New to the hobby NEED HELP!

[nfoster187]

I recently baught a 55 gallon saltwater f/o tank out of the paper. The tank utilizes a sump pump and i have no idea if i have it set up right, the guy i baught it off of was less than inclined to help me out. The tank looks great, all of my tests have came back perfect, but i have no idea how to use the filter media inside the sump. One problem that i am having is the flow is so high that the food just goes right into the overflow and the fish do not get a chance to eat it. I am going to attach pictures for reference. Please help me!
Nick

 

[zman1]

Looks like it's setup fine. Turn the return pump off and let the water drop to the OF level and then feed. That is what I do to keep the food in the tank and out of the sump during feeding.

 

[nfoster187]

Well now i feel stupid. Here i am trying to come up with a way to attach screen or something inside my tank and the obvious answer is staring me in the face. Another question that i have is do i need a protien skimmer? Eventually i want to make this a reef tank but want to get more experiance before i take the plunge. Like i said i am new to the hobby and doing the best i can.
Thanks for you help Zman
Nick

 

[opus18]

Originally Posted by zman1
Looks like it's setup fine. Turn the return pump off and let the water drop to the OF level and then feed. That is what I do to keep the food in the tank and out of the sump during feeding.
Well whack me upside the head! :notsure:

 

[zman1]

I would reccomend getting a skimmer and the center of your sump would be a great place for it. It helps to get a different perspective, it's not a stupid question. Welcome to the fun of Saltwater.

 

[nfoster187]

Thanks Zman, i was wondering if you could recomend a good one. I have never really looked at in sump skimmers the only ones that i have seen (until i saw some pictures today) where the hang on side ones or at least i thought. Thanks alot for all your help my one clown fish that survived the journey loves you.
Nick

 

[triga22]

Coralife Super skimmer

 

[zman1]

That question is going to be like asking what's the best car. You are going to get a lot of different opinions.
I have a ASM - does a great job. They sell them on this site
How big is your tank? That will help others to steer you in the right direction and you said you wanted to ultimately go reef.
If you are handy a DIY might be good, you can get the Sedra needle wheel pump kits online. The one my ASM uses is the 9000 and that pump kit with needle wheel, ventrui, and hose runs about $109. I don't recall what the 3500 or 5000 run. However, it's still an option.

 

[nfoster187]

I am running a 55 gallon tank. Zman could direct me towards a website with the parts so i could DIY. I have learned with all my reptiles that DIY is usually the best route to go.
Thanks
Nick

 

[zman1]

Google this "ASM G Skimmers _ protein skimmers Product list" should get you to a site that sell the pump kits (not sure if this includes venturi as the pic shows but they sell those too). Or Google "sedra pump kit venturi" for another site.
Someone else may be able to help you with PVC if your looking for clear. Otherwise, the local home center has Sched 40. The only thing I like to have clear would be the collection cup for my preference.

 

[nfoster187]

Hey Zman sorry to keep bugging you, i really appreciate all your help; but i was wondering if you could suggest a light setup for my tank. It is a 55 gallon, but is 48" in width, i have been looking around and a lot is lost in translation to me with all the terms. In this instance i would like to not spend a bunch of money, but i want the best that is necessary.
Thanks again for all your help, i truely appreciate it.
Nick

 

[mikeyjer]

Originally Posted by nfoster187
Hey Zman sorry to keep bugging you, i really appreciate all your help; but i was wondering if you could suggest a light setup for my tank. It is a 55 gallon, but is 48" in width, i have been looking around and a lot is lost in translation to me with all the terms. In this instance i would like to not spend a bunch of money, but i want the best that is necessary.
Thanks again for all your help, i truely appreciate it.
Nick
It all depends what you plan to keep in that tank. If you plan to keep corals and not subject to only a few types you can keep, you should go with Metal Halides(MH). IF you go fish only, you don't have to have expensive lighting for it at all....Just regular Normal Output (NO) lighting is just fine.... :happyfish

 

[joncat24]

as far as the feeding goes...they make a feeding station that floats. when u put the food it in the fish get it from the bottom and then it falls into the water column. so you dont have to turn off your pumps every time you feed. I got mine at the lfs, and u can find them online

 

[omgsaltwat]

Originally Posted by TriGa22
Coralife Super skimmer

I agree

 

[isistius]

nfoster-
you can do a search in the forums. there are many very helpful links concerning lighting, skimmers, filtration, etc. basiacally, there will be at least 1 if not 100 questions like yours. definitely check out the archives. awesome information there.
welcom to the boards!!!!