Sumps and rodi units

[myfast02]

im still new to this hobby right now i have a 125g 6 foot not drilled aquarium when i bought it i hardly new anything about this hobby now that ive been in it for a few months and have done some research i would like to start doing corals the thing is im not sure of what size sump would be best or if i should make one or buy one ive heard the bigger the better so i was thinking a 55 under tank would most likely be best but im not sure if it would be best to make one or just buy it, as well as an rodi unit i have no idea on which one to get i will GREATLY appreciate it if anyone can offer some help my tank has brown algae and green hair algae so i know i need an rodi unit i just dont want to waste my money PLEASE help thanks to EVERYONE AND THIS GREAT SITE

 

[NC2WA]

For a sump, you are correct, the bigger the better..you want to turn over as much water as possible. 55 to a 75 gallon would be OK for sump.

For a RO unit, I would like to know what the TDS of your tap water is first, IMO this would deterime if you truly need the DI part or use it as an extra sediment filter chamber. For example, my TDS of my tap water is 30ppm. I have a 3 stage unit. first two chambers are sediment filters and the last one is carbon. To determine the TDS of your tap water, you need a TDS meter which IMHO if you are getting a RO unit, you need to have one, have an inline TDS meter on the RO unit OR at least know a LFS that has a TDS meter you can get your water tested. Ideally, you want the TDS reading to be zero (0), but when the TDS meter reading is around 10ppm, it is time to change filters in the unit (this is the measurment I use, may differ from other replies). Other feature to look for on a unit is a pressure gauge (psi), the higher the psi, the longer your membrane will last. I have one on mine, and I get around 60-65 psi.

there are several sponsors are this site that have units for sale. I would recommend at least a 3 stage unit minimum.

I have not purchased a RO unit in 10 yrs, so I will let others who have recently purchased a unit comment on which ones are good.

Kirk

 

[akunochi]

you want to turn over as much water as possible

I am going to guess you meant that you want to increase water volume as much as possible....not turn over water as much as possible. You only want between 5-10x flow return from your sump to your display of the volume. This allows lots of contact time for the skimmer and any other filtration you may have....

Think of it like this: I have a 65 gal sump. Does it make more sense to have an eheim 1260 rated at 585 GPH as the return pump (thus the flow through the sump would be slightly under 10x per hour) OR Would it make sense to hook a hammerhead gold up and rip water through at 4300 GPH or about 80x an hour....(Hint the answer is....A)


RO/DI- The filter guys are popular. Of course both of mine have been Water General (brand) units off ebay 6 stage for about 125shipped.

Sump- IF you can make right angles, have a table saw/ability to cut perfectly straight, patience and weldon....you can make your own. You can also get the acrylic from suppliers by weight in the scrap section. It may be multi colored though Check out Melevs reef for some great sump designs and info.

Of course you could always just tank an old glass tank....get some glass cut....and silicone in baffles for a nice basic sump.

Seth

 

[NC2WA]

am going to guess you meant that you want to increase water volume as much as possible

Yes that is what I meant.

 

[akunochi]

I figured as much, but wanted to clarify it for anyone else reading.

 

[Tecnomage]

Of course you could always just tank an old glass tank....get some glass cut....and silicone in baffles for a nice basic sump.

By far the easiest and fastest and probably cheapest way for DIY. Just measure the max size that you can get under the stand. Consult a chart like this one: Fish Aquarium and Tank  Sizes and Characteristics, starting an aquarium, buying equipment, choosing tanks to pick the tank (I'd use at most 80% of the length just make sure to leave enough room for devices and power). Decide on baffle height, this is usually determined by skimmer requirements, I used taller baffles for more water volume and built a stand for the skimmer, then get glass cut at your local glass shop, 20-30 usually. I used a 40 breeder on my 90 gallon with 12" baffles there are some pics up on the DIY forum.

Hope this helps.

-Jim