sump DEAL OR NO DEAL

[ninnybone]

im getting a sump for my 75g im getting 29gtank glass glass silacone bioballs miracle mud pump 2200gph CPR overflow w/pump j tube plumbing 29g of salt water setup and delivered $580 ive been going to his store for awhile and always seems to give me a good deal.my ? is is this a fair price and does this sound good for 75g

 

[dnorton1978]

My initial asnwer is no. I got a 40 gallon fuge with baffles made at my lfs for $100. As for the bioballs, most people here do not recommend them for a reef tank. Maricle mud as well gets mixed reviews.

As for the size of the sumo, it is fine, but the rule of thumb is bigger is better. I feel the size is fine. Hopefully some of the other guys will chime in with more help..

 

[Joew]

Yeah, dosen't sound like a deal to me. Remember most LFS's make there money on drygoods which usually markup quite abit. Would be cheaper to do it yourself. Pickup a 40 breeder (wider than a 29g) etc..Have a glass shop cut some glass baffles for you and start gluing.

Regards,
Jdbya
_________________
Woodsball

 

[ninnybone]

thats a drag thought it sounded a little high but im new to this and dont know how to do myself. im a roofer not a reefer (not yet anyway)at least i will know how to do it myself for my bigger tank

 

[dnorton1978]

One thing you can do is this. Look at Petco or Petsmart(bare with me) for a 40 gallon breeder tank or even a 30 gallon. It will be less than $100 You can probably handle getting some glass cut locally at Home depot or lowes for baffles. Start a DIY forum on that topic on this site in the DIY area. Some knowledgeable people visit that area often. They could walk you through it step by step. It will be a good way to get your feet wet (hopefully not literally). On top of that you should be able to save some money too. Hope that helps.

 

[Anonymous]

I would skip the bio-balls and mud stuff. I build a 40 breeder sump for about $120. IIRC the tank was about $100. The glass and silocone cost me about $20. Here is a construction shot to show how easy it is.

Keep in mind you will need to fit this through your stand door so that may be a limiting factor on how big the sump tank can be.

 

[ninnybone]

thanks,but already paid to have built so have to try one when i turn my bow face into saltwater.i like to spend money local so hope i didnt get beat to bad 8O

 

[shavo]

you paid the money have them change the design, did you say your getting a 29 gallon tank with bioballs for 580 dollars? that is more than X paid for his whole system, look at his thread under tank specifications, you can get an idea of how to DIY. if not ask we'll help you out.

 

[ninnybone]

so are you saying to put lr in place of bio balls if so why. i mean what is the reason and as far as miracle mud ive heard alot of people ? it but ive seen some beautiful tank owners swear by it and it sounds good to me.why should i not use it. :?

 

[dnorton1978]

A lot of the guys here use refugiums. They contain live rock sometimes LR rubble and macro algae(plants). The purpose imo is that it simulates a natural filtration system. The plant eat nitrate phosphate and other bad things from the water.

Bioballs can become nitrate factories over time. They will build up gunk and create problems over time. When I set up my new tank I had a wet dry for about a month or so, then I switched to the refugium.

 

[ninnybone]

thanks for everythjng i guess i can understand no bio balls but still havent heard good reason not to use miricle mud but thinks for everything i was thinking about getting one of those hang on tank ref
ugium hope that helps

 

[ChrisRD]

A good reason not to use miracle mud is that it's expenvise and totally unnecessary. Do a search on this site for it and you'll find lots of interesting information including some folks who did an independent analysis of it and basically determined that the only "miracle" is that anyone pays that sort of money for dirt. :wink:

I agree with the others that if this is going to be a reef tank, skip the bioballs. Put the money you save not buying that stuff toward a good skimmer and quality live rock.

 

[shavo]

take that as gospel

 

[dnorton1978]

PREACH IT!!!!

 

[Lizzy & Me]

Ninnybone,

I see you are in DuQuoin. Craigslist.org can be a great resource for these. I found this one in St. Louis and I bet he is negotiable. I have been able to find a lot of good equipment this way. Here is the link.

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/for/277242120.html

 

[ninnybone]

thanks. that really hurts i would say i really got taken. that looks like alot better deal wow maybe i go that way for my sons bigger tank that we are getting ready to turn into salt thank you

 

[Lizzy & Me]

It is important to support your LFS if you extract a lot of information from them. They can be a great asset in a time of crisis. So I would look at it is an investment in consultation and make them aware you could have purchased on line but prefer to purchase locally just for that reason. With that being said the used market can be a great resource, especially since you are computer literate!

 

[ninnybone]

thats how i feelabout it to.i like the guy knows what he is talking about.plus DuQuoin is a small town and i fill lucky to have a fish store in town (other then wal mart :x )and would like to keep him around not always about the money but at this rate im going to be in the cheese line. thanks again