Basement Sump Help!!

[J_Bones]

I was given a 55 gallon tank so I've decided to build a basement sump for my 30 gallon reef tank. I think I'm gonna do 3 compartments. The first one will have a deep sand bed, the second is for the skimmer, and the third is for the return pump. Should I put any live rock in it?? Does anyone have any suggestions for a skimmer and return pump?? The return pump needs to pump the water about 8 feet straight up. Don't want to spend a fortune if possible!! Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Mike

 

[reefjunkie42]

id do skimmer-dsb-return. also I think reefoctopus is a good brand of skimmer for the money. If you can fit LR in there then yes id put some in as far as return pump, id get ehiem or maybe mag drive?

 

[jacksonpt]

1st section should be your drain & skimmer, second for your return, third for a fuge. Put a T in your return plumbing to divert some water to the fuge. Use ball valves on both to control the rate of flow.

If you do put LR in there, elevate it a bit to help prevent detrius buildup around/under the LR.

my SWC skimmer has served me well and they are pretty reasonably priced. I don't have experience with other brands so I can't comment on what's better than what.

look for used pumps... good way to save some money.

 

[fatrip]

I agree with Skimmer, DSB, Return. but if you are doing a fuge I would do what Jackson recommended.

Would suggest against LR unless you build a egg create shelf to suspend it in the water for the reason Jackson stated.

I have heard and seen great things about the SWC and because its a cone I think they are pretty cool and more efficient. But the reefoctos are nice as well and do work well.

Return I would go with a submersible pump, I like Quiet One and Mag Drives. Never had a mag fail and only one QuietOne has failed me. I'd say for a 30g a mag 7 should work which at 8" should give you about 10X. If you are looking for more through the sump the 9.5 should give you about 20X.

 

[J_Bones]

I'm looking at these 2 skimmers that seem pretty good. Any suggestions??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180650909437&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250631625315&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Thanks!!

 

[J_Bones]

And this pump & sand...Not sure how much sand I need. It comes in 15, 25,
60, 75, 90, 120, 135, & 180 LB. boxes.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160569724363&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250592986779&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[reefjunkie42]

hey j bones i have a super reef octopus xp 1000 sss im selling because its too small for my new system. If your interested in it im trying to get 250 for it. its 300 new and about 4 months old. LMK if not no biggie i just figured id throw it out there. the sss stands for super sump saver to save space in the sump. id for with a larger mag drive too and use a ball valve to dial it back. its always better to have the power and not need it rather than need it and not have it. that said i have no exp with mag drives but they are good pumps for the price

 

[fatrip]

I'd suggest to get regular, non live sand and order some GARF grunge to livin it up. They take samples of sand and organisms from many different aquaculture tanks around the US and ,mexico I beileve, and mix them together to have a huge diversity of bacteria and organic life forms. It is the best way to start a tank's sand bed.

Out of those to skimmers I'd say the octo. Never heard of the other type.

 

[J_Bones]

Jackson... Thanks for the tips. Good idea with adding the T & elevating the L/R. Thanks!!

Vince.. I like your idea with the sand! Thanks!!

Dex... Thanks for the info! I think I'm gonna go with a Mag 9.5. Then I should have the extra flow I need to divert some water to the fuge section like Jackson suggested. I'd love to take the skimmer, but I'm quickly running low on funds! Funny how you start out with a budget & realize you where way off.

As of right now, I have my stand & insulated box built (thanks Vince!) & I'm gonna start looking for a used mag 9.5 & skimmer to save some cash. Thanks for all the help!! Mike

 

[reefjunkie42]

looks good Mike! some pics would be great. It is funny how the budget goes out the window sometimes also install a ball valve just in case you have to shut everything down for maintenance.

 

[jacksonpt]

I've got a 9.5 sitting in my basement right now. I use it occasionally for mixing salt water but generally it just collects dust. Shoot me a PM if you're interested - $75.