New to reefing, could use some advice

Trax2139 · Jan 28, 2019

Heya everyone,

So, about a month and a half ago my fiancé and I decided to get a saltwater tank. We ended up getting a Fluval Evo 13.5 Gallon, just a simple plug and play so we could learn and make sure we are really into this, and if we decided we are into it we would maybe get a bigger tank and put the Evo in our son's bedroom, who is due in may. Turns out we love it, so we ended up getting a 60 Gallon cube last night. Which is where the advice is needed.

The plan is to take the next couple of months or so and slowly build up the equipment we need/want for the tank, as it is not an AIO but did come with a sump, which is where hopefully you guys come in!

Do you guys have any recommendations for a Pump/Skimmer/Light/Powerhead and/or anything else I am forgetting in my ignorance. I'm posting this from work (addict?) so I don't have pictures, I will post some later of the tank empty.

As far as price range goes per item, I will probably looking middle of the road for now. I don't want junk equipment, but i'm also not rich.

Any advice you guys can give will be awesome!

ihavecrabs · Jan 28, 2019

#WelcometoR2R !!

Second hand good condition equipment is where it is at for the reliable stuff, like lights and skimmers. Pumps and powerheads I prefer new since their life expectancy is a little rough

Congrats on the new tank!

Trax2139 · Jan 28, 2019

Thanks! This is gonna be awesome when it's done I think

Reef-junky · Jan 28, 2019

So is the sump build into the back of the tank? What kind a tank do you want to run fish only or reef? I would recommend an auto top off besides the stuff you have listed.

Geebs19 · Jan 28, 2019

Welcome to R2R!

I agree with @ihavecrabs.

For lights you could do a Hydra 26, Radions, many options here. I agree with the pumps and powerheads buying new, I have the Current USA pump and powerheads, I feel they are middle of the road but they are dead quiet and work great.

Trax2139 · Jan 28, 2019

The sump is under the tank inside the stand. Probably should have mentioned that lol

Reef-junky · Jan 28, 2019

Trax2139 said:
The sump is under the tank inside the stand. Probably should have mentioned that lol

That gives you more space. Do you want to have a fish only tank or reef?

Trax2139 · Jan 28, 2019

I'm a little torn on that. I'm leaning toward fish only for this one

Geebs19 · Jan 28, 2019

Trax2139 said:
I'm a little torn on that. I'm leaning toward fish only for this one

If you are going fish only, you dont need expensive lights.

Reef-junky · Jan 28, 2019

Trax2139 said:
I'm a little torn on that. I'm leaning toward fish only for this one

If that’s the case any light will do. I suggest a cheap LED.

Just find the size that fits

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01C...dpPl=1&dpID=41VCf6SxLCL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

dantimdad · Jan 28, 2019

Welcome aboard!

Reef-junky · Jan 28, 2019

Over size the skimmer to about double the size of your tank.

As far as pumps for the return I like Eheim or syncra

For the heater I like Jager. use two heaters to split the heating that way if one fails you have a back up. Also you can get a cheap controller for $20 or $30 for the heaters so they work together.

James M · Jan 28, 2019

Also a skimmer is optional as it’s not necessary

Reef-junky · Jan 28, 2019

As far as power heads if you want to go cheap then WPs. Top of the line would be a Gyre or Eco tech. Tons to choose from.

Swoody · Jan 28, 2019

True, a skimmer is not absolutely required but will make keeping your nutrient parameters much easier to attain.... especially if you decide on doing corals....
(which eventually you will! ) So getting one rated for a 120-150 gal. tank will suit your size tank.... reef Octo has many offerings at decent prices. Also Orbit USA makes nice lighting/wavemaker packages at attractive pricing, but again if you even think you may do corals you will want their PRO line of products which offer better spectrum for LPS and softies and can probably grow “easier” varieties of SPS.... Return pumps.... for me I love SICCE pumps.... many offerings for your sized tank and this is also something you will want to over rate as many are adjustable as far as GPH. Best of luck to you!! Take your time at start up, cycle properly, QT your fish and slowly build your bio load... it will help avoid some of pitfalls of this wonderful hobby!!!

Trax2139 · Jan 28, 2019

Honestly my preference would be to eventually do corals, I understand that I need to take time and get all of the parameters right before doing so. The issue is, several of the fish I would like to eventually have are not reef safe. Which is why I'm torn on which way to go

Trax2139 · Jan 28, 2019

I just need like 6 tanks, and the winning lotto ticket

Captain Quint · Jan 28, 2019

@Trax2139 Welcome to R2R and congrats on your addition to the family in May!

You'll get a lot of input here on your equipment for sure.

Just think it over in regards to possible coral, anemones, clams in the future you may wish to have.

If not, and doing a FOWLR (fish only with live rock) you'll want to think about whether you wish to have an aggressive or peaceful system.

Reef-junky · Jan 28, 2019

It’s just me but I’m going to have 75 gallon reef then get a bigger fish only tank for the same reasons your torn between the two.

Trax2139 · Jan 28, 2019

Captain Quint said:
@Trax2139 Welcome to R2R and congrats on your addition to the family in May!

You'll get a lot of input here on your equipment for sure.

Just think it over in regards to possible coral, anemones, clams in the future you may wish to have.

If not, and doing a FOWLR (fish only with live rock) you'll want to think about whether you wish to have an aggressive or peaceful system.

Thanks! Everyone seems super helpful so far. I could see this being pretty daunting at times without a forum like this