Antiguan's 200 Gallon Tank Build

[Antiguan]

I have been planning an in-wall tank, viewable on the two long sides, for a while and finally, I have ordered the tank from Aquariums for You. Their prices are reasonable and my sales rep has been very responsive. The only draw back is that the tank will not be delivered until mid July.

 

The dimensions of the tank are 60

[stevearlen]

I have an open loop so I have no experience with closed loop. When I orderd my 100 gal, I asked the manufacturer to double the 1.5

[jamesbuf]

You ever consider using some Vortech pumps instead of a closed loop?? No risk of leaking and the pumps are pretty sweet. Just ask Dan and Johnny. Now that the company has worked out the kinks in the design, I've only heard good things about them.

 

Yet another great build to follow. Can't wait to see pics.

 

 

Tagging along........

[Kimchi Corals]

are you planning to get a oceans motions 4 way for the closed loop. If so make sure you get the 1 inch omni flex nozzles. .75 nozzles will not allow the 4 way to function properly. I highly recommend the 4 way since in my closed loop system in the 180 the 4 way pushes the flow about 1 inch above the water surface. John Yauger

[Carl]

Did you say that you're going to put a 1.5 inch return to your barracuda and into your OM? The Barracuda has a 2 inch input...I wouldn't feed it with a 1.5 inch pipe.

 

-Carl

Edited April 12, 2008 by Carl

[Antiguan]

Stevearlen, your point about the extra holes in overflow box is a good one. In fact, I was debating getting them and will now do so since the cost is so minor.

 

James, for quite some time I've been debating between power heads or closed loops; halides or T5. It is a matter of personal preference but, like you said, I was worried about leaks in the bottom of the tank. I have seen some nice tanks with closed loops both here on WAMAS and over on RC so I'm hoping to have the same success.

 

Kimchi Corals, I am still a novice at the hobby since this is my first saltwater tank and using an OM. Thanks for the information on the 1

[Antiguan]

I got the Barracuda and it indeed has a 1.5" intake, and is huge (compared to Dart). Is it possible to have too much flow in a tank? The Barracuda, for CL is rated at 4500 GPH at 12' max head and the Dart for return and UV is rated 3600 GPH at 12' max head. The maximum flow for my UV is 2880 GPH. Do I need a smaller pump for return?

[Carl]

I'm curious how yours turns out...as I have both a Dart and a Barracuda...and have not turned either one on yet.

 

With just my Dart on a 75, it will be approx 50x turnover...it seems a little high for me, compared to the 3 Rio 600's I have in my current 60 gallon.

[jamesbuf]

I got the Barracuda and it indeed has a 1.5" intake, and is huge (compared to Dart). Is it possible to have too much flow in a tank? The Barracuda, for CL is rated at 4500 GPH at 12' max head and the Dart for return and UV is rated 3600 GPH at 12' max head. The maximum flow for my UV is 2880 GPH. Do I need a smaller pump for return?

 

Well how much will your overflows be able to handle? You have to make sure your return pump won't overpower the overflows back into the sump.

[Antiguan]

Carl, I am very anxious to get this thing going after almost two years of planning. I'm trying to get all equipments together and members' feedback before tank arrives to minimize major mistakes and delays.

 

James, if I am reading the Drain Size Calculator on RC correctly, I would need a 2.5" drain with minimum linear overflow size of 54" in overflow box to keep up with the Dart as a return pump. I also read a Reefkeeping Basics article by Gregory Taylor which recommends that "[e]ven better would be to use two drains of the size recommended, which would allow one to be completely clogged, but the system could still handle the full flow without missing a beat." I plan on having two 1.5" diameter drain with each able to move 1300 GPH with minimum linear overflow size of 20". I have a linear overflow of 28" with the current dimensions of my overflow box (6"+16"+6"). In addition, since the velocity of the water through the overflow box is one of the factors which contribute to noise, trying to balance 3600 GPH with the Dart is no good. I also read that a thinner layer of water into overflow box is ideal but I am unclear on how best to accomplish this. Does anyone know if there is a minimum teeth size for a good overflow box since AFY will bill one to my specification?

Edited April 22, 2008 by Antiguan