Equipment List - 210 gallon SCA (First Build)

[Aaron-A2]

I'm new to Saltwater, but not new to the hobby. Current have two freshwater setups breeding dwarf shrimp (Crystal/Blue Velvet) and a dwarf puffer species tank!

With that out of the way, I wanted input on my build to make sure I haven't missed anything:

Tank/Sump
SCA 210 Gallons
Triton44

Lights
(3) Radion XR30w G4 Pro
Mount (Track/Arms/Slide)

Equipment
Powerheads: (2) VorTech MP40
Return Pump: Vectra M1
Protein Skimmer: NYOS 160
Reactor: (2) AquaMaxx GFO/Carbon
Heater: (2) Eheim 300w
ATO: Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155
ATO Reservoir: 10 gallon

Sand/Rock
Sand: CaribSea West Caribean
Rock: Pukani (Currently curing)
Aquascape Material: E-Marco Cement

Plumbing
PVC Pipe: 3/4"
Ball Valves (3)
Gate Valves (3)
T-Valves (7)
Elbows (6)
Unions (3)
Conduit Clamps (5)
3/4" -> 1" adapter

Test Kits
Red Sea Marine Test Kit
Hannah Phosphate Checker


The only thing that I wish I could include in this list is a centralized controller (APEX). That will be my first real upgrade to this setup.

I've attached a picture of my sump design using my robust MS paint skills. Until I get the tank and sump, I'm hesitant to place my reactor manifold. They are currently over the skimmer chamber, but that limits my work space with them directly. I could put them over the refugium chamber, but that would increase the distance the water travels and I'd also have to remove the top panel on the refugium.

I was able to wait and buy the majority of these things during the BRS/MarineDepot black friday sales saving a ton of money. Coupled with a few BRS discount codes, a birthday giftcard to BRS, and way too much money, I want to say I'm done for now. If you think I should include/change something, please let me know!

 

[Brew12]

I'm new to Saltwater, but not new to the hobby. Current have two freshwater setups breeding dwarf shrimp (Crystal/Blue Velvet) and a dwarf puffer species tank!

With that out of the way, I wanted input on my build to make sure I haven't missed anything:

Tank/Sump
SCA 210 Gallons
Triton44

Lights
(3) Radion XR30w G4 Pro
Mount (Track/Arms/Slide)

Equipment
Powerheads: (2) VorTech MP40
Return Pump: Vectra M1
Protein Skimmer: NYOS 160
Reactor: (2) AquaMaxx GFO/Carbon
Heater: (2) Eheim 300w
ATO: Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155
ATO Reservoir: 10 gallon

Sand/Rock
Sand: CaribSea West Caribean
Rock: Pukani (Currently curing)
Aquascape Material: E-Marco Cement

Plumbing
PVC Pipe: 3/4"
Ball Valves (3)
Gate Valves (3)
T-Valves (7)
Elbows (6)
Unions (3)
Conduit Clamps (5)
3/4" -> 1" adapter

Test Kits
Red Sea Marine Test Kit
Hannah Phosphate Checker


The only thing that I wish I could include in this list is a centralized controller (APEX). That will be my first real upgrade to this setup.

I've attached a picture of my sump design using my robust MS paint skills. Until I get the tank and sump, I'm hesitant to place my reactor manifold. They are currently over the skimmer chamber, but that limits my work space with them directly. I could put them over the refugium chamber, but that would increase the distance the water travels and I'd also have to remove the top panel on the refugium.

I was able to wait and buy the majority of these things during the BRS/MarineDepot black friday sales saving a ton of money. Coupled with a few BRS discount codes, a birthday giftcard to BRS, and way too much money, I want to say I'm done for now. If you think I should include/change something, please let me know!

Nice set up!

I only saw two things that I would question. First, 2 MP40's will not be enough flow on the SCA 210g. It will be fine for awhile but if you put one on each end you will notice you lack flow in the middle of your tank. Just be aware you will need to add flow in the future. Second, I would put a gate valve on the drain. You could possibly get away with a ball valve there but in the long run I think you will prefer a gate valve.

