Newbie questions

[Kyle Harper]

Hello all,

I recently came upon a 150 gallon aquarium that needs repaired. The back pane of glass is cracked. I have fixed aquariums before and know how to take care of that.

It is undrilled.

I am looking for what items I will need to set this up as a reef tank.

I am a jack of all trades... I will be building the stand and canopy and the sump. I would like some info on the best way to set up a sump and filtration system. Also, what is the difference in a sump and a refuge? and should I have both or just one? I also have a 55 gallon tank for a sump, unless I need something bigger, then I will build something.

I plan to use high output LED's. I can get basically any color I want and they are high output, not standard LED's. My dad works for a company that designs and builds LED lighting systems for street lights and signs, etc... Or should I use the MH?

I plan on using two centered overflows, thirding the tank out on the back. How big of stand pipes will I need?

I will add to this thread as I have more questions. This is going to be a long term project. I am waiting to get back to work and buy a house before it is set up (the tank itself took 4 ppl to carry and I don't feel like moving it again when I buy a house), but I would like to get started on what I can start and pick up some parts along the way.

I am new to saltwater, but I am not new to husbandry of cold blooded animals. I have been keeping and breeding snakes for over a decade. They always get top of the line equipment and care and I would like to learn and prepare myself for the tasks ahead, instead of jumping in with both feet.

Another question I have been wondering about... I don't live very far from the ocean, maybe 3 hours at most... can I use sand directly from the ocean instead of purchasing live sand?

[Doodaa]

Hello all,

Welcome to Reefland

I recently came upon a 150 gallon aquarium that needs repaired. The back pane of glass is cracked. I have fixed aquariums before and know how to take care of that.

One thing to consider with a used tank is if it has been treated with copper medications previously.

I would like some info on the best way to set up a sump and filtration system. Also, what is the difference in a sump and a refuge? and should I have both or just one? I also have a 55 gallon tank for a sump, unless I need something bigger, then I will build something.

A sump is simply a place to house your equipment...protein skimmer, heaters, auto top-offs, calcium reactor, etc. to keep your display tank uncluttered. It also adds water volume to your system which increases stability.

A refugium can either be separate from the sump or included in it. It's purpose is to grow algae. This controlled algae competes with the nuisance algae that wants to grow in your display tank, hopefully taking up nutrients before the bad stuff can take hold in unwanted areas. A side benefit is that it becomes a sanctuary for micro-crustaceans (copepods and amphipods) which are food for larger animals and help clean up waste (detritus).

I plan to use high output LED's. I can get basically any color I want and they are high output, not standard LED's. My dad works for a company that designs and builds LED lighting systems for street lights and signs, etc... Or should I use the MH?

Most people are going to tell you to stick with MH and/or T5 fluorescent bulb fixtures. There are a few people experimenting with LED's with success, but I don't have any info for long term success...I'm very interested in this myself

I plan on using two centered overflows, thirding the tank out on the back. How big of stand pipes will I need?

Overflow size can be as large as you want it. It will only drain as much as your return pump can deliver. Check out this design Quiet Overflow. This is what I'm going to use when I set up my 90 gallon.

Another question I have been wondering about... I don't live very far from the ocean, maybe 3 hours at most... can I use sand directly from the ocean instead of purchasing live sand?

This isn't generally a good idea. There are a lot of pollutants on our beaches, sorry to say. The best thing is to buy dry aragonite sand. If you have a friend that has a reef tank, get a cup or two of sand from them and that will be enough to seed your dry sand. A lot will come in time with additions you add too, but you can get a jump start by ordering from Inland Aquatics. Tell them what you have and plan on having and they'll help you out

[Kyle Harper]

One thing to consider with a used tank is if it has been treated with copper medications previously.

It was used for reptiles. Also, because I have to replace the one pane of glass I will need to cut out all the old silicone and redo it anyway. New Silicone will not stick to old silicone and I will end up with a leak. I also plan to clean it well and scrape all the glass with a blade. What cleaners should I stay away from? I am assuming I am going to have to be a little more careful with an aquarium than with my snake cages, since the water is the 'atmosphere' and it can absorb chemical that have dried on the glass.

This isn't generally a good idea. There are a lot of pollutants on our beaches, sorry to say. The best thing is to buy dry aragonite sand. If you have a friend that has a reef tank, get a cup or two of sand from them and that will be enough to seed your dry sand. A lot will come in time with additions you add too, but you can get a jump start by ordering from Inland Aquatics. Tell them what you have and plan on having and they'll help you out

Yes, that is true and I overlooked that... it is a shame

I actually don't know anyone at all in my area let alone on the east coast that has a reef tank. I am in Central Pa and the only person I actually know with one lives in Washington State!! I am sure I will meet some friends on here though.

Thank you for all your info!!

Some more questions:

Is the 55 gallon big enough for a sump and refuge?

What Filters do I need or does the live rock take care of that?

Can I use pond pumps for the returns?

I plan to use two pumps, one for each overflow box return(s).

[Kyle Harper]

Also, I read that some aquariums used tempered glass for the bottom.. is this true? If so how do I find out?

[Doodaa]

It was used for reptiles. Also, because I have to replace the one pane of glass I will need to cut out all the old silicone and redo it anyway. New Silicone will not stick to old silicone and I will end up with a leak. I also plan to clean it well and scrape all the glass with a blade. What cleaners should I stay away from? I am assuming I am going to have to be a little more careful with an aquarium than with my snake cages, since the water is the 'atmosphere' and it can absorb chemical that have dried on the glass.

I'd stay away from most chemicals. White vinegar, water, and elbow grease is the best way. It won't hurt anything. The glass itself can absorb chemicals too, not just the silicone.

Is the 55 gallon big enough for a sump and refuge?

Yes, that is what I use
Do a search for refugium design and you will see lots of different ways to make one.

What Filters do I need or does the live rock take care of that?

Just a protein skimmer. Yes, the rocks will be your main biological filtration along with your refugium and sand bed. You should have at least 3" of aragonite sand...the fine stuff, not crushed coral. 5" or 6" would be even better. A deep sand bed will help remove nitrates by converting it to nitrogen gas.

Can I use pond pumps for the returns?

You can, but salt water is a lot more corrosive than fresh water. If the pump isn't designed for that, it may fail prematurely...I am not familiar with the pond pumps though so I don't really know. I used one for quite a while and it worked fine.

I plan to use two pumps, one for each overflow box return(s).

This can work, but I'd stick with one large pump that can keep up with your overflows...less complicated, less maintenance, and less power consumption.

Also, I read that some aquariums used tempered glass for the bottom.. is this true? If so how do I find out?

I believe most, if not all, aquariums have tempered bottoms. I'm not sure how to tell if it's tempered or not except by hitting it with a hammer I think there'd be a non-destructive way to tell though...

[Parrothead]

Check this out for your sump construction ideas, the guy is pretty much a master in the diy sump areas

Melevsreef.com - Welcome!

as for the tempered bottom, see if you can find out who made the tank, and go from there.

Pump wise, for the 150 look at either a mag 18 or mag 24 they are made by danner,