600 Gallon Upgrade Build

Newbie Aquarist · 09/05/2011, 09:54 AM

It's time for an upgrade. I love my 225 gallon reef with all my heart but I am looking out for what is best for my fish, corals, and future stocking.

This whole build will be a DIY. To start off, the tank will be 84"L x 48"W x 24"H and drilled with a closed loop. The main circulation will be a Reeflo Dart pump and will be running six 1 1/2" Sea Swirls. If I don't like the flow I will add 2 MP60's into the mix. The overflow will be a call flow with 4 drains done with the bean animal overflow. I am still deciding on either doing a 1 1/2" or 2 " drain going into the sump.

The closed loop will have two 2" drains going into a Reeflo Dart pump and returning with six 1" returns.

The sump will be 72"L x 36"W x 24"H. Here is a picture of the sump I will be building but without the baffles. In stead, I will be adding a refugium.

http://s1207.photobucket.com/albums/...t-34855-PM.png

For the Skimmer I will be getting the Reef Octopus Recirculating Skimmer.

http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus...umps-1136.html

The stand will be about 44 - 46 inches high and made with a combination of 2" x 6"s and 2" x 4"s.

As for lighting I will be doing a DIY with approximately 270 LEDs. It will be a 50/50 mix of actnics and cool whites with some UVs added(probably).

I will be transferring my current livestock to this tank and I assume it will take about 5 or six months depending on how much of my original tank water I will use to start this tank with.

I will have about a 2" - 3" sand bed and continue to use the black sand. I believe 300 lbs should be suffice. I will add another 200 lbs of dry rock and what ever is left over will be broken down and put in the refugium.

This will be a slow build as I have budgeted a few dollars a month to put this together. I will build the sump and stand first, the tank, and then accessories along the way. So lets get'er done.

Newbie Aquarist · 09/05/2011, 10:03 AM

I started building the sump and all was going good until I dropped the Weldon 4 can. But this is what I have done so far.

dave.m · 09/05/2011, 10:06 AM

You can wrap your picture URLs in Image tags [img] ... [/img] to get them to display inside your posts, or just click on the yellow "mountains" button in Edit mode and paste the URL there.

Dave.M

CRAZYFIZH · 09/05/2011, 10:15 AM

I would go with the 2' drains if it were me
looking good so far
i have a bunck of extra live rock if you want to come look at it
tagging along

Newbie Aquarist · 09/05/2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave.m

You can wrap your picture URLs in Image tags [img] ... [/img] to get them to display inside your posts, or just click on the yellow "mountains" button in Edit mode and paste the URL there.

Dave.M

Its not working.

jdpiii3 · 09/05/2011, 10:26 AM

looks like it will be a great setup! I can't wait to see more!

jdpiii3 · 09/05/2011, 10:28 AM

Newbie Aquarist · 09/05/2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdpiii3

looks like it will be a great setup! I can't wait to see more!

Thanks. Its slowly in the works.

dave.m · 09/05/2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Its not working.

Looks okay now to me. Anyone else having problems seeing the images?

Dave.M

maik1 · 09/05/2011, 10:54 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but should the bubble trap not be turned up side down? You may want to go with more than just one drain too. The filter socks should work great, I would use 7" mesh.

Subscribed.

Maik1

Newbie Aquarist · 09/05/2011, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maik1

Correct me if I'm wrong, but should the bubble trap not be turned up side down? You may want to go with more than just one drain too. The filter socks should work great, I would use 7" mesh.

Subscribed.

Maik1

I'm not going to use a bubble trap. I will be adding a refugium. I will have four drains and 7" mesh socks.

CRAZYFIZH · 09/05/2011, 12:22 PM

I do not have bubble trap in my sump just used extra live rock and no bubbles in my dt

muttley000 · 09/05/2011, 12:50 PM

I can relate to slow progress because of budget! Are you fabricating the big tank too? Who's acrylic you using? Looking forward to it!

albano · 09/05/2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

The main circulation will be a Reeflo Dart pump and will be running six 1 1/2" Sea Swirls.

The closed loop will have two 2" drains going into a Reeflo Dart pump and returning with six 1" returns.

The stand will be about 44 - 46 inches high and made with a combination of 2" x 6"s and 2" x 4"s.

