kayl

After some discussion with my better half, I recently started purchasing components for my next tank!

The tank will be an Oceanic 75g RR with a yet undetermined size sump/fuge underneath.

Lighting will be a DIY LED build and will consist of:

• 30 x CREE XP-E Royal Blue
• 10 x CREE XP-E Blue
• 20 x CREE XP-G Neutral White R3

The lighting will be driven by 6 Thomas Research Products Drivers - 4x 25W for the blues and 2x 38W for the whites.
Lighting will be dimmable via the Aquacontroller Apex.

Moonlighting will be the Neptune Systems Lunar Simulation module, driven by the Apex.

I will be using my Deltec MCE300 skimmer in the sump. The return pump will be a Mag7 and will also feed 2 BRS reactors, one for Carbon, one for GFO. I haven't decided if I'm going to be trying biopellets on this tank or not...

Circulation will be handled by the return, a Vortech MP10Wes and a Vortech MP40Wes. Both of the vortechs will be wirelessly controlled by the Apex.

I'll be using 40lbs of live rock from my current tank as well as some dry Pukani rock from BRS. The latter is going to be cycled in a rubbermaid in the basement until the build is completed. The substrate will be sand, 2-3" deep.

I've never built a sump before -
I should be able to fit something up to 36" long by 13"wide by up to 26" high

I'd like to build a combination sump/fuge, but need a little direction.

It seems logical that it would advantageous to stuff as large a sump as possible underneath, but I'm not sure what size I should go with. It seems like the higher tanks might be harder to work with when adjusting equipment and or installing a new skimmer .
Here are some of the options:

• 20g Long - 30 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 12 3/4
• 29g - 30 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 18 3/4
• 30g - 36 1/4 x 12 5/8 x 16 3/4
• 38g - 36 1/4 x 12 5/8 x 19 3/4

What would you more experienced people recommend? I want to have as large of a fuge as possible while still leaving space to upgrade skimmers if desired.

My current project is sanding and painting the stand and building a canopy. I have all of the components for my LED build, save for the heat sink, but should have that this week. It's going to be a busy few weeks

I need to decide how I want to refinish the stand/tank trim and get the lighting fixture built. After that, plumbing and set up! My goal is to have the tank set up by late June/early July. I'll post pictures and updates here.