Question about new tank

[Todd Shoemaker]

Good Afternoon,
I just picked up a new tank, and I have a few questions on equipment, plumbing, and lighting for this size tank. I currently have a RSM 250 (66 gallon) reef tank that is doing very well, but I'm not very familiar with tanks that require a separate sump system.
The new tank measures 57" x 29" x 26" (LxWxH), not certain of the gallons. It is pre drilled with 1 hole in each back corner, that is boxed in and has no plumbing installed. I am wanting to know what size sump I should have, what the plumbing should look like, and what would be good lighting for that size/depth tank. I am also wondering about what would be good for power heads, as in size and number needed for appropriate flow.
I am wanting to do another reef tank, primarily SPS corals. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if there is anything I am missing, or info that would be more helpful.

 

[Evan West]

Assuming 100% fill with nothing in it that tank is 186.05 gallons if i did my math right. With that width your gonna want something with a fair amount of spread as most lights seem to cover a 24"x 24" area, are you looking at LED, T5, MH?

 

[FLAdaboy]

Sounds like a custom tank. Throw some pics up and that might help. LEDs would work for that depth but I'm sure a hybrid fixture would be awesome. Power heads should be strong enough for the coral you desire, and return pump should be enough to cycle the tank 20-40 times an hour. As far as a sump goes, go for something that fits your needs. Do you plan on have a refugium or are you going for more gear, do you want space under your stand?

 

[Todd Shoemaker]

Assuming 100% fill with nothing in it that tank is 186.05 gallons if i did my math right. With that width your gonna want something with a fair amount of spread as most lights seem to cover a 24"x 24" area, are you looking at LED, T5, MH?

I'm thinking I would go with MH/T5's.

Sounds like a custom tank. Throw some pics up and that might help. LEDs would work for that depth but I'm sure a hybrid fixture would be awesome. Power heads should be strong enough for the coral you desire, and return pump should be enough to cycle the tank 20-40 times an hour. As far as a sump goes, go for something that fits your needs. Do you plan on have a refugium or are you going for more gear, do you want space under your stand?

I will get a few pics up ASAP. I have quite a bit of room in the stand, so I was wondering if a 55gallon would work, and I would really like to do a refugium.

 

[Todd Shoemaker]

 

[Brew12]

Beautiful tank!

 

[Todd Shoemaker]

Beautiful tank!

Thank you, I'm hoping it will be.

 

[Todd Shoemaker]

The stand measures 60" x 30" x 36", and there's a double door door opening on one side, and a single door on the other, so I should be able to fit quite a bit underneath the tank. I'm hoping to keep everything clean and neat, I think that looks awesome!

 

[Brew12]

I agree. I spent a ton of time putting my tank together. Very pleased with the way it turned out. Furniture grade PVC piping and quite a bit of extra effort on cable management. Very pleased with the end result and almost no visible cords for more than 6" anywhere in my system.

 

[Todd Shoemaker]

I noticed that most of the tanks I have seen have 2 spots for pipes in the returns, and mine only has 1 on each side. Is that going to be an issue?

 

[Brew12]

I noticed that most of the tanks I have seen have 2 spots for pipes in the returns, and mine only has 1 on each side. Is that going to be an issue?

That is a bit unusual but shouldn't be a problem. You will probably want to use them both as drains and bring your return in over the back rim.

 

[Todd Shoemaker]

Even if it requires a bit of extras to get it going, I only have $300 into the tank and stand. I couldn't pass it up really. I was looking for a 120g tank (48"x24"x24") and came across this one. I really wanted the depth front to back, I really like that look.

 

[Todd Shoemaker]

Here is a pic of my RSM 250.