New to the reefing world.. could use some help

Philipo526 · Feb 10, 2015

Hello,
My name is Phil, from Delaware. I am somewhat new to the saltwater tank world and have many questions. i would like to setup a reef tank. Hopefully some of you pros can help.
I have a 125 gallon tank i am about to set up and a 55 to use as a sump/ refugium. I have a decent amount of space to put everything and have acquired 2 new trash cans to hold water for RODI salt mix...I have read a ton of info on here and other places, but i am hesitant to make major purchases without consulting some experts.

Lights, i was looking at the chinese box lights, because i cant afford Radions. 3 pieces on a 6 footer

the rest i am having trouble sizing up the equipment, and brand name vs cost

Also on the plumbing, i have seen looked at so many designs my head is spinning.

Can anyone direct me to a design they use that works well for the size of my tank. I plan on using 2 pc 2inch overflow with 2 piece 1.5 inch returns. That is what i read. I still need to drill the back of my tank.

Marcos rock, 100 lbs.... do you like or suggest different

can i do black sand, how much works for you

I am trying to acquire all the pieces i need and patiently get something going. I am planning on 6 months before anything live in the tank, cause everybody tells me 2 things.PATIENTS AND MONEY

I know we are all on budgets, please help ..

THANKS IN ADVANCE

DFW · Feb 10, 2015

Welcome to the hobby!

It might be best if you were to actually see some lights in operation before purchasing. Not all LEDs are equal, and there is no substitute for seeing them in operation. Wavemakers have become inexpensive with the Jebao product line being launches in the last couple of years. Someone else will have to help you with the plumbing, but I will say that I doubt that you need 1 1/2 inch return lines. Marco rock is nice, but you can even make your own with cement, oyster shell, and aragonite sand. The DIY stuff for that can be found online.

It sounds like you are on the right track! Patience is very important!

arnel0387 · Feb 10, 2015

I've used reefbreeders LEDs in the past and they were great! A 48" fixture is $500 I believe. You could supplement that with two 60" ATI bulbs if you have a canopy! I've also heard great things about Marco rocks! If you're on a budget, I've also heard great things about jebao pumps! Check out reefbreeders.com, Logan sells jebao pumps as well with 6 months or 1 year warranty I believe.

For your plumbing design, where would you like to put your overflow? I personally like the bean-animal design. You will need three 1.5" drains and for your returns, I would do two 1"

Good luck with your build!