220g Planted Discus Tank Build

[UntamedAquatics]

Time to start a new thread as I begin a new project. I recently posted a thread about a '75g discus tank build' but I came across a 220g Acrylic tank (72x24x30) and couldn't pass up the opportunity for the asking price. I picked up the tank 2 days ago and the tank is in much better shape than I thought it was going to be in. Just needs a little polishing to be 'like new'.

The tank has two overflows in each corner. I plan to make durso stand pipes for each overflow to try and make it as quiet as possible.

Setup

Filtration

I am considering making a DIY sump out of a 75g tank that i have or the other option is to purchase an aqueon sump (link below). The one concern about having a sump is co2 gassing off and haven't figured out how to prevent this except by having as little water agitation as possible.
http://www.aqueonproducts.com/products/proflex-sump.htm

Pump
Mag Drive 24 or an external??

Substrate
I had ordered 5 bags of ADA Aqua Soil for the 75g I was going to build and still want to use the substrate. I was thinking about putting black sand (flourite) on the bottom as a base and then adding the AS on top (smaller particles end up at the bottom)

Light
ATI 60" 8x80w but open for suggestions

Pressurized Co2
I have a instamix max co2 reactor but cant decide if this would be best or to get a smaller submersible pump with needle wheel

 

[Gerryd]

Hi Brendan,

Congrats on your new tank! You tripled the original size. Nice....Okay, here we go with my typical long winded response

1. Substrate - I think this sounds fine. If you can afford the ADA go for it but this sounds like a good compromise..

2. Lighting - I think this sounds fine unless you want to do 2x36" but this of course is more expensive. You will only need to cover for 6" on each end and the 8x39 gives you a nice spread.

3. Mag 24 is fine but if you can drill the sump for a bulkhead, then a nice Iwaki or similar would be nice.

4. DIY 75gal sump will work fine or the aqueon. I use the model 4 on my 220 and it works great, albeit with small fish, but numerous.

5. C02 Sump allows you to do NW in sump and out of the tank. Or run a big reactor instead with the outflow back to the main sump pump for distribution. You may need more c02 due to offgassing but is made up for by better 02 which gives you more wiggle room and is safer for fish.

 

[jerrybforl]

The 75 gal will work perfect for a DIY sump! You can do whatever you want to it. I have a 48 gal that I DIYed. I used the middle portion as a refugium. I haven't done it yet, but I have a pair of kribs that breed like crazy. I want to put them in there.

My original plan was to scape it, but with light being limited, I'd rather just put some easy stems in there. Don't use acrylic in building your sump. It will not bond well with silicon to the glass. You can get glass cut fairly cheap. I went to Home Depot, and bought some glass from there. It wasn't 1/4" glass but the 1/8". I worked for my purposes, but you might want to use the 1/4".

If you need ideas, please ask. I've beat the tire about this with Gerry a few times lol.

 

[Gerryd]

Hey Brendan,

Any updates or progress?