Starting a 30 gallon tank

[tina.damos]

Hello,

I have had freshwater tanks in the past and have never had saltwater. I was given a 30 gallon flat hexagon tank. Before starting up I have been researching drilling and setting up a sump possibly. I need to see how much room I have in the stand because the door to under the stand is not very big. Do you think it would be a good idea to drill the tank and figure out a sump. Is it bad to drill an old tank? Not sure how old it is but has been sitting for a few years. I am very novice with all of this and want to start out to make things as easy as possible but on a budget. I also purchased a used skimmer that I will need to see if it will fit on a 10 gallon for the possible sump. It is a larger reef octopus skimmer so I'm not sure if that will fit. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Looking to set up things right at the beginning since I am so new to all of this. Thank you!

 

[Jason mack]

Hi , don’t know if you’ve read this yet , but some good advice in it!
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[tina.damos]

Not sure what you were trying to post Jason. I would love to read whatever it is.

 

[savetheocean]

If you can setup a sump do it. Also, if you can drill a hole I would, HOB overflows are annoying.

 

[tina.damos]

If you can setup a sump do it. Also, if you can drill a hole I would, HOB overflows are annoying.

I am nervous about the actual drilling and the room under the tank is an issue also. I just got the tank yesterday so I am going to measure and see if I can fit a 10 gallon under there. I know it will fit it's just the door to access it isn't very big. I have been watching a few diy 10 gallon sump videos and I think that will be the most cost effective. I just have to figure out the order of everything and how to plumb I suppose.

 

[Jason mack]

Not sure what you were trying to post Jason. I would love to read whatever it is.

I put the wrong link on by mistake , it is now corrected !!

 

[savetheocean]

I am nervous about the actual drilling and the room under the tank is an issue also. I just got the tank yesterday so I am going to measure and see if I can fit a 10 gallon under there. I know it will fit it's just the door to access it isn't very big. I have been watching a few diy 10 gallon sump videos and I think that will be the most cost effective. I just have to figure out the order of everything and how to plumb I suppose.

Post a picture of the tank?

 

[tina.damos]

I put the wrong link on by mistake , it is now corrected !!

I saw that. It's ok! I started reading it and has a lot of good info in there. Thank you! Much appreciated

 

[Jason mack]

Here’s another good link too read , for once your up and running !!
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/cycling-an-aquarium.306554/

 

[Jason mack]

An hexagonal tank can be difficult because of the stand and room you have under for your sump ! There are lots of threads on here over sump set ups , as the options are endless almost , my advice keep it simple , don’t forget that you will need room for a container or jerry can if you want too add an auto top off for your fresh rodi water .. you can use the search bar on here at the top too look for ideas for sumps or anything else , otherwise just post your questions , there’s always people willing too help and answer

 

[tina.damos]

An hexagonal tank can be difficult because of the stand and room you have under for your sump ! There are lots of threads on here over sump set ups , as the options are endless almost , my advice keep it simple , don’t forget that you will need room for a container or jerry can if you want too add an auto top off for your fresh rodi water .. you can use the search bar on here at the top too look for ideas for sumps or anything else , otherwise just post your questions , there’s always people willing too help and answer

Thank you very much Jason! I wanted to get water and start cycling tomorrow but I am going to wait and work on a sump. Lots of reading to do! And idk how good my building and plumbing skills are but I will try haha

 

[tina.damos]

Post a picture of the tank?

This was the picture that was sent to me. It doesn't have the canister filter, just an old HOB. The door is just the small rectangle on the front panel.

 

[Jason mack]

Check that the tank is not made of tempered glass before drilling , google it or check makers website ..just a thought but you never know !!!

 

[tina.damos]

Check that the tank is not made of tempered glass before drilling , google it or check makers website ..just a thought but you never know !!!

Good call. I remember seeing to check for that but totally forgot. I have watched so many youtube videos now they are starting to blurr together. It is a pretty old tank so idk if that means it is probably tempered or not.

 

[Jason mack]

If it’s an old tank probably not , it’s probably worth doing a leak test as well if it’s been standing dry for a long time , you can use tap water for this , I would probably do that before drilling as well ....

 

[tina.damos]

If it’s an old tank probably not , it’s probably worth doing a leak test as well if it’s been standing dry for a long time , you can use tap water for this , I would probably do that before drilling as well ....

I filled it up last night to the top and have it sitting. I saw for a good leak test to leave it for 48 hours. It lasted 12 hours so far with not a drop lost.

 

[tina.damos]

The used skimmer I bought is a HOB and fairly large. If I can do a sump with the room I have idk if it will fit in there. Will it still work if I put the skimmer on the main tank and have a sock on the pipe going in to the sump?

 

[HawaiianReef]

You could put a sponge filter on the skimmer, but if you could, a sump would be so much easier in the long run. And usually worth the headache in the beginning.
You can also take your tank to glass shop and have them drill it for you.

 

[tina.damos]

You could put a sponge filter on the skimmer, but if you could, a sump would be so much easier in the long run. And usually worth the headache in the beginning.
You can also take your tank to glass shop and have them drill it for you.

So it wouldn't work right if I made the sump but just left the skimmer on the tank? I would like to do the sump but I don't think the skimmer would fit so it would be left on the main tank along with the skimmer under. Not sure if that would work right though or if that made sense. The skimmer is on the way already otherwise I would have just got one for in the sump.

 

[HawaiianReef]

It would work hanging in the display tank, but not really appealing for some. Remember a skimmer needs a well controlled water level. The sump would do that for the display tank. The evaporated water lowers the level in the sump return, not the display. So the hob skimmer would work fine in th DT.