Jimmy`s 90 Gallon Reef Build, Input appreciated

We have decided to transition from the Biocube 29 into a larger tank. I have done a fair chunk of DIY stuff with the Biocube, but it's just a bit limited for what we want so on to bigger things. No pics just yet... though I do have a Canon 7D so there will be lots of pics. I am making this thread very early in the planning phases of this 90 gallon tank so I might harvest information from as many as are willing to provide it.


Tank: 90 Gallon Marineland RR (Purchased)

I have already purchased this tank new with corner overflow. A fellow reefer had plans change and sold this to me new.


Sump: Aqueon ProFlex 3 (Possible)

I had initially planned on building my own. I don't have a lot of experience with glass or acrylic work, so I may go with a pre-made unit. Currently, the Aqueon ProFlex 3 seems like a very attractive choice. I am, of course, open to input.


Stand: Plans under design (good amount of wood in the garage)

I am currently designing a stand. I have a pretty good amount of woodworking in my past, and my fiance's dad builds cabinets (among other things) for a living... so I should be set in this area. I'm currently planning 4"x4" vertical supports with 2"x6" horizontal beams supporting the tank. All wood wolmanzied and sprayed with waterproofing. All joints glued and screwed. I will affix some more design things later after I draft them (by hand, unfortunately unless someone has a link to some "free" CAD that is easy to use).


Skimmer: Reef Octopus 150 (Possible) (not purchased)

I really like this skimmer though I'm open to input.


Heaters: 2x250 watts (or 300 watts) (not purchased)

Wouldn't mind more input here, otherwise just pick up a pair of titanium (probably) heaters with some good reviews.


Controller: need input

I'm currently thinking of the Apex. I realize it's a LOT of controller, but there are some cool things it allows me to do. I'd love to set my LEDs to dim, but I haven't quite figured out how to do that on DIY LEDs. I would like to run the LEDs (and associated fans), pumps, heaters, skimmer at minimum. Additionally, an auto top off and maybe some reactors would be nice as well. And the pH and temp at minimum as well.


Lighting: DIY LED (under development)

Will be putting together a system with 8020 and multichip LEDs with some supplemental crees. A vented canopy will be built as part of the stand to help vent the LEDs which will each have a dedicated heat sink and fans.


Return Pump: Really open here as well. Ehiem 1260 was on my list.


This ignores a lot of the plumbing and other accessories that will need picked up as we transition along the project... but I would like to focus on the major components first and try to get some of those things situated. My biggest concern right now would be the stand, so I will try to draft up some plans in the next few days and get those uploaded as well.


For any that have input, please feel free to leave it. I look forward to the journey.

 

Yeah, I've always had some issues figuring out the way this site is laid out... always had luck posting in regionals. As to some of the comments, they are appreciated.
For the stand, I am not opposed to using doubled up 2"x4"s, the 4x4 was more of a notation to myself that I would have the four "big corners". Less twisting is a good thing. I am planning 2 smaller heaters. I hadn't quite thought of adding extra equipment to the main pump, so awesome point there. I do have a media reactor I could potentially T off some of the flow to run. I have thought of the in tank flow. There are a lot of options and this is where the majority of my flow will be coming from. I have a nano Hydro in my Biocube 29 now that has done alright. The reason I left these off is because it's "so far" down the road and is somewhat irrelevant to the build itself... just becomes an issue when we get close to stock and fill.

I'm glad to hear the positive comments on the Reef Octopus, though I'm not sure I've heard many negatives. I think the only hard part will be justifying the full APEX to myself, but I'm sure it can be done. I take the role of "controller" of the nano and it is sometimes irritating to have to reset the manual light timers (for instance, one got bumped last night and came on for about an hour at 3 am).

As far as the sump goes. I know I need several compartments. These include rough filtering, protein skimmer, refugium. The ProFlex had all of these for me and looked to be built really well. It also fits really well into the stand I'll be making. I realize I can make the stand however large is needed. I'm not sold on it, just leaning that way I guess.

As far as possible upgrades... when my PhD is done and a career location and house and all that is found, after a couple years to get established and start saving some funds for another project... I think we are planning on perhaps a big tank (300-400+ gallons) and keeping the 90 as a fish only tank or perhaps a frag/anemone tank. When this happens, a new sump would need built. If it doesn't happen... I'm fine with the 90 and the sump that will be built/bought for the project.

 

Ok, so using the stand template on this forum... I have come up with some lengths to get the stand ready to go in.

3/4" Plywood Deck and Floor (48.5"x18.5")
2"x6" Top Rails (48.5" lateral and 15.5" transverse)
2"x4" Bottom Rails (48.5" lateral and 8 x 15.5" transverse (will have 3 under Deck and Floor as well))
2"x4" Vertical Risers (8 x 20.5")
2"x4" Vertical Supports (28")

This should net me a stand that is around 30" tall, which matches my desk that it'll sit by. It also provides me 6" on top of the Reef Octopus 150 (if I go that route) so clearance shouldn't be an issue with any reasonable skimmer I pick. Should be off to pick up the lumber soon. I decided against the pressure treated wood because I guess they use copper in the treatment. With the right paint, it won't be an issue.

 

http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/brianpinneyphotography/2012081895221902.jpg

http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/brianpinneyphotography/2012081895221746.jpg

http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/brianpinneyphotography/2012081895221734.jpg

http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/brianpinneyphotography/2012081895221707.jpg



Just some quick cell phone teasers. Garage was rather dusty for me to bring out the 7D. The upper and lower box frames are all done. Corners are square and they line up great with each other. Tomorrow will hopefully be putting in the vertical risers.

 

Ok.... the rough skeleton of the stand is complete.

http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/brianpinneyphotography/IMG_1456.jpg
http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/brianpinneyphotography/IMG_1448.jpg
http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/brianpinneyphotography/IMG_1455.jpg
http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/brianpinneyphotography/IMG_1443.jpg

I still need to put the top and bottom cross braces in (I have extra 2"x6" so it'll match all around). And I'll be putting 3/4" plywood on the top and bottom.