Tank Design

[BillW]

I hope this is the right area to post this. My experience is with SW fish only. The biggest tank I had was a 55 gal, using mechanical filtration and a hang on protein skimmer, no live rock or refugium. This was taken down two years ago.

I’ve got the bug again. This time I want to go with reef tanks. I’m a hopelessly addicted DIY’er so I want to build as much as I can. That’s half the satisfaction for me. We’ve got a room that will hold a couple of tanks. It’s going to become the fish room.

The first tank will be on the small side. Not sure exactly what size yet. I want to use it as an experiment for acrylic construction, home built led lighting and managing coral, refugium etc.

Eventually I want to put a large tank in the same room. I was measuring last night and think I have room for a 250-300 gallon tank, depending on height and depth dimensions I build it. I’ll need to reinforce the floor joists but my potential location is in a good spot to do that.

I mentioned the small tank to my wife but not the large one. I’ll bounce that off her at some point. I found it’s easier for me to ask forgiveness than to ask for permission so I might just wait until the stand is built for the big one.

Now for my question, is there a good, basic book on tank design? From what I’ve read the DT is connected to the sump where the skimmer, heaters etc are located. Once the water is processed it flows into a second chamber which is sent either to a refugium or back to the DT. Not sure yet what is better keeping the refugium separate or part of the sump. I haven’t been able to find detailed info on overflow diameter for tank size, return pump size etc. I’m sure this is pretty much common knowledge so I don’t want to reinvent the wheel.

If someone can point me to a book or a thread that discusses detailed tank/sump design I’d appreciate it. Thanks

[chipmunkofdoom2]

Glad you're getting back into things

I don't think there's one thread or website that will tell you all you're looking for, but the info is out there.

[ShootMe]

Unless you’re a pro with glass or acrylic I would really have second though of building your own 300 gallon tank. At that size you should really leave it up to the professionals.