I would like to start out by saying thank you for taking the time to read my rather long post.
I have been wanting to set up a reef/fish aquarium for a very long time. For the past week or so I have been doing research for hours on end in order to get everything right before I cycle and stock my tank. As many newcomers can probably tell you"¦ its wicked confusing finding the right answer for your setup among all the different aquarium forums.
A couple of days ago I purchased a 75 gallon aquarium and made a stand to fit it. Directly underneath my aquarium is a 29 gallon tank that I want to use as a sump tank.
My display tank is: 48.5"L x 18.5"W x 21"H ( I believe my tank is tempered glass so I wont be able to drill overflow holes) http://www.petsmart.com/supplies/aq...36-catid-300065?var_id=36-17609&_t=pfm=search
My 29 gallon tank is: 30"L x 12"W x 18.5"H
Between my stand and my sump there is 10" from sump to bottom of tank and 7" from sump to outside stand support.
I'm completely new to the whole sump filter idea and need help designing my tank setup and purchasing the right equipment for the job. I would like my sump to have a refugium and a skimmer and bubble traps. Right now the only equipment I have for my sump is a Rio 2100 return pump and a HOB DIY overflow (this overflow is 1.5In pvc that can flow 840 gph according to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DFk4bnIxEg) . I got the Rio 2100 from a lfs that had recently torn down several tanks and they sold it for fairly cheap. Now I understand that the Rio 2100 is not a good idea for my tank because the brand seems to have a high chance to malfunction and leak contaminants into the sump water.
I also learned that for a 75 gallon tank I need at least 800 "“ 900 gph going through the sump/tank for proper filtration. Im having a hard time figuring out a replacement pump for the Rio 2100 because im so confused on what a pumps actual gph rate is since it will be under the tank with about 4 feet of plumbing.
I don't plan on having an overly stocked tank. I want to have some corals, a couple fish, and a fire shrimp.
My questions are:
1. What would be the optimal design for a 29 gallon sump that includes a refugium, baffles, and a skimmer. I also need to know how high I should get my glass cut for the baffles, skimmer, and refugium. I know this also relies on the skimmer model but I guess im just trying to get a good idea on heights.
2. What is a good (not crazy expensive) pump I can get for my return line going into my DT. I need one can travel straight up with a couple 90 degree angles about 4 feet of plumbing and push 800-900 gph. ( I will have a ball valve to help with my diy overflow)
3. What is a reliable skimmer I can get for my tank size that's under $200
Once again, thank you for taking the time to read this post and for any help you offer.
I have been wanting to set up a reef/fish aquarium for a very long time. For the past week or so I have been doing research for hours on end in order to get everything right before I cycle and stock my tank. As many newcomers can probably tell you"¦ its wicked confusing finding the right answer for your setup among all the different aquarium forums.
A couple of days ago I purchased a 75 gallon aquarium and made a stand to fit it. Directly underneath my aquarium is a 29 gallon tank that I want to use as a sump tank.
My display tank is: 48.5"L x 18.5"W x 21"H ( I believe my tank is tempered glass so I wont be able to drill overflow holes) http://www.petsmart.com/supplies/aq...36-catid-300065?var_id=36-17609&_t=pfm=search
My 29 gallon tank is: 30"L x 12"W x 18.5"H
Between my stand and my sump there is 10" from sump to bottom of tank and 7" from sump to outside stand support.
I'm completely new to the whole sump filter idea and need help designing my tank setup and purchasing the right equipment for the job. I would like my sump to have a refugium and a skimmer and bubble traps. Right now the only equipment I have for my sump is a Rio 2100 return pump and a HOB DIY overflow (this overflow is 1.5In pvc that can flow 840 gph according to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DFk4bnIxEg) . I got the Rio 2100 from a lfs that had recently torn down several tanks and they sold it for fairly cheap. Now I understand that the Rio 2100 is not a good idea for my tank because the brand seems to have a high chance to malfunction and leak contaminants into the sump water.
I also learned that for a 75 gallon tank I need at least 800 "“ 900 gph going through the sump/tank for proper filtration. Im having a hard time figuring out a replacement pump for the Rio 2100 because im so confused on what a pumps actual gph rate is since it will be under the tank with about 4 feet of plumbing.
I don't plan on having an overly stocked tank. I want to have some corals, a couple fish, and a fire shrimp.
My questions are:
1. What would be the optimal design for a 29 gallon sump that includes a refugium, baffles, and a skimmer. I also need to know how high I should get my glass cut for the baffles, skimmer, and refugium. I know this also relies on the skimmer model but I guess im just trying to get a good idea on heights.
2. What is a good (not crazy expensive) pump I can get for my return line going into my DT. I need one can travel straight up with a couple 90 degree angles about 4 feet of plumbing and push 800-900 gph. ( I will have a ball valve to help with my diy overflow)
3. What is a reliable skimmer I can get for my tank size that's under $200
Once again, thank you for taking the time to read this post and for any help you offer.
