Hi everyone. Im new here and ive been trolling around looking at the stickys and other posts. Iv learned alot but im still confused on what to do. I have a 125g tank and 2 fluval 405 conister filters that has always been used for freshwater. I went to a local spot that specializes in saltwater fish and he wants me to spend $1000 to retro fit my tank and get a sump setup. he also said i can use my canisters if id like but wouldnt recomend them. Im curious on how to start this. Where do i put a protein skimmer? do i still need a sump? Do i just fill my tank with salt/water and bio materials in my filters and turn them on? If i need to use a sump can i use my old 50g or 20g tank? any help id like to get my tank started so i can begin the process and eventualy have some fish and coral. I want semi reef tank mostly fish but a good amount of reef. thanks!
what to do?
- Thread starter ramz28
- Start date
I would get different filters if I were you (does your budget allow for that?)
Just do a sump/fuge setup yourself. If you have a sump, put the skimmer in the sump.
Yes, use your 20g as a sump and set up the 50gal sharigng water with the main system and keep something delicate.
Just do a sump/fuge setup yourself. If you have a sump, put the skimmer in the sump.
Yes, use your 20g as a sump and set up the 50gal sharigng water with the main system and keep something delicate.
its hard to just "add" a sump unless your tank is drilled with overflows or some form of a drainage system. If not you need to invest in after market overflow box's, and depending on what ones you get, can become a nightmare. The issue with these aftermarket box's is the cheap ones can lose there suction, making your sump run dry, meaning the pump has pushed all the water on your carpet. Getting a good after market overflow is great, but they can cost a bit, average of 150 bucks for one your tanks size.
If the guy that wants you to land 1000 bucks is going to drill the tank, then it may be an alright price in consideration. Im always weary when it comes to someone with a drill and glass panels lol. A sump would run about 200 bucks or less, depending on if you made your own or not. Id suggest acrylic, as there easy to drill if you wanted to make mods or add ons down the road.
a pump is straight forward and getting this running, is rather easy once you have everything you need. it would take the average a day, to take his/her time in cutting the pvc pipes, cleaning and glueing, and then leak testing and then finally get it going officially.
If the guy that wants you to land 1000 bucks is going to drill the tank, then it may be an alright price in consideration. Im always weary when it comes to someone with a drill and glass panels lol. A sump would run about 200 bucks or less, depending on if you made your own or not. Id suggest acrylic, as there easy to drill if you wanted to make mods or add ons down the road.
a pump is straight forward and getting this running, is rather easy once you have everything you need. it would take the average a day, to take his/her time in cutting the pvc pipes, cleaning and glueing, and then leak testing and then finally get it going officially.
ramz28;2913671; said:
fixed
trolling is BAD
ramz28;2913671; said:
sumps are better but the canisters can work, theough they'll need more maintainence..
if you do not go with the sump i'd suggest still getting a skimmer, just get a hang-on-back type... bakpak dual pro would be nice
what type of corals/lighting were you considering?
ramz28;2913671; said:
first question is does he want you to spend $1000 bucks or do you want to spend $1000 bucks?
