Random Newbie Questions

[Seawitch]

I have so many questions. Since some of them may be kind of dumb, I figured I should stay in the newbie forum and list a few of them here:

1. When I look at different reefscapes, I often see one or more islands of rock in the aquarium, but the back wall is usually covered (and you can't see in from the back). If you scape like that, won't there be lots of things happening in the back that you can't see, yet you have to have good circulation back there anyway? Does anyone ever scape the whole back wall so there isn't water circulating behind the rock?

2. Electrical: Is there something you need to do aside from having GFIs to prevent getting electrocuted or electrocuting your tank inhabitants? Do you need a subpanel? I seriously doubt that everything I want is going to fly on one circuit.

3. Mechanical: I have the feeling that between a pump and a protein skimmer, there's going to be some serious noise. So, should I plan ahead to figure out how to have the sump in another room? Is the noise going to be an issue?

4. Piping: Is it better to have the water returning to the DT over the side of the tank or through a hole drilled in the side? What do most people do?

That's good for starters. Thank you for any and all replies. I apologize in advance if something sounds dumb.

 

[Rscott]

everything you want to know is a click away on a youtube

 

[Scott Ulrich]

Welcome to R2R! Be patient and you'll get some answers I'm new as well, have a 40g set up for about 4 months now, but those are all legitimate questions.

1. Not sure, I keep mine not directly against the back glass.

2. I don't think most people run a separate breaker but if you are running a huge setup then maybe. I'm willing to bet most people don't run on a gfi but obviously that is a smart idea

3. Probably depends on your noise tolerance. If they are inside a stand that will cut some of the sound.

4. Mine goes over the top, you can get those return adapters on Amazon.

 

[Oscaror]

everything you want to know is a click away on a youtube

But they're also a question away on R2R

I have so many questions. Since some of them may be kind of dumb, I figured I should stay in the newbie forum and list a few of them here:

1. When I look at different reefscapes, I often see one or more islands of rock in the aquarium, but the back wall is usually covered (and you can't see in from the back). If you scape like that, won't there be lots of things happening in the back that you can't see, yet you have to have good circulation back there anyway? Does anyone ever scape the whole back wall so there isn't water circulating behind the rock?

2. Electrical: Is there something you need to do aside from having GFIs to prevent getting electrocuted or electrocuting your tank inhabitants? Do you need a subpanel? I seriously doubt that everything I want is going to fly on one circuit.

3. Mechanical: I have the feeling that between a pump and a protein skimmer, there's going to be some serious noise. So, should I plan ahead to figure out how to have the sump in another room? Is the noise going to be an issue?

4. Piping: Is it better to have the water returning to the DT over the side of the tank or through a hole drilled in the side? What do most people do?

That's good for starters. Thank you for any and all replies. I apologize in advance if something sounds dumb.

1. Yes! You're correct, the rock wall aquascape is a common beginner mistake. You want space behind the rock because it allows for better circulation and just looks better overall.

Rock wall:

Minimalist:

I understand that the tanks are also in completely different conditions but even with that it's still clear how the more spacious aquascape provides a better surface for corals to grow on and looks better.

2) Idk I never considered that, I'm interested too

3) Depends on the pumps, some will be quiet some will be loud. My reef octopus protein skimmer is super quiet but my iwaki return pump is constantly buzzing. A way to minimize return pump noise is to put it on somethign soft that'll absorb the vibrations.

4) Most people have a hole drilled to send water down INTO the pump, through an overflow system, but it's just unnecessary to drill return line. It doesn't really matter what method you choose, but there doesn't seem to be a benefit to drilling the return line so it's just a high risk low reward.

 

[Smprc]

Welcome to the hobby. Man, I have to say, you are about to get a million and one answers to your questions. I know you have been doing your homework and with that said, before I took the plunge I looked at as many tank build threads as I could. I looked at the tanks that I appreciated the most and to be honest decided not to reinvent the meal. I'm 2 years into my journey and it took one year to get the tank wet.

#1. To begin with, I have a peninsula style tank and can be viewed from 3 sides. I specifically chose this to address this question, plus I wanted a room divider and the 6' tank did just that. But back in the day when I had my 55, yes you can get creative but that back wall is just that a back wall with nothing to look at behind the rock. Water will find its way back there. I am not aware of any issues regarding the back wall other than aesthetics.

#2. GFI is a safety thing and one that shouldn't be taken lightly, with that said, 15 amps at 120V is quite a bit of power. Unless you are running some serious external pumps and thousands of metal halide watts, I am sure you will be fine. You just have to keep in mind what other none tank equipment is running on that same circuit. Are you planning on having the circuit be dedicated to the tank only? Many do this and well quite honestly, I think its over kill, however it really depends on the equipment you are running.

#3. My tank is separating the living and dining room. Quiet or Silence was the only option for me. My stand is closed and its very quiet. When the house has settled and I'm sitting there I can hear some water trickling and some faint hum of the pump. I have an elite reef octopus skimmer and I definitely can not hear it. Overall I am very satisfied.

