Joel's 1st Marine Build

[joel.uejio]

How does this sound:

LifeReef Nano Pre-Filter: <link>

29g diy sump based on this design: <link>

Set up with appropriate skimmer, pump, and heater...

?

 

[greech]

Looks good. Just be sure you pick out your skimmer before you build your sump so you're sure it fits. I have never used a deep sandbed. They scare me a little as they seem to be ticking time bombs. Not sure if you planning on one or just a macroalgae fuge but you might want to make sure you understand them before you incorporate one into your system. Adding a sump is the way to go so glad you're taking the time to plan this out.

 

[joel.uejio]

Yes, I'll look more into the DSB concept to see if I want to do that.....so, I've been researching skimmers and pumps for about 2 hours now and feel like I could easily spend another 8 ... :nilly: ... How do these look:

Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel (65g capacity): <link>

Eheim 1000 Compact Pump (265 gph): <link>

? ---- Thanks for any comments!

 

[greech]

I am not the best person to discuss skimmers and not to be a downer but I have not read great reviews on that particular skimmer. Obviously you can spend a boat load on a skimmer but everytime I start looking around all I ever hear is "don't waste your money on a bad skimmer". I do know someone that has this skimmer and it works very well on his 55 gallon.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=CV-OCT-NWB-110&Category_Code=oct-nw

Edit: Interestingly enough here is a post on this forum about the skimmer you're looking at. There is also a link within that thread that also talks about dialing it in. Hope this helps.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2264019#post2264019

 

[archer772]

I would look for a little larger pump because you will need to consider head loss and that pump would bring you donw to about 150 gph at the top of your tank. I have been useing RIO's for close to 6 years without any problems so this is the one I would suggest.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Taam_Rio..._Powerheads-TAAM-TA3111-FIPHFF-TA3148-vi.html

Skimmers are usually overated for the size tank they are good for so the one greech linked to would be a very good one and if you have some room next to your sump this one would even be better IMO

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...uct_Code=CV-OCT-DNWB-110&Category_Code=oct-nw

 

[joel.uejio]

Thanks guys, I've seen many recommendations for Reef Octopus skimmers, so I think I will take a closer look at those.

As for the pump, do I need one that outputs 642 gph? Even if there is some loss, wouldn't that be a lot of turn-over for my planned tank/sump?

 

[archer772]

I am not sure on how much nead presure you will have but if you have 4 foot from the bottom of your sump to the top of your display you will end up with roughly 352 GPH at the top of your display tank. I would go for about 4-6 times you water volume at the head you will have so if you are closer to 3 foot of head then this one might work out for you.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Taam_Rio...quarium_Powerheads-TAAM-TA3111-FIPHFF-vi.html

 

[archer772]

Sorry link didnt aseem to work for me but look into the 1400+ and I thought you had a 4 foot 55 and now I see its a 40 breeder so the 1400 would probably work good for you and you will probably need an insump skimmer not an external again sorry for my mis reading of your original post

 

[joel.uejio]

No worries -- appreciate the comments...

I'll look at the 1400. I'm also planning for an in-tank skimmer b/c I don't think I'll have a lot of room outside of the sump for other equipment.

Thanks!

 

[joel.uejio]

Ok, just submitted an order for the LifeReef nano prefilter box

(posting as a reminder to myself)