Total Newb wanting to get into reefing. Help with system design.

[h4nzo_steel]

I need help with the design of my system. I would like to have a tank with both corals and fish. As far a corals I plan to start with the easy stuff since I'm a beginner. From my calculations I have a 55g acrylic tank. It measures W36"xH20"xD13". My plan is to make a DIY sump from a 20g Aqueon tank. My plan is to drill the tank for the overflow and the return.

Question 1: W.hich type of overflow should I use. I was thinking the Herbie method. I've seen a lot of videos of how to do this but I'm not sure what size bulkhead for drain and for the return. Also where do I drill the tank (spacing). Or are there other methods that are better for the overflow durso, bean animal, etc?

Question 2: Which sump design should I use? There are so many designs. I will have my local glass shop cut the baffles for me but I'm so confused on what sizes I should have them cut.

Question 3: Lighting. Everyone says buy two AI Prime HD. Are there good options that are easier on the wallet.

Let's start with these questions as I'm sure I will have many more. I appreciate any help you guys can give me. Thank you in advance

 

[alfred14]

Following.


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[mcgyvr]

1) Personally I won't do an overflow unless its of the bean animal type.. Its proven to be reliable and quiet.. Even with a herbie you will find complaints of noise,etc...

2)Drain/Skimmer section into fuge into return is fine as are most other combinations.. Is really about what you plan on keeping in there equipment/process wise.... there really isn't a "best" option by any means..

3)165W or 300W black box LEDs on Amazon/Ebay (Viparspectra/MarsAqua,etc...) work just fine and are much easier on the wallet.. You won't get the fancy features that you really don't need anyways

Now..
No way I would want a tank thats only 13" deep for a reef tank.
Its just too shallow.. If you have the chance/opportunity to change that I HIGHLY suggest doing so..

 

[Uncle99]

I run the VISPARSPECTRA 165w, I am quite happy.
However it's on the edge of Acros and Maxis, for these, AI is a better fit and can be easily adjusted by cell.

 

[lapin]

1) Bean is the best. Work back from that. Overflow box is something to think about.
2) Sump usually 3 sections.
3) Black box LED are fine for your use

 

[nereefpat]

36 x 20 x 13 x 0.00434 gallons/cubic inch = 40.6 gallons

1. something like this: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eclipse-s-overflow-box-600-gph-eshopps.html would get you a Herbie drain. It would handle all the flow you need for that size a tank quietly. It comes with all the bulkheads, plumbing, and even the hole saw. You could get the large model, if you want to do a Bean.

2. sump design kind of depends on what you want to use the sump for. The most common/simple way would be to have 3 sections:
a. first section is the drain/skimmer/constant level section.
b. middle part for fuge, or heaters, or reactors, etc.
c. return section

3. As others have said, marsaqua or vivispectra or whatever are strong, effective, and cheap (<100$)

 

[h4nzo_steel]

1) Personally I won't do an overflow unless its of the bean animal type.. Its proven to be reliable and quiet.. Even with a herbie you will find complaints of noise,etc...

2)Drain/Skimmer section into fuge into return is fine as are most other combinations.. Is really about what you plan on keeping in there equipment/process wise.... there really isn't a "best" option by any means..

3)165W or 300W black box LEDs on Amazon/Ebay (Viparspectra/MarsAqua,etc...) work just fine and are much easier on the wallet.. You won't get the fancy features that you really don't need anyways

Now..
No way I would want a tank thats only 13" deep for a reef tank.
Its just too shallow.. If you have the chance/opportunity to change that I HIGHLY suggest doing so..

Thanks for your input. The by D13" I meant from front to back. Not how tall the tank is. I'll do some more research on the bean animal and I'll also look into those lights you recommend. Thank you.

 

[h4nzo_steel]

36 x 20 x 13 x 0.00434 gallons/cubic inch = 40.6 gallons

1. something like this: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eclipse-s-overflow-box-600-gph-eshopps.html would get you a Herbie drain. It would handle all the flow you need for that size a tank quietly. It comes with all the bulkheads, plumbing, and even the hole saw. You could get the large model, if you want to do a Bean.

2. sump design kind of depends on what you want to use the sump for. The most common/simple way would be to have 3 sections:
a. first section is the drain/skimmer/constant level section.
b. middle part for fuge, or heaters, or reactors, etc.
c. return section

3. As others have said, marsaqua or vivispectra or whatever are strong, effective, and cheap (<100$)

Thanks for clearing that up for me. For some reason In the gallon calculator I used gave me 55. Double checked on another site and you ante correct. Thanks.

With that overflow box you recommended or for any other overflow box do I drill the tank on the bottom or up toward the top for the bulkheads. From what I've researched I think I need to to drill for two 1" bulkheads for the drain and one hole for the 3/4" bulkhead for the return.

How hard is it to maintain a refugian? I really don't want to get in over my head.
Thanks for your help.

 

[mcgyvr]

Thanks for your input. The by D13" I meant from front to back. Not how tall the tank is.

Yes... I know.. That sucks for a reef tank IMO..