Building My First 75 Gal One Decision at a Time

[Batch]

I've finally decided to build my first "big" reef tank. I've wanted to do a larger system for a long time, and I want to do it right the first time instead of fixing things over and over. This thread is going to be my build journal from start to finish. I'll be posting current equipment choices, sump layouts, stand construction, progress pictures, and eventually livestock as the build comes together.

If you see something you'd do differently—or if you've learned a lesson the hard way—please let me know. Whether it's a small tip or a major design change, I'm open to suggestions at any point in the build.

I picked up at 75Gal tank for the display and a 40Gal Breeder for the sump.

My planned equipment list is:
Overflow

• Modular Marine 1200 GPH Low Profile Overflow
• BeanAnimal Drain System

Return Pump

• Jebao MDP Smart DC Pump

Heaters

• (2) Sicce Scuba 150W
• Inkbird ITC-306T Controller

ATO

• 13 Gallon Mighty Tough Reservoir
• Tunze Osmolator 3155

 

[Batch]

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R

Congrats on the new build!

I'm curious, why is the stand 54" long when a standard 75 is 48" long?

Your stand plan isn't bad, but check this out, it would use less 2x4's, and it's bulletproof, it's been around forever:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/basic-diy-stand-calculator.1138386/
The Modular Marine overflow is a solid choice

If you're looking for an acrylic baffle kit for your 40 gallon sump, I really like the kits from Marine Biosystems on eBay. I think they are a better value that Fijicube or Jax Racks:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2772703002...XHAGG4&hash=item408e99063c:g:GA4AAOSw9nJhFBvy
Good luck with your build!

 

[Batch]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R

Congrats on the new build!

I'm curious, why is the stand 54" long when a standard 75 is 48" long?

Your stand plan isn't bad, but check this out, it would use less 2x4's, and it's bulletproof, it's been around forever:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/basic-diy-stand-calculator.1138386/
The Modular Marine overflow is a solid choice

If you're looking for an acrylic baffle kit for your 40 gallon sump, I really like the kits from Marine Biosystems on eBay. I think they are a better value that Fijicube or Jax Racks:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2772703002...XHAGG4&hash=item408e99063c:g:GA4AAOSw9nJhFBvy
Good luck with your build!

My main thought for oversizing the stand was to mainly allow plenty of room for the 40 breeder sump and also a ATO tank down below plus all the other equipment. Building it only 48" just seemed like it would be tight down below. Also I have two different thoughts on the sump layout. One including a rail incase i want to add a skimmer later and the other just removing the skimmer completely. I really don't plan to stock much into the tank, i'm mainly a coral guy so i was debating if i truly need a skimmer.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@Troylee

 

[Troylee]

My main thought for oversizing the stand was to mainly allow plenty of room for the 40 breeder sump and also a ATO tank down below plus all the other equipment. Building it only 48" just seemed like it would be tight down below. Also I have two different thoughts on the sump layout. One including a rail incase i want to add a skimmer later and the other just removing the skimmer completely. I really don't plan to stock much into the tank, i'm mainly a coral guy so i was debating if i truly need a skimmer.

The stand is fine… yes you want a skimmer it’s better for corals then fish in my opinion! The added ph value will do wonders for your coral!

 

[vcnt]

If you havent built the stand yet, I would totally do the "RocketEngineer" Stand!

Heres mine im building right now. Gives way more open space and no center braces

 

[vlangel]

Welcome to R2R and I think you will love having a 75g. It is a big enough tank to have some bigger fish but not overwhelming if you dont have an auto water change system. Its also a nice footprint for aquascaping. I have enjoyed mine a lot since I moved to a 75g a year ago.

 

[X-37B]

I ran my 120 with a 40 breeder using no baffles.
7" sock, skimmer, media reactor, carx. Worked out well.
Instead of a solid divider I used egg crate in a 40 breeder on my 45 frag system.
Oveflow into sock with skimmer next to it.
Egg crate divided the fuge section from the skimmer and return.
The less dividers you have in your sump the easier it will be to work in it when needed.
Note: after 30+ I use 400 micron mesh socks. Easy to clean and I also keep 1 of the 3 holes for socks empty.
I have used filter rollers and everthing else and prefer the 400's and an overflow area with free flow through. Your sump will fill up with pods if you let some through the overflow without filtering them first. Many other organisims have a better way of getting into the sump also.
Get an oversized skimmer and skip the fuge. This is how I run all my systems.
Old 120

Current 150