View Full Version : best protein skimmer for money? and what overflow should i use?
JPReef
09/10/2007, 12:37 AM
i have a 75gal undrilled tank with 29 gal sump and a mag drive 9.5 pump
Overflow Question:
what overflow should i use to be able to handle the mag drives flow rate? with the height it is pumping the water. i believe its going to be around 800-850gph. it recommends a 1.5inch inner diameter tubing for max flow. so ill need somthing that has that size tubing on the overflow right?
OR
should i just pay the local glass place to drill the tank and be done with it? if i do have it drilled.....should it be on the back of the tank a couple inches down? or on the bottom side of the tank?
Protein Skimmer Question:
Id like to have a skimmer that is under 200 bucks and works well. Im putting it in my sump so it will have to fit in an All Glass aquarium 29gal tall tank.
UV Sterilizer Question:
I have one other question having to do with my UV Sterilizer. Its a Coralife Turbo-twist 3X flow rate is 100-200gph. What pump should i use for it? another mag drive?
Thanks!
crazinezz978
09/10/2007, 01:18 AM
i have a similar 75g tank w/ a 29g sump and a mag7 return. my overflow box has 2 one inch drains. if i was you, i would reconsider having a mag9.5 . its a total electricity guzzler and may even be too much flow for a 75g and your overflow box if you plan to have a refugium/wetdry. look at the quiet one 3000. for a skimmer, look for ASM skimmers. i use a g-2, and it works a charm. go used.
and i firmly recommend that you get your tank drilled. overflow boxes are a pain to work with and its just soo much easier with a drilled tank. drill the back of the tank as im pretty sure 75g tank are tempered bottom.
JPReef
09/10/2007, 02:16 AM
well i figured i need the water flow because of it being a reef tank. plus i knew someone would tell me to change to a mag 7 becuase ive seen it recommended for 75g tanks all the time. i figured if i had the mag9.5 i could do some experimenting with pvc a split the return lines in the tank to make up for bulky powerheads. possibly even still having enough pressure to power a wavemaker. No offence to your suggestion, i just thought i could do some experimenting. Plus i was able to get it brand new for 80 bucks even. So i figured why not. Gotta love havin a sister that works for petland. =) As far as i know the mag9.5 only draws like 23 watts more than a mag7.
something else i was thinking with the 9.5 was if i branched off the mainline with some smaller pvc and a ball valve to adjust flowrate, i could fab it up to flow thru my uv-sterilizer and back into the mainline return. which in turn would eliminate the need for a second pump also reducing electricity consumption, while improving efficency of equipment.
rbtwo4
09/10/2007, 03:44 AM
Why would u want a UV sterilizer if u have a reef tank? I'm new and all I hear is that UV's kill beneficial bacterias. Won't a UV also kill pods?
Racing1
09/10/2007, 04:20 AM
A mag 9 will be fine on a 75 gallon tank. I have the same thing on mine and it is perfect. I hav a single amiracle overflow with 1" drain. I do have it throttled back a little but I would rather have too much than not enough flow. You could also do what you suggested and branch off of it to run the uv sterilizer. You will hear pros and cons to running a U.V. sterilizer. I would set it up so you could run it when needed and close it off when you don't. Good luck with your setup.
JPReef
09/10/2007, 11:58 AM
Alright, i was hoping someone would see my money saving points of view. And hopfully with my little experience, (about 2 months) i would have someone agreeing with me. which makes me feel pretty good. I know there are pros and cons to everything but like Racing1 said. id rather have too much equipment than not enough. Anything can be turned off or diverted if its not working properly. Plus i like experimenting. so it all works out. Thanks for the replys and help guys!
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