tank set up 50gal reef

popeye · 04-12-2007, 01:07 AM

I am currently setting up my first reef tank. I got a good deal on a 50 gal oceanic and am going to use a 600gph overflow siphon box and a have a spare 10gal i was going to turn into a sump.. Should i go bigger on the sump? i want to do my skimmer and a fuge in it but am limmited for space in the stand..

TerraC · 04-12-2007, 05:24 AM

IMO sump size seems fine. What are you planning on doing with the sump? DSB? Macro Algae? or just extra volume and equipment placement?

However in my experience if I were to do things again with my tank I wouldnt use an overflow box and would get the tank drilled. Maybe others have had more success with oflow boxes but mine has been a nightmare from day one.

popeye · 04-12-2007, 07:52 PM

I'm trying to fit my skimmer,heater, some live rock and macro into the sump/fuge area. I am going to go 4 to 5" sb in the tank itself I think. I agree that drilling is the best way, but this tank is realy nice and I don't want to risk it geting broken in the process. As far as lighting and hood I may go DIY. I have a few commercial MH 175w fixtures and can get 10k bulbs for them then add an actinic or two and a couple of leds...

keyozoxmfc · 04-12-2007, 08:50 PM

just what i have to say... a 10 gallon tank seems very small for a 50 gallon for all that you want in there. what kinda of skimmer would you use? and what kinda of return pump..and a DSB and heater. personally i think thats kinda packing the 10 gallon and in the event of a poweroutage..i think you may have a problem. how much space do you have under there?

popeye · 04-12-2007, 09:28 PM

I tried to fit a 28 gal tall under the 50 but it wont fit.... I've got a Coralife super skimmer and a couple stealths for heat... I may build a bigger box for under the tank or buy one.. I work a S*** load of hours at a quarry so time to shop is at a premium

keyozoxmfc · 04-12-2007, 11:09 PM

ohh i have the css as well! mine is the 125 model though. i have a 50 gallon tank as well. i dont know if you have noticed, but the superskimmer creates A LOT of micro bubbles, so you may want a sump that has bubble traps. but i think you probably will need the biggest thing you can get? do you have any pictures of the tank?