Equipment Discussion....I need your help

Russelm · Mar 28, 2016

hey reefers Im still new at this addicting hobby and I have a couple of questions.

I have a 55 Gallon tank and I am have a 10 gallon sump that I am building into refugium. For space considerations should I have a protein skimmer in the sump or out of sump. Also, can you recommend either in sump or out of sump protein skimmers that are good for the money.

Also, LED lighting system is the bain of my existence right now. I have old school stock lights and I am looking to upgrade. People say to buy the ones off of ebay and amazon the no brand but I hate wires and I like a clean look. I have been almost willing to settle with fluval 2.0 reef lights for $200 since they are simple. Im not looking to break the bank on these either.

Can someone give me help or guidance.

Salty1962 · Mar 28, 2016

With a 10G sump, you'll probably want a hob skimmer, I used a Remora C and it was very good at getting gunk out of my tank. If you used an in sump PS you won't have much space for anything else. There are many space saver PS out there but you still may run into real-estate issues.
What are you going to keep in your tank? That will impact what you're going to put in your sump. Be sure to read up or ask the experts on this forum about lighting for what you want to do. Many people have had success with black boxes on their tanks. Wiring can differ with different brands. JMO

PatW · Mar 28, 2016

You might want to run a bigger sump and use the 10 gallon for a QT. I have concluded that a sump cannot be too big. But then again, if you don't have the space. The protein skimmer is a real nice piece of equipment and almost a must have.

Russelm · Mar 28, 2016

Thanks for the response in the tank I am planning on just anemones and softies no lps... I don't need anything crazy

Salty1962 · Mar 28, 2016

Anemones do require quite a bit of light and very good water quality. Just keep that in mind for your equipment. Good Luck!

dbl · Mar 28, 2016

I would agree, if it's possible to go with a larger sump, it would be a good idea. If not, a HOB skimmer might be a good idea.

As to lighting, most anemones are going to require a significant light source. Although I've never personally used the Ebay lights you referred to, plenty have with success.

Russelm · Mar 28, 2016

What are minimum specs I should use. I have watched so many videos and read so many things now I'm confused

Salty1962 · Mar 28, 2016

Check out this thread.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/selecting-a-led-fixture-by-steven-pro.69737/

JackDE · Mar 28, 2016

Check out the: Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light,
Similar in price to the Fluval except it comes with a better timer. Fluval also has a lot of complaints about them not working well without buying the separate WiFi kit.