#4. Pay close attention to this. IF I had to do this over again, I would have definitely had an overflow built in the tank. I used the 16" synergy ghost overflow, I do not know what my return flow is, but will say that my return pump is on setting 4 of 5 and its a Reef Octopus Varios 8. Check my thread out and you will see the salt creep and the fact that I struggled to get this to be absolutely silent. It finally did get silent, but I attribute that to the pump's reduced flow over time. I have not cleaned it since I set it up and its due. This and not adding check valves are my 2 greatest regrets.....LOL...I just reread your question and now I feel stupid for not actually answering it! But I am not about to delete what I wrote. ...the return lines I feel look better through the side instead of over the top, thats a personal preference and does not make a difference. Sorry about that.

Keep asking questions!!!

 

[Rscott]

Sorry I wasn't meaning to be rude with the youtube comment, I was just meaning there is so so so much on youtube and its a great place to learn.
I am considering starting my own tank and have learned lots and lots from many sources on youtube

Check out the bulk reef supply Chanel and also Tidal Gardens is awesome for coral information

 

[Seawitch]

Sorry I wasn't meaning to be rude with the youtube comment, I was just meaning there is so so so much on youtube and its a great place to learn.
I am considering starting my own tank and have learned lots and lots from many sources on youtube

Check out the bulk reef supply Chanel and also Tidal Gardens is awesome for coral information

That's okay Rscott. I'll take a look at what you suggest. Thank you.

 

[Rscott]

That's okay Rscott. I'll take a look at what you suggest. Thank you.

Make sure you post your build if you pull the trigger on anything! We can stay in touch both being newbies.
I have learned a good bit on the physical equipment and types of tank. I get a little hazy on all the chemistry

 

[Seawitch]

Make sure you post your build if you pull the trigger on anything! We can stay in touch both being newbies.
I have learned a good bit on the physical equipment and types of tank. I get a little hazy on all the chemistry

Absolutely, I will. I think you're my new best friend here. Get ready for some more newbie questions. I haven't even decided where to put the tank!

 

[Super Fly]

1. When I look at different reefscapes, I often see one or more islands of rock in the aquarium, but the back wall is usually covered (and you can't see in from the back). If you scape like that, won't there be lots of things happening in the back that you can't see, yet you have to have good circulation back there anyway? Does anyone ever scape the whole back wall so there isn't water circulating behind the rock?

yes that is correct, u want good flow with no dead areas.

2. Electrical: Is there something you need to do aside from having GFIs to prevent getting electrocuted or electrocuting your tank inhabitants? Do you need a subpanel? I seriously doubt that everything I want is going to fly on one circuit.

Hang the wires so there is always a drip loop and water wont make it's way to the plug. If recepeticle is not GFCI, u can get a GFCI extension like this. https://www.amazon.com/26020008-6-S...ocphy=9003468&hvtargid=pla-313052272940&psc=1

3. Mechanical: I have the feeling that between a pump and a protein skimmer, there's going to be some serious noise. So, should I plan ahead to figure out how to have the sump in another room? Is the noise going to be an issue?

It might if u r sensitive to noise. My previous tank's return pump was very noisy as it vibrated against the sump wall and it drove me nuts! Problem was it had flexible pipe which made the pump move from vibration. Had to constantly adjust it. Now I have return pump connected via pvc and no more vibration noise and tank is in basement instead of dining room.

4. Piping: Is it better to have the water returning to the DT over the side of the tank or through a hole drilled in the side? What do most people do?
That's good for starters. Thank you for any and all replies. I apologize in advance if something sounds dumb.

that depends whether u buy a reef ready drilled tank taht'l already have holes drilled or u want to customize non drilled tank. I think over the side would be unsightly in my opinion. And there is no such thing as dumb questions! Just beware of those who say "u MUST do it this way" bc what works for others may not work for u.

 

[Steve_Skullsplitter0]

1. Yes, need circulation behind your rocks. In my case i siliconed a few flat cutpieces to back wall. Which allowed me to place some frags and push rock scape into middle of tank. This helps elimanate no flow/dead spots.

2. If you have a large tank say over 120g. The equipment can use alot of juice. I use 2 dedicated gfci circuits, no subpanel needed.
( considered it though )

3. My sump is plumbed down into the basement. Certainly helps with noise. But your return pump has to be nearly twice the size. Once again 2 gcfi circuits.

4. My return goes over the top using return hole as emergency high drain in a Durso set up. I trickle flow into the emergency which also helps with noise.

5. I also used schedule 80 fittings, bulkheads, and pipe for strength. Deburr every cut end. Considerate it if your build budget allows it.

 

[Teri NewbieReefer]

Hi and Welcome to R2R, @Seawitch. Don’t worry about being a Newbie and having questions... all of us have been newbies at one point! (Some of us will always be newbies as we are always learning.)
Answering your questions:
Rock walls: I know some advocate rock walls, but it impacts water flow and definitely impacts your ability to clean the glass. I would also be concerned about detritus getting in where you cannot clean.
Electrical: Water. Electricity. Go with GFI. Most household circuits can handle the equipment required as long as you are not overloading it with non-tank items with high draws (irons, mixers, hot plates.)
Noise: Equipment and noise levels differ greatly... but putting felt or rubber mats under items that vibrate cuts down on noise. Plus items under the stand are muffled somewhat by the door.
Tank drilled or not: Can’t help you on this one as I only have experience with one type.... I converted one of my old FOWLR tanks that was made of tempered glass, so I had to go with the ol’ Over-the-edge piping. It works for me, but I also confess my next tank will be drilled as there is less to potentially go wrong.