Real clueless dyslexic thickie here

[Jellybean]

Hi all.
I am just about to begin setting up my first proper saltwater tank. I intend to keep fish but hopefully some coral too further down the line.
I have a 4 foot 250 litre tank. I also have a 3 foot tank which I am hoping to use as a sump. (Still don't really know what a sump is).
What I am looking for is a diagram of how to set up.
My research on this forum has so far told me I need a protein skimmer, a heater, a light and a pump. But I really have no idea what equipment can stand in the sump?, what stands beside it?, what needs to be connected to what?, should there be a second section inside the sump to house live rock for filtering? what is a refugium, how do I know how powerful a pump and skimmer to get, If the skimmer and pump are housed in the sump can the equipment stand taller than the sump? or does it need to be submerged?
I really cannot understand written explanations but I can follow diagrams

I really do have no idea but I want to learn and am capable of learning. I just need a diagram which shows what connects to what, what plumbs to what what equipment I need, and where exactly it goes.

Jellybean

 

[Shep]

Welcome! This should help out a bit https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/ne...guide-setting-up-saltwater-reef-aquarium.html

 

[Jellybean]

Thanks Shep. I did have a look at that but there is no actual diagram. I am looking something that looks like this: but perhaps a little more detailed and as recommended by you guys:
Diagram of a modern reef aquarium with sump and refuge

 

[melypr1985]

Hi all.
I am just about to begin setting up my first proper saltwater tank. I intend to keep fish but hopefully some coral too further down the line.
I have a 4 foot 250 litre tank. I also have a 3 foot tank which I am hoping to use as a sump. (Still don't really know what a sump is).
What I am looking for is a diagram of how to set up.
My research on this forum has so far told me I need a protein skimmer, a heater, a light and a pump. But I really have no idea what equipment can stand in the sump? , what stands beside it?, what needs to be connected to what?, should there be a second section inside the sump to house live rock for filtering? what is a refugium, how do I know how powerful a pump and skimmer to get, If the skimmer and pump are housed in the sump can the equipment stand taller than the sump? or does it need to be submerged?
I really cannot understand written explanations but I can follow diagrams

I really do have no idea but I want to learn and am capable of learning. I just need a diagram which shows what connects to what, what plumbs to what what equipment I need, and where exactly it goes.

Jellybean

1.A sump is a second tank that holds your filtration equipment, adds water volume to your system (making it more stable), and sometimes houses a refugium.
2.There are all kinds of ways to set up a sump. Traditionally your Display's water will overflow into one side of the sump, pass through a filter sock then a skimmer, then to the refugium then out again on the opposite side. (just keeping it simple, there are so many ways to do it and equipment to use)
3.When you shop for a skimmer, there are some that sit inside the water and some that sit outside. The info on each will tell you how many gallons its rated for. Get one that is appropriate for your system.
4. some equipment can stick up above the rim of the sump, like a skimmer, but that depends on how much room you have under the stand.

Sorry, I have no diagrams, but hope this will help take the panic out of your posts. You'll get it. There are tons of great people on here and some of them are fond of making diagrams. I'm sure they will chime in with a few for you!

 

[Bensadork]

And Jellybean, be prepared to empty your wallet on many occasions. The hobby is expensive but quite worth it. You might want to search around any classifieds in your local area such as craigslist or things along that line. (not sure if there is a craigslist in england) You would be suprised at what people are getting rid of and for what price. You might just come across something that someone has already built that would be perfect for your needs.