First Build. Equipment list and questions.

[BeardDadtheDILF]

Hello all,

This is my first Saltwater tank, I have been researching for years and have finally decided to put money towards the hobby. I wanted to start a thread just so I can get my ideas out and in front of others who may have answers or help me see what I am missing. I'm sure that I am missing something on these list since I don't have all of my information in front of me. Any insight is appreciated.

Display Tank/Sump Basic
Have
Tank: 55 Gallon Aqueon (Might change for a 75 Gallon)
Sump: Eshopps R-200
Skimmer: SCA-302
Overflow: Eshopps Eclipse Medium (On order)

Need
Return Pump (Chamber is 5x13.5)
Heaters (Thinking a couple 150w Cobalt Neotherms)
Circulation Pumps (Thinking Hydor)
Auto Top Off (Need to research)
Lights (Need to Research)



Water Room
Have
44 Gallon Brute (Fresh RO/DI)
32 Gallon Brute (Salt RO/DI)

Need
RO/DI (Still researching)



Basic Needs
Test kits
refractometer
Salt Mix
Fish Nets

Maybes
Acclamation tank
Quarantine Tank



Plan
At this point I still need to drill my stand and drill my tank for the Eclipse (Won't do this until I decide if I'm sticking with the 55 or changing ro 75) then run piping, the Eshopps R-200 came with two flexible pipes that I assume will work with the Eshopps Eclipse box. Then I will start gathering water and test all equipment in the tank. Once everything checks out (No leaks, Equipment runs ETC.) I will purchase Live Sand and Live Rock (KP Aquatics I will most likely buy Live Rock and Dry Rock for cost) and begin a cycling process with just the Rock and Sand maybe a Clownfish since I have read that it's a good idea(But if it dies my wife will not want to be involved in the tank haha). I would let it cycle for a month checking perimeters to make sure everything is right then begin with stocking the tank. As I'm sure most know the tank will adapt and evolve based off of livestock decisions.

Thank you for reading and for any advice.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

It looks to me that you're off to a great start! Keep up the great work and you'll have your aquarium up and running in no time Keep in mind that the lighting will need to mesh well with the types of corals you want to eventually keep, from my experience, I would get the best lights for your intended setup first, and not try to work your way to that point eventually with budget lighting filling the gaps in-between. You'll end up spending way more than you need to than if you just bought the good lights initially.

 

[RobZilla04]

Highly suggest you choose the 75g. You'll be happy with the dimensions over the narrow 55g.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Highly suggest you choose the 75g. You'll be happy with the dimensions over the narrow 55g.

+1

I just finished my 75 build which was a 75 freshwater for a couple years. The extra width from front to back makes a big difference for scaping

I used an eshopps L for my build. Also have two cobalt 150s controlled by an inkbird. Tank maintains perfect 78 degrees

Good luck and take it slow .

 

[Jesterrace]

Highly suggest you choose the 75g. You'll be happy with the dimensions over the narrow 55g.

Agreed. That 4 foot skinny box that is the 55 gallon is just too narrow IMHO.

 

[BeardDadtheDILF]

Finally have an update on the tank.

So I returned the 55 Gallon after making this post and decided to get a 75G, unfortunately petco has been out of 75G. I finally found one today and it looks like my tank is tempered glass on all sides, I then called the other petco in my area and they had two in stock which both had tempered sides. So now it looks like I need to do research in to a HOB overflow but I'm super hesitant to go with a HOB for fear of the siphon breaking and my main tank getting flooded from the sump.


So once I do make my decision on a HOB overflow the fun can begin. Hopefully will order a HOB tonight order a RO/DI, start making some water get live sand and probably dry rock with maybe a piece or two of live rock from a LFS. After that I will begin posting pictures.

Thank you for reading and any advice.