cltenthusiast
Member
Hello all. I am currently planning a 75 gallon reef tank and wanted to get feedback on my selections thus far as well as advice on a few other things.
My current plan is as follows:
75 Gallon Tank
Trigger Systems Emerald 34 Sump (Thought about going with the smaller version but this one allows for separate flow through the refugium section)
Eshopps PF-1000 Overflow Box (Will install a ball valve on the feed into the refugium section to adjust water flow through)
Sicce Syncra 4.0 Return Pump
Reef Octopus 150 INT Protein Skimmer
Vortech MP40WES
Photon 48" LED Fixture from reef breeders (I want to have access to any coral that I want plus I would really like a maxima clam and I think this will support them)
LED Fuge Lite with a goose neck lamp from reef breeders for the refugium
75 Pounds Key Largo Dry Rock (6 week cycle in my future before it'll be live rock)
2 Pounds Key Largo Rubble for the refugium
Finnex HMO-200 Watt Heater (Will be placed in the sump)
2 Coralife Digital Thermomters (1 Probe in the sump and 1 in the display)
Bulk Reef Supply 4 Stage Plus 75 GPD RO/DI System
ESV B-Ionic Salt
Vertex Refractometer
Past that I need some advice on a few other essentials. 1) I know I need to create a sand bed for substrate is there a particular type I should use? I was thinking about using a black sand for colors to pop but worried about whether it would be the best way to go. 2) What testing supplies (brands and test type) do I need? 3) What additives should I use? 4) What food should be used for corals? I plan using Rod's Food and maybe a different kind for some variety for the fish but haven't the faintest what to use for coral.
I know that this has been a very long post and want to thank you all in advance.
My current plan is as follows:
75 Gallon Tank
Trigger Systems Emerald 34 Sump (Thought about going with the smaller version but this one allows for separate flow through the refugium section)
Eshopps PF-1000 Overflow Box (Will install a ball valve on the feed into the refugium section to adjust water flow through)
Sicce Syncra 4.0 Return Pump
Reef Octopus 150 INT Protein Skimmer
Vortech MP40WES
Photon 48" LED Fixture from reef breeders (I want to have access to any coral that I want plus I would really like a maxima clam and I think this will support them)
LED Fuge Lite with a goose neck lamp from reef breeders for the refugium
75 Pounds Key Largo Dry Rock (6 week cycle in my future before it'll be live rock)
2 Pounds Key Largo Rubble for the refugium
Finnex HMO-200 Watt Heater (Will be placed in the sump)
2 Coralife Digital Thermomters (1 Probe in the sump and 1 in the display)
Bulk Reef Supply 4 Stage Plus 75 GPD RO/DI System
ESV B-Ionic Salt
Vertex Refractometer
Past that I need some advice on a few other essentials. 1) I know I need to create a sand bed for substrate is there a particular type I should use? I was thinking about using a black sand for colors to pop but worried about whether it would be the best way to go. 2) What testing supplies (brands and test type) do I need? 3) What additives should I use? 4) What food should be used for corals? I plan using Rod's Food and maybe a different kind for some variety for the fish but haven't the faintest what to use for coral.
I know that this has been a very long post and want to thank you all in advance.
One type of sand which I see recommended alot is Caribsea Aragonite Special Grade. Color of sand wouldn't play a very big role in the sand. The common color for live sand is tan, but you may be able to find someone who has generated black live sand. If you are going to go with black sand which isn't alive, then you will need to give time for the life to populate (worms, snails, pods, etc).
