58g Oceanic in the works...

[mrhat]

I'm moving to a new place in about 2 months, and have decided its time to upgrade my nano to a larger tank when I move. I've decided on the 58g RR Oceanic. I really like the dimensions of it. I know some people will tell me I need to go bigger, but I really like the size of the 58 and for what I want to keep, I think it should be just fine.

What I'm trying to do here is get suggestions on equipment for the tank. Having only had my nano tank, I'm not familiar with all of the bigger pumps and skimmers and other equipment you guys use on bigger tanks. My goal is to have this new tank be low maintanence, pretty much just water changes, empty skimmer, scraping glass and feeding. I don't know if that's possible or not to keep it simple on a bigger tank, but if so, then great.

So here's my proposed livestock:

Tomato clown (from my nano)
BTA (after the tank matures)
Midas Blenny
Four or Six Line wrasse
Pygmy Hawkfish
Flameback Angel
Yellow Watchman goby & pistol shrimp (from my nano)
misc. cleanup crew

Corals will be LPS and softies, I have no desire for SPS, I'm more of a fish person and for corals I prefer ones that move with the flow.

So here's what I need:

Sump (i have a 29g sitting around, may use that)
Skimmer
Lights (maybe T5's)
Tank computer (AC Jr. or Reefkeeper 2)
Power heads
Return pump and plumbing
Heater
any other equipment?

So basically, if this was your tank, and you had the same livestock list, what equipment would you get for it?

[ihopss]

Low maintanence, Ok you will need a ATO Auto top off

[mrhat]

Originally posted by ihopss
Low maintanence, Ok you will need a ATO Auto top off

Oh yeah, didn't think of that, good call. Any suggestions on a good one?

[tanker]

Hawks with a BTA and/shrimp (IMO) is not a good idea.

[mrhat]

Originally posted by tanker
Hawks with a BTA and/shrimp (IMO) is not a good idea.

Oh, i had heard they were ok with pistols since the pistols could defend themselves. I didnt know they would be a problem with BTAs?

[mrhat]

bump

[ihopss]

I am currently using the Atlas Pro ATO, I do not know if it is the best, I am having problems with one of my overflow sensors ,it is under warranty so I'm sure they will fix the problem, time willl tell.

[tanker]

The natural prey of hawk fish is shrimps and crabs, so if the hawk can catch the shrimp, it will eat it.

The BTA maybe a problem because hawks like to "rest" on things and may "land" on the BTA and become it's food.

[Tangweed]

I have a 58 gal Oceanic RR with an Oceanic sump #1. I drip 1 gal of kalkwasser from a gallon jug as a top off weekly. I also do 5 gal water changes weekly. That's my top off system.

[beanoil]

Hey Mrhat, I have the same tank. My equipment list that I'm pretty happy with:

20L for sump. I've tried and Eheim 1260 for a return and it seemed like a little too much flow through the sump. I'm using a 1250 now and it's too little. I'll be going back to the 1250. Eheim makes great pumps--reliable, quiet, and very little heat.

2x Tunze 6025s for in tank flow.

Euroreef RS80 skimmer.

Nova Extreme 4x39 watt T5HO. This was a controversial choice. Most will tell you that any T5 without individual reflectors is crap. This seems to be plenty for my softy, LPS tank though. I have some mushrooms at the bottom that actually hide from it and only expand well when I shade them.

Having said all that, my suggestion would be to get a bigger tank. Not because of the old "you'll want something bigger" thing. I like the 58RR size too. But a better choice for me would've been an AGA 65RR. Same footprint, but 4" taller. More water volume. Most importantly, I've found Oceanic's giant center overflow tricky to aquascape around. The 65 has the corner overflow, which would make things much easier. Just my 2 cents--hope it helps.

Grant

[NewMariner]

I had a 58g tank....and I miss that tank. I was an idiot for selling it. I love that there was no center brace and it had enough room to aquascape.

Im envious