Starting from Scratch

[dirrtybirdy]

Hello!

I have been out of the SW aquarium game for about 10 years now. The last time I had a SW tank was when i was in high school(reef tank). During the years I have had several planted tanks and I want to dabble back into the saltwater game.

I totally forgot everything and dont know where to start!

I recently got a 40g and would like to use that as my tank. Ive been researching on DIY LED light fixtures and will probably go that route. I have also been researching on building a sump too. The only thing I am lost with is the protein skimmer. What protein skimmer would be sufficient enough to skim a 40g?

Ive searched online and there are ones for up to 29g and 70g+. Can you guys help me out here?


I will probably use this thread to ask most of my general questions.

Thanking everyone in advance for their input!

 

[dirrtybirdy]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190532020484

Would that be overkill for a 40g?


Also, would a 10g sump be good enough for a 40g?

 

[sammy33]

to Reef Central!

I would get the biggest skimmer that will fit in your sump. Oversize by about 1.5 your total volume if possible. In other words if you have a 40g display with a 20g sump then size your skimmer at about 90g capacity.

 

[dirrtybirdy]

would a 10 gallon sump be sufficient? I dont think I can fit a 20g under the table =/

 

[bongarone]

would a 10 gallon sump be sufficient? I dont think I can fit a 20g under the table =/

Should be fine, just make sure your skimmer can fit in the sump.

Maybe you can squeeze in a 15?

 

[dirrtybirdy]

I dont think I can fit a 15 gallon under my tank table. I made a table for my planted tank and decided to start up a reef tank and didnt make the table high enough. I found a skimmer on ebay that will fit in the tank and under the table. http://www.ebay.com/itm/190532020484?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

What do you guys think of this one?


Also, I found this seller who is selling live sand. Sand looks promising. Has anyone ever bought sand from ebay? What do you guys think of this sand?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110799160934?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[jdstank]

Since you're just starting back up and haven't purchased a skimmer yet, check out algae turf skimmer, they're more effective and definitely cheaper.

 

[dirrtybirdy]

what is that? Ive never heard of it. can you post a link? Id like to do some research.