Bigger is Always Better Right?

[Michaelmarc]

Now that I got your attention....sorry
I'm planning a new system and need advice or a place/Forums or direction where I can figure out what the latest/best way is to set up a reef system.

I currently have a 75 gal. with a 20 gal sump. There's about 3-4" of crushed coral/sand covered with live rock. Several power heads for water movement. Protein skimmer that does little or nothing and a fiter bag in the sump. This system has been up for 12 years as is. I run metal halide & actinics.

I'm thinking of 120-150 gal size tank. I've realized I can run my water lines to the basement area right below. I can set up a refugium and large protein skimmer down there.

Not having dealt with setting up a tank in a long time, and I know things change quickly in this hobby, I'd appreciate any direction directly to this thread or suggestions where I can see or read about the suggested how tos.

Thanks if you've read this far.

 

[Sepeku]

Plan ahead?

Seriously. I don't know what you're asking for. But if you are upgrading, might as well go bigger.

I like my Precision Marine Bullet skimmer. But to be honest, you could save allot of money and just purchase an injector and DIY the rest of the skimmer.

 

[Michaelmarc]

You're are right, what am I asking advice for?
What kind of tank.....oceanic ,All Glass or what kind?
Are sand beds still used?
Do I need a sump and a refugium?
I've never used mechanical filtration; with a 120 0r 150 should I have one?
How do I connect the refugium & protein skimmer in the basement? Are they run off the same pump?
What's the best way to facilitate water movement in the tank; will it need power heads for more circulation?

 

[adambaron]

If you have the budget I would look into one of those starphire tanks. They are supposed to be really nice. I would also go even bigger if you can.

You can use a sand bed or you can do a bare bottom. Its really up to you.

Yes you need a sump and probably a refugium too (I don't have one but it is on my list)

As far as mechinical filtration goes I personally use filter socks but I know people go without it and I am toying with the idea. The filter socks do clean the particles and whatnot out of your tank but then they can produce a lot of nitrate if not cleaned regularly.

You probably should use different pumps for your skimmer and fuge or build your fuge into your sump.

With water movement you will at least need some powerheads but you could do a closed loop or something like that.

There are lots of options that all depend on you and what you want to spend and have.

Good luck hopefully I didn't confuse you more.

 

[Mr James]

by Michaelmarc
What kind of tank.....oceanic ,All Glass or what kind?

AGA is a good tank!! I have one of each. Try for a used one if you want to check the for sale forum. Also check TCMAS (reef club - I can give the link if you need) and see if anyone has one for sale. I know a guy named Dirk has some tanks for sale. Heck, there is a guy in Ely that has a new, custom 300g acrylic for sale, CHEAP!!

by Michaelmarc
Are sand beds still used?

Now known as DSB's. Deep Sand Beds. Most people are stating away from DSB's anymore. Maybe 1" - 2" of sand at the bottom.

by Michaelmarc
Do I need a sump and a refugium?

Sump is best, refugium can be optional, depending on space. The sump will house your heaters, skimmer, additional live rock and other mechanical filtration.

by Michaelmarc
I've never used mechanical filtration; with a 120 0r 150 should I have one?

By Mechanical, I think of a protein skimmer. I have an ATi BM200 on my system and love it. That may or may not be the direction you choose. I chose a skimmer that would do more than it's share of skimming. Good skimmers can be the single most important piece of equipment you own. There are a lot of different models out there, it just boils down to your budget.

by Michaelmarc
How do I connect the refugium & protein skimmer in the basement? Are they run off the same pump?

A friend had his show tank on the main floor and the sump room was in the basement. The drain from the tank tee'd on it's way down, one arm went to the refugium and then onto the sump and the other arm went directly to the sump where his big ole skimmer was kicking some butt!! He used a Rubbermaid 150g sump. I use a 100g Rubbermaid stock tank myself.

by Michaelmarc
What's the best way to facilitate water movement in the tank; will it need power heads for more circulation?

Best way IMO is Tunze Streams. Followed by a closed loop using an OM 4-way or similar. There are other ways to facilitate flow, but those two types are the most popular.