Best filtration for starting a reef tank?

[count krunk]

I would recommend not making a HOB overflow unless you are very handy with acrylic. Look at the designs and if you think you can replicate then do. Most refugiums are built into the sump as a section in it. Such as the water flows thru the media > equipment > refugium > return.

 

[count krunk]

So to make one on a budget, you find a used tank on craigslist and install glass or acrylic baffles with aquarium safe silicone to create the sump.

 

[Jermey Clark]

Ok cool. Are there plans out there to make? How big of a tank I would need for a 90 gal?

 

[Jermey Clark]

So to make one on a budget, you find a used tank on craigslist and install glass or acrylic baffles with aquarium safe silicone to create the sump.

Ok cool. Are there plans out there to make? How big of a tank I would need for a 90 gal?

 

[count krunk]

well, its up to how big you can fit really. Generally it's 1/3-1/2 of the tank size for sump size. like i once had a 55g display with a 40g (not breeder) sump.

 

[Jermey Clark]

well, its up to how big you can fit really. Generally it's 1/3-1/2 of the tank size for sump size. like i once had a 55g display with a 40g (not breeder) sump.

So I would need 30-40 gal to that.

 

[falconut]

I had a 90 (non reef ready) & used a double 'u' tube hang on yhe back overflow box (believe mine was an e-shoppes). Worked great for the 14 years it was up, just had to clean the 'u' tubes from time to time.

I just used a 20 gallon long for my sump, it fit best under. Would have liked a little taller. I had a glass shop cut & polish me 1/4" baffles, then siliconed them in, pretty easy & worked well. Enjoy the build & research.

 

[Jermey Clark]

I had a 90 (non reef ready) & used a double 'u' tube hang on yhe back overflow box (believe mine was an e-shoppes). Worked great for the 14 years it was up, just had to clean the 'u' tubes from time to time.

I just used a 20 gallon long for my sump, it fit best under. Would have liked a little taller. I had a glass shop cut & polish me 1/4" baffles, then siliconed them in, pretty easy & worked well. Enjoy the build & research.

Are there plans for it? What else would I need to make it?

 

[falconut]

Upper photo is the outside part of the overflow box. But I assume you're looking for plans for the sump. I didn't have them. The bottom is a photo of it. Left side is return pump side, right side is where the overflow pipes enter & the skimmer. Seperated by 3 baffles (far right - water goes over) height was to set water level needed for skimmer, middle baffles - water goes under, & left baffles - goes over. I drilled it on the left side for a float valve & emergency outlet.

 

[Jermey Clark]

Upper photo is the outside part of the overflow box. But I assume you're looking for plans for the sump. I didn't have them. The bottom is a photo of it. Left side is return pump side, right side is where the overflow pipes enter & the skimmer. Seperated by 3 baffles (far right - water goes over) height was to set water level needed for skimmer, middle baffles - water goes under, & left baffles - goes over. I drilled it on the left side for a float valve & emergency outlet.

Looks awesome and easy to do. Except for the overflow.

 

[falconut]

Yeah, building an overflow box would difficult for me. Here's a link to the website for my box:
http://www.eshopps.com/products/overflowboxes/pf1200/
It gives a better idea of what they include.

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Keep us posted with your build with lots of photos!

Skimmer, live rock, and chaeto are my methods of choice!

 

[Jermey Clark]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Keep us posted with your build with lots of photos!

Skimmer, live rock, and chaeto are my methods of choice!

Ok will do.

 

[Jermey Clark]

Just watch a 30 min video on how to build a sump. Looks pretty easy to do.

 

[Kbeck]

I bought a 55 gallon off Craigslist cheap to mess with. I failed at the lcd screen test. I took the tank apart to cut the glass into smaller pieces, was trying to build a cube tank. Could not get it to snap to save my life then it exploded into a million little pieces. The side panels were not tempered but the front an back were. It was actually pretty impressive on how strong it is. I weigh 260# and had it on a 1/2 dowel rod trying to get it to go and all it did was bow to the ground.

 

[Jermey Clark]

I bought a 55 gallon off Craigslist cheap to mess with. I failed at the lcd screen test. I took the tank apart to cut the glass into smaller pieces, was trying to build a cube tank. Could not get it to snap to save my life then it exploded into a million little pieces. The side panels were not tempered but the front an back were. It was actually pretty impressive on how strong it is. I weigh 260# and had it on a 1/2 dowel rod trying to get it to go and all it did was bow to the ground.

Sorry to hear that. Tempered glass is blessing but also a curse. Lol

 

[Jermey Clark]

Also what size heater or how many heater would I need for my tank?

 

[Jermey Clark]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Keep us posted with your build with lots of photos!

Skimmer, live rock, and chaeto are my methods of choice!

Also thx for welcoming.

 

[LadyMac]

Welcome! I agree, if you go HOB overflow just purchase as opposed to building. They are pricy but worth it in the end. I was lucky and found someone with a used one and was given a great deal on it. Used is fine as long as you clean it well.

 

[Jermey Clark]

Ok cool. Maybe I’ll be that lucky.