Planning my new 220 gallon reef
I bit the bullet and ordered a new tank. I had reserved a used 250 if you recall the thread, but upon seeing it in person there was just too much wrong with it. The tank I ordered yesterday is a 220 gallon setup. The dimensions are 6'x2'x30", also bought the extra tall stand and canopy with a dark espresso stain. The total damages after tax was $1,829.77. Not as bad as I though it was going to be for a tank that large. So while I wait for it to come in I want to go ahead and get the planning done. This will be my first reef, both my previous tanks were FOWLR. So I have some questions, and I want to verify a few things.
First, I bought an RODI system. I had been buying the water but decided to make it myself. How do I test the water for purity once it is filtered? What am I looking for in the water?
Second, the tank has dual corner overflows. Should I plumb both of them to the same side of the sump, or opposite ends? I am probably going to convert a 55 gallon tank into a sump, I want to have a refugium on one side. What would be the pros and cons of building a sump over purchasing one?
I want to start with all base rock, to ensure I don't end up with hitch hikers. I was debating DIY rock, has anyone had luck with this, or should I just buy it? I am probably going to use 300lbs. worth, can the rock be seeded in a manor to ensure I get no hitch hikers, I would rather not throw any live rock in the tank.
I plan to use a reef octopus extreme skimmer rated for 300 gallons, would that be sufficient?
I have decided to go with halides, are there any advantages to using the pendant lights instead of the ones built into a VHO T5 strip? I have heard some people claim that the mh melt the housing over time, it seems plausible I suppose if you buy a cheap setup.
The tank comes with glass tops, but I don't intend to put them on. Are there any advantages to using a glass top that should make me reconsider?
When rinsing the sand, is it ok to use tap?
Sorry to ask so much guys, but this tank is officially ordered, and I am using my time to plan everything ahead. I just want to ensure I am set up for success. As always, thank you for your input.
I bit the bullet and ordered a new tank. I had reserved a used 250 if you recall the thread, but upon seeing it in person there was just too much wrong with it. The tank I ordered yesterday is a 220 gallon setup. The dimensions are 6'x2'x30", also bought the extra tall stand and canopy with a dark espresso stain. The total damages after tax was $1,829.77. Not as bad as I though it was going to be for a tank that large. So while I wait for it to come in I want to go ahead and get the planning done. This will be my first reef, both my previous tanks were FOWLR. So I have some questions, and I want to verify a few things.
First, I bought an RODI system. I had been buying the water but decided to make it myself. How do I test the water for purity once it is filtered? What am I looking for in the water?
Second, the tank has dual corner overflows. Should I plumb both of them to the same side of the sump, or opposite ends? I am probably going to convert a 55 gallon tank into a sump, I want to have a refugium on one side. What would be the pros and cons of building a sump over purchasing one?
I want to start with all base rock, to ensure I don't end up with hitch hikers. I was debating DIY rock, has anyone had luck with this, or should I just buy it? I am probably going to use 300lbs. worth, can the rock be seeded in a manor to ensure I get no hitch hikers, I would rather not throw any live rock in the tank.
I plan to use a reef octopus extreme skimmer rated for 300 gallons, would that be sufficient?
I have decided to go with halides, are there any advantages to using the pendant lights instead of the ones built into a VHO T5 strip? I have heard some people claim that the mh melt the housing over time, it seems plausible I suppose if you buy a cheap setup.
The tank comes with glass tops, but I don't intend to put them on. Are there any advantages to using a glass top that should make me reconsider?
When rinsing the sand, is it ok to use tap?
Sorry to ask so much guys, but this tank is officially ordered, and I am using my time to plan everything ahead. I just want to ensure I am set up for success. As always, thank you for your input.