As for lighting I will be doing a DIY with approximately 270 LEDs. It will be a 50/50 mix of actnics and cool whites with some UVs added(probably).

I will be transferring my current livestock to this tank and I assume it will take about 5 or six months depending on how much of my original tank water I will use to start this tank with.

IMO...the 1 1/2" Sea Swirls is unnecessary ...unless you're using something like an 'oceans motions'and alternating the returns...the dart could not 'feed' six 1 1/2" returns...save your $...you could get away with 3/4" SS

Will the closed loop be alternating?

You are probably much taller than me, BUT that stand is VERY high, making the top of the tank about 6'...how high is the ceiling, because it will be hard to get high enough to work on the tank and place live rock in it. (I know this from experience, and had to reduce my stand by 6")

I would recommend some add'l green & possibly red LEDs to balance out the spectrum. I have 360 LEDs (24 are green) plus an add'l 10 48" HO T5s on my 8' tank.

If you move all your current LR/livestock (with MINIMAL additions) and most of your water at the same time, the tank can be running 'instantly'...which is exactly what I did when I upgraded from 2 tanks (170g & 130g) to my 450g DT

My tank build which was completed in June 2010 is on Manhattan Reefs... if you'd like the link, I can PM you.

Newbie Aquarist · 09/06/2011, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRAZYFIZH

I do not have bubble trap in my sump just used extra live rock and no bubbles in my dt

Good suggestion and something to think about.

Quote:

Originally Posted by muttley000

I can relate to slow progress because of budget! Are you fabricating the big tank too? Who's acrylic you using? Looking forward to it!

Yes I am. The acrylic I am using is from a company down the street that builds aquariums also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by albano

IMO...the 1 1/2" Sea Swirls is unnecessary ...unless you're using something like an 'oceans motions'and alternating the returns...the dart could not 'feed' six 1 1/2" returns...save your $...you could get away with 3/4" SS

Will the closed loop be alternating?

You are probably much taller than me, BUT that stand is VERY high, making the top of the tank about 6'...how high is the ceiling, because it will be hard to get high enough to work on the tank and place live rock in it. (I know this from experience, and had to reduce my stand by 6")

I would recommend some add'l green & possibly red LEDs to balance out the spectrum. I have 360 LEDs (24 are green) plus an add'l 10 48" HO T5s on my 8' tank.

If you move all your current LR/livestock (with MINIMAL additions) and most of your water at the same time, the tank can be running 'instantly'...which is exactly what I did when I upgraded from 2 tanks (170g & 130g) to my 450g DT

My tank build which was completed in June 2010 is on Manhattan Reefs... if you'd like the link, I can PM you.

It wont be an oceans motion but it will be alternating the returns. Someone suggested the 3/4'' SS with eductors on the ends and 3/4" returns on the closed loop also.

Yes I am 6' but I have 8' ceilings in the place where the tank will be. I am weighing out the options of lowering the stand also depending on the skimmer and clearance I need.

If I can get a major deal on a large plastic tank and make enough SW then that sounds like a plan.

CRAZYFIZH · 09/06/2011, 02:54 PM

Are you building your stand out of wood or metal.
I would make the stand lower that is the reason i am going to a 300 dd becouse my tank is too tall with my hood on my tank is 8ft.
My stand is tall enough at 36' but the tank is only 27' tall so i will be ok i hope.

wvreef · 09/06/2011, 03:04 PM

looking good, wish I could do acrylic like that....affraid i would glue myself to the acrylic.....lol
looking forward to more pictures

albano · 09/06/2011, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Someone suggested the 3/4'' SS with eductors on the ends and 3/4" returns on the closed loop also.

If I can get a major deal on a large plastic tank and make enough SW then that sounds like a plan.

Eductors are probably gonna be too big and not look good on the SSs.
If you really think you need them, you should look at penductors.

Why do you need a large plastic tank?...it would be good for water changes, but not necessary for the initial upgrade. After you finish putting the whole new system together, you will need to water test it (usually with fresh water), when everything looks good, you can refill the tank with the amount of salt water you will need for the changeover.

Newbie Aquarist · 09/06/2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRAZYFIZH

Are you building your stand out of wood or metal.
I would make the stand lower that is the reason i am going to a 300 dd becouse my tank is too tall with my hood on my tank is 8ft.
My stand is tall enough at 36' but the tank is only 27' tall so i will be ok i hope.

