Starting up a 58 Gallon

[ataylo13]

I was all set to start with the sump tomorrow, until I read the fine print on the tube of silicone. not for use in aquariums.... boooo. What brand do you recommend? Should I worry?

 

[whirley]

ataylo13, I'll throw in my 2 cents.

I have a 65 gallon tank, very similar towards your 58 only taller...I have at least 100 lbs of rock, DSB, and sps/lps and softies.

So:
1- Rio....in dumpster. I have a Mag 7. I feel that it's sufficient, although I do have 3 powerheads in the tank.

2- I"m currently run 2 175's 10K, and am pretty happy with it.

3- MINIMUM, get a 20 gallon sump. I have a 20 gallon sump, and kind wish for more. I had a 15 g before and it would overflow.

4-the tube of silicon, 'not for use in aquariums', they put it on the label for legalities. They don't want to be responsible for an accident. IMHO, it's fine to use and have used it in the past, for putting up baffles in the sump.

5-10 g refugium is more than sufficent.

6-go DSB.

7- No need for a Calcium Reactor for such a small tank. Go with a Kalk reactor. (Just My humble opinion). I built one for ~$20.
Link to my DIY Kalk Reactor

8-Drill the sump. Worth every penny. I'd take desjardiniidj's offer.

9-Put some $$$ in the skimmer. I personally, like Euro-reef.

Just my opinions. Do with it as you may...

whirley

 

[ataylo13]

whirley, thanks for all of the good information. I am trying to work out the geometry of placing everything in the stand under the tank.

I am taking your advice and keeping the 20L as the sump and I will plumb in a fuge a little later.

I am planning on a DSB.

I am trying to figure out where to drill the sump since it is 30" long and the inside of the stand is 34". I doubt that there will be room to drill the tank and fit the pump. Should I drill in the back and plumb around to a place where the pump can fit?

Also should I worry that I won't be able to take the sump out from underneath the tank once everything has water in it? Just curious on that one.

My last question (for the night) what type of Euro-Reef skimmer do you recommend? I went to Ebay and saw varying prices and models. I went to euro-reef.com and they have the RS,RC,and CS line. I can't really tell the difference. Can anyone here shed some light to help me make a decision?

Thanks again for all of you help/suggestions.

 

[ataylo13]

MadTownMax, You have put alot of seeds in my mind with the varying pumps/power heads you recommended. The more I read about them the more I realize that I need to research. Gotta love this hobby.

whirley, I like the thread for the DIY Kalk Reactor that one is ahead of the pack right now.

 

[Rkthepainter]

lose the rio forsure...