Could someone make a diagram of a reef system for dummies?

JY13131 · 02-01-2007, 08:50 PM

Like kindergarten drawing, a base knowledge that I can build on

I am completely unable to grasp the concept, and words like "baffles" etc are going to give me nightmares! I am also going to start reading some books!

dobejazz · 02-01-2007, 08:55 PM

I have lots of books you can borrow Joanne

JY13131 · 02-01-2007, 08:56 PM

I feel so INADEQUATE!!!!!

dobejazz · 02-01-2007, 08:58 PM

lol don't If it weren't for TRT and the many books I'd know nothing

afbengochea · 02-01-2007, 09:29 PM

heres a lame drawing of a basic design

russbriscoe · 02-01-2007, 09:38 PM

I always feel inadquate too. This is a cool hobby because there is alwyas a lot to learn. Just when you think you understand something you realize that you are not as smart as you think and almost feel like a newbie all over again. Of course I am a newbie (just had my tank a little over a year.) read some books and stay here on TRT. Theese guys are SMART and will teach you everything you need to know.

There are usually two tanks in a saltwater system There is the show tank and then the sump. Water from the show tank drains into the sump via overflows and then is pumped back into the show tank. The water in the sump is where all your mantainance is done. To be very basic, some of the water in the sump is pumped into a skimmer (that is a fancy thing that blow a lot of tiney bubbles and takes out some of the funk) and then that water is drained back into the sump. The sump is also where you do water top off, water changes, heated/cooled, dosed (adding supplements)... This is a great hobby because you can have a simple system or a ccomplicated system... I guess it all depends on your budget and quest. If dobejazz lives close take him up on borrowing the books they can be expensive and you can add that money to your tank.

VWD · 02-01-2007, 09:41 PM

Sometimes I think we make it to hard, I would start out very basic and learn from that point, Like learning to walk, set up a simple system and learn how it all works and later down the road you will have a better understanding of what to expect and will be able to decide how and what you want to add,

Most all of us have done many setups and have changed things over and over, As far as what is the right way to do it or wrong way, Who really knows, Almost every type system have worked for me in the past. some better then others, The hardest thing I think you are facing is all the info you are reading and then can't make up your mind, The system you talked about at first will work just fine and for many years.

Also what works best for me may not work best for you.

JY13131 · 02-01-2007, 10:08 PM

That is all good advice. I am thinking of just sticking with the original plan after all. Sorry to have driven you all nutty! I learned a LOT.

know-it-all · 02-01-2007, 10:11 PM

so what was the original plan?
and do I get any beer out of this?

JY13131 · 02-01-2007, 10:13 PM

Original plan was CPR 194 wet/dry filter (no bio material). You are welcome to come and have beer when Kelli and I set that baby up! Hopefully by next weekend.

know-it-all · 02-01-2007, 10:15 PM

why not make it a super bowl party?

who wants to watch the pro bowl

JY13131 · 02-01-2007, 10:26 PM

ME!! Go Bears!

Geoff · 02-01-2007, 10:26 PM

what size tank are you looking to put that sump on? it comes with a 6" diameter skimmer. that means it has some volume to it. it also suggests only 800gph of flow through it. i would put its actual rating around 100g tank.

G~

JY13131 · 02-01-2007, 10:28 PM

DevilBoy · 02-02-2007, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afbengochea

heres a lame drawing of a basic design

Did you steal that sketch from Whiskey?? that looks like the one he scribbled up for me awhile back