New to this.

[travis mcb]

I'm trying to put together my 125g tank and have no idea I what I really need. I know I don't really want a sump. And is the skimmer/ filter combo any good?


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[carey]

Any reason why you dont want a sump? I thought the same way when I first started and now couldnt live without it. lol
Specially with a 125g, you will get better filtration and have an overall better and more stable system if you run a sump.

 

[eatsomepopcorn]

You will need a sump. I can recommend an easy to use and full proof sump that is very versatile. I have a 120 gallon salt water fish only.


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[eatsomepopcorn]

The sump has a place for skimmer, but you can decide on that later.


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[travis mcb]

Well my stand is homemade and didn't think about a whole lot going under it when constructed and not exactly sure if I can fit a decent size sump under there.


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[Sniperhank]

Even if you were able to get a Rubbermaid container under there that was rated food safe you could use that. It is up to the imagination when it comes down to getting the largest possible sump.

 

[travis mcb]

I will measure it tomorrow. And see what works.


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[Sillyfishies]

Even a 40g breeder would be a great sump and would have no problems fitting underneath. Also, while it's empty, I HIGHLY recommend drilling the tank. It seems hard, but it's actually pretty easy.

 

[travis mcb]

Yeah I'm pretty dead set on not drilling it since it says do not drill I just don't want it to break and have that huge mess to deal with. Could you just run the pic over the top of the tank?


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[travis mcb]

And on these breeder tanks do that have dividers in them or something?


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[chefbill]

And on these breeder tanks do that have dividers in them or something?

I thought the same thing when I first started. A "breeder" as in 40b is simply a dimension available. Reefer like them because they have a nice footprint, wide and shallow.

For a sump, you will want dividers though, assuming you DIY.

 

[travis mcb]

Oh ok yeah it's diy.


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[Sillyfishies]

Does it say "do not drill" or "do not drill bottom".

If you don't drill it, you have to get a HOB overflow box.

 

[travis mcb]

On the bottom support it says tempered glass do not drill.


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[treemanone2003]

On the bottom support it says tempered glass do not drill.


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"Most" bottoms are always tempered. "Usually" the sides are not. Try this. http://www.salt-city.org/showthread.php?9542-How-to-tell-if-glass-is-tempered.


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[carey]

I have to agree, drilling now will be the best thing you could do, well next to setting a sump up.
I will never go back to a hang on overflow, never had any floods but it could have easily happened. The 40b is ideal for that tank too as a sump, I use one on my 180g tank. Plenty of room for a decent skimmer and anything else you may wanna toss in there, depending on your needs at the time.
I know it sounds like alot of stuff, the sump and drilling, but trust me and the others, we have learned from our mistakes and only want to have you avoid our pitfalls. lol
I even drilled my 40b tank and stuck a 10g sump underneath. lol So easy and so much better to maintain the tank. You will thank us, thats a guarantee. lol

 

[mr_X]

He doesn't have room for the 40 breeder. His stand is too narrow. He needs to use a 55. Yes, most bottoms are tempered, but very few sides. I'm going to drill my 300 gallon today. I'll document it with pictures and maybe videos to show you how ridiculously easy it is to do.

 

[mr_X]

I'm trying to put together my 125g tank and have no idea I what I really need. I know I don't really want a sump. And is the skimmer/ filter combo any good?


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No, to answer your question, the skimmer/filter combo things are garbage. A protein skimmer is a very important part of your system. You want something of quality. If you stay in this hobby for any length of time, you will regret buying garbage components. Ask here and buy once.

 

[travis mcb]

Thanks for actually answering my question. What's a good brand?


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[mr_X]

Reef octopus, vertex, ASM(the new cones, not the old ones), msx, atb, Seaside aquatics, bubble magus, aqua-maxx, jns...
Any of those brands will work, but remember to purchase a skimmer rated for 1.5 to 2 times your total system volume to be safe. Manufacturers loosely rate their skimmers. Bulk reef supply recommends getting the largest skimmer you can afford.