Questions 75 gal with 30 gal sump

[Piker]

Hi all, first day!

I'm a first time reefer making lists and ordering supplies and have a few questions.

QUESTION ONE: I have a 75 gallon tank and stand that will not fit more than a 30 long sump inside, so I'm limited to that for a sump size. My first question is, will a sump made from a 30 gallon tank support the reef octopus classic? I'd also like room in the sump for a refugium, and a small area for filter media between the refugium and the return.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-octopus-classic-152-s-6-internal-protein-skimmer.html

I chose this skimmer because it allows lower water depths, but it's nearly 11 inch base scares me as the tank measures 12 inches wide. Any feedback regarding weather or not this will work will help.

QUESTION 2: I'm going to be drilling my tank for an overflow. The 16'' shadow overflow was suggested to me by a salesperson, but that consists of 3 pvc pipes leading to the sump, which seems excessive... I may have to move soon. I'm looking at using 2 max, and yeah I know I could fill one hole. I'm just wondering how you experienced folks would be handling your overflow.

QUESTION 3: For this size tank, and considering I plan on using two powerheads in my tank, which return pump would you suggest. I don't want to go overboard on flow, nor do I want to go under. In that regards, any info on how much flow I should be having would be appreciated! I've been told I want water movement at 10x the tank, does that include both the return pump and the powerheads?

I'd also like to know if there are any major benifits to having 2 return spouts into the tank, deciding if I should drill 4 holes in this tank!

QUESTION 4: I've got a list started including everything I plan on buying. I'd love feedback on what is over or under kill and what I got right. Thank you all so much in advance, I've hit a brick wall with some of these things and could use another set of eyes.

75 gal build

75 gallon tank
2x finnex hang on digital titanium heater 300w
new apex neptune system
reef octopus classic 152-s protien skimmer
2x water socks
16'' shadow overflow
2 Tunze 6095 powerheads
Tunze osmolator universal auto topoff

Lighting
aquatic life 48'' hybrid T5 light
x4 ati blue plus bulbs
x2 ati prime led module

This is where I'm currently at, I'm looking to raise lots of corals, fish and a snow eel.

 

[glb]

Are you sure the inside of the 30g is 12”, not the outside? That’s a pretty tight fit. You’ll want to make sure you can remove it for cleaning.

 

[Piker]

I'm sure it is, I'm wondering if it's that large all around and might possibly fit in sideways? I'd hate to have to build a new stand to accommodate a 40 inch breeder sump, but it's looking like I may have to.

 

[Piker]

The trigger systems ruby 36 sump will fit nicely under my tank. I guess I'm spending more cash, any advice on a skimmer?

 

[madweazl]

I run something similar to the Trigger 30 (2nd gen Eshopps) on my 75g and have been quite happy but my skimmer has a much smaller footprint. Build thread is in my signature and may have some ideas you can leverage. I'd go with dual 150w heaters vs the 300w units you have listed though. I'd also plumb all three drains and use it as intended.

 

[Piker]

Taking your advice on the heaters, but I think I'll be going to 200w in case one fails. I also like your plumbing response... to just do it , and I will lol. My build does seem similar to yours, I have no reactors though... hoping carbon or gfo bags just before the return will suffice.

Should I lead the 3rd overflow line above the refugium?

I'll try everything I have here, couldn't find any evidence that the 152s skimmer will fit in a ruby 36 sump, but I'll try it and send it back if not.

Also, I couldn't find your pump so I'm just going to get a ventra m1, which seems close.

Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

[madweazl]

The emergency line is a matter of preference; some leave it above the water line so they get an audible clue that something is wrong and know to check it. My opinion, if you're that oblivious to what is going on with your system, you have other issues. In regard to return pumps, I wouldnt bother with a DC personally; I got the Waveline in a trade so it didnt cost me anything but I'd have gone with an Eheim (1260 or 1262 with a ball valve to adjust flow) if I was spending money. The Vectra pumps have a less than stellar reliability record so if DC is a must, you may want to look elsewhere.

 

[Piker]

I've been on the fence, I can get behind an ehiem, thank you. Will this be sufficient if I do add reactors in the future as well?

Also, is there a benefit to having two holes in your display for return instead of the one? I think I'll have plenty of water movement with my powerheads.

 

[madweazl]

If a single return meets your flow requirements, there is no need for a second. I'm a symmetrical kind of guy so I had to drill two. I 1262 should be fine for running a reactor or two off of as well unless you really want 10x turnover going through the sump (I dont think there is any reason this is needed). I run somewhere in the neighborhood of 5-6x turnover through the sump now I believe.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

I recently finished my 75 build.

I went with am eshopps L overflow. I like having the 3 pipes for the bean animal setup. Just nice piece of mind that there are two backups there in case of an issue with the main drain line.

I built my sump out of a 40B

My bubble trap is maybe two inches apart with two slotted plates that hold foam blocks. Can easily stash media bags and such there

 

[Piker]

I picked out an ehiem pump that will give me around 600 GPh accomidating for pressure. I like your sump bag! I wish a 40 breeder would fit in my stand!

 

[Bayareareefer18]

I picked out an ehiem pump that will give me around 600 GPh accomidating for pressure. I like your sump bag! I wish a 40 breeder would fit in my stand!

I really like this baffle kit. Got it in eBay from fijicube. On their website they have kits for different sizes

When I built my stand I thought I would have all sorts of extra room with the 40B. Lesson learned. Need to really think about what overall internal dimensions will be and how much space you lose from the 2x4 framing