Hi guys, noob here.
I've done freshwater for about 20 years, and the family has pushed me to take the plunge in salt. For me, the saltwater bug started a while back when I learned about refugiums. It really seemed like the hobby had come along quite a bit since the last time I knew anything of it. My daughter's growing interest with invertebrates and biology convinced me that it was a great time try it out.
Starting from tanks and stands I had on hand, I devised an aquarium system with a standpipe overflow drain to a sump, and then used it for freshwater for 2 years. However, in 2012, the suggestions that we would all enjoy a marine tank started up again, and now I am going into action.
the dt: 55 gallon glass, 3" pvc patio drain connected to 1" pvc pipe. the tank was drilled in that spot when I got it. The lighting is a six-bulb T5 HO fixture. 3 10,000K; 3 actinic; 20 'moonbeam' LEDS.
the sump: another 55 gallon glass. acrylic baffles. Coralife 125+ skimmer. not shown: 400w heater. The pump is a water fountain pump of some age and dubious pumping capacity. I had to take the sponge filter off of it so that I could have as much refugium as I wanted. It's not really keeping up with the skimmer! I think it will be the first against the wall when the revolution comes.
Since then, I've added water and salt, and joined WAMAS!
I'm still practicing with all the equipment and tests and such. once I have the temperature and salinity up to spec & stable I will order live rock and sand. We want to do an invert tank. A few small fishes, eventually; but we are very interested in urchins and crabs.
thanks for checking it out!
Rick