New to SPS help please.

[EricandBrandi]

I'm in the process of setting up a 105 gallon tank that I want to eventually be SPS dominate. Can anyone offer any advice, threads to read, or books to read that would help me out? Any help or advice is appreciated. I'm also confused about the refugium and sump. If I use a refugium can I still use a skimmer? Or is it not necessary?

 

[Scotty1772]

One is not exclusive of the other...with that size tank, you should have at least a 40+ gallon sump. the sump should be sectioned off into chambers...one for the skimmer, middle typically for the refugium and one for the return line....some sumps are for more elaborate with their baffles but that is the basic design...definitely would still have a skimmer

 

[chris1292]

Advice I wish I would have listened too when I started:
Have patients (my tank finally got on track when I left it alone and let it do its own thing, I think I tried to control it to much), and invest in good equipment not the cheapest

As for the skimmer, I run a skimmer and fuge but they are sperated of course. I have seen amazing sps tanks that use just a refugium and no skimmer bit id say thats not very common.

As for articles and books I personally learned ALOT from this forum.

 

[EricandBrandi]

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I was getting the impression that those who had the refugium were using that instead of the skimmer. I certainly rely on this forum and have learned so much from reading articles here. Patience seems to be the key in this hobby. Luckily I'm not in an extreme hurry. I'm currently constructing a foam wall that I saw done on here. Next I think I will do a DIY refugium. Thanks again for the help.

 

[chris1292]

Good idea to build your own sump. I bought a pre made one and wish I hadn't.

 

[CoralolisEffect]

Recommend read recognized published works. The staple to start with is the reef aquarium. Some is dated but the basics and chemistry are all there. It's a bit pricey, but it's worth it.