Newbie questions about 75 gallon setup

Welcome to 3reef and good luck with starting your project. You should definitely add a piece of LR though to speed up the build up of bacteria and growth of coraline.

 

As far as a sump goes and the worry of flooding a simple check valve installed into the tubing going out from the sump pump will automatically keep the backup in check. I've heard of more problems in flooding with siphoning off the top.

 

I would like to do a sump if I could have a valve that would stop the chance of an overflow. Could someone please explain how to set up a valve to stop an overflow because if I could do it that way I would go with the sump tank.

I can not drill tank so it would have to be able to work with a hang on overflow box. I guess the bigger the sump the better but need to read up on how to set up sump and needed equipment but would appreciate any info on the valve to stop the overflow problem.

Is it possible to add a HOB overflow box and a sump after tank has been running for a few months or can you only start out with a sump and once your tank is stable it would be too late to add sump?

 

a bump

 

You could absolutely add the sump and HOB overflow later. HOWEVER - the most important questions to ask are:
Can I fit the sump tank below the main tank when the tank is filled? (are the doors large enough to fit the sump in? ) I have a 120 with a 40 gallon breeder as the sump - there is no way i could ever remove the sump or install it after the tank was filled.

The other question is: will there be enough space to install a large enough overflow box in the spot that you want it, again, without having to move the tank?

I would say most people would encourage you to go with the sump. There are so many advantages to using a sump (even with a lightly stocked system) that it's hard to argue they are not worth it.

If money is the problem, you would be amazed at what you can do with a tupperware container and some silicone.

 

Thanks for the info and I built a large stand and have plenty of room for a sump (19"w x 32"H x 48"L on inside of stand) and could get sump in through doors because I have stand built with doors that will be about 22" wide. I will probably wait to do the sump if I could introduce it after tank is established that way I am not spending lot of money at once and can space it out over a period of time and also know that I will be able to maintain the tank before jumping in with both feet.

 

I will show you below what a check valve is and how to set it up. The pictures may appear a little blurry but you'll get the idea.
The first picture shows the sump pump with a hose going up that connects to the check valve in picture two, the check valve is simply a stop valve in case the power goes out. The third picture shows a hose leading from the check valve to a Y splitter that goes to the tank. This works with built in overflows so I would check with your LFS as to what would work for you. BTW the check valve cost about $25.