120 FOWLR Set-Up 12/16/08
Dear Crew,
<Hello Gordon.>
I have purchased the following used equipment:
120 RR AGA Tank
Euro-Reef RS 180 Protein Skimmer
Little Giant External Pump 3 mdqx
Pondmaster 950gph Mag drive internal pump
Modified 72 x 24 Classic Mission AGA Stand to fit 48" tank
My question is which pump and what sized sump. My choices are as follows:
1) I can use the 55 gallon tank I presently have the fish in as the sump with the internal pump. The skimmer will be very tight and it may be difficult to fit the 55 inside the stand.
<If not impossible to fit. May make the choice for you.>
2) I can purchase a 36 x 18 ( ie 50 gallon) tank and use the external pump.
I will have to buy a tank and have it drilled.
Option 2 is easier in a sense because I can leave the fish until the 120 is better established. However it will cost more $.
<Or drill it yourself, see: http://reefercentral.com/Videos.html. In the end it may come down to whatever fits in your stand, nothing wrong with the 55 if you can coax it in.>
Also, can I put a 90 degree elbow at the external pump outlet? ( turn the pump perpendicular to the sump)
<Yes, no problem.>
Thanks!!!
Gordon McLeer
<Welcome, Scott V.

Re: 120 FOWLR Setup 12/16/08
Thanks Scott V. !!!
<My pleasure Gordon.>
Between the two pumps is one much better than the other.
<Either or, neither my personal first or even second choice.>
If I went with the internal, I may one day get an Eheim, they seem to have an excellent reputation.
<My fave, quiet and long-lasting.>
Thanks Again,
Gordon
<Welcome, Scott V.>

Re: 120 FOWLR Setup 12/16/08
Thanks,
<Welcome.>
Do you think a bubble trap is necessary?
<Generally yes. Microbubbles can be persistent in marine aquaria.>
I have a euro reef rs-180 that i will aim the outlet away from the next section. I am also
considering getting auto top off so I can reduce the size of the return section, therefore increase the refuge size.
<A good move, check out http://reefercentral.com/articles/tunzeato.html
for my personal take on the best setup around.>
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I really appreciate your time!
Gordon
<Happy to help, Scott V.>

Re: 120 FOWLR Setup 12/16/08
I picked up a 40 breeder
<A good tank to turn sump!>
and will place the return in the center (internal pump) with the skimmer on one side and a refugium on the
other. One overflow will enter the refug with a "t" (ball valve below it) then run to the other side connecting to the other overflow. This way I can control the amount of water entering the refug.
Any thing I'm missing?
<This is a good way to do things, but I would not connect the two overflows unless you intend to increase the pipe diameter.
Combining them, even for a short run, will limit you to the flow of one.>
Once everything is running I may pick up an Eheim.
<I highly recommend it, great pump.>
Thanks again!!!
Gordon
<Welcome, Scott V.>