Super Simple Reef Setup?

[Billyjose4]

Hi Everyone!
Looking for some thoughts here:

I am planning for a 180g tank. Already have the RR tank from my past glory. Drilled 2x on bottom (drain and return on both left and right side of tank).

I want to go with the most simplistic, BUT SUCCESSFUL, setup I can. Here are my thoughts:

Sump1: Ecosystem Pro Series 2410 Filter System w/included skimmer. Miracle mud, MarinePure spheres, AC return pump.

Sump2: DIY 55g glass aquarium. Chamber 1 > drain plumbed directly to inlet of Clear Water Algae Scrubber (CW-300 model). Chamber 2 > "room to expand". MarinePure ceramic block in the bubble trap. Chamber 3 > AC return pump.

Good news is I already have all the equipment. No costs until I start stocking. Display tank will be small sand bed, some live rock (for decoration), and few fish. Maybe an anemone if I magically get more than 24 hours in a day.

 

[P-Dub]

Hi Everyone!
Looking for some thoughts here:

I am planning for a 180g tank. Already have the RR tank from my past glory. Drilled 2x on bottom (drain and return on both left and right side of tank).

I want to go with the most simplistic, BUT SUCCESSFUL, setup I can. Here are my thoughts:

Sump1: Ecosystem Pro Series 2410 Filter System w/included skimmer. Miracle mud, MarinePure spheres, AC return pump.

Sump2: DIY 55g glass aquarium. Chamber 1 > drain plumbed directly to inlet of Clear Water Algae Scrubber (CW-300 model). Chamber 2 > "room to expand". MarinePure ceramic block in the bubble trap. Chamber 3 > AC return pump.

Good news is I already have all the equipment. No costs until I start stocking. Display tank will be small sand bed, some live rock (for decoration), and few fish. Maybe an anemone if I magically get more than 24 hours in a day.

Lighting?

 

[JoshKReef]

What is your definition of simple? Some may consider that least maintenance and some may consider it least moving parts.

IMO the simplest setup to me would be a tank with sand and rock with a sump that has a skimmer / heater / return pump. Do water changes on a schedule to replenish good nutrients / remove bad ones.

 

[[Cameron]]

Your setup sounds pretty solid. Natural filtration is a cornerstone of success and you have that locked down with the scrubber. Follow up by using simple systems to manage the temp, ph, etc. I wouldn't automate anything outside of top off.

 

[jda]

Sandbed, rock, skimmer, water changes are a timeless and simple way to run a reef tank - Berlin Method. Fuge or scrubber are good additions.

If you want it simple, buy real live rock. Dead/dry rock is no bargain and can fuel algae and phosphate issues for a year or two. If most folks knew the total cost of dry/dead rock, they would have purchased live to begin with.

Simple lights will be T5 or MH - just plug them in and let them work. There are low wattage options for both... all the way up to super bright.

 

[Billyjose4]

Thanks jda. I have quick access to live rock, so no issue there.
I have LED lights. When I used them previously, I don't think I ever dialed >30% output.

I really like the algae scrubber. Any experience with them?

 

[jda]

I do not need or use an algae scrubber, but many people really like them. I cannot think of anybody who uses one and does not like it. There are some very long threads on them.

LED might not fit into your simple and successful paradigm, but if you have them, then give them a shot - they are more difficult to tune and to keep your hands off of than a simple T5 unit and the results are not not always as good.

 

[Billyjose4]

Thanks jda. Appreciate the advice.
When I get around to actually building this, I'll post a new thread.

 

[jacksonpt]

I'd go DIY because of the cost savings, but no reason you can't/shouldn't buy if you'd rather pay for that sort of convenience or finish quality.

Either way, I'd go with a basic 3-chamber design.
- chamber 1: drain/skimmer
- chamber 2/3: flexible based on need - fuge, return, reactor, depends on how things settle out with your tank, stocking, feeding, chemistry, etc. etc.

Personally, I would hold off on the miracle mud, ATS, and whatever else until you know you need it. No reason fixing problems that don't exist.

 

[Billyjose4]

I have all the above equipment already. No extra costs incurred.
Might as well use them if I already have them.
That's my thought.

 

[jacksonpt]

But using them isn't necessarily helping. You can overfilter/overclean water.