Help with some equipment?

DracoKat · Jun 29, 2016

So. I got my reef-ready tank today (some good deals going on at my LFS).

I have not yet started on the sump, I wasn't expecting to get my tank so soon. But I need some help deciding what's best for me

What return pump should I get? Reef-ready tank, 75 gal. Drilled at the bottom corner of the tank.
Sump will either be 30 or 40 gals, depending what fits best under the stand and how much room I have left over for ATO and such.

Which skimmer? I have an HOB to use for now, but deciding on what skimmer to get will help determine how much room I need to make in one of the sump compartments.

Help please?

sfmacguy · Jun 29, 2016

I like the aquamaxx ConeS-1 and the Vertex Skimmers. I upgraded to the Omega 180, from the coneS-1 when i stepped up to the larger tank.

jsker · Jun 29, 2016

Congratulations on the good deal:), You have to pick a sump first, once you have the sump picked out, then you will have the size of the middle baffled chamber, My sump is a DIY for my 72 gallon DT and I put in a Rlss R5i that is rated for up to 90 gallon systems. The skimmer only has a 8 inch foot print, I have 10 inches in my middle baffled chamber.

As far as returns I would go with a DC pump that you can control the flow. I would go with a larger pump then you system requires, you can always dial the pump down if you need to. I like the pump that I have but I will be upgrading to a large capacity pump so that I will have more flow and if I need to I can dial it back.

DracoKat · Jun 29, 2016

jsker said:
Congratulations on the good deal:), You have to pick a sump first, once you have the sump picked out, then you will have the size of the middle baffled chamber, My sump is a DIY for my 72 gallon DT and I put in a Rlss R5i that is rated for up to 90 gallon systems. The skimmer only has a 8 inch foot print, I have 10 inches in my middle baffled chamber.

As far as returns I would go with a DC pump that you can control the flow. I would go with a larger pump then you system requires, you can always dial the pump down if you need to. I like the pump that I have but I will be upgrading to a large capacity pump so that I will have more flow and if I need to I can dial it back.

Thanks!! I am building my own sump. Either 30 or 40 gal breeder- depending which I can fit under the stand. Much cheaper to build my own than to buy one ready! I figured if I have an idea of which skimmer ot get, I can make the size of the compartment to fit nicely

jsker · Jun 29, 2016

You are welcome. Cheaper maybe:rolleyes: I have all the toys to build, but I have what works for my system and my space. The plus, it was fun to do:). Are you going with glass or acrylic for the sump?

DracoKat · Jun 29, 2016

Glass sump- I figure Petco's dollar per gallon sale is coming up, so I can get the tank there. My dad's going to help me cut glass baffles to fit- will need to get thicker glass. I thought about using acrylic baffles, but because it doesn't hold to glass too well and may expand, I didn't want to risk cracking the tank.

I am looking forward to building it, but I have a feeling my dad's going to take the joy away from me and do it himself, lol. he's that kind of guy, I just want him to cut the glass and I want to do the gluing myself! LOL

I have the plan for the sump. 3 compartments, the middle will be for a refugium. Skimmer on the side of the return pump, and filter socks with the incoming water.