Zack's 310 gallon Reef build

[ReefBoy]

Ok so finals are over at college and I finished my first semester. I worked 1 week and made bank and I will be working the next couple weeks as well. I now have the time to start this 300 gal+ reef build!!

I have decided I either want the 310 Gallon (96x30x24
or the 350 Gallon (72x36x30
or the 280 Gallon (72x36x24
Any suggestions?
If I go 8 footer it will be viewable from the front and back panels and it will be a room separator.

If I go 6 footer it will be viewable from the front and both sides and it will have its back against a wall.

Ok so once I decide on the tank I will be looking into a sump. The tank is going to be predrilled but I have no idea where to tell them to drill the holes??

Any help on this?

I will need a protein skimmer too. Whats the best one? Is there any recommended brand or model I should get?

I will be purchasing the tank on Saturday 23rd. So i would like to purchase all the equipment for now. Thank you!!

 

[spoonman]

Personal opinion is get either one that is 24 inches deep. Way easier to rockscape...etc.

 

[ReefBoy]

Really? So the fish will still have enough room to swim without the tank looking too short?

 

[ReefBoy]

I hope you are talking about height. because I am going with the 30+inch wide because I want to be able to rocks cape and get better oxygen exchange at the top of the tank.

 

[Sniperhank]

Taller tanks are a pain to work with. One's arms simply aren't long enough most of the time when needing to work with the sandbed. Just some food for thought.

 

[spoonman]

Yes, I was talking about the height. Have had a couple 30" high tanks and even at 6'2" it was hard for me to place stuff on the sandbed.

 

[ReefBoy]

Ok! Thanks for the input! Just wanted to make sure I understood you right

 

[ReefBoy]

So I think I will go with the (96x30x24 tank. What sump would be best for this tank? A seamless sump? I think I like the Reef Octopus Elite 200INT Super Cone Skimmer. But I am not that say and I wouldn't know a good skimmer from a bad one. any input on this?

 

[ReefBoy]

Also where should I ask the company Im ordering from to drill the holes? I want the holes drilled on either end of the tank do to the tank being viewable from the front and back sides.

 

[alex07]

Reef octopus aren't bad at all, I love mine. I would look for a skimmer that is rated for tanks slightly bigger than your complete system.

 

[alex07]

Is the bottom glass tempered? If not, why don't you drill the hole on the bottom glass on either side.

 

[ReefBoy]

Ok so I changed to a Peninsula style tank that will be 72x36x24 or 72x48x24. I will be ordering it next Friday and I am starting the stand build right now. It will take 10-12 weeks to deliver.

So far I invested in another AI Hydra 52 and 26. I already have one of each. I plan to connect the 52 and 26's together to make 2 separate lights with 6 pucks each. ( Get my flow?)
I also ordered 3 of the CARIBSEA ARAGAMAX OOLITIC SELECT SAND 30 LB
I got another Vortech mP40. the new quiet drive one.

Will 2 mP40's be enough to power the 72x36x24? How about the 72x48x24?

 

[ReefBoy]

I will be ordering the seamless sump also. Any comments on the seamless sumps?? As far as the skimmers go. I like the Reef Octopus also alex07!! Do you know anything about the AquaMaxx protein skimmers??

 

[coralbandit]

index
I run the HSA1000 on my 120.
Just need a powerful supply pump and you will have one of the best skimmers going.

 

[coralbandit]

For holes drill for a bean animal or herbie coast to coast overflow.

 

[alex07]

Zachary, I've heard and read good things about AquaMaxx skimmers but I have no experience with them

 

[ReefBoy]

I have no idea coralbandit haha. I have never had a sump before and all I know is the tank has 2 holes ( I believe) that will be drilled on then bottom of the tank.

 

[ReefBoy]

Ok so AI will make sure I get a good size skimmer coralbandit and alex07. I sent my mp40 quiet drive back and Im ordering an mp60 instead. Should I buy the quiet drive or will the regular be fine?

 

[ReefBoy]

Thanks for all the help btw all!! Once I get all the equiptment in a pile I will create a new the=read and let everyone know each step of my stand build, tank arrival, aquascaping, everything

 

[Sniperhank]

Ok so AI will make sure I get a good size skimmer coralbandit and alex07. I sent my mp40 quiet drive back and Im ordering an mp60 instead. Should I buy the quiet drive or will the regular be fine?

I've read that the quiet drives are stronger than their predecessors. Either would work I'd think.

EDIT: I would hope that there are more pumps in the tank though. 310 is a ton of water for one pump...I run two MP40's in my 55. They are set very low, but even at full strength one shouldn't be enough flow for a tank of such size.