sump etc. location help

[Louie]

Hi all,

I am currently setting up a 65gal reef system and I have run into a bit of a dilemma namely on where to locate the sump/fuge etc.

Under the tank or in the basement?

Under the tank it will be a smaller and more compact space, I will likely have to buy a new skimmer and sell off my Becket air injection one because of the limited space. I was thinking of a Euro-Reef 90 – 125gal model to replace it.

In the basement the sump water/ air contact will be exposed to detergents etc. from the laundry room occupying the same space.

If I frame/dry wall the area that would house the sump in the basement be OK or should I play it safe and put the sump under the tank?

How big a sump do you think I could squeeze under a 65gal tank?

Skimmer replacement sound OK? Or should I look for a replacement like the PM bullet1 model?

What da ya think?
Louie

[One Salty Dog]

If you locate in the basement you may also need a more powerful return pump. I don't know what you currently have. The bigger the sump / refrug system the better and more stable you setup will be. If you can isolate an area of the basement and use it strictly for your sump/refrug, pumps and other equipment that would be IMO the best way to go. However it will also likely be more costly. Other advantages to remote setup is no noise, heat, smell, mess, proximity to floor drains, plumping and wiring.
As for how big a sump can you get under a 65 gallon ?.. I have no idea because I don't know how high the tank is off the floor, what the stand is like or what the shape of the tank is. If you do decide to go with a setup that is under the tank simply make it as big as is possible.
Rob

[Louie]

Hi Rob,

Ya, I was leaning toward a basement set up as well because of the advantages you mentioned above, I can isolate it with drywall and use it strictly for the equipment etc, the area I had in mind is 6’ long 40” wide and 50” high plenty of room for a sump fuge and frag set up plus room for the skimmer, calc reactor, Ro/Di, 10 feet from hydro and 5’ from a water supply/drain, the whole enchilada but I was concerned about the air.

I currently have a Mag24, the distance away from the tank will be approx 12’ horizontal and 4’ vertical, I was thinking of a Mak4 because the Mag 24 seems a bit extreme for a 65gal tank.

I would likely have to buy a Mak4 for the skimmer as well because the Mag would also be to big for a single Beckett injector.

I have a 55 gal tank converted to a sump/fuge but the more I see the acrylic ones the more I think if I could build a Sump/fuge/frag into one acrylic one that would be best for me so I have been looking over the web for examples and plans.

Given that the size of the reef will be 65gal how big do you think the sump fuge and frag set up should be? I mean I know a big as possible but can you suggest a gal range I should shoot for?

I was going with soft corals first, then graduate to more difficult corals SPS latter so my lighting was going to be dual 250 W SE 10K lamps, with T5 or VHO actinic supplementation but I want to get a handle on how best to deal with the heat from the lighting before going forward.

One crazy idea I have had lately is to run a 4”-5” insulated duct from the hood into the basement where a hydroponics fan would be located getting rid of as much heat as possible and at the same time using the heat to help heat the basement, oh and I could also interlock the fan controls with the lighting timer.

Hmm positive air pressure in the equipment room keeping the laundry air out Hmmm.

Man I do ramble on, thanks for taking the time
Louie