New Reef tank setup, need help

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HimRathore

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Hi,
Long story short, I am setting up my first salt water tank idea is to start with Fish Only tank and move to Reef slowly. My setup would be custom as have defined spaces for display tank and sump, problem here is I have big space for display tank (L 68" X D 15" X H 18") but sump space is comparatively small (L 24" X D 14" X H 18"). This is the max I can extract.

Since it would be very difficult to fit all the equipment in the sump, I am planning to split the main tank into 2 and use smaller one (18") for Refugium.

I am now concerned about sump overflowing during power outage, but my initial calculations suggest my sump would be able to handle it, what do you guys think.

It is coming out to be 120 Gal for the whole setup including sump and Refugium, and I am planning BM Curve 7, would it be good or shall I be ok with Curve 5.

Here is my plan, appreciate your suggestions. I have kept dimensions comparative so that it is much easier to analyse.
MarineTankSetup.png
 
www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
Welcome to R2R! :D

I would incorporate a backflow preventer device on the return lines to help prevent overflows during power outages.

A partitioned refugium in the display tank has been done before, I know I've seen at least one tank like that, but I can't think of where I saw it :rolleyes: #reefsquad, anyone know of a tank like this?

The Curve 7 is rated for 185-240 gallon tanks, so the Curve 5 (rated at max 140 gallons) might be better for your tank.
 
Nutramar Foods
nautical_nathaniel said:
Welcome to R2R! :D

I would incorporate a backflow preventer device on the return lines to help prevent overflows during power outages.

A partitioned refugium in the display tank has been done before, I know I've seen at least one tank like that, but I can't think of where I saw it :rolleyes: #reefsquad, anyone know of a tank like this?

The Curve 7 is rated for 185-240 gallon tanks, so the Curve 5 (rated at max 140 gallons) might be better for your tank.
Click to expand...

Backflow preventer is a godd idea, let me procure them.
Any suggestions on 90 degree elbows in return line, as I don't have enough space for 45 degree ones, would it put too much of load on my return pump. I tried to keep the line to main tank straight & but the one to refugium has 2 elbows.
 
Last edited:
Top Shelf Aquatics
HimRathore said:
Backflow preventer is a godd idea, let me procure them.
Any suggestions on 90 degree elbows in return line, as I don't have enough space for 45 degree ones, would it put too much of load on my return pump. I tried to keep the line to main tank straight & but the one to refugium has 2 elbows.
Click to expand...

I believe BRS has the best explanation on the whole 90 vs 45 degree fitting delima:
Check that out and see if it helps make your decision easier :)
 
nautical_nathaniel said:
I believe BRS has the best explanation on the whole 90 vs 45 degree fitting delima:
Check that out and see if it helps make your decision easier :)
Click to expand...

Wow this is very helpful, I can now proceed with my setup without thinking of this aspect. Although my question was 2 90 degrees vs 2 45 s, am pretty sure results would be different for that combination compared to what is compared here 2 90s vs 4 45s.

But I would drop this worry for now :)
 
Would I need a small pump or wave maker in Refugium side as well, to push water into main tank, I was thinking of having Refugium 1/2 inch higher with acrylic comb at top so that gravity can take over and water flows automatically to main tank.

Another option is to drill partition glass, and create way to pass water from Refugium to main tank.

What do you guys suggest, shall i do both.

Sorry if my questions are too novice, but hey I am a newbie :)
 
I would make it an overflow with black acrylic or something, your going to have a different light over the refugium so you will want a solid barrier between it and the display side to prevent light blending. Also, if you ever use the refugium as a critter jail, you don't want it to have an escape route through any holes and such :)
 
Tidal Gardens
WVNed said:
Consider turning your sump around and removing the horizontal sections of your drains. Also consider adding a valve to the return closest to the pump or it will flow a great deal more than the one on the other end of the tank.
Click to expand...

Wont that add load on the return pump, as then return line would have horizontal alignment and 2 additional 90 elbows.
Any advantage you see with your suggested design, is it to reduce the water volume in the pipe to control sump overflow during power outage?
 
ReefBot Lab, Automated Water Tester
nautical_nathaniel said:
I would make it an overflow with black acrylic or something, your going to have a different light over the refugium so you will want a solid barrier between it and the display side to prevent light blending. Also, if you ever use the refugium as a critter jail, you don't want it to have an escape route through any holes and such :)
Click to expand...

But how do you think water flow would work in this case, as return line outlet is at the top and overflow would also be on top, wont it get me stagnant water in the bottom of refugium? Do you suggest to add a small wave maker in the refugium section or a flexible return line pointed downwards.

I am planning to paint refugium front panel black and have black glass/acrylic partition.
 
www.dinkinsaquaticgardens.com
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