Help me build an 80 gal reef

[ScooterPie]

I think it is time I upgraded my 45 gal reef. I am currently looking at an 80 gal (glass) with a built in overflow. Tank, stand and canopy is about $800. Sound alright, or am I getting the shaft?

Up til now I have always relied on my Fluval and skilter for filtration, and do not know the first thing about running an overflow. I understand they are quite costly, so even if I do buy this tank it will not be running for another 6-12 months while I scrape together for a filtration system. Crap - and more lights too. Make that 12-18 months!

Anyway, can you guys give me some insight to what it takes to run an 80 gal with an overflow, such as filtration, lighting, or any other essentials? I currently have 2 x 96W PCs for my 45 tall, and I'm thinking I can keep this and add two 250W MHs. Think this would be sufficient? As of now, I'm just keeping some Green Stars, Xenia, some Zoanthids, and am trying to keep my Blue Ridge (?) growing.

I have no idea how an overflow even works, so any help would be appreciated. Also, if any of the filtration could possibly qualify as a DIY project, I would be greatful of any info you guys could pass along. I'm trying to do this on an extremely tight budget. If I remember correctly, I have heard/seen somewhere that people have built overflows out of 10-20 gal tanks. Is this fairly easy?

Thanks a bunch guys. I have learned so much from you all in the last couple of months.

[Minnreefer]

I would recomend checking the want addsfor tanks, we got our 135 RR with lights, stand and hood for very close to that price. I think the price for a new set up is about right but you may find a cheaper deal,

What area of the country are you located?

The cost depends on what kind of tank you get. If you get a reef ready then all you need is a sump which can be as simple as a rubbermade container and a return pump and a different skimmer. If you don't get a RR then you would need an overflow box and everything else I mentioned.

HTH
Jon

[Doug1]

The builtin over flow will simplify things as far as draing tank water into the sump. Now you have to decide what you want as a sump container. This will be determined largely by what you can fit thru the doors and under the stand. I recommend a 20 long as min and a 39g tank wouldnt be bad either, it depends what you want to do with the sump, ie skimmer and return only, more technical filtration, or a place to grow macroalgae.
OK assuming you stick with a simple standard sump lay out, you will have water from the tank draining into one end, being pumped thru the skimmer and flowing to the other end(passing over a heater) then passing into a seperate section containing the return pump to be returned back into the main tank.. You might also want to make provision for a shelf that can hold carbon bag or polypad filter if needed . The choice of skimmer and return pump will dictate the actual layout of the sump, with submersables being the easiest way to go