Newbie planning a tank

[Mattt]

Hi, I'm new to the hobby and I've been trying to read as much as I can about setting a new system but there is a TON of info here. I've had planted FW tanks in the past but I have always wanted a SW tank. After convincing my wife that it would be a good hobby to do with my son she agreed that we could start buying everything needed.

Here is my rough plan and I think it will all work together from my research.

RedSea Reefer 250
2x Hydra 26HD
Cor 15 Pump
Vortech MP40 (maybe 2?)
2x 150watt Colbalt Heaters
Reef Octopus Essence s-130
BRS 4 Stage RoDi

Should I change or add anything ?
Thank you for the input.

 

[EmdeReef]

Hi, I'm new to the hobby and I've been trying to read as much as I can about setting a new system but there is a TON of info here. I've had planted FW tanks in the past but I have always wanted a SW tank. After convincing my wife that it would be a good hobby to do with my son she agreed that we could start buying everything needed.

Here is my rough plan and I think it will all work together from my research.

RedSea Reefer 250
2x Hydra 26HD
Cor 15 Pump
Vortech MP40 (maybe 2?)
2x 150watt Colbalt Heaters
Reef Octopus Essence s-130
BRS 4 Stage RoDi

Should I change or add anything ?
Thank you for the input.

Welcome to R2R and goes without saying that it’s a great hobby!

First thing you want to add is a temperature controller. Inkbird makes cheap ones on amazon, you definitely don’t want to trust your heater’s thermostat even though the one on neotherm is pretty decent.

While at it google those cobalt heaters, they used to blow up, apparently fixed but there was a recent post about it.

You’ll also want to add an auto topoff and maybe a topoff tank. Tunze osmolator is my go to. The stuff that comes with the reefer is inadequate.

Then depending on what you plan to keep - fish only or corals you may need a dosing pump.

 

[Mattt]

I will do some more research into those heaters, thanks for the heads up.
As far as an auto top off I was under the impression the RedSea systems come with one.
My plan for the tank is to do a mixed reef.

 

[Hemmdog]

Nice! Welcome!
I would just get jager or finnex heaters, save the concern of the exploding factor. Inkbirds are decent, ranco is better for temperature control.

With the red seas get a true union gate valve to replace the stock one to dial in the overflow, making it near silent.

2 mp40’s are great if you have the budget. If not maxspect gyres are also great and a little cheaper. Ideally you want flow on each side so 1 mp40 won’t really cut it long term.

Here to help anytime you need it! Have fun with your build! Cycle your rocks before, it will save you some headache and $$ on sw!

 

[Mattt]

With the Maxspect Gyres would you suggest 2 or would going with those allow me to run just 1?

 

[Jekyl]

I would recommend a fuge for chaeto and a media reactor

 

[Jekyl]

All depends on how you want to go. Mp40s are nice but pricey. 1 gyre 250 and an mp10 would be more than enough for a 65 gallon. I'm going with a jebao ow10 and r8 in my 90 gallon. Total cost of about 1 gyre.

 

[Hemmdog]

With the Maxspect Gyres would you suggest 2 or would going with those allow me to run just 1?

2 pumps 1 controller

 

[ScottR]

I’m quite new to the hobby. Used to keep a reef tank 20 years ago. But so much has changed. I had quite a smooth set up and it seems you’re ready. Your next stop should be learning to cycle your tank. I used live sand, lots of live rock LR and some good bacteria. My tank has been pristine ever since. Good luck!

 

[Mattt]

Thanks for all the input. I'm going to plan on getting 2 pumps. I was also looking into adding an Apex controller down the road. Do I need to look out for any compatible issues with anything?

 

[ScottR]

Thanks for all the input. I'm going to plan on getting 2 pumps. I was also looking into adding an Apex controller down the road. Do I need to look out for any compatible issues with anything?

How big is your tank going to be? And will you have a sump/refugium? Sorry if you already posted it but I didn’t notice it.

 

[Mattt]

How big is your tank going to be? And will you have a sump/refugium? Sorry if you already posted it but I didn’t notice it.

I'm planning on getting a RedSea Reefer 250
54 gallon display and 11 gallon sump

 

[ScottR]

I see. Next question is, are you planning a reef tank or fish only?

 

[Mattt]

I see. Next question is, are you planning a reef tank or fish only?

Reef tank

 

[ScottR]

I’d start with one return pump and consider getting a wavemaker. You’d be surprised at how much water a pump can move. I’ve seen some tanks where their pump was so strong that that their corals were always swaying sideways.

 

[ScottR]

I just want to say however, I don’t own a Red Sea reefer so don’t quote me. Seen them and their nice. Real easy set up and easy for doing maintenance on.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Temp, salinity and water movement are the most important essentials. As the tank begins to run, you will want to address lighting, water management (parameters and good test kits).
Thereafter, a stocking plan, maintenance and perhaps a controller to automate some of your accessories

 

[Captain Quint]

Welcome to R2R and thank you for joining us here.

 

[Mattt]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. I came across some info on the Cor15 pump that said it can only be used with an Apex controller. Is this accurate? If so I'm thinking about getting the Reef Octopus varios 4. Would that provide sufficient power for the RS250?