/ Register

  1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

What to do...

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by cjbtech, Mar 1, 2013.

  1. Mar 1, 2013 #1
    cjbtech

    cjbtech Inactive User

    45
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    I am in the process of setting up my 1st (75g) salt tank. What are the 1st things you would recomend I get to start? It will not be a drilled tank.


    I am not clear on the whole sump set ups or skimmers etc/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/confused.gif. I am a do it yourself kind of guy. I have numerous fw tanks but I run on a central air system. Is there any of you that could point me to some good pics of the plumbing or set up of a sump system? It will be a fish only tank. Or post a few of your set up pics on here for me to see and simply, label whats what.


    I really like the satisfaction of doing for myself. I wouldn't mind a little advice on the beginner mistakes to try and avoid. Any help would be appreciated. Mike
     
  2. Mar 1, 2013 #2
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    6,044
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0

    Most 75 gallon tanks are all tempered so drilling is not really an option. If it were I would recommend DRILL IT and be done with it. But since its not you will need an overflow box if you want to run a sump. There are many of them out there, and I can't recommend a certain brand as I have no experience with them, but here is what they look like


    [​IMG]

    As far as sumps, like everything in reefing there are countless designs. But typically the water will enter at one end, go through the skimmer, refugium, whatever filtration you have, then go to a chamber with a return pump and back to the tank. Here's a pic of a pretty typical layout of a sump.


    [​IMG]


    Decide on your equipment first, and then design the sump to work with your equipment and your needs.
     
  3. Mar 1, 2013 #3
    cjbtech

    cjbtech Inactive User

    45
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    This is helpful. Now does the skimmer just sit in there, extract water from the sump & just deposit it back directly into the sump?
    Then after the skimmer the compartments would hold my filtration/foam or bio-balls, then back to the tank.
    Say the power goes off whats the method for stopping gravity flow? They have something like I use in air tubing? Only on a larger scale I assume.
     
  4. Mar 1, 2013 #4
    Sponge Marshalltown, IA

    Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

    3,347
    Marshalltown, IA
    Ratings:
    +233 / 1 / -0
    You're exactly correct on the skimmer :0) After the the skimmer releases the water back into the sump, the water flows into the next chamber usually over a few baffles (usually 3...over baffle #1, under baffle#2 & over baffle #3...the center/2nd baffle is elevated so the water flows under, of course). The baffles are used to eleminate any (micro)bubbles caused by the skimmer. If there is a second compartment/area in the sump, it is often times used as a refugium or to hold additional live rock. Not many reefers use bioballs for filtration because of nitrate issues but with a FOWLR tank, they can be used. {If you need more bioballs, I have a ton of them that have been stored for ages!:0)} The last compartment/chamber is usually small which holds the return pump if you decide to run a submerged one vs. one that sits outside the sump.

    I use a couple LifeReef overflow boxes in two of my tanks....NEVER EVER had a problem with them over the years! A common problem that occurrs with them is back-syphoning /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/sad.gif

    There are a couple methods used to prevent a flood /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif Check valves can be used but are not the most reliable. A hole(s) can be made in the plumbing to prevent it. Can get to that at a later time...

    Research, research and then research some more which will prevent unecessary purchases and costly changes later on. If there is a slim chance that you will decide to add corals at a later date, then my suggestion is to plan for it from the beginning :0) And by the way, Welcome Mike!!
     
  5. Mar 1, 2013 #5
    MXC207 Cedar Rapids

    MXC207 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    634
    Cedar Rapids
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    Ive had 2 75g tanks drilled so im not sure where the problem would be there. As far as power outage i always fill it up enough to run the system, turn the power off, then fill the sump to the max height i would ever want water up to. Start it up again, make a line on the sump where the running water level should be.
     
  6. Mar 2, 2013 #6
    cjbtech

    cjbtech Inactive User

    45
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Thanks a lot guys. This was just the kind of real info I was needing. I get the hole idea. I assume I am to put a small one on the top or side of the plumb tube that goes into the sump?All things being equal once I get an aged aquarium & am comfortable with it, I plan on trying corals. Having set up many fw tanks, this is my goal to get the right info & buy things once ( or at least not the wrong things) add to later if needed, but deff. not spend on what I don't need.
    What from the beginning should I be thinking if I want to do some corals at a later date? All info is greatly appreciated. Mike
     
  7. Mar 2, 2013 #7
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    6,044
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0



    You bought them already drilled, or you drilled them yourself? I know the all glass 75 gallon tank I had was tempered glass. Had a nice sticker on it that clearly said tempered, do not drill.



     
  8. Mar 2, 2013 #8
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    6,044
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0



    Check valves are available, but should not be relied upon to prevent a flood. Drilling a siphon break hole in the plumbing just below the water line is going to be a good idea.


    As far as equipment A good skimmer should probably be high on your list. Both a FOWLR and reef tank will benefit from a quality skimmer. In tank flow can be handled by a couple power heads now, and depending on the type of corals you want to keep will determine how much flow you want, but simply adding another powerhead down the road is easy enough to do. The lighting is where the needs between FOWLR and reef are drastically differant. Once you go corals you will want a nice set of lights. There are so many options to choose from I'm not even going to list them. Just do a little searching and you'll have more information than you can sort through on reef tank lighting LOL.



     
  9. Mar 2, 2013 #9
    MXC207 Cedar Rapids

    MXC207 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    634
    Cedar Rapids
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    I bought one with 3 holes drilled in it and i bought one and had a hole drilled in it as it is my new sump. If you really want to i would recommend waiting for a reef ready tank. Ill be selling my 75rr soon if youd be interested.
     
  10. Mar 2, 2013 #10
    cjbtech

    cjbtech Inactive User

    45
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Again good info, this is helping with the learning curve. I do have an Coralife 65wx2- Power compact that I used on a planted tank. Is this sufficient down the road for low light corals, with the proper spectrum bulbs?
     
  11. Mar 2, 2013 #11
    cjbtech

    cjbtech Inactive User

    45
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    As with most people my cash is somewhat limited./DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/whistling.gif I am selling/sold off some tanks from my fishroom to fund this project. Looks like my 210 sold pending pick up next weekend. Was going to keep one of my 75s for this project, but would consider anything. Pm me when your ready with price etc. Worst I can say is "Nice can't afford it" Mike






     
  12. Mar 2, 2013 #12
    cjbtech

    cjbtech Inactive User

    45
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I see the Coralife wattage is not sufficient
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...