First Tank

[blue02celi]

I recently purchased 2- 55 gallon tanks. I really just needed 1 for my turtles but they were used and cheap so I took both of them. Now I have an extra tank so we decided we would like to set it up as a saltwater tank. I read over most of the "thinking of starting a marine tank" links at top and had a few questions (most about filtration)

on the "Starting a marine tank", he uses a 30 gal as an example and says to use the biggest container you can fit under your tankfor a sump, using a large pump and 2 powerheads (which I thought were going to be used in the tank but I think he uses them in the container). Im lost at how this is set up. Im sure there are many other ways to do this, anyone know to do it, and add a DIY filter to it? i've seen others on here but they are separated so the water flows over separators which wouldnt be in a plastic container. i have a small 10 gal tank, would I be able to use that? I know for the filter I'd need rocks/carbon, then other layers that filter smaller and smaller.

I read about LR's and I might be mistaken, but I think I saw it say If I bought LR's from a local shop that I wouldnt have to cycle the tank... is that true?

also, i noticed people drill holes in their tanks for their overflow, is that hard? im not very good when it comes to powertools. I know I want a FOWLR setup, im not sure if I want to add reef, my tank is kind of high from what I've been reading (48x12x18high)


I know I'll have alot more questions, but for now just trying to figure everything out before I actually put everything together.
thanks

 

[Mr Miagi]

on the "Starting a marine tank", he uses a 30 gal as an example and says to use the biggest container you can fit under your tankfor a sump, using a large pump and 2 powerheads (which I thought were going to be used in the tank but I think he uses them in the container). Im lost at how this is set up. Im sure there are many other ways to do this, anyone know to do it, and add a DIY filter to it? i've seen others on here but they are separated so the water flows over separators which wouldnt be in a plastic container. i have a small 10 gal tank, would I be able to use that? I know for the filter I'd need rocks/carbon, then other layers that filter smaller and smaller.

Generally, if you have a suitable quantity of live rock, you shouldnt need an extra filter, but considering your going FOWLR, it might not be a bad thing after all. You can use the filter media that comes with the filter, ie sponge, floss/wool, carbon etc in a FOWLR.

A sump should be the biggest hting you can fit beneath. This just increases water volume and helps stabilise water parameters. Its not a must though. A sump can be ANY size, just as long as it accomplishes what its there for. Have you thought about adding a skimmer? If so, add that into your sump dimensions.

There is normally just the pump in the sump, to return water to the tank. The powerheads are used in tank to provide internal circulation for your inhabitants and live rock.

www.melevsreef.com should have a link to his famous sumps. Check it out. It has levels for the beginner through to the most experienced.

I read about LR's and I might be mistaken, but I think I saw it say If I bought LR's from a local shop that I wouldnt have to cycle the tank... is that true?

Thats correct. If you buy "cured" live rock, which has no dead or decaying material on it, the rock should start processing your water instantly. If you buy "un-cured" live rock, otr have some die off from transportation, you may get elevated levels of ammonia/nitrite, but this will kick start your cycle for you.

also, i noticed people drill holes in their tanks for their overflow, is that hard? im not very good when it comes to powertools. I know I want a FOWLR setup, im not sure if I want to add reef, my tank is kind of high from what I've been reading (48x12x18high)

People only drill the tank to make things easier. You need some diamond tipped hole saws, which attach to your normal drill. If your not confident, id suggest seeking out a glasier who will do it for you under warranty, or your LFS might do it.

HTH! Ben.