newbie considering adding sump to tank

[Dave]

Hi folks;

I have a 55 gal, undrilled tank with a Remora HOB skimmer. I'm
considering adding a sump for all the usual benefits ... increasing
total water volume, moving ugly equipment out of tank, etc.

First thing, should I do this, or will it be more headaches than
anything else? ;-)

If so, any recommendations as to what I should use for equipment and
how I should set it all up? I've heard a lot of good things about
LifeReef's Slimline prefilter/overflow box. I'm also considering
putting a SeaSwirl on my water return. Seem reasonable?

What size tank should I use for my sump? Related to this, and this is
probably a hyperstupid question, but could I hang my Remora HOB
skimmer on the sump, rather than buying ($$$) a new in-sump skimmer?
I'm assuming I'd want to extend the tube connecting the powerhead to
the skimmer, to get it a bit lower in the sump.

Ideally the final setup would be as foolproof as possible. If, for
example, I go away on a trip and my wife is maintaining the tank, I'd
rather not come home to find her sobbing in the middle of a
sal****er-soaked room. I'm guessing float switches might come into
the equation, here.

Thanks in advance for any advice/hints/recommendations.

[Marc Levenson]

Hi Dave,

Go to my site, and start reading. www.melevsreef.com Tons of ideas!

Here's one page to get you started:

http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html

And more specifically, the slimline by LifeReef will keep you happy.
Your Remora can run off the back of your sump, if the depth of water in the sump
is high enough. I'd contact Jason at Aqua C to get his thoughts.
(Please post his reply, because I'd like to know it as
well)

Marc


Dave wrote:

> Hi folks;
>
> I have a 55 gal, undrilled tank with a Remora HOB skimmer. I'm
> considering adding a sump for all the usual benefits ... increasing
> total water volume, moving ugly equipment out of tank, etc.
>
> First thing, should I do this, or will it be more headaches than
> anything else? ;-)
>
> If so, any recommendations as to what I should use for equipment and
> how I should set it all up? I've heard a lot of good things about
> LifeReef's Slimline prefilter/overflow box. I'm also considering
> putting a SeaSwirl on my water return. Seem reasonable?
>
> What size tank should I use for my sump? Related to this, and this is
> probably a hyperstupid question, but could I hang my Remora HOB
> skimmer on the sump, rather than buying ($$$) a new in-sump skimmer?
> I'm assuming I'd want to extend the tube connecting the powerhead to
> the skimmer, to get it a bit lower in the sump.
>
> Ideally the final setup would be as foolproof as possible. If, for
> example, I go away on a trip and my wife is maintaining the tank, I'd
> rather not come home to find her sobbing in the middle of a
> sal****er-soaked room. I'm guessing float switches might come into
> the equation, here.
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice/hints/recommendations.

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