Okay, so I'm thinking about upsizing from 55 gal (208 lt not including sump) to maybe 265 gal (1000 lt). I have a bit of coral and want to eventually keep an anemone. I haven't purchased the tank yet so, what say you? What do you suggest?
Trading UP!!
- Thread starter LifeAquatic
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@LifeAquatic how long and successful have you been with the 55g tank? Up sizeing also has it pit falls. Tell us about what you envisage your new tank to be, along with what you expect the budget is to run a 265g tank. Bud, we need to be on the same page here.
It is 3am Sunday to be Monday morning in SA. No worries it is a holiday today. I will check out your posts and give my opinion after a little shut eye.
It is 3am Sunday to be Monday morning in SA. No worries it is a holiday today. I will check out your posts and give my opinion after a little shut eye.
A 265 gallon is a nice upgrade, but also an expensive one.
I see you’ve had a few attempts at keeping anemones before. Do you know what anemone species you would like to keep? If you haven’t already, read through the forums and learn as much as you can about them before you decide. Ask as many questions as you need to along the way.
Will you be keeping SPS, LPS, softies, or a combination?
Have you thought about your lighting or skimmer options yet?
ok, sorry for the delay in responding. Had tank maintenance to do. I meant to do it yesterday but ran out of time so wanted to take care of it today after work. (no holiday for me NJ) So, here's the history. Have been running the tank for nearly 3 years. When I first started, did the fish tank thing then fell in love with corals.
Got my first coral, frogspawn, which is still with me. Didn't really grow much the first year but after that has become large and healthy. Everything was doing great for about a year when the fish got larger and I added "just one more" and the bioload was too heavy. Got white spot and pretty much wiped the fish out (except for "killer" a little puffer and a firefish). Swore off fish for a year. Something attacked the goby and pretty much ate it before I found out.
I have a number of crabs (hermit, sally lightfoot, emerald), some shrimp (a peppermint and banded coral), a purple reef lobster, and a flame scallop.
For corals, I have a green and a blue ricordea, button polyp, assorted mushrooms, colt coral, torch, pipe organ, green bubble coral (not doing well... I'll explain that one later), finger leather, star polyp, and toadstool leather. I think that's about it.
Yes, Anemone, I had a couple of nennies. I had one early on, a magnificent... beautiful and did really great for about a year. Had a clown buddy and was just the most fascinatingly beautiful thing I've ever seen. Then, it went to the back of the tank, shriveled up and died. I have no idea why. I went to LFS they said it was my lights so I replaced the lights with T5HO. Gave it a shot with another from said LFS ... hadn't read as much as I've read since. The nennie was white with pink tips. LFS said they just need to be fed more often; nennie didn't survive. Gave up on nennies.
Got my first coral, frogspawn, which is still with me. Didn't really grow much the first year but after that has become large and healthy. Everything was doing great for about a year when the fish got larger and I added "just one more" and the bioload was too heavy. Got white spot and pretty much wiped the fish out (except for "killer" a little puffer and a firefish). Swore off fish for a year. Something attacked the goby and pretty much ate it before I found out.
I have a number of crabs (hermit, sally lightfoot, emerald), some shrimp (a peppermint and banded coral), a purple reef lobster, and a flame scallop.
For corals, I have a green and a blue ricordea, button polyp, assorted mushrooms, colt coral, torch, pipe organ, green bubble coral (not doing well... I'll explain that one later), finger leather, star polyp, and toadstool leather. I think that's about it.
Yes, Anemone, I had a couple of nennies. I had one early on, a magnificent... beautiful and did really great for about a year. Had a clown buddy and was just the most fascinatingly beautiful thing I've ever seen. Then, it went to the back of the tank, shriveled up and died. I have no idea why. I went to LFS they said it was my lights so I replaced the lights with T5HO. Gave it a shot with another from said LFS ... hadn't read as much as I've read since. The nennie was white with pink tips. LFS said they just need to be fed more often; nennie didn't survive. Gave up on nennies.
