Starting up a 720 Gallon and seeking suggestions in Miami!

locito277 · 06/11/2016, 09:33 PM

Hi all, it has been some time since I was reefing. I went into this thinking VHO, MH, PC's and chiller to find out most of these things arent needed nowadays for the most part. I originally had a 240 reef which I will also be setting up. Anyhow I just put a deposit on a 720 gallon tank. It measures 96" L X 36" Wide by 48" tall. The stand will stand at 36 ". I have a 240 gallon sup. Im planning on utilizing one chamber for Miracle mud with which I had very good results on my previous tank. What I would like are suggestions on lighting, skimmers, flow etc. It is a bit tricky as it will be visible on all 4 sides so I need all wiring to be low profile. Thanks in advance for your suggestions :-)

Bono · 06/12/2016, 01:15 PM

Is this going to be a full reef or fish-only? How do you plan to keep the glass clean as 4 ft is a long way to reach.

adrian52492 · 06/12/2016, 02:05 PM

Is it an acrylic tank ???

kutcha · 06/12/2016, 02:31 PM

so are you going to set up the 240 for now and let it cycle or is that 240 going to be the sump on the 750?

DannyDJD · 06/12/2016, 11:31 PM

I think I know the exact tank you're purchasing...if I'm not mistaken it's from a buddy of mine in Miami Springs. It's really nice and will look gorgeous all set up.

As far as cleaning a 48" deep tank, I use a Magfloat successfully on my 960 at 48" deep.

I think halides or LEDs are the only feasible lights that will punch through to that depth but lighting is also very dependent on what corals you're thinking of keeping and budget. Good thing is today LEDs can grow sps great as well.

There are plenty of great large skimmers out there and again, dependent on your planned bio load.

Good luck!

locito277 · 06/13/2016, 12:51 PM

Hi guys thx for getting back to me. Kutcha the tank has a 240 gallon sump already. I have a 225 which I will be setting up in the media room as well. For the big boy I want to do a little SPS. LPS, and softies. Heavy bioload of fish. It is an addiction LOL. DannyDJD I actually subscribed to your thread. It is the same tank Pedro has for sale. I saw your thread setting up your tank. Beautiful set up. Im hoping to avoid halides as I would prefer to not have to add a chiller. Magfloats are a must. Do you use reactors? Adrian it is all glass.

DannyDJD · 06/13/2016, 04:50 PM

Thanks!

Yeah, I thought it was the same tank, it's awesome...and Pedro is the man...he did a phenomenal job on my system and is now working on my cousins as well (his thread is on here as "cousin of the 1300 gallon...")

I completely understand the trepidation with halides and heat issues. My only concern would be possibly needing a chiller anyway due to where we live. I switched from 175 watt halides to "China Box" LEDs on my first tank (210g) for the heat concern and ended up having to get a 1/3 hp chiller anyway...but hopefully you get lucky!

I currently run Rowaphos/GFO and Carbon in separate reactors off of a manifold Pedro set up. It makes it easy to just turn a valve and pull one of the reactors for media maintenance. I used to just throw a bag of carbon into the sump and it seems to have worked fine, but I think for the little bit of money a reactor is more efficient.

locito277 · 06/13/2016, 08:45 PM

Pedro is good people. He will be getting my 240 fixed up as well. You don't dose calcium or Kalk? Chiller would be a problem since it will be like an island. Visible on all sides as part of a wall. Do you use a miracle mud system on yours?

DannyDJD · 06/15/2016, 05:27 PM

Ah yes, the island thing might pose an issue with the chiller...maybe Pedro has ideas...the dude is a freakin Mcgyver.

I don't currently run Miracle mud on mine but am very interested in doing so. I honestly did a bunch of research on it while planning he build, and purposely left the opportunity open with the large refugium I've got...I think that the price for the amount I'd need, like 100lbs sucks...That's really why I haven'y pulled the trigger. If not for that, I think I would absolutely give it a shot.

locito277 · 06/15/2016, 08:58 PM

I ran miracle mud with a skimmer and without a skimmer. Honestly I loved it. My fish were gorgeous and healthy. I had a large bioload and kept my Mandarin for over 3 years with no issues. I would occassionally add carbon to the sump but all in all it was great for me. Woner how much 100lbs goes for :-() By the way do you have anyone perform maintenance on your system?

locito277 · 06/15/2016, 09:34 PM

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locito277 · 06/15/2016, 09:34 PM

First pics of the beast. Can't wait to start setting it up

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locito277 · 06/15/2016, 09:36 PM

the two beasts together as my 240 is being touched up a bit prior to setup! 20 yrs strong thus far.

