Wanting to start Saltwater Reef Tank

[NursePlaty]

There are a few things that bother me because I dont understand how it works.

http://www.brettsreef.com/index.php/how-to-build-a-sump-with-baffles/

1. )In the part 2 video, why did he need to drill a hole in the sump? I thought the pvc pipe from the main tank leads the water directly into the sump itself.

2.) When you drill a hole in the main tank, is there some kind of overflow wall you can buy? I think it is colored black. I remember seeing some kind of black wall with a bunch of holes at the top of it. Water goes through that and into the bulkhead behind it and into the sump.

[Typical Tony]

1) im guessing for an external pump

2) http://www.melevsreef.com/shop/overflows.html

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

[greeneyed]

1) You don't have to drill the sump. Not sure why he did it. I thought most were drilled (if they are drilled) for an external return pump.
2) You tank doesn't have to be drilled. If you drill it, you can buy overflow boxes. And depending on where you drill will determine the kind you get.

[cichlidkeeper]

a mame overflow is easy if you dont want to have to mess with drilling or using hob overflows

[NursePlaty]

Thanks for the replies and the websites help a ton. Whats the difference between the mame overflow and a HOB overflow.

[greeneyed]

They both work on the same principle of a siphon. The mame utilize a venturi to help to ensure the siphon is not broke. It is also normally made of pvc(cheap).

[NursePlaty]

What I may do is... buy or make my own overflow box, drill my tank. Turn my 20g into a saltwater and use a 10g for my sump. Do you guys know any good places to get a protein skimmer, a pump, bulk head fittings, and acrylic boards? Also, what are reliable brands? And what is the name of the porous boulders used to grow corals and coraline algae on? Is it called live rock? or is that the same thing as live sand. Also planning to only use RO/DI water. Sorry im quite noob to saltwater :D

[Typical Tony]

http://www.dfwfishbox.com/forums/production/showthread.php?t=18082

[cichlidkeeper]

you can buy a skimmer and your pumps new or find some on dfwmas or CL or at a LFS that sells used equipment. i got my acrylic pieces from lowes, i can get pics of my sump that i built out of a 20L. live rock is your main foundation for your coral. ill get pics tonight of everything

[NursePlaty]

thanks, Ill check out lowes and dfwmas. Is there a certain brand of skimmer and pump that works good? or do they all work the same and reliable

[Typical Tony]

Depending on how much $ you have... look on marine depot, if it's on there it's good.