I stayed kind of the same for at least the last 6 months then decided that I'd like a couple of fish. Got two tomato clowns ... they're doing well, and a little pygmy angel. The angel, after a couple of days, showed signs of swelling on both sides near anus which burst open into open wounds. Went to fish store; they said bacteria ... quarantine and use this medicine ... put all fish in QT and treat. Now, that little angel hung right in the same cave as the lobster and I thought for sure there would be 'fish' for dinner... but no, they kind of hung out together. The wounds were clean but kind of large so I did as LFS said and QT everybody and treated. Angel died within 3 days! Notice the wounds weren't clean as they were when in DT. I think the lobster and shrimp were keeping the wounds clean. Should have just left it in the DT.
Now all fish in DT, everyone doing well... EXCEPT, I went to get a yellow tang to help with 'grazing duty' ... yes, same LFS. Picked out a small one; looked to be in good shape in the store. Got it home and into the tank, after it came out of hiding I noticed it didn't look to be in such good condition. Kind of scarred up and looks like HLLE (not that I've ever seen it in real life but resembles the drawings I've seen.
Now all fish in DT, everyone doing well... EXCEPT, I went to get a yellow tang to help with 'grazing duty' ... yes, same LFS. Picked out a small one; looked to be in good shape in the store. Got it home and into the tank, after it came out of hiding I noticed it didn't look to be in such good condition. Kind of scarred up and looks like HLLE (not that I've ever seen it in real life but resembles the drawings I've seen.
So now, I'm stuck. LFS has no return policy after a week and I didn't want to take him back there. Well, I can't get him to eat (yes, did the garlic thing) ... don't know what to do. He picks at some algae but looks very thin to me.
So, after all this I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't go for a bigger tank because I've had some issues over the past 3 years.
Let me also say, I check parameters ... In the past month here is the WORST measurements (week after adding new fish):
PH: 8.0
Nitrite: 0.2
Calcium: 400
Phosphate: 0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrate: 0
SG: 1.022
Iodine (recently started checking and adding) 0.0
Yes, the SG was low... I have corrected it and it's running 1.025 now; also fixed the PH, now it's 8.2. Iodine was 0 when I first checked... after a month it's now 0.06. Nitrates are up a little as of last check 10, thus the WC. Plan to let things stabilize over night and check tomorrow after work.
So, after all this I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't go for a bigger tank because I've had some issues over the past 3 years.
Let me also say, I check parameters ... In the past month here is the WORST measurements (week after adding new fish):
PH: 8.0
Nitrite: 0.2
Calcium: 400
Phosphate: 0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrate: 0
SG: 1.022
Iodine (recently started checking and adding) 0.0
Yes, the SG was low... I have corrected it and it's running 1.025 now; also fixed the PH, now it's 8.2. Iodine was 0 when I first checked... after a month it's now 0.06. Nitrates are up a little as of last check 10, thus the WC. Plan to let things stabilize over night and check tomorrow after work.
I want a bigger tank and was thinking about 120 or 150 gallons. Went to the LFS and saw 265... it didn't look all that much bigger, but was deeper which is what I really liked. I'd like to keep the larger fish and mixed corals and would love, love, love to have another anemone. I'm also pretty disgusted with the LFS I've been going to. It's the only one close but their livestock seems kind of beat up and not healthy (looking much closer since the last purchase). There's a much better store but it's a bit farther away. I used to go there and all the fish from them were healthy.
So, after reading and seeing everyone's tanks, I thought I'd come to you guys for some advise. I don't trust the LFS anymore and really want to do this right. Now... also, the 'government' won't go for a build it yourself, take up the whole house deal. As it is, I just got the green light to upgrade. Thought I'd go for the one I really want rather than incremental upgrades (may not get permission again).
Budget... Tank I found (have not looked around much) 265 gal, with stand and plumbing $2100 US. Figure I'll do some shopping around but also figure at least that much again for all the other stuff ... sump, lighting, skimmer, etc. So, let's say budget is $5000 US.
