fidojoe
Fish Addict
Hey All,
A lot has changed with equipment since I was last doing this. I am creating my equipment wish list and I am hoping to get some people to weigh in based on their experiences...
Sump- I'm building a sump out of a 20H tank. I am going to partition it with some flexibility, but it's going to have a 9x12 skimmer/intake compartment, an 8" refugium compartment in the middle, and a 6" return chamber (dimensions are approx.)
Skimmers- For now, I am going to try to mod my Aqua C Remora to work like an Urchin, since it leaks. Ultimately, this will be upgraded. Looking at a Bubble Magus Curve 5 or Reef Octopus Classic 110 (or something else in the sub $200 range???)
Return pump- Quiet One Pro 3000
Overflow- I am still searching desperately to find a 36x18x24 reef ready 65g tank. There's an Aqueon version that no supplier in my area stocks, and all of the other brands are insanely expensive. I have one LFS looking into DSA since they are starting production back up. Plan B is a Lifereef external overflow added to the 40B that I already have. I don't like plan B just bc I don't really like the idea of an external, and the Lifereef with silencer is $150. I have seen what people have paid for the 65's, and its been anywhere between $180 and $250- a very small difference in the grand scheme of things.
ATO- I'm leaning towards the JBJ ATO controller after reading reviews on the sensor based (Hydor and Innovative Marine) models. It has a dual float switch design. And for a peristaltic pump to run the RO water thru my kalkwasser reactor, BRS has their pump for $80, and readily available replacement tubes for $12. The BRS seems to be the only one with replacement tubes for a decent price.
Only thing purchased so far is the tank for the sump (thanks to Petco's $1/gallon sale). I'll likely get impatient and start buying the rest over the next week or so...
A lot has changed with equipment since I was last doing this. I am creating my equipment wish list and I am hoping to get some people to weigh in based on their experiences...
Sump- I'm building a sump out of a 20H tank. I am going to partition it with some flexibility, but it's going to have a 9x12 skimmer/intake compartment, an 8" refugium compartment in the middle, and a 6" return chamber (dimensions are approx.)
Skimmers- For now, I am going to try to mod my Aqua C Remora to work like an Urchin, since it leaks. Ultimately, this will be upgraded. Looking at a Bubble Magus Curve 5 or Reef Octopus Classic 110 (or something else in the sub $200 range???)
Return pump- Quiet One Pro 3000
Overflow- I am still searching desperately to find a 36x18x24 reef ready 65g tank. There's an Aqueon version that no supplier in my area stocks, and all of the other brands are insanely expensive. I have one LFS looking into DSA since they are starting production back up. Plan B is a Lifereef external overflow added to the 40B that I already have. I don't like plan B just bc I don't really like the idea of an external, and the Lifereef with silencer is $150. I have seen what people have paid for the 65's, and its been anywhere between $180 and $250- a very small difference in the grand scheme of things.
ATO- I'm leaning towards the JBJ ATO controller after reading reviews on the sensor based (Hydor and Innovative Marine) models. It has a dual float switch design. And for a peristaltic pump to run the RO water thru my kalkwasser reactor, BRS has their pump for $80, and readily available replacement tubes for $12. The BRS seems to be the only one with replacement tubes for a decent price.
Only thing purchased so far is the tank for the sump (thanks to Petco's $1/gallon sale). I'll likely get impatient and start buying the rest over the next week or so...