SC Aquariums Owners Thread

[ReefCowboy]

I got the standard SC150 gal with center overflow. Decided to get a 16" synergy ghost overflow, removed the original overflow tower and plugged the bottom holes with a piece of 1/2" glass.

Am contemplating getting a professional to drill the holes for the rear glass, although Ive drilled smaller tanks before. Im just worried drilling a 1/2" thick glass could be a tough task? Anyone has done this and could share their experience?
Thanks

[texdoc77]

Originally Posted by jemw

Can't speak for others, but the green 1" tubing supplied with my system has been a problem. It's too rigid for proper installation for the return pump connection and it has a curve which is difficult to deal with. It would constantly reposition my return pump and move it in contact with the glass of the sump which is not good. I finally gave up on using it and ordered the White Soft Silicone Tubing from BRS. Just my 2¢.

LOL Same. May end up needing to do this as well...

[acer]

Yep, that is why I did the custom tank scenario ..... I felt the standard overflow was NOT the same quality as the tank or stand/canopy as it provides poor surface skimming for that large of a tank ( 150 gallons) , and in that little overflow area you had both outgoing drains and incoming water hose from the sump = too tight in there and the overflow can only handle so much water flow in thru it. Their glass/silicone tank production work is really good- but the overflow leaves much to be desired. Granted by doing the custom tank and paying more for a custom overflow made to my specs was more expensive. But, when one considers the overall expense of the full setup it is not that much percentage wise, and taking in consideration of the years of enjoyment out of it. Well , I hope I made the right choices.

[ReefCowboy]

Originally Posted by acer

pic of my new custom 150 .

Acer,

What overflow did you plan for this tank?

[texdoc77]

Originally Posted by acer

Yep, that is why I did the custom tank scenario ..... I felt the standard overflow was NOT the same quality as the tank or stand/canopy as it provides poor surface skimming for that large of a tank ( 150 gallons) , and in that little overflow area you had both outgoing drains and incoming water hose from the sump = too tight in there and the overflow can only handle so much water flow in thru it. Their glass/silicone tank production work is really good- but the overflow leaves much to be desired. Granted by doing the custom tank and paying more for a custom overflow made to my specs was more expensive. But, when one considers the overall expense of the full setup it is not that much percentage wise, and taking in consideration of the years of enjoyment out of it. Well , I hope I made the right choices.

I actually don't have any major issues with the overflow size and since mine is flush with the back wall, the bottom drilled holes work for me. But I really like your system and see the value in a C2C overflow. Will check out your build thread soon...

[kaigoss]

Hi guys, I just pulled the trigger on the 66 gallon Labor Day special, so I’m getting the tank, solid wood stand, and sump filtration. I have been out of the hobby for over 20 years so take it easy on me . My ultimate plan is to have a small reef set-up, but we love fish so the emphasis will always be on the fish! I’d like to start with mostly fish, and perhaps some live rock, and then perhaps later transition to a mix of fish and corals, but nothing too crazy.

I have read through a lot of pages on this thread and others, and I have to say the information is a little overwhelming at the moment. I’d really like to take it slow with this build, step by step and (re) learning along the way. My fist priority obviously is to get the tank erected and the plumbing set-up, and then fill up with sand and water and some live rock and let it cycle.

While I have many questions, most of which I hope you guys can help me with, I want to start from the beginning and with the basics. So my first concern is the proper set-up of the tank. I will continue reading through this (and other) thread, but I would really appreciate a few hints or tips any of you may want to share regarding the set-up. The LAST thing I want to do is make a mistake and then have to end up draining the tank later on to fix it! I am also very concerned with potential leaks and I want to do everything I can to prevent them from happening. So here are my initial questions:

Plumbing - I have read about issues with the provided plumbing. Would it be better to replace it from the beginning with something better? I'll be going with a Herbie drain. BTW, I talked with Steve today, great guy!, and he said the plumbing provided now is all SCH40 so I will try to use as much of it as I can. I already ordered the gate valve for the main return line from Amazon. I guess I will just start laying it out and see what I can use and what I still need to get.

Return pump - I got Steve to take the pump out of my order and he recommended the Jabeo 12000. At first sight it seems a bit overkill but I see the merits of using a pump at 50% capacity or less and it lasting a very long time that way. Eventually I will probably want to take full advantage of the DC motor and use the pump in combination with an "auto-leveling" controller for the overflow. I have to read up on this some more but I am assuming this pump will be compatible for something like that...will it?

Lighting - Probably the hardest decision I had to make so far...I decided on a single Kessil A360WE for now. It definitely is much more than what I was willing to spend originally, but after seeing and reading about the awesome shimmer these lamps produce, I have to say I had no other choice!

