SPS in 28g?

[untamed]

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

What kind of gph are you running in these smaller SPS tanks?

My return pump is a Mag 7 split by SQWD into opposing tank inputs. I'm probably getting 500 gallons/hr out of it...plus there is one 600gph powerhead in the tank that activates every now and then....so I suppose I've got 20x tank volume at least.

That is a nice thing about the small tank...really easy to get LOTs of flow relative to tank size.

I also have a ER skimmer rated at 80-100 gallons. I like a lot of skimming.

[OCDP]

400w over 20-28g tanks? That's nuts! I have a hard enough time keeping up with evap. on my 20g, AND heat.. especially in the summer.

I think that's pretty brave haha.. and without sumps and so on. But, hopeully your fans help you out, in turn though.. only to have more evaporation. And in a small system, topping off is really important, because one day without topping off will seriously increase your salinity, and then that just stresses the SPS out.

Good luck!

[TheReefGeek]

I will be running a sump, and and auto-top off, with two fans in the hood.

I can also add fans over the sump if needed. This should be enough cooling.

[OCDP]

Well if you have a sump and auto top-off then I'd say your set. The fans will definately be a big, big help.

When do you plan on setting this up?

[TheReefGeek]

I dunno yet, lemm think out loud!

I just picked up the tank and stand earlier this week.

I am ordering some diamond drill bits today as I dont have the smaller sizes required for a tank this small. Thill will take some time to get here, then I have to drill and plumb.

I ordered the bulb and reflector today, and have the ballasts. But I need to build the DIY hood. The pumps, filter, skimmer, and heater I have.

The sump I have, but need to baffle it. I need to order the DIY auto-top off parts today. The rock and sand I have.

Biggest roadblock for me will be the DIY hood, I hate woodworking when it is so cold outside, I never got my garage furnace up and running before winter.

My goal is by the end of March or so, I will try to post pics as I go.

[rickjames]

If you put 400W on a 28 Gallon tank you are either going to have to run so many fans that the noise will drive you nuts, or have to run a chiller. I had a 250W bulb over my 30G with two computer fans in the canopy and in the summer I fought to keep the temp under 84F. And the 400W puts out WAY more heat. I have two over my 150G that drains into a 75G sump in the basement. I know the canopy has almost no ventilation but I need a full size room fan over my sump to keep it under 81F. And that is in a basement! And last summer it went up higher, so I have to get a chiller myself this year.

Anyways, 400W is not necessary on such a small tank, you would be much better off with a nice 250W configuration, at the maximum. Plus there are so many bulbs to choose from in that wattage, in both double ended and single ended configurations.

JMO...

EDIT: I see you already bought the 400W. Now all you have to do is buy a chiller!

[OCDP]

Heh, I agree with you rickjames.

My opinion? Don't use a hood.. keep it open, pendant style. Way less heat!