to sump or not to sump on a FOWLR

[gusto1]

Hello Everyone,
I just wanted some opinions, I'm in the process of remodeling my basement, I'm redoing my floor so I have to move my 75 gallon FOWLR, so I convinced the wife that it's easier just to buy a new tank and set it up, I'm also tiling where the tank goes so I don't have to move it again. I'm upgrading to a 150 gallon.
My question is: I'm going to be doing a lot downstairs during the remodeling, I'm looking to possibly set up the tank without a sump/refugium, is this a good idea, I know I really should have one. I did have one on my 75 and it became a nightmare when I set it up, that I took it down immediately. I just not very good at the plumbing end of it or setting up the sump/refugium for that matter.

on my current tank I have a aqua c remora pro and a HOB 24" cpr aquafuge, I also have a second aqua c that I can use. so basically it will be a 150 gallon tank with 2 protein skimmer and a HOB cpr aquafuge.

Also just in case can I get a reef ready tank, and not use the overflows for a while until I'm possibly ready to set up the sump. I know I have to be sure I'm doing that or else I don't need the reef ready.

Thanks

 

[bobbbm]

I am NO expert at all so this is IMO... My first tank was sumpless.. I would never run a tank without a sump again. I would go with the sump.

 

[cb747]

A suimp affords you more room for equipment and also eliminates it from being seen in the display. PLus it affords you a little more water volume for added stability. I will never be without a sump!

 

[gusto1]

Thank you
How about buying the reef ready, setting it up with my 2 protein skimmers and my HOB refugium for a few months then setting up the sump? I spoke with dexter yesterday he told me I could just plug the bulkheads in the back for a while.

 

[cb747]

That could work. Either way its your choice and what will work best for you

 

[puckbs]

i would go with the sump, if you think ahead when you're plumbing, you can start with your sump system as simple as possible and then make it as complex as you would like.....all you need is a tank and a return pump and voila! a 150 is a beautiful tank, the overflows keep it clean with nothing hanging off of the back. Here are some more benefits:
water level in main tank stays the same
tank can be closer to the wall
insump skimmers tend to be more efficient
sumps are completely customizable: media, heaters, if you run UV
easier to set up a top off system
even more water volume to the system

just my two cents, feel free to pm if you have any questions. and when are you planning to get the tank? i may be able to help

 

[gusto1]

Thank you Everyone
brad, I will need all the help I can get, should I do anything to the tank once I get it. I plan on painting the back, I'm not sure what color. do I run any plumbing before I put it against the wall. Now I have the 75 thats currently running I also Have a 30 gallon long which is empty which one would be better to use. also what can I do to start it off simple until I decide to go all out?

Thanks

 

[puckbs]

I had a 30 long under my 125 and it worked like a charm, silicone in a baffle or two and you're good to go....the 75 might be a bit much.

As for the back of the tank, blue is bright, but it takes away from the color of blue fish....I like black, fish stand out, and less algae growth, i've had good luck using the Krylon spray paint. obviously spray outside before you bring it in, putting on a bunch of light coats is all you need to do.

As for a simple sump....you have returns (overflow from tank) going into one side of the sump...and then a pump returning water sitting on the other side of the tank. Using baffles (siliconed in pieces of plexi) you can cut down microbubbles for one, but you can also create seperate compartments for the fuge, skimmer, and pump

Ball valves and unions will allow you to change things up pretty easily...

When are you looking to get all this started? soon? few weeks, months? I can draw up something basic, so you can see what i'm talking about

 

[DEXTER SOLIS]

if the sump is going to be....forget it, I will just call you

 

[gusto1]

I will be starting this in a few weeks, what I'm working on now is my neighbor has a carpet business, he's going to be putting down carpet and also tiling a 4' x10' area for the tank sometime next week, then I'm good to go. I would really love to see a basic plan before I start this.

Yeah Dexter call me when you get a chance.


Thanks again Guys