What would you change on this 75 gallon setup?

[SandJ]

I just bought this 75 gallon used setup. So, I bought it for the Maxspect light (it has 1 month of use) to use on my 235 gallon I am working on (entire set up was $100 more than the light would have cost). I planned on selling off the rest of the supplies but I found the perfect place for it so I think I am going to set it up.

This will be my first tank to set up with a sump. I’ve had multiple tanks set up over the past 3 years, but this feels like a completely different ballgame. I have the 235 gallon tank I am setting up, but I have been stalling on the build because I am so overwhelmed trying to make the right choices on equipment. I feel like this will be good practice setting a system up.

Equipment list:

• 75 gallon tank with plumbing (has flexible hoses, considering using PVC)
• Stand
• Eshopps AZU 100 sump
• Eshopps ATO 5 gallon reservoir
• Eshopps x-120 skimmer
• Maxspect R5 300 light
• Maxspect ICV6 controller
• Waveline Puck powerhead
• Icecap ATO
• Sicce Syncra 3.0 return pump
• Heater 200w
• 3 Carib-Sea Shapes LifeRock caves
• Plus various supplies (refractometer, Dr. Tim’s ammonia, bacteria, mag floats, filter socks, etc)

Should I change any of the equipment?

Would you use the flexible hoses that came with it, or use PVC?

 

[khushtram]

Change the location of the tank, it will get way too much direct sunlight between the 2 windows.

 

[Firemanreefkeeper]

Looks great to me. If the flexible hose still has life I would stick with it. Hard pvc will make it vibrate and you might hear it.

 

[SandJ]

Change the location of the tank, it will get way too much direct sunlight between the 2 windows.

I can install blackout curtains if needed. Plan on installing them on that side of the house anyways to help keep it cooler inside.

Looks great to me. If the flexible hose still has life I would stick with it. Hard pvc will make it vibrate and you might hear it.

Yes, the flexible hose is still like new so I will just use it. That will make setup easier anyways lol

 

[mark freshwater]

A second heater in case one fails and also i go by, heater should rate 1w per litre and 75 gal is 283 litres

 

[SandJ]

A second heater in case one fails and also i go by, heater should rate 1w per litre and 75 gal is 283 litres

Good idea to get one or two smaller ones for this tank and I can use this 200w on the 235 gallon tank. We live in southern Georgia just over the FL line, so it does not get extremely cold.

And I also have an apex I can put on this tank.

 

[mark freshwater]

I use 2 X 200w in my 75 gal , 1 in tank and 1 in sump

 

[mark freshwater]

Also remember to add the volume of your sump to the volume of your tank hence why I'm running the 2 X 200's

 

[edc_aquarium]

I would get a big bucket of filter socks they become a pain when trying to clean them almost every if you only have one

 

[Lostreefin]

Tank looks good there, and I think that setup could be great! Sidebar, looks like you have one of these:

 

[SandJ]

I would get a big bucket of filter socks they become a pain when trying to clean them almost every if you only have one

Still have to pull the sewing machine out from our move...but plan on sewing up several dozen to have on hand.

 

[SandJ]

Tank looks good there, and I think that setup could be great! Sidebar, looks like you have one of these:

Lol Yes, that is Jasper. He is 7 years old (we have had him for 6 years). He usually stays in the living room, but the Roomba vacuum freaks him out so I moved him to the kitchen to clean. He seems to like it better in the kitchen, probably because he gets food from everyone as they pass through now lol

He is like having another child, only more demanding.

 

[andrewkw]

Change the location of the tank, it will get way too much direct sunlight between the 2 windows.

I would be the exact opposite. I love it when my tanks get direct sunlight and if possible I'd place them somewhere where they get a lot of sunlight. To be clear I don't think whatever tiny bit of light they get through the windows through the glass helps with coral growth but I do think it makes your tank much more enjoyable when you can see it in a different light. Also a high traffic area like the kitchen is perfect since you will be in the kitchen at various times of the day depending on what time of day the sunlight is hitting your tank.

In the 2+ years I've lived at my house I've never closed the blinds and my main reef gets hours of direct sunlight in the summer, less this time of year but still a decent amount. In direct sunlight for much of the day as well.

 

[Ksm675]

I dont think id change anything personally, aside from what was stated above. extra heater, socks, etc