salt nooby question

[BMUR]

i`ll be setting up my 130 gal in a couple months when i move into my new house,and want to do a reef tank.
just wondering what size sump should i use?and also some tips on what power heads/brand to use would be very helpful!
thanks in advance

 

[TMartinez]

be prepared to get several different answers...

I don't know anything about sump systems so I won't say what's good or not. I know companies like Oceanic/Coralife, Hydor/Koralia, Marineland, Fluval and Eheim are popular among this forum. Hopefully someone can give you more precise insight.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[dgk9723]

I would buy a 55 gallon and turn it into a sump. Koralias/hydor, aqueon, tunzes are nice reliable brands. Is your tank drilled? or are you gonna use a hob overflow?

 

[BMUR]

thanks for the replys guys!
no the tank is not drilled so i will be using a overflow box.
so 55 gal is what i`ll get then, just wasnt sure on how big i should go.
i`ll probably go with koralias too, is it better to have a few power heads opposed to just a couple larger ones? or does it even matter

 

[Mudslinger14]

I would get a 40b. More space to put things in imo.

 

[PEVINE11]

i`ll be setting up my 130 gal in a couple months when i move into my new house,and want to do a reef tank.
just wondering what size sump should i use?and also some tips on what power heads/brand to use would be very helpful!
thanks in advance

40 breeder would be a great choice!


powerhead i would recomend Vortech powerhead...........
tank that size, maybe two MP30's

 

[BMUR]

thanks for the input guys!
for the power heads you think 2 stronger ones would be good enough? its a 6 ft tank so i just want to make sure theres lots of current

 

[FLESHY]

As far as powerheads go, its hard to beat vortech. Two mp30's though most likely wont be enough. I know a guy that runs one mp40...but that is only a 90g aquarium.

Not enough flow for me.

I have a six foot 125g, and when I run into the $1500 I will need to upgrade to vortech, I will do it. Chances are this will never happen.

For the money, its hard to beat koralia, which is what I use, and many others do the same.

As far as sumps go, you cant really make it too big.

More h2o volume means better water quality.

It also means more safety in regards to pump/overflow failures.

It also gives you more room for fish solitary, growing macros, running reactors, and hiding skimmers and heaters.

GL to you sir, stick around, and make sure to post pictures!

 

[nonstophoops]

As far as powerheads go, its hard to beat vortech. Two mp30's though most likely wont be enough. I know a guy that runs one mp40...but that is only a 90g aquarium.

Not enough flow for me.

I have a six foot 125g, and when I run into the $1500 I will need to upgrade to vortech, I will do it. Chances are this will never happen.

For the money, its hard to beat koralia, which is what I use, and many others do the same.

As far as sumps go, you cant really make it too big.

More h2o volume means better water quality.

It also means more safety in regards to pump/overflow failures.

It also gives you more room for fish solitary, growing macros, running reactors, and hiding skimmers and heaters.

GL to you sir, stick around, and make sure to post pictures!

Fleshy and I share a lot of the same recommendations when it comes to this so he has pretty much listed what I would say as well.

Yes Vortech is amazing, but not many people need or can afford those. No need. Tunze is not as expensive, but still pretty pricy.

I would roll with the Koralias as well. You could go with 2 Koralia 5's or 4 4's or 2 5's and 2 4's depending on how much flow you like. All of those choices would be good to great for the flow you will need in a reef tank.

Bigger is better when it comes to sumps for all the reasons Flesh states. I would get the biggest one you can fit under your stand(or wherever you put it) and still be able to do work in there.

Get a big pump(like magdrive 18 or equivalent or bigger), big overflow box(at least 1200 gph), and use big plumbing(Flex hose to the sump and 2" or more PVC for the return).

55 gallon is not a bad choice if you do decide to go that route.

 

[dgk9723]

I would do what nonstop said with the powerhead like 2 5s and 2 4s would be perfect along with your return pump from the sump will add nice flow as well and you can split the return into 2 for an even flow then that would be much better.

55g would be good. a 40g is small period, if you arent affraid to spend money they sell the best sumps you can get out there. even at your requested dimensions but i think diy is a good way to go for experience along with a extra money in your pocket in some situations.