Pat's 180 Reef Ready Build

OK I'm getting the final version of my plan ready now. The basic plan is to replace my current 180 bow front with this tank, mostly because I want the built in overflow, and it will take up less floor space.

The big thing I am trying to figure out is on the sump:
The tank has 2 overflows, so I want to use 2 filter socks, that way I can use one size sock for both tanks.
I also plan on using 2 return pumps rated at 1000 gph each. I figure that is like using 2 heaters, if one dies you still have one working.

Anyone see any flaws in my thinking???

Sounds like a good plan - you could even go with smaller pumps (to reduce heat and cost) since you won't need all that turnover

not at all,

Just a thought though, why not run your two overflows into a larger pipe and use one sock? Same flow same cleaning less expense.

Originally Posted by rgrking

not at all,

Just a thought though, why not run your two overflows into a larger pipe and use one sock? Same flow same cleaning less expense.

I don't know about all that flow going into a 4 inch sock. I use the polyfiber type socks from EShops, and they trap alot of stuff and they may not be able to run for too long.

Running 2 retun pumps rated at 1000 gph on a 180 gal tank with 2 overflows may be a little too much because I think the overflows are rated at 600 gph each . That would mean that you will have to turn down the flow on each return pump and when one pump stops running, the other pump will not be able to handle the total overflow volume. Check this out with other peoples opinions.

That would be a ton of flow, i agree with the others. and two pumps is a cool idea, but i would personally stick with just one..why?.. almost twice the price, twice the noise, heat, chance of failure, leaks...and how often do they really fail anyway? Have you had bad luck in the past, or take long vacations? And i use a 4'' filter sock on my 30 that doesn't produce much waste, and its forever getting plugged up. IMO one 7'' sock with both intakes dumping into it === one sock in an easy to reach spot in the sump. I have 7'' one on my 125 and wouldn't go smaller. i have two socks, one in use, and the other gets cleaned and ready for re-use.. just switch for a clean one every week. By the way Pat, what size sump are you using? same one under the bowfront?
And this thread will be exciting to watch, i just picked up a used 180 also, dunno if i'll get to my switch as soon as you though! I've got to drill, make a stand, overflows, and calm a nervous wife about the whole switch-over and distuurb the reef part of this thing, not to mention what i'll do to the livngroom in the process... i personally love the look of rubbermaid totes everywhere!
Good Luck Pat

Two 1000gph pumps on a 180 is 11x turnover per hour(not accounting for sump volume or head loss). Thats not crazy high or anything but it is more then you need. I would run just one of the pumps and get your intank flow from vortech's or K's or what ever.

I dont see a problem with running everything into one sock because i would be replacing that sock every other day anyway.

i know many people who have 2 main heaters with one back up, i would go with at least 3 heaters

Originally Posted by Snook11

i know many people who have 2 main heaters with one back up, i would go with at least 3 heaters

I dunno about three heaters Nate, that's giving three times the chance of a "staying on" heater failure, not to mention 3 thermostats to deal with, and finding room for all three to be far enough away from each other to work right... IMO it's an overkill.

i guess it might be over kill expecially on your electric bill but for a 180 idk tom who i wrok with has 3 and i think jared does also

Well it looks like the popular is 1 return pump. I will be using a 1000 GPH pump as I already have one. I already have 2 heaters from rena rated at 100 gal each and I plan to stay with them. I also have 3 koralias, 2 are 750 gph and the other is 1400 gph, so I should be good with flow and only 1 return pump.

Im running about 4 heaters right now. I had three of them connected to a Ranco controller so that they all kicked on and off at the same time but it crapped out on me. Two heaters should be fine thou, i use as many as i do because a few of them are a little under powered and with a large water volume with a basement sump the water gets a little cold in the winter.

I use 2 300w on my 180 and it stays right at or above where I have it prgrammed at. They are on opposite sides of the tank too.

Same here, using 2 heaters, one 3oow and the other 350w. Have them dialed in to keep the tank at 79 degrees and they do just that.

I use two in my tank, and one is by the return pump, and the other in the overflow Seems to work well with the system so far!

Excited Pat?!?!?

On the topic of overflows, most are rated right around 700gph, so 1000gph might be a bit too much for them, but you can always have a pressure release/tee off w/ a ball valve on each going into the sump and that will help increase the flow in your sump any way Good luck with the set up and keep us updated!

OK...so the plan is set.........now when do 'ya implement it?

I hopeing to have everything set to swap over after the frag swap, but it's looking more likely the weekend after that. I'm excited to get started on this one, but I'm sure my back will not be happy with me afterwards.

lol....yeah you'll be feeling it the next few days after a move/re-do like that Pat! ....well I'm really excited for 'ya! ......did you already reserve frags from the swap?

Nothing reserved, just gonna buy things that catch my eye from my ever increasing stocking list Seriously has anyone ever stuck to their planned stocking list??? I haven't had a list last more then a few months till I find something else I would like and have to modify my list again.

Originally Posted by Pat B

Nothing reserved, just gonna buy things that catch my eye from my ever increasing stocking list Seriously has anyone ever stuck to their planned stocking list??? I haven't had a list last more then a few months till I find something else I would like and have to modify my list again.

LMAO - here's about the only stocklist I've been able to keep that doesn't require many additions/changes

List A
"NO NEW FRAGS"

List B
"NO NEW FISH"

List C
"NO NEW INVERTS"

........... that pretty much covers it