[ScooterPie]

I think it is time I upgraded my 45 gal reef. I am currently looking at an 80 gal (glass) with a built in overflow. Tank, stand and canopy is about $800. Sound alright, or am I getting the shaft?

Up til now I have always relied on my Fluval and skilter for filtration, and do not know the first thing about running an overflow. I understand they are quite costly, so even if I do buy this tank it will not be running for another 6-12 months while I scrape together for a filtration system. Crap - and more lights too. Make that 12-18 months!

Anyway, can you guys give me some insight to what it takes to run an 80 gal with an overflow, such as filtration, lighting, or any other essentials? I currently have 2 x 96W PCs for my 45 tall, and I'm thinking I can keep this and add two 250W MHs. Think this would be sufficient? As of now, I'm just keeping some Green Stars, Xenia, some Zoanthids, and am trying to keep my Blue Ridge (?) growing.

I have no idea how an overflow even works, so any help would be appreciated. Also, if any of the filtration could possibly qualify as a DIY project, I would be greatful of any info you guys could pass along. I'm trying to do this on an extremely tight budget. If I remember correctly, I have heard/seen somewhere that people have built overflows out of 10-20 gal tanks. Is this fairly easy?

Thanks a bunch guys. I have learned so much from you all in the last couple of months.

[organicreefer]

for an explanation of how an overflow works look here:http://www.cyberreefguru.com/fish/re.../overflow.html
the example is a hang on but you get the idea.you need a sump(10-30 gallon tank should work) and a return pump(something pressure rated and able to pump back about 500-1000gph),maybe a refugium(10g tank would work,or a partitioned area of the sump),in sump skimmer,closed loop (if you need lots of flow)etc.
youre lighting plan sounds good.ive barely scratched the surface,others can give more ideas im sure.hth

[blue]

I thought i might help you out here is a pic of my 80 gallon and the filtration system on it.

[BlueWater]

I think that's about average price.
But then again, I bought a 60 gallon tank with a stand and canopy
for $50.00 on The Recycler. I see 80 gallon tanks for 20-50 bucks.

[eses]

You can "make do" with a improvised sump until you get the funding to setup something nice with all of your equipment. You just need a return pump and the sump, since you already have the overflow, just find a return pump that is adaquate for your overflow's capacity and go from there. You can have the basic filtration running while you cycle the tank.

You can build a really tight sump for less than $150 since you already have an overflow. You can add in a skimmer, and other stuff later once it's running..just put it together with what you want to have in it in mind. Once you run a sump you'll wonder why you never did before.