Questions about future set up

[Dula]

I will hopefully be starting a new tank build within the next month. Taxes have come in and oil is coming back up (slowly but surely) so it is about time for me to start a tank in my room.

 

I am trading a 125g for two tanks. One will be a 40 gallon breeder with build in filtration set up for her for minimal maintenance and I have decided that I would like to get a 24x24x10 cube. This tank will have a sump set up. I am trying to decide if I want it to be drilled in the corner, middle, or out the back. So any input would be greatly appreciated!!

 

I have used LED lights on all my tanks so for this tank I would like to try metal halides. Below I am posting up a list of the big stuff that I will be buying for this tank. I would love to hear on anyone's input, recommendations, or anything in general.

 

Thank you!!

Ballast-

http://www.marinedepot.com/Lumatek_120_240V_Dimmable_Multi_Wattage_Ballast_250_Watt_Electronic_Metal_Halide_Ballasts-Lumatek-LK1121-FILTACBAMHTFEB-vi.html

reflector-

http://www.marinedepot.com/Hamilton_Cayman_Sun_Pendant_Only_150_Watt_Double_Ended_Pendants-Hamilton-HT1471-FILTFIMHPDDEOF-vi.html

bulb-

http://www.marinedepot.com/250_Watt_20000K_Metal_Halide_Bulb_Hamilton_Double_Ended_250_Watt_Double_Ended_Metal_Halide_Light_Bulbs-Hamilton-MB6866-FILTBUMHDETW-vi.html

circulation-

mp10wes

sump-

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+20033&pcatid=20033

return pump-

http://www.marinedepot.com/Danner_Supreme_Aqua_Mag_Water_Pump_Up_to_500_Gallons_Per_Hour_Submersible_Aquarium_Pumps-Danner_Mfg.-DN1119-FIWPSBUF-vi.html

[seabass]

When drilling my own tanks, I like to use the Glass-Holes overflows: http://www.glass-holes.com/Overflow-Kits_c3.htm (where you drill the back). Middle or side placement is your preference. It's common to place the overflow toward one side and the return toward the other; otherwise, placing it in the middle with two returns (one on each side of the tank) is also widely done.

[gus6464]

You sure you want 20K? It's not that aesthetically pleasing. I would shoot for something in the 14K range for good growth and look.

 

As far as the tank goes are you going custom? Because Mr. Aqua makes a 24x24x12.

http://sevenports.com/brand/ma-610-symbolic-30-gallon/

[Dula]

I am going custom with the tank since a local guy I know makes them and wants to trade the tank I have just sitting in the garage for anything I wanted (Within reason) and I was thinking 20k because I really like that blue look.

 

And seabass do you think drilling the back of the tank is superior to drilling the bottom?

[seabass]

Depends on what you want. For a typical single drain, the back drilled Glass-Holes overflow takes up very little space inside the tank. But if the tank is flush against the wall, you'll want in internal drain (bottom drilled). You might want two drains (one siphon and one emergency).

[Bill Nye]

Color choice is mostly preference. With metal halide 20k will typically grow coral slower than a lower kelvin bulb but IMO corals will look better. If coral growth is what you want 14k vs 20k isn't that much of a difference...youd go with 10k or lower but no one wants to do that because its so yellow.

 

For a drain I would highly highly recommend doing a herbie or bean animal set up. Dursos are very loud imo.

[cromag27]

Kelvin ratings can vary from brand to brand, as far as how blue they look. just do some research so you get the look you want. I have set up several glass holes overflows for clients. they are pretty easy to set up but they aren't completely silent and there is no emergency drain. the only reason to drill the bottom would be to install a tall overflow box. going that route, I would recommend the Herbie overflow which requires 2 holes (1 emergency drain). this method is silent but takes up a lot more real estate than a glass holes box.

[Dula]

Thank you everyone for their input. Do you think that sump and return pump will do fine for my setup? This will be my first tank with a sump system?

 

My lfs had a sale so I just picked up a new MP10

[cromag27]

The sump link took me to a skimmer. did you copy the wrong link? I'm not a fan of mag pumps. they create a lot of heat and they can be noisy. my favorite pumps are sicce - quiet and reliable.

[Dula]

I'm sorry I meant skimmer... I am at work so mind is being pulled in 100 different directions. I will look into the sicce, do you have any recommendations?

[cromag27]

The cube is just under 25g. I would recommend the sicce 1.0 with a gate valve to fine tune the flow.

 

I'm not familiar with that skimmer. I always like the bubble magus skimmers. good price, great performance and small footprint.

[Dula]

Thank you much!