Equipment Build Checkoff List...

[Genomecop]

Got the go ahead from my Sig. Other to get a tank. Trying to come up with a list of whats needed to get going and would love some input. Here's my list so far.

Rea Sea Reefer P 500.
ATI 48' inch Sunpower T5 fixture.
LifeReef Skimmer.
Tunze 3155 auto top off.
2x Eheim Jager 150 watt heater.
XF230 Gyre. Rated for 100 gallons. Maybe 2?
'Real Reef Rock' brand rock.
I need a pump. Any reason to not use an Eheim? I've always loved them.

So, what's missing here for the 'basic' startup?

Test kits, controller, probs, salt, Refractometer. ect I know I will get.

Thanks!

 

[HotRocks]

Don't forget to add a couple wavemakers to your list!

 

[ihavecrabs]

Hey Genomecop!

Only reason I can think of not to use an Eheim pump is efficiency.. (btw, I used one for my first few years in the hobby!)

Pump:

Eheim 1262 is 80W for 900gph (priced at $185)
Vetra S1 os 55W for 1400gph (priced at $275)

Average electrical costs in NYC are ~21 centers a kwh

The eheim will cost ~$12.77 a month or ~150 annually to run.

The Vectra will cost ~8.44 a month or ~100 annually to run.

You also have the added benefit to adjust the flow of the vectra to reduce wattage (won't make a huge difference, but hey. After 2 years, you have paid off the starting cost difference in the pump. BTW, I use the vectra as an example, but there are plenty of other pumps like it that the same benefit applies to.​

The Rest:

• Love the ATI fixture. Have the 6 bulb myself. I think I have the PAR readings on a 20" deep tank in my build thread if you are interested..
• I have heard good things about the skimmers brand and the ATO but don't have experience with either.

 

[Genomecop]

Don't forget to add a couple wavemakers to your list!

Ah. Good catch. Thanks

 

[cracker]

Agreed power heads or wavemakers, how about an Rodi?
How many gallons is a RedSea 500 ?

 

[Genomecop]

Agreed power heads or wavemakers, how about an Rodi?
How many gallons is a RedSea 500 ?

105

 

[Genomecop]

Added Gyre pump.

 

[PatW]

An RODI system almost always makes sense.

You control the quality of your water.
You do not have to lug large quantities of seawater and RODI from the LFS.
In the long run, you save money.

I have tile floors. I store RODI in a Brute trash can. I mix saltwater in another Brute trash can. I have a third Brute trashcan that I siphon water into during a water change. I have tile floors. The cans are on casters and they are easy to wheel around.