- Location
- Franklin Lakes, NJ
Do the sump... I've been kicking myself since day one for not doing it. Now I have to break down the tank to drill it.
Conflicting Advice, please help.
- Thread starter scriber17
- Start date
I'm not sure what happened..I posted something before...maybe it didn't take.
Anyways, I think everyone is right...I should just put in the sump now. It shouldn't cost much more. Does anyone know what diameter pvc I should be using for the sump? And what return pump would be good?
I've been researching skimmers but have not found a place with alot of reviews, I have looked at the skimmer thread but it seems like everyone uses a different one. I came up with the ETSS super reef devil. There was only one review on this, anyone else have experience with it? I understand that there are also different skimmer designs, is one better than another?
Anyways, I think everyone is right...I should just put in the sump now. It shouldn't cost much more. Does anyone know what diameter pvc I should be using for the sump? And what return pump would be good?
I've been researching skimmers but have not found a place with alot of reviews, I have looked at the skimmer thread but it seems like everyone uses a different one. I came up with the ETSS super reef devil. There was only one review on this, anyone else have experience with it? I understand that there are also different skimmer designs, is one better than another?
- Location
- NY
Scriber, good decision to go with the sump upfront. You'll be very glad you did.
For a 72g tank, you can use 1" drains and 3/4" return without any problem. Using a submersible pump inside your sump will save space but will add some heat to your tank. Using an external pump will save on the heat issue but requires more room to fit under your stand.
Before recommending a pump, I'd need to know how much head pressure you're working with (height from pump to return in tank + # of 90 degree elbows).
HTH,
Russ
For a 72g tank, you can use 1" drains and 3/4" return without any problem. Using a submersible pump inside your sump will save space but will add some heat to your tank. Using an external pump will save on the heat issue but requires more room to fit under your stand.
Before recommending a pump, I'd need to know how much head pressure you're working with (height from pump to return in tank + # of 90 degree elbows).
HTH,
Russ
Just on the basis of "it's what I know" I would use a sump, but, a very successful reef tank can be had using canister type filters. (Look at Reef Central Tank Of The Month for this month.)
As for lights, it seems you are leaning towards a reef with soft and LPS corals, your current 4X65 PC fixture will work fine for this reef. It is the exact setup I started with 6 years ago and I had tremendous growth from my Xenia, Hammer, Frogspawn, Zoos, even a Rose Bubble tip anemone thrived once the tank was mature. You can even keep some of the less light demanding clams such as a squammosa or derasa, once again, only when your tank matures. If you go with a sump, a 38 gallon tank is about as big as you can go, but it has to go in the stand BEFORE the tank is set on the stand. For skimmers, I used an ASM G-1x with great results.
Keep asking questions as these forums are key to success with the wealth of info and experience here.
Good Luck,
Bill
As for lights, it seems you are leaning towards a reef with soft and LPS corals, your current 4X65 PC fixture will work fine for this reef. It is the exact setup I started with 6 years ago and I had tremendous growth from my Xenia, Hammer, Frogspawn, Zoos, even a Rose Bubble tip anemone thrived once the tank was mature. You can even keep some of the less light demanding clams such as a squammosa or derasa, once again, only when your tank matures. If you go with a sump, a 38 gallon tank is about as big as you can go, but it has to go in the stand BEFORE the tank is set on the stand. For skimmers, I used an ASM G-1x with great results.
Keep asking questions as these forums are key to success with the wealth of info and experience here.
Good Luck,
Bill
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