free. But beyond that I will need a new sump because this one just has a filter pad an bio balls and isn't very big. I was wondering what suggestions for equipment you fellas had. I will probably build a sump myself to save a few grand but I need lights, skimmer, reactors, and return pumps. It has 2 built in overflow boxes so that is taken care of . I will also rinse and clean the tank before I add the dry sand and rock. Any/All suggestions will be noted. Please and thank you R2R Community

 

[KJ]

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/equipment-lighting-hardware-aquarium-filtration.30/

 

[KJ]

Did you use any cooper medication in this tank?

 

[diablomaster9045]

For a sump, hard to beat $1 per gallon sale at petco and getting the glass baffles cut should cost about $14-15 per baffle.

Return pump: If you're on a budget a jebao 15000 is hard to beat bang for the buck. If you have some more money, I would recommend a Reef Octopus Varios 6.

Skimmer: Tons of options! I really like my Bubble Magus D9 on my 200g. If you hold out for black friday, you could nab up a deltec or vertex for a pretty good price.

 

[Zack K]

The tank was never treated with medication. It had a chemical in it when it cycled 9 years ago for ammonia but that it is all. The tank currently has 5, 12"+ pleco's in it and 2 giant silver tetras. It has been that way for about a year or so.