My First Reef Build! Yippee!

[Junkmanthom]

Okay, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays !!
So, I’ve had many Salt tanks throughout the years, but not in 20 years. Sailing the fresh boat since then. My experience has been with the ancient art of undergravel filters and lots of water changes in fish only tanks. Tons of success there. Technology wasn’t as good for reefing then for me. I started saltwater

in 1980. Now, that being said. I get most of the theory behind the sump, just aren’t 100% positive on how to set up my new Eshopps RS 300. I have a 90 Seapora drilled. Magus 5 curve skimmer and a Current 6010 (1900gph) return pump. I have the Tunze ATO with synergy reservoir. I have a Kessil AP700 and a Current Orbit Marine for extra whites. Power Heads x 4. OH! Coralife 600 UV. MarinePure Blocks. Refugium LED. 3 x 300 Sub heaters. Live rock (120lbs) , pink Carib Sand. 3 digital Thermometers. I am hard plumbing the sump and using ball valves above return and below drain. Now, my question is, on the rs 300 sump, how should I place my equipment? Three chambers. The Skimmer will not go in drain area. The skimmer area is huge, but I don’t want it clogged by cheato or any critters. I was putting the return in the last compartment but, I don’t want the return to clog. I kinda want a Refugium.

 

[Quietman]

Great setup there.

So...does "kinda want a refugium" equal "I have to have a refugium"? If so, I think you're looking at a sump mod or perhaps just isolating your skimmer with eggcrate and sponge.

 

[Junkmanthom]

Great setup there.

So...does "kinda want a refugium" equal "I have to have a refugium"? If so, I think you're looking at a sump mod or perhaps just isolating your skimmer with eggcrate and sponge.

No, I don’t have to. Just thought I was supposed to. The less mess the better imho.

 

[Quietman]

No, I don’t have to. Just thought I was supposed to. The less mess the better imho.

I don't have one either, although I do see the attraction if you have that mindset. I went back and forth for a long while until I hit on the logic of what do I really want. Growing algae wasn't at the top of that list. My wife grows plenty of houseplants already.

Carbon dosing here with a big 'ol skimmer and I couldn't be more pleased.

 

[Junkmanthom]

I don't have one either, although I do see the attraction if you have that mindset. I went back and forth for a long while until I hit on the logic of what do I really want. Growing algae wasn't at the top of that list. My wife grows plenty of houseplants already.

Carbon dosing here with a big 'ol skimmer and I couldn't be more pleased.

Anything to create as natural enviro as possible. I don’t want too many chems in my tank if I can avoid them. The cheato just seemed like a good idea for pods and things. Thank you. I appreciate all your valuable info i have my own set of gardens around my koi pond! I get her! Lol

 

[Junkmanthom]

I don't have one either, although I do see the attraction if you have that mindset. I went back and forth for a long while until I hit on the logic of what do I really want. Growing algae wasn't at the top of that list. My wife grows plenty of houseplants already.

Carbon dosing here with a big 'ol skimmer and I couldn't be more pleased.

With a carbon reactor or by hand? Carbon dosing that is..

 

[Quietman]

With a carbon reactor or by hand? Carbon dosing that is..

I use NoPoX by hand for the time being. It's only a coupole ml a day depending. Some use straight vinegar or vodka (unflavored) or even sugar I believe. For now I'm happy with an OTS product instead of DIYing it. What I like about it is that if your system is stable you can dial in it and keep it there, but if you have big load add and more food, you can add pretty quickly over a few days as nitrates build up and get it managed with just a couple more ml.

There are biopellets which do similar thing in reactors. Many swear by this method as well, I didn't consider because it's already pretty cramped in my cabinet and I didn't want a separate pump.