Thinking about starting a Fish only system.

[slammy]

So, about 5yrs ago I setup a 10 gallon reef with an aqua clear 30, heater, AI Prime, live rock, live sand and cycled it all natural.. aside from that red algae bloom one time, It did really well for 3yrs then I just became lazy had more kids and u know how it goes.. That’s as far as my experience goes, bare minimum. So u can say I’m new to the hobby. So my kids are now 11, 10 and 7 and have been begging me to start up another but this time on a much bigger scale! I have room for a 60”x24”x24 peninsula style aquarium. For me that’s a big upgrade.. I wanna do everything right from the jump. If it means ordering a custom aquarium and sump or a plug and play system. I’m basically crying out for help as all this is a bit overwhelming..
Internal/External overflow? Bean animal?
How many Check valves, how many regular valves.? What kind of pump? What kind of skimmer? Or no skimmer? Refugium or not? UV or no? How to set up sump? If I do a fudge, do I do it post filter or pre? Filter Socks or no socks? Maybe just filter pad? Is that cheaper, less maintenance? Or just wet dry since it maybe a fish only for a while, or what if I may wanna add zoas later on?
Cycle naturally? Live rock? Life rock? Live sand, no sand? Syphoned water changes? Or just plumb a return line to a drain? Good RODI or just ok? Or is it easier for me to purchase Rodi and saltwater from my LFS?
Lol, all this is stressing me out.. Who’s ever out there send help my way, please.
Thank you

 

[SPR1968]

You might find this useful to start out

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

And Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[slammy]

Thanks a lot SPR1968.
Thanks for posting that info..!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I set up a fish only system and talk about very basic
Two Nero 5 pumps, 3 LED lights, titanium heater, ATO, small sump and return pump
No sand and a few rubber like pieces from the show “Tanked”
Resin would work also

 

[sawdonkey]

If I were to set up a fish only, I’d do an external overflow to keep things clean looking. I’d have a super simple one-baffle sump with ATO, a big skimmer for the big dirty fish I’d have, a heater, and I’d run enough biopellets to deplete the system of NO3 and keep PO4 down, with the purpose of keeping fish healthy but also minimizing maintenance/glass cleaning...keeping the tank pretty.

 

[rmay6850]

Nutrient removal is key on this type of system, all else is what looks good to you and how much you can or willing to spend
Good luck sounds like fun times ahead

 

[slammy]

I set up a fish only system and talk about very basic
Two Nero 5 pumps, 3 LED lights, titanium heater, ATO, small sump and return pump
No sand and a few rubber like pieces from the show “Tanked”
Resin would work also

That is basic, bare bones!!
Sounds too good to be true, lol..

 

[slammy]

If I were to set up a fish only, I’d do an external overflow to keep things clean looking. I’d have a super simple one-baffle sump with ATO, a big skimmer for the big dirty fish I’d have, a heater, and I’d run enough biopellets to deplete the system of NO3 and keep PO4 down, with the purpose of keeping fish healthy but also minimizing maintenance/glass cleaning...keeping the tank pretty.

So, literally: no socks? Just a skimmer and bio pellet reactor? As far as filtration..

 

[slammy]

Nutrient removal is key on this type of system, all else is what looks good to you and how much you can or willing to spend
Good luck sounds like fun times ahead

Fun times?? Lol, this is stressing me out more than when I found out I was having my daughter!!!

 

[vetteguy53081]

That is basic, bare bones!!
Sounds too good to be true, lol..

You saw pic- no more- no less. There is a filter sock at sump.

 

[slammy]

What do u guys think of this? I’d obviously would love to not spend the big bucks put this thing seems plug and play.. there’s a small fuge but it’s post filtration?

 

[slammy]

I have the option of having the sump outside of the tank and to the side.. easier to work on.
That will give me freedom under the tank Ultimately that means I can finagle a smaller sump and do a separate kinda thing under the tank if need be

 

[rmay6850]

Not a fan of socks, a lot of work

I’ve added a Trigger platinum sump with a filter roller and couldn’t be happier.. it is a mixed reef but the filter roller reduces the maintenance considerably

 

[rmay6850]

Outside in same room equals more noise..and odor possibly

 

[rmay6850]

I have terrible knees and a bad back so I get the “not under the tank piece”

 

[slammy]

I hear ya, I’m definitely gonna build some sort of sound cabinetry piece of furniture..

 

[slammy]

Not a fan of socks, a lot of work

I’ve added a Trigger platinum sump with a filter roller and couldn’t be happier.. it is a mixed reef but the filter roller reduces the maintenance considerably

I’ve seen those and the same sump manufacturer uses Clarisea Roller. Isn’t that a lot of moving parts and float switches, just worried about more things going wrong?
Have u ever just used filter pad/floss. I feel like a long roll that I can cut will be a cheap alternative and will last me a while, no?

 

[slammy]

I have terrible knees and a bad back so I get the “not under the tank piece”

Sorry about the knees and back..
I’m kinda on the young side myself and have battled through injuries for what seems to be my entire life!!
Hang in, don’t stay stagnant!

 

[rmay6850]

Nope.... head down push forward

 

[rmay6850]

Sorry about the knees and back..
I’m kinda on the young side myself and have battled through injuries for what seems to be my entire life!!
Hang in, don’t stay stagnant!

glad they are still going strong, enjoy, utilize, and treat them well ..knees and back that is