If you could do it all over again . . . - How would you change your setup?

I

Ivan

[I got my floor changed out to tile this weekend and will soon re-set up a 58 RR and a new 140 RR. Automation is very important to me, so when these tanks go up, they will be done right (at least that's the goal).

If you could set yours up all over again, what would you have done differently? I'm not talking about easy stuff like changing pumps, using CA reactors (vs. Bionic) or sand versus crushed coral. I'm talking about the harder stuff like plumbing, special wiring, larger sump (for what reason), etc.

Here is an example of what I will do differently: I use and Artica chiller, and in the former setup the chiller would heat up my room, making it very uncomfortable in the summer. This time around, I want to put the chiller outside (in a shaded area). Haven't figured out how to do it, but that is one of my goals.

I'd love to hear how you folks would make your systems even more efficient. This is actually the fun part, and I have a great opportunity to learn from you all. Thanks in advance!]
 
[I think I would have a smaller sump with my system. My 40g has a 30g sump, so it takes up nearly the entire inside of the stand. My skimmer has to sit on a little box to be elevated above the sump so that it will all fit. Other than that, I am very happy with how the tank is.

For your outdoor chiller, I would build a small enclosure, basically a dog house, to sit it in to protect it from the elements.]
 
[Like a lot of people, I'd have held out longer and started with a bigger tank. 110g sounds huge when your experience is with a 42g freshwater, but you quickly realize you wish you'd gone 240 :D Even though we've only had the 110g about 6 months now, we're already looking towards upgrading in 2006.]
 
[I would have started with better lighting, more water flow, dedicated electrical system, and a separate "fish" room to keep all the stuff in.]
 
[I would not run my skimmer externally, and I would install the correct sump in the first place. Thankfully I'm finally building my new sump in the next couple of days. It is about 8 months later than originally planned, but others wanted their sumps too.]
 
[The idea of a Dedicated Fish room is great but not practical for most people. I would have an electrician over and install a dedicated line or two for your equipment. Depending on what kind of backup you plan, it might also be worthwhile into looking at a UPS backup solely for the pump line over by your breaker box.
Also, have a water supply and drain VERY close to the tank. Perhaps even putting a drain directly in the floor in case of accidental overflow. Aside from that, putting the chiller outside in it's own enclosure would be an excellent idea. again, make sure you have a line wired where your chiller is.
Extension cords suck and create hazzards. and with Everything dealing with your tank and electricity... GFI's will save your life... literally]
 
[In my initial setup, I had a guy run a water line from my bathroom to my sump to keep my sump filled when evaporation occurs. That was the best decision we made ;) . Now I'm thinking of another water filter for the garage water line for water changes. Currently I would disconnect the water line from the sump to drain water into jugs to prepare my new salt water, but there have been many times I was "multi-tasking" and totally forgot the water was running - you know the rest.]
 
[I am upgrading to 180g room divider. I will go with RR tank. Hard and soft PVC for plumbing. Bigger sump and refugium. Better flow with Hammerhead Sequence pump in Anthony Calfo Closed loop. PVC rack for aquascaping. Taller stand (42 in instead of 24 in which hurt your back to view the tank) also having an extra door at one end of stand for moving the sump in and out without breaking down the tank. I stick with VHO as much as i like MH. I like softies and some SPS that VHO friendly. I don't personally need MH and have to buy chiller. Get a moon light.

That is it for now.]



Edited By reefgazer on 1114971204
 
[I'd go with a better electrical system. Even with just the "basic" equipment you have cords running everywhere. I would drop an additional line in just for the tank and build an electrical box within the stand to support all of the equipment.]
 
[I think if I had more time to shop after my 72 gal sprung a leak I might go with a large stand and a larger sump to allow for skimmer upgrades etc. I have a short stand right now and everything is crammed into it and I hate working on it and a larger hood.]
 
[Where do I begin.

Start with a reef-ready tank rather than using a hang-on overflow, and add a sump from day-1.
Get a taller canopy to allow better lights (i.e. Metal Halide). Get the correct lights from the beginning, rather than buying some I ended up giving away.
Better power strips / timers / GFCI from the beginning.

I'm sure I could go on and on.]
 
[Since this is my first salt setup, and being a college student, I'm very pleased with what I have now. However, once I can afford it, I will be using most of the advice you guys have given on were you could improve to make my dream tank. Either that or just wait till my dad kicks it and take his 215 :p]
 
[I would definitly not use Southdown sand again. If you have a decent flow it will stay in the water column to long. My tank is never clear because of it. :very sad:]
 
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