Hello everyone I'm trying to start my first saltwater tank I have a 110 gallon long that I want to use an I have a 30 gallon that I want to build a sump out of with pvc running to tank need help on the setup for that an protein skimmers what kind should I be using
A lot of questions newbie
- Thread starter James1227
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Here is a good thread about skimmers https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/what-is-a-protien-skimmer-and-what-types-are-commonly-used.48590/ that should help. I would say buy a brand that has good reviews and unless you are going to overstock your tank, just get a skimmer that is rated right around your total water volume.
seastar
Well-Known Member
Welcome to R2R! Whether it's drilled or not is a great question, that'll determine how you end up plumbing it. There are a bunch of DIY threads on setting up a few chambers in your 30gl sump as well and where you'll want to end up putting that new protein skimmer. 
Consider if you'd like to run a refugium or take another approach when you're looking into sump designs.
Consider if you'd like to run a refugium or take another approach when you're looking into sump designs.
MaiReef
Valuable Member
Welcome to R2R!
If you want to look at chambers I have a working system in my tank build thread
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/maireef-100g.292924/#post-3573915
If its not drilled, it would probably be best to drill it and use possibly a Synergy overflow which seems to be a popular, reliable option because of its configuration.
There are a bunch of options out there and tons of help here at R2R for assistance and opinions on just about every issue.
If you want to look at chambers I have a working system in my tank build thread
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/maireef-100g.292924/#post-3573915
If its not drilled, it would probably be best to drill it and use possibly a Synergy overflow which seems to be a popular, reliable option because of its configuration.
There are a bunch of options out there and tons of help here at R2R for assistance and opinions on just about every issue.
Mako_SnowflakeEel
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You should get a snowflake eel
sbash
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There are HOB overflow boxes you can get to accomplish this. Keep in mind that this technique does introduce more risk of flooding.
With an undrilled tank, I would either drill it (not as scary as it sounds - assuming the tank is not temperred), or go sumpless. Sumpless can be accomplished buy just using HOB equipment (i.e. skimmer, refugium, etc) or by partitioning part of the tank to assume the sump role (this is common for Nanos and Picos).
If you want to use and HOB overflow box, you will need to pick one (perhaps other can advise which one to select), then we can help with the plumbing. When choosing a return pump, take into account the head pressure. For example, if you simply have the sump under the tank then figure six feet of head pressure, in which case a Mag 7 or 9.5 would suffice. I am not recommending those pumps (although I have used them both and will continue to use Mag pumps), it is just a point of reference. Consider DC pumps, they are supposedly really quiet, versus the Mag pumps and other AC pumps which are a bit noisy.
For plumbing an under the tank sump, consider flex tubing. It is more expensive, but easier to maintain and set up. There is nothing wrong with going PVC, personally, that is what I use, but it is pretty finite and if you want to make changes to the setup it adds more complications. I could go on and on about plumbing, lol... If you do go PVC, plumb to the top of the sump chamber, not to the top of the sump... if that makes any sense...
Mako_SnowflakeEel
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Also corals can be a little finicky with water I would add them after fish in my opinion
