If you have seen my other post you know that I was in possession of a 75 gallon tank and stand and was debating going the HOB vs. sump route due to the ‘goofy’ stand configuration. It’s basically three equal compartments, the one on the left and right have doors and the one in the middle is open.

Well, I am going the sump method. I already had two 20 gallon tanks that I will be utilizing. One will be the sump and the other a refugium. The sump will be behind one of the doors and the refugium will be in the open area in the middle. That will leave the other concealed side for adding an auto top-off unit later on. The tanks will actually hang out the back about six inches, so I will build braces for them.

I ordered an RO/DI unit through my LFS. It was actually one that I had been looking at online and the cost was the same. I should be picking that up in a couple days.

In the meantime, I have put the baffles in the sump and bought a bunch of plumbing supplies. After reading some of the threads on here about head loss, I have opted to go with wye fittings instead of any tees. I couldn’t find them at any local store in 3/4" so I ordered them online.

I also have placed an order for a bunch of equipment. After doing my homework, I have decided on the Octopus DNWB-110 skimmer (recirculating), a mag 9.5 for my return pump, two Koralia Evolution 1050 gph powerheads, a JBJ true temp 300W titanium heater, the Aquaticlife 6x54W T5 HO light system with LED moonlights, a titanium ground probe, a refractometer, and test kits for Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate (Salifert).

I also found a 5000K compact flourescent bulb at Menards which I think will work well over the refugium (got the cheapo reflector for it also).

So far, I’ve spent about $1500 and I don’t even have any water in my tank yet! But, I have had a lot of fun reading and researching. This forum has been a great resource, so thank you for all of your posts over the years that I have been able to comb through.

When it comes to live rock/live sand, I am planning on utilizing my LFS. He has liverock at $8/lb, but he said he could give me a deal if I am buying a larger quantity. It’s Carribbean live rock. Do any of you have any thoughts on that? I think Carribbean is denser than Pacific, so will I need more rock? Would I be better to order the Pacific and cycle it?

Also, I plan on diverting some of the return water (reason for the wye fitting) through a ball valve to the refugium and then having a sipon between the refugium and the return section on the sump. Is this the correct method?

Your input is appreciated…