Setting up a 125 with sump

[Richard Hershkowitz]

Hello,

I am looking to set up a 125 gallon reef tank with a sump for my parents. I am able to get a used tank for a reasonable price that has dual overflows and everything for the sump but just not the sump itself. I was wondering if you guys had any estimates on how much start up will be for the sump, pumps, and everything else I would need to get this tank started. I already have a light, heater, sand, RO system, salt, and the basics for them from having a tank myself.

Thanks,
Richie

 

[Tedzilla]

If you are asking about price, then you are probably trying to save a few bucks. That's my arena. So, I got an old 29gal aquarium from Goodwill. Try perusing Craigslist for one. I got a 75gal and 55gal off the free section of CL and the 75 is my main DT. You'll then need to add baffles. I did three on the protein skimmer side, and 2 on the return side. I got acrylic at an auction, but you can probably get a glass store to cut them for you for $5-$8 a baffle. Then you'll need silicon. If you get 100% clear silicon, you'll be fine using the cheaper large tubes from the hardware store. I used GE's 100% clear all purpose. Again, you'll want to peruse craigslist for the Protein skimmer, and return pump, as well as a heater and light. I just click "all" under "for sale" and type "saltwater aquarium" in the search bar. Make sure you bring a bucket, and fill it with water, and plug everything in to make sure it works before purchasing. Also, if you live in a small town, search the largest and closest cities within reasonable driving range. If you plan on using rubble in the refugium, KB reefs has the best bargain and here is a link.

https://www.kb-reefs.com/products/rufugium-reef-rubble

I used the leftover acrylic to build an algae turf scrubber, and got everything used in my sump except for the protein skimmer's pump which cost me $40 because I didn't take my own advice and turn it on (the protein skimmer when I bought it), but all said and done... It cost me under $200.

 

[Richard Hershkowitz]

Holy cow that’s way cheaper than I thought. Thank you for the great advice, I really appreciate it!

 

[Tedzilla]

Well, everyone will have their own experience when going through Cl. But haggle the best price when you can, and you can do very well. If you look under the DIY section of this forum, you'll find ways to make protein skimmers, build sumps, and ATS. In the end, the sum might not look the prettiest, but still be fully functional. I'll post a link to my budget build thread, for you to peruse through at your leisure.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-member-super-budget-build.367870/

 

[jakeh22]

If you are asking about price, then you are probably trying to save a few bucks. That's my arena. So, I got an old 29gal aquarium from Goodwill. Try perusing Craigslist for one. I got a 75gal and 55gal off the free section of CL and the 75 is my main DT. You'll then need to add baffles. I did three on the protein skimmer side, and 2 on the return side. I got acrylic at an auction, but you can probably get a glass store to cut them for you for $5-$8 a baffle. Then you'll need silicon. If you get 100% clear silicon, you'll be fine using the cheaper large tubes from the hardware store. I used GE's 100% clear all purpose. Again, you'll want to peruse craigslist for the Protein skimmer, and return pump, as well as a heater and light. I just click "all" under "for sale" and type "saltwater aquarium" in the search bar. Make sure you bring a bucket, and fill it with water, and plug everything in to make sure it works before purchasing. Also, if you live in a small town, search the largest and closest cities within reasonable driving range. If you plan on using rubble in the refugium, KB reefs has the best bargain and here is a link.

https://www.kb-reefs.com/products/rufugium-reef-rubble

I used the leftover acrylic to build an algae turf scrubber, and got everything used in my sump except for the protein skimmer's pump which cost me $40 because I didn't take my own advice and turn it on (the protein skimmer when I bought it), but all said and done... It cost me under $200.

Hey I see a major no no !!!!!!! The hose clamp in the water of the return pump is going to rust out and leach metals in the tank!!! If you are going to give advice have you’re tank in check first...just saying

 

[Reefing Madness]

Hey I see a major no no !!!!!!! The hose clamp in the water of the return pump is going to rust out and leach metas in the tank!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Double...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PST1Y7RZPB5KX64Q2X11

 

[Tedzilla]

Hey I see a major no no !!!!!!! The hose clamp in the water of the return pump is going to rust out and leach metals in the tank!!! If you are going to give advice have you’re tank in check first...just saying

Don't drink so many cups of coffee, guy. That clamp was in when I was doing a test run with tap water. All that water is long gone, and so is the clamp.

 

[Tedzilla]

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Double...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PST1Y7RZPB5KX64Q2X11

How do I delete my profile? Clearly, I don't need to interact with people on here. I've only been having saltwater tanks for 25 years and don't know what I am doing it seems.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Really?? Taking this a bit bad aren't we? No harm was meant on the post. Just a link to the plastic parts that most use in SW

 

[Tedzilla]

I'm not over here huddled in a corner crying. I'm asking a legitimate question of a staff member. I don't think being on here, serves me any purpose after this interaction. I've helped some people, learned some things... But ultimately, beyond cursing be banned... It's not a whole lot different than the rest of the internet and it's ilk. Ugh... the general public. I'd like to have seen a "like" on a helpful post from a staff member; instead of the liking of a post that jumped to conclusions and was not at all friendly (it was edited a few times- and it still sucks). If I was taking it bad, I'd take the petty route and get myself banned- problem solved. I'll ask dbl instead.

 

[Pivitol]

I'm not over here huddled in a corner crying. I'm asking a legitimate question of a staff member. I don't think being on here, serves me any purpose after this interaction. I've helped some people, learned some things... But ultimately, beyond cursing be banned... It's not a whole lot different than the rest of the internet and it's ilk. Ugh... the general public. I'd like to have seen a "like" on a helpful post from a staff member; instead of the liking of a post that jumped to conclusions and was not at all friendly (it was edited a few times- and it still sucks). If I was taking it bad, I'd take the petty route and get myself banned- problem solved. I'll ask dbl instead.

Take your own advice "Don't drink so many cups of coffee guy" someone called out an issue in a picture, someone else posted a fix for it and you get all bent out of shape. We are all here for the same reasons to learn and share the hobby, don't take it personal when you are wrong.

 

[Tedzilla]

Here we go... The 'internet' ladies and gentlemen.

 

[Pivitol]

Oh sorry I forgot your the victim of the internet

 

[Tedzilla]

No, just not the trash floating around on it.