Back in the Game

zheka757 · Apr 21, 2024

Welcome to R2R!

Evil1 · Apr 21, 2024

shakacuz · Apr 21, 2024

welcome aboard the r2r board. hello from PA!

Üter · Apr 21, 2024

Raineforrest said:
Thank you! I am so excited but I'm not going to rush anything. I want to make sure I do this right. I was doing some more research last night and now I'm reconsidering that sump. Lol.

I think a sump might be easier. you can get more media and stuff in too. and its a place to banish the bad inhabitants.

Jimbhoy13 · Apr 21, 2024

Welcome to R2R and back to the salty world. Take things slowly. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

Raineforrest · Apr 21, 2024

BubblesandSqueak said:
I think a sump might be easier. you can get more media and stuff in too. and its a place to banish the bad inhabitants.

I must admit I was a little overwhelmed with the whole plumbing thing at first. But I think I've sorta got it worked out in my head after looking through the forum and doing some research on what I need. I think I can probably figure it out. My confidence level has been restored.

tharbin · Apr 21, 2024

Welcome to R2R! It looks like you have a good start. I've had many successful tanks with not much more than a HOB filter and HOB skimmer for filtration. Reef Octopus is a good brand, I'm sure the skimmer will be fine. You mentioned being disabled, depending on your challenges it may be easier for you to stay with HOB equipment unless you can have the sump at a nice working level. Just a thought. The other option if you want to avoid HOB gear is to use an AIO insert in the tank. An AIO tank is basically a tank and sump in one with the sump either behind, beside, or in the case of the insert, within the display area. I have trouble working down low for extended periods so I have an AIO tank that allows me to stand for most routine tasks.

kevgib67 · Apr 21, 2024

Welcome, glad you are here!

Raineforrest · Apr 21, 2024

tharbin said:
Welcome to R2R! It looks like you have a good start. I've had many successful tanks with not much more than a HOB filter and HOB skimmer for filtration. Reef Octopus is a good brand, I'm sure the skimmer will be fine. You mentioned being disabled, depending on your challenges it may be easier for you to stay with HOB equipment unless you can have the sump at a nice working level. Just a thought. The other option if you want to avoid HOB gear is to use an AIO insert in the tank. An AIO tank is basically a tank and sump in one with the sump either behind, beside, or in the case of the insert, within the display area. I have trouble working down low for extended periods so I have an AIO tank that allows me to stand for most routine tasks.

Thank you for the welcome and your insight. I have had multiple back surgeries so you make a good point there. Bending and squatting are sometimes difficult depending on the day. And I definitely can't do it for extended periods of time. I will take a look at the AIO inserts as well. I appreciate all of the suggestions. I feel a little better knowing that you have had success with the HOB.