Is this equipment ok?

[Mariette]

Planning an upgrade to a 110g.

Tank size: 110 gallons. 59 x 24 x 22

Occupants: Softies. Mushrooms. Zoas. Reef safe fish and inverts. Medium bioload whatever that is lol

Lights: 2 AI Hydra 26. Can add a 3rd if needed down the road once budget allows it

Skimmer: Coral box D700+ DC Skimmer. Rated for 115g to 185g

Wavemakers: 2 Jebao SOW-8 Wavemaker. I extra Powerheads if more flow is needed

Return pump: Coral Box/Jebao DCA 12,000 Smart Pump. Not sure about this one. Waiting to figure out head height.

What do you think? Do I have a good plan here? It’s not high end stuff but can it work?

 

[Justin Cook]

Looks like a good one to me. The biggest issue will be the lighting. The AI Hydra 26 has a "max" spread of 24" with a recommended of 18". That "max" seems to be a little generous and I think you'd want it to cover 20" at most in terms of width. That would get you total of 24" x 60" of light. Obviously there are a lot of variables but I think you'd be wanting to get a 3rd light pretty quick.

 

[Rlreefing]

Sounds like you have a good plan. You do not have to have high end equipment to make it work.

 

[Dragon52]

As far as the skimmer is concerned it will depend on how many & size of fish/corals you plan to have plus how much you feed. That 185 rating is probably for light #s. Mine is rated for 250gls & I feed lightly. I originally bought it for my 120gl but upgraded to the 185 instead. Space in my sump was the main factor.

 

[Mariette]

As far as the skimmer is concerned it will depend on how many & size of fish/corals you plan to have plus how much you feed. That 185 rating is probably for light #s. Mine is rated for 250gls & I feed lightly. I originally bought it for my 120gl but upgraded to the 185 instead. Space in my sump was the main factor.

It’s rated 118 to 185 gallons. So I figure 118 if it’s heavily stocked. 185 if lightly stocked. No?

 

[Dragon52]

It’s rated 118 to 185 gallons. So I figure 118 if it’s heavily stocked. 185 if lightly stocked. No?

Yes, That's how it was explained to me.

 

[Robert McCreary]

Obviously there are a lot of variables but I think you'd be wanting to get a 3rd light pretty quick.

seems like that's the most confusing aspect of a new setup.

 

[jda]

Buy a backup if you do get a Jebao pump. You will get all kinds of fanboys who will talk about a year or two with no issues, but they are coming. Having a spare is a good idea. They fail for lots of people. You cannot afford to go cheap on a return pump. If you are open to options, look at Laguna or Fluval... they are not expensive, can handle the head, are low wattage and usually last a decade or more and you can leave for vacation and not worry all of the time.

Skimmer seems fine. I have never used that one, but it looks like many others.

You might need more lights later, but you probably know this. Hydra 26 don't cover much area when colonies and shadows start to appear... but you can add as you go. A fourth is not out of the question. If any of this is an issue, then look at different lights now.

You did not touch on heating, but Ehiem heaters on a Ranco Controller, is good. Inkbird Temp Controller is OK, but not as reliable as a Ranco.

 

[Mariette]

seems like that's the most confusing aspect of a new setup.

Yeah tell me about it! We have no corals yet so I figure we can make it work w the 2. For now.

 

[Mariette]

Buy a backup if you do get a Jebao pump. You will get all kinds of fanboys who will talk about a year or two with no issues, but they are coming. Having a spare is a good idea. They fail for lots of people. You cannot afford to go cheap on a return pump. If you are open to options, look at Laguna or Fluval... they are not expensive, can handle the head, are low wattage and usually last a decade or more and you can leave for vacation and not worry all of the time.

Skimmer seems fine. I have never used that one, but it looks like many others.

You might need more lights later, but you probably know this. Hydra 26 don't cover much area when colonies and shadows start to appear... but you can add as you go. A fourth is not out of the question. If any of this is an issue, then look at different lights now.

You did not touch on heating, but Ehiem heaters on a Ranco Controller, is good. Inkbird Temp Controller is OK, but not as reliable as a Ranco.

Wavepumps - I’ve got 3 currently. 2 in my 55g and a spare. So, if the Jabeo ones aren’t strong enough, or fail, I’ve got plenty of backup. Only issue there is that the ones I have are not programable. Just a steady blast of current. Plus not strong enough for a 110g. Acceptable as a backup though.

Return pump - the higher end models aren’t much more expensive than the one I’m looking at. Difference is a few hundred. Maybe you have a point and I can splurge here.

Lights - 4th? Yikes. I’d be better off getting 2 of the 52’s. Would 2 52’s be enough? This isn’t good at all. Any other lights that you recommend?

Heaters - got that covered. Eheim. It’s a long story but I’m well stocked on heaters. Tons of extras.