Equipment for 45 gallon cube?

[yellowtruck75]

I am looking at setting up a 45 gallon cube (24"x24"x18") and I need some help with equipment recommendations. I already know that I am going to use a single Radion for lighting. I need help with figuring out what size and number of Ecotech Marine Vortechs that I need. I also need help finding a skimmer.


I want to be able to keep SPS, LPS, & clams.

 

[yellowtruck75]

Oh I also need recommendations on salt. When I left the hobby 3 years ago I was using Red Sea but don't know who is the best now.

 

[jleichtman]

Thickness will decide if you can get away with MP10s or 40s. If it is over 3/8" then you have to use the MP40s. Otherwise you can get a pair of 10s for the same price as one 40.

 

[kevin28]

I have a pair of mp10s on my 45 cube and I use a RO nw110 skimmer,

 

[bskiba]

The cheap options that would work really well would be the sc skimmer (long thread here) and a china Led black box(longer thread here).

But yes a single LED would be great-
What kind of space do you have for a skimmer? sump?

I also would recomend 2 mp10's if it's glass. likely it will be thin enough for the mp10. and an mp 40 would have to be turned way down.

 

[BBRT]

If you are going to utilize a sump i would look into using 1 mp40 and running a sea swirl on the sump return. Two mp10s would work fine too but if you ever decide to upgrade the tank in the future the mp10s might be to small. Also great choice on the lighting.

 

[yellowtruck75]

Once I build the stand I will decide on sump size. I would love to get an acrylic sump from MyReefCreations.com but will probably settle on the biggest tank I can fit in the stand. What about recommendations for a submersible return pump?

 

[noj3333]

I've had my 45 gallon cube up and running for a few month now. I run a mag7 return pump and I just picked up a Sicce 3 that's going in when I get my new sump built.
Oh, and I'll have an aqueon model 1 sump for sale if you want it!

 

[yellowtruck75]

If I am going to use an Apex controller do I need to the EcoTech VorTech controllers for the pump or do they come with the controller?

 

[nvdiz]

the vortech pumps have a driver which is used as the controller.

However, if you're talking about the apex module that allows you to change modes on the vortech at different times, then you would need to buy that module for the apex.

 

[yellowtruck75]

I am going with the Neptune controller, thats a no brain. For the vortech I will go with the included controller for now and will upgrade to the apex in the future.