125 Gallon tank filtration system

[European]

Hello again,

I am about to set up 125 gallon tank which is not reef-ready. So, what do you guys think, 125 gallon tank with mixed reef/corals and fish with just live rocks and a good protein skimmer ( maybe even two )? I would like it more with sump as I know it would be bigger advantage for the tank health, but I would have to drill the tank and no idea who is doing that in Chicago.

Anyway, I would love to hear you opinion pros and cons of running mixed reef 125 gallon aquarium with fish and mixed corals/reef or having sump (to drill the tank).

Thanks.
Almir

 

[mcarroll]

Put away the drill. :)

Tunze Reefpack 500 ($608)

• Skimmer
• ATO
• Media filter

Mounted via magnets inside the tank. Takes up less space than most reef-ready overflows.

Just about perfect for your size tank.

 

[Lowell Lemon]

I second the Tunze concept as I have had one and it was the most sucessful tank I ever had. Easy to use, low energy consumption, and great longivity of components. I have a Protein Skimmer that has been in constant use for over 15 years with just periodic cleanings.

 

[European]

Wow.... I have no idea about this. I need to pre-study a bit this to see what a heck is this. :)

Btw, if I decide to go with this, I can still use my protein skimmer, right?

 

[European]

Is this something like overflow box that goes around/above the tank? If that so, I am afraid of that as it can cause the flood.

 

[lion king]

You should have no problem finding someone in the Chicago area to drill your tank if you are not brave enough to try it yourself. You can easily put in one of the ghost type overflows that work brilliantly and look clean. You can fit a 55 gallon for a sump underneath and have room for a kicking protein skimmer and a large refugium area. I just did the 55g under a 125g myself. http://www.eshopps.com/products/overflowboxes/eclipse-l/

 

[theblackpearl]

watch a couple videos on drilling tanks. Thats how I learned. I drilled my 125 in the driveway. I left a running hose on the tank to keep the drill bit cool. You can buy a diamond bit for glass on amazon. Remember to put painters tape on the inside where you are drilling to catch the glass. I did mine freehand with a cordless drill

 

[European]

OK guys, so, you are saying to go drill the tank anyway and not to consider reef/fish tank without sump?

 

[theblackpearl]

going with a sump will make you tank look cleaner.....no equipment to see

 

[Flippers4pups]

Over flow box internally will be better. You will later wish you had drilled it. A sump, as others have stated, will provide room for heaters, skimmer, attach an ATO (which is almost mandatory) , reactors and plus more water volume.

Have it drilled and don't look back. You'll be glad you did later. :)

 

[European]

Oh boy, I cannot do it by myself and its hectic (probably still worth it) finding someone here to do it for me.

 

[Lowell Lemon]

Just use the Tunze System and forget the drill. I built many, many tanks over the years and overflows and sumps work fine but the Tunze is much more simple and includes an automatic refill system. It really does work great in any situation. Practical and easy to use. If you are afraid to drill the tank this is a great option. The more lines, sumps and drains you have the greater the possibility for leaks and flow problems. I do have lots of experience here having built and sold acrylic and glass tanks for more than 30 years. I have maintained and built tanks up to 1500 plus gallons in volume. Just saying the rule of keep it simple is a good thing to consider.

 

[European]

Just use the Tunze System and forget the drill. I built many, many tanks over the years and overflows and sumps work fine but the Tunze is much more simple and includes an automatic refill system. It really does work great in any situation. Practical and easy to use. If you are afraid to drill the tank this is a great option. The more lines, sumps and drains you have the greater the possibility for leaks and flow problems. I do have lots of experience here having built and sold acrylic and glass tanks for more than 30 years. I have maintained and built tanks up to 1500 plus gallons in volume. Just saying the rule of keep it simple is a good thing to consider.

Well, I want to hear something like this from a person who has a lot of experience like you. I have to go back and "study" that Tunze system as it seems a little bit confused to me at first. I do have a good Protein Skimmer and just purchased one (didn't even open yet) http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx...quariums_Reefs-AquaMaxx-UJ1191-FIPSHO-vi.html

So, I am wondering if I go with thins Tunze system, can I use my protein skimmer which I recently purchased and powerhead which I didn't open it too http://www.marinedepot.com/Maxspect...um_Powerheads-Maxspect-0M07250-FIPHAD-vi.html

I mean, spending over $600 for this system when having Protein skimmer ( one in box, and one is running ) and powerhead ( again brand new unopened ).. I want to keep these items and still use Tunze system... how would that be possible?

 

[Lowell Lemon]

If you want to keep the Skimmer you should just give into drilling the tank and using a sump.

 

[European]

If you want to keep the Skimmer you should just give into drilling the tank and using a sump.

So, I cannot keep my old and new skimmer and use Tunze system, is that what you're saying?

 

[Flippers4pups]

At $600 for the tunze system, you could spend $400 for a new RR 125 gallon and still have money left over.

Look, I'm sure the tunze system works, but 132 gallon capacity is mostly light bioload/lightly stocked tank. If you get to a medium or heavily stocked tank down the road, that skimmer wouldn't keep up and now your back to square one on needing a sump for a larger capacity skimmer.

Plus I don't care for a mechanical filter cartridge that has to be replaced, because you will replace it at some point. Bad idea.

I run reactors from time to time, like a lot of us do using GFO, GAC..... with a non-drilled tank your hanging these off the rim with a pump in your DT . Pumps, skimmer, heaters, hoses hanging in/off the DT looks bad and you will at some point NOT want that and will want a drilled tank with a sump.

Then your breaking down the tank to replace it with a drilled tank. The mess and headache of all that is not something I personally would want to go through again. I started out that way with my first reef and did that exact thing which was not fun. Lesson learned from that point forward. Have had a sump with each and every tank since 1993.

There is a reason why the majority of reef keepers around the world use sumps, the flexibility to change/replace and reconfigure without the DT looking like "who done it".

Yes, keep it simple.... but keep it smart and flexible for the future.
You'll save money long term and be much happier down the road.