New Tank 55g

[knoxy]

I've decided to get my first setup going now i have a vague idea from these forums and the books i've read, what I need but what I'm not sure about is the capacity of certain items.

I will setup a 50G main tank with a sump of about 12G. The sump will hold my protiene skimmer, live rocks, return pump, a UV steriliser.

but what I'd like to know is what size (capacity) do i need for these items:

- proteine skimmer
- return pump
- UV filter

Also is 12G big enough for the sump? I'll make it bigger if i have space in the cabinet as I'm going to build it myself.

Lastly with the RO equiptment, does it have to be permenantly connected to your water supply or can you connect it every so often.

Any help greatly apreciated.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[rhysiboy]

my opinion with the sump make it as big as you can

 

[knoxy]

my opinion with the sump make it as big as you can

Thats what I thought so once I get the stand build I'll know how big I can make the sump.

 

[SkiFletch]

I agree, make the sump as big as you can and still perform maintenance and isntall hardware. DOnt make it too inconvenient to work in, but dont make it too small that evaporation bites you in the rear

 

[knoxy]

Cool thanks for that but what I'm really interested to know is what capacity skimmer do i need and also do i need to have bioballs in my sump if im using live rock / sand?

Cheers,
Mike

 

[SkiFletch]

Bio balls are not required at all. A skimmer will be a great thing, and the answer of which one to get depends on what country you live in, US or UK?

 

[knoxy]

and the answer of which one to get depends on what country you live in, US or UK?

I live in Switzerland so im pretty open as to which ones to go for. I can look here for local suppliers but then if there are some that will ship here then thats fine to.

Thanks for the response on the bios as well. Thats one more thing cleared up.

Mike

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, I dont know what's available in switzerland but you might try looking for Deltec, TMC, Tunze, or perhaps something else. Before you purchase any skimmer, make sure you ask here for oppinions first

 

[knoxy]

try looking for Deltec, TMC, Tunze,

I have heard of Tunze, and think i'll go with them. I've seen that they have some other pretty cool stuff as well for auto topping-up the water level. What capacity skimmer do i need (would you reccomend) for a 55g tank?

to be honest I've been to a LFS which was really cool, but he was only interested in delivering me the whole package and setting it up and everything... but at a price. To be fair if im going to launch myself into this new hobby I think its very important I understand how the whole system works... and the best way to do that is to set it up myself (with the help of these forums of course )

 

[SkiFletch]

I'd get one rated in the 90g range if you can fit it in your space requirements. There's no such thing as over-skimming for most reef aquaria IMO