Starting new setup

[Erick Merfeld]

I've had a 55 gal tank for a little over a year and been trying to learn as much as possible about this hobby. Anyways, my current tank is sump less. I want to start a setup with a sump because I've read it is easier, healthier, and less maintenance.

So, some have been saying my 55 is most likely tempered glass. I just bought a 29 n 20l.

Main question:

Sell 55 n stand? Use 29 n 20 for sump?

Or, keep 55 n drill if possible for 29 or 20 sump?

Need suggestions thanks in advance!

 

[twilliard]

Tempered on the bottom pane
Drill the 55 as it is larger in volume

 

[Erick Merfeld]

A few people have told me the back panel is tempered as well. Is that true?

By the way, I've been on this site for quite some time now and your name pops up a lot. I've read a lot of your posts. Just wanted to say hi and thanks for your time.

 

[LetItReef]

55 as Main tank, 20 Sump and 29 Quarantine.

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

I would ditch/sell the 55g and buy a 40g breeder that you can drill and set up the 20g as a sump. Those are some of the nicest set ups.

 

[twilliard]

A few people have told me the back panel is tempered as well. Is that true?

By the way, I've been on this site for quite some time now and your name pops up a lot. I've read a lot of your posts. Just wanted to say hi and thanks for your time.

Well hi! And thank you
There is a sticker that identifies tempered panes. Basically says "do not drill"
I have never seen on a 55 stickers on the front or back.
They use tempered on the bottom for the weight applied.

 

[Busa1340]

Keep the 55 IMO and use the 29 for the sump. More water volume the better. And if you can't drill get a hang on back over flow. Don't go cheap on that part.

 

[Erick Merfeld]

I bought the tank used and don't remember seeing any sticker but I also don't want to try and drill n find out it is tempered and ruin the tank.

 

[Erick Merfeld]

Which hob would you suggest? I've heard nightmare stories about those!

 

[twilliard]

Which hob would you suggest? I've heard nightmare stories about those!

The horror stories are just that. Also usually problems occur from lack of maintenance.
The cpr overflow with the aqualifter pump is what I use
Keep the tubing free and clear, and the overflow air connection clear.
Never once an issue and running strong! DC9000 return pump at 90%

 

[Busa1340]

Yea but with anything else anything can fail they make good one that have a built in primer if the siphon happens to stop that will kick it back on for you. I had a 55 gallon with a eshopps hang on the back over flow for over a year with no problems I'm sure someone will chime in and give you updates in the new and improved ones.

 

[twilliard]

 

[Busa1340]

And this is the primer I was mentioning lol thanks @twilliard

 

[twilliard]

And this is the primer I was mentioning lol thanks @twilliard

Thats the thing with overflows, regardless the design or build air has to be evacuated its about maintaining them
Im more of a technical guy so cleaning the diaphragm valves are a piece of cake lol

 

[Erick Merfeld]

Toms aqualifter? Crp overflow? Is it really that simple? Lol

 

[Busa1340]

Yep

 

[Erick Merfeld]

Now for the next question

What return pump and skimmer for 55?

 

[Busa1340]

DC pumps are nice because you can adjust the speed I run a jeboa dct9000 which is plenty. Good thought is 10x the amount of water volume for the return and 3x the amount for a skimmer. I run the bubble magus curve 7 the bubble magus curve 5 would work great for you but there's a ton that would be great also.

 

[twilliard]

Depends on your goals

 

[twilliard]

I run the DC9000 with a Orphek Helix 5000 skimmer