Questions Awaiting Answers; First Reef Tank Build

[mcozad829]

Hello all large tank enthusiasts

I am in the very beginning stages of a 300 gallon reef tank build. By very beginning I mean I haven't even drawn a schematic of the plumbing successfully. I would like to start this thread and continue to ask questions along the way and eventually get to the point where I can post my detailed plans and let the wolves have at it. So to begin with my first question:

I plan to have a separate 50G sump and 50G refugium. My flow will be about 1200GPH at a 6' head(already have the Iwaki pump still in box, it was free so I plan to use it). Do you think it is better to plumb a refugium directly in line with the sump or have a separate smaller pump push water to the refugium and overflow back to the sump? I am worried that 1200GPH will create to much movement in the refugium.

BTW please tell me if my questions are stupid.

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

You could tee off one of the drains to feed the refugium. Save you money on electricity. And the only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask.

 

[Pcrain]

I always try and go big on a return so I can tee off of it for reactors etc. I cant stand adding pumps for accessories. .
I agree with teeing off your drain for a refuge but you might consider having a reactor feed it ... also consider the herbie method.

 

[dave.m]

I would say 50 gal is too small a sump for a 300. Choose your skimmer, reactors, filter socks and return pump first, then figure out how much room you'll need to house them to help determine how large a sump you'll need.

Is this to be your first tank?

Dave.M

 

[mcozad829]

No this isn't my first tank, I have an 85 gallon FOWLR aggressive tank currently which was preceded by a FOWLR 46 gallon bow front. Total about 5 years saltwater experience and about 0 with corals.

Keep in mind I am open to criticism because I am willing to put in the time and effort to make this thing TOTM quality. That being said, relatively, I know jack s**t, so for my benefit correct me if I'm wrong.

Here is what I am thinking, this is not solidified the only thing I already own is the return pump which is external so it really won't take that much sump room.

Skimmer- Super Reef Octopus XP5000I (12" diameter)
Phosphate control- Phosban Reactor 550 6" diameter (I get the feeling from the price that this thing may suck but I have not read anything but positive reviews)
Eschopps 7" filter socks x 2

Should I be adding more to the sump like another reactor of different sort? I need to know these things.

That is all I currently have planned going in the sump. The tanks I want to use for the sump and refugium are both 36". Mathematically I have room in the sump but for some reason math never seems to add up (pun intended) in our hobby.

 

[mcozad829]

Next Question

Would it be unwise for me to use a 55G ro/di ATO reservoir as a mixing station? I am guessing that this will lead to a gradual increase in salinity from undisolved salt left in the reservoir tank but I may be limited in space and am wondering if anyone does this successfully?

Again, please correct me, I want to learn all I can.

 

[dave.m]

I would suggest some reading beyond just what's in the forums, i.e. get some reef-keeping books. The descriptions here are seldom accurate or complete (I'm as guilty as anyone else as it's not my intention to write a dissertation every time). You will want a GAC reactor as well as the GFO. Whether you eventually go with a biopellets reactor in the future (re-purposing your GFO reactor) or follow the latest trend to a biodenitrator filter is a decision you can put off to the future as it won't matter for the first year or so of operation.

There's loads of decisions to make. Take your time. You'll get there.

For the question on using the ATO reservoir for mixing saltwater, it depends on what sort of container you are considering. If you can take the container outside and hose it out before re-using it as an ATO reservoir you won't have to worry about salt settling.

Dave.M

 

[mcozad829]

I have The Coral Reef Aquarium from Inception to Completion by Tony Vargas on order. Hopefully that will be a good resource and answer many of my questions.

 

[dave.m]

No, not really. It (Vargas) does not explain the why's and wherefore's, just describes a few tanks.

I would suggest you look into Mr. Saltwater Tank's on-line books. They are relatively recent. If you want something more thorough (though a bit dated, now) look for the three-volume set The Reef Aquarium by Sprung and Delbeek.

Dave.M

 

[mcozad829]

Dave thanks for the Mr. Saltwater link. I downloaded and read the first 2 volumes of his series today which I think are the 2 that apply to me the most currently. A lot of good information and I think it was worth $94. After reading the books I'm rethinking having a refugium and instead just having a larger sump, I don't know yet but I have time to further research the benefits. It did clear up a lot of my confusion about gfo, carbon, and kalk reactors. Overall I greatly appreciate being pointed in a helpful direction.

 

[mcozad829]

Oh ya real quick I have also decided that the very first thing I purchase for this build will be a high quality RODI system. See, I'm learning already.

 

[dave.m]

:thumbsup:

Dave.M