Overflow Box and other questions

FTDelta · 10/29/2012, 08:47 AM

If I'm to set up a 46 gallon bowfront tank and will install a sump, is an overflow box a 'must need'? What about for a 16 gallon Nuvo nano tank?

I know I will be adding corals as well, do I need to invest in a calcium reacter unit for either tank size?

Sorry if this sounds kind of stupid but am confused on necessary equipment to have a successful marine tank set-up. Please advise.

Orm Embar · 10/29/2012, 01:45 PM

Overflows/sumps aren't necessary, but they give you a place to put a skimmer as opposed to a HOB (hanging), more water volume which stabilizes the system, and a place for a refugium which can help with filtration.

If you have soft corals or a few LPS, you probably won't need a calcium reactor (if you do regular partial water changes, and maybe a little 2 part calcium additive). For lots of LPS or SPS, I don't know.

If you have good lighting for the corals you like, good water movement relative to the corals you like, a low fish bioload, good filtration (live rock +/- sand, macroalgae, a GOOD protein skimmer unless you're going skimmerless which has its pros and cons), and regular partial water changes, then you're probably ok.

I'd avoid Caulerpa as macroalgae as it can get out of control and kill your corals (my last tank). My 2 cents.

Orm Embar · 10/29/2012, 01:49 PM

Better yet, read the stickies on new tank setups first. Should have put this at the top of my last post.

FTDelta · 10/29/2012, 04:22 PM

Thank you for your response. I don't plan on having a whole mess of corals. Most likely easy/beginner corals like Zoas, Hammer/torch/frogspawn (not sure which ones or any 2 of the 3 yet) Ricorda, etc...

I will check out the sticky for sure. Didn't think to read there first.

GPB · 10/30/2012, 08:39 AM

If you are going to have a sump and need an overflow, I highly recommend getting one from lifereef. They are excellent and they make a nano version.

Orm Embar · 10/31/2012, 12:24 AM

2nd the Lifereef if you go with a HOB overflow. I would avoid CPR style overflows (anything needing an airlifter) like the plague. Maybe even more than the plague. :-p

10/29/2012, 08:47 AM	#1
FTDelta Moved On Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Central NY Posts: 1,124	Overflow Box and other questions If I'm to set up a 46 gallon bowfront tank and will install a sump, is an overflow box a 'must need'? What about for a 16 gallon Nuvo nano tank? I know I will be adding corals as well, do I need to invest in a calcium reacter unit for either tank size? Sorry if this sounds kind of stupid but am confused on necessary equipment to have a successful marine tank set-up. Please advise.

10/29/2012, 01:45 PM	#2
Orm Embar Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 667	Overflows/sumps aren't necessary, but they give you a place to put a skimmer as opposed to a HOB (hanging), more water volume which stabilizes the system, and a place for a refugium which can help with filtration. If you have soft corals or a few LPS, you probably won't need a calcium reactor (if you do regular partial water changes, and maybe a little 2 part calcium additive). For lots of LPS or SPS, I don't know. If you have good lighting for the corals you like, good water movement relative to the corals you like, a low fish bioload, good filtration (live rock +/- sand, macroalgae, a GOOD protein skimmer unless you're going skimmerless which has its pros and cons), and regular partial water changes, then you're probably ok. I'd avoid Caulerpa as macroalgae as it can get out of control and kill your corals (my last tank). My 2 cents. __________________ Mark (on AOL: Orm Embar) Quotes from my friends upon seeing my tank: "Hey, fresh sushi!"

10/29/2012, 01:49 PM	#3
Orm Embar Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 667	Better yet, read the stickies on new tank setups first. Should have put this at the top of my last post. __________________ Mark (on AOL: Orm Embar) Quotes from my friends upon seeing my tank: "Hey, fresh sushi!"

10/30/2012, 08:39 AM	#5
GPB Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Washington DC Posts: 633	If you are going to have a sump and need an overflow, I highly recommend getting one from lifereef. They are excellent and they make a nano version. __________________ It is what it is! Current Tank Info: Oceanic 37g cube, AquaC Remora Skimmer, 6 x T5 ligts, SSB, 10g sump, GFO, GAC, Polyfilter

10/31/2012, 12:24 AM	#6
Orm Embar Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 667	2nd the Lifereef if you go with a HOB overflow. I would avoid CPR style overflows (anything needing an airlifter) like the plague. Maybe even more than the plague. :-p __________________ Mark (on AOL: Orm Embar) Quotes from my friends upon seeing my tank: "Hey, fresh sushi!"

10/29/2012, 04:22 PM	#4
FTDelta Moved On Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Central NY Posts: 1,124	Thank you for your response. I don't plan on having a whole mess of corals. Most likely easy/beginner corals like Zoas, Hammer/torch/frogspawn (not sure which ones or any 2 of the 3 yet) Ricorda, etc... I will check out the sticky for sure. Didn't think to read there first.