Advice Please .. ???

[LisaC]

I am in the process of building my new 180 system. My choice of tanks available are Marineland 180 with corner overflows or Seapora 180 with corner overflows, any advice before purchase??
I have 2 MP40s that will go into new tank as well as a new Reef Octopus Regal 200 SSS. I am planning to add more flow to display if needed, possibly IceCap Gyre??? I am getting ready to purchase heaters as well as a return pump for the sump. I am wondering if purchasing the Helios heaters is truly worth the expense?? I do like the magnetic sensor as well as the magnetic holders for Helios heaters. My heaters will be placed in sump. I currently have BRS titanium heaters with ink bird control on my 75 gallon. I know Aquatop is also another brand I have looked at..??? I am willing to spend money to have equipment I don't have to worry about, just would like to spend it wisely. I am also curious on thoughts about return pumps, currently considering either the Ecotech L2 or Simplicity?? Was told a return pump doesn't have to be the most expensive just trustworthy. I know for the $$$ I can buy 3 Simplicity for price of one Ecotech. I would appreciate any helpful information on which and what brands of equipment the community feels is the best place to spend money. I plan to purchase a Hydros system as well. Thank you so much in advance for any and all helpful information you can share.

 

[shakacuz]

equipment-wise, you're definitely doing the research and it shows! all products you mentioned are perfectly fine and should last some time. i don't see any issues with any of them, but do agree with your statement of the ecotech vs. simplicity. both great brands but the simplicity will do a great job without breaking the bank.

 

[Reab]

Agreed, although I’m a fan of jeabo, I would rather have 3 returns on hand than one. Just because something costs a lot doesn’t mean it will last forever. As for heaters I’m more of a redundancy over brand. The worst thing is a heater staying on or off and nothing catching it. I would invest in another Inkbird and go from there.

mad far as the tank, that is definitely a you choice. I would make the decision based on how the tanks look and what you see yourself building as far as rock scape. What are the stands like, vision yourself working in each. Will one be more of a pain than the other, just visualize owning and keeping the tank, Etc.

One thing to mean toon about flow, take into account your rock scape and corals for placement and equipment needs.

 

[exnisstech]

Inkbird with brs heaters here on 2 tanks. I have the wifi versions. I also have cheap wifi sockets for fans so I kinda use the inkbird as temp monitors also and can turn the fans on from anywhere that has internet if temps start going up so I like that ability. You mentioned hydros so maybe that can control heaters? I know little to nothing about controllers except when I read up on them my feeble mind gets confused so I kiss. I have 2 mp40 in a 6ft 180 and I don't think they would be enough for SPS if your thinking of that. But that may be because of the way my rock is laid out. The only sps I have are some monti caps and I recently added a spare mp10 directed at them to keep them clean of debris. Other stock is bubble tip nems, softies and lps.

 

[WVNed]

I have a Marineland 180. I like it a lot. I have never seen a Seapora tank.
I use Simplicity pumps. I think a Vectra L2 is too large for the overflows in my 180.
I have 2 MP40s for flow
I use Eheim Jagers heaters on an Inkbird.

You are on the right track

 

[LisaC]

Agreed, although I’m a fan of jeabo, I would rather have 3 returns on hand than one. Just because something costs a lot doesn’t mean it will last forever. As for heaters I’m more of a redundancy over brand. The worst thing is a heater staying on or off and nothing catching it. I would invest in another Inkbird and go from there.

mad far as the tank, that is definitely a you choice. I would make the decision based on how the tanks look and what you see yourself building as far as rock scape. What are the stands like, vision yourself working in each. Will one be more of a pain than the other, just visualize owning and keeping the tank, Etc.

One thing to mean toon about flow, take into account your rock scape and corals for placement and equipment needs.

I have invested in a wood stand... it costs a bit more but it's a BEAUTY!!

 

[LisaC]

I have a Marineland 180. I like it a lot. I have never seen a Seapora tank.
I use Simplicity pumps. I think a Vectra L2 is too large for the overflows in my 180.
I have 2 MP40s for flow
I use Eheim Jagers heaters on an Inkbird.

You are on the right track

Thank you!!!

 

[Reefing102]

Are both tanks the same footprint? I always like to go with more width over height if that’s an option

 

[Reab]

I have invested in a wood stand... it costs a bit more but it's a BEAUTY!!

Wood looks best in my opinion

 

[LisaC]

Inkbird with brs heaters here on 2 tanks. I have the wifi versions. I also have cheap wifi sockets for fans so I kinda use the inkbird as temp monitors also and can turn the fans on from anywhere that has internet if temps start going up so I like that ability. You mentioned hydros so maybe that can control heaters? I know little to nothing about controllers except when I read up on them my feeble mind gets confused so I kiss. I have 2 mp40 in a 6ft 180 and I don't think they would be enough for SPS if your thinking of that. But that may be because of the way my rock is laid out. The only sps I have are some monti caps and I recently added a spare mp10 directed at them to keep them clean of debris. Other stock is bubble tip nems, softies and lps.

