Newbe Here In IL

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cgarza

In Memoriam
I have a 125 tank I want to use for saltwater. my first thing is a filter, what to use? I was told to use a Rubbermaid tub with live rock for my filter,Is this right? I can build things but would like help first on looking. I know I also would need over flows,pump and etc. should I but a 30 gallon and make a sump out of that but I would need to see one first before I can do that.

Please Help...
 
We need to know how much space you have for a sump. Will all the filtration be in a separate room, or will it be located under a stand? I am assuming that it'll be in a separate room considering that you are pondering the use of a big rubbermaid tub for a sump.

You're going to want to have a refugium and a protein skimmer for filtration. But as far as the skimmer is concerned, we need to know your budget and estimated amount of the systems total water volume (that includes the sump).

Also, while that tank is empty, go and have it drilled for an overflow. Maybe even have it drilled for a closed loop. Overflow boxes have a much higher potential for failure in comparison to a drilled overflow. Rod (of Rod's Reef) drills tanks at his shop in DeKalb, and it is an excellent place to visit especially when you are a newbie. He'll start ya off on the right foot.
 
Another VERY important thing for us to know is if this will be a fish-only tank, or will it be a reef-tank? This knowledge will be very important regarding skimmer size and the amount of flow you need in the tank.
 
Hey Thanks.. I have thought about getting some holes drilled into the tank, I've saw other post where they have done that. I would be using a standard stand which I will need to get back to you on measurements.this will be a fish/rock tank only. Do you know what he charges to drill? does he just drill or add what I need for the over flow?

I will keep the sump/filter under the tank. I was told a few different things to use but when you here more then three things it made me really think on what to use.I will have to call down to dekalb and talk to someone over the phone and I'm only a half hour a way. I would like to spend on a skimmer and filter would be 450 or so.

I just came across this.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...31/cl0/tomproseriesps3filterandskimmer1000gph
 
Don't quote me, but I think that it is either $10 or $20 per hole.
Since this will be a fish-only tank, you don't need to have a closed loop, so that saves $ on drilling extra holes.

As far as what Rod can do in constructing the overflow, you'll have to contact him: www.rods-reef.com. His phone # is on the website.

Rod also builds sumps as well. He made my sump and I am VERY pleased with it. You aren't going to be able to use a Rubbermaid tub under the stand. You'll need a glass or acrylic sump.

If you have $450.00 to spend on a skimmer then you will be able to get a good skimmer that'll save you alot of headaches down the road. Many people try to save money on a skimmer, end up with a skimmer that is too small, and have water quality issues that lead to $ loss in livestock.

There are MANY differing opinions as to which skimmer is best, but alot of people agree that ASM makes an excellent product for the money. You'd wanna go with a G3 or maybe even a G4 on that tank, depending on your bio-load, of course.

Here's link with dimensions and info on ASM skimmers:

http://www.saltycritter.com/skimmers-asm.htm

Just make sure that the skimmer will fit under the stand, in the sump.
 
I just read the link that you posted. Wet-dry filters are acceptable for fish-only tanks, but I feel that the money is better invested in a quality skimmer, and then you won't need a wet-dry.

The skimmers that come built-in to the wet-dry sumps are typically weak and pretty useless. I wouldn't mess with those setups. But that's just my opinion.
 
When you say fish with /rock do you mean Live rock?
If thats the case you will only need a sump for a skimmer and to remove micro-bubbles a couple baffels and your set
I agree with Hans about calling Rod I think every one here pretty much does.He will definatly set you in the right direction.
Look around a bit there are several poeple on this board close to you That I am sure will let you see there tank You are welcome to come see mine but its a ride.I thought I wanted a fish only when I started too and 6 months later I had to try a reef(still trying)but IMO its better to be sure than to spend alot of money then do it all over again when you deciede you need a reef.At least you found this place b4 you got started as I made alot of newbie mistakes I could have avoided if I would have found this place sooner

Any way good luck in whatever you go with and Happy Reefing
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8769523#post8769523 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by karenL
an afternoon at rod's would be a nice jump start to learning
Click to expand...

True but an afternoon at KarenL's would leave you needing therapy.
 
I would like to start with fish and live rock. I have been looking at our photos and reading allot of forums on ways to set up my tank up. I think I will have some holes drilled in the tank for better looks and flow.I may even make my own sump after seeing how easy it is to make. Thanks for all the great help here, Glad to be aboard a winning team in IL, time for the bears game
 
I am close to montgomery if you want to take a look at a running system with sumps, skimmer etc. I am by Copley Hospital. My sump is just a 55 gallon tank. Save $ on the sump and put your $$ into good lights and skimmer, the rest will fall into place. Tim.
 
Not all tanks can be drilled.

Not all tanks can be drilled.

If your tank is an oceanic there is a good chance that the glass is tempered, which shatters when drilled. Check with the manufacturer before drilling.

Scuba
 
Your best bet is to contact All Glass about this sort of question. It's likely that only the bottom is tempered, which then means that you need to drill your holes in the back wall instead of the bottom.
 
all glass has info on their site that tells you which panels of glass are tempered on each of their tanks.
 
Thanks for the tank Info. I have another question for today. I came across a post somewhere and a guy is using two aqua clear 500 filters and a protein skimmer to run his tank. could I do this? I have three 500 filters sitting around and two power heads. If so I can just focus on a good protein skimmer then.

I would also like to use sand as my bottom so could I get away without getting live rock right away? here my tank ready to set up but I'm in no hurry untill i pick up everything I need.

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AC filters, used with the filter materials for a FW tank, will collect nitrates. I do have them on all my smaller tanks w/o sumps though (my main display tank has a sump & refugium) & there is cheato in them, as a HOB fuge.

Liverock is an extremely important part of SW filtration. 1st even, to a skimmer. You have to stop looking at SW filtration as anything to do with FW filtration. Close that book & open a completly new one. After 25 years of FW, it took me a while to realize that.
 
Personally, I wouldn't bother with any hang-on or canister filters for a saltwater tank. Run an appropriately sized skimmer, run carbon using one of Rod's carbon dohicky's (Talk to Rod about this), and maybe set up a refugium in the sump and that's it.
 
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