Salt Water A.D.D

thejuice24 · Sep 27, 2016

I m sorry, but I have to ask people out there in the world? Am I the only one out there that seem to hit road block after roadblock with the start up process?

HOB Vs DIY Sump
Drilled Or HOB overflow

I get this is the love of the hobby and I m excitied to start, I m just wondering if I m the only that seems completely overwhelmed? I ve done fresh for almost 15 years now and this is just one critical decision (seems like after another) [emoji13] [emoji13] [emoji13] [emoji13] [emoji13] [emoji13] [emoji13]

Kershaw · Sep 27, 2016

It can be overwhelming. I would never recommend hang on the back set up. They have all in one tanks now where the sump is on the back. Unless there is a budget issue there is no reason in my opinion to go hang on the back. I think there is a basic starting point with setting up a tank. That most agree. Things like sand or bare bottom for instance has its pros and cons. And I think it's best to try both and see what you like. Best bet is to find locals and look at there set ups. See what you like and don't like. But with hang on the back stuff there is always a extra risk for a mess. Here is a picture of a hang on back skimmer. From some one I new. Oh actually. Hob is great for QT set ups.

thejuice24 · Sep 27, 2016

Thanks for the quick reply and the advice. I've come to terms on some of the basic setup, going to go shallow live sand bed (love the look and advantages of bio filtration), pretty set on starting with dry rock and letting take its time establishing. I m just at the point where I have all these part and pieces to make this happen and my newly built fish corner in my basement looks like a bomb went off at petco. For a lack of a better terms.

Wiz · Sep 27, 2016

Yup that's how we see who's worthy! Lol. If you make it to a stable system you are in.
A live sand bed will not do much for filtration if not deep. But deep is complicated.
I second the sump and drilled. No hob!
If your into natural filtration, I recomend a good sized refugium. But again it can be hard.
Hold on through the rough. I promise freshwater is not nearly as rewarding.

Welcome ti the addiction ;-)

thejuice24 · Oct 1, 2016

Well just to give you guys an update - successfully drilled the tank tonight, went with a Eclipse S overflow box. Tommorow will be likely putting in the sump baffles and hard plumbing. Feeling a little more confident now that the tank is drilled and close to ready. Thanks for the advice and inspiration!