75GAL TANK

[zedder]

Hey all I am new to the salt water family but I have owned a freshwater tank and when I shut it down to move I swore I would not set up a freshwater tank but a saltwater tank. My question is does anybody recommend anything to clean this tank with before I start it up? It has been sitting for about a year now. I also would like to build a refugium out of a tank I had picked up from my local pet store the measurements are 20L 16H 12W. I would like to drill my tank but I am not sure of what size holes I need to have. the pland i had for my refugium is the water comes out of the tank into my protein skimmer then into the refugium baffle section into the refug then pumped back to to tank with a mag7 pump. Does anyone see any problems with what I would like to accomplish and does anyone have any plans I could maybe go by. I feel I have done so much surfing the net and reading I feel my head about to burst. Please HELP if possible.

[RHAPALA]

well first may i say welcome to cr truely the best reefing site on the web.


most of the questions you have asked i am afraid i cant answer seeing that i myself am new to salt 1 month and 14 days hehe anyhoo.......there are those here that can give ya a step by step diy on dang nere anything

[Iconz]

Agreed! Welcome to CR

Mag 7 will probably not cut it, you'll probably need a mag 9.

A 20L 16h, 12w would be big enough for a sump, but you might wanna consider a slightly bigger one if you're wanting to use LR rubble, macros, and pods. I say this because this tank is only ~16Gal. and you're probably gonna need more area to house more macro, sand, rubble for better filtration. Not to say it won't work for you, but its just my sugguestion... Someone else here will chime in, i'm sure and give you a more detailed explination.

Also, what type of livestock are you wanting to keep? Are you goin Mix, FO? FOWLR, or just corals? And, if corals or mix, what kind of corals are you wanting to keep?

Other questions we'll probably need answered:

- What equipment do you have so far?
- What equip. do you plan on getting?
- Do you already have plans for your overflow?
- Is your display tank glass or acrylic?

This should help us get an idea of what you're wanting to accomplish, and direct you accordingly. You've definitly taken the right first step, read, read, read, read, ask questions, and read some more!

Hope this helps,
-JD

[zedder]

Thanks you gave me good detail I still have allot to consider. I would like to have a little bit of everything in the tank ie. corals, fish and live rock. The other equipment I have been scouting are the coral life 4x65 48" light and the coral life protein skimmer 125 gal. I have not really decided on an overflow I have seen the corner overflows and have looked at the kit that you can get the (overflow accessory kit). The plans look easy enough I could probably make it if I can find the parts, I have looked at Home Depot in the plumbing department but haven't seen what I need. For my display tank it has no markings on it so I could not tell you if it is glass or acrylic. My local glass shop said they could drill it glass or acrylic it didn't matter what it was. the price was $8.50 a hole. Any info you can supply would be an awful big help. I am just treading water right now and anxious to get r done. Sorry about the length of the refugium it is 24L not 20L. Thanks again.

[Iconz]

Ahh! I figured! (on the refuge) Its whats known around here as a 20High (20H) then. With it being 24" L that makes it a 20gal. That is a lil better. It should help you skimmer run a lil more stable.

The coralife ligts do real well. I'm assuming you mean T5 lights. You can keep just about anything under those. You really might wanna try to buy a light setup that is used (if money is an issue). Because, your lights are by far going to be your biggest expense, and if you don't get good enough or just enough lighting in general, you're gonna end up upgrading. I'm in the process of setting up a tank the size of your refuge and I spent 150.00 on used lights (retro kit). I am by no means a guru on lighting, Dakar or Perpetual98 can guide you real well on them. Graphixx can too. I will point you to www.myreffshop.com (http://www.myreefshop.com/). For lights, especially. While it is owned by one of the guys here, he does have very competitive prices and good products! (I bought my lights from him).

The skimmer will be great for you. I've got a coralife 65 right now that came highly recommended.

As far as an overflow is concerned, there are TONS of options. You can go DIY with a variety of options. Some of the parts, you may have to order online, but most of them can come from home depot. The plumbing is kinda hard to find for this stuff there, but I know of many ppl here who have bought their stuff from Home Depot or Lowes, but its all diy stuff. You can get "The real deal" stuff online, but you're gonna pay for it.

