Help on my new setup

[Rfsmith4]

I have had my reef tank running for 6 months and will be moving in a few months. I figured I'd take this opportunity to set up a tank with everything I could need in the future. My question is what I should be looking into for equipment. Chillers, Controllers, top off systems and so on. I'm fairly new to this so Im having trouble on knowing where to start.


Right now I have a 75 gallon tank with a octopus skimmer and sock for the sump. Also LED lights and one power head.


I plan to find a drilled tank 75 gallon or 90.


I will be building a new tank stand so I would like to have everything I could REALLY need before I start.


Thanks

 

[Jgomez324]

So many things you could add, I'd start with a controller, auto top off to simply and stabilize your tank. If your doing Sps more flow and dosing pumps. Heater & chiller if needed.

 

[mike007]

I would recommend a controller,doser,powerheads. Do you need a chiller? Top off is nice but you don't have to have it unless your temps are getting too high.

 

[Rfsmith4]

Chiller seems to be needed. Tank stays around 78 with the ac running. South Florida still warm this time of year. Any recommendations on controllers?

 

[mike007]

Apex is a very good controller.

 

[Jgomez324]

Apex is the king
But I run a reefkeeper.

 

[glb]

Chiller seems to be needed. Tank stays around 78 with the ac running. South Florida still warm this time of year. Any recommendations on controllers?

Mine too (I live in Miami). But isn't 78 ok for a reef tank? I don't have a chiller on mine and does fine. Also, wouldn't you get a lot of condensation on the glass if the tank was too much cooler than the air? Just curious.

 

[lemonyx]

78 - 80 is a good range unless you go coldwater. Look for a tank that has an external overflow for more room in the tank and use the bean animal overflow. I've used it on the las two tanks and it is set it and forget it. Have it on the current tank. If you go full SPS ,a calicum reactor with a commercial dual regulator and better quality needle valve unlike the Milwaukie brand will last a long time and when you get out of the hobby, you can realize what you paid for it.

 

[Rfsmith4]

I always read the better temps were about 75. Just figure turning my ac up to 82 or so will pay for the chiller in short time.

I have been reading about the apex. They seem to be able to do quite a lot.