Hi there. For those that don't know me, my name is Sean, and here's my thread from the "welcome" section:
http://www.bareefers.org/forum/index.php?threads/wassup-noob-here.16165/
So, my plan includes a 40B, with a 20L sump. I can go larger on the sump to say, a 29, if the consensus is that it will provide a huge advantage. The stand will be DIY and will be either wood, or steel with wood skins. I plan to make the height between 30-36" so I have plenty of room to maneuver inside the cabinet. I will be drilling the tank, but I am unsure as to what style system to go with. I would prefer to rig up a herbie as opposed to a glass-holes single overflow with a straight standpipe. I am certainly open to any and all ideas you all have. Consider me a sponge. I'm good at taking advice so throw some my way if you see me veering toward disaster!
So here's a brief, and probably disorganised run down of equipment and questions:
#1 - Overflow. I assume a single 1" or 1.5" drain will be sufficient. Is there a way to do a herbie, or bean setup without fabbing an overflow box that's not totally ugly?
#2 - Return pump. How much flow do reefers prefer to have through the sump? 5x? 10x? I will use a submersible pump for this application
#3 - Skimmer. Been looking at these 2 models simply because I'm most familiar with this brand and it's overall positive reputation. I also have gift cards to DFS, so I'd prefer to buy from there.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+24787&pcatid=2478
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+24783&pcatid=24783
Obviously the smaller models. Are these ok or are they too big? Any other brands and models I should look at?
#4 - Wavemaker. I have a mp40w laying around I could use. Too big? If so, I was planning on purchasing the jebeo (sp?) wp25s or 10's. Could really use some advice on this
#5 - Lights. Although I plan to keep easy corals at first, I don't want to have to purchase new lights to move to sps. My plan to keep things affordable at this point (I have a 2 yr old starting pre-school) is a Reef Breeders value fixture. I assume 1 unit will be adequate if I am strategic about placement
#6 - Sump. Will be a DIY 20L with filter sock. Is a fuge in such a small setup that advantageous? Will split the drain to sock and skimmer on one side, fuge (if I use on) on the far opposite end with the return pump in the middle.
#7 - reactors. Do I need them for GFO and/or Carbon?
#8 - RO/DI. Not on my "need" list as of now.
#9 - Rock - Was planning dry and soaking in RO to leech phosphates. Cycle will be with ammonia and bacterial starter. Or should I use live rock?
#10 - Special Seafloor grade from whoeveritis
#11 - This is where I need help. Can someone help guide me on my questions and point me in the right direction if there's something I missed?
Again, many thanks and I'm very excited!
http://www.bareefers.org/forum/index.php?threads/wassup-noob-here.16165/
So, my plan includes a 40B, with a 20L sump. I can go larger on the sump to say, a 29, if the consensus is that it will provide a huge advantage. The stand will be DIY and will be either wood, or steel with wood skins. I plan to make the height between 30-36" so I have plenty of room to maneuver inside the cabinet. I will be drilling the tank, but I am unsure as to what style system to go with. I would prefer to rig up a herbie as opposed to a glass-holes single overflow with a straight standpipe. I am certainly open to any and all ideas you all have. Consider me a sponge. I'm good at taking advice so throw some my way if you see me veering toward disaster!
So here's a brief, and probably disorganised run down of equipment and questions:
#1 - Overflow. I assume a single 1" or 1.5" drain will be sufficient. Is there a way to do a herbie, or bean setup without fabbing an overflow box that's not totally ugly?
#2 - Return pump. How much flow do reefers prefer to have through the sump? 5x? 10x? I will use a submersible pump for this application
#3 - Skimmer. Been looking at these 2 models simply because I'm most familiar with this brand and it's overall positive reputation. I also have gift cards to DFS, so I'd prefer to buy from there.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+24787&pcatid=2478
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+24783&pcatid=24783
Obviously the smaller models. Are these ok or are they too big? Any other brands and models I should look at?
#4 - Wavemaker. I have a mp40w laying around I could use. Too big? If so, I was planning on purchasing the jebeo (sp?) wp25s or 10's. Could really use some advice on this
#5 - Lights. Although I plan to keep easy corals at first, I don't want to have to purchase new lights to move to sps. My plan to keep things affordable at this point (I have a 2 yr old starting pre-school) is a Reef Breeders value fixture. I assume 1 unit will be adequate if I am strategic about placement
#6 - Sump. Will be a DIY 20L with filter sock. Is a fuge in such a small setup that advantageous? Will split the drain to sock and skimmer on one side, fuge (if I use on) on the far opposite end with the return pump in the middle.
#7 - reactors. Do I need them for GFO and/or Carbon?
#8 - RO/DI. Not on my "need" list as of now.
#9 - Rock - Was planning dry and soaking in RO to leech phosphates. Cycle will be with ammonia and bacterial starter. Or should I use live rock?
#10 - Special Seafloor grade from whoeveritis
#11 - This is where I need help. Can someone help guide me on my questions and point me in the right direction if there's something I missed?
Again, many thanks and I'm very excited!