Sump/Overflow/Return pump help please.

[RyanMizzell]

http://www.petsolutions.com/C/Wet-Dr...n=shopping.com

I have the Proflex model:1. I'm adding this to my, 36 gallon bow reef tank.
My question is choosing which two CPR overflow boxes to go with? With the math an rule of thumb one 1" drain, to be equally split you would go down .25". So since my plumbing's 1" I should go with (2)CPRCS50 (300gph) with 3/4" drains?

http://www.marinedepot.com/CPR_CS100...CR1515-vi.html

Or should I do something else? Should I get a PVC spliter? Ex: ((2)3/4":1") plumbing fitting with ball valve to sump an I'm good? Lastly how do I choose the, right size return pump?

Any thoughts fellow fish keepers?
Thanks again,
Ryan

[thatreefguy22]

I have the model 1, as well. with a PF-300 overflow, marineland 1200 maxi jet for the return.

Last night I TRIED to get it set up with just the drain line, sump, and return line. (no valves...nothing on the return.)

was not a successful trial...at the end I took the overflow off, but I left the water in the sump and ran the return line back into the sump and left that running with water.

And put my HOB filter I've had on it for the whole month and half I have had this tank running, back on for filtration until I but the right sized return line, and valve to lower the flow rate on my return pump back to the tank.

[RyanMizzell]

Well back a few months ago when I was readily about to setup up. I was going to use 2 CPRCS50 overflows get some 3/4" bulkheads an a 2way to feed a ball valve. After the ball valve I'd run the regular 1" plumbing to the sump. The ball valve would help dial the overflow so you can better match your return. Also you could do this an get an adjustable return pump. The reason I was going to run dual overflows is for a safety/ linear skimming coverage. In theory if 1 drain starts to stop the other will still flow, an you shouldn't have a water problem. Im still trying to figure mine out an get a few more parts. Also im trying to match my overflow to the gph flow inside the display. Yeah sorry it didn't work out it'll eventually work though. With a ball valve you'll be able to control flow an aid the return pump.

[RyanMizzell]

These sumps are very well made. I love their quality seems solid.

[thatreefguy22]

Yeah, This was my first build...and first time for the sump.
I will have to agree with you on how well this sump is made!

[RyanMizzell]

I love it, looks flawless! How are you going to be running your sump? Berlin, wet/dry, refugium?

[thatreefguy22]

Originally Posted by RyanMizzell

I love it, looks flawless! How are you going to be running your sump? Berlin, wet/dry, refugium?

Currently my choice is a refuge for the 20 gal long I have going.
My tank has been up for over a month now. I have my very small first clean up.
Which consists of 3 mexican turbo snails Might remove one, and go get 2 hermits to sift my sand. My turbo snails don't touch my sand...maybe because it's pink fiji, and that stuff is FINE grained..??

[RyanMizzell]

No turbo snails are algae grazers. So they go all over the glass, rock, etc. If you don't know yet, if you see your snail flipped over in the sand etc (make sure you flip him right side up). If not they'll die. For sand sifting I would look at, a sand sifting blenny, etc. Hermits will help sift & move the sand, not like a sand sifting blenny though. A Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp make awesome additions to cleaning crews. Those turbo snails eat aggressively an can move rocks. So just make sure the snails are active an your rocks are secure. My DT's a 36 bowfront reef tank( Paired false percs, Toby saddle back puffer, Scarlet skunk cleaner, Fire shrimp, 8-12 hermits, 1 Astrea snail, 2 turbo snails, soft, Lps, sps).

[thatreefguy22]

Originally Posted by RyanMizzell

No turbo snails are algae grazers. So they go all over the glass, rock, etc. If you don't know yet, if you see your snail flipped over in the sand etc (make sure you flip him right side up). If not they'll die. For sand sifting I would look at, a sand sifting blenny, etc. Hermits will help sift & move the sand, not like a sand sifting blenny though. A Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp make awesome additions to cleaning crews. Those turbo snails eat aggressively an can move rocks. So just make sure the snails are active an your rocks are secure. My DT's a 36 bowfront reef tank( Paired false percs, Toby saddle back puffer, Scarlet skunk cleaner, Fire shrimp, 8-12 hermits, 1 Astrea snail, 2 turbo snails, soft, Lps, sps).

Yeah, these three guys killed all my algae in a few hours...and already encountered a flipped snail a few days in lol. saved him though.

So what would you say, should I keep 2 turbos, remove one..and add other variety as the tank ages? I have enough to feed the snails I have in there and They don't seem to be moving around much anymore, as this could be a sign they are happy from what they have already munched on.

[thatreefguy22]

You should post some pictures!

[RyanMizzell]

I'll try to when I get a chance. If you message me your email that help. When I get the chance ill post a bunch.

[RyanMizzell]

Originally Posted by thatreefguy22

Yeah, these three guys killed all my algae in a few hours...and already encountered a flipped snail a few days in lol. saved him though.

So what would you say, should I keep 2 turbos, remove one..and add other variety as the tank ages? I have enough to feed the snails I have in there and They don't seem to be moving around much anymore, as this could be a sign they are happy from what they have already munched on.

