a couple questions on new setup

[reefscape15]

Hey guys. I posted this in a few other places on RC already, just looking for all info and suggestions that I can get.

Hey everyone. I've had reef tanks since 03, but for the last 2 years I haven't had any tank at all. I havemy old20h thatI want to set up again. I am looking at glass-holes super nano overflow kit, which I will pipe through the wall into a furnace room with some type of rubbermaid tub for a sump. I am in need of a skinner, and I really like the 6" Reef Octo, but also love the Vertex IN series. Both are around $200. I'd like to find something cheaper and used, but if i have to buy new, why not go big???

I plan on feeding the skimmer section of the sump directly from the overflow. I know i want a fuge section and also a algae turf scrubber. I don't know if i should have the fuge or the scrubber next in line after the skimmer.

Return pump recommendations????? Mag3?? Idk really.......I'd likea system total of around 35gal, so whatever pumps would work well in that respect. Also,the sump will be elevated about a foot off the floor, so the return line will only have about 4 feet to climb at the very most.

As far as lighting,I have4 2't5swith waterproofendcaps/retrofit kit; ATI Blue Plus, Purple Plus, Aquablue Special, and a UVL Actinic White. I have an Icecap 660 ballast, and plan on 2 blue led strips. Suggestionson thattoo??? The hood will be built just largeenough to fit around the top rim of the tank, and it will be10-12" tall. Hopefully I can hang it from the ceiling, but ill figure that out after its done.

..........well I think that's it. Any suggestions/recommendations will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance everyone

 

[daveverdo]

Glad to hear you are back at it. I can't help with any of the equipment though.

Good luck getting things started.

Dave

 

[reefscape15]

Thanks Dave! I think through RC or eBay, ill be able to find a used skinner for a little cheaper, then my biggest task is drilling the tank. Never done it before................... :/

 

[Breakbeats2334]

Ive always been too chicken to drill a tank but it sounds like your on the right track equipment wise. I love the reef octopus brand skimmers and ive had good experiences with them. Do you know what kind of corals your planning to put in this tank?

 

[reefscape15]

SPS dominant, with a pistol goby pair, and definitely some other nano shrimp and crabs. Maybe another small fish too

 

[tommyz44]

I have an older CPR i think its a backpack1 or 2. unfortunatly i dont have the pump for it. and the rubber gasket to set the height is not with it but it has a leather band around it to set the height. if you want it id sell it for 30 bucks the pumps on marine depot are like 20-25 bucks.

and also if you need to do any drilling i have glass drills if you ever need to borrow them and also if you need any chaeto for your fuge mine grows fairly quick

 

[Dave VG]

Jim nice to see some old faces getting back into the game. If I'm remembering right you had a very nice setup mostly SPS. As for equipment I would be thinking maybe a mag 5 plumbed to supplement some flow. Not sure what the glass holes nano flows so it may not be feasible. Also it may be to much flow for the skimmer to process optimally. As far as lighting I would go with two bulbs in the 10k range and let blue led strips do the color popping. 10k's are very good for SPS growth. Once things really take off and your SPS start getting to the size your happy with you could change them out for bulbs that give better pop. Don't forget progress pictures are always nice.

 

[Breakbeats2334]

+1 on progress pictures...hard to tell when things are growing if you see them every day

 

[reefscape15]

Tommy, I'm looking for an in sump skimmer. Thanks tho!

I will be posting pics once I start the build. We are in the middle of finishing the basement and moving some rooms around right now, so I probably won't get started for a few more weeks. I just wanted to get whatever input I could early on and take steps from there. Thanks again guys, I'm very excited to get back into the hobby!

 

[tommyz44]

no prob! as they said above get some pics when you do!

 

[reefjunkie42]

Can't have many fish is a tank that size but drilling is easy peaszy just try on a scrap piece of glass. It is seriously simple though if you follow the instructions and make sure to use water to lubricate. Also I don't know if feeing th slimmer off the return is the best idea but can def be done. I'd just rather have it separate just in case you need to remove and clean it or what not

 

[reefscape15]

Well I thought about the sump design a little more, and I forgot about a bubble trap section, to try and keep air out of the skimmer pump. I'm gonna try for a design where the overflow and bubbletrap only take up one corner of the sump. I'll have to play with some acrylic and different designs till i can make it work.

Thank you guys for all this input! It's pretty crazy all of the simple things you forget after a few years out of the hobby. Keep the ideas coming cause I can definitely use the help.

 

[reefscape15]

Dave VG- I didn't think about coral growth when I ordered the bulbs, I just knew I wanted something really blue. I love the look of a tank when its more blue than white. Maybe ill just pick up another bulb just in case.