It's time to say Goodbye...

hillbillyreefer · #1 11-18-2008, 04:58 PM

to my 120 gal fresh tank. It has an overwhelming desire to become a reef.

The tank is 24x24x48, with a sump size to be determined when I figure out how to design the system and where to put things. To start out the tank will be set up with overflow boxes. Has anyone had experience with a good brand? What else is needed to make them work properly? How loud are they and how big a pain in the ___ are they? Would one big box or two small boxes be better? How much flow through the sump would be required? I know drilling is better, but the tank is probably going to be moved in the next couple years and the setup will be different. I'll drill it when I move it.

I'm also seriously considering trying the GARF method of cultured DIY LR. Mud and sand in the fuge with lots of macro.

First thoughts on the equipment list:
Tank
25 gal sump with fuge or another fuge added draining into the sump, all depends on how the space works out.
Frag tanks above the sump etc. I have lots of vertical space but a small foot print. T5's also.
Over flow boxes
T5 8 bulb lighting,
Skimmer, in sump Tunze, Deltec, ASM or similar.
Flow Koralia's, have had good luck with them.
Calcium, phosban reactors, probably not on initial setup.
Sand, I like the look of it, but hate the problems associated with it.
ATO, probably DIY.

Stocking list:
3 or 4 fish, Only for sure is a Mandarin.
SPS
LPS
Clams
Large CUC
Tuxedo urchin.

This project is a long way from happening. Lots of thought has gone into it. Now that I have SWMBO onside, it should happen this winter sometime.

TIA

Trigger Man · #2 11-18-2008, 05:04 PM

Good to see another one moving over to the SW side, from your list for potential equipment it looks like you are well on your way and have done the research. I will let someone with more knowledge chime in on overflows. For the Mandarin you should wait till the tank is established before putting one in, as it needs it's food source to be thriving in the tank already.

wickedfrags · #3 11-18-2008, 05:23 PM

Lots of things to consider when planning a conversion.

I would definitely recommend getting the tank drilled and going with a sump...for many many reasons. Also, plan on getting the best skimmer you can afford, do not skimp on the skimmer as it is essentially the most important piece of equipment you will buy. Good luck and have fun with it.

hillbillyreefer · #4 11-18-2008, 05:40 PM

It will be drilled at some point, just no time soon. Layout and space considerations are the reason for the overflow boxes. Someday this tank would make a nice sump for a bbbbiiiiggg tank, but for that to happen the kids would have to move to the barn, the wife says that isn't going to happen!

Most of the system has come together in my head, the only unknown is the overflow boxes. I've never seen them used, or heard much about them for that matter. That has me thinking there is reason why they aren't more common.

superduperwesman · #5 11-18-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillbillyreefer

but for that to happen the kids would have to move to the barn, the wife says that isn't going to happen!

Why what's so wrong with that??

http://coolboom.net/tag/traditional-inspiration/

trilinearmipmap · #6 11-18-2008, 06:55 PM

If you do go with an overflow box Lifereef is widely acclaimed to be the best with the lowest failure rate. There is another company in the U.S. that apparently makes Lifereef knockoffs for 1/2 price, I can't recall their name. I don't have any personal experience with this but I read up on it a fair bit planning my own tanks.