robjrussell
Community Member
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2018
- Messages
- 38
- Reaction score
- 40
- Location
- Naperville, ILL
- What state or country do you live in
- Illinois
What’s up R2R. I’m a brand new member here and starting on a big journey within my reefkeeping life.
I first started out with a mixed reef in 2002. I was 17, living at home and put way too much money into my tank. I was young and not really into the science of it all. One day I came home and the bottom of my front glass pane had cracked and everything was on the ground. I was done with reefkeeping that second.
Fast forward to 2017. I’m in my 30s now, have a couple kids and particularly my daughter who loves fish so I decided to get back into it. My wounds hand healed.
I started with an AIO IM 14? gallon peninsula which lasted like 3 months until I “graduated” to a JBJ 30 rimless AIO. I’m currently running 2 MP10s, a cadlights nano skimmer, some other filter media and for lighting I’m running a nanobox duo.
Well now it’s time to graduate again to a real tank with a sump. Something where I can keep my parameters in line easier and something where I can keep some more fun livestock.
So I’ve ordered the following
- Reefer 350 with white stand.
- I’ll be using 2 Hydra 52 HDs for lighting.
- 2X Maxspeed XF230s (1 advances controller)
- Bubble Magus Curve 5 skimmer
- Reef Octopus VariouS-6 return pump
I’m on the fence whether to go with an Apex or not. I got the VariouS so I can use it with the Apex if I go that route. I like the idea of the control of the Apex- just don’t know if I want to shell out the extra $$ tbh after everything I’m putting into this so far.. Convince Me one way or another?
I’ll probably throw an MP10 on the back wall somewhere to get some extra random flow- but from what the 230s look like I may not need that?
Crushed coral for substrate- I’m over dirty sand.
I’m planning on splitting the skimmer chamber to grow chaeto as well - any advice on that?
I’m pretty intimidated/inexperienced with plumbing. I know the return is a hose vs PVC - is that something I should change?
Do you have any other recommendations for adjustments to the plumbing? I see people with shut off valves, other sorts of stuff I have no idea about- please any input is appreciated.
I imagine I’ll start running a reactor or 2 in the future- not to start tho as it’s just too much to process through right now for me.
Cheers and I’ll appreciate any and all feedback along the way.
I first started out with a mixed reef in 2002. I was 17, living at home and put way too much money into my tank. I was young and not really into the science of it all. One day I came home and the bottom of my front glass pane had cracked and everything was on the ground. I was done with reefkeeping that second.
Fast forward to 2017. I’m in my 30s now, have a couple kids and particularly my daughter who loves fish so I decided to get back into it. My wounds hand healed.
I started with an AIO IM 14? gallon peninsula which lasted like 3 months until I “graduated” to a JBJ 30 rimless AIO. I’m currently running 2 MP10s, a cadlights nano skimmer, some other filter media and for lighting I’m running a nanobox duo.
Well now it’s time to graduate again to a real tank with a sump. Something where I can keep my parameters in line easier and something where I can keep some more fun livestock.
So I’ve ordered the following
- Reefer 350 with white stand.
- I’ll be using 2 Hydra 52 HDs for lighting.
- 2X Maxspeed XF230s (1 advances controller)
- Bubble Magus Curve 5 skimmer
- Reef Octopus VariouS-6 return pump
I’m on the fence whether to go with an Apex or not. I got the VariouS so I can use it with the Apex if I go that route. I like the idea of the control of the Apex- just don’t know if I want to shell out the extra $$ tbh after everything I’m putting into this so far.. Convince Me one way or another?
I’ll probably throw an MP10 on the back wall somewhere to get some extra random flow- but from what the 230s look like I may not need that?
Crushed coral for substrate- I’m over dirty sand.
I’m planning on splitting the skimmer chamber to grow chaeto as well - any advice on that?
I’m pretty intimidated/inexperienced with plumbing. I know the return is a hose vs PVC - is that something I should change?
Do you have any other recommendations for adjustments to the plumbing? I see people with shut off valves, other sorts of stuff I have no idea about- please any input is appreciated.
I imagine I’ll start running a reactor or 2 in the future- not to start tho as it’s just too much to process through right now for me.
Cheers and I’ll appreciate any and all feedback along the way.
