75 Build!

[tito]

I am going to do a build thread for my latest project, a 75 gallon setup. After wanting to do many things to my current 58 I decided it would be better to start from scratch with a little bigger tank. Here is my proposed equipment list:

Tank: AGA 75RR with black trim. I went with the AGA over the Perfecto because of the overflow location. I like the AGA overflow because it is a little off centered in the back of the tank. The corner overflows are preferred but it is the first end when you walk down my stairs and I am sick of looking at my durso setup.

Stand & Canopy: Stand and canopy are going to be diy. The stand is oversized (60" x 25-1/2") to allow for a bigger sump and more room for other items (ballasts, chiller, etc.). I am also designing it so I can put a 120 gallon (4'x2'x2') tank on it in the future if I ever decide to upgrade. I am going to take my time on this so I can have a decent looking final product.

Lighting: 4 or 6 T5 bulbs in a DIY canopy. These will be retro kits so I will either go with the ReefGeek or IceCap retro. Will have two ballasts, one for actinics and the other for daylight. The canopy wil also have 2-3 computer fans in it to get good air over the bulbs.

Skimmer: I am going to try and use my EuroReef RS80 I have on my 58. If it doesn't look like it can handle it then I may look at Tunze, MSX, etc.

Sump: I purchased a 30 (36" x 12" x 16") for the sump. I wanted a 40 breeder but they where all out. I plan to do the fuge on the right, retun in the middle and skimmer on the left. The return pump is going to be a Ocean Runner 2500.

I guess this is my plan for now. I am sure some things will change as I progress through the build. Here is a pic of the stand (framing only). I need to add a few more braces and then I will skin it hopefully this weekend.

[mjsandbe]

I am excited that you are sharing this with us. I look forward to updates. Are you interested in this thread being "sticky", so it stays at the top of the forum for people to see?

[oyam123]

Ill hold out for the 120 build....

[tito]

They way this one is coming along you may be waiting a while.

[MedicineMan]

You might want to reconsider the arrangement in the sump. I'd suggest fuge being the first part where the overflow runs in, then the skimmer and finally the return. Or possibly skimmer->fuge->return. That way the flow will all be "filtered" before returning to the view tank.

[tito]

Originally Posted by MedicineMan

You might want to reconsider the arrangement in the sump. I'd suggest fuge being the first part where the overflow runs in, then the skimmer and finally the return. Or possibly skimmer->fuge->return. That way the flow will all be "filtered" before returning to the view tank.

I have thought about that and my only concern with that layout is having to much flow through the fuge. I don't want my macro ending up in the return section. I do like the fact that all of the water ends up going through the skimmer and fuge before returning to the tank in your recommendation.

[MedicineMan]

Perhaps for the fuge, you could use a tank divider sold at many fish stores. Rather than flowing over the top, this thin acrylic piece has pinhead sized holes spaced about 1/8" to 1/4" over the entire surface. This would allow a decent water flow and avoid algae going "over the top" with too much flow.

[DwightKeenan]

You could tee the return and put a ball valve and spray bar for the refugium and tune the amount of water that flows through it. That is was I did.

Originally Posted by tito

I have thought about that and my only concern with that layout is having to much flow through the fuge. I don't want my macro ending up in the return section. I do like the fact that all of the water ends up going through the skimmer and fuge before returning to the tank in your recommendation.

[Seamore]

Just finished the retro T5's for my 75 running 6 overdriven w/2 660 Icecaps, 6.8w/g. Skim>fuge>return. you want the fuge to dump inti the return so you don't skim live food pods, mysis, bits of macro....out your fish will love you for the fresh live delivered on a random basis. You can also split the mid section length wise fuge the front and skim the back with water level higher in the fuge, ball valve control for the flow is a good idea, flow control and adaptability based on tank need. Also think about black acrylic for the fuge walls so you can keep the light where you want it, less unintentional growth where you don,t want it. Best of luck, take your time, enjoy the process.

[Loverotties]

Looks good so far!I'd do at least the 6 t-5 .