Garage 700+ gallon build

[fuzzybob4]

Hey gusts so im getting in the process of building/ setting up a garage grow out and fish holding system.
This is what I have so far and what I will need.
I have a stand that hold 9X 20 gallon long aquarium, 2 stands that hold 4X 55 gallon show tanks. I also have a rodi system already connected and 100 gallon storage holding tank.

I will be adding a 150-200 gallon sump for the water to be filtered in and hold live rock.
It will be controlled with an apex system.

1. I guess my need to know question is what LED lights work with the apex system or could I get a reef link and any wifi controls led and have the apex control the reef link and than in turn control the leds.

2. Out of the leds that apex is compatable with witch is the best how much covrage do they get.
3.where to find large skimmers for close to 1000 gallons of water.

[Dkray944]

Just curious, how are you going to maintain a steady temp? In the past this has been one of the biggest hurdles with systems in the garage.

[fuzzybob4]

A chiller

[alton]

My brother uses something similar the my attachment to keep his garage cool.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_416710-37374-416710_1z0zdyxZ1z118lf__?productId=4574782&pl=1
Most garage's have a vent to the out side so it's perfect, and I think some have a heat pump for the winter?

[klwheat]

Sounds like an awesome project...can't wait to see updates!
as far as LEDs, the only ones I've used so far are the radions. They are controllable with the apex using an add-on module. Easy setup and works great.

[fuzzybob4]

Yeah I've decided on a 1.5hp JBJ chiller. And LEDs I have no idea yet I've heard mixed rivews on the LEDs.
i asked some wholesalers that say use MH over sps and do led over Lps or softies.
Others have said they are getting rid of their MH and t5HO lights for leds so I'm still undesided. I might just buy one of ever kind and place the same coral under each light a do some testing to see wich kinda do best under the certain lighting while I grow out the corals

[fuzzybob4]

I found this great link for led lighting comparison chart from price to How much each cover, it's great.
http://www.tbaquatics.com/blog/2013/07/12/choosing-an-led-for-your-reef-aquarium/

[fuzzybob4]

I just ordered all the equipment.

2HP chiller
1X Dolphin Amp Master Diamond External Marine Pump - 4750 GPH (Type-2)
3X 48 Inch Current USA TrueLumen Pro Marine Fusion 12K/453nm Blue LED StripLight
Neptune Systems Apex Gold AquaController System
5X Kessil A160WE Controllable LED Aquarium Light - Sun
5X Kessil A160WE Controllable LED Aquarium Light - Tuna Blue

[fuzzybob4]

27189 27190 27191 27192 27193

[fuzzybob4]

Hey guys time for an updat just got 8 boxes of supplies in today only about 1/3 of the full order for the build.
I got in a few this today and still am waiting on my lighting, external pump, chiller and apex system.
Today I got my 6 boxes of 40lb sand for 4 out of 6 of my 55 gallons and than 4 out of my 9 fish holding tanks.
I got in frozen fish food, 4 thermometers, 2 small nets, 2 medium nets. Ick Medicean if needed, my UV stareilizer.
I can't for get alage scrubbers.

[fuzzybob4]

Finished cleaning the aquariums and set it up how I like the tanks:) I should be getting my second order in tomorrow sometime.
Heres some pictures of the aquariums.
27195271962719727198

[Justin]

Wow this is going to be a big build. Any thoughts on plumbing the whole thing up?

[fuzzybob4]

Yeah I'm got the rest of the aquarium equipment at home waiting on me to get their.
I am planing on putting an external pump that supply's water to all of my top level 20 gallons and than when it ends at the 2 55 gallons on the left side. Each tank will have an over flow to the tank below and the floor tanks will also have an over flow that will all drain into a single drain that is piped back into the sump. The return will Also have a submerged pump in the sump because the water has to be about 12 off the ground to get back into the sump. I'll have to force the water up after the bottom aquarium have drained. If that does not work than I'll have to figure out something else. Fingers crossed it works though

[fuzzybob4]

Ok guys here's another update:)


I just got in two more boxes but inside the boxes were even more boxes lol


I got my Neptune apex systems, my kessil lights as well as my strip lighting, my aquarium pump.272022720327204

[fuzzybob4]

Here is a link to more and past pictures I could not get them to upload:/

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wohuuow46bcds1y/AAC7GLdpF5wJBO1ENzCzRPuXa?dl=0

[fuzzybob4]

Here's some information on the pump.



Lowest Amp Draw Marine Pump.
Very cool running Silent indoor or un protected outdoor use.
Circulates up to 4750 GPH All new engineering using fringe tech seals simply the best pump on Earth for Aquariums or Ponds.
Extremely compact out performing heavy bulky 2" pumps.
Built to consume the lowest amount of energy per gallon pumped.
Unique Seal engineered to perform @ 100% for life, and outlast all other pump seals on the market by many years.
Motor pad and 1.5" new super seal unions included.
Recommended for fish only saltwater tanks or ponds with salt added.

[fuzzybob4]

How should I cycle the aquarium, I'm going to be placing about 240 lb of live sand into the system once my chiller come is but should I also have a sump full of live rock or just place one to two rock into each of the aquariums so once I have fish in them they have a place to hide?

[fuzzybob4]

Alright guys got my last shipment of major equipment in this evening. Yay!

I I got my chiller!
Saldy it does not have a plug so I went to homedepot and got the plug head along with the rest of the fittings needed to have the UV staralizer and the pump all connected.
I also connected my apex up to my phone but have to find a good place to put it.
Here are some pictures that I took be for it got dark.
On the last photo you see the chiller and above it (aka left side of the picture) is a flat board that is the place I plan on placing my apex system.
27224 27225 27226