55 gal saltwater advise

[DOMINUS81]

Hello all, I'm still fairly new to this hobby. I had my initial thread started awhile back for a 75 gal tank and came to find out my tank is 55 gal. As of today, my tank is cycling (I think?!) And I do have a few other questions/thoughts.

First off, Equipment list:

55 gal top fin aquarium
DIY wood stand
AQQA 800-3200 GPH Controllable water pump
Hygger submersible powerhead 2000 gph
2x Nicrew 100 watt led lights
Refractometer
API master saltwater test kit
Ammonia Alert
Hygger controllable air pump
Orlushy 300 watt heater
Ocean Direct Carribean Live Sand 40 lbs
Marco rock

1. Few things I wanted to get but before I do, question about overflow box. Probably doesnt make sense but can I still drill a hole on my aquarium? Since after the cycle I have to do a water change anyway. Im thinking to get the eshopps overflow box.

2. It might take awhile but Im getting ready to purchase a 20 gal. long sump. Getting the baffles as well. Question I have is 20 gal enough for 55 gal (definitely an upgrade from what I have). Also I have no idea about plumbing.

3. I have Ocean direct carribean live sand left over. Can I still use it even though the bag has been open?

4. Lastly, its been 2 weeks. My ammonia still hasnt gone down from 2.0 ppm., Nitrite and nitrates have spiked. I thought the ammonia goes down first then nitrite turns to nitrate. Sooo confused. I am using the aquavitra seed, and dr tims ammonia chlordie if this helps.

I've added a pic of what it looks like as of today. I have no idea if Im doing this correctly lol.

 

[Screwgunner]

You need to spead your light out more and put them 16 inches above your tank.

 

[Cell]

If you are planning on drilling the tank and adding an overflow box, you are going to have to drain the tank. I would transfer the rock into a brute and start my cycle there while prepping the tank.

 

[DOMINUS81]

You need to spead your light out more and put them 16 inches above your tank.

Ill keep the in mind, another one to do this weekend lol

 

[DOMINUS81]

If you are planning on drilling the tank and adding an overflow box, you are going to have to drain the tank. I would transfer the rock into a brute and start my cycle there while prepping the tank.

Scared to move the rock, it might fall off lol. Head starts churning however, prolly move this whole thing to a different location and knockout all the lighting requirements at the same time.

 

[Wallace11]

A HOB overflow is an easy solution without need for drilling the tank. As you mentioned the Eschopps PF-800 HOB Overflow may work well. As far as the size of sump goes that will depend on what you want it for - bigger is nicer as you will have more place to work in the sump. A lot will depend on the space below your tank. Usually a good place for a filter sock, skimmer, heater, and maybe a refugium.

 

[DOMINUS81]

A HOB overflow is an easy solution without need for drilling the tank. As you mentioned the Eschopps PF-800 HOB Overflow may work well. As far as the size of sump goes that will depend on what you want it for - bigger is nicer as you will have more place to work in the sump. A lot will depend on the space below your tank. Usually a good place for a filter sock, skimmer, heater, and maybe a refugium.

Yep, I read about it and i thought about making this current tank as a sump and just get a 75 , 120, or even 300 gal. but maybe later on when I get my own place. I am also considering HOB's and I was actually interested in PF 1000 (i think). I just wanted to see others opinion to help decide what I need to do.

 

[DOMINUS81]

Soo.. Im going for it and bought a few things. Eclipse L overflow box, ATO, and a baffle kit. So looking through the install and says that I cant freaking drill a tempered glass and I dont even know if my aquarium is tempered or not.

Initially when I bought the tank it was a top fin 55 gallon starter kit. Looking back, it didnt say what kind of glass. Ran through Youtube and some guy actually have the same tank as me. Same top fin starter kit and was able to drill and verified its a glass.

However, other posts in reefcentral stated all 55 gal. Topfin are tempered. Can anybody enlighten me on this and save me some time before I do the sunglass method?

 

[nereefpat]

Can anybody enlighten me on this and save me some time before I do the sunglass method?

You have to use the polarized sunglasses method. Use it on the specific panel that you plan to drill. No way should you trust anyone to tell you one way or the other.

 

[DOMINUS81]

You have to use the polarized sunglasses method. Use it on the specific panel that you plan to drill. No way should you trust anyone to tell you one way or the other.

I did the polarized sunglasses. Seems like its not tempered. I just need to confirm or verify Im seeing the correct view. Hope the pictures help. Computer is inside the aquarium.

Picking up my stuff at BRS today, hopefully gettin the drilling done today!!

 

[nereefpat]

I did the polarized sunglasses. Seems like its not tempered. I just need to confirm or verify Im seeing the correct view. Hope the pictures help. Computer is inside the aquarium.

Picking up my stuff at BRS today, hopefully gettin the drilling done today!!

That looks right to me. Wearing polarized glasses, looking through the glass at a screen. If the glass is tempered, you will see a pattern.

If you look at the side windows of a car, for example, you'll see a pattern, since those are always tempered glass.

 

[DOMINUS81]

Scary lol here goes nothin.

 

[DOMINUS81]

Woot woot not tempered!!

 

[nereefpat]

Nice work!

 

[DOMINUS81]

Hey.. Im returning from my trip and Im trying to plan out the rest of my week to finish my setup. Im finishing my plumbing which basically the return line and manifold (pics are kinda outdated as I finished the overflow lines before I left) but before I do, I have a few questions.

1. For the manifold, how many manifold should should I plan for? Planning to have a reactor and UV. I have a 20 gal long sump. TIA!

2. Do I need to get a protein skimmer or can I add that later on. I found a simplicity skimmer for $130, waiting to see if its still available.

3. When I move on to cycle the tank, (Im getting the fritz turbo start) should I leave the filter socks in my sump?

4. I have a space for refugium, do I need a refugium light now or is that something I can get later on?