Getting Back In! Need some advice

Nate82 · Apr 28, 2011

Hey guys! Well after my 2 year hiatus, I'm diving right back into this crack addiction of a hobby:xd:. I'm going to be starting my biggest tank to date, and using a sump for the first time. I'm planning a 33 gallon long aquarium because I love the options the footprint gives me (48 X 13 X 12). I must admit that some of my reef knowledge has gotten a little fuzzy over the years, and this time I'm using equipment that my wallet didn't previously allow so I need some tips from the pros. Here's my plan as of now.

Tank: 33g Long
Lighting: DIY LED Fixture
Sump: DIY using 20g tank, I plan on having a chamber for my skimmer, one for a fuge filled with macros, and one for the intake
I can't decide If I want to have someone drill the tank or just use an overflow box. I can't drill the tank myself so I'd have to find someone. I've never had a sump before and want to do it right. What would you guys do if you could start fresh? If drilling the holes, where would you put them?
*Skimmer: Can't decide, I know I want an in-sump skimmer, but not sure which is best for this size. Looking to keep it around $150-$200
*Pumps: Maxijets for the plumbing, debating for the display between tunze and vortech pumps.. I'm thinking an mp10 on each side of the tank, but not sure if I can justify the $400 for two pumps. What do you guys think?
The tank will have a sandbed and a decent amount of live rock, I'm going for a fully mixed reef with active inhabitants.

I'm not too sure what my options for fish are with a 48" long tank but still relatively small volume. I plan on having a bunch of inverts as they've always been the coolest creatures in the reef IMO. I appreciate any help as I avidly read through these forums again. It feels **** good to be back guys.

Jeepguy242 · Apr 28, 2011

if the tank can be drilled, then in the back would probly be best, but check with the manufacurer first, as for the sump, just make sure you have enough room for the skimmer before you set the baffles, it really sucks to get your skimme in, open the box, and find out that it wont fit in the chamber you wanted to put it.

EW_Fish · Apr 28, 2011

I would definitely drill if the tank allows you to. You could do one or two holes. I dilled my first tank wasn't hard at all just have to be patient. My tanks are drilled top left corner. About 2" over and 2" down. I'm on my phone ill try to get a picture on here

Wy Renegade · Apr 28, 2011

Personally, I'm a big fan of drilling vs. the HOB overflow. Spacing described above sounds about right.

Nate82 · Apr 28, 2011

Thanks for the responses! If I drill it I think I'm leaning towards dead center in the back, 2" down sounds about right though. I guess I'd need two holes? 1 for the return and 1 for the drain. I think I'll end up Ting it off which means my little maxi jet just won't cut it. Thanks jeep, definitely will do. I'm in the process of buying everything right now, just bought an Aquatronica Deluxe controller! So I'll definitely have the skimmer before I build the sump. I just have to decide which one to get... any suggestions for a 75g in sump set up?

EW_Fish · Apr 28, 2011

You do not need a return hole. I do not have a return hole I have a a few 90. Elbows that go over top my tank for return. Works we'll for me. But everyone is different and other things work for other people. Good luck. I would shy away from the whole in the middle of the tank.

Nate82 · Apr 28, 2011

EW_Fish said:
You do not need a return hole. I do not have a return hole I have a a few 90. Elbows that go over top my tank for return. Works we'll for me. But everyone is different and other things work for other people. Good luck. I would shy away from the whole in the middle of the tank.

Elbows sound perfect. Any reasoning against the middle? Never done this before, so I'm obviously open for suggestions

EW_Fish · Apr 28, 2011

If you go to sell someone may not like the middle hole. And I tend to like my return away from my drain drain left side and return right side because of my sump runs left to right

EW_Fish · Apr 28, 2011

And for powerheads. I bought 2 1300gph magnet pumps off eBay for 33 bucks and they work perfect man can't beat the price and mine are not loud at all. I was going to go with tunze but I got two for the price of one and still saved money. And I would avoid hob Skimmer. Mine is a pain in my ***.

Nate82 · Apr 28, 2011

Well all my problems have been solved. Just found a great deal on craigslist
All Brand New
45g Cube R/R and stand
8 bulb t5 Catalina (Not keeping this)
Mp10 es
SWC150 BMK Protein Skimmer
Marineland 300w Heater
AQUA LIFTER
JBJ ATO AUTO TOP
reefkeeper lite
custom sump
screen top

Can't wait to have a nice sized cube!