Kar's 55g Red Sea Reef Thread

[jwb0126]

Hey kar. I have a 48x20x12 55gal w a mix of softies and SPS. I just found your thread and will be happy to give whatever help I can.

As far as the lighting questions that I read about earlier... I started this system out with a 4x65w PC setup and did manage to sustain and actually get some growth out of some low light digitata SPS before I upgraded to halides. I think your idea about starting out with softies is a good one for now with the setup you're going to be running.

As far as the plumbing, I have 1 inch plumbing throughout and have plenty of flow. In fact the ball valves that regulate flow to my sump and fuge are only open about halfway.

As far as the teeth, are you planning on doing a hangon overflow or what? Also, how are you going to generate flow in your display? That's going to affect the size and depth of the teeth you're going to need.

 

[kar93]

Thanks, jwb012 in about 6 months to a year ill probably start trading my softies for SPS slowly. As for flow i have Hydor Koralia 2, Seio 620 and if need be i can add a maxi jet that i have spare.

 

[jwb0126]

I think you should be fine with the koralia's. I have a koralia 2 and a 3 in my tank and have great flow. With the softies, you should be fine. When you start trading to SPS, you may want to add the Maxijet or something for a little more flow.

As far as the teeth, I have 1" in mine and as long as you're not running any kind of crazy wavemaker (not a good idea with the Koralias) you should be fine with the same.

 

[kar93]

Ok thanks, I tried a wave maker on koralias before - soon learnt that lesson they was fine when i installed them. But then i was sat there watching TV and i started hearing this horrible clunking noise.

 

[kar93]

Im also stuck on the return pump id need. Ive been looking around but not sure what GPH i will need.

 

[kar93]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12175028#post12175028 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aaronovky
ive been cleaning mine out with vinegar and water so i hope mines ok

Domestic Goddess now are we? :lol:

 

[Aaronovky]

well you started me wantin to do this sort ov fing
n which one do you want ot be kim or aggie?

 

[kar93]

Kim anyday:

 

[kar93]

Anyway, Could anybody recommend what GPH pump i should get?

 

[PaPa_Johnny]

Ok I may have missed it, what kind of overflow do you have? It really depends on the overflow and what kind of flow you want through your sump. I'm going to be using a mag7 for my 90 gallon return. My son had a Mag 7 on his 75 and it was the noisiest overflow you could imagine. He swapped it for the mag 5 and put the 7 on a closed loop. Much better and still good flow in the sump. I personally don't like huge flow going in the sump.

A mag 5 (if they are available in 250V, I'm not sure of that) would probably be just right if not a little large for you. Since your not starting out with SPS you won't need quite as much flow in the tank from what I've seen so your setup should be great for now.

I have to go back again I forget the lighting your going with.

 

[kar93]

Sorry, i think i forgot to mention im going to drill the tank. I have 4x39w T5HO, if need be i can always get a pendant to add on aswell. Im going to go with what jwb0126 said - 1" Plumbin and 1" teeth on the overflow. The light came this morning but i was asleep so they left a note saying they will try again tomorrow. But the heater came today aswell. Its a 250w im sure thats big enough.

 

[kar93]

Ok, so heres a full room shot just to stop you all from unscubcribing

 

[jwb0126]

Kar, I run a pentair aquatics quiet one 2200 for my return. It runs about 600 gph and is very quiet. I would also agree that a mag 5 would be a good fit. With 1 inch plumbing you should try to shoot for between 500 and 700 gph in my opinion. I believe in turning over your water in the tank with powerheads or a closed loop and letting the flow through your sump be a little slower to allow the skimmer and other hardware to work more efficiently.

As far as the plumbing goes, like I said, I run 1 inch and I think that would be fine for you, but if you're starting from scratch, you might want to consider going w 1 and 1/4. You're going to need ball valves on your overflow tubes to regulate your flow regardless and the bigger plumbing might be useful in the future if you ever needed more flow. The cost couldn't be more than a few dollars difference. Just a thought.

 

[kar93]

this is a pump i have found, it does 650gph

 

[jwb0126]

I think that would be perfect. Just make sure its ok for saltwater use. 650 gph is right on the money.

 

[kar93]

Yep says fresh or marine water. What would i use to connect the piping to it though? the adapters are only 19 or 22mm and 1" is 25mm right?

 

[kar93]

Do you think i could add a closed loop with the return pump aswell?

 

[MR PALM BEACH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12187940#post12187940 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kar93
Sorry, i think i forgot to mention im going to drill the tank. I have 4x39w T5HO, if need be i can always get a pendant to add on aswell. Im going to go with what jwb0126 said - 1" Plumbin and 1" teeth on the overflow. The light came this morning but i was asleep so they left a note saying they will try again tomorrow. But the heater came today aswell. Its a 250w im sure thats big enough.

Put a note on the door with your name and write on It "just stepped out please leave package at door" Most of the time they will leave It unless It has to be signed for. You miss tomorrow you might not get It till Monday and that you might have to pick It up from UPS or FedEx seeing Its the second attempt. I leave them notes all the time do to my work schedual and never had any problems with them just leaving It at the door. Good Luck

 

[kar93]

yeah the light has to be signed for, i usually leave a note saying that.

 

[kar93]

Just got an email. The RO unit will be sent tomorrow so should be here Saturday or Monday