Newbie Build Set Up Gear Priorities

Jay Duke · Jun 1, 2018

Hello everyone,

I've been doing plenty of reading, lurking here, and binging on BRStv and I'm preparing for the long term goal of having a relatively low maintenance mixed reef tank. We currently have a 40 gallon freshwater tank at home that I would either transition, or perhaps buy a separate set up.

I've read all the guides to setting up a reef tank, and have watched the majority of the BRS ULM tank and 52 weeks video series, but a find a lot of the how-to's are for a best case scenario, and in a lot of circumstances don't consider financial restrictions as much.

I'm considering a mid-sized tank due to space restrictions in my house, as well as financial considerations. Anything from a 40g cube AIO to 75g with a custom sump or some combination in between is possible right now.

I'd like the tank to be more fish-focused than most people here, likely, but I do want some corals (probably happy with the easier to grow/maintain ones.)

So here's my question.

As someone whose primary goals is a reasonably priced mid-sized fish-focused reef tank that I can slowly work on the set up, what is the minimum equipment list you'd use, and what would/wouldn't you skimp on?

For instance, could I start with the following:

55g standard tank
Heater
Good HOB filter
Lights
2 powerheads

I understand that will be far from ULM - but I could then slowly work on building a sump, adding a skimmer, ATO, refugium, and even consider a controller (much of which could be repurposed if I do end up moving to a bigger, 120+ tank if life/space/money allowed.) It could allow me to get started sooner while keeping an eye out for some of the more advanced items like controllers used, on sale, etc.

Could you achieve some success with that limited an equipment list?

Jay Duke · Jun 1, 2018

Oh, and there's a second part of the question I didn't ask...

If the answer above is "yes, that's the minimum," what would be your priorities after that? In what order? Would you get a skimmer next, even if it has to be a HOB until you set up a sump? A skimmer you could find used, fairly inexpensively, so it'd be a quicker add.

Any thoughts you guys have on equipment priorities would be great, as I'm already keeping an eye out for used stuff that I could buy and hold on to until I'm ready to start the build.

pluikens · Jun 1, 2018

Have you been over to LiveAquaria to check it which fishes you'd like to keep? I'd suggest either a 40 breeder or 75/90 gallon before a standard 55. In my opinion, the 40 provides a much better footprint for an aquascape than the 55. That being said, I'd suggest drilling to start and using a standard size tank for a sump. Put the same type of filter media from a HOB filter in the sump and spend the filter budget on the return pump.

pluikens · Jun 1, 2018

And welcome! Make sure to start a build thread so all the members can file along with your plans and provide advice.

Palyzoa · Jun 1, 2018

That seems like the basic needs to start a fish tank yes. I know it's exciting starting a new tank and I've been there myself. Do the research on what tank, Lights, powerheads, ect. This will save you money down the road and less clutter when you decide to upgrade equipment because it's just not doing the job. If you can afford it, spend the money on the item you want up front and avoid the hassle later.

Based off of what I read in your post, I would go with a AIO tank like the Innovative Marine Nuvo 40, or bigger tanks. If you Don't plan on keeping allot of coral you could get away with the back compartment of a AIO tank for your essential items like the heater and media baskets, even a skimmer made for these types of tanks.

Hope this helps, GL

Jay Duke · Jun 1, 2018

55g was just an example. I've heard 40g breeders are used frequently, but I've heard that for aquascaping possibilities with an eye to coral. If my favourite part of the tank is the fish rather than the coral, wouldn't a little bit bigger tank with a little bit more swimming area allow for more possibilities? Or why is it specifically that breeders are so popular?

I really actually like the look of the cubes so I could see myself going that option, but I'll be honest - it is appealing to DIY a tank/sump/stand build.

As for fish, I've done quite a bit of browsing at LiveAquaria. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there kind of appears to be a lot of fish that fit in aroundthe smaller-midsize tanks (30-50g, say) and then a big jump with most of the bigger fish needing 100, 120, or even more. What I'm saying is there's not a huge livestock advantage of a 75 over a 40 breeder, for example, other than obviously ability for a slightly larger overall bioload because of the system volume.

I'm not sure exactly what I'd get - for sure a couple clowns, a royal gamma, maybe some chromis. I'd probably slow down after that and only get cool, more unique, more interesting, or more colourful fish. If there's a smaller angelfish maybe, although I know many of those require bigger tanks.

I like the idea of the sump right from the start though.

I do like the idea of the AIO just for ease of setup. Perhaps see if I can find one used.

pluikens · Jun 1, 2018

I think the footprint of a tank is almost more important than just the volume. Each fish is going to occupy its preferred space in the water column so providing more square footage at that level is preferred. Plus if you like a cube, then a 40 breeder is closer to cubed dimensions than the 55 anyway.

I actually think there is a difference in stocking options from 40 to 75/90. The larger size will open you up to the Centropyge dwarf angels, the Ctenochaetus tangs, and most reef safe wrasses. Most of those fishes have a minimum tank size in the 60-90 gallon range.

My recommendation on sump or AIO would depend on how far into the hobby you think you'll go. If you want to play around with various equipment or reefing methods, I think it's much easier to experiment when you have a sump.

Jesterrace · Jun 3, 2018

pluikens said:
Have you been over to LiveAquaria to check it which fishes you'd like to keep? I'd suggest either a 40 breeder or 75/90 gallon before a standard 55. In my opinion, the 40 provides a much better footprint for an aquascape than the 55. That being said, I'd suggest drilling to start and using a standard size tank for a sump. Put the same type of filter media from a HOB filter in the sump and spend the filter budget on the return pump.

I agree the 55 is too short and narrow to be of much practical use in saltwater. When I was looking to upgrade, I originally looked at a 55, but ultimately went with the 90 gallon and I am glad I did, if for no other reason then I don't have the space for anything much larger (in other words saving me from yet another upgrade).

JonPhillips · Jun 6, 2018

I started out with a 55. Was too shaky with kids running around. Went to 75 with sump. Was OK but struggled with aquascape and flow. Stopped at my 150. Very happy with flow and room for fish.

You say your more fish geared now, but get a couple corals growing and you might change your mind.

In your case, I’d probably pick up a used bio cube (29g) for cheap. Throw it in on a garage sale desk. Trick it out a bit. Play with the lighting. See how the tank cycles. Get comfortable with water changes. Mess with a few small fish and corals. See how you like their personalities and go from there.

Funny how easy BRS makes a ULM tank look in their 7 min. vids, but their pros.

I am a novice.

NoWaiAma · Jun 6, 2018

JonPhillips said:
I started out with a 55. Was too shaky with kids running around. Went to 75 with sump. Was OK but struggled with aquascape and flow. Stopped at my 150. Very happy with flow and room for fish.

You say your more fish geared now, but get a couple corals growing and you might change your mind.

In your case, I’d probably pick up a used bio cube (29g) for cheap. Throw it in on a garage sale desk. Trick it out a bit. Play with the lighting. See how the tank cycles. Get comfortable with water changes. Mess with a few small fish and corals. See how you like their personalities and go from there.

Funny how easy BRS makes a ULM tank look in their 7 min. vids, but their pros.

I am a novice.

Is that an arctic clown? Beautiful !