sump question

[fletch515]

So I have had freshwater tanks all my life including my wife's currently setup 125 cichlid tank. But it is finally time for me to take the dive into saltwater, planning on a reef tank. I was expecting a quick transition over and be setup in no time. To my dismay I have realized this not to be the case. So I have shift back down to first gear (a snails pace) and just trying not to make too many mistakes. So first what I have. I have a 125 corner drilled tank and stand. Yep that's about it. I am picking up a bubble magus curved c5 skimmer, and a pair of hydor 2450 circulation pumps. I am planning on a DIY sump/refugium but not sure what size it should be and if there are any things to avoid. ie refugium needs to be this big or make sure this area is larger then that etc. Thanks.

 

[CStrickland]

Depends what you want the sump to do for your tank.
My sump is way too big, I bought it used. All I want is a place to sit my skimmer, and enough room for my heaters. The stupid thing gets so dirty because all of the crap that flies around in the tank water settles in the sump and rots. I'd rather it stay in my DT for coral to eat, but gravity kicks in when the flow slows.

There's no rules tho, you'll get all diff opinions on how big a fuge you need. I used to think it'd be fun to have a whole ecosystem of algae under my tank, but I got over that when my first coral died. Now I'm like: worms? Whatever. Algae? Whatever. Ecosystem and Mother Earth? Whatever. If I can keep my chosen fish and coral happy... I'm happy.
This hobby is a great cure for arrogance.

 

[fletch515]

Ok I have a 55g tall, 20g tall, and a 20g long that are sitting in the garage. Looking at some of the setups that I have seen it just seemed like the 20g would be to small and the 55g is just too damn tall for a sump.

 

[reefbroao]

I think you'd find that it would be worth it to just pick up a 40 breeder and throw in some baffles.

also just so you know. the bubble magus curve 5 is meant to skim up to 140 gallons, you will need to have a very light bio-load for it to sufficiently skim.

 

[Cliving1]

I think you'd find that it would be worth it to just pick up a 40 breeder and throw in some baffles.

also just so you know. the bubble magus curve 5 is meant to skim up to 140 gallons, you will need to have a very light bio-load for it to sufficiently skim.

Agreed. I have that skimmer on my 80. Try to double your skimmmer rating for your tank.

 

[tomreefer]

I agree look at Reef Octopus skimmers rating at 200 gallons or more. I also agree with a 40 gallon breeder as a sump.