My new 180 (w/pics), almost done. Need a little help setting

[1brent1]

This is my 180 setup I've been working on for the last couple months, built from scratch. I still need to finish up a couple minor things as well as the wiring. Turned the lights on last night for the first time and man do they glow!

Anyways, I need suggestions for finishing/setting up the filtration. I just received the protein skimmer (ASM G4) not sure where to put in or have it in the setup.

Right now I have a large external overflow box with 2x 1 1/2" lines coming out of it, WetDry, Protein Skimmer, UV Sterilizer and the plumbing for the returns and pumps of course.

I thought and wanted to have the 2 lines from the overflow go directly into the 2 intakes on the wetdry. From there I'm not sure what I need to do? I was thinking I might need to build a small sump to put the protein skimmer in and have the wetdry some how drain into (I can raise the wetdry up about 5 inches). Then pump the water back up to the tank. Maybe have the UVsterilizer somewhere in the return line? Does that sound right? Please Help.

Open for suggestions!

Here are some pic's-CLICK ON LINKS BELOW FOR LARGER IMAGES
http://partydamage.com/fishtank/01.jpg
http://partydamage.com/fishtank/03.jpg
http://partydamage.com/fishtank/02.jpg
http://partydamage.com/fishtank/04.jpg
http://partydamage.com/fishtank/05.jpg
http://partydamage.com/fishtank/06.jpg
http://partydamage.com/fishtank/07.jpg
http://partydamage.com/fishtank/08.jpg

 

[tripper]

That set-up looks great so far. One question I have for you is about your protein skimmer. Is there enough clearance in that enclosure to remove the collection cup? It looks pretty tight in there.

As far as placement of the skimmer, you would be best off using a sump. I don't know if it's too late for this, but you could build a sump under the tank instead of the wet/dry. Looks like you could fit a 40 gallon breeder or so under there. That way you could have your overflows both drain into the sump, you can create a chamber for a fuge and for the skimmer, and then a return into the main. Not sure if you want to do that after spending the money on the wet/dry, but you might be happier in the long run.

Other than that, it looks great. What is temp are those MH bulbs?

tripper

 

[runway1]

Awesome tank set up! Personally, I would either turn your wet/dry into a sump or scratch it and build a sump or buy a 40-50 gal tank and use it as such. Also, if this is a reef tank , you should lose the bio-balls. They'll make NO3 problems for you

I believe the G4 needs a sump anyhow to operate, which would very much simplify your set up. You could have everything you need in that sump and also have a compartment for a refugium would would greatly increase your system's ability to metabolize NO3's.

Can't wait to see it finished! Good Luck!

 

[1brent1]

That set-up looks great so far. One question I have for you is about your protein skimmer. Is there enough clearance in that enclosure to remove the collection cup? It looks pretty tight in there.

yes, actually the wood goes up about another 5 inches. its just under 30" and the protein skimmer is 24".

As far as placement of the skimmer, you would be best off using a sump. I don't know if it's too late for this, but you could build a sump under the tank instead of the wet/dry. Looks like you could fit a 40 gallon breeder or so under there. That way you could have your overflows both drain into the sump, you can create a chamber for a fuge and for the skimmer, and then a return into the main. Not sure if you want to do that after spending the money on the wet/dry, but you might be happier in the long run.

Its not to late, I got the wet/dry here used for real cheap. I want the setup to be right with least amount of maintenance as possible. Whats a fuge? Would that do the filtration since there won't be any if the wet/dry is gone?

Other than that, it looks great. What is temp are those MH bulbs?
tripper

Thanks! and 14k. I also have some moon lighting "http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=43" I will eventually add once setup.

 

[1brent1]

Awesome tank set up! Personally, I would either turn your wet/dry into a sump or scratch it and build a sump or buy a 40-50 gal tank and use it as such. Also, if this is a reef tank , you should lose the bio-balls. They'll make NO3 problems for you

I believe the G4 needs a sump anyhow to operate, which would very much simplify your set up. You could have everything you need in that sump and also have a compartment for a refugium would would greatly increase your system's ability to metabolize NO3's.

Can't wait to see it finished! Good Luck!

ME TOO! ..So, if I get rid of the wet/dry, I'll need to get a refugium? I'm trying to keep my electric bill down as much as possible and I believe if I have a refugium that means more lighting, etc. correct.

Also, should I take back the uv sterilizer (18 watt twister) and get a Ozonizer? Or will the uv sterilizer be fine for now? Trying to figure out where I can have the UVS without running another pump. (remember, trying to keep electric bill down).

 

[Gatorfreak]

I would do some searching/reading on "sump" and "refugium" to get ideas of what people do. Lots of options. Also check the DIY forum to get other ideas. You can light a refugium with just a PC bulb (or 2) from Home Depot. Won't cost much to buy or to run.

Also, as you're designing things, start thinking of incorporating an auto-topoff. Best improvement I ever made.

 

[1brent1]

now I'm thinking of doing something like this, since I have the room and because you guys keep saying how important it is to have refugium-

http://jjgeisler.com/reeftank/55g_sump-refugium2.htm

what do you think? I'm going to have to find a glass tank that is 14" or less wide around 18" high and up to 60" long. anyone know of one?

 

[Gatorfreak]

Here is a site that has some typical aquarium sizes:
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/tipsandtables/l/bltanksize.htm

The 40 gal Long looks to be the closest. Or you could have something made custom.

 

[1brent1]

Here is a site that has some typical aquarium sizes:
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/tipsandtables/l/bltanksize.htm

The 40 gal Long looks to be the closest. Or you could have something made custom.

YES, I think I'll go with the 40 gal long. I should be able to fit w/ dividers my intake side, small refugium and then my protein skimmer where my out take will be in with also right? Something similar to the link above.

thanks,
brent

 

[runway1]

now I'm thinking of doing something like this, since I have the room and because you guys keep saying how important it is to have refugium-

http://jjgeisler.com/reeftank/55g_sump-refugium2.htm

what do you think? I'm going to have to find a glass tank that is 14" or less wide around 18" high and up to 60" long. anyone know of one?

I don't like this at all, myself. For a 180 gal, your flow rate should be at least 1800 gph and closer to 2500/2700 gph for a reef. Given this, the PS and fuge in this link are going to overwhelmed. Besides that, your twin feeds from the overflow will only flow, maybe, 1600/1800 gph total - that's too much for the PS and fuge and not enough for the tank.

You'll need a closed loop circulation system or a few PH's in the tank if you go this route. If you do, I would slow the flow rate through the PS and fuge to <1000 gph to be effective. Then, add PH's or closed loop for the remaining circulation requirements

 

[runway1]

Is this a reef, FO, or FOWLR? That would be a major consideration.

 

[1brent1]

Is this a reef, FO, or FOWLR? That would be a major consideration.

I'm not a 100% sure. Still learning (first setup). I have 220 lbs of cured live rock in my basement that I was going to use. I was hopping I could have some fish with some corals. I've read I could, I just have to get reef friendly fish?

?