60 gallon cube filtration suggestions

[Kevin Beadle]

Hi all! I'm in the process of building my first non nano reef tank. I've never had a sump or skimmer before and I was looking for suggestions on what products / setups/ filtration methods are good and what I should avoid.

The tank will be mostly LPS, softies, and hopefully quite a few anemones for my 2 clowns.

Also is the apex controller worth looking into on tanks of this size?

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

Personally I don’t run a controller, and if I did, I’d probably build a ReefPi.
Filtration on that size tank shouldn’t be that big of a deal.
I know you said you hadn’t done a sump before, but just to clarify; you are getting one for this tank?
In my 75 I run a protein skimmer, carbon reactor and a little filter pad. Pretty cheap maintenance for cleaning, the carbon and filter pad last a while, and are readily available online.
Water changes are also a great supplementation for lackadaisical filtration.

I believe you’re going to be limited to a smaller sump under your stand, so I would try to avoid large equipment if I could.
On that tank I would shy away from filter rollers, multiple reactors, Ats scrubbers, I might even avoid a refugium just to save space.

Hope this helps, I’m sure others will have great anecdotal advice.

 

[Kevin Beadle]

I will be

Personally I don’t run a controller, and if I did, I’d probably build a ReefPi.
Filtration on that size tank shouldn’t be that big of a deal.
I know you said you hadn’t done a sump before, but just to clarify; you are getting one for this tank?
In my 75 I run a protein skimmer, carbon reactor and a little filter pad. Pretty cheap maintenance for cleaning, the carbon and filter pad last a while, and are readily available online.
Water changes are also a great supplementation for lackadaisical filtration.

I believe you’re going to be limited to a smaller sump under your stand, so I would try to avoid large equipment if I could.
On that tank I would shy away from filter rollers, multiple reactors, Ats scrubbers, I might even avoid a refugium just to save space.

Hope this helps, I’m sure others will have great anecdotal advice.

I will be running a sump for this tank. I dont want to cut any corners like I do on all of my nano /pico builds. I wish I could fit a 93 gallon cube but it's a bit to big. I may try and build an over sized stand to fit more stuff but I doubt my carpentry skills are up to my wife's standards

 

[maroma]

Hello R2R,

I'm also getting ready to start a build...

I'm doing a 24"X24"24 60 Gallon with Sump Trigger 20" Cube
Planning to have a Skimmer, GFO reactor, Carbon reactor, Biopellet Reactor,

 

[Kevin Beadle]

Hello R2R,

I'm also getting ready to start a build...

I'm doing a 24"X24"24 60 Gallon with Sump Trigger 20" Cube
Planning to have a Skimmer, GFO reactor, Carbon reactor, Biopellet Reactor,

I like the look of the trigger sump I just wish it wasn't so expensive

 

[Pntbll687]

You can probably find a Rubbermaid container or similar at home Depot or Lowe's that will fit the stand, and probably hold more water volume and media than buying a premade sump. Keep it simple with a single baffle before the return pump, and the rest can be filled with media and maybe a skimmer.

Don't get caught up in the hype of adding unnecessary components to your system. Ats, refugium, and things like a co2 scrubber can be nice, but are not a necessity to a great tank. I would even add a skimmer later on only if needed.

Focus on creating a full nitrogen cycle with live rock and media, one that maintains 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and low nitrates (10-15ppm) without any additional help.

 

[dbjonesjr]

Having gone the DIY sump route as well as the Trigger route, I wouldn't DIY again. It's nice having a piece of equipment that is nice to look at and has decent resale. Odds are, you won't get much out of a DIY solution unless you have a CNC to do nice acrylic work with.

 

[maroma]

I agree with fellow reffeeers - this Hobby - it can be as complicated as you want or as simple as you want.

 

[bigdeeezyyyy]

Check out my 60G cube build in my signature. CADlights 60g Cube with Trigger systems 20C sump. Very simple setup and nothing too crazy!

I like the look of the trigger sump I just wish it wasn't so expensive

Discount Hack: Contact Trigger systems directly and ask if they have any blemished ones available. I bought mine for 30% off original price shipped to my door! Super tiny blem on one of the baffle seams but still comes with warranty!