Need advice

olsonjl · 08/04/2015, 02:13 PM

I have a 180 gallon Tall aquarium with no holes or overflows. I already have lighting and water movers and basic stuff.

I know this isn't ideal for saltwater but that is what I want to do. But I don't want to attempt this without a sump.

I'm not handy and would rather not drill holes.

Would I be better off using the tank I have and devising a filtration system that is all external. Can anyone recommend what sump, HOB overflows, pumps, skimmer would be good for a 180 Tall?

Or should I bite the bullet and get a Red Sea Max S 500 or 650. This would cost more I'm sure but it would make things simpler. I wouldn't have to wade through all the different opinions about my current tank and figure out how to plumb it all.

I could use some practical advise, and remember I am not a DIY king. Thank you.

Ron Reefman · 08/04/2015, 02:20 PM

If you really are uncomfortable and just getting started, either join a local club (scroll down the forum list and there are lists of clubs by areas) and ask for some help, or buy a system already finished, like a Red Sea.

nmotz · 08/04/2015, 03:16 PM

You could take it to a glass company and have them drill it for you. Otherwise, if it were me, I'd just get a reef ready tank that is pre-drilled with overflow boxes. Red Sea Max systems are nice, but very expensive. If you have the budget, I'd say go for it.

08/04/2015, 02:13 PM	#1
olsonjl Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 39	Need advice I have a 180 gallon Tall aquarium with no holes or overflows. I already have lighting and water movers and basic stuff. I know this isn't ideal for saltwater but that is what I want to do. But I don't want to attempt this without a sump. I'm not handy and would rather not drill holes. Would I be better off using the tank I have and devising a filtration system that is all external. Can anyone recommend what sump, HOB overflows, pumps, skimmer would be good for a 180 Tall? Or should I bite the bullet and get a Red Sea Max S 500 or 650. This would cost more I'm sure but it would make things simpler. I wouldn't have to wade through all the different opinions about my current tank and figure out how to plumb it all. I could use some practical advise, and remember I am not a DIY king. Thank you.

08/04/2015, 02:20 PM	#2
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	If you really are uncomfortable and just getting started, either join a local club (scroll down the forum list and there are lists of clubs by areas) and ask for some help, or buy a system already finished, like a Red Sea. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

08/04/2015, 03:16 PM	#3
nmotz Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: FL, USA Posts: 1,433	You could take it to a glass company and have them drill it for you. Otherwise, if it were me, I'd just get a reef ready tank that is pre-drilled with overflow boxes. Red Sea Max systems are nice, but very expensive. If you have the budget, I'd say go for it. __________________ Mantis shrimp are the best! Current Tank Info: 20L Peacock mantis shrimp tank