Hire to make Sump work

[Octto]

Hi,

My initial idea was to have a tank without a sump, mainly because i know i wouldn't be able to pull it off, because i have no idea how to do it, no matter how great online videos and text explanations are. For me its just chinese.
But then when asked for the price of the tank but then they told me the total price with drilling and column for the Sump. They did that because i told them its a saltwater tank, even though i only mention a tank.

So i was thinking, maybe i could hire someone from somewhere to make things work? Perhaps i could ask to the same people who will build the tank if they can also make all the needed connections and explain how things really works? Or someone from a marine tank store?

Do you guys think that's viable?

Thanks.

 

[CodyRVA]

I think that's viable, you could likely get the tank builder or a LFS to finish the setup.

With that being said, I think it's absolutely imperative that you learn how to do it yourself. If you ever have any complications such as power failure, dead pumps, general issues, etc... you're going to want to know how to fix it ASAP. Your fish/coral/whatever you go with will depend on you knowing how to maintain your system; this includes the crummy times when things fail. Waiting for someone to come fix it, IMHO, is not an option unless you have very basic critters. Bottom line, in an emergency you're going to want to understand what's wrong and how to fix it.

There are a plethora of resources on here and the web, all of which are glad to help! The people on this forum absolutely love this hobby, don't hesitate to ask any question you may have. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask!

 

[Octto]

Appreciate your reply.

Yes i think i will really do that, ask some expert to do it. But i will obvisouly also learn how things work, how to keep up things and how to solve some problems. Certainly that person will be able to help me with that also.

With that being said my vision is to start with a FOWLR but then upgrade little by little with some corals.

So will a sump as basic as this be enough? http://gmacreef.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/sump-design-diagram-gmacreef.jpg
The heater would be in the middle section

As for the skimmer, i guess this is a good one for a 80/85 gallon tank ? http://royalexclusiv.net/en/skimmer...ne-130-250/bubble-king-r-double-cone-150.html

Thanks!

 

[Octto]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-octopus-classic-150int-6-internal-protein-skimmer.html

This one seem to be great too and much cheaper

 

[Waters]

Most good LFS offer that type of service....setup and/or maintenance of tanks.

 

[CodyRVA]

Appreciate your reply.

Yes i think i will really do that, ask some expert to do it. But i will obvisouly also learn how things work, how to keep up things and how to solve some problems. Certainly that person will be able to help me with that also.

With that being said my vision is to start with a FOWLR but then upgrade little by little with some corals.

So will a sump as basic as this be enough? http://gmacreef.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/sump-design-diagram-gmacreef.jpg
The heater would be in the middle section

As for the skimmer, i guess this is a good one for a 80/85 gallon tank ? http://royalexclusiv.net/en/skimmer...ne-130-250/bubble-king-r-double-cone-150.html

Thanks!

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-octopus-classic-150int-6-internal-protein-skimmer.html

This one seem to be great too and much cheaper

Here's another sample from Vivid Aquariums. This a bit more complex, the main point is running a filter sock before your skimmer, makes your skimmer run smoother IMO.

I would go with the Reef Octopus simply because I have no experience with Bubble King; also the Bubble King at max is rated for around 90 gallons/350 liters. I'm a big advocate of skimmers so, I always buy over sized. I have a 200G rated skimmer on my 80, over kill, but it gets the job done.

 

[Octto]

Thanks.

Well they have a video where they show a example of a more basic sump, at least i think it is. Are the media reactor and ultra-violet sterilizer essential?

Another question i have is about built in overflow box, is it also essential? That means more drills in the tank and sump, right?

Thank you.

 

[CodyRVA]

Yep that's the correct video.

Media reactors depend on the media type for example:
Activated carbon - yes
GFO - not immediately, this helps reduce PO4 (phosphate). So, if you have high PO4, you can add GFO to your media reactor

UV sterilizers are not essential IMO. I have had very good success and never owned one. Recent studies have shown you need an extremely large sized one to make any real impact on your system.

Overflow boxes can be HOB (hang on back) or built in/internal which requires the tank to be drilled. If you had a tank built then the builder should be able to, if they haven't already, drill your tank for the size and type of overflow you need. You usually need to larger holes for the over flow to fit and two smaller holes for the return lines.

HOB boxes simply siphon water over the edge of the tank. The quality of these products has come a long way, but many folks steer clear as they do pose a greater risk than an internal/drilled over flow box.

 

[Jgeebs413]

Not sure where you're located but I'm sure there's plenty of members that would invite over for a hands on show and tell and help give a run down. I know I would. Located in western mass

 

[Daddy-o]

Join a local reefers club. Most have members that would be happy to help you out then you have someone that can take care of your tank when you go on vacation.

 

[Octto]

Yep that's the correct video.

Media reactors depend on the media type for example:
Activated carbon - yes
GFO - not immediately, this helps reduce PO4 (phosphate). So, if you have high PO4, you can add GFO to your media reactor

UV sterilizers are not essential IMO. I have had very good success and never owned one. Recent studies have shown you need an extremely large sized one to make any real impact on your system.

Overflow boxes can be HOB (hang on back) or built in/internal which requires the tank to be drilled. If you had a tank built then the builder should be able to, if they haven't already, drill your tank for the size and type of overflow you need. You usually need to larger holes for the over flow to fit and two smaller holes for the return lines.


HOB boxes simply siphon water over the edge of the tank. The quality of these products has come a long way, but many folks steer clear as they do pose a greater risk than an internal/drilled over flow box.

Thank you.

So basically, the drilling for the overflow box is the one that's going down to sump? Do i need to specify the overflow box i want for them to drill? Or is it enough to tell that i will also use a built in overflow box?

Appreciate.

Not sure where you're located but I'm sure there's plenty of members that would invite over for a hands on show and tell and help give a run down. I know I would. Located in western mass

Thank you, that's really good to know. Maybe one day if i go there we can meet, hopefully i'll be a little better by that day hehe.
I'm from Portugal and as far as i know there is no such thing as local reef clubs here, only stores. Some of them build tanks and do maintenence too. I'll ask for one of those to help me building all the stuff.

Join a local reefers club. Most have members that would be happy to help you out then you have someone that can take care of your tank when you go on vacation.

I wish i had that many options with that here like in US, but unfortunately there isn't.
Thank you.

 

[beaslbob]

Yes you can and we have hired a local fish shop to do setup and maintenance. But that is expensive and an ongoing monthy expense as well.

More fun to do it yourself with better results IMHO.




But that's just me and my .02

 

[Daddy-o]

Perhaps instead of being over-whelmed with the whole system, perhaps a step at a time?
Step one get water out of main tank to a "sump tank" and back to the main tank again with out flooding.

 

[Octto]

Yes you are right but i just need them mostly to get all things together and connect everything. I dont need them for maintenance, that i will do it.

 

[Octto]

Perhaps instead of being over-whelmed with the whole system, perhaps a step at a time?
Step one get water out of main tank to a "sump tank" and back to the main tank again with out flooding.

Yes but for that i'll have someone to build that, and i think it's better to build everything already.

 

[Jgeebs413]

If you have a store around you that sells saltwater fish there's a good chance there's more people around you than you realize with tanks. Ask around you'll probably be surprised

 

[HawaiianReef]

Yes, definately find a member of a local reefing club. If you have trouble, just go on Craigslist or another local classifieds and reply to people selling reefing equipment. Do Not place an ad offering to pay someone. You'll get every inexperienced guy in your email. Simply tell the seller your position and ask for assistance or recommendations. I found reefers are generally nice guys ready to share their abilities to support the hobby.
Good Luck!