gathering equipment needed

[crankbait09]

I posted a thread in a section of the forum that was CLOSED, so I don't think it ever went through. So I will post it here and lets see how this works

I have a 135 gallon tank, with what will be a 40B sump. I am leaning towards an Reef Octopus skimmer (300G), unless there is an equal one at a lower cost. (still looking around based off of reviews)

I was reading a thread on here about equipment needed, but did not see anything that broke down the size pump I would need for a set up such as mine. I have heard a lot about Eheim pumps, so I may be leaning towards one of those. But again, I am unsure the size pump i need. I thought there was a calculator around that helps figure out the size needed. no?

In my two overflows, I have these, for lack of the correct name, flexible nozzles that can be directed to control flow. Im guessing these would take the place of a power head. would these nozzles also play in to the size pump needed?

Is there a link that would show me how to plumb all this equipment and show me where to run what into what, and into where?

Other than the skimmer/pump, i think those are the two biggest purchases that would be needed for under the tank operation.............i am starting there......

 

[mcarroll]

If you are that budget sensitive on the skimmer, consider shopping for a used one. Lotsa great value to be had that way.

The flow you need for your sump is between two and four times your displays's volume. We'll say your display will have 120 gallons of water, so that's 240-480 gallons per hour you'll need from your return pump.

Which return pump will give you that mostly depends on your plumbing - both how high it will lift the water and how far, including extra for curves and turns.

Once you have that (or your best estimate) you can either refer to the manufacturer's head-loss chart for your specific pump, or a generic head-loss calculator on the internet to get you started. Supreme publishes a chart in every pump manual. Others usually aren't that hard to find.

 

[crankbait09]

thanks for the feedback.......

when you were calculating the display volume, you came up with 120. uh....what happened to the 135 (which is how many gallons the tank is)? I have heard about the fewest number of 90's the better. I was going to use 45's to decrease the number of sharp turns.

i always thought about buying used on the skimmer as well. just figured it would be hard to find a good used one that is fully operational and good working condition......I think I will go that route..........but im not quite sure what id be looking at if it bit me in the butt . I think if I find a used one, I will run it by the forum members here and see what you all think.