Looking for some guidence - Newbie new tank build (1 Viewer)

[mikezoch]

I have started a new tank build - 75 gallon (48L x 18W x 21H). Picked up the tank pretty cheap off Craig's List. The tank is not drilled.

I have a diamond hole saw and have thought about drilling the tank (with the hope it is a regular glass bottom).

I have also considered a HOB protein skimmer - like one of the Octopus HOB or a CPR BAK-PAK. I want to keep this as simple as possible and not spend a ton of money.

So I'm still trying to figure out what I want in my tank - my wife wants a Zebra or Snowflake eel. I want something more towards the FOWLR side of things, but will want some LPS corals, Bicolor Angel, Foxface, Clowns and some Damsels

I understand that on of the HOB may not be enough - I would love to hear from others who have experience with HOB Protein Skimmers in a tank around 75 gallons. I'm pretty sure the folks at CorelVue have built a good HOB - I've heard pretty good things about their big skimmers.

 

[mikezoch]

Let me also add - I have a tank and stand. Ordered and on their way - 4 bulb HP T5 and a 100GPD RO/DI. I'm open to suggestions.

 

[cliner]

Most bottoms are TEMPERED! It should not be drilled. Be cautious or consult a local shop for guidance, if it's tempered(and most likely is). Gonna have a sump and or refugium? Not a requirement but has many benefits; water monitoring, dosing or other additions(top off), biological filter(sand, live rock, macroalgae), skimmer. What type of filtration?

 

[mikezoch]

I was going to go with a HOB Protein Skimmer as my primary filter. Something like a Octopus Hang On The Back Protein Skimmer BH-300F.

A sump and or refugium would require an overflow box. I know the benefits, but was trying to keep things simple.

I have an over flow box I can use and putting together a sump/refugium is doable, but I wanted to look into the HOB protein skimmers.

 

[mikezoch]

I talked with the guy where I want to buy the HOB Protein Skimmer - he sells them, but wasn't all that impressed with the HOBs, so scrapping that idea - I'm back to an overflow I have that can handle 800 goh (CPR CS100 Overflow Box).

I now need to build a stand to get height needed for the skimmers 22.75" and a few more to be able to remove the cup. So I have another project to deal with.

Back to the skimmer - Octopus Extreme Series 200 - seems like over kill, but I rather have too much than too little. Reef Specialty is the vendor I want to do business - I have heard very good things about Marc Leonard's customer service after the sale.

The Extreme 200 costs $289.95 has Sicce PSK-2500 pumps
Rated for 225 gallon with average bio load
Height: 22.75 inches
Body Diameter: 8 inches
Footprint: 11.5 inches X 13.5 inches

Lots to do to get this tank up and running. RO/DI should be here on Monday and need to get it plumbed in and the RO part tied into the frig.

Need to find a sumo or a sheet acrylic to build a sump - I've read it isn't to difficult - maybe just find a used 30 gallon tank.

Anyone bought a sheet of acrylic in Houston?

 

[flipside]

Yes, you can get them at Regal Plastics. Full sheets are expensive, but you can build a 30g sump with out of the scrap bin there. I don't have their information handy, but they are Google-able. I go there all the time for scrap, Weld On, and acrylic cleaning supplies.

Building a sump is easy, but using a 29g would be easier. All you'd need are baffles and a plan.

Overkill on a skimmer is always a smart idea. That's a good skimmer/pump combo/price, too. You will be happy that you went with it later on.

Any way you look at it, you are off to a great start, man! There's some MARSHians in Katy that I know, too... if you ever need help/inspiration just pipe up. I'm sure they'd be willing to show you the route they went.

Oh, and if you tie your RO/DI into the fridge line, make sure you have a drain line close by for the drain off the RO/DI unit. That's why I didn't run mine that way. I ended up using the laundry room for my spare RO/DI unit because the washer has a drain.

 

[flexrac]

my rodi is plumbed under the kitchen sink.
i second using a 30 gal tank and getting scraps from regal for the baffles.
look into quite one pumps for your return.
you may have to do some sort of partial pvc with loc lines as well for the output into the tank.
or get the hang on connections that canister filters use with the suction cups to hold it in place. since you cannot drill the tank and use bulkheads.

keep us updated, with pics.
Goodluck!

 

[mikezoch]

Mine is going under the sink as well - I have been on one tank crawl - I think 2 years ago - it would be nice to have a fish room for all the stuff for the tank. Maybe on the next house -

I'll have to look for a hang-on returns (like canister filters) that will accommodate a 700+ gph without restriction - or build a manifold (so I can use 2 returns).

Good idea though - I was going the PVC route, but the hang-on returns seems like it would be less hassle.

 

[flipside]

Hassle? That's what this hobby's all about [at first]!

