Here we go! Setting up 180 need a little advice??

[Tybond]

Ok, I have taken the plunge!

I bought an AGA 180g tank reef ready with overflows in the center and am getting ready to set it up either this weekend or next.

OMG this things HUGE! It wasn't this big at LFS

Here is a list of equipment I have:
1 180 g tank JOY!
1 55g tank for sump
1 20g long tank for refugium
3 250w ewaski MH's 6500k's
4 55w Power Compact kits if needed all 2 bulb
2 1200 gph mag pumps for flow
2 5 gallon surge devices
3 350w Titanium Heaters
4 4" cooling fans to install in a canopy
100# of figi and Tonga mixed LR curring
100# Aragonite and concrete Homeade LR curring
Homeade rock has been curring for 2mnths in water
1 dual chamber Calcium Reactor
1 used medical dose pump for adding any chemicals
various misc items.

My question's are:

What skimmer to use in the 55g sump?

Are the 3 250w MH's enough light for this beasty?

How many pounds of southdown sand to I need to bring home?

Now can I have that damn tang?

(just kidding about the tang)

Thanks all!
ty

 

[jchonline]

Of course, all of these suggestions are IMHO, so please listen to others also.

Sand: about a pound/gallon will give you 2 inches deep. If you are starting a reef tank, there are many schools of thought, but about 3 inches deep is a good start (some folks tout 6 inch activated beds, but you can look into that if you wish).

Light: According to what you want to have in your tank!! I have all PC (400W) in my 75G. In general, you should shoot for 3-5 watts/gallon for reefs.

Skimmer: I am partial to the in-sump Euroreef. For a 55G sump, you should have room for a good one (like a CS8 series). The trick will be the height. Make sure you have the height in your stand (if you are using a stand) to fit the skimmer. Overkill should not hurt you in general, so getting an over-rated skimmer is OK. There is some literature that touts overskimming negatively impacting some types of corals (removes DOC's which are food for the critters) just to let you know. I hope this helps. Great setup you have here!!

 

[Anonymous]

For 4-5" of sand I'd say about 450 pounds. You can use our Sand Calculator to figure out how much you need. http://www.inlandreef.com/diy.html

I would suggest an AquaC EV-240 for a protein skimmer. Other options being Precision Marine Bullet 2, however I think EV-240 will get you the best bang for your buck.

For lighting the three 250's will be plenty as long as you stick with the Iwasaki's or 10K Germans. Switch to a 12K ALS or a Blueline 10K and you'll have difficulty keeping shrooms alive

4x55w PC's may or may not be able to color the tank you your liking. 96W would be better, or VHO Actinics.

 

[IBJJ]

IMO your lights are fine. I have 2 250's and 2 175's on my 180 along with 3 140 watt VHO. My corals are doing great and my temp peaks at 82. I only hav 2 4" fans and plan adding 2 more soon so you should be good with the 4 you have. I have a Mag 2400 (got a good deal) for the return but would prefer the 2 1200's like you have (redundency is good)I haven't used my heaters yet. Haven't needed them yet cuz it hasn't gotten cold down here in FL to need them yet. I used 180 lbs of Araga-live sand and its about 3 inches deep. I have an impact injection skimmer made by a local manufact. Sealife Systems, for up to 400gal tank, and I love it.