Which to do First

Reefing Newbie · 03/13/2012, 09:53 PM

I have decided to redo my sump and refugium in addition to a higher capacity skimmer. My question is which to purchase first? If I get the skimmer first, I will still have to wait for the sump to be installed to use it (foot print and current sump don't work together). Would getting the sump and fuge put together be a better thing? The fuge will have more flow than my current one, hopefully meaning better contact with macros and the DSB. Which one and why? All opinions are welcome because I don't want to regret the purchasing order. Made a mistake and I am trying to fix it, hopefully the right way now!

drparker · 03/13/2012, 10:45 PM

I think you answered your own question. Sump first, you can put it into use with the current skimmer.

The only reason to buy the skimmer now, is if you set it on the floor doing nothing and that provides motivation to finish the project faster.

Reef264 · 03/13/2012, 10:49 PM

Drparker, said what I would've said.

Playa-1 · 03/13/2012, 11:01 PM

Assuming that you're going to put together the sump ,meaning placing baffles and such, I would get the skimmer first. That way you can set the skimmer in place and then take measurements. It's much easier done with the actual skimmer in hand then it is trying to visualize it from a spec sheet.

KafudaFish · 03/13/2012, 11:15 PM

measure twice build once.

ReefPharmer · 03/14/2012, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KafudaFish

measure twice build once.

Who does that? Its more like eyeball it once, build, try to fit sock/skimmer, knock over the baffle, rebuild.

Reefing Newbie · 03/14/2012, 07:24 AM

Thanks for the replies! Should be more specific with the sump portion. It is going to be a new custom built sump made of acrylic. The current sump won't come out easily if it were to leak and I want better access at removing the sump if need be. Cleaning it would be a plus too. So far the concensus is skimmer first. More input is welcome!

KafudaFish · 03/14/2012, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReefPharmer

Who does that? Its more like eyeball it once, build, try to fit sock/skimmer, knock over the baffle, rebuild.

Um yeah those people.

Just a heads up you may want to leave additional space for the skimmer compartment justincase you change skimmers down the road and the dimensions are different.

Not that I have any first hand knowledge in regards to this situation. Nope not me.

BigCountry74 · 03/14/2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KafudaFish

measure twice build once.

if your a beer drinker this sometimes happens in reverse....

Reefing Newbie · 03/14/2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KafudaFish

Um yeah those people.

Just a heads up you may want to leave additional space for the skimmer compartment justincase you change skimmers down the road and the dimensions are different.

Not that I have any first hand knowledge in regards to this situation. Nope not me.

Thanks for the tip! I will keep that in mind as I get the final plans sketched out.

CLeadfootS · 03/14/2012, 04:06 PM

I'm redoing my sump as well. I am adding a bigger skimmer so I say skimmer first, then build around the skimmer. Leave room for accessories too like reactors, pumps for reactors, heaters, ATO float valves, probes, and things like that.

03/13/2012, 09:53 PM	#1
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Which to do First I have decided to redo my sump and refugium in addition to a higher capacity skimmer. My question is which to purchase first? If I get the skimmer first, I will still have to wait for the sump to be installed to use it (foot print and current sump don't work together). Would getting the sump and fuge put together be a better thing? The fuge will have more flow than my current one, hopefully meaning better contact with macros and the DSB. Which one and why? All opinions are welcome because I don't want to regret the purchasing order. Made a mistake and I am trying to fix it, hopefully the right way now!

03/13/2012, 10:49 PM	#3
Reef264 Where's The Reef? Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Southaven, Ms Posts: 2,098	Drparker, said what I would've said. __________________ I'd rather Die on my feet, than Live on my Knees. Current Tank Info: 150g SPS Reef, 2x250w 14k Pheonix Metal Halides w/T-5 Actinics, 2 Tunze 6095's, Tunze 7096 controller, Ozone, Precision Marine Skimmer, Reef Octopus Bio-Churn Bio Pellet Reactor, GFO & Carbon Reactor, Ozone Reactor, ATO, Reef Keeper.

03/13/2012, 10:45 PM	#2
drparker Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Palatine, IL Posts: 2,652	I think you answered your own question. Sump first, you can put it into use with the current skimmer. The only reason to buy the skimmer now, is if you set it on the floor doing nothing and that provides motivation to finish the project faster.

03/13/2012, 11:01 PM	#4
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	Assuming that you're going to put together the sump ,meaning placing baffles and such, I would get the skimmer first. That way you can set the skimmer in place and then take measurements. It's much easier done with the actual skimmer in hand then it is trying to visualize it from a spec sheet.

03/13/2012, 11:15 PM	#5
KafudaFish Cyprinius carpio Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 4,496	measure twice build once.

03/14/2012, 07:24 AM	#7
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Thanks for the replies! Should be more specific with the sump portion. It is going to be a new custom built sump made of acrylic. The current sump won't come out easily if it were to leak and I want better access at removing the sump if need be. Cleaning it would be a plus too. So far the concensus is skimmer first. More input is welcome!

03/14/2012, 04:06 PM	#11
CLeadfootS Coral Addict Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,187	I'm redoing my sump as well. I am adding a bigger skimmer so I say skimmer first, then build around the skimmer. Leave room for accessories too like reactors, pumps for reactors, heaters, ATO float valves, probes, and things like that.