Starting a new reef tank - advice appreciated

[dunkuboyz]

Hi all,

First off, let me introduce a lill bit about myself....I'm Alan from Penang, your neighbor across the causeway far up north. I was working in Singapore till my work commitments send me right back to KL. My wife's Simgaporean, so we return back to Singapore almost every other week.

Now, a brief introduction of my reefing history. I started out reefing about 10 years back. Started of with a 2ft nano tank. Not knowing much about marine, I end up purchasing things I don't need and, spending more and more trying to maintain the health of the inhabitant as I learnt more along the way. Thankfully, despite my ignorance, I never lost any inhabitant for the entire 3 years of the lifespan of that tank! Beginners luck I guess.

Thinking back, it first started with a simple 2 ftx1ftx1ft prefabricated tank. Was convinced by the LFS how simple it was to keep marine. How ignorant was I!! At least I knew enough to cycle the tank.

Anyway, to cut the story short, from a simple tank with PL lights and an eheim canister filter, the evolution involved a 1/4 hp chiller, 150W MH, 2 HOB(acting as refugium and the other to house 5 starfish which I use to rotate amputation of arms to feed my harlequin shrimps), a tunze wavemaker, 2 fluidized reactors (phosban/activated charcoal) with my eheim canister as a feeder pump to the reactors and chiller!! I've came a long way since than..... I recently just decommissioned 4 reef tanks before my return back to KL. I've learnt a lot from this forum, however, had never really participated in discussions.

After a long wait since me and my wife got back to KL, we decided it's about the right time to have our passion reignited. The new tank would be placed as a partition between the living room and the study. Here is where your advice would help us decide...

1. Tank size

- 7ft length x 3ft length x 2.5ft height

It would be viewed from 3 side ( the walk way, the living room and the study room )

I was actually more in favor of 3ft height, giving more volume. However, my dilemma would be the penetration of the lights and the ease of cleaning the tank. Anyone with a 3ft deep tank out there? would it be a problem cleaning the tank (sandy bottom etc..)?? would it be a problem when placing/relocation corals??..especially those on the sandy bottom. I find it difficult enough for a 2.5ft deep tank. Any advices/suggestions/experiences would be very much appreciated!

2.Controller

I'm in favor of getting a Neptune apex aquacontroller with the module to control my PH in the calcium reactor, monitor PH of my tank, control my tunze's and vortech, control my lights (if I get the AI Vegas). However, I've read quite good reviews on Profilux controllers. Anyone out there tried it yet?

3.Lightings

I'm ALMOST decided on this. My favor lies towards having 4xOrphek Atlantiks. 2nd in line would be 6xAI Vegas (3blues+3colors). What I like about the atlantiks are the high PAR/PUR based on what they say. On the other hand, what I'm skeptical about is that the videos they posted on youTube on the PAR at various distance and depth were bias. One video showed PAR of 478 at 2.4M. But, that was without any water. Another video actually showed PAR or 400+ at 1.2 meters(if i'm not wrong), but with just 10 inches of water. Another let down is that the atlantiks are assembled in china-anyway, what isn't?! And not to mention, I can't help but to notice the serious bias-ness against Orphek at reefcentral.com

The vega's, on the other hand, have 2 great points - No. 1 : love the wireless control , No.2 : Great after service, considering RA are the local distributors.

There was however one small annoying review whereby it was said that the vegas, although may have high PAR, do not have a high PUR ( which is everything we want in a light )

The only thing that tip the balance towards Orphek would be Trilobites (Thirus) inspiring thread at 'Ultimate reef'. I just hope that reliability wouldnt be an issue considering it being assembled in china . Pricewise, theyre both about the same.

4.Pumps

Is it justified to purchase an Abyzz pump with the amount of flow I would have with 2xTunze6105+2xMP40's. Is the variable speed control useful? N' yes, money doesn't drop from heaven for me...haha

Your views are deeply appreciated

Here are the list of things that are to be added to the system

- Return Pumps : Abyzz 200A X 1 , Eheim 1264x2

- Chiller : 1 ½ HP York Compressor with titanium coil drop in

- Tunze 6105 X 2

- Vortech MP40ES X 2

- Skimmer : Skimz Monster SM302

- Skimz Fluidized reactor

- Media : DT- Live aragonite sand (any place to buy it in KL? Or Ill have to get it in Singapore), RowaPhos, Rowa-carbon

- Ca reactor Deltec PF601 with Rowalith C+ coarse

- Deltec Kalk reactor

- Neptune Controller

- Tunze ATO

I gues that's about it. Do be brutally honest. Appreciate any advices/comments!

Thanks!

[spkentchai]

Hi all,

First off, let me introduce a lill bit about myself....I'm Alan from Penang, your neighbor across the causeway far up north. I was working in Singapore till my work commitments send me right back to KL. My wife's Simgaporean, so we return back to Singapore almost every other week.

Now, a brief introduction of my reefing history. I started out reefing about 10 years back. Started of with a 2ft nano tank. Not knowing much about marine, I end up purchasing things I don't need and, spending more and more trying to maintain the health of the inhabitant as I learnt more along the way. Thankfully, despite my ignorance, I never lost any inhabitant for the entire 3 years of the lifespan of that tank! Beginners luck I guess.