Keep in mind that you really can't drill tempered glass (which is what 99.9% of tank bottoms are). Maybe, your local glass shop can, but I'd double check before I had them drill the bottom.

Feel free to keep askin questions! I'll tell ya the same thing I told Hummer the other day. When you have a question, look through the forums here (and even elsewhere if you want) for the answer. Even if you don't find the answer, the odds are that you gained some other valuable knowledge by searching. Then, if you don't find the answer, just ask! And we'll all chime in to help ya.

Good luck! And keep us posted!

[zedder]

Thanks for the info, if I were to have my tank drilled what would be the best hole sizes I would need are they 1.50 and 1.75 one of each? Again I am greatful for the info you have provided I think used equipment is not my first choice but it is an option I just don't want to get stuck with anybody elses s%&t that is where the research come in to play.

[playa0069u]

about cleaning it did you ever use any medicatins or copper in it? If so you can clean it with HCI to remobve it. ill post how if u need it

[Sweetpea]

Welcome to Captive Reefing! :)

It is late, and I know I am WAY tired... I got the part about the 20g sump/fuge, but did I miss the size of the display/main tank? How far from the sump to the display?

Pictures are VERY welcome here! ;)

[zedder]

The display tanK is 75 gal and I want to put the refugium below my display in the stand.

[Iconz]

I think either hole size would work just fine Zed. Just keep in mind, that the larger the hole size, the more (bigger) return pump you're gonna need.

[zedder]

What hole sizes are ideal for drilling in the bottom of the tank. I plan on using the all glass overflow kit which come with a 1.50 and 1.75 bulkheads in the kit but I am not sure what the hole sizes that I will need to drill to install them.
Also when I am building my refugium, am I better off putting my protein skimmer in the refugium tank or having it on the outside of the refuge to skim before the refugium then enter into it.
Does any one have any handy sketches to go by or plans for the sixe of refugium I am not quite sure of the size or the height I should have my baffles
or the size and height of my corner chamber. Thanks again for everyones in put and feed back.

[hummer]

nice too meet you you can to the right place cr is great

[bobert]

welcome to cr the greatest forum for salt water fish

[carpenterwrasse]

welcome home of the best people with the best personalities you could ask for.

[Iconz]

Zed, I would check out www.melevsreef.com. He has several different refuge designs there and detailed drawings and plans that look really good to me. You can probably learn all you want there. I unfortunatly am not the goto guy on refuge's.

[dakar]

A little late but here's a thread with the hole size answers.

What size bulkheads for 1.5 & 1.75 in holes? (http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=2681)

[zedder]

At my local pet store they were selig a predrilled tank that had a 1.50 and a 1.75 holes in it and with that thak they were including on of the mega flow all glass overflow kits that has a 3/4 and 1.00 bulkheads in it I should be good to go if I use these hole sizes in a 70 gal tank with one of these overflow kits. Shouldn't I?

[dakar]

Should be just fine... Pretty safe bet both the tank and MegaFlow overflow kit are made by AGA, and the holes have been cut specifically to fit the kit. Double check the overflow kit and the tank, some kits may only have two bulkheads and plumbing but some tanks are drilled with three holes, one overflow and two returns... match them up and you are good to go.

Time to get salty!!!

[zedder]

Thanks, that should give me plenty to do over the Christmas break. Merry Christmas to everyone at CR, and I will be back to ask more un intelligent questions.

[zedder]

I suppose nobody recommends and Jebo aquarium equipment I guess the price is cheap for a reason. Ebay seems to have allot of Jebo equipment. Does anybody recommend this stuff.

[perpetual98]

Jebo is pretty much junk. One of the first things you should learn is that you get what you pay for. If you start out with not-so-good stuff, I can promise you that you'll be upgrading and that's a waste of money if you have to replace stuff that you aren't happy with.

For what it's worth, I run an equipment store online and can help you get stuff and give you any advice that you need.

Also, MOST glass tanks have tempered glass on the bottom pane that you can't drill. It'll just shatter on you. The tank MAY say something on the bottom glass, but better safe than sorry. Either get an over the top overflow or drill the back.

