Time to get started on the 180

[snobanker]

Wow, thanks for all the replies guys. It really sounds like the Tunze may be the way to go. I like the idea of the seaswirls on the return too. Those ampmasters and Iwakis are external only though right? I was trying to get away with no holes drilled in the side of my sump, but I guess on hole would be ok . I am anxious to get started on this thing, and as soon as I get my return I am going to buy all my parts and get going on this thing.

Keep any ideas coming if someone has any other input, all is welcome.

 

[RGibson]

With the tunzes you do not need a large return pump ,in my own tank i use a Eheim 1260. A low water flow though the sump helps the skimmer do a better job.

 

[szidls]

Hey Stan,
Well since I finally got my 150 going I will throw in my 2 bits. Cents just don't cut it when talking reef tank. As you might know I did the Mojo/NAH2O reasonable faxsimile closed loop. Sequence 5000 cl pump, MBV, 14 holes and BH's drilled and installed in the back of the tank. Not counting the overflow.
This tank has really been a learning experience for me.
There were countless trips to Lowes, Home Depot, and mail order to Savco. I new I was going for high flow Sps tank so the more flow the better. Mike's
design works great. I couldn't be happier with the flow. The locline fan nozzles keep the bottom very clean. Almost no detritus to siphon out. The mbv is outstanding for random flow. I am using a Pan World/ Blueline ext 1200 gph pump for the return.The return is plumbed inside my overflow and enters about half way up back in the tank. This helps the flow in back of the rock work.
So about my project..... If I had to do it again would I? Yes I think so. Was it time consuming? Absolutely! Expensive? What isn't in this hobby. Did I have some fun and learn something? You Bet!
I also can see the advantages of using a tunze system. Power head placement, No tank drilling, relative ease of setup. I really think the cost is comparable when you factor in time and effort involved to install.
The tunze should give you more versatility with starting out with softies and possibly changing to sps later. Have a good time with the 180.
Scott

 

[snobanker]

So can I control the Tunze Streams with a contoller like an Aquacotroller Jr, or do I have to/should use the Tunze controller?

I am under the impression that the electronic Tunzes ie; the 6000 and the 6100, have some type of built in variable control for output and the 6080 and 6060 are just full blast? I guess the advantage of the 6000 and 6100 is that you can vary the gph output then. All are controllable with the controller as far as being able to individualy turn them on and off at selected intervals, but the output on the 6000/6100's can also be varied at times with the seperate controller?

I'm trying to figure out what I really need to buy and what I can save on.

Hmmmm.

 

[RGibson]

You will have to used the multicontroller 7095 to control of the 6000-6100 .I used it with two 6100 on my tank.

 

[snobanker]

You will have to used the multicontroller 7095 to control of the 6000-6100 .I used it with two 6100 on my tank.

Rgibson, what size tank do you have? Also, does the controller allow you to automatically vary the output of the 6000/6100's as well as when they are on and off? From what I understand with the the controller you can control/time each PH independently?

 

[RGibson]

I have a 180 gal tank,and the control works just as you describe.

 

[CarlaW]

Stan, Marine Depot has some good info on their site about the Tunze and their controllers. Have you checked that out yet?

 

[snobanker]

RGibson sounds good. I take it youre perfectly happy with your choice.

Stan, Marine Depot has some good info on their site about the Tunze and their controllers. Have you checked that out yet?

Charlie, I have been reading they're info on the Tunze. I decided to go with the Tunze combo that comes with the two 6100's and a 7095 controller. It looks like the best deal going and will give me the most flexibility. Now to order them and then decide wher to place them in the tank.

Here is an idea for placement. Pretty simple, but it seeems like if I alternate the flow rates of the Tunze's it should make for some good random flow. The PH's will be about halfway down the tank. The returns will be at the surface and will be seaswirls, at least eventually. They may be just fixed locline at first, depending on financing, but eventually seaswirls. I'll probably use the 3/4". I'm still trying to figure out what size pump to use for the sump return. It sounds like Iwaki is the most suggested brand so a 55 maybe?

 

[ethanriley]

I am tagging along as I sell out my portion of one of my businesses tommorrow and part of the proceeds goes to my new 180. For what its worth I agree with Krish on the Tunzes they are the way to go, for a smaller tank the Seio's are good, but the ability to change your rate of flow with the Tunze coupled with the sea swirls is a great combination. If you do your bottom like his make sure he sends you pictures glueing in the acrylic was a great idea and though I am not a BB fan it makes all the difference in the world IMO to the look of the tank. I probably will go bare bottom for my 180 with his layout. what skimmer are you going to use? If you are going to go with halides (3 250's I think?!) I would skip the VHO's and go with T5's but it depends on your preference.

 

[ethanriley]

Just a note on the thumbnail I would extend your return(s) to the middle rear of the tank to tank advantage of the sea swirls range and prevent dead spots in the middle of the tank.

 

[RGibson]

On my 180gal All Glass tank i had three 250 watt Iwasaki halide bulbs with PFO reef-flectors,I change them to 175 watt Ushio bulbs.PFO metal halide ballasts were used both times. I made the change because Anthony Calfo said it was a good thing to do.I have run the 175 for two years and the tank as done very well.

 

[snobanker]

Well I just finished pushing 2 very expensive "submit order" buttons on two supplier sites. Ordered my two Tunze 6100's and the 7095 controller, plus an Iwaki pump for my sump return, a mag18 I needed for my beckett skimmer, two heaters and an Aquacontroller JR with the 8 outlet hardwire setup......now I have 3rd degree burns on my butt where my wallet once resided....

I still need to get the seaswirls, but since I have all the return plumbing already as well as some locline, I'll just use that for now then add the seaswirls later.. Still gotta build the canopy for the tank, but I finished designing it and just need to pick up the wood at Lowes.

I want to use a sump that is a little wider and lower so it's more accessable in the stand. I may have to have one built I suppose.


I am sure glad to get to work on this thing finally....

When I actually get all the materials and supplies I'll start a little progress post with pics.

 

[spongebob lover]

yuuhuu !! way to go partner .

 

[Slickdonkey]

I'm at the planning stages for my 240 as well. I was planning to do a closed loop, but since the cost is comparable and there would be less plumbing involved, maybe a Tunze is the way to go.

I'll be keeping an eye on your progress; sounds like you're just a few weeks ahead of me.

 

[snobanker]

Hey Slickdonkey if you want to keep up or pass me all you have to do is do "something"...lol... Well if you want to get your Tunze's you might want to get ordering. Every site I went too showed them to be out of stock except Marine Depot. They then informed me they were back ordered as well and would ship in a week ....I hope.

I went with them because they sell a nice kit with two 6100's and a 7095 controller for cheaper than all three separately. I'm kind of assuming that no one really keeps those in stock due to the high price of keeping a stock on hand, so they just order them when a customer orders. No biggie, at least they got ordered...my tank wasn't getting finished without ordering them

By the way...the Hayward MBV I was going to use for my CL is for sale in the equipment for sale forum if anyone needs a brand new unused one.

 

[snobanker]

Well last weekend I got all my pumps etc from Marine Depot and my Aquacontroller JR and heaters from Dr Foster....yeah

I sent an email to MD asking how long they thought the Tunze's would be backordered. They sent one back this AM saying probably the "end" of March ...but by the end of the day I saw I had been charged so I called them and they said the order was filled and processed....sweet....gettin closer

 

[Scooterman]

Good news good news! Great, bet your ready! I'm ready for the Picks