Yeah thats normal, mine did the same thing. You should be fine, watch rocks, corals, etc. Now mine seem to love the night life, more then the day time. That sounds like a decent plan. I service a 16 gallon reef tank weekly too. I'll post those pics also.

[thatreefguy22]

Originally Posted by RyanMizzell

Yeah thats normal, mine did the same thing. You should be fine, watch rocks, corals, etc. Now mine seem to love the night life, more then the day time. That sounds like a decent plan. I service a 16 gallon reef tank weekly too. I'll post those pics also.

Sweet!! When I set up my sump officially...just waiting to buy the plumbing, and valves for my return. I will add my first fish. or pair of clowns. and maybe dose Mg, and Ca...those are low in my tank as of now. dKH and pH are safe. actually...I think my dKH was 12.3 two nights ago when I tested...so that's high. Was at 8.4/dKH a week ago.
My email will be in your inbox man, Glad to find someone I could just chat with about reef stuff haha..thanks for the pointers!

[RyanMizzell]

Not a problem it's always good, to have others for help. A PH probe will help tremendously. You'll be reading PH constantly, considering it changes throughout the day. So a PH probe will help you eliminate testing. I finally finished my sump build shopping. So it's just a shipping an waiting game. Lol Not really a game but it feels, like I'm a kid with toys!

[RyanMizzell]

I use Red Sea Coral Pro Salt when, I make water for regular water changes, etc. It helps keep parameters in check. I use Aquavitro Seachem products for dosing, seems like decent stuff.

[thatreefguy22]

Originally Posted by RyanMizzell

I use Red Sea Coral Pro Salt when, I make water for regular water changes, etc. It helps keep parameters in check. I use Aquavitro Seachem products for dosing, seems like decent stuff.

I'm using instant ocean regular mix, not the reef. so dosing will be needed in the future prior to adding corals. (for me) but I have the red sea reef foundation test kit. It works well

[thatreefguy22]

Originally Posted by RyanMizzell

Not a problem it's always good, to have others for help. A PH probe will help tremendously. You'll be reading PH constantly, considering it changes throughout the day. So a PH probe will help you eliminate testing. I finally finished my sump build shopping. So it's just a shipping an waiting game. Lol Not really a game but it feels, like I'm a kid with toys!

I bet haha. I'm looking on dr. fosters site for things. The most expensive parts are done. well, lighting for corals, and a protein skimmer will probably be added some where down the road.
I will show you pic's of my cheap plumbing when I do it.

Question...
What kind of bin could I use that way I can start getting water prepared for the future WC's and top-offs? don't want plastic that will leach the water.

[RedStangGA]

Originally Posted by thatreefguy22

Question...
What kind of bin could I use that way I can start getting water prepared for the future WC's and top-offs? don't want plastic that will leach the water.

5gal buckets from HD or Lowes work great.

[RyanMizzell]

Originally Posted by RedStangGA

5gal buckets from HD or Lowes work great.

Perfect choice! Or Brute trashcans at HD an Lowe's. I use two 33 gallon trashcans. There's one for RO/DI, an the others for mixing salt. As long as the containers are food safe they're good to use.

[RyanMizzell]

Originally Posted by thatreefguy22

I'm using instant ocean regular mix, not the reef. so dosing will be needed in the future prior to adding corals. (for me) but I have the red sea reef foundation test kit. It works well

IIRC, Instant Ocean can only be mixed to 1.23 at its highest. So its good for fish only or fowlr setups. If you want corals I would look for a different mix. You can use Reef Crystals from Instant Ocean. Just a heads up, Salinty needs to be read at 77*F minimum for accurate readings. You seem to be on the right track, any questions ask an ill try my best to help.

[thatreefguy22]

Originally Posted by RyanMizzell

IIRC, Instant Ocean can only be mixed to 1.23 at its highest. So its good for fish only or fowlr setups. If you want corals I would look for a different mix. You can use Reef Crystals from Instant Ocean. Just a heads up, Salinty needs to be read at 77*F minimum for accurate readings. You seem to be on the right track, any questions ask an ill try my best to help.

I could buy the reef crystals from instant ocean sometime, that way I'm not mixing two different brands. My SG is at 1.023...and no higher. so that theory is right about the none reef mix. it just stays at .023. With Hydrometer, that is haha. and the temp is 78 to 80 all the time.

Thanks! I already know what I am doing for the most part, But you're helping me with somethings that I would have never thought of searching up on my own and just let slip on by my mind. So, take the credit!

[thatreefguy22]

Originally Posted by RyanMizzell

Perfect choice! Or Brute trashcans at HD an Lowe's. I use two 33 gallon trashcans. There's one for RO/DI, an the others for mixing salt. As long as the containers are food safe they're good to use.

I'm looking for the larger bins...makes up for more water preparations. Saves time. I work 12 hour nights in a factory :P lmao

[thatreefguy22]

So, brutetrash bins are food grade?

[RyanMizzell]

Yeah their food grade, check this thread out. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1496204

Also if your going to store water. Just be safe get some, Tetra ammonia t-strips, etc. So you'll be able to, check the RO/DI water, etc.

[RyanMizzell]

I'll post my RO/DI setup or, email you later tonight.