Back in the game! Could use suggestions..

Ghost · #1 05-03-2020, 08:20 PM

Hello all!
My past set up up was a 34g biocube with upgraded skimmer and filter. And a 3 gallon nano. Those were taken down over 6 years ago.

Had a friend give me a 72g bowfront (was a fresh water setup) now and after 6 years I feel like I'm trying to learn a new language. Lol where to start?
Can you guys recommend a good filter/filtration and skimmer setup? What are great lights to set for sps and coral growth?

I'm sure all lfs's are closed right now. I'm in no rush for livestock. But if I can get some rock and substrate started to cycle I'd be happy. Amy advice is welcome!

Bblinks · #2 05-04-2020, 11:09 PM

I had the exact same bowfront with the built in internal overflow. I would drill the back and put on one of those eshopp overflows, run a sump out of a 40 gallon breeder with a simply divider for bubble trapping. Skimmer, something like a reef octopus classic 150 will do fine. Lighting wise, T5 fixture or brandname Leds and a couple of gyre for flow. Good to go.

Ghost · #3 05-05-2020, 02:50 AM

Thanks for the advice! What size of tank did you use for a sump? In the past I just used rubble and a red algae.

Bblinks · #4 05-05-2020, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost

Thanks for the advice! What size of tank did you use for a sump? In the past I just used rubble and a red algae.

Not quite following your question here lol

Ghost · #5 05-05-2020, 05:18 AM

Sorry. What size sump did you have?

cvrle1 · #6 05-05-2020, 03:34 PM

Get as big of a sump that you can fit (under the stand or wherever location will be). There is always something more to be put in the sump equipment wise, and everyone wishes they had just a bit more room inside it.

juanlien · #7 05-06-2020, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bblinks

I had the exact same bowfront with the built in internal overflow. I would drill the back and put on one of those eshopp overflows, run a sump out of a 40 gallon breeder with a simply divider for bubble trapping. Skimmer, something like a reef octopus classic 150 will do fine. Lighting wise, T5 fixture or brandname Leds and a couple of gyre for flow. Good to go.

nice

Scythanith · #8 05-06-2020, 07:23 PM

A 40g breeder as a sump as Bblinks suggests will hold most practical equipment such as the skimmer, heater, some filter floss and maybe a reactor if needed.

Easiest way is to do regular small water changes. From there you get into dosing and that is best with a doser unless you're super reliable to manual dose.

Lights, get a single used G4 or something like that.

Plan out the area under the tank and think about where things will go before you put water in it.