3 tank Reef build journal

Doc_Sid · 08/28/2015, 10:37 AM

Hey guys

I've been into fish keeping since a few years. I currently have 3 planted freshwater tanks- 630 gallon with 120 gallon sump, a 60 gallon and a 15 gallon.

I've been planning on starting a marine tank since a long time. I finally decided to take the plunge and started the build

Rough design

The main display tank 140 gallons- 36L x 30W x 30H
The refugium tank 70 gallons- 23L x 36W x 20H
The sump will be under the main tank inside the stand - 60 gallons- 29L x 27W x 18H
The tank will be in my bedroom which is air conditioned and keeping the tank cool will be easier.

The size of the tank is limited due to the space available. The tank is going to be placed towards the right corner of the room. There is a cement slab counter to its right. So I've decided to use this space to add another tank which would increase my water volume, serve as my refugium and can be converted to a display tank eventually.

The overflow will be Herbie style. 2 x 1.5" drains(both with gate valves and will be adjusted to run at equal full siphon flow) going from the main tank to the fuge tank and 2 x 1.5" drains(with gate valves) from the fuge to the sump and a 1" return pipe from the sump to the main tank. Another 1.5" pipe from the main tank will drain into the sump in case of an emergency. There will be a 1" drain near the bottom of the main tank to remove water during water changes etc.

I'm planning to go skimmerless. I'll have low fish stocking. I'm more interested in keeping corals than fish anyway

The refugium tank will have live sand/rock with macroalgae. The sump will also have a big refugium chamber. Will use an ATS too somewhere. May use a skimmer in the sump later if I need it

I got the stand installed in place. Will get the electric and carpentry work done soon.

A few questions
1. What should the water level be below the top edge of the tank? I'm thinking of leaving 1.5" from the top to the level of the overflow chamber.
2. Where should I drill the overflow holes. I'm thinking 6" from the top edge.. so 4.5" below the water surface. Is this enough to maintain a full siphon in 2 of the drains or should I go lower. 3 holes with 2" between them and the edge good enough?

3. Turnover rate? Is 3 times the turnover enough? Should I calculate for the entire system volume?

4. Should I use an external or submersed return pump? Will using an external pump keep the tank considerably cooler?

5. Should I use a deep sand bed in the refugium tank or in the sump refugium? How deep?

I'll post updates soon
Any suggestions/opinions are welcome

08/28/2015, 10:37 AM	#1
Doc_Sid Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 40	3 tank Reef build journal Hey guys I've been into fish keeping since a few years. I currently have 3 planted freshwater tanks- 630 gallon with 120 gallon sump, a 60 gallon and a 15 gallon. I've been planning on starting a marine tank since a long time. I finally decided to take the plunge and started the build Rough design The main display tank 140 gallons- 36L x 30W x 30H The refugium tank 70 gallons- 23L x 36W x 20H The sump will be under the main tank inside the stand - 60 gallons- 29L x 27W x 18H The tank will be in my bedroom which is air conditioned and keeping the tank cool will be easier. The size of the tank is limited due to the space available. The tank is going to be placed towards the right corner of the room. There is a cement slab counter to its right. So I've decided to use this space to add another tank which would increase my water volume, serve as my refugium and can be converted to a display tank eventually. The overflow will be Herbie style. 2 x 1.5" drains(both with gate valves and will be adjusted to run at equal full siphon flow) going from the main tank to the fuge tank and 2 x 1.5" drains(with gate valves) from the fuge to the sump and a 1" return pipe from the sump to the main tank. Another 1.5" pipe from the main tank will drain into the sump in case of an emergency. There will be a 1" drain near the bottom of the main tank to remove water during water changes etc. I'm planning to go skimmerless. I'll have low fish stocking. I'm more interested in keeping corals than fish anyway The refugium tank will have live sand/rock with macroalgae. The sump will also have a big refugium chamber. Will use an ATS too somewhere. May use a skimmer in the sump later if I need it I got the stand installed in place. Will get the electric and carpentry work done soon. A few questions 1. What should the water level be below the top edge of the tank? I'm thinking of leaving 1.5" from the top to the level of the overflow chamber. 2. Where should I drill the overflow holes. I'm thinking 6" from the top edge.. so 4.5" below the water surface. Is this enough to maintain a full siphon in 2 of the drains or should I go lower. 3 holes with 2" between them and the edge good enough? 3. Turnover rate? Is 3 times the turnover enough? Should I calculate for the entire system volume? 4. Should I use an external or submersed return pump? Will using an external pump keep the tank considerably cooler? 5. Should I use a deep sand bed in the refugium tank or in the sump refugium? How deep? I'll post updates soon Any suggestions/opinions are welcome __________________ Using Tapatalk Last edited by Doc_Sid; 08/28/2015 at 10:51 AM.