Hi guys I'm new to this forum and am going to start a 125 gallon reef tank. Got a perfecto 125 with dual overflow ordered with all the trimmings nessacary to get it up and running including a good sump with two filter bags that's big enough for a 200 gallon and a skimmer rated about the same. Ive bought about 50 lbs of pukani rock today and will have about a 3-4 inch live sand bed with about 50 lbs of live rock coming after I have it up and running so its as fresh as possible when it goes in. There will be two powerheads rated 1500 gallons an hour one on each side for a good cross current and two pumps rated around 675 gallons an hour returning the water to the tank from the sump. I will eventually have a reactor also . up till now I've run a ten gallon nano for quite some time successfully thankfully because I have a good lfs that wants me to be successful . it's tax time again this year and I will have the means to finally move up. So question is am I missing anything or do you have any suggestions that might help since this is my first big salt tank. I don't plan on any fish ,corals or other critters till it cycles and then will slowly introduce all these at some point.
New 125 reef suggestions
- Thread starter Gene S.
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If you go with that deep of a sand bed make sure is 4" or more. If you go 3" it will cause problems because it's deep enough to start acting like a deep sand bed but not deep enough to complete the process. I always suggest 1" and less or 4"and more.
I'm not understanding the reason to have 2 return pumps. Why not go with 1 that's larger? Also 2 1500gph powerheads doesn't seem adequate for a 6' tank.
Welcome to r2r
I'm not understanding the reason to have 2 return pumps. Why not go with 1 that's larger? Also 2 1500gph powerheads doesn't seem adequate for a 6' tank.
Welcome to r2r
Diesel
ME=1, CANCER=0.
I second the return pump idea, a MAG 12 is better than two of 675G/HR.
it's easier to dial in your sump level and less heat transfer.
Don't forget the heater and lights on your list.
Also look into some kind of controller.
Not a whole lot of ppl go that deep with their sand any more, give and take 1" is enough
Forgot to mention the light. I will be using two 36 inch Elive advance track lights. I use these type of lights on other tanks I have planted and have had really good success with. And I haven't forgotten the heater there will beone in the sump with a florescent hanging over the sump with macro in it. I was considering a couple different controllers haven't really decided on what yet
rayn
Bluefin Believer
Welcome to R2R!
Sounds like a good list. I understand the concern on the two pump idea, but have done it myself. It almost serves as a back up if one pump should fail, the other keeps water flowing.
Sounds like a good list. I understand the concern on the two pump idea, but have done it myself. It almost serves as a back up if one pump should fail, the other keeps water flowing.
Diesel
ME=1, CANCER=0.
Not sure if these lights are efficient enough for your tank.
The one watt Led's wouldn't be strong enough for corals and the lack of blue light you won't get the color you want from this light.
For freshwater plants it might be ok although I never ran them over a freshwater planted tank.
I used the common rule of 5watts per gallon on a planted tank in order to grow these delicate plants.
For $150 per unit you can get other led lights and they are dimmable too, that is if you look at the Chinese knock-offs.
A good controller is the Neptune APEX.
I was thinking if it doesn't work which I think it will it still leaves me room to run another row of lights if I want. And with it having the pods I can add more blue if needed. The lights draw 1 watt but each light has a pretty good output especially when filled out
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MikeyAl
Well-Known Member
Personally I like to have either a fuge with chaeto or an ATS.
I've always set up my tanks by adding Dr Tims one and only nitrifying bacteria when starting a new tank and quickly add a couple of clowns. Had worked for me.
I've always set up my tanks by adding Dr Tims one and only nitrifying bacteria when starting a new tank and quickly add a couple of clowns. Had worked for me.
theblackpearl
Active Member
Never buy a led for a reef tank if the leds are under 3 watts a piece....not enough power
You should run a dc return pump....like a jebao or reef octopus
You should run a dc return pump....like a jebao or reef octopus
Reeflogic
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Welcome to R2R!! These awesome folks giving you feedback and advice are all incredible reefers with some amazing tanks. Very helpful group here. It will eventually boil down to the types of corals you want to keep as to what lights, extra equipment, etc., you choose to use. Bottom line, you will know all you need to know about your lights, once you have corals under them. Good luck with the new set up, it's always the most fun at the beginning, buyin' stuff!!
