New to Salt Water: Need some experts and opinions (especially identifying some equipment)

[alansupra94]

Hello,
My name is Alan and I am new to the salt water hobby (been doing freshwater for almost a year now - 10G, 15G, 20G, 20G (long), 29G bowfront, 55G and 120G).

I recently was looking for a few things on craigslist and stumbled on a really great deal. I decided to just buy the deal and read up on it later. It seemed that I got a bunch of things that definitely total for more than $30. Here is what I got:

- 20G sump tank (regular 20G)
- single overflow (guy said it leaked)
- dual overflow (guy said it was brand new)
- UV 24W sterilizer w/ pump and controller (AA aquarium) (has second brand new bulb)
- Rio+ 2100
- hydro wavemaker (no idea the size or model)
- (2) Hagen Powerhead 201
- Coralife Luft Pump (5W)
- 4ft protien skimmer

I was wondering what you guys think of using some of these stuff to create a 20G sump/refugium(I would have to design and divide the 20G tank) for a 29G bowfront?

 

[alansupra94]

No one? Okay I guess I can always figure this out. Thank you for your time.

 

[tyler1503]

Sounds like you got a good deal!
Id soak everything that is submergible in a 50/50 or stronger mix of fresh water and vinegar to clean it all up a bit and you should be good!
What is it exactly your unsure of?

 

[hawkinsrgk]

Has your bowfront been drilled for a sump? Assuming that is not and you plan on using the overflows in the pic, I would remove the pool hoses and replace them with either PVC or clear tubing.

When I had a freshwater tank, I had two of those hoses leak on me. Either way I agree with tyler1503 and think you should soak with water and vinegar to clean everything.

 

[Diamond1]

I would say you got a good deal on all the stuff you bought.

The skimmer looks like and old counter current skimmer that uses limewood airstones and an air pump, which might be a bit of overkill for a 29 gallon tank but will work.
The hagans if they work, could be used but be carefull with the seals inside if they have been out of water for a long time they may be dry rotted and very brittle.
The dual overflow would also work on the 29 and a 20 gallon reg would make a nice sump for it. If you look around in the diy section you should be able to find a good bit of info on sump design.
The Rio pump could be used for a return pump, if I remember correctly a rio 2100 is about 700 gph. I have one that I use for mixing salt and the only thing I don't like about it is it runs a little hot.\
Don't really know much about the Luft pump or the UV sterelizer since I've never used either one.

 

[alansupra94]

I haven't cleaned anything yet mainly because I wasn't 100% sure what I would be using. I will be soaking them come next week, cleaning everything and resealing the base on the protein skimmer.

My bow front is not drilled (Although I probably could but I kind of like the overflow for the sake of me not having to permanently alter the tank).

As to regarding what I should be using, I was more trying to figure out how I can set everything up in the sump. I will have to make a drawing on how I think everything should work and then have you guys look it over.

Thanks,
Alan