Hey to all. This is the first forum I have joined since getting into the saltwater side. I have had several F/W tanks in the past. Largest was a 55gal. Have not had an aquarium in about 7 or more years. As of now I have a 55 gal up and running for about 7mo. now. I have enjoyed it very much. So much that I dove right in and bought a 150gal. That is a work in progress. Trying to learn the sump filtration and the requirements for it. I am leaning on that direction but am looking also to go with the Fluval fx5 or 6. Which ever I go with it will have to be a hang on unit as the tank is not drilled. I have an Eheim 2217 that came with it but I want more filtration than that. So far staying fowlr with exception of a couple of corals that a fellow member gave me or was a suprise on the live rock I have. Looking forward to the learning. Thanks Shane
New to the saltwater hobby
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Keep in mind almost no one in this hobby uses canister filters, as they can be quite problematic (especially if you don't clean them constantly). In general, sponges and areas that collect waste and detritus are a no-go. If I were you, I'd look into getting an external overflow and installing a sump. Then add a protein Skimmer and you will be on your way. I know drilling it can be a scary proposition. There really aren't many Hang on the back skimmers capable of handling 150 gallons, so a sump would be great.
Welcome!! My sister lives out in Carrolton so if you ever need a hand drilling that tank let me know, it sounds alot scarier than it actually is, before someone else chimes in and says it Ill go ahead and tell you to google Bean Animal Bar and Grill, it's the overflow design that I feel adds the most redundancy along with quite and easy to adjust.
Welcome to the club! I am not too much further down the saltwater road from where you are at right now. The best advice that I can provide is read, read, read. I spent a lot of time on this site. There are a lot of good guys and gals on here that provide you good advice, like the sump/skimmer instead of a canister filtration you have already received. Next visit your local fish store, they will teach you the finer points of reef keeping. Pure Reef in Alpharetta is a good one if you are in that neck of the woods.
Lastly and most importantly, you need to be patient! It is very hard to do, but is best for your fish and success. Good luck and welcome aboard!
Lastly and most importantly, you need to be patient! It is very hard to do, but is best for your fish and success. Good luck and welcome aboard!
Welcome. As mentioned, I would drill the 150 if I was you. In addition, I would go with the bean animal style overflow. In my mind, it can't be beat. You can read up on it by Goggling "Bean Animal Bar and Grill". It has a great explanation of how it works.
Thanks guys. Yes the external over flow is what i was talking about. Havent learned the lingo yet. :noob: I will look into the "Bean Animal Bar and Grill".
Bycjoe I may take you up on that offer. How much do you charge if I decide to go that route?
Bycjoe I may take you up on that offer. How much do you charge if I decide to go that route?
A 6 pack if its when I'm out there to see my sister, Killian's Irish red preferably 
. Just figure out what overflow you need for your tank and buy the bits, I got the drill, do some research on the actual overflow box, and your tank will sit off the wall slightly. Depending on your tank it'll probably have a tempered bottom for a 150 so that's not an option.
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There's a picture of mine done in 1" pipe, still need a clip for the one vinyl tube but it'll give you a good idea of what you need.
. Just figure out what overflow you need for your tank and buy the bits, I got the drill, do some research on the actual overflow box, and your tank will sit off the wall slightly. Depending on your tank it'll probably have a tempered bottom for a 150 so that's not an option.
There's a picture of mine done in 1" pipe, still need a clip for the one vinyl tube but it'll give you a good idea of what you need.
Welcome to the ARC! Bean overflows are great, I have one on a 125g and one on a 55g. You are welcome to stop by and check them out. Holley 
Bycjoe, I think I can swing that. Might have to give you a bonus pack lol
Bycjoe, Thanks for the pics. I was just wondering if the air tube is glued to the pvc? If the water rose wouldnt the air in the tube cause it to rise? By no means am I nit-picking. Like I said I am new to this. I like that idea. Your overflow box is smooth on the top right? I will get the stuff up and let you know when.
I glue an air line valve to the cover I built for my overflow. I also put a short piece of tubing out the bottom. By adjusting the height of that tube you can control the height of the water in the overflow. That is, if the water is below the tube it allows air in and keeps it from at phoning bid water rises it blocks the air and causes a symphony which will move more water lowering the level in the overflow. It is an automatic emergency drain. Should it also not keep up you have the other emergency drain that will kick in.
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What he has there is called a Bean Animal Overflow. The air tube is affixed to the top of the overflow in some airtight manner.. some even tap it and put in a fitting. Some folks just use some kinda glue.
That particular overflow pipe is the backup syphon in this system. The end of the tube that is in the overflow box is just above normal operating level. What happens is, if the main syphon should fail, the water will rise in the overflow box and cover the end of that tube.. It then doesn't have air in the line and it creates a syphon in THAT overflow tube which then drains the box to keep it from overflowing. When it isn't in "syphon mode" that particular overflow tube just has water run down the sides of the tube to aid the FIRST full syphon overflow tube.
I THINK I explained that as simply as I could haha.. the easiest way to have it explained is just to see one work.
B
Holley, I read your post on here about the same thing. Did you find someone to make one for you?
Edit: Bycjoe, I wish I was still a machinist right now. I use to make all kinds of acrylic boxes for display cases. I was in the military then and we made all the plaques and special going away gifts for every one.
Edit: Bycjoe, I wish I was still a machinist right now. I use to make all kinds of acrylic boxes for display cases. I was in the military then and we made all the plaques and special going away gifts for every one.
