125 shopping list

[dskibs]

To start off, I was planning on purchasing a Red Sea Max, but after Nanocustoms.com told me they wanted $350 for shipping instead of the FREE SHIPPING they promised on their website, I decided to switch it up.

So here is my tank:
http://www.truvuaquariums.com/marr0125w.html

its a 125g 48x24x24 reef ready tank by truvu
I believe I'm going to equip it with the dool fixture hood as well.

So here is what I need recomendations on, I'm kinda having to start all over a little bit because of the change from the all-in-one to the idea that now i have to fit this tank out on my own.

I need reccomendations on:
Skimmer
Lights
Filtration
Heater
Ideas on how to get some flow in this dood.
and whatever else I am missing in this list

Any help here would be VERY appreciated.

please.

[dsn112]

How big of a sump are you doing?

What are you going to keep for stock?

Skimmer: I think the euro reef rs-135 would be a good skimmer choice for this tank.

Lights: Depend on what you want to stock. Tek 8 Bulb t5 would work well for anything. I don't know what the dual fixture hood is, but hoods typically aren't recommended for reef tanks due to gas exchange.

Filtration: Refuge in sump, decide how big of a sump and build in a fuge.

Heater, Personal preferecne, I like jaeger in the sump, two 150w as a fail safe

140lbs LR, 120lbs LS

Phosban Reactor in sump, 1 for carbon, 1 for phosphate remover media

Two Koralia 4 powerheads.

Im out of ideas right now but here is a start

[Fish_wiz2]

Well here's my idea (correct me if i'm wrong)
1. Skimmer=Euro-Reef RC-80
2. Lighting=2x400 watt MH w/T-5 actinic supplement
3. 75 gal sump w/fuge and Phosban recator
4. Heater=2x via aqua 500 watt titanium heater.
5. Flow=ecotech marine pump (expensive but worth it plus it kicks up to 3000gph)
6. LIVESTOCK (duh)

[dsn112]

Just looked at there hoods, don't buy them if you want a reef tank. Go with a t5 or mh setup.

[Fish_wiz2]

I agree with dsn112 so don't waste money.

[dskibs]

any suggestions on one of those predesigned sumps that you see someplaces?

seems easier?

[dsn112]

hows your budget, There are alot out there that are nice, but so pricey.

I like this one as far as the prebuilt

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1049

[dskibs]

As of right now I don't realy have a budget, so $ isn't a factor, just nothing to rediculous? haha

is that a sump and refugium?
I couldn't find the gallons on it?

[dsn112]

Originally posted by dskibs
As of right now I don't realy have a budget, so $ isn't a factor, just nothing to rediculous? haha

is that a sump and refugium?
I couldn't find the gallons on it?

It depends on what you want in a sump. I only want space for a fuge, and a skimmer. Also probes for a controller and space for the small pump for the phosban reactors.

I think this setup is perfect, I think its like 30 gallon capacity, but you use like 18gallons of the space.

[dskibs]

does this sump come with hook ups to the tank or do i need to buy separate?

[warrenm107]

A 48 x 24 x 24 is a 120 gallon. I would start with two metal halide lights 250 watts each and a decent skimmer. An Aqua C Remora Pro would be a good starter skimmer. Very user friendly, and easy to maintain. I have been happy with the performance of mine.

[Leafer]

Originally posted by dskibs
As of right now I don't realy have a budget, so $ isn't a factor

Without going crazy, this may set you back 10k. But within that framework you can end up with a very nice setup.

Some other things that would be great to consider when first setting up: Can you plumb your sump to another room or basement?

A heater controller would be a good idea. I have tried several I am really happy with this: http://diyreef.com/shop/product_info...roducts_id=212
Consider ventilation and possibly fans if looking at a canopy.

You want to automate as much as possible. Going topless (even with a canopy) I’d now consider an auto top off system a must. You can save on a DIY setup but if you don't go that route, I use this and really like it - http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~TZ4111.html

[dskibs]

bump?

[JoeMomma]

I set the same tank size up a few months ago.

If money is not an issue get the best skimmer you can find. A huge one will keep you prepared for a large bioload in the future. Don' t just settle for something that will suffice now. After trying a used Aqua C EV-120 I've now moved up to a Bubble Master 200.

I'm fish only at the moment but I have a 6 bulb T5 Tek light waiting in the wings.

90 lbs of aragonite for a shallow sand bed.
135 lbs of live rock
2 250 W Jager heaters
2 koralia 4s (provide great flow for the front), I also have 2 returns from the sump hitting the back of the tank behind the live rock.

Don't forget a decent sized QT tank!

I guess most of that stuff is in my sig anyways but can't help to write it out.

[dskibs]

haha true true, by the way this is going to be a REEF tank, which I had thought was obvious by the fact i was purchasing a REEF READY tank, but I guess not.