snobanker
Well-known member
Well my tax return is enroute to a bank account near me 
Time to dust off the empty 180 IAP and get this thing up and running. I had a plan but now after more reading I am not sure. Let me pass on a few questions/ideas.
I plan on keeping mostly LPS and softies at first, but want the option of adding SPS too. It will be BB as well. For lighting I'm planning on 4 100w VHO's (have) with 2 to 3 400w MH's ( I got two ballasts, sockets, and reflectors free from my dad, and I can get at least one more from him.)
First-flow
Originally I planned on installing a closed loop with a MBV like the one Nikki has and like Mojo's design. Now with all the talk of the new Vortex pump, I'm wondering what to do. Not necessarily thinking of the vortex itself, but I see all the discussion is bring up Tunze again big time. If I started with two 6000 tunze would that be sufficient flow to start with in my 180? I am keeping my an open mind about adding a third later, but I have a lot of stuff to get so I don't want to spend it all on three tunzes right away.
Does the controller make them pulse? as in each PH pumps more then less more then less or is it like a wavemaker. off and on?
I'm thinking that because of where I need to put my tank the back wouldn't be as accessible as I would like if I had the closed loop installed. Thats a lot of external fittings that could be potential leaks on my new carpet, plus I wouldn't have to drill my tank. Pricing out two Tunzes and a controller, it looks like I'll come out better than buying the apprpriate pump, MBV, timer, bulkheads, and plumbing parts.
Second-heat
Now I am well aware that you don't really need a heat system designed for the tank based on the recommended watt to gallon size, due to other heat sources IE; pumps and lighting. So for a 180 what size heaters should I have if I wanted to put two in my sump?
Third-sump/ overflow/ and return
I plan on having two durso standpipes in my OF's. they will be 1 1/4" pipe necked down to 1" bulkheads. I really have no idea what GPH these move water down to my sump, so I don't know what size pump I should use as a return. I would like the pump to be in the sump. I saw that MOJO recommended that the return should be the same or more than a skimmer pump in the sump so you are not skimming skimmed water (does that make sense) My "reefantasea" PS300 Becket skimmer needs a Mag12, 18 or Iwaki 55 to operate it so I'm thinking thats what 1000-1200 GPH? Would a Mag18 be a good choice as a return? and I guess I'll have valves on the OF's so I can change that flow. I also plan on tee'ing off my return through a valve back into the sump too to help control the return if necessary.
These are just a few planning dilemmas I'm wondering about. I want to get some stuff ordered so I can get some water filling happening.
Time to dust off the empty 180 IAP and get this thing up and running. I had a plan but now after more reading I am not sure. Let me pass on a few questions/ideas.
I plan on keeping mostly LPS and softies at first, but want the option of adding SPS too. It will be BB as well. For lighting I'm planning on 4 100w VHO's (have) with 2 to 3 400w MH's ( I got two ballasts, sockets, and reflectors free from my dad, and I can get at least one more from him.)
First-flow
Originally I planned on installing a closed loop with a MBV like the one Nikki has and like Mojo's design. Now with all the talk of the new Vortex pump, I'm wondering what to do. Not necessarily thinking of the vortex itself, but I see all the discussion is bring up Tunze again big time. If I started with two 6000 tunze would that be sufficient flow to start with in my 180? I am keeping my an open mind about adding a third later, but I have a lot of stuff to get so I don't want to spend it all on three tunzes right away.
Does the controller make them pulse? as in each PH pumps more then less more then less or is it like a wavemaker. off and on?
I'm thinking that because of where I need to put my tank the back wouldn't be as accessible as I would like if I had the closed loop installed. Thats a lot of external fittings that could be potential leaks on my new carpet, plus I wouldn't have to drill my tank. Pricing out two Tunzes and a controller, it looks like I'll come out better than buying the apprpriate pump, MBV, timer, bulkheads, and plumbing parts.
Second-heat
Now I am well aware that you don't really need a heat system designed for the tank based on the recommended watt to gallon size, due to other heat sources IE; pumps and lighting. So for a 180 what size heaters should I have if I wanted to put two in my sump?
Third-sump/ overflow/ and return
I plan on having two durso standpipes in my OF's. they will be 1 1/4" pipe necked down to 1" bulkheads. I really have no idea what GPH these move water down to my sump, so I don't know what size pump I should use as a return. I would like the pump to be in the sump. I saw that MOJO recommended that the return should be the same or more than a skimmer pump in the sump so you are not skimming skimmed water (does that make sense) My "reefantasea" PS300 Becket skimmer needs a Mag12, 18 or Iwaki 55 to operate it so I'm thinking thats what 1000-1200 GPH? Would a Mag18 be a good choice as a return? and I guess I'll have valves on the OF's so I can change that flow. I also plan on tee'ing off my return through a valve back into the sump too to help control the return if necessary.
These are just a few planning dilemmas I'm wondering about. I want to get some stuff ordered so I can get some water filling happening.
Last edited:
