Originally Posted by
Corcoadam
http:///forum/post/2882265
I tried the saltwater thing once and it didn't go so hot so I'm going to do it again, the right way. I've got a 40 gal tank and the stand. Please give a list of equipment that I will need. I've already got and understand the importance of live rock and sand. But what about all the other stuff? Please include brands too, if possible. I'm trying to figure out how to build a sump but I'm completely confused so if anyone can clear that up, I'll really appreciate that too.
Thanks for any help.
Cool! I'm glad you're jumping in. There is a lot to cover, but here's a rough outline of how I would do it. I'm not suggesting this is the only way or "the right" way, but it is a method that has worked for me and many other people.
The first question is whether or not your tank has a built-in overflow or not. If it does not, then you'll need an overflow box and tubing or pipe to get the water from the tank to the sump (or you can drill the tank, but it sounds like you already have water, sand and live rock in it).
For the sump, I like a simple Berlin style sump (no wet/dry) which basically has room for a filter sock, a sump-based protein skimmer and a submersible pump. You can buy one that is pre-fab with baffles separating the compartment where the protein skimmer is and where the submersible pump is. If you do get a pre-fab one, it will probably come with a filter sponge that I would NOT use. If you DIY, use an old tank and check around the forums for good baffle plans.
I would plan to have a substrate reactor that hangs on the sump in which you can run chemical media (phosphate absorbing media, charcoal, etc.). This will need a small powerhead to feed it unless you rig it up to be powered by water from the return pump (not my preferred method).
Depending on what you plan to keep, I would also consider planning a refugium either in the sump (pre-fab or DIY) or a HOB refugium.
Finally, I would install a UV sterilizer either on a closed loop running off the sump or inline between the return pump and the tank. Obviously this is a major debate (whether or not to use a UV sterilizer), but I'm just saying what I would do.
If this is going to be a reef tank, I'd also plan on a calcium reactor rigged to the protein skimmer. Again, that's just me.
You may need/want a chiller as well depending on lights et al.
Topside, you could certainly use a powerhead for flow, but I'd go ahead and plan an over-the-back closed loop system (CLS) for flow with an external pump and a wavemaker device with multiple returns. If you decide to go this route, I'd be happy to describe the type of CLS I run on my systems.
Lights are obviously a HUGE decision and depend very much on what you plan to keep. Let us know, and I'm sure we will be glad to make some suggestions.
You'll need a heater (that will go in the sump), a way to monitor the temperature, a refractometer, good test kits (start with Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, and pH), an algae scrub pad, a turkey baster, a couple 5-gallon buckets, some tubing, a timer (or just get a controller!
), some powerstrips (unless you get a controller), and some other stuff I'm forgetting right now....
I hope that's a good starting point. Just be sure to ask lots of questions and solicit lots of advice. Research and read up and commit to the decisions you make because YOU understand why it's a good choice, not simply because someone told you it was.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Ret
www.SaltwaterSense.com
