First Saltwater Aquarium 60 Gallon

[Snyder1456]

So I was real close to getting water in the tank, but I'm a newb and the more I read on this forum and elsewhere.... well I'm ditching the canister and going to drill my tank and install a sump. I am excited to do this now, rather than down the road. I see what you guys mean about PATIENCE! I have lots of questions. The tank measures 48w x 12.5D x 24H

Can anyone suggest some good Brands for a return pump?
When do I need to add the protein skimmer? After the tank cycles? After the first fish? Right away?
Powerheads.. how many and how powerful? I see a lot of different setups

I ordered about 60 lbs of DRY Rock and I wanna use live sand too
I'm planning on fish and corals

Also, has anyone here used SPLASH ZONE to epoxy live rock? I read somewhere else that it's ok, the person who posted claimed to work at sea world and that they use it on corals and everything. This will be done before adding water so there will be ample time to let the epoxy cure... plus I have a bunch of it

Thanks in Advance

 

[NikoO]

I would recommend two brands of return pumps to you. Get a sicce 2.0-3.0 if you want something that is extremely reliable, but a bit noisey. On the other hand, you could order a jebao dc pump of your choice. These pumps are in the 3rd or 4th generation so they are both quiet and fairly reliable.

Regarding the skimmer. I would get one as soon as possible. Even if there are no fish in your system. Having a skimmer early eill allow you to really dial it in, and by the time your tank is stocked it will be pulling out all kinds of nutrients.

Good luck with your build, and welcome to R2R!!;Cat

 

[Snyder1456]

I would recommend two brands of return pumps to you. Get a sicce 2.0-3.0 if you want something that is extremely reliable, but a bit noisey. On the other hand, you could order a jebao dc pump of your choice. These pumps are in the 3rd or 4th generation so they are both quiet and fairly reliable.

Regarding the skimmer. I would get one as soon as possible. Even if there are no fish in your system. Having a skimmer early eill allow you to really dial it in, and by the time your tank is stocked it will be pulling out all kinds of nutrients.

Good luck with your build, and welcome to R2R!!;Cat

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[Snyder1456]

Since I couldn't find a sump to fit under my tank, and since I've already returned a canister filter, protein skimmer, and a few other things I figured WHY NOT return the tank too! So I now have a 75 gallon tank which i'm much happier with the dimensions for aquascaping. Plus the stand is real wood instead of pressboard. I am driving my wife a little nuts though!
All I'm waiting for now is an overflow box so I can drill the tank.

 

[Snyder1456]

WHAT ABOUT POWERHEADS???n Really I have no idea what will be sufficient for this 75 gallon. I don't know what type of corals ill have., Probably the easiest ones to take care of at first. But really, how do I know which brand is best for me to add control to the flow and possibly add onto in the future as I add more creatures to the tank???

 

[TreyC2010]

Everyone likes MP10 or ‘40s. Well.. most people do. You can add flow and make it slower with the controller. I’d recommend them. You might want to get 2 MP10s. They aren’t the cheapest but they are awesome.

 

[Snyder1456]

Everyone likes MP10 or ‘40s. Well.. most people do. You can add flow and make it slower with the controller. I’d recommend them. You might want to get 2 MP10s. They aren’t the cheapest but they are awesome.

If I plan to get an aquarium controller like the Apex in the future are those still a good option? Or is it better to buy something that doesn't come with its own controller?

 

[Snyder1456]

I'm watching a video now that shows the differences between AC and DC powerheads and which would be better with a controller. I like the look of the MP 10. You think I could start with just one of them since it's a new tank and then add another one later as I need more flow?

 

[TreyC2010]

Yes, they do work with the apex of you get the module. I would do the same. Just get one to start and see where you are. I love mine.