New Tank

Been planning my first reef tank for a few months now. I like the clean look of ELOS, but ELOS 70 (55 gallons) is the biggest that would fit the space I have in mind. If I go custom, I can get something closer to 135 gallons and customize the sump as well. I'm thinking of a custom 34Wx30Dx30H rimless starphire tank. I'll probably go 32-34" high for the stand. It will be mainly sps dominated, so I'm planning to go with 24" vertex illumina lighting which I've heard great things about. It has Cree XPG 139lm/W LEDs so I'm hoping it should be good down to 30" for sps? I'm going to run a skimmer (any suggestions?), GFO and carbon, refugium, ATO, possibly a calcium reactor (still considering dosing vs the reactor). For the sump, I’m planning to split the drain so that I can control flow to the fuge. I want to place the skimmer and fuge sections at opposite ends flowing into a centre return pump chamber. That way I can keep as many pods as possible. I’m planning to configure everything into an aquacontroller. For flow would 1 vortech MP40 be enough? Or thoughts on 2x40’s vs 1x60? Sorry for the overload of questions! You ideas/suggestions are much appreciated! ;D

 

Welcome to 3reef.

Sounds like you have done your home work. Elos are sharp looking tanks for sure.

 

Looks to be a layed out plan,.........And hello and welcome to 3reef.

 

Welcome to 3reef. A tank that is 30" tall might be tough to light all the way to the bottom but It would be great for NPS coral. As for Vortechs I think 2xMP40s would be what I go with because with a MP60 you wont be able to put to much right in front of it. Also that is lots of flow lol I think they are rated for 300gal or bigger.

 

Thanks for the support and suggestions guys. I think I might expand the depth a bit and go 34x34 What are your guys thoughts on the 30" depth? Is this too deep, should I go for say 28" instead? I found a cool place for stands (steelaquariumstands.com). Already emailed and confirmed they can ship to Canada Now I've just got to find someone to build my tank! Also, any thoughts on canopy vs rimless? Thanks again!

 

I would say 24 inch depth! just my thoughts. think about the lighting and how hard the bottom will be to access. You want 2 powerheads, preferably pointed in each others direction. Good luck!