Setup w/ no overflow or sump

[MBVette]

I got a good deal on a 75 gallon tank that is not drilled; but I would like to make a reef tank out of it.

 

What is the best way to setup a reef tank w/o an overflow/sump?

 

Thanks

[lanman]

You can do assorted 'hang-on' skimmers and filters - but I really do recommend a sump. The water falling into the overflow gets 'surface skimmed', gets more aeration, and the sump gives you a place for skimmers, kalk reactors, top-off, etc to do their work without being in the way of the main display tank. I have a 24-gallon nano without an overflow of any sort, and I have to skim gunk off the surface occasionally. I have the same set up with a 45-gallon 'rock cooking' tank - and sometimes have to skim the surface of that one, too.

 

bob

[flowerseller]

Well,

you can use external siphon boxes and they've gotten pretty good and dependable these days.

This would allow you to have a sump which in many cases can make reef life easier and sometimes safer*

 

If this is not an option.

You still can and should use an ATO (auto top off) to add fresh water (saturated kalk is best IMO) as it evaporates.

The float would need to be enclosed because without a sump you'll need to have somewhat stronger surface agitation to allow for more gas exchange that a sump can provide and that will cause your float to fluctuate too much.

This top off fill tube will need to be above the surface to prevent back flow. Do not consider allowing someone to talk you into a siphon break hole as you will be out of the hobby because of flooding in no time. It must be just above the water surface in sumpless tanks, period.

* I would also suggest that this fill tube be placed directly above a water movement devise to dispurse what you choose to add as quickly and evenly as possible.

[extreme_tooth_decay]

Hi

 

You'll get a lot of opinions here, I'll throw in mine:

 

The tank itself will be a drop in the bucket of how much the system eventually costs. Just because you got a good deal on it, doesn't mean you need to focus everything around that. Given the investment you are about to make, you should start off with what you want.

 

If you want a sump, you can and should have one. Either drill the tank: Some folks will do that for you for free. Or, you can buy an overflow box. Sumps are great, and I would recommend one, but they are not necessary (I myself kept a 75 reef for a long time with no sump).

 

If you don't have a sump, you just need a hang on skimmer. I'd also recommend a hang-on or canister carbon filter.

 

good luck,

tim

[flowerseller]

BE AWARE

Lots of 75g tanks are tempered and can not be drilled.

[zygote2k]

Here's an easier answer- Install a deep sand bed, liverock, some assorted macroalgaes, a good light system, a few powerheads, pack it full of softies, shrooms, and zoas, add a fish or three, do regular weekly water changes, pull up a chair and enjoy.

 

Very simple with few hassles as long as you do regular maintenance and don't have a big bioload.

[reefmontalvo]

Were do you live? It's not hard to tell if your tank is plate or tempered glass. I have bits we could use to drill the tank if you go that route. Also if you plan on using an over flow box, be sure to cover the U-tube to keep algae from growing on the inside and cloging the pipe. A cansiter is great I had one on my 55 for a long time as well. You can make it dual purpose both as a reactor and large sediment filter.

[Amuze]

Drill the tank. Or buy one that is already drilled. My roommate has a 75g (drilled with corner overflow) available. I have a sump I can sell you to use with it too.

[Larry Grenier]

I agree with most of the folks here that a sump is the way to go but 1st decide if that is an option or not. If you're dedicated to taking the sumples route then look into using a Deltec MCE600 or AquaC Remora Pro skimmer while you practice good hubandry (or wife-ery ) You'll find that the Deltec receives great reviews but is rather expensive while the Remora Pro receives good reviews and is much less expenive and can often be found used. I'd also add a cannister(expensive) a suggeted or additional HOB powerfilter(cheap) for additional mechanical and occaional chemical filtration. And yes, if there is no sump or fuge, I'd also do a DSB in the tank. Just my $.02.

Edited January 26, 2009 by Larry Grenier

[FishyTim]

How about this.... Buy a really big tank and use the 75 as a sump...

 

 

Seriously, get a tank with a built in overflow (if you can't drill yours), you will be much happier in the long run. There are great deals on here and CL all the time...

[chucelli]

Definitely drill the tank.

It will save you lots of headache and worry later, not to mention reduced maintenance.

There are many ways to drill the tank also. You might want to research that. The bottoms are tempered most of the time. Depending on the volume of water you are moving in and out of the display, you may not need to build an overflow either. Two simple drains will suffice and it will be infinitely more quiet than boxes.

Also, extreme_tooth_decay's advice is right on, don't build your system around this tank, since it really is a small drop in a VERY large bucket. Get exactly what you want. It will be harder and less efficient to upgrade later.

[Steve G]

Drill, baby, drill.