In my 75 I currently have a mixed reef... I keep the mp40s turned down mostly. I purchased knowing that eventually I'd be upgrading tank size I actually do have mp10 on hand and can use it for extra flow.
The mobius app is a bit of a pain from time to time, but I believe that is an internet issue.
Thank you so much for the information. Greatly appreciated!

 

[Lavey29]

My Helio heater system is the absolute best piece of equipment in my tank. Worth every penny. Buy once cry once.

 

[LisaC]

equipment-wise, you're definitely doing the research and it shows! all products you mentioned are perfectly fine and should last some time. i don't see any issues with any of them, but do agree with your statement of the ecotech vs. simplicity. both great brands but the simplicity will do a great job without breaking the bank.

Thank you so much!! I think I tend to 'over research' .. if you know what I mean.. lol I read as much as I can and then still feel as though I don't know what to do ‍
I appreciate so much the helpful info found here.. I figured it would be the best place to ask for help.

equipment-wise, you're definitely doing the research and it shows! all products you mentioned are perfectly fine and should last some time. i don't see any issues with any of them, but do agree with your statement of the ecotech vs. simplicity. both great brands but the simplicity will do a great job without breaking the bank.

 

[exnisstech]

In my 75 I currently have a mixed reef... I keep the mp40s turned down mostly. I purchased knowing that eventually I'd be upgrading tank size I actually do have mp10 on hand and can use it for extra flow.
The mobius app is a bit of a pain from time to time, but I believe that is an internet issue.
Thank you so much for the information. Greatly appreciated!

I really dislike (hate) mobius. I have 8 ecotech devices but run them all on my PC through a reeflink using ecosmart live. Of course I started using them before mobius or I probably would have adapted.

 

[shakacuz]

Thank you so much!! I think I tend to 'over research' .. if you know what I mean.. lol I read as much as I can and then still feel as though I don't know what to do ‍
I appreciate so much the helpful info found here.. I figured it would be the best place to ask for help.

better to be overprepared than underprepared. i am the same way in regards to research! i tend to take a deep dive to learn as much as i can to be prepared!

 

[LisaC]

My Helio heater system is the absolute best piece of equipment in my tank. Worth every penny. Buy once cry once.

Thank you!! Exactly what I have read in reviews... that it was much easier than inkbird and extremely reliable and accurate.

 

[Lavey29]

Thank you!! Exactly what I have read in reviews... that it was much easier than inkbird and extremely reliable and accurate.

And the customer service at IM is first class

 

[Lavey29]

Thank you!! Exactly what I have read in reviews... that it was much easier than inkbird and extremely reliable and accurate.

What's nice also is the heating elements are shorter in length so gives you better placement options in the sump.

 

[LisaC]

What's nice also is the heating elements are shorter in length so gives you better placement options in the sump.

I believe the heaters will be a bit long but definitely can place in sump. I like the idea of Magnetic holders for heaters and temp sensor. Holding EVERYTHING in place.

 

[LisaC]

I am in the process of building my new 180 system. My choice of tanks available are Marineland 180 with corner overflows or Seapora 180 with corner overflows, any advice before purchase??
I have 2 MP40s that will go into new tank as well as a new Reef Octopus Regal 200 SSS. I am planning to add more flow to display if needed, possibly IceCap Gyre??? I am getting ready to purchase heaters as well as a return pump for the sump. I am wondering if purchasing the Helios heaters is truly worth the expense?? I do like the magnetic sensor as well as the magnetic holders for Helios heaters. My heaters will be placed in sump. I currently have BRS titanium heaters with ink bird control on my 75 gallon. I know Aquatop is also another brand I have looked at..??? I am willing to spend money to have equipment I don't have to worry about, just would like to spend it wisely. I am also curious on thoughts about return pumps, currently considering either the Ecotech L2 or Simplicity?? Was told a return pump doesn't have to be the most expensive just trustworthy. I know for the $$$ I can buy 3 Simplicity for price of one Ecotech. I would appreciate any helpful information on which and what brands of equipment the community feels is the best place to spend money. I plan to purchase a Hydros system as well. Thank you so much in advance for any and all helpful information you can share.

Just purchased the Helios heaters from IM. I now have my skimmer, heaters, MP40s, sump, wood stand, and live sand purchased.
I must decide on the tank at this point .. I think I am leaning towards using the Simplicity return pump.
Decisions...DECISIONS...
D E C I S I O N S ‍
Thank you to everyone for the help! I truly appreciate the info