I just purchased a 75 gallon tank from my LFS. The guy offered to drill for the plumbing so I'll have that taken care of. Basically I'm needing to get some advice for the equipment. I'm new so I want to make sure I get some quality pieces but I'm also not trying to go all out atm. After all upgrades are always inevitable. I know I'll need a sump, skimmer, power heads, pumps and the actual piping. A friend of mine is building the stand for me as well so I'll have plenty of space for the sump. I would like to have some softies as well as fish. Again, nothing too much right now. Any help will be greatly appreciated!
New 75 gallon
- Thread starter Tsh3ff
- Start date
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Cwentz758
Do you even Reef bro?
Hello and welcome. For sump and slimmer since you’re on a budget I’d look at the Somatic brand they have sump skimmer combos for a great price. I run the 60 on my 65g and it works well and give you plenty of upgrade options for later on such as dosing and ATO. For a return pump I would go with a DC pump. I have the ecotech marine S2 with the battery backup so that’s worth it to me since they’re pricy. And for lighting the Red Sea ReefLED 50s worked well for me 220 a pop WiFi capable and controllable from your phone. Those are the big ticket items you’ll wanna get right. You can find some decent powerheads from tunze for less than 100$.
When plumbing install gate valves and check valves where needed and unions to take key pieces apart so you arnt always cutting PCs and re gluing when you make a change. Check the top of this forum page there many more detailed guides! Enjoy the addiction!
When plumbing install gate valves and check valves where needed and unions to take key pieces apart so you arnt always cutting PCs and re gluing when you make a change. Check the top of this forum page there many more detailed guides! Enjoy the addiction!
BeejReef
2500 Club Member
Welcome!
If the tank is being drilled now (or soon) I'd focus on that straight away.
I'd ask for a bean animal-style overflow and for at least two return ports. Are these things absolutely necessary? No, but you have the opportunity to do it right now for minimal expense. Also, pay particular attention to the overflow box. That's personal preference, but get what you want. Gate valves for your primary drain(s), not ball valves.
Next would be the stand. There's no reason it has to be the exact width of the tank. Even an additional 4-6" on either side can really make a world of difference.
Last thing I'd give hard thought to while the woodworking is being done is if you want a canopy or not. It' a different look than the en-vogue, ultra-modern. However, it's way more flexible. It opens up a much wider range of lighting options and mounting heights and lets you hide a lot of your uglies like auto fish feeders, tank covers, powerhead cords, cooling fans, etc. In no way saying you need one, but consider it now while your friend has the saw and the sandpaper ready. It will impact your equipment choices considerably.
With a solid foundation, you'll be able to enjoy (and upgrade) this tank well, well into the future.
Only other tip would be to stay modular. Two smaller, cheaper return pumps over a pricey one (perhaps, that's my preference) and multiple smaller lights over a single fixture. This way things work on this setup and the next.
If the tank is being drilled now (or soon) I'd focus on that straight away.
I'd ask for a bean animal-style overflow and for at least two return ports. Are these things absolutely necessary? No, but you have the opportunity to do it right now for minimal expense. Also, pay particular attention to the overflow box. That's personal preference, but get what you want. Gate valves for your primary drain(s), not ball valves.
Next would be the stand. There's no reason it has to be the exact width of the tank. Even an additional 4-6" on either side can really make a world of difference.
Last thing I'd give hard thought to while the woodworking is being done is if you want a canopy or not. It' a different look than the en-vogue, ultra-modern. However, it's way more flexible. It opens up a much wider range of lighting options and mounting heights and lets you hide a lot of your uglies like auto fish feeders, tank covers, powerhead cords, cooling fans, etc. In no way saying you need one, but consider it now while your friend has the saw and the sandpaper ready. It will impact your equipment choices considerably.
With a solid foundation, you'll be able to enjoy (and upgrade) this tank well, well into the future.
Only other tip would be to stay modular. Two smaller, cheaper return pumps over a pricey one (perhaps, that's my preference) and multiple smaller lights over a single fixture. This way things work on this setup and the next.
