3 tank continuous system

Iamonlyme · Sep 30, 2015

Ok so my new project i want to connect a 5 gallon to two 2.5 gallons
The 5 being the reef one of the 2.5 will be macro algae and the second 2.5 will house the protein skimmer and???????
So yes there is my question none of my current tanks run with a refugium/sump and so if i want all 3 tanks to be visible and pleasing to the eye what step am i missing in the last 2.5 ?
I know that the water will flow from the reef to one 2.5 than to the next and back to the reef i am getting conflicting info on if the water should flow threw macro algae first or protein skimmer first? Please give me input
My supply list
5 gallon standard glass tank
2-2.5 gallon standard glass tank
Koralia Smart Wave with controller
3 overflow boxes for nano
Heater
Protein skimmer
Led light for reef
T5 for macro
Any and all input would be great

Russ265 · Sep 30, 2015

dimensions?

Iamonlyme · Sep 30, 2015

Total or each tank they will be arranged to look like a cube

Russ265 · Sep 30, 2015

Iamonlyme said:
Total or each tank they will be arranged to look like a cube

each tank

might i suggest a 10 gallon with acrylic separators?

or a custom fuge?

booth2010 · Sep 30, 2015

I would have skimmer first then the fuge/ macro algae.

Iamonlyme · Sep 30, 2015

Here is my ruff drawing with dimensions

Iamonlyme · Sep 30, 2015

Pic

Iamonlyme · Sep 30, 2015

Thanks for the suggestion but the goal was minimal cost out so using a lot of leftover items to create new

booth2010 · Sep 30, 2015

Is it gonna be an HOB skimmer? Not many skimmers will fit in a 2.5g

Iamonlyme · Sep 30, 2015

No I have a nano skimmer I will post pic

Iamonlyme · Sep 30, 2015

It won't let me post but it was one I used in our 29 gallon and will fit in back corner of the 2.5

Russ265 · Sep 30, 2015

i dont think the viewable side with 2x 2.5s and the cords will be pleasing to the eye.

the stand that it is on. could it have a hole to house the appliances?

the order will not matter with this size. you could have skimmer first or last, macro the same.

Iamonlyme · Sep 30, 2015

The stand is being custom built so I could do that and the cord area will not be viewable it will be boxed in. Or should I place protein on short outer end? That way when I frame the tanks I can hide the skimmer and is there anything else that I can place with the skimmer ?

Russ265 · Sep 30, 2015

Iamonlyme said:
The stand is being custom built so I could do that and the cord area will not be viewable it will be boxed in. Or should I place protein on short outer end? That way when I frame the tanks I can hide the skimmer and is there anything else that I can place with the skimmer ?

id use one extra reactor for carbon or gfo depending on need. always good to have an "oh BEEP" reactor for whatever reason.

whatever equipment that is visible should be nearest the wall.... however the 2 seams from the 2.5s could be distracting to the eye imo. not to mention the dead spot bear the wall.