[Geno]

I sure hope I'm creating too much laughter with my dumb questions

When I set up my trickle system and skimmer -- do I need one pump or two? I know the skimmer needs one but since I'm not really sure how all this stuff fits together I don't know if I need two pumps.

The set up is a 125g reef-ready (2 set of holes) FOWLR.

Thank you.

-gene

[SouthBayPhoto]

Geno, the only dumb question (IMHO) is only the one you don't ask.

You will need two pumps. One is on the skimmer itself, whether you're using it as a HOB model or "in sump" model. You'll need a pump with that. Depending on the skimmer you go with, some come with pumps and some you buy the pump separately (or upgrade to a better pump).

Then you will need a bigger pump for the sump itself. That's to push the water from your sump/refugium back up into the DT (Display Tank). Usually you put this bigger pump into the "return" section of your sump/refugium.

As for the two drilled holes in your RR tank, one is generally for the drain line (water going into the sump/refugium from your DT) and the other is for your return line (water coming from the "return section" of your sump/refugium back into your DT).

You'll need bulkhead fittings (if they aren't already installed) in there so you can hook up the drain & return lines to your DT.

Do a search on the forum for sump and/or refugium and you'll come up with a lot of information. Some people even post up photos of how their setup is done and descriptions of what went where. That's what I did while I'm setting up my 90. I would post up my photos to help you, but it's not exactly completely done yet, so that won't help ya. LOL

[Geno]

Hey SouthBayPhoto!!! Nice reply -- very helpful.

You know, I found some pictures online of just what you were describing.

I plan on getting the AquaC 180 skimmer and the Rio 3100 pump for it.

I really don't know which pump to look at for the sump. The wet/dry system I think might work for me is the Pro Clear Model 200. My tank size is 125g -- so any pump (or any thing other) recommendations would be much appreciated.

Thanks again,

-geno

[SouthBayPhoto]

I'll actually let some of the veterans here do suggestions on pumps. I'm not exactly sure myself. I'm setting up a 90 gallon and I got lucky enough to get a MAG-12 (1200 gph) thrown in with the deal, so that's what I'm going to use. I'm not sure if it's too much pump or not yet. I'll find out when I do my "test run". But it's my understanding that you want to "turn over" your tank at least 8x to 10x the tanks volume. So, for your 125g, you'd want to pump anywhere from 1,000 gph to 1,250 gph. Take into account the head height as well, that changes/reduces your flow.

There are a few of the guys here (or maybe more...don't know yet) that run even more than that. I've been told that I really should run even more than the MAG-12, that I should be putting in a couple of powerheads as well. It's my understanding that the more flow, the better, but I'm sure there is a limit. You don't want to be blowing things off the rocks.

So, as not to steer you in the wrong direction, I'll let some of the more knowledgable people answer that one.

[rededteck]

I use a Mag drive 36 for my 220. Don't forget you lose flow pushing water vertically.

Geno, I see you are just setting up your tank, you should check out lifereef and euroreef for your skimmers, overflows, etc. I use a euroreef and have been extremely satisfied for several years.

[Geno]

Thanks -- rededteck -- I'll check out the skimmer reference you provided. I haven't made that purchase yet -- have been leaning toward the AquaC 180 for my 125 -- thought that might be the right size and from what I've read reliable technology.

Your Mag Drive 36 might be a bit more pump than I need since you have a 220 and I'm working with a 125. I do understand the need to factor in the head pressure (i.e. pushing the water up a few feet).

-gene