New to saltwater, few questions.

J604 · Aug 20, 2017

Hello friends,

I am flirting with the idea of converting my tank into saltwater. It's 120g good filtration, and I have Metal Halide fixtures already going... now I am looking to put a sump in, don't want to drill, am looking for a over hang style sump if anyone can point me to the right direction. Also am thinking of going with live sand/live rocks... is it really worth the price? I don't mind waiting the cycle to finish, I am very patient. But maybe there are other advantages that I do not know with the live sand. I want a nice ecosystem if I can get it.

Thank you for your time.

Jason mack · Aug 20, 2017

Hello and welcome , if you go with live rock and sand Your tank wont need long too cycle if you add a bacteria as Well , with this method you dont always know what you get in hichhickers that come with the live rock , sometimes iTs good stuff and sometimes its things you dont want , if you go with dry rock and go through a full cycle iT takes time for the bacteria too build up so Your looking at Anything from 6-10 weeks too cycle .. but you dont get any undesireables in Your tank for now ..

Jason mack · Aug 20, 2017

This Will help
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/cycling-an-aquarium.306554/

Jason mack · Aug 20, 2017

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

J604 · Aug 20, 2017

Thanks Jason, nice articles... but still am looking for an answer for my sump situation... is there such thing as too big of a sump?

Daddy-o · Aug 20, 2017

J604 said:
Thanks Jason, nice articles... but still am looking for an answer for my sump situation... is there such thing as too big of a sump?

No there is not. I like the CPS CS line of overflow boxes. Make sure to get one that is rated for more flow than your return pump.
Cheers! Mark

J604 · Aug 20, 2017

Awesome! Thanks Mark, cps cs is a brand and make i assume?

DesertReefBoy · Aug 20, 2017

I would personally go with the largest sump you can afford. It is always real nice to have a large refugium. Large refungiums are awesome natural filters and pods are great to have.

If you are as patient as you say you are (I'm not a super patient person) then go with 100% dry rock and sand. This will ensure no unwanted pests down the road.