Upgrading help

[brummiereefer]

Im upgrading from 45 to 180l display tank size. My biggest issue is I have no idea how to set up the sump as my last tank was AIO. Im moving to d-d aqua pro reef 600 cube. have protein skimmer and return pump but that's about as far as ive made it. Hoping to get it set up and cycling over the weekend so any help would be massive thanks

 

[JTP424]

I am starting my first tank with a sump too.
This helped me out! There are several links etc within it to more info.

Saltwater Aquarium Sumps & HOW They Work!

Get answers to some of the most common questions about aquarium sump filtration systems.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[brummiereefer]

this is what the sump tank looks like and the picture from installation guide but unsure whether I need refugium or where to put skimmer as it went fit in the back left as the pipe from the tank comes down there as you can see in theater pic ? its all got me very confused

 

[JTP424]

The area that has no openings to another area would be the ATO chamber correct.

Whether you need a refugium/skimmer is up to your choice.
Based on what I'm seeing you have 4 chambers.
1 - water in
2 - water out
3 - ATO
4 - Dealers choice.

Potentially you can put a skimmer in the water in area if you can find one that fits.
If your display is filled with good biom, i.e. lot of rock, sand etc, and your nutrients aren't out of control, you may want to go skimmer.
if you can high nutrients, you may want to go refugium to grow a macroalgae like chaeto.

 

[brummiereefer]

The area that has no openings to another area would be the ATO chamber correct.

Whether you need a refugium/skimmer is up to your choice.
Based on what I'm seeing you have 4 chambers.
1 - water in
2 - water out
3 - ATO
4 - Dealers choice.

Potentially you can put a skimmer in the water in area if you can find one that fits.
If your display is filled with good biom, i.e. lot of rock, sand etc, and your nutrients aren't out of control, you may want to go skimmer.
if you can high nutrients, you may want to go refugium to grow a macroalgae like chaeto.

so would you back right top up back left water in front right water out and front left skimmer as have one that fits. Is it worth adding copepods to the water in or water out chambers or not ?

 

[JTP424]

I would add the copepods to your display. At lights out, turn off pumps, skimmers for a bit and let them settle.

 

[brummiereefer]

I would add the copepods to your display. At lights out, turn off pumps, skimmers for a bit and let them settle.

brilliant thank you, my biggest concern is killing off all my corals when I change tank but aiming to get in place and at least cycling the weekend so really helpful thanks

 

[JTP424]

Ah sorry that second picture didn't show up at first.
Yea I would do skimmer in front left.