new tank set-up

[gator45]

hi all,
i have a 96x30x36h reef tank with factory sized wet/dry sump with 2 return pumps--a etss 600 skimmer with pump was included as part of my initial package---the tank is set up with 300 pounds of base rock and 100 pounds of live rock---been in operation about 4 weeks and has cycled---have added a small clean up crew and 16 small reef fish
questions:
1. thinking about adding a aetech pro 42 refugium with a new aetech 900 skimmer--- plus i have a 1hp chiller which i plan to direct loop back into the refugium? the refugium, etc will be elevated and gravity fed back to the main sump---is all this an ok set up
2. i also have a red sea wave maker with 4 maxi jet 1200 power heads with hop-up kits and magnets--these do not work too good-having problems keeping them running--they do not seem to be able to handle all the starting and stopping?
3. mud or live sand in the refugium
4. what would be a better wavemaker choice
5. tank has (2) 4' power compacts --daylight & actinic and (3) 250w metal halides all on timers

i am very new to the salt water hobby and will appreciate all helpful info, tips, etc-

thanks

 

[gator45]

anyone please

 

[bkvreef]

I'm not familiar with some of your equipment so I'm not a lot of help. When I set up my sump/fuge I did l.r. rubble and then put macro-algae on it. I had done the sand before and I did a bad job of keeping it clean (cleaning crew etc.). I like this much better because I can rinse off rubble anytime there becomes an overabundance of debris.

 

[gator45]

thanks bk,
you hear so much conflicting info---sand , mud, bare bottom etc for refugiums----your set up seems to work for u----i did consider the same thing---did u add any plants to propogate foods for corals?
is your refugium your main filter or an additiona filtration means fed back to your main sump?
still trying yo get positive info on skimmers and wavemakers
leaning toward etss900 and tunze?

thanks

 

[gator45]

my 400 gallon tank will eventually have a moderate fish load with plenty of corals----don't anticipate ever being tank of the month but who knows------will the etss 900 skimmer serve this purpose? would rather spring for a little larger now, maybe the 1000, than later---also, still trying to purchase the long term right pumps and wavemaker???
thanks again

 

[polywise]

gator45,
I run a overdriven etss 1000 on a 500 gallon system. A downdraft skimmer takes a bit more tweaking than a recirculating one. The only draw back is the wasted energy to run the skimmer. I try to pull around 5 gallons/ week out of my system (wet skimming)

 

[gator45]

skimmer

skimmer

thanks polly,
i am leaning towards a etss 1000 plumbed directly into a pro 42 refugium--gravity fed back to main sump--also thinking about connecting a 1hp chiller at the refugium---useing the factory bulkhead into the chiller and back to the refugium into the supplied bags???? sounds ok to me-what do you think---as i have said, am new to the reef hobby--all constructive help will be very much appreciated
good reefing
jerry

 

[gator45]

new tank setup

new tank setup

hi all,
again i am just trying to learn "from other peoples mistakes"--ok, there i said it==really, just trying to not make a huge mistake--please read my past posts and see if i am on the same page with you experienced reefers---
thanks for your support
jerry

 

[bkvreef]

Sorry not to get back to you sooner.
I have my overflows going into two filter socks in my sump, in the same section I have an Octopus 200 skimmer and a Phos Ban reactor filled presently with phosphate stuff (sometimes I do carbon).
but then the water flows into my fuge (through the rubble and macro), and then into the return section.

I didn't (and still don't) have extra cash but I have learned that I should have gone with a top notch skimmer first off!

I really like my skimmer (It was great on my 110, maybe a little small for my 250g) but I went through 2 upgrades before I decided to stop messing around!

B]My attitude is to better do it slow and right the first time than rush and redo it 5 times![/B]