Adding sump/refug to 75g NON reef ready??

[jcm1229]

I have a 75g Oceanic Show tank (not reef ready) that I plan to convert from FW to reef in March or April. The tank is in my living room so it needs to be quiet and virtually flood proof or the wife will not be happy.

I'd like to add a sump and refugium. I know the benefits of having separate sump and refugium, but what are folks opinions of some kind of combo?? My needs for the refugium would be to grow some macro and pods and maybe throw a few frags in there. The sump would basically have my heater and a skimmer.

Additionally, in the vain of minimizing flood potential, should I be concerned about using an overflow box or would it be better to have my tank drilled to use a traditional overflow??

Any and all comments will be appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[reefann]

If you tank is acrylic I would drill it. If its glass I personally would not take the risk. Overflow boxes can be a pain if you dont get a good one. We are using a tide pool on my 210g and I like it. To prevent flooding make sure you return from the sump or fuge does not sit low in the aquarium!! Hope any of this helps any other questions just ask
JJ
_________________
Mercedes C112

 

[Lurshy]

I have the same tank and am in the same boat as you. FWIW, as I convert my FOWLR to reef, I will initially be doing it without the sump. I am installing new lighting, and a Kalwasser reactor with a dosing pump to keep the water level constatant and add calcium.

The biggest danger of flood from what I've read, seems to come from loss of siphon in the overflow while the return pum is still on. This can happen due to clog (more often with j tube types), reduced water levels (no auto top off and you don't keep up with evaporation), Poor design that will not withstand a power outage (Pump stops, tank drains enough to lose siphon, on pump retart, siphon doesn't get restarted = flood. Airbubble buildup in siphon, reducing drain flow or causing siphon loss.

You can probably moinimze risks with low sump level, and keep some excess capacity in the show tank under normal circumstances.

You can also minimize the risks by using quality hang-on overflow equipment. From lurking on the boards it seems that lifereef has the best reputation for this type of product.

My tank was started as a Fowlr, and it is not coming down as I convert it to reef. If it was I would have it drilled for a proper overflow. Quality LFS or glass shop will do this.

I don't know how a refugium will effect the risk here, especially as there are many ways to set it up, but as you would have more water external to your show tank moving around, the risk is probably higher.

HTH

 

[CAT]

I have a Lifereef overflow and have never had any problems with it. I can't see how the syphon can break unless you pull the U-tube out, and it just needs reg maintenance.

HTH

 

[CAT]

One question though... Have you ever used copper in that tank? Won't be easy to get rid of if you have.

 

[jcm1229]

No! Its been a planted tank - Only thing added has been water. In a year, I haven't even run carbon!!

 

[CAT]

Cool

Have fun,
Cherry

 

[31-2c]

if you can find a glass company that will guarantee their work, have it drilled.

 

[LFS42]

I would drill it.
I had trouble sleeping when I had a overflow box.