Thinking back, it first started with a simple 2 ftx1ftx1ft prefabricated tank. Was convinced by the LFS how simple it was to keep marine. How ignorant was I!! At least I knew enough to cycle the tank.

Anyway, to cut the story short, from a simple tank with PL lights and an eheim canister filter, the evolution involved a 1/4 hp chiller, 150W MH, 2 HOB(acting as refugium and the other to house 5 starfish which I use to rotate amputation of arms to feed my harlequin shrimps), a tunze wavemaker, 2 fluidized reactors (phosban/activated charcoal) with my eheim canister as a feeder pump to the reactors and chiller!! I've came a long way since than..... I recently just decommissioned 4 reef tanks before my return back to KL. I've learnt a lot from this forum, however, had never really participated in discussions.

After a long wait since me and my wife got back to KL, we decided it's about the right time to have our passion reignited. The new tank would be placed as a partition between the living room and the study. Here is where your advice would help us decide...

1. Tank size

- 7ft length x 3ft length x 2.5ft height

It would be viewed from 3 side ( the walk way, the living room and the study room )

I was actually more in favor of 3ft height, giving more volume. However, my dilemma would be the penetration of the lights and the ease of cleaning the tank. Anyone with a 3ft deep tank out there? would it be a problem cleaning the tank (sandy bottom etc..)?? would it be a problem when placing/relocation corals??..especially those on the sandy bottom. I find it difficult enough for a 2.5ft deep tank. Any advices/suggestions/experiences would be very much appreciated!

2.Controller

I'm in favor of getting a Neptune apex aquacontroller with the module to control my PH in the calcium reactor, monitor PH of my tank, control my tunze's and vortech, control my lights (if I get the AI Vegas). However, I've read quite good reviews on Profilux controllers. Anyone out there tried it yet?

3.Lightings

I'm ALMOST decided on this. My favor lies towards having 4xOrphek Atlantiks. 2nd in line would be 6xAI Vegas (3blues+3colors). What I like about the atlantiks are the high PAR/PUR based on what they say. On the other hand, what I'm skeptical about is that the videos they posted on youTube on the PAR at various distance and depth were bias. One video showed PAR of 478 at 2.4M. But, that was without any water. Another video actually showed PAR or 400+ at 1.2 meters(if i'm not wrong), but with just 10 inches of water. Another let down is that the atlantiks are assembled in china-anyway, what isn't?! And not to mention, I can't help but to notice the serious bias-ness against Orphek at reefcentral.com

The vega's, on the other hand, have 2 great points - No. 1 : love the wireless control , No.2 : Great after service, considering RA are the local distributors.

There was however one small annoying review whereby it was said that the vegas, although may have high PAR, do not have a high PUR ( which is everything we want in a light )

The only thing that tip the balance towards Orphek would be Trilobites (Thirus) inspiring thread at 'Ultimate reef'. I just hope that reliability wouldnt be an issue considering it being assembled in china . Pricewise, theyre both about the same.

4.Pumps

Is it justified to purchase an Abyzz pump with the amount of flow I would have with 2xTunze6105+2xMP40's. Is the variable speed control useful? N' yes, money doesn't drop from heaven for me...haha

Your views are deeply appreciated

Here are the list of things that are to be added to the system

- Return Pumps : Abyzz 200A X 1 , Eheim 1264x2

- Chiller : 1 ½ HP York Compressor with titanium coil drop in

- Tunze 6105 X 2

- Vortech MP40ES X 2

- Skimmer : Skimz Monster SM302

- Skimz Fluidized reactor

- Media : DT- Live aragonite sand (any place to buy it in KL? Or Ill have to get it in Singapore), RowaPhos, Rowa-carbon

- Ca reactor Deltec PF601 with Rowalith C+ coarse

- Deltec Kalk reactor

- Neptune Controller

- Tunze ATO

I gues that's about it. Do be brutally honest. Appreciate any advices/comments!

Thanks!

Your equipment list looks absolutely fantastic....thumbs up....

One question on your chiller...is there any reason for chosing york? I would put Daikin or Mitsubishi as my first choice...

[dunkuboyz]

Your equipment list looks absolutely fantastic....thumbs up....

One question on your chiller...is there any reason for chosing york? I would put Daikin or Mitsubishi as my first choice...

Hi spkentchai,

No particular reasons actually. It's just that here in KL, I would be able to purchase just the compressor alone for York. I know some brands don't sell you saperately. Is there any reason for Daikin/Mitsubishi ? Equipment wise, I'm starting to bring in one by one, except for the undecided once which I stated

[digibee]

Wow, huge set-up!

Pics please of the tanks and sump configuration; equipment and set-up/installation etc.

I think 3 ft height is too high ..... difficult to maintain and placing of rocks or corals.

As for lights; my preference is AI Vega.

Cheers!

