Hi - I'm building my first tank so (but have time for lot's of research) so you should confirm everything I say.
I would start with your daughters fish list first. If she wants Dory (Hippo Tang) they get big and typically come with Ich so you will need a tank big enough (I think at least 5ft long) and you will need to do a quarantine tank.
The place to start I think is the
@Bulk Reef Supply series on Ultra Low Maintenance. For example they have a tank episode and go through why you should start with a tank in 2ft x 2 ft dimensions (because lighting is designed for that size). So for example a lot of people say the best size is a 4x2x2 120G - but that would be too short for a Hippo but good for a yellow or purple tang.
From the research I have done I think the essentials are an algae scrubber or a refugium (at least 10% of display tank size) plus a protein skimmer. You should definitely get a controller too. There is a controller you can build from a Raspberry Pi - there is a thread in here and YouTube videos etc. I looked at it but I would struggle to learn all that stuff plus it is more expensive than getting a 2nd hand Neptunes Apex (I'd recommend looking at getting a breakout box with that and then you can program float switches etc yourself).
All the advice I have heard (and it is implied above as well) is "Get as big a tank as you can straight away". Otherwise you will just throw away money upgrading and a bigger tank has more stability and keeping SPS in a small tank is near impossible.
I also recommend getting a Gyre pump. As the corals that like more light generally prefer higher flow the Gyre creates stronger flow at the top of the tank and gentler along the bottom. I went with the Jebao (to save money) but there is the Maxpect (original) plus some others. A lot of people say they can be noisy pumps above 30% power so consider this if you want silent.
The ULM series will give the best advice on return pumps and heaters. Everyone agrees (and tell's me here) drilling the tank is much easier than you think and to just go with bean animal style overflow. Read the reviews on Bulk Reef Supply when you buy some equipment.
If you are into podcasts Reef News Network covers a lot of things that will be in your wheelhouse.
You could also look at the Red Sea tanks if you don't want to do all the plumbing and have the cash - that's what I would have done if I had the cash and not the time. Like the 525. It's really a matter of if you have money or have the time - if you have the time you can get a lot of 2nd hand stuff (like the tank) and can build most things yourself.
Critical stuff:
- Heaters (they have big failure rates) - see ULM series (you may need a chiller too and you can get good ones with heater also).
- Rocks - Probably Pukani (and you should think about your aquascape).
- Lights (I have gone with
@SB Reef Lights ) but again see the ULM series. If I had the money I would probably go with Kessil as they look amazing and are simple to dial in.
- Skimmer - this is a hard one because there are so many good ones out there. I am leaning towards a DC pump (which is controllable but maybe not as reliable). Again if you have the money use BRS (the tank size ratings and the reviews).
- Return Pumps - as for skimmers but in BRS they said just about their whole team would go with the Reef Octopus if money was no option - I may go a Jebao or a DC one made in Poland (not available in the US).
- Sump - there are lots of options but you can decide on this last because it will depend on what you need and what equipment you have (how it fits). I would go as big as possible and have enough space.
- RO water - this is essential (what system you need depends on where you live - what is in your water - again BRS).
- Battery Backup - You want to keep at least either your return pump going or a powerhead. Both Ecotech and CoralBox have solutions (DIY seems dangerous here to me) - but those decisions will then affect the return pump / powerhead you get (because they sort of go together and when power goes out they automatically switch to battery and can run the pump at lower speed so it lasts longer).
That means the stand is probably going to be the most critical thing you buy. That is because it needs to fit your sump and be easy to work in and it is the one thing you can't change without breaking down the whole tank. This is why Red Sea shines. You will want to avoid supports (columns) in the middle if possible. The stand most experience people seem to go with is a metal frame and they often use magnets to stick on the panels to hide it all away. Check out Reef Dudes on YouTube.
I think I have covered everything. Again check out everything I have said. I myself (because of budget) haven't done everything I would recommend. Mainly buy the best quality equipment you can afford.
I hope my post here makes it easier for you. I have had a really hard time and have found myself spending more money to get quality. Unfortunately BRS is the closest thing to a manual on how to do this but for every piece of equipment you will have a choice to make. Going with Red Sea does most of it for you but from what you said I think you would rather DIY a lot of it.
For others reading this post if I have said anything you disagree with please reply (it will help me learn too). I'm also happy to give more detail on specific parts D. You are starting with tank size (the best place to start) and after that I would recommend focusing on doing the stand right. After that you can replace things
Good luck
....go for an AIO such as a Coralife Biocube 32....You can do a lot with these tanks, there is a great section on this site for AIO's ...check it out!!! Good Luck and ENJOY!!!!
