What to Buy First?

[Ambition]

I am going through my list of things to get for my 180 (plan on having water or close to it by mid fall). I don't have the tank itself yet (no 180s or 210s are available used locally atm that I know of), so I am trying to figure out what piece of equipment I should get first.

Equipment to Buy:
2x Vortech MP40W ES (going to have to space out purchases)
Stuff for DIY LEDs
Lumber for stand and canopy
Apex
Custom Sump

I already have the skimmer and return pump. So, what piece of the project would you start on? Thinking LEDs being they may take awhile, but I do need the Apex so they dim... Thoughts and opinions wanted for this! TIA!

[tkeracer619]

As far as vortechs and controllers go. I would order those after the tank has water. Just save the money and buy them when you need them. A lot of people buy equipment for it to sit around for a few months. Those months turn into a year and the warranty is expired or close to it and they haven't ever been used.

I would work on your lighting since its DIY.

Tank before stand just in case you find something else you want. Sump after stand so it will fit.

[Ambition]

Thanks for the input. What you said makes quite a bit of sense. I would prefer my pumps and controller still have a warranty when they are in the tank not have it end before that. Also, sump fitting in the stand is very important (that is the only place I have for it).

Now to look into the DIY LEDs a bit more before I order.

Thanks!

[tkeracer619]

You're welcome.

You should start a build thread.

[Agu]

Agree with the DIY LEDs being the first priority. Then if you get a tank different than planned on you'll have the experience to change/modify the lighting. I'd also suggest you make it in modules so it can be adapted depending on what tank you find.

[kagetaro99]

I personally would figure out your sump first before the stand. Because once your stand is made you limit yourself on options for the sump. Take my stand for instance. when I first had my tank set up I didnt think much about my sump till after i made my stand. This limited me to using a 20L tank because of the middle brace I put on the stand. If i would have thought bout the sump first, I would have been able to use a 40 breeder instead. I am still using the same stand but figured out a way to plumb under the tank so that I am using a couple different tanks plumbed together to add more volume. Thats just my opinion. Good luck and second the build thread comment!

[Ambition]

Build thread will start after I get the LEDs ordered and make room where it will be going. The sump before the stand makes sense as well. We will just start with LEDs then go from there.

[AquaticFuture]

Me personally I would go with getting the tank first then go with the wood for building a canopy and stand. then you will have all your dementions for your LEDs that youll need to build one just right for your tank.. I built my own stand and canopy for my 125 gallon aquarium and posted a video on youtube of it. you should check it out. maybe it will give you a few ideas..
the name of the video is;
Custom Aquarium Stand and Canopy
uploaded by me Nick Longo..

I hope you get all the help you need on this forum. there are many people with great ideas.

[Ambition]

I will watch your video.

The tank will be a 180 or 210 (6'x2' footprint). There might be a very minor difference in the amount of LEDs. At least I think, I will double check.

[MattyO]

All good info above... But if u see any local used equipment at a good price u can start purchasing.
Reactors e.g. Carbon, GFO, Biopellets?
UV or ozone if ur using
Pumps for mixing/easy water changes and a brute trash can
Rock to cook in ur brute while u get everything else together (I usually do this first anyway)
RODI unit and some salt
Sand if someone is getting rid of can be free and if cleaned well should be fine.
A QT tank, getting this established now will mean u can put fish in sooner.
Lol I'm sure I missed something but if u get this stuff used u can save and won't have the warranty to worry about.

[Ambition]

Originally Posted by MattyO

All good info above... But if u see any local used equipment at a good price u can start purchasing.
Reactors e.g. Carbon, GFO, Biopellets? Forgot I need a reactor for my carbon
UV or ozone if ur using Not going to be using
Pumps for mixing/easy water changes and a brute trash can I have a pump, but wouldn't mind one a bit bigger
Rock to cook in ur brute while u get everything else together (I usually do this first anyway) I am not sure where I will be getting rock from, could be Marco Rocks or BRS...
RODI unit and some salt Have the RO/DI unit hooked up (150 gpd) and have a 3/4 full bucket of RSCP
Sand if someone is getting rid of can be free and if cleaned well should be fine. I will see what comes up, just looking to get enough to cover the bottom
A QT tank, getting this established now will mean u can put fish in sooner. Working on finding 2x 10 gallons (for tank transfer method) and already have a 40b and equipment.
Lol I'm sure I missed something but if u get this stuff used u can save and won't have the warranty to worry about.

Thanks for that list, reminded me of somethings and gave me ideas. Thanks for the advice so far guys! I also forgot about heaters, but according to Sk8r's article that can wait until I have sand and dry rock in to see what the tank runs without, then figure out how much more I need to go up. I will be buying two or three just so that if one goes crazy it can't overheat the tank.

[MattyO]

Once u get ur controller u don't really have to worry about heaters killing ur tank. U could prob find rock cheap if someone local is breaking down their tank.. That's what I was saying. Even if u add some shelf rock later u will get to hand pick ur rock work

[Reefahholic]

I would do my sump, then stand, then lighting later after you get the tank and plumb it in.