Here's a tank that I drilled the back of like swiss cheese...

http://ericfeige.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/plumbing5.jpg

Eric

[zedder]

Thank-you for your advise I will drill the back instead of the bottom and I will stay away from JEBO (junk) I only want to buy my equipment once. Is your shop in the U.S. cause I am in Canada EH. LOL.

[zedder]

Hey guys if i were to to choose not to drill my tank having a refugium in the base of my stand what would be the best route for me to go. My biggest concern is when the power goes out I don't want to have a flood. Does anybody recommend any good overflows for a 70gal tank, or what my options will be. if I decided not to drill my tank.

[Iconz]

Here's a HOTB overflow design for you to look at. It works very well for my understanding.

There are ways to "insure" yourself to help prevent against flooding.

One is just good design on your in-tank overflow. This is used when you do drill your tank.

If you think about it, when the power goes out, your display will only drain down to where the overflow's edge is. So, if you leave enough space for extra water in your sump, it won't overflow/flood.

Another option (less often used) is to put an overflow or just a hole drilled up high in your sump so that, if the sump gets too full, it will overflow into an empty tank, savin your a$$/floor/equipment.

Yet another option is to put your return pump on an UPS unit (computer battery backup) that costs about 50-100 bucks and will kick on automatically and power your pump for an hour or 2 if your power goes out.

[zedder]

Thanks for your info . Were you going to attach a photo of the HOYB overflow design I would like to have a look at it.

[Iconz]

doh! sorry, yeah, here it is:

http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/overflow.html

[iVgOnMaD]

some is good and some is bad.

[zedder]

Hey guys it has been a while but I have been busy saving and purchasing I bought a new 75gal pre drilled tank with a corner overflow a mag 12 pondmaster pump,125 coralife protein skimmer and I have built a refugium now I just need some tips on hooking it all up. My question is the skimmer comes with this diffuser box do I need to use this box? I am not sure how to hook it up am I able to use the skimmer in the refugium area just a little confused and I don't have much room in my refugium I used a 20H x 24L 13W with 2 baffles 5 inches from one side and 2 more baffles 5 inches form the other side. with 14 inchs for my refugium area. I have tryed to figure it out but again my head is spinning for something that is probably quite simple. my tank is drilled in the back left corner. Could someone please shed some light on this for me.

[iVgOnMaD]

just make sure it does what you want it to do, maybe if you over equip with jebo stuff, you might be ok. Like a 250g tank skimmer for your 70g, just dont waste money!!

[jojo22]

JEBO IS JUNK!!!!!!

It's also not UL listed so if it catches fire (there have been rumors) your insurance company will not cover it!!

[stevebla]

The bottom glass is likely to be tempered so i wouldn't drill the bottom! you can drill the back most likely and do a "Calfo" style overflow and put return line over the top so no need for a hole for that unless you want to.

[TJDeMars]

Jebo is pretty much junk. One of the first things you should learn is that you get what you pay for. If you start out with not-so-good stuff, I can promise you that you'll be upgrading and that's a waste of money if you have to replace stuff that you aren't happy with.

For what it's worth, I run an equipment store online and can help you get stuff and give you any advice that you need.

Also, MOST glass tanks have tempered glass on the bottom pane that you can't drill. It'll just shatter on you. The tank MAY say something on the bottom glass, but better safe than sorry. Either get an over the top overflow or drill the back.

Here's a tank that I drilled the back of like swiss cheese...

http://ericfeige.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/plumbing5.jpg

Eric

What is the plumbing configuration on that tank and how many gallons is it? I am looking at drilling a 45 gallon for 1 overflow box and 1 or 2 closed loops. I need advice on the best route to take.

[zedder]

When I am doing the plumbing from my tank to the refugium and the return will it matter if I use pcv tubing or the flexible tube with the nylon braided through it. I know that the nylon hose is a little easier to work with but is it strong enough and hold up or should I just hard plumb it.

[carpenterwrasse]

the tubing will work because there is not that much back pressure if you were to hold the pressure inside the hose then the strength of the hose would be in question...But i have been wrong before....

[hummer]

you can use vinal tubeing or sillicone hose i used sillicone hose my self