New tank build suggestions.
- Thread starter hillg2784
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PPBlimpy
Valuable Member
With that budget and length requirement would find a 180G 72x24x24
a young naso would be fine but you will have to rehome eventually which sucks.
I Like to DIY my stuff. And I prefer to buy used so my 10K budget could go a lot further then some. depending on local market. i have bought some insane deals for $1500
DIY route- I would find a basic 180G tank / stand. Drill for whatever overflow I preferred. I am not a huge fan of the corner overflows like you find in most nation wide pet stores but do not mind their rimmed tanks at all.
build a stand and matching 14-18" canopy with good ventilation, that fit nicely into the homes decor. Makes wife happy. I like my stands tall, most store bought are only 33-36" high. I prefer to sit my tank at 40".
Build my own sump out a 60G breeder. Would design to hold a roller mat system and would drill for an external return pumps- i like 2 run 2 smaller pumps instead of 1 large.
leaving 1/3 of the stand for controller/ power panel / storage and reactors etc.
lighting would be 6 noopsyche k7 or something equivalent with supporting LED bars or even t5s. rewire the k7s with a single industrial 24v power supply to clean up the install. i actually would probably go back to Halides if i could start over. 3 x 400w 14ks would be killer
skimmer would probably be a simple icecap 200 (mine works well)
full apex or hydros( whichever you prefer, both will do the job)
helios heater control with a 400W as a backup to the Apex/hydros
57W aqua uv.
build a mixing station and plumb the ATO direct, i run Kalk and have a storage next to the tank in a matching cabinet.
i would also ad a couple gyre style wave makers for good measure
100-150 lbs of Live rock from TBS or Gulf. along with 100 lbs sand. another 50Lbs dry rock for base and maybe 40-60 lbs more bagged sand to mix in.
this is basically my plan for my next tank but will be 4' 120G instead of a 6' 180.
a young naso would be fine but you will have to rehome eventually which sucks.
I Like to DIY my stuff. And I prefer to buy used so my 10K budget could go a lot further then some. depending on local market. i have bought some insane deals for $1500
DIY route- I would find a basic 180G tank / stand. Drill for whatever overflow I preferred. I am not a huge fan of the corner overflows like you find in most nation wide pet stores but do not mind their rimmed tanks at all.
build a stand and matching 14-18" canopy with good ventilation, that fit nicely into the homes decor. Makes wife happy. I like my stands tall, most store bought are only 33-36" high. I prefer to sit my tank at 40".
Build my own sump out a 60G breeder. Would design to hold a roller mat system and would drill for an external return pumps- i like 2 run 2 smaller pumps instead of 1 large.
leaving 1/3 of the stand for controller/ power panel / storage and reactors etc.
lighting would be 6 noopsyche k7 or something equivalent with supporting LED bars or even t5s. rewire the k7s with a single industrial 24v power supply to clean up the install. i actually would probably go back to Halides if i could start over. 3 x 400w 14ks would be killer
skimmer would probably be a simple icecap 200 (mine works well)
full apex or hydros( whichever you prefer, both will do the job)
helios heater control with a 400W as a backup to the Apex/hydros
57W aqua uv.
build a mixing station and plumb the ATO direct, i run Kalk and have a storage next to the tank in a matching cabinet.
i would also ad a couple gyre style wave makers for good measure
100-150 lbs of Live rock from TBS or Gulf. along with 100 lbs sand. another 50Lbs dry rock for base and maybe 40-60 lbs more bagged sand to mix in.
this is basically my plan for my next tank but will be 4' 120G instead of a 6' 180.
Last edited:
Dom
Theoretical Reef Keeper
What is important in your situation is the amount of swim space. From what I've read about Tangs, they require a good amount of horizontal swim space.
Also, please keep in mind that Tangs are territorial to varying degrees.
I think the IM ext 200 is a good choice.
AlanS
Community Member
Get a tank with built in overflow boxes and set up a sump under the display. I found I used way too much rock at first which restricted flow. So I would start with minimal rock and add as you go. Aquascaping is so much fun. You can put equipment in the sump to keep the display beautiful.
AlanS
Community Member
I also agree with the other comments about Tangs. They are great but put them in first and all at the same time. Once tnags are established any new tangs will have a tough time and usually don't survive.
hillg2784
Active Member
The IM 200 im getting is an external over flow box, leaving more space and more flow. The plan is to first add all three tangs and kinda stock around them. I’m not sure if 2 wave makers is enough tho.
hillg2784
Active Member
Need some help with lights. I really plan on having soft corals and zoas, so the need for expensive lights is not as important. I want something that is easy to use and programmable with automation. I like the idea of having three larger led lights with maybe two led strips.
eshopps mariner 180
then you are looking at 300+ gallons
hillg2784
Active Member
I just ordered the IM EXT 200 Reef Ready, should be here at the end of December.
Now to start working on the rest of the equipment.
hillg2784
Active Member
Which ones?
If you like the setup above maybe 3 Orphek Natura or Icon and a couple of Orphek strips front and back.
Reasonable outlay for you budget and a very nice lighting setup.
If you want SPS down line, you have more than enough lighting power already.
All done.
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