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New to the Hobby (Getting Started/Setting Up) Think you can upgrade to saltwater? Your probably very confused, but remember ask questions and you'll get your answers on here!
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Old 03-06-2007, 07:45 PM
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Default Sumps and skimmers

Jim here. Ok, I know I want to use a sump with my tank but what from there? I am reading and asking questions but its getting more confusing. I think I want a sump with a protein skimmer inside of it but what brand and size. I am willing to spend some money on this as I feel this is an extremely valuable part of the aquarium. Can somebody at least steer me towards a brand of sumps and skimmers that work together. If Making my own sump is the best way to go that is no problem here i would just need some specifications as to what I need for my tank size and what provisions need to be made for a skimmer. Do I want a fuge just starting out. If it is best then thats what I will get. I just need some guidence. JIM
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Old 03-06-2007, 08:36 PM
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I thank building your sump is the Best way to go!!!
What size of tank do you have???
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Old 03-06-2007, 08:56 PM
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Default Thanks Ace!

72 gal bow front. Any thing you can tell on this subject will be of help. Seems as though there are many designs out there that all claim to be the ultimate skimmer. Venturi,Needle wheel, air driven,down draft. My brain is full now and I cant remember my address anymore. JIM
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Old 03-06-2007, 11:13 PM
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I suggest looking to buy your skimmer, depending on how much you want to spend:

$$
Octopus, Coralife CSS, Aquac, CPR Bak Pak, ASM

$$$+
Euro Reef, Deltec

You can look at lifereef.com for custom sump with plumbing. They do very good work, although pricey, well worth it for a complete no brainer setup.
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Old 03-07-2007, 12:35 AM
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AS if you werent confused enough read this about skimmers. Mainly the part about how much water flow is actually needed. Skimmer Design 101
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Old 03-07-2007, 01:37 AM
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Default Thanks to everybody!

Just a thankyou to everybody for helping me get started. I cant imagine being without this resource. JIM
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Old 03-07-2007, 09:43 AM
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You sound just like me when I started gathering information last year. I looked, priced, and asked a lot of questions getting started. Don't think I know what I am doing yet, but, I am one step closer than I was in the beginning thanks to this forum and a lot of good reading and doing some research. I opted for the lifereef setup due to the fact that everthing he makes is designed to work together and is of high quality. Also, I have never built a sump, plumbed a system, or designed a refugium to work with it all. I know his stuff it pricey, but, if you look around at other skimmers eg euroreef, etss, and a few others, it doesn't take long to spend half the amount he wants for the entire setup. I feel it was the best move on my part since I wanted expandability, flexability, and something that looks as good as it works. I guess it is different for everybody at this stage, important thing is you stick with which ever direction you go, and above all, go with the proven stuff.
Remember, often times in life, you get what you paid for. Best wishes and best of luck!
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Old 03-07-2007, 10:48 AM
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Default Yes I think you are right

I dont want to spend the money but yes, now I will. In for a penny, in for a pound!
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Old 03-08-2007, 11:46 PM
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Bought a Euro Reef skimmer and premier aquatics sump and fuge tank today. Lights, and wave maker tomorrow. Thanks for the reality check on the reasons for buying quality
components. JIM
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