Returning with 65g build

[drewcrew22]

Good morning Reefers,

My name is josh I’m from Louisville KY recently decided to return to the hobby, I used to have a 32g Biocube as a starter tank, loved learning everything I could. Had that little guy for about a year before having to part it out due to a move. Recently was able to talk my husband into us starting our own saltwater adventure. That being said I went and bought a used tank in great condition from a hobbyist that was retiring from the hobby. It’s a predrilled 65g tank and I believe a 15g sump. They just need a good cleaning. My goal is a mixed tank with a few fish and some corals zoas, GSP, mushrooms, etc. Currently im trying to learn how to plumb the tank it appears there is just one overflow and one return hole drilled. Any fourms or advice on that would be a huge help. Im unsure of the diameter of the drilled holes to determine the size of the plumbing currently as well as what sections in the sump should be what. I will add some pictures below. Im 100% open to all and any advice or help along the way. Thanks for reading and for any assistance

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@BeanAnimal can help you with the plumbing!

 

[drewcrew22]

@BeanAnimal can help you with the plumbing!

That would be an absolute god send.

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome back, glad you are here!

 

[drewcrew22]

Welcome back, glad you are here!

Thanks. Glad to be back. This is the best place to be for anyone in the hobby.

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome back to reefing!

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R

Looks like you have a Reef Ready 65, and the first thing I'd do is get it all cleaned up. I'd fill the main part of the tank with tap water (you can fill the whole thing if you can plug the drain holes), then add some white vinegar or citric acid and a small circ pump, and let it "cook" for 12 to 24 hours or so and most of the white mineral deposits should dissolve. A *bit* of manual scrubbing may also be needed

@BeanAnimal may have other suggestions, but my advice, without modifying the tank, is to use the two drain holes behind the overflow as a two drain "Herbie" style overflow, and plumb your return up and over the rim of the tank.

Good luck!

 

[drewcrew22]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

#WelcometoR2R

Looks like you have a Reef Ready 65, and the first thing I'd do is get it all cleaned up. I'd fill the main part of the tank with tap water (you can fill the whole thing if you can plug the drain holes), then add some white vinegar or citric acid and a small circ pump, and let it "cook" for 12 to 24 hours or so and most of the white mineral deposits should dissolve. A *bit* of manual scrubbing may also be needed

@BeanAnimal may have other suggestions, but my advice, without modifying the tank, is to use the two drain holes behind the overflow as a two drain "Herbie" style overflow, and plumb your return up and over the rim of the tank.

Good luck!

I will research that style of plumbing because I don’t know much about it and has been a significant contributor to the tank anxiety I’m having lol.

Now one of my top concerns is I live in a mobile home, should I be concerned of the weight on the floor?

 

[Fish Fan]

I will research that style of plumbing because I don’t know much about it and has been a significant contributor to the tank anxiety I’m having lol.

This may help:

Overflow Boxes and Drain Styles - Durso, Herbie, and Bean Animal

Decide which of the three most common types of drains and overflow boxes is right for you and your tank.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Now one of my top concerns is I live in a mobile home, should I be concerned of the weight on the floor?

I would suspect that it's fine, but I wouldn't know for sure

I hope that helps!

 

[drewcrew22]

Does anyone know any sites or anywhere I can refer to that will help me understand how to do the plumbing and do it correctly. Im watching YouTube but it don’t quite explain how the Herbie method is done. Thanks

One also question based on the tank images how many lights would or should I use for this tank? Thank you for all your help

 

[Fish Fan]

See if this help:

Plumbing Guides and How-Tos - Bulk Reef Supply

Aquarium plumbing tips and techniques. Learn how to plumb your very own saltwater reef aquarium.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

And there's a DIY sub-forum here on R2R that may help:

Do It Yourself (DIY)

DIY projects can save money and also be fun and interesting. Share your projects and learn from many others here.

www.reef2reef.com

Post back with any specific questions

 

[vlangel]

One also question based on the tank images how many lights would or should I use for this tank? Thank you for all your help

I have a ReefBreeder Photon on my 75g. They are great lights for the money and even I was able to program it with my limited technical skills. I used the hanging kit that came with it but they also come with legs.

That is a great size to get back into the hobby. Best of luck to you!

 

[drewcrew22]

So as I said I new to the build everything yourself style, was going to wait on grabbing a return pump and skimmer til I had the stand rebuilt and plumbing understood however scrolling Facebook I came across these (images attached). I got both for $100.00. Based off what they cost I figured it was a steal the skimmer is rated for 125g tanks, the Octo various 4 is rated for 1050gph. My question to your wonderful people is are these sufficient for a what I’m attempted or should I keep them as emergency back up and go with someone stronger?

 

[Fish Fan]

I think you got a great score, Reef Octopus is quality stuff. I think the Varios 4 may be overkill on your 65, but you can dial it back and see. same with the skimmer, it might be a bit oversized, but I'd try it anyway. The rating the manufacturers give these skimmers (for 125 gallon tanks) is not the same rating hobbyist would give them

 

[drewcrew22]

I think you got a great score, Reef Octopus is quality stuff. I think the Varios 4 may be overkill on your 65, but you can dial it back and see. same with the skimmer, it might be a bit oversized, but I'd try it anyway. The rating the manufacturers give these skimmers (for 125 gallon tanks) is not the same rating hobbyist would give them

I kinda thought the skimmer would be a little overpowering, guess I figured it certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Think with the pump being overpowering as well after plumbing it I was thinking maybe split it into two returns into the tank. Idk still trying to figure all that out just wanna make sure i don’t have any dead zones or anything

 

[Fish Fan]

The pump is variable, so you may be able to tame it by dialing that down. There is a danger of "overskimming", but you the skimmer, I'd try it first, personally.