I am building the stand out of wood. The tank is going to be 24" in height so I can play with those 3" in the stand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvreef

looking good, wish I could do acrylic like that....afraid i would glue myself to the acrylic.....lol
looking forward to more pictures

That's the good thing about acrylic. You cant glue yourself to it. The Weldon goes on and it adheres the acrylic to itself. I have tried and mad mistakes and no glue on my hands. It evaporates before it sticks to you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by albano

Eductors are probably gonna be too big and not look good on the SSs.
If you really think you need them, you should look at penductors.

Why do you need a large plastic tank?...it would be good for water changes, but not necessary for the initial upgrade. After you finish putting the whole new system together, you will need to water test it (usually with fresh water), when everything looks good, you can refill the tank with the amount of salt water you will need for the changeover.

I was originally thinking to use it to make new water. But my second thought was to fill the tank and sump with fresh RO/DI water and run it a few days and if no leak just add salt to it until it gets to the right SG.

What are penductors? And can I use them also for the return on the closed loop?

albano · 09/06/2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

I was originally thinking to use it to make new water. But my second thought was to fill the tank and sump with fresh RO/DI water and run it a few days and if no leak just add salt to it until it gets to the right SG.

What are penductors? And can I use them also for the return on the closed loop?

I like to throw away the first test water...hopefully, it has 'washed' out the tanks and pipes and you're getting rid of any residue, etc...then fill it with RO/DI
penductors are smaller eductors

Newbie Aquarist · 09/06/2011, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albano

I like to throw away the first test water...hopefully, it has 'washed' out the tanks and pipes and you're getting rid of any residue, etc...then fill it with RO/DI
penductors are smaller eductors

Point made.

Newbie Aquarist · 09/07/2011, 06:28 PM

I thought I would have my sump finished today but the acrylic shop had a machine failure and I will have to wait until tomorrow to attempt to finish it. As of now this is how much I have accomplished.
[IMG]

[/IMG]
I also made this rolling cart so if or when I have to service the sump I can roll it out.
[IMG]

[/IMG]

albano · 09/07/2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

I also made this rolling cart so if or when I have to service the sump I can roll it out.
[IMG]

[/IMG]

I'm pretty sure, those dollies are from Budget Truck Rentals!!!!

Newbie Aquarist · 09/07/2011, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by albano

I'm pretty sure, those dollies are from Budget Truck Rentals!!!!

Believe it or not I got them from HD for $19.95. Each cart can support 600 lbs.

CRAZYFIZH · 09/07/2011, 08:41 PM

good idea with the dollies
build a fish room just add it to the budget lol

09/05/2011, 09:54 AM	#1
Newbie Aquarist Reefing is my middle name Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,796	600 Gallon Upgrade Build It's time for an upgrade. I love my 225 gallon reef with all my heart but I am looking out for what is best for my fish, corals, and future stocking. This whole build will be a DIY. To start off, the tank will be 84"L x 48"W x 24"H and drilled with a closed loop. The main circulation will be a Reeflo Dart pump and will be running six 1 1/2" Sea Swirls. If I don't like the flow I will add 2 MP60's into the mix. The overflow will be a call flow with 4 drains done with the bean animal overflow. I am still deciding on either doing a 1 1/2" or 2 " drain going into the sump. The closed loop will have two 2" drains going into a Reeflo Dart pump and returning with six 1" returns. The sump will be 72"L x 36"W x 24"H. Here is a picture of the sump I will be building but without the baffles. In stead, I will be adding a refugium. http://s1207.photobucket.com/albums/...t-34855-PM.png For the Skimmer I will be getting the Reef Octopus Recirculating Skimmer. http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus...umps-1136.html The stand will be about 44 - 46 inches high and made with a combination of 2" x 6"s and 2" x 4"s. As for lighting I will be doing a DIY with approximately 270 LEDs. It will be a 50/50 mix of actnics and cool whites with some UVs added(probably). I will be transferring my current livestock to this tank and I assume it will take about 5 or six months depending on how much of my original tank water I will use to start this tank with. I will have about a 2" - 3" sand bed and continue to use the black sand. I believe 300 lbs should be suffice. I will add another 200 lbs of dry rock and what ever is left over will be broken down and put in the refugium. This will be a slow build as I have budgeted a few dollars a month to put this together. I will build the sump and stand first, the tank, and then accessories along the way. So lets get'er done. Last edited by Newbie Aquarist; 09/05/2011 at 10:05 AM.

