Returning to the "Hobby" Looking for input

[Jddog]

It's been 13 years since I had to part with my 180 and, even then I was a rookie. I'm in the process of setting up a 120 Marineland corner overflow and return with a 50 gallon sump/refugium. Skimmer will be in the sump. Planning fish and corals. So to my questions.

1) Is there still concern with contamination from PVC cement and Teflon tape?

2) Sand bed 1-3" still the standard?

3) Are clean-up crews still used (snails)? Will they disturb/knock over the corals?

4) Return flow of 4-6 x tank capacity

5) Rigid (PVC) or flexible plumbing? (thinking I won't need much and flexible, with gate/ball valves, might be simplest)

Thanks!

[Reef noob_]

1) pvc and teflon is fine for use

2) not many people have deep sandbeds anymore, usaully around .5"-1.1"

3)yes clean up crews are great get a package custom built at www.reefcleaners.org

4)easier in my opinion to do drains in rigid and returns in black flex.

do you have a build thread showing planned equipment and livestock to help chronicle your tank? if not id make one now. good luck!

[xCry0x]

Originally Posted by Reef noob_

1) pvc and teflon is fine for use

2) not many people have deep sandbeds anymore, usaully around .5"-1.1"

Deep sand bed is 4+ inches.. so 1-3 inches is in the shallow range...1.1" is oddly specific =P.

[E46Twist]

I saw a really cool tank that look like they sprinkled sand on the bottom and then painted over it. If I didn't like my sand dwellers I would consider that route. Otherwise I think your 1"-3" is right on the money.

I did a mixture or hard and flex for both drain and return, and I would say it is a matter of preference and specific situation.

[Reef noob_]

lol i meant 1.5 dont know how i ended up with 1.1 ......