Help with my first tank...

[seranko]

Hello Guys,

First of all, I want to thank you all you guys for this forum, it is excellent. I’ve been reading and learning a lot. I'm planning to set my first Reef Tank up and I need your advice...

I used to have (for 2 years) a freshwater planted tank with discus on it. As many people here, I get bored of it and I want a piece of the ocean in my house. The graphics attached show the system I’m planning to do. Also, I’m trying my old stuff.

The equipment I already have is:

1 - 75 gallon glass tank (will be my main tank)
2 - 10 gallon glass tanks (the sump and the refugium)
1 - 200 watts heater
1 - Fluval 404 (will be an extra filter, keeping the carbon, and cleaning the sump)
1 - Supreme MAG 3 (350 GPH) (will be the Pump No. 1)
1 - Supreme MAG 7 (700 GPH) (will be the Pump No. 3)

I’m planning to buy:

1 - 200 watts heater
1 - Supreme MAG 9.5 (950 GPH) (will be the Pump No. 2)
1 - Supreme MAG 7 (700 GPH) (will be the Pump No. 4)
1 - Supreme MAG 1.5 (140 GPH) (will be the Pump No. 5)

Pump No. 3 and No. 4 are just for the internal water movement. I will use a PCV tubes with small holes on it. The holes will be drilled in different angles in order to get the water flowing in different directions. I used this in my freshwater tank with success, but just in one side of the tank and the holes in the glass direction (because of the discus).

Also, I’m a DIY person so I’m planning to build the Skimmer. Is the Geoff (http://themantledmonster.thereeftank.com/skimmer.html) a good alternative ???

Please guys, let me know your thoughts about it. Thanks in advance

Seranko

 

[electrikat]

Do you need an extra heater or is it just a failsafe? I have an 80 gallon and have only 1 200 watt heater. Also just info and I know you were probably planning it but don't forget the qt tank. Much more important in sw than fw.

 

[seranko]

Well, to be honest I didn't think about it. Thanks.... and yes, the heater is a extra... Just In Case. I had a bad experience one year ago when the heater fail and the temperature went from 30 to 20, and one of my discus died.

Any other comment ???

Thanks again

 

[RocketSeason]

built in overflows?

 

[Salttanker]

The extra heater, in addition to another pump or powerhead, would also come in handy for pre-mixing your change water in advance. Also, it is good to have in case one fails. Looks like a great list so far. Good luck!

BTW - I am using my Fluval for the same thing. Good to have, and easy to run.
You could use 1 10g tank for the sump/refugium, and one for the qt. Just a thought.


Mike