? On sump style, new larger set-up

[axle314]

? Guys, I have a 55 setup presently, I am going up to a 135, working on sump, I have access to a Berlin series filtration with no refugium, this guy stated he had issues with calurpa and changed to bio ball which seemed to work out better. Good advice? I will have a c-skim 1800 red sea skimmer, have access to a mag 12,7 or 3 pump. I will have 3 overflow holes rear top draining to sump and returns will go over top back into tank. Thanks for any advice during this build. Mainly a LPS/ soft coral setup with few fish
Scott

 

[btldreef]

There really is no definite answer. There's quite a few "right" ways to do things in this hobby. For me, the bio balls don't work. I just don't like them, and prefer to have an open sump. I'm a refugium person, but I didn't always have one and they're not necessary. I have pod eaters in my tank, quite a few of them, so I need the fuge.
Go with what you feel will be comfortable for your budget/time. Some methods are more time consuming/need more maintenance than others.
I really don't know that much about the Berlin system, so I can't comment on it.
If it were up to me, I'd turn your 55 into the sump/refugium for your 135 if possible.

 

[axle314]

Thanks for the reply, I thought about doing the 55 but it is a very tight fit in stand and is full have no place to store my reef, my first thought was a 40 breeder sump/refugiu, I can pick up a 40b for about 50 buck here, found one earlier already having dividers installed can't beat that. Just looking at all options here

 

[btldreef]

40B make great sumps. IMO the 40B is one of the best tanks out there, LOL. They make great reef tanks, breeding tanks, sumps, etc. If it were me, I'd probably go with the traditional sump setup. It's just easier if you have a problem, more people use that method, or a variation of it and can help out.

 

[axle314]

Well I picked up both sumps, couldn't beat the cost, will sell off what don't use, I have 3 1-3/4" holes top rear of tank, I may seal off the middle hole and only drain the far left/right holes. I believe I will have enough volume draining and will have less configuring of lines. The Berlin sump has 2 90's already dumping into bio balls and the 40b I could just pipe straight in. The 40b is to wide to fit in stand, the Berlin will fit prefect but I like the refugium idea much better, may build a bigger stand LOL, alway a project right!!
I will be running the below items
Red sea c-1800 skimmer with a mag3
A mag7 for return
And either sump (thinking the 40b)
Trying for simple, clean, affordable.
So do you guys believe only using 2 overflow top holes will be fine on the 135gal ? Most only come with 2.
Thanks
Scott