Need help planning a new 225gal 72x30x24 setup.

96gts · Mar 8, 2011

I'm planning to upgrade to a 225gal setup from my current 90gal Rimless and will like to hear what you recommend on some of the equipments.

Tank:
Custom 225gal 72x30x24 Eurobrace with Starphire Front.

I need help on placement of the overflow and what holes I need for drain and return. I don't really like the look of the traditional overflow, those take up lots of space. If I have to stick with the traditional overflow, can I get by with one center overflow? I can't go true external overflow as the tank builder can't cut the teeth on the glass for the overflow. I'm also looking at Glass-Holes.com Reef Savvy 1500 overflow with built in return, anyone has any experience with them?

Stand:
Custom Metal Stand with Wood Skin.

Sump/Refugium:
Custom Sump from Marc at Melev's Reef Model G Modified around 56x18x16

Skimmer:
I'm pretty set on getting either the SWC 230 or 300, depending on available space in the sump.

Lights:
I was pretty set on getting LED, but the AI Sol Blue that I want is going to cost me about $3000. Any other LED that you think will work for tank this size? i would be using a canopy, so will need something that look decent.

I'm also debating just going with a 60" ATI PM 8x80W or Sunpower 8x80W and wait on getting LED later.

Return Pump:
I will like to stay with internal pump. I'm thinking about getting one ATB Flowstar 1500. (Will that be enough for a 225gal?) Or maybe go with 2 Eheim 1262 or 2 Maxi-jet 5500.

Circulation:
I will be using the 2 MP40W I have right now and add couple of Tunze to be controlled by Apex. Which Tunze should I get?

I will be reusing Apex, BRS twin Carbon/GFO reactor and the Bubble Magus Doser.

Thanks for any help.
Jason

Murfman · Mar 8, 2011

You could go with an external overflow but have a cascading type overflow, not through the slotted.

Two of my fellow reefers, here in Colorado use two of the Evolution 120 Watt units to illuminate tanks, the exact size of yours.

96gts · Mar 8, 2011

Murfman said:
You could go with an external overflow but have a cascading type overflow, not through the slotted.

Two of my fellow reefers, here in Colorado use two of the Evolution 120 Watt units to illuminate tanks, the exact size of yours.

Sorry, for my ignorance. What's a cascading type overflow? Any pic?

You think 2 Evolution 120 will be enough for a 72 long, 30 wide, 24 tall tank? Chris from Reefkoi is telling me I need 3. I don't really want to hang 3 fixtures over the tank, maybe 2 max.

Captain Nemo · Mar 8, 2011

not sure about the rest, but if it were me, Mag drive pumps are the way to go! I would go with a mag 18, that way if you dont have enough out of it you can switch the props and make it a mag 21! Win win with the mag drives ad they run forever!

Murfman · Mar 9, 2011

The cascading type overflow just rolls over the top of the overflow, no vertical slits. This is from a buddies nano. He had to increase the size of the slits though.

As for two Evos, Chris is right, you would need 3 for full coverage. You could use 2 but they would have to be 18-20" over the tank to get full coverage, at a reduced efficiency.

CoralFever · Mar 9, 2011

I'll second the Murf's suggestion on the overflow. Search for Calfo style overflow or BeanAnimal style. Here are 2 pics I snagged, not mine just an example. These show the internal overflow, but if you have the room behind the tank I would consider an external overflow.

swannyson7 · Mar 9, 2011

+1 on Anthony's C2C overflow. As for lighting options, I'm running three of the LED fixtures from reef filtration over my 180 and couldn't be happier. ReefKoi's fixtures seem to be very popular, but these are a bit higher output (150w vs. 120w). I guess it depends on what you want to keep. I'm able to grow SPS and keep clams on my sandbed in a 24" tall tank with no problems.