Pulled the trigger on a CADLight 125 Artisan II

[djray77]

Well after tons of reading forums and researching I went with the Cadlight 125, even after reading all the negative feedback about customer service. I spoke with them on the phone yesterday evening and they seem really nice and knowledgeable. I will be updating this thread as I go. They told me it will be shipping out Wednesday and will take about 1 week to arrive on my driveway. I really hope this all goes smoothly and I can give some good feedback.

 

[djray77]

If anyone has some ideas of what to run as in pump, powerheads, skimmer, lights etc. Please let me know I would appreciate it.

 

[deedubz]

What are you going for? Mixed reef? Anemones?
Congrats on the new tank!

 

[Salty1962]

I believe you'll be happy with your tank. You just have to stay on top of CL. I have their 70G Artisan II and I really like the build quality and design.. Be sure to post a build thread so we can watch

 

[djray77]

Thank you!! I am looking for a variety of fish and corals so mixed reef tank is what I want to do. I hope I am happy with the tank and not wishing I went with Red Sea instead.

 

[djray77]

For the sump, I was thinking this one, http://www.triggersys.com/ts/ruby36s/. Would this work?

 

[Whipples]

Welcome! What size is your stand? I would make sure the sump would fit, plus any extra equipment like ATO containers, dosing containers, reactors, etc. You may be able to build a sump for much less that can do more if you are willing to get some silicone, glass cuts, and spend some time. I have a trigger sump and it is great but slightly limiting.

As far as equipment, do you know what kind of tank you want to have? Fish only? LPS, SPS, or mixed? Regardless of what corals you want, a heater controller and a titanium heater is a rock-solid combo and great insurance for heater failures! I use two finnex 300w in my 100g and they can keep the tank at 78 when the room is 68-70.

 

[djray77]

All I can find are these dimensions, pretty sure that's the tank tho. I was going to order the trigger ruby 36s or elite. Would this work for 125g? I will be doing a mixed reef tank.

• Dimensions: (59.5" x 23.5" x 20")

 

[Whipples]

Should be fine then! Shop around though as Synergy and Life Reef all make sumps that are excellent, just like Trigger.

 

[djray77]

Which Trigger sump did you go with?

 

[Whipples]

I use the Trigger Sapphire 34 because of limited under-tank space, needed to fit a 15g ATO, Doser, and containers all within the cabinet as a condition of getting the bigger tank . Works well, but there are other options to consider that you may like more. I know all of them are coming out with Triton style sumps should you consider going that route.

 

[djray77]

Synergy Reef are even more money wow thats crazy.

 

[djray77]

One more quick question, the 36s or 36 elite??

 

[Whipples]

I think the Elites are discontinued, at least they are according to BRS.

 

[djray77]

According to this site they have them. https://www.marinedepot.com/Trigger...-Trigger_Systems_LLC-6E81642-FIFRBSCU-vi.html
From what I have read, it flows different and have a better section for refugium? Sry I'm learning lol!! Thanks for the help btw! from a fellow brit

 

[djray77]

I am gonna go with this skimmer, should do the job eh? https://www.marinedepot.com/Reef_Oc...ums_Reefs-Reef_Octopus-CV25196-FIPSIS-vi.html

 

[Whipples]

It should, if you can budget for a Life Reef skimmer they are considered "the last skimmer you will ever buy". I've got my eye on one of their 30" skimmers for my current build, but that Reef Octopus will work and is also well regarded by reefers!

The Elite sump refugium is actually smaller than their 34 sump series, assuming a 9" water depth the Elite sump gives you a 4.5g refugium versus 5.8g on the 34 sump. Check the Trigger Triton sumps on BRS, they offer the biggest refugiums.

 

[djray77]

Wow that triton 34 looks amazing but it says upto 100gallon? Would that’s still be ok on 125gal?

 

[Whipples]

I honestly think it would. If you can get a bigger sump, though, definitely go for it! Just remember to factor in any other equipment you want to put under the cabinet and make sure it can all fit . refugium may be a bit small for full triton, which they want you to use at least 10% of display volume in the sump as a refugium but that does not mean it can't work at all without some adjustments or tweaks.

 

[djray77]

I think the ruby 36E is the one I want to get. After watching some YouTube videos on it seems like a really good sump that will last along time. I just want to make sure I won’t have to upgrade down the road.