Need Some Answers About Setup, Sump And Stuff

[Munyundo]

I've been in the planted freshwater for a long time but I need a bit more of a challenge and the reef tank bug has bit me badly.

The ultimate vision is a lower flow reef with soft corals, maybe some lps and some macro in the dt. I think it's called a lagoon setup maybe.

I have a 40B and a 20L (for the sump) to use and are both glass tanks. The tank is not drilled yet. I am a few weeks still away from starting to get it going but I have some questions. I still need to build the cabinet and pick up an RO unit.

I want to initially drill the tank for the overflow but I want to plug it til I get the sump built out. The idea is to save some time on it cycling as I can get the tank running in the meantime. Does doing it this way actually do me any favors or should I just wait til the sump can be up and running?

Next would be about the overflow. I'd like to do a bean setup but a herbie isn't out of the question either since it's just a 40 gallon DT. Doesn't seem I can do any cheaper than about 90 bucks for an overflow box. If anyone knows of a way to do it for about 60 i'm all ears, otherwise I'll just stick to like a fiji or something. If I can get away with plugging the drill holes initially, are the bulkheads that come with the overflows a proprietary size or will a standard bulkhead plug get the job done?

 

[BlennyTime]

Welcome!! You can start cycling the tank without the sump in place, but would need some way for nutrient export in the meantime.

You can use standard bulkheads for overflows. I use a 1” for the drain and 3/4” for the return. I like slip-slip bulkheads because you can glue the PVC pipes in. Aqueon makes a great kit for plumbing overflows, should take a look at that.

 

[Munyundo]

Thanks. To start it off, I was going to just use a wave maker and an old internal whisper with no media to push the water around.

Welcome!! You can start cycling the tank without the sump in place, but would need some way for nutrient export in the meantime.

You can use standard bulkheads for overflows. I use a 1” for the drain and 3/4” for the return. I like slip-slip bulkheads because you can glue the PVC pipes in. Aqueon makes a great kit for plumbing overflows, should take a look at that.

 

[airmotive]

There’s always the old siphoning overflow box that don’t require drilling. I forget the “proper” name for them. I had one on my first reef tank in the 90s. Worked well on a 180 gallons. No reason a 40 would be a problem.
As far as giving the cycle a head start...you can always just get the rock into a bucket of saltwater with a power head and a piece of shrimp. I’ve got a 40 gallon barrel full of rock waiting for my new tank to arrive. The rock has been in there since June. I feed it every week or two. My wife makes fun of me for having pet rocks.

 

[Munyundo]

My original plan was to just do a no drill overflow but I really do have a lot of power outages. I am sort of out in the woods and it sometimes blinks on an off 4 times in a day. I may as well just do it right and drill it for peace of mind.

I forgot about curing the rock in buckets/barrels. Thanks! If it turns out I have to wait til mid october to get my overflow done, I will just start it in buckets.

There’s always the old siphoning overflow box that don’t require drilling. I forget the “proper” name for them. I had one on my first reef tank in the 90s. Worked well on a 180 gallons. No reason a 40 would be a problem.
As far as giving the cycle a head start...you can always just get the rock into a bucket of saltwater with a power head and a piece of shrimp. I’ve got a 40 gallon barrel full of rock waiting for my new tank to arrive. The rock has been in there since June. I feed it every week or two. My wife makes fun of me for having pet rocks.