Here a couple of things I will be looking at once the tank is set-up:

Starting the cycle process - Do I use live rock or dead rock and introduce cultures in a different way? What sand is best? - I would really like it to be coarse with lots of coral fragments in it.

Water - We have an RO system for drinking water and I plan on "piggy-backing" on it daily, transferring water to a storage container in the garage which I will then use for mixing in salt.

ATO - Here is where I would like some input, what would you guys recommend? The reservoir will be located in the storage space behind the wall.

Controls - I am a big techy and I love the ability to monitor and (perhaps) control systems remotely. I love the idea of having some sort of master control for all, or most, of the systems, and being able to control them from my phone. Therefore, do I need to be conscious of my particular choices of hardware I purchase from here on? - This is an area I really need help with. This includes pH, temperature, salinity, and any other parameters that can be monitored electronically.

I have a storage space behind the wall where the tank will go, so I plan to mount all the controls, gauges, etc on the inside wall of that storage space. I can also envision mounting a wifi security camera zoomed in on the controls to be able to monitor everything remotely should the "on my phone" option be to complicated and/or too costly.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any input guys, I am so excited about getting back into the hobby! My tank will arrive in about a week so I have time to do my research and decide on the best path forward.

-Kaigoss

[acer]

Reelcowboy- go to my build thread. I had an acrylic 48 inch smooth weir overflow build by Custom Acrylics.

[kaigoss]

Any recommendations for a heater that fits nicely in the 66g sump?

[texdoc77]

Glad you have joined the SCA team. You will love your tank. My answers are in red below.

Originally Posted by kaigoss

So here are my initial questions:

Plumbing - I have read about issues with the provided plumbing. Would it be better to replace it from the beginning with something better? I'll be going with a Herbie drain. BTW, I talked with Steve today, great guy!, and he said the plumbing provided now is all SCH40 so I will try to use as much of it as I can. I already ordered the gate valve for the main return line from Amazon. I guess I will just start laying it out and see what I can use and what I still need to get.

If going with a herbie drain you will use very little if any of the plumbing from Steve. He sets it up to use a durso. I did use the loc line from mine. You could use the bulkheads if you want as well.

Return pump - I got Steve to take the pump out of my order and he recommended the Jabeo 12000. At first sight it seems a bit overkill but I see the merits of using a pump at 50% capacity or less and it lasting a very long time that way. Eventually I will probably want to take full advantage of the DC motor and use the pump in combination with an "auto-leveling" controller for the overflow. I have to read up on this some more but I am assuming this pump will be compatible for something like that...will it?

I know many go way big on the return pump and turn it down, but with a herbie you will want to set it and forget it once you get it dialed in, so a pump that simply meets and not exceeds may work fine.

Lighting - Probably the hardest decision I had to make so far...I decided on a single Kessil A360WE for now. It definitely is much more than what I was willing to spend originally, but after seeing and reading about the awesome shimmer these lamps produce, I have to say I had no other choice!

Not a bad choice, there are lots of options and thats a good one.

Here a couple of things I will be looking at once the tank is set-up:

Starting the cycle process - Do I use live rock or dead rock and introduce cultures in a different way? What sand is best? - I would really like it to be coarse with lots of coral fragments in it.

Lots of ways to add ammonia to your system including raw shrimp, ghost feeding and what I used a complete kit.

Water - We have an RO system for drinking water and I plan on "piggy-backing" on it daily, transferring water to a storage container in the garage which I will then use for mixing in salt.

RO systems for drinking water frequently put trace minerals back in the water for taste. They do not always remove all the contaminants you want removed for tank water. Consider a dedicated RO/DI system from either BRS or Spectrapure

ATO - Here is where I would like some input, what would you guys recommend? The reservoir will be located in the storage space behind the wall.

Tunze is probably the most popular, I use an Avast with a diaphragm pump and it pulls water up from my 55gallon container 25 feet away in my garage (through the attic)

Controls - I am a big techy and I love the ability to monitor and (perhaps) control systems remotely. I love the idea of having some sort of master control for all, or most, of the systems, and being able to control them from my phone. Therefore, do I need to be conscious of my particular choices of hardware I purchase from here on? - This is an area I really need help with. This includes pH, temperature, salinity, and any other parameters that can be monitored electronically.

This one is easy, get a Neptune Apex

I have a storage space behind the wall where the tank will go, so I plan to mount all the controls, gauges, etc on the inside wall of that storage space. I can also envision mounting a wifi security camera zoomed in on the controls to be able to monitor everything remotely should the "on my phone" option be to complicated and/or too costly.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any input guys, I am so excited about getting back into the hobby! My tank will arrive in about a week so I have time to do my research and decide on the best path forward.

-Kaigoss

[ReefCowboy]

Originally Posted by acer

Reelcowboy- go to my build thread. I had an acrylic 48 inch smooth weir overflow build by Custom Acrylics.

