brand new to saltwater tanks

JulieAnnx33 · 02/09/2010, 04:41 PM

i've have freshwater tanks. but i am looking to start a saltwater tank. i currently have a 40 gallon tank that i plan to use for my actual tank. i am also looking to make my own sump but i am going to buy the protein filter. my biggest question is what gallon tank should i get to build my own sump and what should be the measurements for the plexiglass/glass slots for separating the protein filter, live rock, and clean water. can someone help me?

wab · 02/09/2010, 05:14 PM

Hi and welcome to RC. The sump should be as big as you can fit. The measurements should be for the size you can fit and after you build that measure the inside for partitions, bubble trap etc.

JulieAnnx33 · 02/09/2010, 05:18 PM

which would be??? i'm sorry but i have pretty much no idea what the sixes should be.

wab · 02/09/2010, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieAnnx33

which would be??? i'm sorry but i have pretty much no idea what the sixes should be.

I dont understand sixes???

JulieAnnx33 · 02/09/2010, 05:24 PM

sorry.... the the de mentions should be between each different section should be... say i get a 10 gallon tank to build the sump. do i make the sizes to fit 1 live rock in one part, 1 protein filter in another, and then the last section out of what's left?

EllieSuz · 02/09/2010, 05:29 PM

Start here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1031074

Don't assume that what you've learned keeping freshwater tanks will apply in the least to saltwater. Once you have read the above article, you will have a better idea of the questions to ask. For instance, it is a protein skimmer, not a protein filter. You have come to the absolutely best place to learn the intricacies of this wonderful hobby. Welcome to Reef Central and best of luck in the exciting journey upon which you are about to embark.

To Reef Central

fleming3 · 02/09/2010, 05:35 PM

Hey JulieAnn, you'll want to make sure you know the dimensions of the stand you buy for the tank. Make sure you consider the amount of clearance from the bottom of the stand to the top of the inside - many people have ended up with sumps too big, and "plumbed themselves in". Take a look at this site: http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html Look on the left hand side for some layout and size ideas. For me, a 20G long tank worked great as a sump under my 90G. Here's are some pictures of mine:

wab · 02/09/2010, 05:38 PM

I have a 45 gallon and a 30 gallon sump\refug. The tank overflow goes into the first section(left side) approx 8" then into a bubble trap (3 pieses of glass the water goes over, under , and over) into refug approx 20" and over partition into return section 6" wide. The water level across the whole sum/refug is 2/3 the way up the tank.

JulieAnnx33 · 02/09/2010, 05:57 PM

thank you to everyone. all of the information is very helpful.

02/09/2010, 04:41 PM	#1
JulieAnnx33 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 39	brand new to saltwater tanks i've have freshwater tanks. but i am looking to start a saltwater tank. i currently have a 40 gallon tank that i plan to use for my actual tank. i am also looking to make my own sump but i am going to buy the protein filter. my biggest question is what gallon tank should i get to build my own sump and what should be the measurements for the plexiglass/glass slots for separating the protein filter, live rock, and clean water. can someone help me?

02/09/2010, 05:14 PM	#2
wab Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: nj Posts: 512	Hi and welcome to RC. The sump should be as big as you can fit. The measurements should be for the size you can fit and after you build that measure the inside for partitions, bubble trap etc. __________________ 1 year plus and still I DON'T KNOW!!!! LOL Current Tank Info: 45 high 30 breeder sump/refuge diy

02/09/2010, 05:38 PM	#8
wab Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: nj Posts: 512	I have a 45 gallon and a 30 gallon sump\refug. The tank overflow goes into the first section(left side) approx 8" then into a bubble trap (3 pieses of glass the water goes over, under , and over) into refug approx 20" and over partition into return section 6" wide. The water level across the whole sum/refug is 2/3 the way up the tank. __________________ 1 year plus and still I DON'T KNOW!!!! LOL Current Tank Info: 45 high 30 breeder sump/refuge diy

02/09/2010, 05:18 PM	#3
JulieAnnx33 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 39	which would be??? i'm sorry but i have pretty much no idea what the sixes should be.

02/09/2010, 05:24 PM	#5
JulieAnnx33 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 39	sorry.... the the de mentions should be between each different section should be... say i get a 10 gallon tank to build the sump. do i make the sizes to fit 1 live rock in one part, 1 protein filter in another, and then the last section out of what's left?

02/09/2010, 05:29 PM	#6
EllieSuz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,858	Start here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1031074 Don't assume that what you've learned keeping freshwater tanks will apply in the least to saltwater. Once you have read the above article, you will have a better idea of the questions to ask. For instance, it is a protein skimmer, not a protein filter. You have come to the absolutely best place to learn the intricacies of this wonderful hobby. Welcome to Reef Central and best of luck in the exciting journey upon which you are about to embark. *To Reef Central*

02/09/2010, 05:35 PM	#7
fleming3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashville Posts: 94	Hey JulieAnn, you'll want to make sure you know the dimensions of the stand you buy for the tank. Make sure you consider the amount of clearance from the bottom of the stand to the top of the inside - many people have ended up with sumps too big, and "plumbed themselves in". Take a look at this site: http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html Look on the left hand side for some layout and size ideas. For me, a 20G long tank worked great as a sump under my 90G. Here's are some pictures of mine:

02/09/2010, 05:57 PM	#9
JulieAnnx33 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 39	thank you to everyone. all of the information is very helpful.