[Mattfish]

We're getting a whole new sump and fuge built for us by a really cool lfs. I'll, of course, get a whole rundown from them on this, but it's not coming for two weeks and this is my chance to study up - I read up on fuge's before we got our tank but that was 5 months ago.

I'm about to read the fuge section in "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" tonight before bedtime... but

Can anyone suggest good reading material, and some basic "what I need to know's"?

Our sump/fuge is for a 125 g tank with two overflows, so the basic setup will be each overflow down through a diatom bag, into a sump with a EuoReef RS-135, into a fuge with 40 lbs live sand, rubble rock, seaweed and a 65 watt pc light over the fuge, then into the return pump section (Rio 26HF) and back to the two returns. They'll also set up an auto-top-off from our RO/DI, so one less issue to deal with....

I've got some time to study, and with a great change to our setup, and many recent changes (RO/DI unti, the new skimmer - our Coralife SS220 is worthless, and getting rid of the MegSump Mod 4 is another great thing, along with a custom cabinet, etc.), I want to know as much as possible - stuff like I've seen some fuges with various livestock in them - what should we consider? Is there a "break-in" period, and what to watch for, how will I know when it's "broken in" what changes once that happens? Etc, etc, etc.

Our lfs will take good care of us, but the more I learn now, the better.

Thanks!!

[jimw369]

Cant say as have read any book dedicated to fuges. Its mainly a smathering here and there. (articles) Might want to go to Wet Web Media and read what they have there.
I have a bout 3" sand,10# small LR, and a volley ball sized patch of cheato in there. Holds 10 gal with an 18w T5 light over it running a reverse light cycle. Its been up for 2 months now and starting to produce pods pretty well. The water going to the DT from the fuge does not pass thru a UV which is something you may want to consider if you want a food supply for your critters. If Nitrate reduction, more water volume, and PH stabilization by running your reverse light cycle is what you want, then dead pods arent so much an issue.

MOre important than your fuge is your water chemistry. Here is a good thread with some good reads the moderators gave me.

http://www.reefbuilders.com/forums/n...ium-ph-kh.html

[Mattfish]

Thanks for this Jim - I'll read and learn. For now, we're not planning on a UV, and have to learn about the reverse cycle vs. regular, etc. But I'll read that ref you inlcuded and get smarter!

[jimw369]

Remember that list I gave you a couple months ago of things you needed to buy? Seems like we are knockin them off one by one! LOL Been down the same path as I think you can tell. Would you like to know what is next or should I just surprise you later on?

Send us some pics when the new set up is in. Sounds nice.

[e_baer]

Definately post some updated pics of your tank.

I also have a croalife skimmer and also feel that it is a worthless peice of junk.

[Mattfish]

Originally Posted by jimw369

Remember that list I gave you a couple months ago of things you needed to buy? Seems like we are knockin them off one by one! LOL Been down the same path as I think you can tell. Would you like to know what is next or should I just surprise you later on?

Send us some pics when the new set up is in. Sounds nice.

I hate surprises, and besides, as we say in sales, might as well hit me while the wallets open - harder to wedge it open again.... What's next? Might as well get it before I have to get a night job to support this habit! (I have to look back, but don't remember the list - you know what it's like when you're new to this - you remember 20% of the info, and WISH you remembered the other 80%)

Originally Posted by e_baer

Definately post some updated pics of your tank.

I also have a croalife skimmer and also feel that it is a worthless peice of junk.

Either October 8 or Oct. 15 is when everything comes - new stand (maple, stained rosewood), new skimmer (EuroReef RS135), new sump & fuge (custom made), and new aquascaping (new rocks, new design, better flow).

New pics some time after that!! The tank will be moved and become a room divider as well.