Hardware Suggestions

justin42279 · 06/17/2017, 06:42 AM

Hey everyone,

I used to have a 55 gallon reef aquarium back in 2012 but left the hobby because I took up scuba diving and traveling. After about 5 years, I'm kinda feeling the bug to have a saltwater tank set up again. I'm putting together a budget now. Since I've been out of the hobby for so long, I'm wondering if anyone can help in suggesting some hardware that will be quality but won't break the bank.

I want to start of with a FOWLR but plan my purchases in case I ever want to make the leap back into having corals. But for right now, I still like to travel so I'm going to start out slow and stick with FOWLR. I still have my 55 gallon tank and stand. The tank has a built in overflow so I'll be making another sump for it.

What would everyone recommend for a skimmer and RODI these days? I previously had a SWC Xtreme 160 that worked out really well for me. I subscribed to the plan bigger mentality. I'd prefer to have an in sump skimmer. My RODI was a unit I purchased on ebay at the time that seemed to work perfectly for me.

I appreciate any input and help that I can get. Thanks.

mcgyvr · 06/17/2017, 06:55 AM

RO/DI from Bulkreefsupply, Airwaterice, spectrapure, buckeye hydro

Ron Reefman · 06/17/2017, 07:46 AM

IMHO, RO/DI and skimmers are so generic these days, everybody copies everybody else's ideas. Just don't buy cheap and you'll be fine. And there is no need to pay a super premium either. The $1500 royal exclusive skimmer is hardly any better than a $600 skimmer from any of a handful of other brands.

highlite2nice · 06/17/2017, 07:02 PM

spectrapure is great for a rodi unit. I would get at least a four stage. as far as skimmers buy the best you can afford. Bubble Magus are pretty good skimmer if your looking for something that is not too expensive.

Buckeye Hydro · 06/18/2017, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highlite2nice

I would get at least a four stage.

Don't use "number of stages" as a buying criteria for an RODI unit!

06/17/2017, 06:42 AM	#1
justin42279 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 10	Hardware Suggestions Hey everyone, I used to have a 55 gallon reef aquarium back in 2012 but left the hobby because I took up scuba diving and traveling. After about 5 years, I'm kinda feeling the bug to have a saltwater tank set up again. I'm putting together a budget now. Since I've been out of the hobby for so long, I'm wondering if anyone can help in suggesting some hardware that will be quality but won't break the bank. I want to start of with a FOWLR but plan my purchases in case I ever want to make the leap back into having corals. But for right now, I still like to travel so I'm going to start out slow and stick with FOWLR. I still have my 55 gallon tank and stand. The tank has a built in overflow so I'll be making another sump for it. What would everyone recommend for a skimmer and RODI these days? I previously had a SWC Xtreme 160 that worked out really well for me. I subscribed to the plan bigger mentality. I'd prefer to have an in sump skimmer. My RODI was a unit I purchased on ebay at the time that seemed to work perfectly for me. I appreciate any input and help that I can get. Thanks.

06/17/2017, 06:55 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	RO/DI from Bulkreefsupply, Airwaterice, spectrapure, buckeye hydro __________________ Who me?

06/17/2017, 07:46 AM	#3
Ron Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 10,431	IMHO, RO/DI and skimmers are so generic these days, everybody copies everybody else's ideas. Just don't buy cheap and you'll be fine. And there is no need to pay a super premium either. The $1500 royal exclusive skimmer is hardly any better than a $600 skimmer from any of a handful of other brands. __________________ The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. (Neil deGrasse Tyson) Visit my build thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2593017

06/17/2017, 07:02 PM	#4
highlite2nice Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 16	spectrapure is great for a rodi unit. I would get at least a four stage. as far as skimmers buy the best you can afford. Bubble Magus are pretty good skimmer if your looking for something that is not too expensive.