New setup

[Jeffrey Agnitsch]

Hello all, here is the setup I am currently pursuing

tank: https://www.petsmart.com/fish/tanks...n-125-gallon-led-aquarium-ensemble-48563.html
Filters :Aqueon QuietFlow 55/75 Power Filter Advanced Filtration System up to 90 Gallons x2
heaters: x3 300w
sea salt: RED SEA CORAL PRO SEA SALT 175 GALLON BUCKET SALTWATER AQUARIUM MIX MARINE REEF
live sand:Live White Aragonite Aquarium Reef Sand 5 60lb bags hopefully enough for a 2 inch bed

we want to do a reef coral tank,

I bought all the above my question is what additional stuff would I need I know I am gonna need a reverse osmosis system for the water, was thinking of getting a pair of wave makers about 800 gph per at the link below, then finally some live rock and coral and then finally fish.
https://www.amazon.com/Microsystems...93&sr=8-10&keywords=wave+makers+for+aquariums

my question is what else would I need to buy or that I might of forgotten ?

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r!!

 

[Super Fly]

lights if u r going to keep coral
ATO (Auto Top Off) to replenish evaporated water - u should use unsalted RODI water for this to prevent increase in salinity...
I would recommend starting with some hearty fish first to become familiar with marine aquarium, then once comfortable u can add coral to tank.

 

[Jeffrey Agnitsch]

Could you make a recommendation of a brand of light or a type? I plan on using RODI water as well I am going to be purchasing a RODI machine here next pay period, also is there a specific ATO machine I should use?

 

[Super Fly]

depends on ur budget and what u r planning to keep in tank. there are so many different types, trend these days is to go LED (expensive). I use ATI brand T5 lights and am very happy with it, but T5 bulbs have to be replaced every 12 months. U can research lights online from websites like Bulk Reef Supply and Marine Depot. To save $, I buy used equipment online from reef2reef or craigslist.

ATO is not a machine but sensor with pump... not sure how u'd set one up without a sump though. There are expensive digital ATO sensors like this or u can go the cheaper traditional route with a float. Can google ATO float switch. HOwever floats can get clogged and requires cleaning once in a while.

 

[Jeffrey Agnitsch]

Okay so I'd need something like this ? Also would it need to cover over the length of the tank or just where the coral is growing?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/0-5W-12-18...hash=item3d0ca09e19:m:m1RcXJbD_hvGbDdncpdNXmQ

 

[Super Fly]

should cover entire length of tank for full coverage

 

[Jeffrey Agnitsch]

Okay cool, any input on what kind of wave maker?

 

[Super Fly]

Okay cool, any input on what kind of wave maker?

I've tried Ecotech (expensive) and Sicce, however prefer the Echotech for clean look of no wires inside tank and they r much smaller than Sicce pumps. these days gyre pumps r popular bc they can cover more of the tank vs several smaller power heads. Again, research online forums for feedback/recommendation and also for used powerheads and u can find some good deals from people upgrading or leaving the hobby. Just make sure to clean all used equipment in vinegar and bleach bath to clean/kill unwanted bacteria before using.

 

[Jeffrey Agnitsch]

Awesome thanks for the help with the brand but I Was more looking for a gph recommendation for the wave maker i've seen anywhere from 850 gph being enough to 650 and was looking for someone with more experience to say for a 125 gallon tank i'd use a gph <number here> for that size of tank as I've little experience with it.

 

[Super Fly]

Awesome thanks for the help with the brand but I Was more looking for a gph recommendation for the wave maker i've seen anywhere from 850 gph being enough to 650 and was looking for someone with more experience to say for a 125 gallon tank i'd use a gph <number here> for that size of tank as I've little experience with it.

3-5x water volume movement/hr is what u should look for, each brand will have different pump sizes based on your tank size. Typically people use 2 pumps running at reduced power so they r quieter. Just don't get too small size or else it'll be running at max power and noisy while creating dead spots for detritus build up.

 

[Jeffrey Agnitsch]

Okay that makes sense and given that my tank is longer than wider I should place them both pushing in the same direction. Just one at the very end and one in the middle or so?

 

[Bentonb]

Hi Jeffery,
Bulk Reef Supply has some really good videos basically walking you through what you need to set up a tank and then gives you different options at different price points. If you've got time I recommend this series. I was out of the hobby for a few years and I'm coming back to it and I've learned a ton just by watching these.

In this hobby, its better to know too much then to know too little. Good Luck!