57G Illuminata Build

[ampemployee1]

Hi, time to upgrade my 29 gallon reef.

I pick up my 57G Oceanic Illuminata RR, stand and sump 9/7. Here is what I'm planning for my system.

SC150 cone Skimmer (will purchase from eBay - got feedback from others, great value for $100)
Caribsea Special Reef Grade Sand (have 30 lbs)
MP10es (on order)
ATI Bulbs (will these work in the Coralife fixture?)
ATI Blue+
ATI Purple+
KZ New Generation
Eheim 1260 Pump (seems like a popular choice for this set up)
American DJ PC-100A 8 outlet powerstrip (rcvd today)
Various Plumbing Items
200W Heater
Light Diffuser to lay on bottom to hold sand in place
57G Oceanic Illuminata (on order)
Oceanic 70G Tech Tank Stand (on order)
Coralife T5 Lunar 4 bulb Fixture 36" (have this already)
Aqueon ProFlex Model 2 Sump (on order)

I'm planning on creating a ricordea and zoa garden with live rock, and use the middle section of the sump for a fuge. Someday, I'll save enough to get a couple of the Kessil A150Wwith the goosenecks. That will really look amazing on a rimless set up, but for now, T5's will have to do. Mostly, equipment decisions were driven by budget and feedback/learnings from other posts on RC.

Would like your inputs on a good ATO for a system like this and any other considerations before I begin the build.

[smellslikeTUNA]

Sweet i'm also doing this build check it out
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2064781

[A_Z]

Hey I was looking at getting a tank with a megaflow overflow built in, I believe yours is the same as they are the same manufacturer AGA.

You wouldn't happen to know what the megaflow overflow is rated at, I heard 700 GPH universal for all of them, is that true?

if so what size of return pump, I was looking at the Mag 500 GPH, but is that too weak?

although I am new is it ok if I make a sump suggestion? I love the aqueon sumps but they are a bit on the pricey side for what you get, I also wanted a manufactured sump and found a good bang for your buck one. This is the one I was looking into getting:
http://www.aquariumguys.com/dlx200-p...reef-sump.html

the only thing is I don't know if it will fit in a 55g stand since they are both 12 inch.

[ampemployee1]

A_Z, thanks for the link. Aqueon proflex is on the way. I'll post picks. The return pump is the Eheim 1260, here are the specs



These versatile water pumps are perfect for returning water from sump filter systems and can be used either submersed in the water, or located in-line outside of the sump (less heat transfer).
Highly energy efficient with silent operation, these dependable pumps will give years of operation.

* Low energy, less heat transfer to water
* Can be used submerged or in-line
* Silent operation
* Ceramic shaft, suitable for fresh or salt water
* Threaded hose barbs for intake/outlet included
* Optional screen prefilter intake

1260 Universal Hobby Pump Specifications:

* Output GPH: 640
* Head Height: 12 ft.
* Power Watt: 65W
* Intake: 1"
* Outlet: 3/4"
* Dimensions: 6.25” x 8.5” x 4.5”

[A_Z]

do you think that skimmer is better than an SWC 120 or a Reef Octopus NWB-110

[thegrun]

I would recommend two 100 watt heaters instead f a single 200 watt heater.

[ampemployee1]

According to the Aqueon megalfow spec, max unobstructed(no elbows, ball valves), the flow is 600gph.

[A_Z]

Originally Posted by ampemployee1

According to the Aqueon megalfow spec, max unobstructed(no elbows, ball valves), the flow is 600gph.

thanks
is it better to have a pump rated for more or less than that?

[smellslikeTUNA]

More, just put a valve on the return line to control the flow

[ampemployee1]

A_Z, not sure about the SC150 performance compared to the SWC120. From the reviews in RC, users are using it successfully. I'm willing to give it a try out. I'll post the results when the system is up and running.

[A_Z]

do you think it will fit in the model 2 sump? it has a foot print of 10 x 7.

the model 2 has a foot print of 10 x 9 7/8

[CCLAXX]

How much was the tank?

[ampemployee1]

Here is the forum link for the reviews with pics.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2032645

[ampemployee1]

A_Z, the footprint is going to be a potential issue...I haven't ordered the SC150 yet. Anyone have suggestions on other skimmers with a smaller footprint?

[A_Z]

Originally Posted by ampemployee1

A_Z, the footprint is going to be a potential issue...I haven't ordered the SC150 yet. Anyone have suggestions on other skimmers with a smaller footprint?

how about the next smaller size SC 65 from the same seller?

that is the one I think I will get.

[ampemployee1]

Anyone have any experience with the SC 65?

[ampemployee1]

Need your inputs. Many of the posts for equipment FS, are from people who are getting rid of a second/third system so they can focus on their primary system. I'm torn on whether to retire my 29 gallon, or to convert it to a frag tank when I set up the new 57g rimless system.

Thoughts?

[JDMhoes]

MP10 will be to small for your tank.. go with a MP40!

[yellowRubi]

Iam in progress of cycling my 57gal also, i went with the 1262 for the return pump, but i put a T for my fuge and for the GFO and Carbon reactors and i think the 1262 doesnt push enough water... but i will have to live with that
as for the vortech, i would say that if u want to go mp10 , than you gonna need two of them, or just get one mp40
as for the skimmer look into SWC120, i have the SWC160 and the footprint is preety small, by my sump/fuge is 36x15x15 so it looks small there
I will try to post some pics so u can get some ideas of my setup

[ampemployee1]

Thanks Peter. Based on the feedback, looks like I need to get another MP10 or go with a MP40. I'm waiting to hear back from someone about a Eheim 1262 for $120 used. Seems like a good deal.

The one MP10es I ordered will arrive tomorrow. Can't wait for my tank to arrive...

[Phuster]

I have the exact setup. Went from 20 gallon tank to illuminata. Left the 20 gallon to become frag tank. Running 2 mp10esw. Swc 160 in custom made 37 gallon tank that fits perfectly in the tek stand that matches the tank. I was running mag 7 return pump with tee off to refugium but that was too weak so I upgraded to Eheim 1262 recently and I couldn't be happier. You will love the tank

[yellowRubi]

Originally Posted by Phuster

I have the exact setup. Went from 20 gallon tank to illuminata. Left the 20 gallon to become frag tank. Running 2 mp10esw. Swc 160 in custom made 37 gallon tank that fits perfectly in the tek stand that matches the tank. I was running mag 7 return pump with tee off to refugium but that was too weak so I upgraded to Eheim 1262 recently and I couldn't be happier. You will love the tank

post some pics of ur setup

[smellslikeTUNA]

Originally Posted by yellowRubi

post some pics of ur setup

I think we should start an Illuminata thread on here !

[Phuster]

Originally Posted by yellowRubi

post some pics of ur setup

Sorry about the terrible iphone pics but this is what I have

[ampemployee1]

Phuster,

Nice pix, thanks for sharing. Several questions:

Question about your overflow. Looks like it feeds a filter sock via flexible tubing. If you were to do it again, would you plumb it any differently using Sched 40 pvc?

What's your bulb config in your ATI T5?

How do you control the flow to the fuge? ball valve?

Thanks, Amp