240 Planning Stages

[Parker]

Originally Posted by 220G

Just off the top of my head, I would recommend considering the following:

1. Make sure you get starphire glass. Worth the extra money, and is a
small drop in the bucket comparted to all the other stuff you will be
getting. Also consider an external overflow.
2. You will need one more metal halide on that 8' tank, consider lumanarc
reflectors, they are worth every penny.
3. Make sure you budget for the plumbing for all the pumps, including
union valves. This will be expensive so be forewarned!
4. I am guessing you will need a calcium reactor....and the accessories.
5. Forget about the magdrive. Get a good quality external pump.
6. Budget for a HRV if possible to properly manager your humidity.
7. Plan on using some water motion devices. Very important.
8. Lose the UV.

Have fun and try and plan it out as best as possible before you start. It WILL be interesting to see what you have budgeted compated to the acual cost. Smart wife!

1. I'll check into the glass
An external overflow won't be possible in this case. There is no access to the rear of the tank and it will need to be flush with the wall. I was going to have one diagonally in each rear corner.

2. I based 3 halides off of looking at other peoples tanks, I saw about a 50/50 split between 3 and four bulbs

3. I put some serious thought into the plumbing costs so I don't expect too much of a surprise there. I figure around 750.00 - 1000.00 for plumbing all said and done

4. Ahh the Calcium Reactor - that I did forget about.

5. Another Dart? - That would put me at 15x turnover through the sump minus head lose

7. I'm trying to avoid any equipment in the tank - Possibly up my closed loop GPH?

8. Two votes for losing the UV - Will do


It will be a reef tank.