250 gallons the long way

[thefuz]

Hiya, folks. Working on an upgrade from a 90 to a 250. Very much interested in opinions and suggestions on my direction with this tank. Planning on attempting to duplicate my current setup/success with a few important adjustments (no MH, remote sump, automatic w/c, and better temperature management - current tank swings ~3 degrees daily). Mixed SPS/LPS with lots of fish. Fish are fun! Here's the general idea...

Display: 84Lx28Wx25H (~250 gallons) peninsula overflow with 1.5" Beananimal drain. 1/2" regular glass with euro-brace top and bottom.
Sump: 100 gallon Rubbermaid, remote in basement.
Skimmer: Reef Octopus for starters. Will upgrade as things get going.
Return Pump: ReeFlo Barracuda/Hammerhead with manifold next to sump. Dual returns stepped down to 1" on a pair of MOcean wavemakers on the end opposite the overflow. I'm estimating 17ft of head.
Supplements:MTC Procal calcium reactor. Will stick with dosing pumps and 2-part for starters until the system gets going in earnest though.
Lighting: LED/T5. 4 x Radion Gen3 Pro plus 4 T5 retrofits alongside them. Possible I'll need additional LED coverage along the center but we'll see. Open to suggestions.
Nutrient Export: Scrubber possibly. Macro algae definitely. I have frag tank running alongside the sump that could be perfect for this application. GFO will be possible via return manifold.
Display Flow: MP60 + Gyre 150.
ATO: Tunze
Auto w/c: Reef Filler pump
Substrate: 1" bed with Tropic Eden Reefflakes Aragonite Sand

Some photos of the build in progress...

The last shot is where I can use some advice. Not sure how much you can see the single MP60 on the back wall and the Gyre 150 wayyyyy back in the left corner vertically next to and below the overflow (overflow blocks me from putting it horizontally and closer to the surface). I'm hoping to get good circular flow originating from the Gyre and then randomized by the interplay between the MP60 and the pair of wavemaker outlets from the return.

Suggestions much appreciated!!

 

[ermartin]

no advice... sweet build

 

[Fattytuna]

very clean setup.

 

[Reef_Junkies]

I like your taste! Beautiful tank and stand.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Sweet build! @143MPCo might be able to help on your powerhead question. I'm thinking that the combination of those two should be plenty. I'm running a 180g (6' x 2' x 2') with only a Gyre and it's not at full power.

 

[143MPCo]

MP60
Specification

• Flow: 7,500+ gph
• Power Consumption: 10 to 60 Watts
• Tank Range: 120-1,000+ gallons
• Max Glass Thickness Range: 0.375" - 1.00"
• Dryside Dimensions: 4" Diameter, 3" Height
• Wetside Dimensions: 4" Diameter, 2.8" Height
• Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 3.25"

Gyre
Specifications
- Pump Dimensions - 11.8" x 2.9" x 2.4"
- Maximum Flow Rate - 5000GPH
- For Aquariums 50 - 800+ Gallons
- Maximum glass/acrylic thickness - 3/4"
- Power Supply - 115-230V, 50/60Hz

How much flow are you looking for, I think you noted the tank will be SPS dominated?

These are just rough guidelines and NOT really set in stone anywhere...

@20x the volume (DT only) of water you'll be in 5000GPH for an SPS system.
@25x the volume (DT only) of water you'll be in 6250GPH for an SPS system.
@30x the volume (DT only) of water you'll be in 7500GPH for an SPS system.

I can keep going on but you get the idea, you want somewhat random flow and seeing that you have both an MP60 and a Gyre you should be fine. keep in mind that as SPS grow and block flow you will have to increase the amount from both but, that a future issue, however care should be taken not to have too much direct flow and blast the skin of the corals... not a true measure as the patterns of both powerheads are different but, with both you're in the ballpark of 12,500GPH (overkill) at full power. One nice feature is that you can die down the flow and increase it as the system matures.

I'm also running a 180g (6' x 2' x 2') with only a Gyre up to about 60% -65% and producing great flow, as I add coral and they grow out and fill in, I will consider additional powerheads but, right now in my system it's just not needed.

 

[dbl]

...the Gyre 150 wayyyyy back in the left corner vertically next to and below the overflow (overflow blocks me from putting it horizontally and closer to the surface).

Another option is to mount the Gyre inside your overflow box (it should fit) and run it horizontally if you want. It's what I did on my 120g peninsula. As 143 described above, the thing provides a lot of flow. I really can't run mine past about 50%.

EDIT:
And by the way, that is an absolutely beautiful setup you have going. The slide out trays for the lights (assumption on my part) in the canopy are a nice touch!

 

[143MPCo]

EDIT:
And by the way, that is an absolutely beautiful setup you have going. The slide out trays for the lights (assumption on my part) in the canopy are a nice touch!

ok, now I feel bad...
That's a great looking setup and I'm looking forward to seeing this builds progression.

 

[thefuz]

LOL definitely appreciate the praise - I've had a kick-butt designer/carpenter to work with. The sliding trays (assumption=true) were his surprise for me when he brought the stand in. Wiring the thing thoughtfully is gonna to be tricky (i.e. fun!).

Great advice on the flow, thanks. I feel much better with some additional knowledgeable opinions. Definitely on board with the thought that I'll need to adjust flow as the coral grows. This is not a bad problem to have! It'll be a while before I need to though. While my 90 is almost full, the sticks won't make a dent in the 250. Plus I need to leave room for a cushy spot to entice a Gigantea anemone to stick around.

PS - current tank looks somewhat like this (shot back in April)

 

[143MPCo]

Great looking tank, if this one is any indication of whats to come you're going to have a great 250!

 

[ethridge78]

Very nice tank

 

[dbl]

Great looking tank, if this one and any indication of whats to come you're going to have a great 250!

What he said!!! You appear to be in good hands...your own.

 

[thefuz]

Build is all set up and running. Upgraded from the Rubbermaid stock tank to a custom built sump from Advanced Acrylics. Really glad I did! Been running for just over a month. Fish and coral looking great although SPS started to fade in color about a week back. Tank is too clean! N/P unmeasurable. Started to increase fish feeding as well as broadcast feed cyclops/rotifers/oyster eggs late night. Color coming back, major PE, and growth evident all over the place. Hopefully the little test piece of chalice will get going soon also but not with zeros on N/P. Only have 10 fish currently but working on adding a few more soon. Slow and steady, folks!!!

Some photos...

 

[thefuz]

Here's a shot of the custom sump crafted by Advanced Acrylics. It features (4) chambers. From right to left, the first chamber houses the overflow drains which spill onto the second chamber with (3) 7" filter socks. In addition to maximizing particulate capture it also cuts microbubbles down to pretty much zero. Chamber 3 features a refugium and I've got the interim skimmer in place here also. Eventually, I'll be installing an external skimmer above this section but for now this skimmer and the macro algae are keeping up with nutrient export very well. Chamber 4 is the return pump section which also includes all the probes and ATO setup.

Working on the return manifold and skimmer platform this week. Next up will be the attached 24x24 frag tank.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Beautiful setup.