Hello All!

mrsmanhattan · Sep 21, 2013

I just wanted to introduce myself. I am living in sunny California in the bay area and I have wanted a reef aquarium for years. I recently quit my job and need a stimulating hobby I will not get bored of. Today I went out and bought my tank. It is a PRO NEO 105 here is the link, it does not provide a picture on the site. NEO 105 - Neo Series - Aquariums I plan on building my own stand and sump/refugium. Any suggestions on specific models preferred for pumps/lights/protein skimmers etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.

skinz78 · Sep 21, 2013

Welcome to Reef2Reef, that tank looks like it has sweet dimensions!

I recommend SWC brand skimmers, I've had two now and I won't try a different brand, they're awesome. Do you know which type of corals and fish you wish to keep?

mrsmanhattan · Sep 21, 2013

Awesome, thanks. There is so much out there and it's hard to decide which ones to go with. I have not decided yet as I am fixated on the logistics on equipment and functionality. My poor brain cannot think that far in advance. I'm imagining with my personality I will lean towards the difficult. I am super stoked about my rimless black silicone tank. It must have been perfect for me to finally propel me from window shopping to getting in action. Thanks for your suggestions and welcoming me!

skinz78 · Sep 21, 2013

Hmm, if you decide on the harder type of corals you are going to need some good water flow. I use Vortech MP40's and they are awesome, a bit spendy though. I recommend watching the used equipment forum here for some used ones. As for lighting I've been using the Reefbreeders Value LED's and I love them.

lps1212 · Sep 21, 2013

Welcome aboard :wave: those dimensions sound perfect :smile: to me great choice a good controller is also very helpful apex is what I use as for skimmers swc is a good choice and as for lights I love t5's :bigsmile: but most prefer led it seems :squigglemouth:

mrsmanhattan · Sep 21, 2013

I am going to have MAX FLOW :smile:...was thinking two m40's and one 10...It's almost as if I'm from texas because I say bigger and more is better. I'll check out that reef site...I was looking at another and of course I cannot think of the name right now but it had indigo colors in it. Does that ring a bell?

VB68 · Sep 21, 2013

Welcome to Reef2Reef

mrsmanhattan · Sep 21, 2013

Thanks lps1212. I think I would prefer led for energy savings other than that t5's work just as well (from what I've read).

SeahorseKeeper · Sep 21, 2013

Welcome to R2R!!

spspirate · Sep 21, 2013

Welcome to REEF2REEF!!!

mrsmanhattan · Sep 21, 2013

Thanks guys

Mr tap water · Sep 22, 2013

Hi there and welcome

Zero Nitrates · Sep 22, 2013

Welcome!

Reefing Madness · Sep 22, 2013

revhtree · Sep 24, 2013

Hello and welcome to R2R!

We appreciate your membership!

Thanks for joining and please make sure and post often!

mrsmanhattan · Feb 14, 2014

Update! I have been saving money for my set up for quite some time because my situation changed a bit I am no longer able to DIY on a lot of things. Tonight, I went to the local store "Neptune Aquautics which is also a sponsor for this forum to just get the stand and a sump (I realize I would save more buying from the internet or used but I a economically conciense and prefer to buy local and support local businesses plus I like having a longer warranty on my products), I left with way more than that but only my pocket book is complaining...lol I left with a complete set up, except I forgot the salt mix. Lets see I bought a Marine Land stand Monterey Aquarium Furniture Wood Aquarium Canopies Stands | Marineland, a seaside aquatics 220 skimmer https://seasideaquatics.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=918, a ro/di 4 stage, a Diablo DC Pump (DC-5500, 50W) Diablo DC 5500 Variable Speed Water Pump,75 lbs of reef rocks, 45 lbs of calcium reactor, 2 Kessil LED, Saltwater (A360W E-series) Kessil LED Lights with tank mounts kits, plumbing kit, 90 lbs of sand (Aragonite), mp40, BWA Microbacter7, Eshopps Refugium Sump (R-300)ESHOPPS | R-300, Lifegard LED Digital Thermometer, and a Cobalt Aquatics Heater (200W). They gave me a 10-20 percent discount on nearly everything and a lifetime live good 20 percent off. What do you guys think? I'm so excited and have a long weekend ahead of me. I will be posting updates and pictures of everything. Wish me luck AND if you have any advice, suggestions, or any thoughts at all please share!!!!