New to SW - taking my time

[Richard Platts]

So, I'm slowly accumulating what I need to set up a new SW tank, I've still got a few questions, but I'm figuring out what I want as I go. I've had freshwater tanks for a while, but this is my first go at a SW tank.

I've got a:

75g All-Glass tank
--and--
30g Long (for sump below)

I bought a 2nd hand external overflow (650 GPH)

& was given a:
Via Aqua Multi-skimmer with 5w UV (& Protein Skimmer)
--and--
an Emperor 400 double bio wheel
--and I already had--
an Emperor 280 Bio wheel


& am in the process of setting up the sump.

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I guess my current question is more along the lines of whether it is possible to over filter the water??

I was planning on constructing the sump with a pre-filter box, a pair of baffles, a refugium area & a return pump box.

I was planning on using a submersible pump. but am not sure what kind/size to use. Obviously I don't want something pumping up faster than it will return.

-----------------------

Perhaps you can answere these questions as a start

Thanks in advance.

Rich

[Germanman]

you cant really over filter...i had a filter meant for 75 gallons on my 29 gallon and currently have a filter meant for 175 gallons on my 55. but the best filtration for saltwater is the live rock. canister filters and sumps are good if u remove the sponges and biol balls and replace it with live rock. the chambers in the canister can still hold things like resins and carbons to aid the water quality. but the pads and bio wheels on the bio wheels are pretty much useless.
for submersible pumps u dont really need them he best thing is lots of live rock, powerheads and maybe a main filter.

[Richard Platts]

I was planning on using live rock, though it is pretty expensive in PA. Like, i said, I'm taking my time. . .

I guess as per the submersible pump, I meant as a return from my sump. . .

[Germanman]

ah sumps are a different story.....but someone else will have to chime in i hate sumps.

[Reefscape]

i like sumps....i ilke sumps....i like sumps !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whats the question people?

Niko

[jojo22]

ME TOO!!! I LOVE MY SUMP!!!

[Richard Platts]

Ok ok, i guess there are divergent view on just about everything.

What kind of return pump do I need? Can I jsut use a big powerhead, or do I need to get a 500 - 600 GPH pump from the sump.

This may be a stupid quesiton, I dunno.

Rich

[jojo22]

What size tank and sump???

[Reefscape]

yeah, we do need to know a little more info really about your setup...there things to concider like size of pipe work, how many bends are needed, are you using a weir or overflow box to get the water from the tank to the sump?

Sounds a lot, but it is not that bad...

We need the info JoJo asked for and then we can start to help..

Niko

[dorkfish]

You might want to look into drilling your tank for the overflow, as it is much more reliable than the HOB types.

[Reefscape]

after doing that myself, i totally agree with Julians comments there...

Niko

[Richard Platts]

Ok,
th tank is 75g & I'm setting up a 30 long below.

I was not planning on drilling the tank, I thought about it, but was put off by the big sticker that says DO NOT DRILL on the bottom as it is tempered glass. . . is this just a C.Y.A. by All-Glass?

I was planning on doing a pretty straightforward sump-in-stand setup.
I'm using a HOB Overflow -- 650 gph.

Rich

[Reefscape]

Well, with a tank like that, there is no problems with drilling the back as all you need is two holes...one for out, other for in....

Niko

[Richard Platts]

ahh, it never occured to me that the holes would be drilled in the back pane...

i suppose it is clear that that would work. . .

rich

[Reefscape]

yeah, just one at each end in the back at the top...fit a little glass weir on the outlet with a weir comb...

Niko

[Richard Platts]

so, you would drill the tank at the top, and then use a wier to flow out. . .

and the other side would be the return?

what kind of flow rate do you get on a setup like that?

Rich

[Reefscape]

Yes, i would drill one hole in each corner...build a weir around the outlet, so the water drops into the weir then out through a bulhead down to the sump...

The flow all depends on things like height the water has to rise back to the tank, the pump, the diameter of pipe used..There is a lot to concider...

Niko