Need Expert's Advise

[AJ123]

Hi.. seeing Golf's setup is like providing me some hope. Nonetheless, can anyone assist my options.

I have 2 x 4ft (dimension 4Lx1.5Wx1.8H with 8mm thick/10mm base) . One is just a normal tank, while another is with IOF.

1. would this spec good enough to take the pressure?

2. which is better, IOF or the blank tank?

If the above is answer is favourable, then there is sump. As i do not have any piping currently setup, does it mean I would need 2 pumps? one to pump from main tank to sump, while another to push back?

I've a 'very-limited-experience' and only able to setup 2x2ft marine tank. Now I'm prepared for the 'commitment' of a 4 footer.

The expert advise is greatly appreciated.

[FuEl]

Use the 4 foot IOS tank as the main tank. Use the 4 foot normal tank as a sump and refugium.

If both your 4foot tanks do not have a hole drilled..you might want to consider the I-box..or just get a brand new DISPlay tank with 10mm glass to be safe. Using your old tank to be display tank is possible..but I only recommend you try not to stretch the limit and fill it only 7/10 or 8/10th full. You can add eurobracings around the tank before it is setup to provide additional support.

Your resultant tank would be very very stable due to such a high resultant water volume. Less possibility for sudden parameter fluctuations.

You only need 1 return pump..as water flows into the sump by gravity. Such flow is normally self-regulated depending on the diameter of your piping.

Lighting I would suggest 2X250W metal halides. You won't need any upgrading from there. You can keep basically anything. You won't have to worry about having too much light..cause there is NEVER too much light.

If you are using both 4 footers...use deep sand bed in both tanks..imagine the amount of microfauna that can spawn and provide food for your corals.

As with all tank setups..be patient with cycling...and add livestocks slowly..

All the best.

[FuEl]

Oh yes..if you are using MH lights...you MUST not save on a chiller...I'm not sure what horsepower is suitable as I have only owned a teco chiller once which i stupidly thrown away...Get a good chiller..and you will not face problems keeping up with evaporation rates and forever fluctuating salinity.

Another thing is good current..you will need tunzes...if you are intending to keep LPS or SPS...or even softies in such a big tank.

Also the placement of your liverock plays an important role in not getting any dead spots formed in your tank.