Thank you Acer, following

[jemw]

Originally Posted by jemw

Can't speak for others, but the green 1" tubing supplied with my system has been a problem. It's too rigid for proper installation for the return pump connection and it has a curve which is difficult to deal with. It would constantly reposition my return pump and move it in contact with the glass of the sump which is not good. I finally gave up on using it and ordered the White Soft Silicone Tubing from BRS. Just my 2¢.

Interesting to note that after I replaced the tubing with the soft silicone there was a noticeable reduction in noise.

[CafeReef]

Originally Posted by kaigoss

Hi guys, I just pulled the trigger on the 66 gallon Labor Day special, so I’m getting the tank, solid wood stand, and sump filtration. I have been out of the hobby for over 20 years so take it easy on me . My ultimate plan is to have a small reef set-up, but we love fish so the emphasis will always be on the fish! I’d like to start with mostly fish, and perhaps some live rock, and then perhaps later transition to a mix of fish and corals, but nothing too crazy.

I have read through a lot of pages on this thread and others, and I have to say the information is a little overwhelming at the moment. I’d really like to take it slow with this build, step by step and (re) learning along the way. My fist priority obviously is to get the tank erected and the plumbing set-up, and then fill up with sand and water and some live rock and let it cycle.

While I have many questions, most of which I hope you guys can help me with, I want to start from the beginning and with the basics. So my first concern is the proper set-up of the tank. I will continue reading through this (and other) thread, but I would really appreciate a few hints or tips any of you may want to share regarding the set-up. The LAST thing I want to do is make a mistake and then have to end up draining the tank later on to fix it! I am also very concerned with potential leaks and I want to do everything I can to prevent them from happening. So here are my initial questions:

Plumbing - I have read about issues with the provided plumbing. Would it be better to replace it from the beginning with something better? I'll be going with a Herbie drain. BTW, I talked with Steve today, great guy!, and he said the plumbing provided now is all SCH40 so I will try to use as much of it as I can. I already ordered the gate valve for the main return line from Amazon. I guess I will just start laying it out and see what I can use and what I still need to get.

Return pump - I got Steve to take the pump out of my order and he recommended the Jabeo 12000. At first sight it seems a bit overkill but I see the merits of using a pump at 50% capacity or less and it lasting a very long time that way. Eventually I will probably want to take full advantage of the DC motor and use the pump in combination with an "auto-leveling" controller for the overflow. I have to read up on this some more but I am assuming this pump will be compatible for something like that...will it?

Lighting - Probably the hardest decision I had to make so far...I decided on a single Kessil A360WE for now. It definitely is much more than what I was willing to spend originally, but after seeing and reading about the awesome shimmer these lamps produce, I have to say I had no other choice!

Here a couple of things I will be looking at once the tank is set-up:

Starting the cycle process - Do I use live rock or dead rock and introduce cultures in a different way? What sand is best? - I would really like it to be coarse with lots of coral fragments in it.

Water - We have an RO system for drinking water and I plan on "piggy-backing" on it daily, transferring water to a storage container in the garage which I will then use for mixing in salt.

ATO - Here is where I would like some input, what would you guys recommend? The reservoir will be located in the storage space behind the wall.

Controls - I am a big techy and I love the ability to monitor and (perhaps) control systems remotely. I love the idea of having some sort of master control for all, or most, of the systems, and being able to control them from my phone. Therefore, do I need to be conscious of my particular choices of hardware I purchase from here on? - This is an area I really need help with. This includes pH, temperature, salinity, and any other parameters that can be monitored electronically.

I have a storage space behind the wall where the tank will go, so I plan to mount all the controls, gauges, etc on the inside wall of that storage space. I can also envision mounting a wifi security camera zoomed in on the controls to be able to monitor everything remotely should the "on my phone" option be to complicated and/or too costly.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any input guys, I am so excited about getting back into the hobby! My tank will arrive in about a week so I have time to do my research and decide on the best path forward.

-Kaigoss

To come off your post here. I am running a Jebao DCT6000 on my 50 cube at 50% and it is more than enough, as Tex mentioned a 12000 may be a bit overkill, I want to say the new Jebao pumps are 7000 series now, personally I would go that route, you will still probably end up running it at 50% and will save you some $$.

ATO, I would go tunze as well. I have the 3152 ATO and I have it in a storage container on the other side of the wall from my tank as well. I just run the line through the wall, works great.

[kaigoss]

Originally Posted by texdoc77

Glad you have joined the SCA team. You will love your tank. My answers are in red below.

Thank you very much for your comments! Much appreciated!!!

Regarding the RO system, I'll read up on that. Its a Watts Premier from Costco.

Regarding the Neptune Apex, I was afraid of that . Is there any way I can do it cheaper???

