A few questions for a newbie

[Tyler Fear]

So i think I've been reading enough stuff that i have started to confuse myself (it's not hard to do). So i went out and got a 40g breeder during the dollar per gallon sale and convinced my wife it was alright to set up a tank (I had one like 8 years ago too but much has changed) Also bought a few other things too, 2 hydor 1350g's with wave maker, heater, and some smaller things also. I want to start out with a FOWLR tank then slowly add coral as i get more comfortable with my system. Ok so on to the questions

1. Would a 20g sump be acceptable for me? Any simple plans that anyone could share with me?
2. Assuming a pretty standard sump ( Intake protein skimmer/refugium/ return) what a good protein skimmer to be looking at? looking to spend 200ish dollars.
3. I want to drill my tank for an overflow box if i go the sump route, what are some decent ones of those? any recommendations
4. I'm thinking of starting with 1 kessil ap 160 and then when i want to add corals get another or upgrade to the 360's. This should be ok, right?
I'm trying to slowly buy stuff so my wife doesn't get to angry with me, i'm hoping to start setting this up in feburary after we get back from disneyland .

Thanks in advance for the comment and help
Tyler

 

[DeepBlueSomething]

Hey Tyler -- I can help with 1 and 2.
1) I have a 40b with a 20L sump and it works great. Three sections (drain / refugium / return pump). It has a single glass baffle between the intake and fuge and a double glass baffle / bubble trap between the middle and return. The glass is affixed with silicone.
2) I have the SCA-301 skimmer in the drain (first chamber) and it skims well and is affordable.

Glad to have you here and asking questions!

 

[Yuki Rihwa]

2x Hydor 1350 powerhead in a 40B will blow everything (sand) around unless you aim to setup a bare bottom tank, and it's look bulky in a small tank.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Hey Tyler,

I have some insight about the lighting situation, if it was me, I would honestly start with the 360's first and just use them at a lower intensity until you get corals. You're going to end up spending more money if you buy the 160s first and then get the 360s later on. A lot of us reefers often remorse that it would have been better for us to buy the good stuff first instead of trying to move up in terms of quality and price as our situation called for it. In the end you may end up like me with 4 different lights taking up space in a closet and around $500 that I can't get back tied up in them...

 

[tripdad]

Yes, the 20 long is a great sump for that tank. Look at either used. people are always changing their skimmers, or E-Shopps have some lower priced units that actually work well. Be careful on the overflow as they eat up real estate quickly in a 40 breeder. Look for one of the slimmer ones.

 

[Tyler Fear]

Hey Tyler,

I have some insight about the lighting situation, if it was me, I would honestly start with the 360's first and just use them at a lower intensity until you get corals. You're going to end up spending more money if you buy the 160s first and then get the 360s later on. A lot of us reefers often remorse that it would have been better for us to buy the good stuff first instead of trying to move up in terms of quality and price as our situation called for it. In the end you may end up like me with 4 different lights taking up space in a closet and around $500 that I can't get back tied up in them...

I was afraid you might say that, but it’s the smarter thing to do

 

[Tyler Fear]

Yes, the 20 long is a great sump for that tank. Look at either used. people are always changing their skimmers, or E-Shopps have some lower priced units that actually work well. Be careful on the overflow as they eat up real estate quickly in a 40 breeder. Look for one of the slimmer ones.

Any brands I should be on the lookout for?

 

[Tyler Fear]

2x Hydor 1350 powerhead in a 40B will blow everything (sand) around unless you aim to setup a bare bottom tank, and it's look bulky in a small tank.

I thought with the diffuser or guards it might be alright? Brings it back to about 1000gph

 

[Yuki Rihwa]

I thought with the diffuser or guards it might be alright? Brings it back to about 1000gph

You're right! I forgot about the diffuser, that reduce a lot of power output.

 

[Tyler Fear]

Hey Tyler -- I can help with 1 and 2.
1) I have a 40b with a 20L sump and it works great. Three sections (drain / refugium / return pump). It has a single glass baffle between the intake and fuge and a double glass baffle / bubble trap between the middle and return. The glass is affixed with silicone.
2) I have the SCA-301 skimmer in the drain (first chamber) and it skims well and is affordable.

Glad to have you here and asking questions!

Do you by chance remember your baffle sizes?

 

[MaiReef]

Use a 30 gallon sump. More space... Also, a synergy overflow would work very well

 

[cycled123]

Ebay has baffle kits for a variety of smaller sumps. Don't buy skimmer or return pump until you know the spacing in your sump. I agree with purchasing lights you are going to use for corals at the get go unless you're 100% know for sure you are going to stick with FOWLR for a year or two. It's cheaper in the long run and lights are the most important thing on a reef tank. Check local for sale listings and black Friday/Christmas sales. Sounds like you have time before setting up tank.

 

[dmw913]

Sounds like you're getting some good specific feedback. I would also direct you to the BRS video regarding making your own sump. Also, in an effort to be frugal, don't forget the classifieds here as well with your local club. Often you can get wonderful gear at a discount.

Enjoy Disney!