Have you considered drilling the back...something like this guy did:

http://www.livingreefs.com/start-my-diy-75g-tank-and-stand-t18104p2.html

Gives you more room in the tank, and looks super clean.

Glad to hear that you are going under the sink with the RO/DI unit. I have one under my sink, too... it was super easy to install, as well.

 

[mikezoch]

Sweet I have seen that, but completely forgot about that as a solution - that solves several problems - One of which is the distance from the wall because of the over flow.

What do you do on the inside of the tank? An over flow box. I've seen in the fish stores just a PVC pipe as a drain, but I bet that makes a lot of noise.

So I could drill two holes for overflow and maybe 3-4 returns - or do they need to be balance - 1 for 1 in and out?

For safety sake I would want to use check valves.

 

[flexrac]

make sure the tank is not tempered all over, i have a 55 that has tempered glass on all 5 sides.

 

[Llama]

make sure the tank is not tempered all over, i have a 55 that has tempered glass on all 5 sides.

Be sure to do this! I had an AllGlass 55 gal that both myself and Nick from the Ranch thought was tempered on bottom only. The drill said differently though. Anybody need a stand?

 

[mikezoch]

Change of direction - again

I have decided to order a new tank from GlassCages. I have to order it this morning to make the 10/4 delivery run to Houston.

While looking for thoughts about this company and their product (I know it is Ok - not the top of the line of tanks) I ran across RR_MAN's build thread:

http://www.marshreef.com/modules.ph...=0&postorder=asc&highlight=glasscages&start=0

This is the size tank I was going to order.

I now need to decide on either having GlassCages drilling the bottom or the back. The Calflo - coast to coast overflows looks interesting. Any strong feelings on which direction to go? Calflo means more work on my part - I believe GlassCages doesn't offer this option, but I will ask when I order.

 

[mikezoch]

Tank is ordered and will be here Oct 4th. I chickened out and choose a normal overflow arrangement.

Now I need to order skimmer, salt (and trying to figure which one), powerheads. It will be a little while before I need to get sand and rock since I still have to build the stand and hood and install the RO/DI.

Let the fun begin.

 

[Guest]

good info

 

[mikezoch]

RO/DI filter is now installed and making water. TDS going into the filter is 299 coming out TDS - 0. Marc Levenson sells a nice unit and easy to install. I'm making water to fill a 75 gallon since I'm on the hunt for some live rock.

Purchased a ATB 840 v1.5 Protein Skimmer (ATB-840) for $665.95 from Mike Leonard at Reef Specialty. Skimmer should be here by Thursday.

Need to purchase some salt (IO I think, maybe Reef Crystals - choosing a salt isn't easy), some test kits, and a refractometer.

And I still need to get the material needed to build the stand. I've decided to use an old 55 gallon tank and build the stand to accommodate it - which means the stand will be a little over sized for the 120. Allowing for the side panel to be removed should allow me to remove the sump should needed.

 

[flexrac]

check out our sponsor 3cc, they have a great sale on salt right now. i would not pass this up. reef crystals cost a pretty penny locally, might want to order online, unless 3cc can give you a good deal.
otherwise i believe citypets carries it.
i personnaly use use coralife since it's readily availale everywhere. and i get a free t-shirt when i buy a bucket.

 

[mikezoch]

Update from this weekends activities.

I purchased some IO, a refractometer, a couple of test kits, a Koralia 4. Made some saltwater and let things mix over night. The refractometer is reading 1.025. I need to get a calcium test, but Salifert had a recall, so I can't seem to find any. I was told that Aquarium Pharmaceuticals is as good as any - for testing ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and PH. I haven't tested anythingsince there was noting in the tank that would have changed the water parameters - until Sunday.

I purchased some live rock from a Marsh member and have it floating in the tank. Since there were some mushrooms and a couple of zoanthids I figured it was time to buy a few small fish and some cleaners. So I picked up 3 peppermint shrimps, 3 cleaners crabs, 3 snail, and 3 Yellowtail Blue Damsel. Also hitch hicking on the rock were 2 more snails and a Goby - I was told a Clown Goby, but the pictures don't matchup. He is White with about 6 black bands or is he balck with 6 white bands . . . anyway my daughter says he cute - just hope likes his new home and contiues to eat. Since this rock has been his hom e- I hope things will be Ok with him.

Bought a fliter sock and stuffed an Eheim Ecco 2234 to clleaup the water - things - this morning water is clean - and everyone was out and about (except the Goby - he likes being under the big rock).

Through in some frozen food and the damsels had breakfest, so far so good.

Protein Skimmer should be here Wed or Thu.

 

[galvezsurfer33]

did you let it cycle for a month?

 

[mikezoch]

Rock is out of an established tank