[kaigoss]

Originally Posted by CafeReef

To come off your post here. I am running a Jebao DCT6000 on my 50 cube at 50% and it is more than enough, as Tex mentioned a 12000 may be a bit overkill, I want to say the new Jebao pumps are 7000 series now, personally I would go that route, you will still probably end up running it at 50% and will save you some $$.

ATO, I would go tunze as well. I have the 3152 ATO and I have it in a storage container on the other side of the wall from my tank as well. I just run the line through the wall, works great.

Thank you for your input! I actually bought the Jebao DCS 7000 yesterday! Now though I am not so happy reading that perhaps the Apex cannot control this pump? - It seems it would need a dedicated external interface module which exists for the DC/DCT models but seems incompatible with DCS models?

[texdoc77]

Originally Posted by kaigoss

Any recommendations for a heater that fits nicely in the 66g sump?

finnex

[texdoc77]

Originally Posted by kaigoss

Regarding the Neptune Apex, I was afraid of that . Is there any way I can do it cheaper???

Many have had good success with the reef angel system, you might check it out. IMO a controller is tantamount to long term success without significant burnout. There are times you just won't want to mess with your tank and a controller helps keep things in line during this time.

[texdoc77]

Originally Posted by kaigoss

Thank you for your input! I actually bought the Jebao DCS 7000 yesterday! Now though I am not so happy reading that perhaps the Apex cannot control this pump? - It seems it would need a dedicated external interface module which exists for the DC/DCT models but seems incompatible with DCS models?

There are lots of ways to run your system. I don't plan on messing with my return pump much if at all. That said when Neptune comes out with their return pump, I will likely get it as I suspect it will work with my system and have redundant fail safe features.

[soulpatch]

Originally Posted by kaigoss

Thank you very much for your comments! Much appreciated!!!

Regarding the RO system, I'll read up on that. Its a Watts Premier from Costco.

Regarding the Neptune Apex, I was afraid of that . Is there any way I can do it cheaper???

drinking RO<>reef tank RO plus you would need the DI stages as well. You are looking at $200 for a system that sets you up for success. Nothing is more frustrating to set up an awesome tank and constantly have algae and other issues from your water...

Originally Posted by kaigoss

Thank you for your input! I actually bought the Jebao DCS 7000 yesterday! Now though I am not so happy reading that perhaps the Apex cannot control this pump? - It seems it would need a dedicated external interface module which exists for the DC/DCT models but seems incompatible with DCS models?

What are you planning to do with the return? We are not running closed loops where dynamic flow would be beneficial. Instead most I do is have a clean and feed mode that kills the return and other equipment for a period of time.

A return pump is basically set to your drains so you keep constant flow and water level in tank.

[kaigoss]

Originally Posted by texdoc77

finnex

Thank you. Looked on Amazon but there are many different models, al lot of which have not so good reviews. I am thinking 300W? Better to have the external control?

[soulpatch]

Originally Posted by kaigoss

Thank you. Looked on Amazon but there are many different models, al lot of which have not so good reviews. I am thinking 300W? Better to have the external control?

no. you are actually better with 2 smaller heaters so if one fails you dont fry the tank. oversizing a heater is a disaster waiting to happen...

[kaigoss]

Originally Posted by soulpatch

drinking RO<>reef tank RO plus you would need the DI stages as well. You are looking at $200 for a system that sets you up for success. Nothing is more frustrating to set up an awesome tank and constantly have algae and other issues from your water....

Sigh...that's an expense I definitely did not plan on. Wifey definitely won't be happy. So I'll set that up in the garage. More reading to do!

Originally Posted by soulpatch

What are you planning to do with the return? We are not running closed loops where dynamic flow would be beneficial. Instead most I do is have a clean and feed mode that kills the return and other equipment for a period of time.

A return pump is basically set to your drains so you keep constant flow and water level in tank

I'll do a Herbie so the control is not necessary but I thought it would be good to have.

[kaigoss]

Originally Posted by soulpatch

no. you are actually better with 2 smaller heaters so if one fails you dont fry the tank. oversizing a heater is a disaster waiting to happen...

Ok thanks, which model do you recommend?

[soulpatch]

I have eheim in mine currently but they are on the long side. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-...um-heater.html

A lot of people rock the finnex. Issue with finnex is that their temp controller on cheaper models has a large swing. If you get an apex though that is not an issue...

[kaigoss]

Originally Posted by soulpatch

I have eheim in mine currently but they are on the long side. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-...um-heater.html

A lot of people rock the finnex. Issue with finnex is that their temp controller on cheaper models has a large swing. If you get an apex though that is not an issue...

Thanks, what wattage if I get 2? 66G tank.

[soulpatch]

I would get 2 125 personally of the jager true temp