Gators 240G Dream Build

G8trBait16 · May 5, 2017

Hey y'all,

I have been in my house 2 years and have had my 75g tank running for 1.5 years, with the ups and downs. I have decided to upgrade to my dream tank. Being this is the biggest tank I have owned, I will need some help and advice from my R2R family. I pick up the tank tomorrow after I go to Reef-a-Palooza. This is going to be a slower build than my last one, I want to do it right the first time and learn from past mistakes (hopefully).

Tank: Glasscages 240g Reef Ready Long 96x24x24 - 2 overflows with 1.5" drain and 1" return.
Stand: Glasscages 96x24x30 Birch stand
Sump: Synergy SS44 - 44x18x18 (blue and white)
Controller: New Apex (Bought today)
Dosing pump: Bubble Magus BM-T11
Return Pump: Either the Vectra L1 or Reef Octopus Varios-8 (haven't decided yet)
DT flow: I have 2 MP40QD's already. I don't know what else to go with ( 2 gyres, Tunze, or Rossmont Mover 4100)
Lights: Already have 1 - 48" ATI 8x54w Dimmable, going to get another one.
Skimmer: Bubble Magus Curve 9, might have to upgrade when I get a higher bioload.
Rocks: none yet, but going to go for a minimalistic bonsai theme (ideas in my head).
I don't know if I am going to go bare bottom or Tropic Eden Reef Flakes.

Any opinions or advice is more than welcome. I will be updating more during the process.

G8trBait16 · May 6, 2017

Picked up the tank and stand today. This thing is a beast, a lot bigger in person than I thought.

Stand inside.

Waiting for more help tomorrow to get the tank inside.

G8trBait16 · May 8, 2017

Got the tank and stand in and wow was that a chore. One step closer

Friday24 · May 8, 2017

Nice! I just got my upgrade to a 300g cycled a couple days ago, and like you this has been about a month project to do it right the first time! Looks like your off to a good start. I upgraded to a VarioS-8 and LOVE it. Super quiet and fully controllable with your Apex via a $10 or $15 cable that connect to the 0-10v port. I'm flowing about 630gph and 655gph on the return side with the pump at 82%. Lower flow on one return because I went with a Rollermat on it. I went with it over the Ecotech because of what I read about the lack of controllability via Apex and didn't want to add the Reef Link. I'm partial to the MP40s because I don't like wires running into the tank, plus I put net on all my tanks due to my Wrasses.

G8trBait16 · May 12, 2017

The new Apex arrived yesterday, also my dad bought me a Jebao DC-12000 return pump, should be delivered on tomorrow. Not exactly what I wanted, but at least he is taking an interest in helping me out. I am not great at plumbing (especially bc I want to do a manifold for different reactors). Looking at different tank set ups on here and YouTube is helping out a lot. I am waiting on the group buy to start tomorrow to get powerheads, orange and blue pipes, misc. plumbing parts, another 48" dimmable ATI fixture 8 bulb, etc.

I have used Bubble magus skimmers on all of my past tanks and since that is what I am used to and they have worked out great, I might go with either a curve 9 or curve B10, not 100% sure, but opinions are welcome.

Still trying to decided whether to go bare bottom or Reef flakes, leaning more towards reef flakes due to having wrasses.

bubbaque · May 12, 2017

Nice tank! I wish I went reef flakes instead of Fiji pink.

Friday24 · May 12, 2017

bubbaque said:
Nice tank! I wish I went reef flakes instead of Fiji pink.

Why?

bubbaque · May 12, 2017

Blows around a little to much. Also when I vacuum the sand more gets sucked up than I would like it to because it's so light.

Daniel@R2R · May 12, 2017

That's a REALLY nice-looking tank!

Daniel@R2R · May 12, 2017

I can absolutely recommend reef flakes. I used them in my most recent build, and I LOVE them! If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, look at the mesoflakes (also by Tropic Eden).

jmt1030 · May 12, 2017

Definitely go with the Reef Flakes. I'm glad I spent the little extra money on it.

G8trBait16 · May 12, 2017

mdbannister said:
I can absolutely recommend reef flakes. I used them in my most recent build, and I LOVE them! If you're looking for a less expensive alternative, look at the mesoflakes (also by Tropic Eden).

Could you use a mix of Reef flakes and Mesoflakes or should I say with just one grain size?

Daniel@R2R · May 12, 2017

G8trBait16 said:
Could you use a mix of Reef flakes and Mesoflakes or should I say with just one grain size?

I have a mix of both in my reef, and I like it a lot.

G8trBait16 · May 19, 2017

Well got my jebao dc-12000, oranges and blue pc pipes, synergy ss-44 sump and the aquamaxx q3 skimmer. Unfortunately the skimmers bubble plate was broken in shipping, but marine depot is sending me another one free of charge. About to head to lowes for some more plumbing parts. Also my boxer "Gator" decided to make an appearance.

G8trBait16 · May 19, 2017

Decided to buy liquid white flex seal and went ahead and put the first coat on the bottom of the stand tonight. Will put the second coat on tomorrow. Wanted to seal the bottom of the stand as well as I can.

Clayton Jessup · May 20, 2017

This looks great ,can't wait

steallife904 · May 20, 2017

I did orange drain pipes and blue return pipes with grey elbows on my tank... Go Gators

G8trBait16 · May 20, 2017

steallife904 said:
I did orange drain pipes and blue return pipes with grey elbows on my tank... Go Gators

I'm doing the same just with white elbows (away colors). Go Gators!

steallife904 · May 20, 2017

you wouldn't believe how many people have seen my sump and say why did you do orange and blue? lol. Gator colors dude! lol, cool to see someone else going the same route.

G8trBait16 · May 20, 2017

steallife904 said:
you wouldn't believe how many people have seen my sump and say why did you do orange and blue? lol. Gator colors dude! lol, cool to see someone else going the same route.

That's awesome! I'm going to put a replica gator head somewhere in the tank also, thought it would be cool to try.