Brandon0034
New member
Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum although I have been reading through for quite some time as well as other forums and many videos. I intend to start a new aquarium this summer and have some questions that I wanted insight on that I couldn't find through other searches. Just for some background I have had and still currently run a 135 gallon freshwater tank for many years but want to make the switch to saltwater.
New Tank: 225 gallon Deep Sea Aquatics Center Overflow Design ( 3 drains 2 returns)
Equipment:
55 Gallon DIY Sump
Reef magic 72" light with module controller
SRO5000 10" In Sump Skimmer
BRS 4 Stage 150GPD RO/DI w/ auto shut off
(2) Triton 5 at 1350 GPH or (2) Triton 4 at 1050 GPH
1. I have read a lot about the ratio of DT to the sump and the general consensus seems to be the bigger the better. Originally I intended on using the EShopps RS300 but decided I already have a spare 55 gallon and could have a sump which is 20 gallons larger than
EShopps. Is this sump sufficient provided the DT to sump ratio is roughly 4:1?
2. I have made a few sump designs and I think the main concern I have is whether I should feed the drains directly into their own filter sock or first into a section at the front of the sump which overflows and evenly distributes amongst the three filters?
3. Should I use three 4"x14" socks or three 7"x16" socks? (All will be 200 micron). Based on question #2 depending whether or not I use a direct sock feed approach or a chamber first, will I be ok if they're directly fed? Will one gravity drain supply more water than the other causing an uneven split? (This is the main reason I ask whether to be individually fed or first directing the water into a chamber before dispersing amongst socks) Also will I be able to get away with a weekly sock change using the 7"x16", if not this is no problem because my main concern is the tanks health.
4. I opted for the SRO5000 vs the SRO3000 because I've heard it's always better to exceed the needed rating rather than be behind. Granted the SRO3000 still supports a 225 gallon tank but only if there is a medium stock range. For a well stocked tank it claims to only support 200 gallon. Is my choice right with the SRO5000?
5. For my return pumps I know the rule of thumbs is 10x the flow of the DT per hour, but I have also agreed with the idea that a flow rate of 6-7x is more ideal because the filtration period in the sump is faster. I intend to install gate valves on both of the return lines but should I opt for the Triton 4 so I can slow the flow in the sump for better filtration? Also I know the reviews are extremely wide on the triton pump but I know people with success and I've seen my LFS exhibit zero problems with theirs.
6. I have heard many mixed reviews on reactors and dosing pumps. From what I have learned is that when you start off a reactor isn't necessary, but later down the road it will be a needed addition. Thoughts? Also do I need a dosing pump and if I don't will I still need to add chemicals daily/weekly? Or is a dosing pump more of an extra insurance item?
7. On water changes I agree with the idea that a weekly water changes seems more beneficial than biweekly. Should I do 10% weekly or 25% biweekly? Or should I even do a higher percentage on a weekly basis? I don't want the tank to be a full time job, but I have no problem tending to average weekly cleanings, water changes, and maintenance. Also I will have an additional pump for mixing salt with my RO/DI water in a 55 gallon Rubbermaid.
Sorry for such a long post, but I would rather address all my questions in one thread rather than multiple. Also I have seen the abundance of knowledge on this forum and truly appreciate how helpful everyone is on here. The equipment that I have posted on here is mainly just to get the tank up and running, later down the road I intend to add an additional (2) 72" lights for a total of (3). Anything else that I am missing?
New Tank: 225 gallon Deep Sea Aquatics Center Overflow Design ( 3 drains 2 returns)
Equipment:
55 Gallon DIY Sump
Reef magic 72" light with module controller
SRO5000 10" In Sump Skimmer
BRS 4 Stage 150GPD RO/DI w/ auto shut off
(2) Triton 5 at 1350 GPH or (2) Triton 4 at 1050 GPH
1. I have read a lot about the ratio of DT to the sump and the general consensus seems to be the bigger the better. Originally I intended on using the EShopps RS300 but decided I already have a spare 55 gallon and could have a sump which is 20 gallons larger than
EShopps. Is this sump sufficient provided the DT to sump ratio is roughly 4:1?
2. I have made a few sump designs and I think the main concern I have is whether I should feed the drains directly into their own filter sock or first into a section at the front of the sump which overflows and evenly distributes amongst the three filters?
3. Should I use three 4"x14" socks or three 7"x16" socks? (All will be 200 micron). Based on question #2 depending whether or not I use a direct sock feed approach or a chamber first, will I be ok if they're directly fed? Will one gravity drain supply more water than the other causing an uneven split? (This is the main reason I ask whether to be individually fed or first directing the water into a chamber before dispersing amongst socks) Also will I be able to get away with a weekly sock change using the 7"x16", if not this is no problem because my main concern is the tanks health.
4. I opted for the SRO5000 vs the SRO3000 because I've heard it's always better to exceed the needed rating rather than be behind. Granted the SRO3000 still supports a 225 gallon tank but only if there is a medium stock range. For a well stocked tank it claims to only support 200 gallon. Is my choice right with the SRO5000?
5. For my return pumps I know the rule of thumbs is 10x the flow of the DT per hour, but I have also agreed with the idea that a flow rate of 6-7x is more ideal because the filtration period in the sump is faster. I intend to install gate valves on both of the return lines but should I opt for the Triton 4 so I can slow the flow in the sump for better filtration? Also I know the reviews are extremely wide on the triton pump but I know people with success and I've seen my LFS exhibit zero problems with theirs.
6. I have heard many mixed reviews on reactors and dosing pumps. From what I have learned is that when you start off a reactor isn't necessary, but later down the road it will be a needed addition. Thoughts? Also do I need a dosing pump and if I don't will I still need to add chemicals daily/weekly? Or is a dosing pump more of an extra insurance item?
7. On water changes I agree with the idea that a weekly water changes seems more beneficial than biweekly. Should I do 10% weekly or 25% biweekly? Or should I even do a higher percentage on a weekly basis? I don't want the tank to be a full time job, but I have no problem tending to average weekly cleanings, water changes, and maintenance. Also I will have an additional pump for mixing salt with my RO/DI water in a 55 gallon Rubbermaid.
Sorry for such a long post, but I would rather address all my questions in one thread rather than multiple. Also I have seen the abundance of knowledge on this forum and truly appreciate how helpful everyone is on here. The equipment that I have posted on here is mainly just to get the tank up and running, later down the road I intend to add an additional (2) 72" lights for a total of (3). Anything else that I am missing?
