New Tank... New equipment which order?

srva80xx · Feb 3, 2015

In the process of setting up a new tank.. below is a list of equipment I plan to buy over the next 4-6 weeks. Which order would you buy it in?

I currently have the tank (135g), stand, canopy, sump (55g), return pump (Mag 18) and (2) Jeabo RW-15's, Eshoppes S150 skimmer
Tank is full of water, rock and sand and is currently cycling

As for the rest...

(2) Reefbreeder Photon 32's
(2) 60" 54w T5HO fixtures
BRS Dual Reactor w/ pump and media
ATO
BRG 75 gpd RODI Unit w/ salt mix
BRS 2-part package, dosers w/ pump
Possible skimmer upgrade
Possible return upgrade to Mag 24
Controller - Apex or Reefkeeper
QT setup - probably 30g w/ HOB filter

Id like to have everything purchased and running by Mid March, undecided as to which order I should buy in. Probably doesn't matter.. its like Christmas everyday you get something new in

srva80xx · Feb 3, 2015

Oh and If you have any comments on the Items I've picked out please let me know

justindinh24 · Feb 3, 2015

i will buy upgrade skimmer on my 1st place. Are you going to Lps or Sps tannk?

zesty · Feb 3, 2015

srva80xx said:
In the process of setting up a new tank.. below is a list of equipment I plan to buy over the next 4-6 weeks. Which order would you buy it in?

I currently have the tank (135g), stand, canopy, sump (55g), return pump (Mag 18) and (2) Jeabo RW-15's, Eshoppes S150 skimmer
Tank is full of water, rock and sand and is currently cycling

As for the rest...

(2) Reefbreeder Photon 32's
(2) 60" 54w T5HO fixtures
BRS Dual Reactor w/ pump and media
ATO
BRG 75 gpd RODI Unit w/ salt mix
BRS 2-part package, dosers w/ pump
Possible skimmer upgrade
Possible return upgrade to Mag 24
Controller - Apex or Reefkeeper
QT setup - probably 30g w/ HOB filter

Id like to have everything purchased and running by Mid March, undecided as to which order I should buy in. Probably doesn't matter.. its like Christmas everyday you get something new in

1. RO/DI
2. ATO
3. Controller

This would be my next purchases from your list. This will get you pointed in the right direction with water: start out asap with RO/DI. Then your ATO will keep salinity in check and the controller for the learning curve. There's so much to learn with a controller on top of getting everything else going. Also, when you go to add the rest of the equipment, you are one step ahead by having the controller and knowing how to add more pieces to it.

You are already thinking about upgrading your skimmer. Do yourself a favor and buy bigger than you need. You don't see too many people going, I have this tank and I just want a damsel and some xenia... This is my experience, we all have our own goals but you may want to think about down the road. I am a perfect example of this. I'm on my 4th skimmer on the same tank, just for the sake of not buying what I wanted the first time.

Then by this time you are surely wanting to see inside your tank! The rest of your list gets a little obvious by this point. But from your list, this is how I would go abouts your equipment.

Briguy350 · Feb 3, 2015

RODI is a must so get that and lights right away. ATO will keep salinity stable and you don't have to add a gallon a water a day that you evaporate. Upgrade skimmer. apex controllers are awesome but not a necessity. Skip the bigger Mag you won't need that much flow. Don't get the dual reactor, get to singles and run them off a maxijet1200. The cant control the flow like you can with two singles and it's cheaper or about the same price. You won't need to dose until you load up on corals and that's were you'll really wish you had a controller so you don't spend all that money buying a bunch of timers. If you keep up on water changes you won't need the reactors or 2 part for awhile so I'd spend the money on a controller first. Trust me once you have one you'll love it. And definetly get an apex!