Hello from WV!

[bullvi22]

My name is ben. I just got back into saltwater stuff after a couple years away. This forum has been my resource for brushing up over the past weeks.
I just set up my 29g reef tank again for the first time in 3 years (i'll try to post a pic from last time). And have already learned a great deal about the hobby from this forum.
My setup is currently
-approx 50lbs rock (seeding with live rock and sand)
-25 lbs live fiji pink
-2x65w satellite orbit light
-newly acquired eshopps wet/dry
-aquarium systems skimmer
-etc etc
my first question is this:
after reading some posts and doing some research, i've decided to do a refugium/sump. My last setup didn't have the wet/dry, i just got it for a steal at the LFS and i'm scratchin my head where to go now. My plan is to turn the wet/dry into a 'fuge and incorporate the skimmer, heater, etc down there... Where to from here? Does anyone think i should just run the wet/dry? I kinda just lucked into it for a little bit of nothing with intentions of adding a baffle, and whatnot and making a 'fuge out of it. Any thoughts?
This the filter i just picked up used, minus bio balls.
Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[cmaxwell39]

I would try to run a fuge if you can. If you can redesign the wet/dry to hold your skimmer and make a fuge section I think that is the way I would go.

 

[cmaxwell39]

I would try to run a fuge if you can. If you can redesign the wet/dry to hold your skimmer and make a fuge section I think that is the way I would go.
By the way welcome to the boards.

 

[big]

Ben, Welcome to the Boards

I used a large wet-dry as a starting point when I built my Sump-fuge system too.....
Hey where in WV are you anyway???????????????????????

 

[bullvi22]

Sweet, thats what i was thinking...
I live in Hurricane...
I guess i need to understand the basics of 'fuging a little better before i start modding this wet/dry but i think its the way i want to go.. seems a heck of a lot better than letting the detritus junk build up in bio balls expecting them to do the work...
the thinking must continue

 

[t316]

Welcome Ben...

No experience here with a wet/dry, but I would recommend some type of sump/fuge so that you can handle a lot of the maintenance/mechanics out of sight. Looking forward to some pics....

 

[trouble93]

How far are you from Athens Co. Ohio??? I would start off with the wet/dry like it is for now and just get your feet wet all over again and then work on the fuge. Again Welcome.

 

[dnvrbrown]

Hey Ben, we're almost neighbors. I'm in Charleston. Welcome back to SW. I'm a newbie and man is this stuff addicting. Good luck

 

[bullvi22]

 

[bullvi22]

Ahah! It worked ! My first time using photobucket.

A bit small, but its a start...
Athens co.... hmm. I'm not sure honestly

Yeah, no kidding this hobby's addicting.. my roomate had to prod me into getting back into it, but it didnt take much encouraging, im already hooked again i think..
Hmm. I'm leaning towards doing the fuge at this point, mostly because it was what i set out to do to begin with and i'd like to make some DIY stuff... still not quite sure tho, i'll keep y'all posted and try to get some more pics up.

 

[bullvi22]

 

[bullvi22]

 

[bullvi22]

 

[bullvi22]

 

[bullvi22]

Here's the wet/dry sump i picked up for a cool 15 bucks
Somebody did a little hacking on the end for some reason, the overflow is hanging for reference purposes (i know it doesnt go there ;-)
Still researchin the whole workin with acrylic thing, i'm mostly still looking for how to cut it and cement it back together (i just found out silicone does NOT work, that would've been disastrous. oh well, thats why you research, THEN do...)
We'll see where she goes from here...