Question about starting a sump system

Hey everyone,
This is a rather long set of questions. I sent this e-mail to someone that works at my local shop and didn't get a response so figured I'd post it here and see what kinda input I could get. Anything would be great thanks guys.

Mike

M$*%@e,
Yup I definitely meant a blue hippo tang and man does that suck. Oh well I guess that will have to wait until I upgrade to my next aquarium. Ok now I have another question. I hope you're not getting too annoyed with these questions haha (you seemed very knowledgeable and passionate about what you do back in the store). This question pertains to filtration. As I mentioned in the store I was totally going to go HOB filter and skimmer for my 40BR aquarium (my uncle may have a 55 gallon aquarium in his garage that I could get for free) money aside which one of these aquariums would be better? Anyway back to my orginial question. The more I'm reading which has been a ton lately should I just say forget it and go with a sump. From everything I've read this is just a far superior way of filtering your aquarium? This presents a problem because the 40BR I was looking at and I'm pretty sure the aquarium my uncle has doesn't have an overflow setup or anything. Do you guys set aquariums up with these at all? Also, do you sell aquariums already setup completely ready for a sump system with the overflow area and everything already? What would be an estimated cost of an aquarium like this similar in size of what I'm looking at? I've found a lot of pre-built sumps on the internet like marinelands acrylic sump filtration system, or Berliner wet/dry sump, Eshopps reef sump system. I know these are basically just the box and a for of mechanical filtration like a sock or bio-wheel. Would it be a better idea to just buy one of these instead of make one? I honelty wouldn't know where to start in making one. I'm handy but never attempted anything like that. Also do you guys sell these pre-built sumps? If so which ones would you recommend? Sorry for the long e-mail but like I said just been doing a lot of reading and had a bunch of questions. Thanks again very much for all your help. I look forward to hearing from you soon and doing business with you soon. I'm just trying to get everything I'd like to do completely planned out down to the last T before I start purchasing.

Sincerely,
Mike Corrigan

 

Please don't copy & paste stuff. Or at least edit it first lol. I'll answer you Questions now.

 

i would definilty get a tank with an overflow. if it means getting a tank you have drilled (your LFS may be able to help you do this or determine if it can be done to your tank). or just buying a "reef ready" tank.

the pre made sumps are kinda cool, but you could save a bunch of money by making your own. there is a ton of information on DIY sump plans and how to construct them here.

Either way you go, make sure to do as much research as you can stand before buying anything, and ask a lot of questions. saves money

 

Any other questions/concerns?

Yes do lots of research too. Come back to the forum if you need help. Try not to trust the LFS(local fish store) too much, over the forums. Many times they are out for profit, not the benefit of the customer & their aquarium. (Sadly, this is true.)

 

What do you think of these sumps? If you could explain the pros and cons of each that would be great. I've developed some ideas about them on my own but again I'm a beginner what do I know haha.

Berliner: Aquarium Wet/Dry Filters: Berliner WD-125 Wet/Dry Filter by Magnavore

Marineland: Aquarium Wet-Dry Filters: Marineland High Capacity Acrylic Sump Filtration Systems

Eshopps Reef sump: Reef Aquarium Filtration: Eshopps Reef Sumps

Eshopps wet/dry: Reef Aquarium Filtration: Eshopps Wet-Dry Filters

Aqueon: Aqueon » Products » Aqueon ProFlexâ„¢ Modular Sump Filtration

 

If you can go with a DIY sump. You'll save a ton of money and it's really not as hard as it may seem. Just ask a ton of questions here and we'll help you get it built.
If that's something you definately don't want to mess with I would have to say go with the Eshopps (one or the other). I'm a huge fan of those guys. I don't use thier sump, mines DIY, but have a bit of experience dealing with them and I do use thier PF-300 HOB overflow boxes on two of my tanks. They make quality products and keep them affordable.

As far as tank selection goes here's my thoughts. Since this is your first build I would suggest going with the 40B. True more water volume is easier to keep in good quality but the 55 is only 12" wide and that makes for some challenging aquascaping that still allows good flow to eliminate dead spots and detritus build up. The 40 and a sump is a good first starter imo.

 

Start here. Making your own sump is very easy and anyone that can smear a bead of silicone can do it.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/all-about-sumps-filters-fuges-79852.html