help 75g reef build

ryan316 · Mar 13, 2017

So i currently have a 40b mixed reef and I've been trying to plan out a 75g mixed reef build, I currently have the tank, stand, 1 gen 4 radion, and a mp40wqd. I plan on drilling the tank for the medium Eclipse overflow box rated for up to 100g, 800gph. Im not sure if i should go with this or the slightly more expensive shadow box? Here is a list of the equipment i'm thinking about buying, please let me know of any concerns or advise you can give me.

Either 34" or 39" Trigger sump
Either Bubble Magus Curve 5 or Curve 7
Current USA eFlux DC Flow Pump 1900GPH (controlable)

This will be my first time running a sump so any help will be appreciated!

ryan316 · Mar 13, 2017

I'm ready to start ordering lol but I'm waiting on some input before I pull the trigger and put something together

CodyRVA · Mar 13, 2017

Are you running socks? I'd imagine a 800 GPH overflow box would be sufficient for a 40B. I know this is off topic, but my recommendation is to build your own sump if you have the time. You can save an unbelievable amount of money and build exactly what you want; put the extra cash into other parts of your system. Ultimately, an over sized skimmer will definitely alleviate any concerns, if any, of an undersized overflow.

ryan316 · Mar 13, 2017

Yes I plan on running 2 socks. I originally thought about turning a 40b into a sump but was afraid of wear over time if I used acrylic baffles in a glass tank? Someone told me it's expensive to have glass cut and rounded edges.. How much flow should I run with a 75g display and 40b sump? And also any recommendations on a good skimmer?

vdubtech25 · Mar 13, 2017

I paid about $60 for four 1/4" glass baffles, I've had acrylic baffles also but you can't beat the solid glass.

CodyRVA · Mar 13, 2017

You can usually get glass cut pretty cheap. I got acrylic cut online, i got A LOT of it cut and didn't even cost me $100; glass is more than sufficient. I used an old fish tank myself. I'm a fan of Reef Octopus and Skimz skimmers.

Chef Tommy · Mar 14, 2017

Here is a 20L I recently did for my 75. A local glass shop for windows did 1/4" glass, total $35 for all baffles.

ryan316 · Mar 14, 2017

I think I'll be calling a local glass shop tomorrow, did you have the baffles cut about a 1/8 shorter that the inside dimensions of the sump tank or how much shorter? Also how much flow should I be running through the system? (I'm trying to figure this out so I buy the right overflow)

G8trBait16 · Mar 14, 2017

I have the bubble Magus Curve 7 and the trigger Sapphire 34 on my 75g setup. they work great, but I wish I would have gotten the trigger 39, bc of the socks being placed in the back left of the 34 and ont he 39 they are on the left, so a lot easier to get to on the 39.

CodyRVA · Mar 14, 2017

ryan316 said:
I think I'll be calling a local glass shop tomorrow, did you have the baffles cut about a 1/8 shorter that the inside dimensions of the sump tank or how much shorter? Also how much flow should I be running through the system? (I'm trying to figure this out so I buy the right overflow)

Think the general rule of thumb is 10X. So, I have an 80G system, I have a ghost overflow (2000gph). My pump, after losses via plumbing and head pressure is right at 650gph. Focus more on a pump that has variable power which can be adjusted to fit your tanks needs and an overflow that can accommodate that pump. The pump controls the flow rate, the overflow simply has a range of how much water it can handle.

Also, every system is different; I should be at 800gph, but I really only get around 650gph. I run dual socks, a huge skimmer and I run gfo so I don't need a lot of turnover in my system. If you don't have those extra means of filtration then maybe you would consider a larger return pump.

Chef Tommy · Mar 14, 2017

I cut the baffles 1/4 inch shorter. 1/8 was not enough. Wanted to make sure silicone set really well in between glass. Agree, 10x's volume on overflow but remember head loss on pump. Jeabao has a really nice dc pump which is easy to control & I love their powerheads, look at them on Amazon.

ryan316 · Mar 14, 2017

Thanks for the knowledge. So I should aim for around 750gph? I was looking at the current USA Dc return pump, its controllable and rated up to 1900gph... is the curve sufficient enough for you or do you wish you could have went with something bigger? I think I'm going to try and pick up a 40b and build my own sump, because my 40 is currently up and running

Chef Tommy · Mar 15, 2017

Another option is to build your own overflow too. I'll post a pic later but it was super fun & inexpensive. Actually used the glass I got cut at 1/8" shorter since it did not work for baffles.

Chef Tommy · Mar 15, 2017

Here are a few more shots of the 20L sump for my 75. Glad you are shooting for a 40b sump. Wish I went larger but hey, I'll get to make another one down the road. Also, d/c return is totally the way to go for ease of adjusting flow. I also am leaning to say do a larger gph overflow because you can always tune it down with return pump. While cleaning tank you could raise gph as well.

Chef Tommy · Mar 15, 2017

Here are some pics of overflow. It's 12" w 4" d 6" h

ryan316 · Mar 15, 2017

thanks for the pics! How tall should I have the baffles cut to control the water level in the sump? Yea I think the 40B should give me plenty of room to add extras later down the road haha. What do you guys think of the Skimz monzter SM163 DC? Or what would be a good skimmer for my set-up under $500?