help set up 35

[knap_123]

I have a 35 oceanic hex with hob filter and florescent Light. I was going to drill it and add a sump for a reef with a par 38. But I'm thinking of just upgradeing the hob to a AC 70 or bigger. Add a hob tunze skimmer and keeping the light for macros. Or the par 38 just to have it. The stock lights are freshwater and will grow plants. Does this sound OK?

 

[Biotopes]

The one thing I personally noticed is the lights. It might grow plants, but reef animals (and macroalgae) are used to way more light than freshwater plants are. So I'd upgrade the light. To ME, upgrading light and doing everything else the same sounds good, but that's my opinion Except for the light, wait for the others to answer lol they're coming :uzi:

 

[madeyemary]

I disagree about the lights. Seahorses don't really care about the intensity of lighting; they have good vision, so even low-light or standard flourescents that look good to our eyes will work for them. The only reason lights would be important depends on the types of coral you would be putting in there. And there are many macroalgaes that don't need very much wattage either. I recently upgraded my LEDs so I can start adding gorgonians, but you certainly don't need to if you are using artificial hitching posts or mostly softies in the tank.

 

[Biotopes]

It does depend on the wattage, it might work. Just go for 8500K lighting (that's the color indicator) and they love it Macro's grow like weeds under 8500K, it looks very yellow, so you can compromise a bit on color.

 

[pledosophy]

I say still drill it and add a sump if you can.

The hole saw will cost you about $10. Plumbing including bulkhead another $15. You can do a maxijet 1200 for a return, those run for $25. Get a nice rubermaid tub $4. Now you have a place for all the gear, you can run more filtration. It's just nice to have IMO

 

[knap_123]

Here's the tank with stock lights. All the bulb says is all glass aquarium14watt, made in germany.The stand will hold a 5 gallon bucket nicely. Now I can use this for ato or a 5 gallon sump. And the hob filter and hob skimmer. I decided on a reef octopus 100 hob I think. And later on ill get a part for some softie like gorgonias.

 

[madeyemary]

Gorgonians are not softies. They are octocorals and the photosynthetic ones require 3-5 watts per gallon. Those are high-light corals that are found in shallow waters. The non-photosynthetic deep-water gorgonians don't require high intensity light, but require lots and lots of spot-feeding and are expert level to keep. Gorgonians are why I did a lighting upgrade.

 

[Biotopes]

And later on ill get a part for some softie like gorgonias.

Upgrade your lighting if your looking to keep even mushrooms. Let alone gorgonians!

 

[knap_123]

I was just showing the stock light for show. I was considering keeping it if I only want to keep macros. Or upgrading to a coral compulsion par 38 if I want to do add corals. My spelling changed or something when I posted last. It should of said par 38 instead of part.lol

 

[knap_123]

I have a diy overflow rated for 700 gph. What size return pump do I need?

 

[vlangel]

I have a diy overflow rated for 700 gph. What size return pump do I need?

I would think that would do it but make sure you have flow top and bottom and lots of surface agitation since tall tanks with smaller footprints can cause a lack of oxygen, especially at night when the macros quit photosynthesizing.

 

[knap_123]

Here's a better pic of tank. I had to scrape and resilicone the whole thing. I took the stand and painted it blk. Used a hammer and hit it from inside to knock the top off. I cut some wood and glued them on with tight bond 111 wood glue. It's water proof as well.

 

[knap_123]

This keeps the lid from moving and it's a nice snug fit. and now I have access to build my sump!

 

[knap_123]

I know a guy who owns a glass shop who hooked me up with some 1/4" acrylic.layed a piece down and flipped the stand onto it.

 

[knap_123]

I traced the inside edge now I got the bottom of my sump pattern.

 

[knap_123]

Just getting some ideas here. Want be able to work on the sump till I get this cut out. And I'm on the rd. working so that will be next week.

 

[knap_123]

Haven't got home yet, but here's a few pics I had taken earlier. I ordered a 60mm hole saw and this is my first time drilling glass.

 

[knap_123]

Diy 700 gph overflow box with 1 1/2" short bulkhead.

 

[knap_123]

 

[knap_123]