bdunn13

First off, I hope I am suppose to use this sub-forum for these sorts of threads.

Well, as I posted in the other forum, I got a new 120g tank Saturday.

I forgot to put a back on the glass, so I am going to try to do that today. I think I am going to go with blue for that.

I am going to Boston for the week next Monday so I would like to get everything together before Saturday so I can monitor the water for a couple of days as the cycle starts.... then have it cycle while I am gone.

I think I want a refugium but dang they seem expensive. Should I still get a protein skimmer if I get a refugium? Will that combination help me to make less frequent water changes?


Since I have dual overflows, will I need two pumps too? I also am unsure how to setup the plumbing... When pumping water back into the tank from the overflow, where do I pump it to? Depending on where the water goes back into the tank at, wouldn't this remove the need for a powerhead?

Would dual powerheads be okay for this size tank?

Do most pumps come with all the piping and stuff I need or should I stop by home depot too in order to pick up some stuff? What about pipe dope? Is this safe to use when putting things together?


I have also read things that suggest both ways(putting substrate in before the live rock as well as waiting till AFTER your tank cycles before putting in the substrate).

Would if be okay if I am using cured live rock(with some dead rock.. forget what it's called) to go ahead and put the substrate in and aquascape?

I am trying to plan this out so I don't mess anything up. I understand the science of the project but the devil is in the detail.

Tumbleweed

A skimmer will be needed whether or not you have a refugium or not. You don't need to buy a special container labled to sell as a refugium. Any container that can hold water will work just fine. Rule of thumb is 10% of tank volume for a refugium. For a sump you want to go as big as will fit under the stand. You do not need 2 pump for the reuturn. 1 will work. It your tank pre-drilled for the reurns? If so that is where they would be plumbed to. If not you can either have some holes driiled in the tank, or you can just get a return hose end and any LFS.

As for power heads this depends on what you are planning to do with the tank. If you are going to have a FOWTR tank, the sump return and 1 power head might be enough, but if you are going to do corals you will need a couple of power heads ot get enough water circulation in the tank. 20X GPH flow ie. 125gal tank = 2500gph of flow.

I would put the substrate, live rock, and base rock in all at the same time and let your tank start to cycle. I use a piece of raw shrimp in the water for a couple of days to help the process along.

Here is a link to a very good site that explains the basics of a sump and refugium, and how to plumb them.

http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html

Hope this helps, and good luck

bdunn13

Yes, my tank is predrilled with returns. I am going back to the LFS sometime today... I will let you know how it goes.

Thx,
BD

bdunn13

I ended up with some salt, a sump / refugium and 2 overflow kits. I still need a pump and a skimmer and a water source. Will post pictures of my new stuff later on.

bdunn13

Here are some pics... I planned to take more during the process but I guess I got too involved.


My overflows...






My sump/refugium...





And my tank full of water with some rock..... I have not aquascaped yet.....




BD