 

[Aaron-A2]

Nice set up!

I only saw two things that I would question. First, 2 MP40's will not be enough flow on the SCA 210g. It will be fine for awhile but if you put one on each end you will notice you lack flow in the middle of your tank. Just be aware you will need to add flow in the future. Second, I would put a gate valve on the drain. You could possibly get away with a ball valve there but in the long run I think you will prefer a gate valve.

Thanks for the advice!

So when I decided on the powerheads, I was looking at overall water turnover. Between the MP40's and Vectra M1, I think it's around 11,000 GPH (Max, but after the manifold/debris build up, for sure less). I was going under the assumption that I would need 10-40x turnover, which these powerheads/pump should provide. Is the issue just that the MP40's can't reach the center very well? Which powerheads would you recommend in that case?

As for the gate valve on the drain... that makes a lot of sense, derp. Thanks!

 

[Brew12]

Thanks for the advice!

So when I decided on the powerheads, I was looking at overall water turnover. Between the MP40's and Vectra M1, I think it's around 11,000 GPH (Max, but after the manifold/debris build up, for sure less). I was going under the assumption that I would need 10-40x turnover, which these powerheads/pump should provide. Is the issue just that the MP40's can't reach the center very well? Which powerheads would you recommend in that case?

As for the gate valve on the drain... that makes a lot of sense, derp. Thanks!

Yup, the problem is the reach. They are great for around 2 feet in but drop off after that. I am currently running 2 MP40's on my 72"x18"x20" tank and I added a small pump right in the middle on the back wall. Were I going to keep the tank long term I would probably still use the MP40's but then add a single MP10 on the back middle. As that began to not be enough I would add a second MP10 on the back wall and offset them.

For my new system (60x30x24) I've decided to try the XF250 gyre pumps. Since I don't have it set up yet I can't offer an opinion on how well they work. I will be putting my MP40's on the back wall of this tank just to add some randomized flow when I want it.

 

[Scurvy]

Wow! Thats a great 1st salt display, Keep this build thread going!

The guys above beat me to the power heads but if it were me and I had plans to add an Apex anyway I would consider returning the two MP 40's and Tunze ATO before you got em wet. Marine Depot has a bundle of the Apex w/ two power heads that I've read kick out more flow than the MP40's. Add their ATO kit which is already on sale to keep with the theme. Once you do the math (I didn't) you may be in the ballpark of making it work. I think Neptune still has actual Black Friday deals yet to come. Historicly 10% off i believe.

 

[Aaron-A2]

For my new system (60x30x24) I've decided to try the XF250 gyre pumps. Since I don't have it set up yet I can't offer an opinion on how well they work. I will be putting my MP40's on the back wall of this tank just to add some randomized flow when I want it.

This was a huge decision for me; deciding between the MP40's or XF250's. I ended up choosing the MP40's because of reviews from people I respect, the claimed tank size these pumps were built for, and hoping to stick to EcoTech between those and my return pump. I'll be keeping softies/LPS to start, so for now I'll stick with the MP40's. Later on I can replace them with gyre pumps and stick the MP40's on the back wall.

 

[Aaron-A2]

Wow! Thats a great 1st salt display, Keep this build thread going!

The guys above beat me to the power heads but if it were me and I had plans to add an Apex anyway I would consider returning the two MP 40's and Tunze ATO before you got em wet. Marine Depot has a bundle of the Apex w/ two power heads that I've read kick out more flow than the MP40's. Add their ATO kit which is already on sale to keep with the theme. Once you do the math (I didn't) you may be in the ballpark of making it work. I think Neptune still has actual Black Friday deals yet to come. Historicly 10% off i believe.

Thanks!

I think MD has a few APEX bundles; can you link the one you're referring to? Right now, the only reason I'm skipping on the APEX is money reasons. Perhaps if it goes on sale, I'll look into it, but probably not for now.

 

[Radman73]

MP's are great pumps but they've suffered from some QA issues lately and I'm still mad that they don't sell replacement parts for the MP40 anymore outside of a whole new wet side. But don't worry, that's just me being bitter lol! They're great pumps though I decided to go Tunze on my build in large part due to the 5 year warranty. I'm actually considering an XF250 to go along with my Stream 3's too. I love the concept but worry about reliability and the need for maintenance.

