My Tank Build 55 Gal

FishNFrags · Aug 9, 2013

Ok question for all you experienced Reefers. I'm going to use a 20 Gal long for my sump. I can't decide how to set it up. I'm thinking Skimmer, 35lbs live rock and Bio Pellet Reactor, dosing pumps and ATO set up. I should be ok with this set up right? I'll be keeping all types of corals and reef safe fish in the tank. Would I be better off doing it a different way? Just looking for opinions.

bknapp · Aug 9, 2013

Personally I would keep the rocks out of the sump, yes they will harbor more room for bacteria to grow but they also become detritus traps. Everything else sounds great. There are quite a few members running ecoBAK pellets successfully, including myself.

mi_chael3 · Aug 9, 2013

Agree with bknapp the LR in the sump will eventually become more of a hindrance than a help. Everything else sounds good!

FishNFrags · Aug 9, 2013

Well I was hoping for some extra filtration from sump. So maybe I leave the rock out and go with Algae Turf scrubber? But if you do that I don't see the need for Bio pellets.

Dowtish · Aug 9, 2013

If you keep a powerhead in the sump it will keep the detritus stirred up. That is what I do on my 30gal frag tank with a 20l sump.

bknapp · Aug 9, 2013

FishNFrags said:
Well I was hoping for some extra filtration from sump. So maybe I leave the rock out and go with Algae Turf scrubber? But if you do that I don't see the need for Bio pellets.

I use both pellets and ATS, seems to be working well for me.

Dowtish · Aug 9, 2013

option, option, and more options!

bknapp · Aug 9, 2013

Dowtish said:
option, option, and more options!

Yup, there's more than one way to skin a cat. Just got to find the way that works best for you.

Zef004 · Aug 9, 2013

Dowtish said:
If you keep a powerhead in the sump it will keep the detritus stirred up. That is what I do on my 30gal frag tank with a 20l sump.

Agree with this 100%
Or you can go old school and go with a tumbling cheto.

FishNFrags · Aug 17, 2013

Well I decided on sump set up. I'm going with skimmer, ATS and Bio pellet reactor for filtration. lol and maybe two live rocks in sump for Pods..I get my over flow box on Sunday so I start posting Pics as I go. It will take me a few weeks to complete. I have to finish stand and hood yet.

.AcroKiller. · Aug 17, 2013

FishNFrags said:
Well I decided on sump set up. I'm going with skimmer, ATS and Bio pellet reactor for filtration. lol and maybe two live rocks in sump for Pods..I get my over flow box on Sunday so I start posting Pics as I go. It will take me a few weeks to complete. I have to finish stand and hood yet.

Great choice on filtration

navila06 · Aug 17, 2013

sounds like a solid plan.

FishNFrags said:
Ok question for all you experienced Reefers. I'm going to use a 20 Gal long for my sump. I can't decide how to set it up. I'm thinking Skimmer, 35lbs live rock and Bio Pellet Reactor, dosing pumps and ATO set up. I should be ok with this set up right? I'll be keeping all types of corals and reef safe fish in the tank. Would I be better off doing it a different way? Just looking for opinions.

FishNFrags · Aug 21, 2013

Worked on Stand today. Flooring in. Tomorrow I should have All sheeting and access holes for plumbing done. If I'm lucking I might also get canopy done tomorrow and paint. For those of you that think it's looks a little big for a 55 Gallon, your right it is...lol I'm making it so if I upgrade to a 60" X 24" X24" tank next year I will not have to rebuild a new stand.

I'll post more pictures as I move ahead on build.

braincandEE · Aug 21, 2013

That's what I'm talking about!! Why did you decide to go with chip board for the bottom?

Duffam3434 · Aug 21, 2013

Looks good so far!! Cant wait to start the build for my tank!! Hope to see more Updates Soon!

schooleyosis · Aug 21, 2013

Good idea on the stand. FYI... I run bio pellets and chaeto in the sump. I run the lighting for the sump on a reverse photo period from the display tank.