Help with "gifted to me" aquarium

[RD94]

I had a very dear friend who recently passed away, and he was BIG into the reef/aquarium hobby. He gifted me this tank, that I think he built or had built custom, and I have absolutely ZERO clue as to anything about it (the last aquarium I owned was a steel-framed 10-gallon that had a hang-on filter you actually had to pack the charcoal and floss into!). Wondered if some folks could help me out with it, and in deciding whether to try to sell it or keep it. TBH, it looks a bit daunting to me, not knowing much of anything.

Anyway, it's a nice custom acrylic tank, about 27-gallon from my calcs, and has the "maze" on the back for the built-in filtration (that much I Googled). It's all alien to me. Question is, what does it all do and how is it setup? I put the parts in where I think they belong, but... There is this "other" piece that came along with it, and not sure it goes WITH this tank, or is to something else. When the tank was given to me, it was in the center section of the filter dividers on the back of the tank.

It has a couple of, what I can tell, pumps. Also, a couple sponges, and some bio-balls. I see that the one must be intended as a sump pump, but the other on the extra "maze," I have no clue.

Anyway, I appreciate any and all help you could provide. I hope you don't mind my signing onto the forum as a complete n00b to glean some collective information out of you! Thanks!

 

[Daddy-o]

First, Sorry for your loss!!
I think the bottom line is do you have the time and energy to put into the tank (it is a major commitment). If yes, then go for it. If not, then pass it on to a kid or school that may really enjoy it.
Cheers! mark

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

The clear acrylic insert is a protein skimmer. The black part (to the right in bottom pic) goes into the top of the clear acrylic piece. It looks like it's missing a top to that and the broken piece of rubber ring, may be what allows you to adjust the height of the skimmer for a "dry" or "wet" skim.
The whole rear section is what acts as a sump. It's call an all in one or aio tank. They are great beginner tanks and even awesome advanced aquarist tanks.
The other pump is the return pump. It should attach to the return nozel in the sump area.
The left side with the egg crate layers are for either media, such as, carbon, phosphate binder, and the plethora of other options based on what you plan to keep or are needing.
The center portion is for the skimmer.
The right side is the return where the return pump would be located. The water level there will fluctuate based on evaporation and will be lower than the rest of the sump areas upon startup. As water evaporates you will need to top it off to a set point you mark on the rear with RODI water (purchased at a local fish store, or home made with an RODI water filter)
If opting to keep, you would need a new light (plenty of reading on Reef 2 Reef on that topic.
Even though you have the tank, there will be a little overhead to get it running. Don't let it be daunting as the reefing community here at Reef 2 Reef is here to help and happy to answer any questions you may have.
I'd say keep it if you have the time and interest in doing the research.

 

[RD94]

The clear acrylic insert is a protein skimmer. The black part (to the right in bottom pic) goes into the top of the clear acrylic piece. It looks like it's missing a top to that and the broken piece of rubber ring, may be what allows you to adjust the height of the skimmer for a "dry" or "wet" skim.

Thanks for that! I've actually got the "whole shebang," as it were, with lights, etc. Just didn't include a pic of it.

 

[Katrina71]

Give it a shot! It will be a fun way to remember your friend. Maybe even pick a fish or coral that reminds you of them!

 

[DSmithZ28]

Very cool and what a great testimony to your friend! Depending on where you live perhaps there is a club that you could join. I have found almost everyone in this hobby will bend over backwards to help someone out. Big cities usually have clubs and great networking opportunities. Also frag swaps and perhaps getting deals on other items you may need. Good luck to you!

 

[Katrina71]

You already found the best place to get info...

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

That is a super cool tank! Very unique. If you're that far along, I'd say do the homework here if have the time to commit and go for it!

 

[RD94]

Thanks for the advice, all, but after thinking about it, I feel it would be best served (and my friend best remembered) if this tank were in the hands of someone capable, who could enjoy it instead of languishing unused in my living room. Teaching higher-ed and having my own business, I don't really have the time to devote to it. So, if anyone in the SC/GA area wants a good deal on a very unique tank setup, LMK!

 

[Katrina71]

Thanks for sharing the tank and story with us.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

How close to Charleston sc? We have a loca l forum I could attach a pic with your permission that has a lot of committed reefers. I could just link this page if like for them to reach out.