Some Thoughts on My Setup

mermaid62 · Nov 21, 2016

I everyone! Brand new on here but have been "watching" from afar. It has been so helpful, so I decided to join -- just have to figure out how it all works.

Anyways, I have just set up a 55gal. reef tank from an aquarium that I was given. Previously I had a 29 gal. I don't have anywhere to put a sump, so I have done the following;
- 2 70 aquaclear hob filters
- octopus nano skimmer
- 2 ai prime leds and 1 rapid led par38
- 2 hydor 240 power heads and 1 500 -- is this enough for my tank with the 2 ac filters (300gph for each)?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Highgrade · Nov 21, 2016

What type of livestock/corals are you planning to go with? Keep in mind with Hob filters as your water level gets lower it creates a splashing affect which causes major salt creep. You may want to go with a Smart AutoAqua Mirco ATO to keep your salinity in check and keep the salt creep down.

ahiggins · Nov 21, 2016

I have a similar issue with flow in my 40. I would think that the filter flow would work as a power head. The power heads that you noted, I don't think it would be enough. But with the filters acting as a power head may be. Do you have any pictures of how they powerheads are placed?

Highgrade · Nov 21, 2016

The filters would create a downward flow along with breaking the surface of the water to oxygenation. As for additional flow what type of substrate are you going with (BB,fine,coarse) or have currently? You might want to consider this when it comes down to additional flow.

helen ann · Nov 21, 2016

Seems like you have plenty of help

So let me say ...

mermaid62 · Nov 21, 2016

Highgrade said:
What type of livestock/corals are you planning to go with? Keep in mind with Hob filters as your water level gets lower it creates a splashing affect which causes major salt creep. You may want to go with a Smart AutoAqua Mirco ATO to keep your salinity in check and keep the salt creep down.

Thank you for replying. I have softies, lps, zoas and mushrooms along with 2 clowns, 2 anemones, 2 feather dusters and many snails. I was just doing some research on atos.

mermaid62 · Nov 21, 2016

Highgrade said:
The filters would create a downward flow along with breaking the surface of the water to oxygenation. As for additional flow what type of substrate are you going with (BB,fine,coarse) or have currently? You might want to consider this when it comes down to additional flow.

I have fairly course substrate, about 3/4 in. thick.

mermaid62 · Nov 21, 2016

helen ann said:
Seems like you have plenty of help

So let me say ...

Thank you! Love your pic.

mermaid62 · Nov 21, 2016

ahiggins said:
I have a similar issue with flow in my 40. I would think that the filter flow would work as a power head. The power heads that you noted, I don't think it would be enough. But with the filters acting as a power head may be. Do you have any pictures of how they powerheads are placed?

Sorry, I haven't figured out how to doo that yet. I have the 500 on the back at the top, between the 2 filters, and the other 2 are on the sides about 1/2 way down, one pointing up and the other down.

MaiReef · Nov 21, 2016

I would second the ATO system, but other than that it looks like you have it.

Highgrade · Nov 21, 2016

Maxspect Gyre is on sale currently. That should solve any flow issues and is controllable. Also less clutter with one unit rather than multiple powerheads.

ahiggins · Nov 21, 2016

Highgrade said:
Maxspect Gyre is on sale currently. That should solve any flow issues and is controllable. Also less clutter with one unit rather than multiple powerheads.

What!? For how much!

Highgrade · Nov 21, 2016

ahiggins said:
What!? For how much!

Marine Depot has them for 20% off right now.

ahiggins · Nov 21, 2016

Highgrade said:
Marine Depot has them for 20% off right now.

aww man...Im supposed to be SAVING money >.<

Highgrade · Nov 21, 2016

ahiggins said:
aww man...Im supposed to be SAVING money >.<

I hear that but if you need to buy anything aquarium related now is the time. You usually wont find better deals any other time of the year.

dragon99 · Nov 21, 2016

Sounds like plenty of flow for your current livestock. If you wanted to start keeping SPS, you'd probably want to upgrade.
ATO would be a great upgrade and will keep salinity stable which is always helpful.

A HOB refugium might be something to think about. It could replace one of your Aquaclear's and give you some added benefits.

mermaid62 · Nov 21, 2016

dragon99 said:
Sounds like plenty of flow for your current livestock. If you wanted to start keeping SPS, you'd probably want to upgrade.
ATO would be a great upgrade and will keep salinity stable which is always helpful.

A HOB refugium might be something to think about. It could replace one of your Aquaclear's and give you some added benefits.

I just ordered the ATO. I have taken out the inserts from my filters and have added ferric oxide, chemipure elite and extra carbon and some filter pads.

helen ann · Nov 21, 2016

mermaid62 said:
I just ordered the ATO. I have taken out the inserts from my filters and have added ferric oxide, chemipure elite and extra carbon and some filter pads.