Hello from MI

[mike627]

Hello
I am new to the saltwater world. I have a 125 gallon i would like to do a reef tank. I would appreciate any info and websites to look at for information. I am wondering about a sump with everything in it I would need. Meaning skimmer, heater, refugium, etc. I would appreciate any info.
Thanks Mike.

 

[kschweer]

Welcome to R2R!!! You're in the right place for all that info! Just ask and there's tons of people hear willing to help. The search feature on the site is also very good for finding info.

 

[twilliard]

Yes indeed!
Ask and we shall answer
Welcome to R2R!
The stickies will help you out a ton. If you need help finding one please feel free to ask

 

[Shep]

Welcome to the community! http://reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[Rob.D]

Hello
I am new to the saltwater world. I have a 125 gallon i would like to do a reef tank. I would appreciate any info and websites to look at for information. I am wondering about a sump with everything in it I would need. Meaning skimmer, heater, refugium, etc. I would appreciate any info.
Thanks Mike.

Hello and welcome to R2R,
your question requires a very detailed answer, do you want a custom acrylic sump? What's your budget for a skimmer $150 or $1000? Eheim Jagger heaters are the best, having 2 for system is preferred. Refugiums are great as a safe harbor for copepods and amphipods (sp?) but unless the refugium is equal to or greater in volume than the display, nutrient export is negligible.

 

[twilliard]

Hello and welcome to R2R,
your question requires a very detailed answer, do you want a custom acrylic sump? What's your budget for a skimmer $150 or $1000? Eheim Jagger heaters are the best, having 2 for system is preferred. Refugiums are great as a safe harbor for copepods and amphipods (sp?) but unless the refugium is equal to or greater in volume than the display, nutrient export is negligible.

Thank you Rob!!

 

[melypr1985]

Welcome to R2R Mike! You could spend days reading through all the stickies and threads on this site alone. Dont be shy about asking questions... We love questions! The only things we love more than questions, are pictures!

 

[steve&mari]

Welcome to the community hopefully you find us friendly and helpful. Where in Michigan are you we're in gr Mich and if close enough be glad to get together and help you with what we can. Show us some pics and I'm sure you'll get lots of ideas.

 

[cameronh]

Welcome to reef2reef!

 

[zzzdiver]

Welcome aboard to the best resource in reefing, along with the 100,000 hrs of experience the folks have here, we have a Harvard chemist!!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R

 

[cameronh]

@mike627, there's another guy on here with the user name @Mike628, very strange haha

 

[cameronh]

@mike627, there's another guy on here with the user name @Mike628, very strange haha

I talk to him quite often lol

 

[CastAway]

I think you're already on the right track Mike, thinking of a sump and contemporary processes instead of plenum style under gravel filters, canister filters or wet/dry trickle filters.

Some fundamental components and decisions include space, and the overall size and location of the sump; drilled vs external overflows; external vs submersible circulation pumps, and more.

Some primary investments, and perhaps in order by priority are, lighting, a skimmer and power heads.

Pick a topic and ask away. I'm sure you'll get tons of input. Take it all in and keep what you hear consistently, from people with systems that appeal to you.

One of my favorite books was The Marine Reef Aquarium by Philip Hunt. Contemporary, yet basic.

Welcome to R2R. It's truly a great place to learn and enjoy the hobby.

 

[steelheader.262]

Welcome!!!

 

[mike627]

Thanks everyone.
CastAway I'm thinking external overflow, submersible pumps, would like everything in the sump and the sump in the bottom of the stand. I made the stand and there is room. Under the stand is 68"L x 24"H x 24"D. Thats from under the 2x4s to the plywood on the 2x4s on the bottom. I know I need room to get in the top of the sump to do maintenence on it. What size and brand is a good one for around $500? Thanks for any info.

 

[Mandrew]

Hey good luck saltwater is very fun and rewarding! I'm from Michigan as well! Where abouts are you located?

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home! You'll love it here. I am just south of you in Indiana!

 

[CastAway]

The challenge with 24" might be the in-sump skimmer, and, the sump will need to hold what water will continue to drain from the display in the event of a power outage. Depending on the particular external overflow and the total sump volume, this could be a few inches. I know this isn't an answer, but let's just identify big questions first.

Depending on the size of the sump, your system could loose a couple gallons a day in evaporative loss. I failed to mention an RODI system. Have you considered how you want to "top off"?

 

[mike627]

Mandrew I'm near monroe.
CastAway the only way I know about replenishing is what I've heard from a friend about the reverse osmosis. I'm sure that will be some dollars there. What are some other ways of doing it?