Work In Progress

wright4941

wright4941

New member
Hey guys, Julie here. Im finally getting around to starting a thread on my tank. Below is a link to see some pics. I got some new pieces this week, so there are some additional photos. A shout out to Collin and Hugo for hooking me up with some new frags and to Donna and sfexplicit for their help as well. I saw Hugos tank, and Ill I can say is wow! Awesome!

Anyway so here is the link, followed by what Ive got running right now, info where I want to go and questions on how to get there. :hmm5: Sorry about the quality of my photos they are all taken with my cell.

http://juliewspics.shutterfly.com/pictures/8

46G BF, OMNI HOT5's with 2actinic and 2 10000k, 1 koralia, cpr bakpak HO skimmer, Fluval 305 cannister


So, my long term goal with this tank is to make it a mixed reef. I like the softies, LPS, and Zoas alot but would also like to be able to have an anenome and maybe a few SPS.

My goal is to switch from the external skimmer to a sump/refugium and upgraded skimmer. Im thinking I would like to upgrade my lighting in the future or at least my bulbs. So in order to accomplish this I think this is the list of what I need:

Overflow box, skimmer, sump(thinking 20 gallons), and return pump. Am I missing anything?

Can you guys give me input and recommendations on what would be the best/affordable plan. I hear that Jeff209 builds sumps, so Jeff if your listening I would love to talk to you about that.

Earlier this week I was at Tropical Coral Farms in Sacramento and Chris, the owner, was telling me that I really wouldnt need to have baffles in my sump. He showed me many of the tanks he is running with sumps with no baffles seperating the sections. What are your opinions on this? Dont all scream at once now :)
 
That's all you need to run a sump. And you could run a sump without baffles, but if you want a fuge and if your skimmer makes a lot of micro bubbles baffles will help. Lmk what you need
 
Last edited:
Julie what type of overflow are you planning to do? Plan on drilling out the tank or running a siphon overflow? Either or just make sure you get a return pump after head loss that can match or handle each other.

Jeff is a great sump maker. He built mine and a great deal of other members too :) A good in-sump skimmer will work wonders for you. There are many to choose from, best advice find something within your budget and ask her our experience. You can find some really good deals in the classified section of Reef Central once you get the rights to go on there. I think it's something like 90 days of being an RC member and 50 posts? Not 100% sure....

You sound like you've done a lot of research which is awesome. Any questions feel free to ask :) whenever you get to SPS that's a whole new monster of it's own. Nothing to be scared of since there is so much info out there. Hope to hear from you soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Welcome Julie,
The tank looks really good.
As for the skimmer I agree with Ryan. Ryan Jeff and I all have Reef Octopus 150 skimmers and we are very happy with them. I got mine used off of the Dry Good and Used Equipment forum. Huge difference from a HOB skimmer. If your going to go with a siphon overflow I would go with CPR overflow with the Tom's Aquatics pump. I had one on my first tank and it worked really well.
 
looking good and you're getting some color in there:thumbsup:

How big are those fish in there?
 
Thanks Jeff I will PM info on what Im looking at as far as sump/refugium goes. Anyway you could help out would be great!

Ryan and Mike I cant access the classified section and cant find any forum called, "Dry Good and Used Equipment." Any advice there. I was thinking about the Octopus and did a quick price check (Ill be looking around more) and came up with an estimate of $275 plus shipping online. Ill probably be going to Tropical Haven later this afternoon and will check with them as well. I also need to look into an overflow.

Donna, thanks. The tang I have is about 5 inches. I really want a bigger tank for him. Ive had him for about 3 years and he started of a couple of inches. Not one of my wisest moments, but I love him and really want to afford a bigger tank for him. The Foxface is about 2.5 in. Hoping converting to a sump/fuge will help with the load.
 
No there isn't. I'm looking into a point and shoot. Cell phone doesn't seem to work too well at distance for full tank shot... well, I do have another camera but the manual is as thick as a Sacramento phone book.

I've gone into fish stores.. Falling in love with beautiful fishes, only to come to find out they can grow up to be too big for my tank. :( Last week.. 2" adorable wrasse...learned it can end up 24" YIKES LOL
 
Last edited:
Julie you may not have access to view the classifieds fourm of reef central yet. This may be the reason why you can't find it. If you give us an idea on what you're looking for we can keep our eyes peeled. The classifieds is a blessing and a curse. I'm always browsing there :D


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I would be very careful about equipment recommendations from Tropical heaven! Matterof fact please don't buy any Skimmer from them. I have know them my entire life and please heed the warning you will regret the purchase promise!!!
 
Just a little advice on the anemone. They like to move around and have wars with anything in their path. I've had them stay put for months and come home from work and they're on top of my acans :furious: A tank that size, I would say it would be more of a headache than anything.

But the tank is looking great and welcome to the forum. You're probably better off not seeing the classifieds on here... :lol:

+1 on Abe's advice regarding Tropical Haven... :D
 
I would agree, before pulling the trigger come on here and ask us before taking most LFS store advice. TH does have some smokin' deals on a lot of hardware and chemicals though :D Even better for NVR contributing members ;)
 
Thanks all for the advice! What Im looking for is a good skimmer, overflow, and pump. So... if any of you who have access to the classifieds come across something good I would appreciate a heads up. Thanks
 
With proper skimming and good powerheads I don't see 300gph being a problem. Sump turnover shouldn't be faster then what the skimmer can handle in my opinion. More contact time the better t0 get all the nasties out of the water. An Octo 110 would fit your needs. I had great experience with Eshopps skimmers too.
 
Hey Ryan are working evenings again this week? I thought I might be able to swing by on Weds or Thurs evening. Let me know and I will pm you to confirm day and time. Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
New 55g setup. Advice for fish appreciated
Replies
6
Views
152
Uncle99
Uncle99
J
My dream of a fleece roller
Replies
2
Views
300
SantaMonica
S
T
I'm confused...
Replies
12
Views
284
wvned
wvned
J
Corals for the first time!
Replies
14
Views
3K
griss
griss
K
What happens if you cut into glass while removing a baffle from the tank?
Replies
6
Views
190
wvned
wvned
Back
Top