Don't have any chance of doing a big sump with DSB or holes cut through the wall for an engine room. No plumbing in the area where I'm allowed to put tank, so unit will have to be very self supporting and self contained. "must be in a cabinet and can't you build some shelves around it so it looks more like the entertainment center"... (no, I'm not kidding, and NO that isn't happening; can you imagine trying to do maintenance?)
Budget... Tank I found (have not looked around much) 265 gal, with stand and plumbing $2100 US. Figure I'll do some shopping around but also figure at least that much again for all the other stuff ... sump, lighting, skimmer, etc. So, let's say budget is $5000 US.
Don't have any chance of doing a big sump with DSB or holes cut through the wall for an engine room. No plumbing in the area where I'm allowed to put tank, so unit will have to be very self supporting and self contained. "must be in a cabinet and can't you build some shelves around it so it looks more like the entertainment center"... (no, I'm not kidding, and NO that isn't happening; can you imagine trying to do maintenance?)
I know it sounds like I've had a lot of issues. Sitting here writing it all out at once makes ME think I've had a lot of issues. Had some setbacks when I first started but tank has been fairly stable for the most part, with the exception of the last 2 fish. So, what do you think?
LOL LifeAquatic! Welcome to being a "TRUE" reefkeeper! "outside" problems and all! 
You can always go for a remote DSB, if possible, and a huge skimmer. If not - go for the skimmer alone, and make a DSB in the display tank. With a 265 gallon tank, you have a LOT of space to play with....
I would suggest looking at what space you have available for a remote DSB, and / or refugium. If not at all - leave anything else out, and go as big on the skimmer as you can......
You can manually dose calcium additives - a CaRX is a "nice to have", and not a necessity. So - you can still have a really fantastic tank, in this design....
You can always go for a remote DSB, if possible, and a huge skimmer. If not - go for the skimmer alone, and make a DSB in the display tank. With a 265 gallon tank, you have a LOT of space to play with....
I would suggest looking at what space you have available for a remote DSB, and / or refugium. If not at all - leave anything else out, and go as big on the skimmer as you can......
You can manually dose calcium additives - a CaRX is a "nice to have", and not a necessity. So - you can still have a really fantastic tank, in this design....
Okay, so I've done some shopping and here goes...
Tank and cabinet
190 - 4 Wide
48 x 36 x 25 Tall
Reef Ready: Comes standard with 1 Glass Wall Overflow (located on back panel of aquarium), Comes standard with 3 holes for the overflow
Bulkheads for overflows (3)
Hinged glass top. Comes with plastic section that can be notched out for extra hoses. Midsection is two glass panes hinged together
Acrylic cover for overflows
50 Tall Acrylic Aquarium Customized Sump Tank
48 x 36 x 30 Tall Oak Stand. Extra side door to provide easier access to sump tank
representative pictures
Tank and cabinet
190 - 4 Wide
48 x 36 x 25 Tall
Reef Ready: Comes standard with 1 Glass Wall Overflow (located on back panel of aquarium), Comes standard with 3 holes for the overflow
Bulkheads for overflows (3)
Hinged glass top. Comes with plastic section that can be notched out for extra hoses. Midsection is two glass panes hinged together
Acrylic cover for overflows
50 Tall Acrylic Aquarium Customized Sump Tank
48 x 36 x 30 Tall Oak Stand. Extra side door to provide easier access to sump tank
representative pictures
Reef Octopus Extreme 8 Inch (200 Gallon) In Sump Protein Skimmer
Price: $319.99
http://www.marinedepot.com/Reef_Oct...ein_Skimmers-CoralVue-CV5151-FIPSISNW-vi.html
This new skimmer line will include the following features:
Powered by Italian made Sicce PSK-2500 pumps!
