Sumps & LED Questions

[ParnellTX]

SUMP & LIGHTING UPGRADE ?

Aquarium specs: 24'' x 24' 'x 48'' = 120 Gal
I want to upgrade my current sump and Lighting.

Current sump = 10 gal tank with appropriate bevel chambers. Too small for what I want to do.
current lighting: Aquatic Life T5 - 48'' 6 bulbs

Been setup since Nov 2018.
I know the sump size will depend on the space available under the tank stand.

Questions:

1. Looking for a quality used sump with refugium I could buy instead on spending 500.00+ on a new sump off the internet.
I do not want to build one if I can help it. Where should I look?
2. Best LED lighting on a budget. I want to get my feet wet with soft corals. or should I just buy new bulbs for my T5 and get an LED to complement it?

3. I do not have a protein skimmer going. Good brand to buy?
4. What other equipment would be recommended. I do not know much about reactors and such. I am doing my homework at night when I can to catch up.

All help appreciated.

- Thanks, Jeremy

 

[ndrwater]

Check out the Ice cap Sumps. Great value for the $. I have the 36XL under my 120
Mars Aqua makes a decent budget friendly LED that has been a proven winner growing corals
Can't go wrong with Reef Octopus skimmers. Again good value for the $$

 

[Peace River]

+1 on the Reef Octopus skimmers

 

[LesPoissons]

Eshoppes also make good skimmers
Mars aqua/viparspectras make good enough lights to grow anything but lack the brilliance and versatility of more expensive lights.
Lots of dumps available, pick a size that works.
Fyi- i know building a sump is scary but you can pick up an aquarium for $1 per gallon when Petco does it sales. (IE $55 for 55gal) silicone $5. Cut glass pieces however many chambers you need $60ish. Make it suit your needs, under $200. It's way easier than you think, I promise. I never thought I could do it either.

 

[ParnellTX]

Eshoppes also make good skimmers
Mars aqua/viparspectras make good enough lights to grow anything but lack the brilliance and versatility of more expensive lights.
Lots of dumps available, pick a size that works.
Fyi- i know building a sump is scary but you can pick up an aquarium for $1 per gallon when Petco does it sales. (IE $55 for 55gal) silicone $5. Cut glass pieces however many chambers you need $60ish. Make it suit your needs, under $200. It's way easier than you think, I promise. I never thought I could do it either.

Hey! Thanks for the info. I researched LED lights and the Current USA Marine Orbit LED light seems to get high praise for the cost. Have you heard of it?