Equipment from my first build that didn't work out
Here is a list and review of my initial equipment that I didn't quite like for a variety of reasons:
Tank replacement
96" x 24" x 30" Eurobraced tank, w/ 24"x8" overflow.
The tank was extremely well built, but the design I agreed to use was highly flawed. The massive overflow took up way too much real estate in the tank, and basically turned an 8' tank into a 4'. The Herbie setup with 3 x 1.5" drains, and 2 x 1" returns were absolutely overkill.
30" tall of a tank is difficult but not impossible to work in, but add in the eurobracing and it's a serious pain.
Everyone says go as big as possible, but I regret my original tank dimensions. It simply overpowered my kitchen and was not in the balance with the room.
This tank was replaced with 96 x 24 x 24" rimless setup, and a small corner overflow with a 2" and 1" hole. I think many reefers go overkill with their overflows, and it probably isn't needed. I admire ChingChai who has eschewed traditional overflows entirely.
Stand replacement
I had a custom built wood stand that had problems with the finish, which was noticed only after the very heavy tank was on the stand. In addition the doors were getting difficult to close as the stand "œsettled".
This was replaced with a metal stand from that is super strong. I will have a wood "œskin" built which can be easily be updated if required.
Sump replacement
The Protein Skimmer could not be removed once the sump was in the stand. (Ridiculous I know)
This was replaced with a sump that could easily accommodate the skimmer being moved in and out.
Lighting replacement
2 x 48" Sifiligoi Sealth MH + T5 fixtures
Awesome looking lights, but I did not need to have every square inch lit up. It was also nearly impossible to have 2 x 4' lights over an 8' tank, accessibility was a very serious problem.
This was replaced with a 72" Vertex LED fixture. In conjunction with the rimless tank, there is plenty of room around the fixture, so it is unlikely I will ever need to retract it for tank access.
Powerhead replacement
2 x MP60s
I love pretty much everything about the MP60s, expect for the fact that they are impossibly loud in a quiet home. They sound like broken RC cars constantly whirring. I realize sound is a personal preference thing, but I think many people would be surprised if they pulled out a db meter to see the sound levels produced from their tank. We live in a very quiet geothermal home, on a quiet street, up a mountain -- so sound is probably more important for my family than most.
Ultimately I switched to Tunze 6305s which aren't silent, but reasonably quiet.
Return pump replacement
It was recommended to me that I needed to feed my return and two reactors with a Reeflo Dart Gold. Great performance which I didn't really need, and again it did not pass the sound test. Customer service was great, they sent three replacement pumps and did everything to help. At the LFS these pumps are silent, even when you put your ears near them. However, in my home they just were too noticable for me & my wife.
I am now running a dead silent Red Dragon 6.5.
Reactor replacement
I had a number of reactors for various media, and they were difficult to access and prone to breaking. I've gone for simplicity: media bags in high flow areas on the sump.