An integrated removable bubble plate to help reduce turbulence within the skimmer which helps build a dense head of foam
Extra-wide plumbing and necks in the design to allow for more air flow
Wedge pipe output which allows you to adjust the skimmer and have greater control of adjustments compared to using ball valves.
Improved venturi design for the Sicce PSK-2500 pump makes for simple use for protein skimmer pumps.
Features a soft pin wheel impeller as well as a mesh wheel impeller to allow hobbyist the option of which one they prefer to use.
Up to 35scfh to 37scfh of air pull using soft pin wheel impeller and up to 40scfh to 50scfh using mesh wheel impellers. ***Air results can vary depending on individuals’ aquarium setup***.
Draws less than 30 watts of electricity per pump.
Quick release neck on the collection cup - requires 1/2 inch of clearance to remove the cup
All models below are in sump skimmers only, external models will be available later this year.
New Color boxes with pictures of skimmer and full detailed instruction sheets!
***All Skimmers perform best in 8” to 10” of water***
Modified cone neck which allows for easier transition of micro bubbles to collection cup
Height: 21.75 inches
Body Diameter: 8 inches
Footprint: 13.5 inches X 8.5 inches
Rated up to 200gal.
Price: $319.99
http://www.marinedepot.com/Reef_Oct...ein_Skimmers-CoralVue-CV5151-FIPSISNW-vi.html
This new skimmer line will include the following features:
Powered by Italian made Sicce PSK-2500 pumps!
An integrated removable bubble plate to help reduce turbulence within the skimmer which helps build a dense head of foam
Extra-wide plumbing and necks in the design to allow for more air flow
Wedge pipe output which allows you to adjust the skimmer and have greater control of adjustments compared to using ball valves.
Improved venturi design for the Sicce PSK-2500 pump makes for simple use for protein skimmer pumps.
Features a soft pin wheel impeller as well as a mesh wheel impeller to allow hobbyist the option of which one they prefer to use.
Up to 35scfh to 37scfh of air pull using soft pin wheel impeller and up to 40scfh to 50scfh using mesh wheel impellers. ***Air results can vary depending on individuals’ aquarium setup***.
Draws less than 30 watts of electricity per pump.
Quick release neck on the collection cup - requires 1/2 inch of clearance to remove the cup
All models below are in sump skimmers only, external models will be available later this year.
New Color boxes with pictures of skimmer and full detailed instruction sheets!
***All Skimmers perform best in 8” to 10” of water***
Modified cone neck which allows for easier transition of micro bubbles to collection cup
Height: 21.75 inches
Body Diameter: 8 inches
Footprint: 13.5 inches X 8.5 inches
Rated up to 200gal.
or is that too big?
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Need help on which skimmer
Now, the wide tank is pretty wide for the room so I'm also thinking about maybe the 190 gallon "tall" instead. That one is 24 inches wide which might make it through government review more than the wide one ... if it were totally up to me I'd go wide.
Regardless, both come with the 50 gallonTall Acrylic Aquarium Customized Sump Tank.
Regardless, both come with the 50 gallonTall Acrylic Aquarium Customized Sump Tank.
So, earlier I was saying I couldn't do the DSB but with this sump tank I can do it in the middle section couldn't I? I just don't know how to set the skimmer up in the sump if I have a DSB in there. I know you guys will know how I should set it up.
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And, for the lights ... If I go with the tall tank and get the hood that goes with the cabinet, I could rig the old light fixture up in the hood and put a second MH fixture that's wider in as well. Unless that's overkill, but this tank is going to be 30 inches deep so 10 inches deeper than the one I have now and I'm worried it won't have sufficient light. I'd really like to reuse something from the current setup.
So, can you guys give me some guidance on how I should set this up?
So, can you guys give me some guidance on how I should set this up?
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Here's the "tall" tank (smaller size but close)
What wattages are your metal halides, LifeAquatic?
I would suggest a minimum of 250 watt for the tall/deep tank..... Also - I would go with 3 of these 250 watt Metal Halides.