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Acrononomus · 06/15/2016, 10:41 PM

Man that's a sick tank! I love the 48" height! For skimmer I use a bubble King, Ima fan of them they work great! Again love the height! I would definitely use halides with supplemental vho, that's what I use and love it... U get a fluorescence in your sps and chalices that other lights just don't seem to give you.... What are your plans for flow??

locito277 · 06/16/2016, 07:01 AM

VHO definitely provide best actinic as I had them back in the day and the blue was impressive. Trying to avoid halides due to the heat of the systems though. The 48 inch height is impressive :-)

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McPuff · 06/16/2016, 08:05 AM

Wow that should be a very cool setup. Looking forward to seeing this one progress. Really wish I could fit an 8' tank down my stairs!

locito277 · 06/16/2016, 09:30 AM

Ill post pics as they become available :-)

locito277 · 06/16/2016, 05:51 PM

240 looks different already

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locito277 · 06/22/2016, 11:39 PM

Monster stand on its way to get powder coated.

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locito277 · 06/22/2016, 11:43 PM

Acronomus sorry I forgot to assert the flow question. I'm thinking 2 vectra returns with some intank with a sea swirl or two? Maybe mp60? Any suggestions?

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wowkingjames · 06/23/2016, 08:25 AM

You can also look into the Maxspect Gyre Generator Flow Pump.

DannyDJD · 06/23/2016, 10:26 AM

Looking amazing bro! The stand looks sick.

I also think the Gyre might be worth looking into, especially if they've released the larger "commercial" size. I'm also a big fan of the sea swirls...can't go wrong.

locito277 · 06/23/2016, 10:23 PM

Hey guys ordered one Gyre. Should I gt a second or mix in two Vortech M-60's?

locito277 · 06/23/2016, 10:44 PM

Danny thanks for helping me mve the stand in earlier today. Much appreciated.

locito277 · 06/23/2016, 10:51 PM

1/3 of the way there

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06/11/2016, 09:33 PM	#1
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Starting up a 720 Gallon and seeking suggestions in Miami! Hi all, it has been some time since I was reefing. I went into this thinking VHO, MH, PC's and chiller to find out most of these things arent needed nowadays for the most part. I originally had a 240 reef which I will also be setting up. Anyhow I just put a deposit on a 720 gallon tank. It measures 96" L X 36" Wide by 48" tall. The stand will stand at 36 ". I have a 240 gallon sup. Im planning on utilizing one chamber for Miracle mud with which I had very good results on my previous tank. What I would like are suggestions on lighting, skimmers, flow etc. It is a bit tricky as it will be visible on all 4 sides so I need all wiring to be low profile. Thanks in advance for your suggestions :-) __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/12/2016, 01:15 PM	#2
Bono Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Lakewood Ranch Fl. Posts: 872	Is this going to be a full reef or fish-only? How do you plan to keep the glass clean as 4 ft is a long way to reach. __________________ Living it up in Florida Current Tank Info: 210 gal, 300lbs LR, Aquamaxx Skimmer, 3x Reefbreeders LED's & T5's.

06/12/2016, 02:05 PM	#3
adrian52492 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: lauderdalelakes FL Posts: 834	Is it an acrylic tank ??? __________________ The people who matter don't judge, and the people who judge don't matter

06/13/2016, 12:51 PM	#6
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Hi guys thx for getting back to me. Kutcha the tank has a 240 gallon sump already. I have a 225 which I will be setting up in the media room as well. For the big boy I want to do a little SPS. LPS, and softies. Heavy bioload of fish. It is an addiction LOL. DannyDJD I actually subscribed to your thread. It is the same tank Pedro has for sale. I saw your thread setting up your tank. Beautiful set up. Im hoping to avoid halides as I would prefer to not have to add a chiller. Magfloats are a must. Do you use reactors? Adrian it is all glass. __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/13/2016, 08:45 PM	#8
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Pedro is good people. He will be getting my 240 fixed up as well. You don't dose calcium or Kalk? Chiller would be a problem since it will be like an island. Visible on all sides as part of a wall. Do you use a miracle mud system on yours? __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/12/2016, 02:31 PM	#4
kutcha Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 62	so are you going to set up the 240 for now and let it cycle or is that 240 going to be the sump on the 750?