[nicreef]

AI vegas! but thought 1 unit is only enough for 2ft x 2ft since urs is a 7 x 3 4 set would cover the lenght but breadth of 3 would mean 1 ft is left under lighted?

http://support.aquaillumination.com/entries/21998101-Frequently-Asked-Questions

[dunkuboyz]

AI vegas! but thought 1 unit is only enough for 2ft x 2ft since urs is a 7 x 3 4 set would cover the lenght but breadth of 3 would mean 1 ft is left under lighted?

http://support.aquaillumination.com/entries/21998101-Frequently-Asked-Questions

If AI is the way I go, I don't think 4 units would be enough. I would need to go at least 6 units. Being a 7 feet tank, that means I would have to place the lights perpendicular to the width of the tank. That would give me more than enough space for even 14 Units!! The thing is, I do not think the vega has the penetration, and not to mention as you rightfully say, 1 ft left ' under lighted '. Btw, I'm planning to keep SPS.

I was even thinking about GHL's....but check this video out .... Orphek atlantiks VS GHL

http://www.google.com.sg/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=orphekvsghl%20youtube&s...

Can't find anything that compares the AI's to the Orpheks... I think they're both in different leagues

I would most likely go for the Orpheks!

[spkentchai]

Hi spkentchai,

No particular reasons actually. It's just that here in KL, I would be able to purchase just the compressor alone for York. I know some brands don't sell you saperately. Is there any reason for Daikin/Mitsubishi ? Equipment wise, I'm starting to bring in one by one, except for the undecided once which I stated

York compressor might be slightly noiser than the japanese brands but if you place it outside at yeard area....it really not a huge concern. You may also wanna check out the consumption based on reviews.

[dunkuboyz]

York compressor might be slightly noiser than the japanese brands but if you place it outside at yeard area....it really not a huge concern. You may also wanna check out the consumption based on reviews.

Hi,

Thanks for the advice.. Will probably check it out....dun want it to be too noisy too even though I'm putting in it out in the yard. Do you have any link to reviews on their consumption?

One more thing, is it possible to link the compressor to the Apex controller, or do I need to get a separate temperature controller for the chiller?

[dunkuboyz]

Wow, huge set-up!

Pics please of the tanks and sump configuration; equipment and set-up/installation etc.

I think 3 ft height is too high ..... difficult to maintain and placing of rocks or corals.

As for lights; my preference is AI Vega.

Cheers!

Sorry, missed your post.... Don't worry, the moment I get the stuffs in, will post the whole building of the reef process up for your scrutiny

[peacemaker]

Due to the width of the tank, even a 2ft height will post a challenge in placing stuff in the middle, but I'm sure you are more than prepared to soak in entirely just to reach for stuff? Lol... Just prepare good snorkelling gear and you are all set!

[MarcoVan]

I I would follow chingchai. Go with 6 400W MH with lumenarc fixtures and get some decent t5 fixtures and blue leds as supplements.

I wouldn't go for AI because of cost and size of your tank alone; doubt 7/8 AI will cover you..

just my 2 cents

[Kakani]

_{400W i think 4 enough for 7ft lai. Or even 3 get a bigger lumenarc fixture and support with T5. If put 6 i think your SPS can put sand bed lol}

[dunkuboyz]

I I would follow chingchai. Go with 6 400W MH with lumenarc fixtures and get some decent t5 fixtures and blue leds as supplements. I wouldn't go for AI because of cost and size of your tank alone; doubt 7/8 AI will cover you.. just my 2 cents

Hmm.. I've thought of MH...but the amount of heat generated + the 8monthly cosh of changing bulbs+++.....cost wise, not very efficient! Evaporation is another concern of mine. I do go on long holidays... Dun want my ATO to dry up before I return home. I know there are ways to go around...but these are the cumulative concerns which make me consider LED's... I'm thinking the Orpheks should be able to do the trick... 6 400w MH will boil the water... Haha.... There won't be much space in between the reflectors... Scared my hood will go in flames!!

[dunkuboyz]

_{400W i think 4 enough for 7ft lai. Or even 3 get a bigger lumenarc fixture and support with T5. If put 6 i think your SPS can put sand bed lol}

I think 3 more than enough..if 6, you probably got to put sunblock on the corals...haha Cheers!

[MarcoVan]

Hmm.. I've thought of MH...but the amount of heat generated + the 8monthly cosh of changing bulbs+++.....cost wise, not very efficient! Evaporation is another concern of mine. I do go on long holidays... Dun want my ATO to dry up before I return home. I know there are ways to go around...but these are the cumulative concerns which make me consider LED's... I'm thinking the Orpheks should be able to do the trick...6 400w MH will boil the water... Haha.... There won't be much space in between the reflectors... Scared my hood will go in flames!!

thats the trade off. You can try LEDs but I've to warn that don't give yourself too much high expectations.

If cost is so much an issue, get more t5 and maybe 4 250w on 4 hour basis..

[dunkuboyz]

thats the trade off. You can try LEDs but I've to warn that don't give yourself too much high expectations. If cost is so much an issue, get more t5 and maybe 4 250w on 4 hour basis..

Check this out... http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=390408 . Thiru's tank featured in ultimate reef as the TOTM. Had 3x400w mh... Seems to be doing better after he changed to Orphek Atlantiks!