New build. Looking for thoughts on equipment.

[Saltcritter75]

Starting a new build. Custom made 170 from American Aquariums. 60"Lx30"Wx22"T. Kinda starting with a blank slate. Wanting thoughts on lights, flow, general equipment that you guys like/ don't like. Will end up being a heavy SPS dominate tank.

 

[moosevandyke]

Your gonna get a lot of recommendations also depending on budget being sps dominant here are mine. I attached my tank build I am doing now

Planet aquarium 5 by 24 by 30

Ati straton pro 204 x 3
Ecotech mp 40s x 4
Hydros x 4
Vectra v2 for return and uv
Octopus skimmer
Eco tech 4 dose dosing pump
Apex controller and apex for no3 po4 mag alk cal
Brs reactor for carbon or water I might need to run.
Ato kalk avast marine

I trust ecotech never had an issue
Love my radions on current tank.
Apex is a can of worms a bit but with good guidance and help it can be great!



current systems has similar minus light I run 6 radion and supplement with t4 during peak.

 

[PharmrJohn]

I am lucky to be older and thus have more of a disposable income. I'm aiming to get the best I can find. I've asked questions and have done independent research. My choices are in my signature. If you can't see it, turn your phone sideways and it should come up. For what it's worth...

 

[Saltcritter75]

Your gonna get a lot of recommendations also depending on budget being sps dominant here are mine. I attached my tank build I am doing now

Planet aquarium 5 by 24 by 30

Ati straton pro 204 x 3
Ecotech mp 40s x 4
Hydros x 4
Vectra v2 for return and uv
Octopus skimmer
Eco tech 4 dose dosing pump
Apex controller and apex for no3 po4 mag alk cal
Brs reactor for carbon or water I might need to run.
Ato kalk avast marine

I trust ecotech never had an issue
Love my radions on current tank.
Apex is a can of worms a bit but with good guidance and help it can be great!



current systems has similar minus light I run 6 radion and supplement with t4 during peak.

Good looking setup. Used Apex for years, so I’m used to the quirks. Original plan was to use my old 52hds and do the Luxdium Gold pucks. One of my lights has an issue with the white channel on two of the pucks, contacted AI about getting it repaired and they were only interested in selling me a new light. If I’m buying new I’m not going back with Hydras. They have been solid lights, probably 8 years old, but getting them mounted at the correct height is just a pain. I’m leaning towards using a T5 hybrid fixture because I still really like the fill with T5. I’ve liked the last two generations of the Radion fixtures but I’ve not used them personally.

 

[Saltcritter75]

I am lucky to be older and thus have more of a disposable income. I'm aiming to get the best I can find. I've asked questions and have done independent research. My choices are in my signature. If you can't see it, turn your phone sideways and it should come up. For what it's worth...

I’m with ya. Older and probably my last build. Looking at what works and thinking less on what it cost. I went back and forth on tank size with what l’m having built and one similar to your size. The 60x30 just laid out better in my newly donated fish room the wife agreed too .