55 Gallon equipment help

joshyross70 · Mar 29, 2020

Hi all, Im currently in the process of purchasing a standard 55 gallon and need a little help with the equipment for it. I plan on having some soft corals, small amount of sps, and about 5 fish. Currently have a 34 gallon I will be converting to my sump. I need some help/advise on the equipment needed to have a healthy reef. Below is a list of what im thinking of purchasing and some equipment I currently have on my 34 gallon. thanks

overflow - Eshopps eclipse S overflow box 600GPH
return pump - ???
BRS carbon & GFO reactor
skimmer - ????
currently have 1 MP10 would another MP10 be enough? or go for a MP40?
currently have 1 Maxpect razor, im assuming I would need a second?

lapin · Mar 30, 2020

Overflow: It will not be silent but can be made to be near silent. The more water being pushed thru it the more noise it can make
There are many return pumps at all price ranges. If you are unsure of flow then get a dc adjustable one.
Skimmer are nice to have be sure it will fit in your sump chamber.
An mp40 can be dialed down. That would be my pick. An mp10 would work.
Depending on your lights size and aquascaping you might need a biggger light or second unit if you are keeping SPS

joshyross70 · Mar 30, 2020

I was thinking of buying a sicce syncra 1.5 (357 GPH) but not sure if it would be enough flow for the return.

I was leaning towards an MP40 so I’m probably gonna go with that.

it would be a standard 4FT long 55 gallon so I’mwondering if a second maxspect would be needed or if I can combine it with something else for lighting

lapin · Mar 30, 2020

I have never owned one: I dont think the 1.5 pump will be enough. I read that as a return pump with any real head pressure, performance is not so good.