Hustlers 300G Panzer Project (Up and Running)

[The Grizz]

Just a few thing that I notice to concider, not saying that I am 100% right but it what I would do since I have an 8' tank as well.

1. Try to keep your drain lines as close to the same length as possible.
2. If you are going to run Bio pellets you will not need a refuge or the light. The pellets will do the same as any macro algea, fill middle compartment with rock. Your bio pellet reactor output must be put as close to your skimmer feed pump as possible
3. Split your sump into 3 compartment making your return end the largest, the input to the sump the smallest. 2 baffles to divide first & second compartment, 3 baffles to divide second & third.
4. I am doing the same size tank & return pump. My idea is to run my skimmer, chiller & all reactors off my drain lines ( manifold system with control valves ) this way you don't need all the extra pumps, something to think about.

Remember this is simply what I would do.


Question about your skimmer? What kind did you get?

[Hustler]

I went with a 12" by 30 bashsea twisted with a 3500 gph pump and an air injector pump...
Im going to try and piece out what youve explained there lol... its late and Im slow
The skimmer will be getting water right out of the first chamber where the tank initally drains into and the reactors will take water from where the skimmer will dump back to the sump.
Thats the way i figured it should go anyways???

[Lampshade]

Looks great so far. Using a manifold for reactors is great, I'd definitely suggest that. One thing you'll find you are fighting the most is heat in the tank, less pumps helps that a lot. also, rather than using a ball valve on the output side of the pump, use a Tee that drains back to the sump with a ball valve on it. This way, you are not pressurizing your pump to change flow, you're just dumping more back to the sump.

Look into filter socks as well, easier to clean imo. lots of people use pads, But generally the filter socks seem easier.

the last thing is make sure your ATO sensor is in the return chamber, that's where the water will fluctuate, make it adjustable if possible, i wish mine could move up another 1/2" right now to cut down on microbubbles .

Grizz is right about not needing a refugium if you use biopellets, i do have both though, i think they complement each other, but that's just me. Biopellets don't produce pods, and my refugium is loaded with them. Your output from the biopellets should be close to your skimmer input, so try to line that up in there.

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by Lampshade

also, rather than using a ball valve on the output side of the pump, use a Tee that drains back to the sump with a ball valve on it. This way, you are not pressurizing your pump to change flow, you're just dumping more back to the sump.

If you don't need the flow though I prefer to valve it back. Your pump will draw less power this way and it's no different than a bit more head pressure... not bad for the pump at all.

[Gripenfelter]

I would still run a refugium. Lots of bacterial and copepod benefits. I run a media reactor with bio pellets but still noticed a huge difference when running chaeto algae in the refugium. Greatly reduces algae on the glass.

[Hustler]

Ok.... Im printing all this out to go over again and again well Im at work
If anyone has a pic to post please let me know.... I understand and I do already have a Tee fitting with a seprate ball valve to dump back into my sump so I would drill and tap it to fit the smaller pipes on the reactors?

Big day for me... Got me some Live Rock 215 lbs plus sand to start.... Now im looking for shelves and big branches while I get started on the sump and filtration setup.
Ive got 4 bubblers with a 3000gph pump and 1400gph powerhead in with the rock now just letting it cure ect.

[Hustler]

Quick update since I havent recieved any of my filter stuff yet....
Rock all seems good, All kinds of weird stuff in there I keep finding.... some coral stuff I have no clue what it is If you know please tell me lol But im happy, got a couple of clowns in there too so it "is" a fish tank
Most of it looked dead and slimy when I first dumped the rocks in there its nowhere near set up yet but this stuff started to look like stuff I shouldnt let sit at the bottom..... And now they look WAY better. Also loving the use of the camera again yay

[Zoaelite]

Did the liverock come with those favias (The giant red & green LPS), if so MAJOR score! Looks to be healthy and of very good quality, great pick on the rock its one of the most important parts of your system!

[Hustler]

Whoo hoo Im super happy with the rock.... Took alot of time to find but it worked out perfect. Everything in there other than the clowns came with the rock
I figure it must be doing ok for being dry a half hour in transport as 2 days later it perked right up and is out and swaying now where it was limp and dull before

[The Grizz]

Very nice score, I have never been that lucky with LR hitch hikers.