Newb setting up Fowlr 65g

[weidjd]

Couple Qs

How Much LR for a 65?
What size sump/pump? I have a 600gph overflow
A good skimmer for the money?

Thanks

 

[jer77]

For the LR I'd say 1-2 times tank size in lbs. So 65-130 lbs.

A good pump would be a mag5, or if you want quality, cool running and silent I'd go with an Eheim. This will provide the right amount of flow you'd want, 4-8 times your tank size IMO.

A good skimmer, well there are many choices. Ones that are reliable, easy to use and setup, I'd say a Euro-reef RS100, or an ASM G2. There are other brands that are good too. What is your price range? Do you have one in mind?

 

[weidjd]

Thanks fast reply. I am just putting supplies together. Also is a 20l big enough sump for a 65g? And as for skimmer I have heard spend as much as you possibly can.

 

[drummereef]

Here's a quick calculation with the sump volume calc. I calculated for 5x flow through the sump. I think a 20 would work fine. Just make your baffles enough to handle the overflow in case of power failure.

Obviously I don't know your exact tank dimensions, these are AGA's....

Using the following input parameters
Tank Length = 36 inches
Tank Width = 18 inches
Height of Water above Overflow = 2 inches
Flow through sump = 325 gph

Sump volume is calculated as
Sump Volume need to handle tank overflow = 5.6 Gallons
Recommended Minimum Volume for sump = 8.85 Gallons

 

[drummereef]

I'd look for a pump that will do 3-5x the display volume. Somewhere between 195 and 325gph. You'll obviously need to account for headloss too.

There are many skimmers that will work for your application. Euro-Reef and ASM are two of my top pics. Depends on how much you want to spend really.

 

[weidjd]

My tank is actually more like a 67g 48x18x18 if that changes things.

 

[jer77]

No, not really. A 20g long should be fine. Do you plan on adding a refugium to your sump? I set my sump up for my 55 with a 20 long and have a euro-reef skimmer in the first chamber, a bubble trap, then the fuge, then a single baffle, then the return. It works quite well for me.

 

[weidjd]

Yes, I was hoping to do something exactly like that.

 

[jer77]

It definately will work. Just do some more research on the skimmer and start building. You'll need to know how high the first baffle should be for the skimmer. And remember to leave enough space for when the power goes out and for evaporation in the return section.

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Looks like you have a good setup planned out. I would say a mag 7 would be ideal for your return. Reliable, submersible, and at 4-5-6' head loss 480-420-400gph. That is for a straight shot to the tank. Purposely add a few 90s in your plumbing instead of 45s and you will be just about right. Or if you can do a straight shot, or a little spaflex then I would say mag 5. That 20l should fit under your stand nicely.

 

[DrBegalke]

i like the octopus skimmers. admittedly, the quality of materials and workmanship aren't as good as the euro brands... but hey, the thing is in your sump! it just has to work!

 

[weidjd]

jer77 have a pic of the sump? I am going to start to build it.