50 Gallon Plans

My next tank in the works is a custom 50 gallon. When I was building the furniture for my new home office, I left a space for a 29 gallon; however, after some consideration, I've decided to have a tank built that will maximize the available space. Thanks to Christian at wetdryfilter.com, I will soon be in the possession of a 50 gallon Reef-Ready aquarium, complete with overflow, and drilled for two main returns and a closed loop. The dimensions are 30" long x 18" wide x 22" high, essentially a 37 gallon tall with an extra 6 inches front to back.

The plan

Sump

Yes, although I'm unsure what I'll use, perhaps a 20 gallon AGA or I'll have Christian build me something.

Circulation

Overflow with dual return from sump, Closed loop with dual return. Each set of returns will run off an Iwaki 420gph pressure rated pump, so I won't have to worry about pump problems if I have to throttle them back, and each set will have their own SCWD for a little wave action. The current plan involves 4 loc-line returns, but may change.

Lighting

I think I'm going to get a retro-kit from hellolights.com. 250 watt MH (probably 10,000K) with 2 x 75 watt VHO for actinic supplement. Electronic Ballasts all around.

Skimmer

Euro-Reef ES5-2. Price is right, will fit in my stand, and I haven't heard much bad about them. Might upgrade to a ES5-3 if I have the extra 4 inches clearance I need. Probably not, as I'd like to raise the skimmer in the sump so I have the optimal height for the skimmer and can keep an extra couple of inches of water in the first sump compartment.

Substrate

Hot topic now, to deep sand bed or not. I think I'll probably stick with the shallow sand bed I have in my Nano. 2"-3" in depth. It's enough for my diamond watchman goby to dig around in, but not so deep it won't stay clean, or develop anerobic areas (especially with all the turning over of the sand he does).

Eventually

I would like to add a controller, and a calcium / kalk reactor depending on the needs of the system. My plan is to keep mostly SPS / LPS with a few choice softies for a little motion in the tank.

Last Update

January 5, 2004