Need help Setting 1st Reef Tank!

[dai-kun]

Hi,

I currently have a 58 gallon 36" x 18" x 21" tank with stand and canopy.
I want to start a reef aquarium so I been doing research for the past 3 weeks and was able to get a few equipments.

So far I have:
58 gal tank w/ canopy & stand
Coralife Needle Wheel Skimmers - 125 gal
36" SunDial T5HO
Live sand

Unfortunately my tank is not reef ready so I'll need an overflow.
I'm also looking to get a sump with refugium but am not sure which model/brand to get. I'm currently thinking about Eshopps Advanced Refugium - Model 100 or this Reef Lab Pro- Profuge Refugium System.

Can anyone help me find a pretty good overflow, sump/refugium, and good and quiet return pump? Thanks !!!

 

[docstomper]

Not to Hate on Coralife skimmers. If you can take it back I would and pick up a reef octopus hob skimmer, Or a nwb 150 or 100. I had a coralife HOB skimmer and it was utter garbage. Reef octopus is very affordable and you will be much more pleased with the results.

 

[reefsic]

Google: EShopps

 

[dai-kun]

Not to Hate on Coralife skimmers. If you can take it back I would and pick up a reef octopus hob skimmer, Or a nwb 150 or 100. I had a coralife HOB skimmer and it was utter garbage. Reef octopus is very affordable and you will be much more pleased with the results.

Yeah, after I bought the thing (which was suggested by my LFS), I did some research on it and find it to be pretty bad from what others experienced so I may bring it back and order a reef octopus.
For the HOB one, I don't really want to use those since I am very limited to the clearance space behind my tank as it's in a hallway.

Google: EShopps

I already did that. In one of my links above, I linked to an EShopps model, is that a good one?

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

I don't think you're going to be happy with the Coralife skimmer
[welcome]

 

[darrelljm]

Have you considered building your own sump with another tank(maybe something like a 20long)? I would also recommend ehiem for your return, excellent pump and VERY quiet!

 

[dai-kun]

I don't think you're going to be happy with the Coralife skimmer
<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

I'll be shocked if I hear someone on here telling me to keep a Coralife.

Have you considered building your own sump with another tank(maybe something like a 20long)? I would also recommend ehiem for your return, excellent pump and VERY quiet!

Yeah, I considered doing it but I suck at DIY stuff. If I do build one, which compartment I need? I know I need a skimming area, do I need a refugium area too?

Yeah I love Eheim filters, I have one for my FW tank. I read from a couple of places and they said canister filters are pretty useless unless you keep only filter media in there.. but that can be put into the sump no?

 

[darrelljm]

A refugium area is always nice to help with filtration, but there are other options. I would say look around the DIY board to get some ideas and check out some other peoples setups.

You'll need to consider if your planning a different skimmer what type and where is it going plays a large role in your sump design.

 

[dai-kun]

A refugium area is always nice to help with filtration, but there are other options. I would say look around the DIY board to get some ideas and check out some other peoples setups.

You'll need to consider if your planning a different skimmer what type and where is it going plays a large role in your sump design.

OK, I'll take a look in there later. Do most people build their own sumps?

I'm taking a look at the Reef Octopus NWB-110. The price on it is 159.99. There's a few sites that are selling this but is there somewhere I can get this cheaper and/or a good reputable site?

 

[darrelljm]

Most of the people I know have built their own sumps. It's easier to setup with the equipment in front of you that will be going into the sump so you know where the baffles need to be.

 

[darrelljm]

From what I have seen.......most online vendors are running about the same price on the Octopus skimmers.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Making your own sump/fuge is always a great alternative. The cheapest route is getting a glass tank and siliconing baffles in there where you want them. You can even get glass cut to specific sizes at any glass shop.

 

[dai-kun]

Ok so I'm not gonna do the HOB overflow anymore. I'm gonna get it drilled behind the glass. I found 1 person that would do it after several stops at different LFS. It costs 175$ total for drilling and the overflow with bulkheads.

I think the glass all around is not tempered glass since only the bottom has a sticker that says "this bottom is tempered glass. for strength and reliability, do not drill".

Is that usually the case? Is there anyway we can find out it is tempered or not?

 

[danch]

It's pretty common for the bottom to be the only tempered pane in mid-size aquariums. If you know the manufacturer, you can see if they provide information on their website.

As far as sumps go, I'm not much at DIY and managed it. I had a glass shop cut the dividers for me and siliconed them in. I made a heck of a mess, but it holds water.