New Setup Plan

[brewercm]

As I plan out the next system for after move setup I'm getting things put together and just wanted any input on what else might be nice up front prior to setup. Below is what I have now and will incorporate at the moment.

180 Gallon RR
Custom stand 39 inches tall with canopy
2 400 watt halides on electronic ballast
2 72 inch VHO actinic on electronic ballast
wet/dry (sump) that will be connected to another fuge
2 tunze 6060s, may only need one for 6 foot tank
sedra 1200 pump for return pump
Nautilux EX skimmer (wanting to upgrade, possibly before setup)

Does anyone think that while this is being drilled for the overflows and return lines I should drill for closed loop also. Remember, I have two Tunzes sitting in the wings waiting to be used that use much less power than a larger pump would.

Thanks for any input. I probably have at least 8 months before this all gets put together and becomes reality. I just decided it's easier on myself and any animals to wait it out until move is done.

[alexwolf]

I have a 175 bow, and this was then flow:
little giant 3 MDQX return (~1000 GPH)
4 MJ1200's on a wavemaker
1 Tunze 6080

I had a 6060 but it was too much flow. Your 2 6060's with the return should be fine. I had a closed loop on a Mag 18, but took it out. It wasnt worth all the hassle.

[captexas]

Cliff - It can't hurt to go ahead and have it drilled for a closed loop. You can plug the holes for now and then if you discover you do need more flow the bulkheads will be there. It would give you more options later on if flow is a problem.

[wkopplin]

Where are you getting the tank drilled?

If you are going to be keeping sps again, I would use three mh's. I agree with Chris, get it drilled for a closed loop.

[matt]

I'd consider a beefier return pump than the sedra. Go for a nice external like an iwaki or pan world; one of the non-pressure rated ones. It'll last forever, stay cleaner, and hold it's flow. About the closed loop, you only need one hole drilled, but you can also pretty easily set up a closed loop without drilling. Since the loop stays submerged, there's little chance of a siphon break. You also might want to check into the calfo style overflow; I think it's a much better arrangement than the typical corner overflow boxes. As long as we're spending your money :D you might as well look into the "brick" style tank that has no top braces.

Sounds fun, I wish I had a 180... don't forget to save money for a nice skimmer!

[NaCl_H2O]

180, that's 72x24x25 right? If so, I agree that three MHs are needed (one per 2' of tank length). Also, 400 Watts may be a little more than is needed with a 25" depth, but then again 250's might not be enough if you are going for an SPS tank.

I agree on the closed loops, go ahead and get a hole or two drilled so you have options later. Not familiar with the sedra 1200, but I went with a Blueline (Iwaki/Panworld) for my new system - I have heard nothing but great feedback on these heavy duty pumps!

Matt's right, its really easy for us to spend your money :-D - Get a brick aquarium and all the skimmer you can afford!
And another expensive pump for the skimmer, and a Ca reactor, and, and, and ... you are rich, right?

[brewercm]

Well, the tank is already purchased so a brick was not option.

I was thinking I will probably add a third halide and place it just next to the center brace somewhat so I get as much light into it as possible through the glass (some's better than none).

Tank is already drilled by now I'm sure and Dan is probably already working the overflow boxes by now also.

So what is the best way to run a closed loop if I want to later, Drill a couple of holes for return and run siphon over the back. The only reason I could see needing the closed loop with the Tunzes there is if I run the returns back behind the rock to keep a good flow back there. I've actually considered running one Tunze behind and across the rocks and the other closer to top and across.

As far as the return, that's just what I already have and may look at a larger one later, plus I got it at a good price, maybe change before I ever get going.

How does all of this sound?

[dow]

So what is the best way to run a closed loop if I want to later, Drill a couple of holes for return and run siphon over the back.

Look here: Closed Loop with SCWD Wavemaker (http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html)

Instructions are here: How to Build One Yourself (http://www.melevsreef.com/how_to_build.html)

Looks pretty simple.

[brewercm]

Thanks for the links dow. Maybe I'll have them drill me a couple more holes in the back. One towards the bottom and run a return pipe along the back with a buch of holes drilled for water to come out behind the rocks. Then run another higher up and have a valve on that one to control the output of both.

Is it better to just have a hole drilled below the water line somewhere for the inlet or have it running over the back?

[matt]

The only hole you would consider drilling for a closed loop is a drain hole, NOT a return hole. It mkes no sense to drill your tank for return when you can just pump it over the side. If you drill a drain hole, you'd want to do so just below the water line. This is because if there is ever a leak anywhere in your closed loop line or pump, all the water to that hole will drain. Plus, you're probably less likely to suck up animals and crud if your drain hole is high. If it were my tank, and I was spending the money on the tunze system, I don't think I'd drill for a closed loop. You really can do it no problem without the holes, especially if you're thinking about hiding it behind rock. This is based on the assumption that you're going for 2 tunzes with the controller; from what I've heard that set up produces really good flow.

OTOH, having a dedicated loop behind the rocks, basically replacing a few powerheads on the back wall, sounds like a great idea. If the tunze set up you're getting does not have the controller, you might consider one of these "ocean motion" devices to provide some oscellation in the flow.

Man this hobby is expensive!

[brewercm]

Tell me about it, just not my wife.