[CubsFan]

Alright here we go. I am still new to the site but I have been reading pretty much everything I can on here for the last month or so. A little over a month ago I had the oppurtunity to upgrade (or so I thought) from my standard 75 gal to a 90 gal bowfront, anyways I hate my new bowfront tank with a passion and I'm going to purchase a new tank . I was looking for something the same length as what I have so I can use the same lights on this tank I have decided on a reefready 120 gal 48x24x24, my lights are 48" hamilton technologies 2x250 metal halide w/xm bulbs and 2 110w VHO.
Onto the questions I have never had any experience with sumps at all, I have read the sumps article on the site and am still in need of advice (ie what size sump, how much flow do I need, what type of pumps do I need, etc. etc. etc.). I currently have a 24 inch aquafuge(I believe) hang on refugium, would I want to use this on the sump or incorporate one into the sump? For the time being I have a seaclone 100 protein skimmer and I know this needs upgraded (sugestions are welcome).
Also what exactly is a closed loop? I am pretty sure it has something to do with replacing the powerheads butam unsure. I did a search but couldn't find all the answers I was looking for. Sorry for the long post but I appreciate all the responses and help you give.

Thanks

Brian

[charlie]

Just for starters, I believe a sump should be about 20% of the size of your main display, for you, I think about a 30 gallon sump would be good. My personal choice for pumps is not gonna be the same as your choice, but I prefer external pumps. Make sure your sump can be drilled, and go from there. Again, if it were me, I would try to push close to 2000gph thru the sump, maybe a little more than others prefer, but I like to turn my aquarium over at least 10 times per hour with my return pump.
As for a skimmer, again, I like external, out of the sump, skimmers. There are a myriad of choices out there, and I am no skimmer expert, believe me!!!
I can add more later, but I owe, I owe, so off to work I go.

HTH

[Reefland]

External pumps and skimmers make things easier for maintenance however I run internal pumps and skimmers. It is a little easier for the initial setup.

I agree, a 20-30gal sump would work well. I would incorporate the refugium in the sump (if I used a 30gal) and sell the aquafuge to fund the sump setup. Will your tank have 1 or 2 corner overflows? If one, you could go with a simple Mag 9.5 pump, if two you could go with an 18 (of course put a ball valve on the output just in case it is too much pump).

Closed loops are pump systems where the inlet water for the pump comes right from the tank, thus used just for circulation. This typically requires the tank to have extra holes drilled. An alternative solution is to go with some powerful powerheads like the Tunze Streams.

[CubsFan]

What do u think I could get out of the aquafuge? Also any pics of sump setups are welcome so I can kind of get an idea. I'd like to see how they actually connect to the tank and run in to the sump. Thanks for the replies so far. Forgot to add the tank I am looking at has dual overflows.

[Reefland]

Gosh I am not even sure what they retail for and it depends on the condition.

There really isn't much to sumps. The plumbing from your tank drops into the sump and then the return pump is plumbed back to the tank. I'll find some pictures for you here on Reefland.

[CubsFan]

Another question, has anyone had experience with asm protein skimmers? My lfs wants to sell me a asm complete sump setup it includes sump, skimmer, lights, plumbing all for $600 I would still have to buy my own pump. I thought this sounded high? What do u guys think?

[Reefland]

ASM makes good products, but that price seems high to me. You can make a sump for less than $50 (find a used tank and buy a little bit of acrylic for baffles) then buy your skimmer separately, your pump and your plumbing supplies at a local hardware store.