06/12/2016, 11:31 PM	#5
DannyDJD Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Miami Posts: 128	I think I know the exact tank you're purchasing...if I'm not mistaken it's from a buddy of mine in Miami Springs. It's really nice and will look gorgeous all set up. As far as cleaning a 48" deep tank, I use a Magfloat successfully on my 960 at 48" deep. I think halides or LEDs are the only feasible lights that will punch through to that depth but lighting is also very dependent on what corals you're thinking of keeping and budget. Good thing is today LEDs can grow sps great as well. There are plenty of great large skimmers out there and again, dependent on your planned bio load. Good luck!

06/13/2016, 04:50 PM	#7
DannyDJD Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Miami Posts: 128	Thanks! Yeah, I thought it was the same tank, it's awesome...and Pedro is the man...he did a phenomenal job on my system and is now working on my cousins as well (his thread is on here as "cousin of the 1300 gallon...") I completely understand the trepidation with halides and heat issues. My only concern would be possibly needing a chiller anyway due to where we live. I switched from 175 watt halides to "China Box" LEDs on my first tank (210g) for the heat concern and ended up having to get a 1/3 hp chiller anyway...but hopefully you get lucky! I currently run Rowaphos/GFO and Carbon in separate reactors off of a manifold Pedro set up. It makes it easy to just turn a valve and pull one of the reactors for media maintenance. I used to just throw a bag of carbon into the sump and it seems to have worked fine, but I think for the little bit of money a reactor is more efficient.

06/15/2016, 05:27 PM	#9
DannyDJD Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Miami Posts: 128	Ah yes, the island thing might pose an issue with the chiller...maybe Pedro has ideas...the dude is a freakin Mcgyver. I don't currently run Miracle mud on mine but am very interested in doing so. I honestly did a bunch of research on it while planning he build, and purposely left the opportunity open with the large refugium I've got...I think that the price for the amount I'd need, like 100lbs sucks...That's really why I haven'y pulled the trigger. If not for that, I think I would absolutely give it a shot.

06/15/2016, 08:58 PM	#10
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	I ran miracle mud with a skimmer and without a skimmer. Honestly I loved it. My fish were gorgeous and healthy. I had a large bioload and kept my Mandarin for over 3 years with no issues. I would occassionally add carbon to the sump but all in all it was great for me. Woner how much 100lbs goes for :-() By the way do you have anyone perform maintenance on your system? __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/15/2016, 09:34 PM	#11
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/15/2016, 09:36 PM	#13
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	the two beasts together as my 240 is being touched up a bit prior to setup! 20 yrs strong thus far. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/15/2016, 10:41 PM	#14
Acrononomus Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 173	Man that's a sick tank! I love the 48" height! For skimmer I use a bubble King, Ima fan of them they work great! Again love the height! I would definitely use halides with supplemental vho, that's what I use and love it... U get a fluorescence in your sps and chalices that other lights just don't seem to give you.... What are your plans for flow??

06/16/2016, 07:01 AM	#15
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	VHO definitely provide best actinic as I had them back in the day and the blue was impressive. Trying to avoid halides due to the heat of the systems though. The 48 inch height is impressive :-) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/16/2016, 08:05 AM	#16
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	Wow that should be a very cool setup. Looking forward to seeing this one progress. Really wish I could fit an 8' tank down my stairs!

06/16/2016, 09:30 AM	#17
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Ill post pics as they become available :-) __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/16/2016, 05:51 PM	#18
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	240 looks different already Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/22/2016, 11:39 PM	#19
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Monster stand on its way to get powder coated. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/22/2016, 11:43 PM	#20
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Acronomus sorry I forgot to assert the flow question. I'm thinking 2 vectra returns with some intank with a sea swirl or two? Maybe mp60? Any suggestions? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/23/2016, 08:25 AM	#21
wowkingjames Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 242	You can also look into the Maxspect Gyre Generator Flow Pump.

06/23/2016, 10:26 AM	#22
DannyDJD Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Miami Posts: 128	Looking amazing bro! The stand looks sick. I also think the Gyre might be worth looking into, especially if they've released the larger "commercial" size. I'm also a big fan of the sea swirls...can't go wrong.

06/23/2016, 10:23 PM	#23
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Hey guys ordered one Gyre. Should I gt a second or mix in two Vortech M-60's? __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/23/2016, 10:44 PM	#24
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Danny thanks for helping me mve the stand in earlier today. Much appreciated. __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

06/23/2016, 10:51 PM	#25
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	1/3 of the way there Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!