Apex is a great buy but certainly not a need. Keep an eye out over the next few days as there may be a sale/bundle deal that comes out. I'm looking to upgrade from an older Apex to the new one so I can add the Trident functionality some time next year.

Also, keep an eye out for a used Apex. You can get a great deal that way sometimes.

 

[Scurvy]

Thanks!

I think MD has a few APEX bundles; can you link the one you're referring to? Right now, the only reason I'm skipping on the APEX is money reasons. Perhaps if it goes on sale, I'll look into it, but probably not for now.

After everything you've already purchased I totally get it. Here's the pack I was thinking of however. Keep an eye on it over the next week.

https://www.marinedepot.com/Neptune...ariums-Neptune_Systems-NS11912-FITEMO-vi.html

 

[solitude127]

Skimmer seems to be undersized for you tank. The Nyos 220 would be more appropriately sized.

 

[Aaron-A2]

Skimmer seems to be undersized for you tank. The Nyos 220 would be more appropriately sized.

Yeah, it's pretty close to working at max capacity. Outside the Nyos 220, any suggestions of brands you prefer?

 

[solitude127]

Yeah, it's pretty close to working at max capacity. Outside the Nyos 220, any suggestions of brands you prefer?

I currently run an ATB on my DT and a Aquamaxx on my Nano so I'm kind of partial to those 2 brands. What is your budget for a skimmer?

 

[Aaron-A2]

I currently run an ATB on my DT and a Aquamaxx on my Nano so I'm kind of partial to those 2 brands. What is your budget for a skimmer?

$500~

 

[Scurvy]

I love my Nyos, I’d also look at Deltec. They have a couple that would suit your needs over 200g and I think cost a little less than the Nyos.

 

[siggy]

You may want to check out GHL line of controllers and dosing pumps I have a new Apex system that i Plan to install during the winter, wish i would have waited and bought a GHL dosing pump that can be used without a controller then upgrade to a controller later, just saying.

 

[solitude127]

$500~

In general, when you're looking at skimmer ratings, you usually want something rated for double your volume. There are a few exceptions out there such a Bubble King, ATB, Deltec.

 

[Aaron-A2]

@Scurvy @solitude127 - What are your thoughts about these skimmers I'm looking at?

Skimz Octa SC205i - Rated for up to 500 gallons. $419 (On Sale)

Aquamaxx ConeS Q-3 - Rated up to 420 gallons. $369 (On Sale)

Bubble Magus Curve 9 - Rated up to 400 gallons. $409 (On Sale)

I'm trying to piece together skimmers rated at 400+ gallons, but around $500. That Aquamaxx skimmer is great value/rating, but I've only seen a handful of reviews.. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to see them.

 

[Scurvy]

I would probably go with the AquaMax and that is a great price comparatively speaking.
Ive been very happy with the other AquaMax equipment ive bought.

I had a DC BubbleMagus skimmer and disliked it enough that ill probably avoid their equipment going forward. Though there’s a lot of folks that do love the Curve line.

Ive seen quite a few unhappy Skimz reviews that i would most likely avoid them. Most say the build quality just isnt there but i admit to no first hand experience of my own.

 

[Aaron-A2]

Update:
I've decided that once I receive my Nyos 160 skimmer and MP40 powerheads, I'll return them for a BM Curve 9 and Maxspec Gyre 250's. This should now put my skimmer far above my tanks total volume and provide extra flow to the center of my tank. Thanks all for the suggestions!

 

[solitude127]

Update:
I've decided that once I receive my Nyos 160 skimmer and MP40 powerheads, I'll return them for a BM Curve 9 and Maxspec Gyre 250's. This should now put my skimmer far above my tanks total volume and provide extra flow to the center of my tank. Thanks all for the suggestions!

I had the Curve 5 for a short while but it was too large for my Red Sea Reefer 170. The time I had it, I really like it. It was super quiet and pulled a lot of gunk out while there was gunk in there.