09/05/2011, 10:03 AM	#2
Newbie Aquarist Reefing is my middle name Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,796	I started building the sump and all was going good until I dropped the Weldon 4 can. But this is what I have done so far. Last edited by Newbie Aquarist; 09/05/2011 at 10:25 AM.

09/05/2011, 10:06 AM	#3
dave.m Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canadia Posts: 4,276	You can wrap your picture URLs in Image tags [img] ... [/img] to get them to display inside your posts, or just click on the yellow "mountains" button in Edit mode and paste the URL there. Dave.M __________________ My Gawd! It's full of corals! Current Tank Info: None. Nil. Zip. Nada.

09/05/2011, 10:26 AM	#6
jdpiii3 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New Port Richey, FL Posts: 623	looks like it will be a great setup! I can't wait to see more! __________________ In a world where I feel so small, I can't stop thinking big. Current Tank Info: 400 gal in wall – Sun-Lit with two 21” Sun-Domes 72x36x36 400lbs l.r. & sand 2 ReeFlo Super Dart Gold return pumps, 120g Sump, My Reef Creations MR-6R Recirculating Protein Skimmer, 2 MP60's/ Tank Video on Youtube

09/05/2011, 10:28 AM	#7
jdpiii3 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New Port Richey, FL Posts: 623	__________________ In a world where I feel so small, I can't stop thinking big. Current Tank Info: 400 gal in wall – Sun-Lit with two 21” Sun-Domes 72x36x36 400lbs l.r. & sand 2 ReeFlo Super Dart Gold return pumps, 120g Sump, My Reef Creations MR-6R Recirculating Protein Skimmer, 2 MP60's/ Tank Video on Youtube

09/05/2011, 10:15 AM	#4
CRAZYFIZH Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: LARGO, FLORIDA Posts: 220	I would go with the 2' drains if it were me looking good so far i have a bunck of extra live rock if you want to come look at it tagging along

09/05/2011, 10:54 AM	#10
maik1 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Bay,Ontario, Canada Posts: 222	Correct me if I'm wrong, but should the bubble trap not be turned up side down? You may want to go with more than just one drain too. The filter socks should work great, I would use 7" mesh. Subscribed. Maik1

09/05/2011, 12:22 PM	#12
CRAZYFIZH Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: LARGO, FLORIDA Posts: 220	I do not have bubble trap in my sump just used extra live rock and no bubbles in my dt

09/05/2011, 12:50 PM	#13
muttley000 MTS Sufferer! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 1,926	I can relate to slow progress because of budget! Are you fabricating the big tank too? Who's acrylic you using? Looking forward to it! __________________ Next step on the system is adding A 90 gallon! Current Tank Info: 475 multitank system is now running! Several hundred gallons of additions planned!

09/06/2011, 02:54 PM	#16
CRAZYFIZH Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: LARGO, FLORIDA Posts: 220	Are you building your stand out of wood or metal. I would make the stand lower that is the reason i am going to a 300 dd becouse my tank is too tall with my hood on my tank is 8ft. My stand is tall enough at 36' but the tank is only 27' tall so i will be ok i hope.

09/06/2011, 03:04 PM	#17
wvreef Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 54	looking good, wish I could do acrylic like that....affraid i would glue myself to the acrylic.....lol looking forward to more pictures

09/07/2011, 06:28 PM	#22
Newbie Aquarist Reefing is my middle name Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 5,796	I thought I would have my sump finished today but the acrylic shop had a machine failure and I will have to wait until tomorrow to attempt to finish it. As of now this is how much I have accomplished. [IMG][/IMG] I also made this rolling cart so if or when I have to service the sump I can roll it out. [IMG][/IMG] Last edited by Newbie Aquarist; 09/07/2011 at 06:33 PM.

09/07/2011, 08:41 PM	#25
CRAZYFIZH Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: LARGO, FLORIDA Posts: 220	good idea with the dollies build a fish room just add it to the budget lol

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