Starting new reef.

[dannyafoster]

So I'm starting a new 55g reef tank. This is my forsyth saltwater tank I've been researching for weeks. But I still have a few questions.

1. what would be better 1 larger powerhead or 2 medium powerheads?
2. I know I want a sump. Is a 20g sump a decent size?
3. I know the concept of how dumps but I'm still confused at the overflow box. Its am open box so what's to control how much that goes down? Or are you supposed to pump so much back at the same time that it equals out?
4. If I get live rock from someone that had it in their tank and I put it in mine will it recycle and become live again if it has died?

 

[cr500_af]

Welcome! I'll give you some info (as best I can).

1. 2 would be better 99% of the time. One just doesn't cover all the areas in the tank well. When choosing their size, read up and figure out where you want to go with the tank... for some setups (like SPS-dominant) you want a lot of flow. Most people underpower on their first try.

2. 20 is reasonable... but use the largest one you can fit, because more water is more stable, and it gives you more room (and therefore more choices) for equipment, especially skimmers.

3. You don't want anything limiting your flow out of the tank as far as the rate goes. It will only drain back as fast as the return pump adds water from the sump to the display. You can either choose wisely on return pumps or get one a little large and "throttle" it back with a ball valve (on the output side only).
4. Yes, it will. If it is dead, you want to clean it thoroughly (as in bleach), rinse it well (several times) and let it dry thoroughly. You would be smart to get at least some healthy live rock to "seed" the tank with the bacteria that needs to populate all of the rock eventually.

If it is still alive, you will have some dieoff of the organisms from being out of the water for moving it. That will cause a cycle all by itself. It's sort of a judgement call, but if (based on the history of the rock) you think it has had a lot of dieoff, you should probably cure it before you put it in the tank. Curing rock means to keep it in warm, moving SW that is changed regularly until all of the funk from the dieoff is gone and the living organisms have stabilized. If, on the other hand, it has been handled carefully (and remained wet the whole time) you could go straight to the tank. Note that this wouldn't be true if it were an up-and-running tank... causing a cycle on a running tank is bad news. You're still going to have to cycle it, so as long is the tank isn't stocked...if the rock is pretty healthy you'll be OK.

 

[mph84]

1- personal opinion a powerheads would be better. you can get more "random" flow rather than just one direction.
2-I ran 2 10 gallon tanks under my 55 years ago, one sump and one refugium
3-As long as the overflow box is big enough to handle the pump it will drain as much as you pump up there. Lets say your pump cuts off it will just quit draining water down.
4- If you get dead/dry rock you will have to let it cycle again. do some research on how to do that. not very hard just too much to write.

good luck and happy reefing

Edit: barry you beat me to it!!

 

[dannyafoster]

Thanks for the info. Where can I get a HOB overflow box?

 

[jimknutson]

I could always drill it for a 1 inch bulkhead then you don't need an overflow.

 

[rdnelson]

Drilling the tank before you set it up would be much better in my opinion. But, I didn't know better and didn't do it. If you are handy, you can build a hang on the back. But, if you go with the hang on the back, make sure you understand how it works to ensure you get it set up correctly. Go to

 

[frantz]

I also suggest getting the tank drilled.

DIY drill (if you don't have one) = $30, bit = $15 chuck to hold bit = $15

I only ever got one quote but it was $50 a hole.

So it depends how often you want to get holes in glass. Plus, the risk of breaking a tank DIY, but of course its up to you! Maybe practice on some old/broken 10 gallons? Good luck!

 

[rdnelson]

There is a member on the boards who offers to drill tanks for a pittance. Bet if you post a thread saying you want a tank drilled he would chime in. He is a ways away from you but I think in the long run it would be well worth it.

 

[thanh386]

Call nemo, I believe they do drilling at a good price.

 

[jbdreefs]

If you go the DIY route, be sure not to drill tempered glass. A lot of tanks have tempered glass bottoms and normally indicate that with a sticker.

 

[dannyafoster]

Idk if the tank is temepered I'm buying it from my gfs best friend for $35 they used it as fresh water and why is it better to have it drilled what's the difference?