Equipment suggestions needed for my new tank

[bucfan]

I am upgrading to a 100g tank (42l X 22 W X 24H) from my 28g nano. It will be run with an undercabinet sump/fuge combo. I need some opinions on equipment to get.

1. Wave maker: I have a Vortech mp10w. Now should I get a mp40 or mp60 or save money and buy another mp10w?
2. Pump: Eheim 1262 or ATB Flow Star 1500/1800 or Tunze Silence 1073
3. Skimmer: Reef Octopus DNWB150 or Bubble Magus NAC7
4. ATO: Tunze Osmolator vs JBJ Auto Top Off vs. Elos Osmolator
5. Auto dosing: GHL proflux dosing pump vs. Aquamedic dosing pump
6. Heater: any suggestions and do I need one (home temp is always around 77-78), I currently do use one in my nano
7. Lighting: Will use my 2 AI SOL Blues. May need a 3rd but wil decide after I hang the 2.

I am willing to consider alternate brands if they are better than what I have listed. Also have I missed any equipment?

 

[Reefing8EZ]

1. Adding an MP40 to your MP10 should be plenty of flow, IMO.
2. I like Eheim pumps, strong and dependable. Flow rates are not exaggerated.
3. I run a BM Nac7, works great. Better with needle/pinwheel impeller upgrade.
4. I use a JBJ ATO with a Toms AquaLifter pump. 5gal res, I need a bigger one..
5. I need an auto doser or calcium reactor bad. Tagging along for a good answer.
6. Yes get a heater, maybe two..
7. I have used the AI unit before and wasnt impressed. Also, 2 will not cover those dimensions, IMO.

 

[bucfan]

can I stick with only one mp40 and sell the mp 10 or is there a benefit to connecting the 2 wirelessly and having different flows?

 

[bucfan]

ignore the last post, I cannot use the mp10 since I am getting 1/2" glass, so I will have to get the mp40; will I then need any additional flow makers?

 

[Devonjevon]

Ok are you going to have a phosphate reactor, biopellets reactor, carbon reactor, kalk reactor. You mentioned the basics but what about these? Most nano to big tank reefers are surprised how many more plugs they need. If you have multiple pumps and reactors you might have heat issues. I did. Even with my lights off all my pumps generated alot of heat. Have you considered an external pump? I got one that controls my skimmer, uv, biopellet reactor, ozone reactor and return. No more heat issues. Actually I had to get a heater.

Alot of people try to ATO with kalksweiser first. See if you calcium demands require a $500 calcium reactor. When calcium demands get higher people turn then to 2 part dosing . Then finally to a reactor. Again this is another pump you have to add to your system.

 

[bucfan]

So I guess I will need a phosphate reactor and calcium reactor in addition to my above listed equipment. Then what do I use to dose alk? Or do I do that manually? Also what is a biopellets reactor?

 

[AZDesertRat]

I prefer a calcium reactor over dosing but you might consider the Spectrapure LiterMeter III if you stick with dosing:
SPECTRAPURE LITERMETER III


A calcium reactor takes care of the calcium and alkalinity balance. Mine is an off brand but if I were to do it over again it would be a Geo hands down.
CR612

The pH is controlled by my Reefkeeper Lite.

For the ATO you might also toss the UPLC-II in the mix, mine has been bulletproof for about 4 years now:
ULTRA PRECISE LEVEL CONTROLLER

They are very compact, come with the same peristaltic pump as the LiterMeter and have multiple levels of safety to prevent flooding.

For GFO media reactors its hard to beat the simple Phosban reactors. It does not take much GFO, full dose on a 100G tank which is also what I own is only 100 grams or 10 level tablespoons so you don't want or need a huge vessel or the media grinds itself to dust. I actually run 1/2 dose once the phosphates were under control just as a preventive measure so only 50 grams and it lasts a couple months between changes.

 

[-Logzor]

1. Go with the MP40. The 60 is way too powerful.
2. I like my 1262 but it hums super loud, try to find something more quiet.
3. Not sure, haven't kept up on skimmers.
4. Go with the Spectra pure ultra precise ATO.
5. Personally I prefer the litermeter but I'm sure these are excellent too
6. Doesn't matter, just hook it up to a controller, all heaters will fail.
7. Might be able to swing two, see how it goes.