New to Reefkeeping

[Matthew Frost]

Hello,

I am new to reefkeeping but not new to aquariums. This will be my first marine tank and I thought I would go where the experts play and seek advice and thoughts.

I plan to build a 75 gallon mixed reef tank. I am looking at severaloptions for a sump and am open to suggestions. I am looking at Current Loop for lighting and pumps.

Any thoughts or advice is welcome.

 

[aKlevans]

Welcome!
If you are planning on some SPS corals, the Current USA Loop will probably not be bright enough. If you are going to get some SPS, I would recommend the dual version.

For most soft and LPS corals, the standard version should be fine.

 

[Matthew Frost]

Welcome!
If you are planning on some SPS corals, the Current USA Loop will probably not be bright enough. If you are going to get some SPS, I would recommend the dual version.

For most soft and LPS corals, the standard version should be fine.

No SPS corals at least for a while. I am searching for solid beginner equipment that will be reliable and user friendly but also budget friendly. I have done A LOT of research and understand how easy it is to spend a ton of money on the wrong stuff.

 

[aKlevans]

No SPS corals at least for a while. I am searching for solid beginner equipment that will be reliable and user friendly but also budget friendly. I have done A LOT of research and understand how easy it is to spend a ton of money on the wrong stuff.

If that's what you are looking for, you've probably picked the best light there is IMO

 

[Tahoe61]

Welcome to R2R.

 

[Whipples]

Welcome! Head on over to the build log section of the forum for some great tips on aquascaping with rocks (as well as feedback on scaping ideas), and there are loads of examples of DIY sumps which can save you some coin and add to the experience. Just be warned, the upgrade itch happens fast . A little under a year ago I started a 40Breeder w/sump and in about 5 weeks I will be picking up a 100G tank

 

[melypr1985]

Welcome to R2R! It's great to have you here!

 

[Matthew Frost]

Welcome! Head on over to the build log section of the forum for some great tips on aquascaping with rocks (as well as feedback on scaping ideas), and there are loads of examples of DIY sumps which can save you some coin and add to the experience. Just be warned, the upgrade itch happens fast . A little under a year ago I started a 40Breeder w/sump and in about 5 weeks I will be picking up a 100G tank

Thank you. I am looking forward to browsing this whole site. I can see already there is a bunch to learn.

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R

 

[kschweer]

Welcome to R2R!!

 

[Cameron Wise]

Welcome!

 

[Rick cowen]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Tautog]

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef
If you can, go big, think bigger, you'll be happy you did.
A 6 foot long tank gives you more room for everything, more room for errors. Bigger skimmers, Reef Octopus 2000, are easy to clean, but buy quality stuff once. That's my best advice. I have a 180, and it takes a while to fill, but there's no talk of a bigger tank yet, but I'm thinking 10 feet long is next, maybe even 3-5 tanks so I can charge admission.

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R and good luck with the build.

 

[kireek]

*Nice to meet you @Matthew Frost !* Definitely go with the largest sump that you can.More water volume equals greater stability.

 

[Matthew Frost]

The reef build is underway. I purchased a clear for life 90 off Craigslist. I also managed to trade a bunch of unneeded/unused parts for a Bubble Magus Curve 5. This last weekend I stumbled onto an Eshopps R300 and a stash of dry rock. I am going to start building the stand in the next week. Excited about moving this whole endeavor forward. Any advice on pitfalls to avoid or tips would be awesome.

 

[kireek]

Cool.You may want to get your dry rock soaking in a bucket and rinsed a few times before adding to your tank.Just to make sure it it free of dust and dirt.

 

[Matthew Frost]

Cool.You may want to get your dry rock soaking in a bucket and rinsed a few times before adding to your tank.Just to make sure it it free of dust and dirt.

Will do, thank you.