another newbie attempting a 80g sw

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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doomsau

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 17, 2009
124
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olympia, washington
So i picked up an 80 gallon tank which i was told it was previously used as a reef tank. i paid $100 for the tank, instant ocean protein skimmer, P.C. lights (four bulbs but the two acentic were no good) ballasts, sand, HOB overflow, maxi jet 1200,900,600, Rio 600 and a big return pump looks like a huge power head. but no sump.

When the tank is complete i plan to have a volitan lionfish but not much else.

Ive got a 35 gallon tank to use for the sump i just need to find the right design and what to put in it such as live rock, plants, creatures and the placement of the pump and skimmer. So can anyone point me in the right direction?

i am also going to building the stand and hood/light enclosure so i think i will start with that while i find more info about the sump design.
 
Welcome!:headbang2

You're going to need an overflow box and return for that sump. Or you can drill the sides and do that. Don't drill the bottom though. Doing an overflow would be the best.

Just ask any question and we will do our best to answer.
 
I think he mention that he got a hob overflow, looks like you got an awesome deal for $100. If you plan on a fish only tank, your pretty much there. Depending on what you actually want in the tank, you can put live rock in the sump or in the tank. That will deff be benefical to the tank. Fish only can be pretty easy, when you start getting in to soft, hard corals or inverts. Thats when you need more stuff and time.
 
yea, ive got a hob overflow i guess my main question would be is their any plans allready made up for a sump build for what im going to try? ive seen tons of plans for diy sumps but they are mostly for reef tanks.

also ive seen on other posts that you need a pound per gallon of live rock, would that be true for a fish only?

would i have a use for a in-sump refugium? bio-balls?
 
congrats on joining the salty side of life!
 
thanks all. as for that sump design it looks about what ive been finding i guess i just over complicated things. ive got some old tanks, would i be able to use the glass instead of the acrylic? ive cut glass before and im sure i can do it. ill try and get some pics of the stand when i attack it this weekend.
 
Mmm, yes get a fuge sump. A nice big one like Mouse posted.
 
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