The noob of all noobs

[Freakshow]

So, I've been doing freshwater tanks for over 30 years. Picked up this 125g tank for $300 (with everything included) and decided I'm now old enough to start my journey into saltwater. Problem is that I'm totally clueless. I will be moving at a snail's pace as I learn but wondered if someone could tell me what I have here and if what I have is adequate for the tank. Here's the pics:

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[joshkirkland83]

I personally would not use that sump or skimmer. Id do some research on sumps with refugiums and a good quality skimmer.

 

[Freakshow]

Any recommendations on sumps and skimmers?

 

[joshkirkland83]

I like the Trigger sumps. I run vertex skimmers on my 75g and 90g. But skimmers get expensive. I would recommend a bubble magus. Good quality at an affordable price. Skimmers are like opinions though, everyone has a different one.

 

[redfishbluefish]

It also appears that the tank is not drilled. I'd consider a Glass-Holes 1500 gph overflow. The kit includes it all....even the drill bit.

As far as a sump, a DIY 40 Breeder would work just fine. Most likely least expensive option.

 

[joshkirkland83]

I say get a sump with a refugium because down the road as you get more advanced you could add macro algae, have a place to put unwanted critters, or even seahorses if you want. It keeps your options open in the future without having to get another sump or setup a seperate refugium.

 

[cu455]

If the sump holds water you can use it. It is set up for a wet/dry filter, where the water drops over non submerged media then flow under the baffle(wall). If you want a fuge you can raise the water level, move your skimmer to the first compartment and set up the second as a fuge. You can also remove the baffles and silicon them where you like.

The clear box in the 1st picture is half of an overflow box. You have a pump that pulls water from the sump and delivers some to the tank and some to what looks like a UV which then goes back into the sump.

The pump is a little old school and consumes lots of energy . It will work great but you might want to get something a little quiter and more energy efficient. Jeabo pumps is something to look into. If you don't want to get a new pump what you have will be fine.

The way you set up your tank will depend on budget, how simple/complex you want to make it and what you plan on keeping. Any lights under the canopy? Nice tank, stand and canopy.

 

[Freakshow]

Thanks all. Thinking of paying someone from the LFS to help me set something up, unless theres anyone on here local to the Tampa area. Then I would buy them a bottle of their favorite libation

 

[cu455]

Thanks all. Thinking of paying someone from the LFS to help me set something up, unless theres anyone on here local to the Tampa area. Then I would buy them a bottle of their favorite libation

Thats a good idea. Try the local fourms. If it comes down to you having to set it up it's not as complicated as it may seem. Just take it one step at a time.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/florida.528/

 

[Reefing Madness]

Might want to post here, if your looking for guys in your area:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/tampa-area-community.727/

 

[Freakshow]

There

If the sump holds water you can use it. It is set up for a wet/dry filter, where the water drops over non submerged media then flow under the baffle(wall). If you want a fuge you can raise the water level, move your skimmer to the first compartment and set up the second as a fuge. You can also remove the baffles and silicon them where you like.

The clear box in the 1st picture is half of an overflow box. You have a pump that pulls water from the sump and delivers some to the tank and some to what looks like a UV which then goes back into the sump.

The pump is a little old school and consumes lots of energy . It will work great but you might want to get something a little quiter and more energy efficient. Jeabo pumps is something to look into. If you don't want to get a new pump what you have will be fine.

The way you set up your tank will depend on budget, how simple/complex you want to make it and what you plan on keeping. Any lights under the canopy? Nice tank, stand and canopy.

There are two strip lights. One looks like normal lights and the other is for coral. I plan on doing a mixed tank. Just hoping for it to be as natural looking as possible. Haven't really given much thought to fish other than reef compatible fish. The wife definitely wants 2 clowns so that is the only thing I know for sure will be in there.