Brian

I dont' think that second picture if of the inside of the tank!!! EEEWWWW!!!

Would it be better to just use a larger tank for a sump/fuge combo? That is what I have yet to plan out but I'm going to have the fuge and sump in the same place. Just have the water drain into the sump with a compartment for the skimmer where the water comes. The next section will have my fuge and then the third section will have the return pumps. If I had a frag tank I would then put in or split off the returns to both tanks. It seems in the setup you are going to have that not all the water is going to see the benefit of the fuge before going back into the main tank or frag tank. Now if you could have the water go from your sump into the fuge then have it pumped into the main and frag tank I think that would be a better idea. Unless, and this would be plumbing insanity but have the water go through the sump and have it pumped into the fuge then back to the main display and frag tank.

Sure I'd be willing to help out. Plus will be a plus since I can pick-up the lights from you at the same time. Sent you a PM with me details so we can workout a time and get your info. Also might have 2 short helpers come with if that is ok, wife has plans but I'll be able to help depending on time.

I'm always impressed when I go there how much they are willing to help out people who have no idea what they are doing(namely me). John has always been helpful in explaining things when I have questions on how things work and to put together my tank.

Ok I have a 125 and a 55 sump. I would like to be able to seperate the sump into 3 sections. One for the overflow to drain into, another for the fuge, and lastly one for the return pump and skimmer. I have thought about putting the skimmer where the overflow drains but not sure yet. What is the best to use to seperate the sections? Do most just use glass cut to the right size and caulk into place? I'm just worried that stuff from my fuge will get sucked up by my return pump and create problems. Thanks.

I would love to attend the 2 in Leesburg but I might have a little visitor come with me. She will be well monitored and will be kept close at hand. If it's cool I'd love to come and look and show my daughter what my tank will hopefully look like once I ever get it setup. Thanks

I'm in the process of putting together my first salt water tank and have a question about refugium. I have a 125 display and a 55 fuge. None of the plumbing is done yet but I wonder what does everyone use to seperate the sections of their refugium? I plan to have the overflow go into the sump and the first section have my skimmer, next my fuge, then my return pump. Do you use glass that has been sized and then just caulk it in place or something else? Thanks,

Lets see here.... I have a couple book that have been recommended but the names evade me rigth now. I have the test kits from my freshwater tank as well as getting test kits for salt. I live in the Gainesville area but I'm willing to drive to see other setups. (and I never come empty handed ) As far as live stock I know I have to have a to have at least a clown fish and anemone for my little one. As far as the rest of the tank unsure right now but I think I will make a decision before I even cycle the tank. There will be live rock to help expansion if I want to go with corals but not sure I want to get into that yet but want the ground work to be there. Definitely going to have a sand bed at least 3" if not 6". For now at least between myself and friend that has a salt water tank I have been picking up good buys when I can. If in the end it's something i don't need then either my friend or this board will see the benefits.

Ok here's the deal. I have a friend that has a salt water tank and I have had many fresh water tanks do well so I decided to take the plunge. I have a 125 tank with a 55 sump I got from Mike at BRK. I bought a ASM G3 skimmer, Mag 18, 2 Boxes of salt (more than I need but better to have more than less), a 75 RO/DI filter, and might have a line on 2 x 400W MH lights. What next? I know I need sand and LR but not sure what is going to best to use. I have heard to use a Fuge but then have heard they are not worth it. The old owner Mike had Fuge and he said it was good to use. I have been looking through some of the posting here and getting totally confused on what to do next. Some posting say to do this then others say to do this. Really buying items as money is available and not in a rush to put the tank together. Any help is appreciated. Thanks,