Starting up from scratch, ideas

[Wildblue4]

i have been out of this hobby since 2002, and at that time I had a FO 220gal with an overflow box to a sump. Ran 2 Magnum 330 with one having a UV light on the return. I ran Compact Fluorescent lighting and had a couple anemones with fish and an Snowflake eel.

Now I’m ready to go at it again. I have a 72”X18”X25” tank I’m starting out with nothing but stand, canopy, and tank. It does have two bulkheads overflows built in. My goal is to end up with live rock, fish, and soft corals. I have read, and read some more to the point to I am overloaded with ideas but not a good direction. Sometimes knowledge is troubling. Unfortunately where I live we have no LFS so I’ll be dependent on the internet and driving to Nashville for a good LFS but that’s 2 1/2 hour drive for me. Doable but not everyday!

Ok if you were starting out with this build and knowing where I want to end up what would you do? I will be able to spend what I need to to build it correctly but I’m not one that has to have the best of everything. Just saying I don’t mind spending the money on the important items but don’t mind settling for items I can save on when buying them new! Hope that makes sense!!!

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated and I do want to go with as big as a sump that I can get under my stand.
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Wildblue4]

No ideas from you guys?

 

[EmdeReef]

Are you looking for equipment or stocking suggestions? If equipment,must haves or close to IMO would be a skimmer, heaters, temperature controller or an aquarium controller, ATO, gyres or other wave makers, testing kits, 2 part and perhaps a doser, carbon reactor.

After that you can keep adding stuff until you spend all your money

 

[don_chuwish]

I have a 72”X18”X25” tank I’m starting out with nothing but stand, canopy, and tank. It does have two bulkheads overflows built in. My goal is to end up with live rock, fish, and soft corals.

Maybe some photos would help? I can't picture what kind of overflows it has and that goes a long way toward determining plumbing.
But also the overall question is kind of vague - not sure what decision you are stuck on since there are so many.

 

[Xandernfs]

I would definitely consider doing all DC pumps. DC return and and a DC pump to power the protein skimmer. I would also look into making a manifold to keep your options open for things like reactors or even power an ATS.

 

[Wildblue4]

Sorry for the vagueness. I will upload some pictures shortly. Yes I am mainly looking for suggestions on equipment outside of just keeping fish. I am well versed in SWFO tanks. Just dint really know about LED lights, controllers, doseing machines and proper sumps. There are so many different items just kinda wanted to know what people used before I start buying. Thanks for the responses already. Gives me things to read into.

 

[Wildblue4]

Here are a few pictures of my tank that I’m going to set up.

 

[Wildblue4]

Here are a few pictures.

 

[Wildblue4]

So here’s what I’m thinking of ordering for this build. Any input on brands and additional items would be beneficial.

1. Sump around 30 gal
2. LED with T5 lights (need ideas)
3. Some sort of light/system controller (need ideas)
4. Return pump
5. Heaters
6. Skimmer
7. RODI unit (need ideas)
8. Dosing system (need ideas)
9. Magnum 330 pump for UV light and carbon
10. Wave power heads (need ideas-will controller run these?)
11. Test kits (which ones)
12. Sand
13. Salt
14. Live Rock (need ideas) and base rock

Should I paint the back of the tank? Any suggestions on what to use. I always used black plastic before.

This will get me started but I’m sure I’m missing a few items. Feel free to give ideas.
Thanks for any help

 

[Reef-junky]

You don’t need a UV light. I would also get a controller for the heaters.

 

[Wildblue4]

Do they make a controller that will run everything like lights, heaters, power heads, dosing, and heater? Maybe other things I’m not even thinking about that needs controlling. This is one area I know nothing about!

 

[scott11106]

Apex is a great choice for controllers and ever growing add ons that make life much easier but not the cheapest or only option but that is what i am picking for my build. that will also assist you with dosing and ATO for your fresh water, if you can swing it get a good RO/DI, i and getting a SPECTRAPURE but BRS has some great options that you can spec to your size tank.
APEX will control all of your equipment and then some so you cant go wrong... check out there site neptunesystems and also youtube for more info and options like (DOS) for dosing, (ATK) for top off/ATO, and so on.

i went with the Maxspect XF250 Gyre Pumps for maximum flow but there are many options and APEX(neptune) has a real solid option also (WAV), i have not used them but hear good things

for lighting, i am going Kessell AP700's but again many great options and and that was my pick but you ask 10 people and you will get 7 different options that are all good it their own way depending what you plan to have in the tank but if you are not getting SPS,LPS you will not need as much light, however if there is a chance you will start thinking about it i would get the light that can handle it so you are not having to limit yourself or have to replace your lighting. you could also go T5 setup and leave space to add LED later if needed...many options

 

[Wildblue4]

@scott11106 Thank you for the information. I will read up on your suggestions. I do want to buy all of my equipment with the future in mind. I’ve been saving for years, so I have a nest egg for this build and I want to do it as right as I can.
I am ready to get started but I’m still wanting to do my research before I start buying.

 

[scott11106]

Also for lighting you have a long skinny tank so you will need to think about how the light is going to disperse, it will effect how you setup lights and what lights to buy.

 

[scott11106]

i am also in the process of building a new tank so check it out, i will be listing the equipment i am buying today or tomorrow as it is finally that time if that interests you, i have been working on the design, specs and setup for well over 6 months (i had to wait for house to be built so no choice).

good luck i will be following along as you go but feel free to ask any questions

 

[ArowanaLover1902]

You should use Current USA loop lights, they're awesome with corals and the day/night cycle is perfect, plus you can link it to your powerheads and that's really helpful too, especially around feeding time.

 

[Wildblue4]

@scott11106 thanks again. I have been following your build and will continue. I had a 220SWFO but when I sold my house it went with it as part of the deal. Now 3 houses latter I’m ready to build another tank. Lol Do you guys think this tank is an ok aquarium to use?
@ArowanaLover1902 thanks for the tip. I’ll look them up.

 

[Wildblue4]

i am also in the process of building a new tank so check it out, i will be listing the equipment i am buying today or tomorrow as it is finally that time if that interests you, i have been working on the design, specs and setup for well over 6 months (i had to wait for house to be built so no choice).

good luck i will be following along as you go but feel free to ask any questions

I will definitely look at what you purchase because I need ideas!!

 

[scott11106]

to be honest the plumbing is not my strong suit, i am not sure how you will want to plumb that so that you have the best solution but i am sure someone will jump in here to help. I do not see any problems using that tank as long as the glass and seals are in good shape.

 

[Wildblue4]

I’m good with the plumbing. My biggest issue right now is purchasing a sump that I can guarantee that I can get under the tank. If you look at the doors I have it’s going to be a tight fit getting the size sump I want in the stand. I custom built the stand and the back is solid. Kinda bad planning on my part. Lol
I’m trying to get a Trigger Sump that’s 40 gallons under it. If I can I’ll start my build.