Hey guys, I'm going to start a 75g reef this summer, probably SPS and LPS, and am wondering what equipment you would recommend? I mean obviously I know about metal halides, skimmers, return pumps, sumps, and what not, but I'm asking for specifics. Like: I would use ______ skimmer, a ______ metal halide supplemented with ________. That kinda thing. Basically if you were building it, what would you use? Figured it'd be a fun activity for some of you, and I think this would be the best way for me to learn.
Equipment For A 75g SPS
- Thread starter TMF89
- Start date
I'm setting up my 75g too so far I have a ev-180 (Skimmer) 2X 150w mh with 14k de bulbs 48" t5ho with 2 10k bulbs 20g long sump refugium hopefully this will get me going, what do you have so far basically you should use a Skimmer that's rated at least 75g as far a lighting goes you could use mh or t5ho or both.
FormulatedFire
New member
I also am setting up a 75g and I currently have an ASM G3 skimmer which is a little over kill, and in the next few days I'm ordering a 6x54w T-5 Tek light fixture. Hope this helps.
I would do a 30 breeder sump, Octopus NWB110 or Extreme 160 skimmer, TLF 150 reactor for carbon, BRS drews dosers for two part, mag 7 or 9.5 return pump, Aquacontroller Jr., 2x 250w Finnex Ti heaters and powerheads of your choice. That will set you up with a reliable system.
Lighting is tougher. Halides are going to add a lot of heat to a small system. I would to T5's. Ask some of the lighting gurus about bulb combinations.
Lighting is tougher. Halides are going to add a lot of heat to a small system. I would to T5's. Ask some of the lighting gurus about bulb combinations.
The Velvet Sea
New member
My 75 SPS/LPS has:
SRO-1000 Skimmer
ATI Sunpower T5 48" 6x54w
Vortech MP40ES
Eheim 1262 return with manifold for 2 BRS reactors
2 independent BRS reactors for ROX 0.8 and GFO
BR-110 Octopus Biopellet reactor fed from MJ900
ViaAqua Titanium heaters 2 x 300w (overkill, but I like the redundancy and I let my home get very cold in the winter before I turn my home heater on)
Reef Keeper Lite controls heaters, lighting and fans
Autotopoff.com float switch controlling RO/DI top off from remote reservoir
I'm currently dosing 2part daily by hand. I plan to buy 2 BRS dosers when they are back in stock to automate that.
SRO-1000 Skimmer
ATI Sunpower T5 48" 6x54w
Vortech MP40ES
Eheim 1262 return with manifold for 2 BRS reactors
2 independent BRS reactors for ROX 0.8 and GFO
BR-110 Octopus Biopellet reactor fed from MJ900
ViaAqua Titanium heaters 2 x 300w (overkill, but I like the redundancy and I let my home get very cold in the winter before I turn my home heater on)
Reef Keeper Lite controls heaters, lighting and fans
Autotopoff.com float switch controlling RO/DI top off from remote reservoir
I'm currently dosing 2part daily by hand. I plan to buy 2 BRS dosers when they are back in stock to automate that.
Well guys unfortunately I'm on a college budget, I'll be working full time over the summer though, so I should be able to compromise between top of the line and cheapo crap.
As far as a sump I'm thinking at least a 29g, with a platform for the skimmer, so I can have more volume in my refugium. I'd really like to have a pair of mandarins, so I'd like the largest refugium possible.
With the lighting, what if I have a bunch of fans, like four big ones, two on top one on each side? I like the look of metal halides, and I'm custom building a canopy (and stand), so I can make it tall enough and well enough circulated, I think. What do you guys think?
Now one area where I really don't know much is reactors. Like I understand that they have different types of media in them that water is forced through to treat it, but I don't know if there are any general rules to what kind you want for what system, if I need everything from a GFO to a carbon to a phosphate to a calcium reactor, or if that would be overkill, etc. I don't have a problem installing a few (I seem to have naturally bad luck when it comes to my hobbies, plus I would imagine it would create a more stable system with less parameter swings and maintenance requirements). So if anyone could give me a quick run-down on reactors that would be great!
For water movement, I was thinking a Mag 7 with a Tee with a return to the fuge to give the water extra time in there, and to slow down the flow as well. Along with maybe two Koralia 750s (no way I could afford MPs, I'd love to but it's just not realistic), and two 450s? That would give me 2600gph, which is like a 35x turnover rate per hour, plus the sump, which I would try to get around 350gph with a valve on the return to the fuge? What do you guys think about that?
Also, just because I can't seem to make a post on RC without SOME kind of fish stocking list being involved (that's the whole point of this after all lol), I have a VERY rough draft that I'd just like a quick opinion on. Obviously I'll do more research into my list, but I figured I'd just through it up here.
Red Mandarin (x2)
Two pairs of smaller fairy/flasher wrasse
One smaller Tang or Butterfly
Flame Angel (I know about their tendancy to pick at corals but I think they prefer softies, and my tank won't have any. Plus I'll try to keep it well fed enough that it won't bother)
Blenny/Goby of some sort
Fish X, either a mid-sized wrasse or some undecided fish yet (with a length of around 5-7" max)
With my stocking lists I tend to overstock, but I have no problem with extra water changes and maintenance to keep the tank running.
As far as a sump I'm thinking at least a 29g, with a platform for the skimmer, so I can have more volume in my refugium. I'd really like to have a pair of mandarins, so I'd like the largest refugium possible.
With the lighting, what if I have a bunch of fans, like four big ones, two on top one on each side? I like the look of metal halides, and I'm custom building a canopy (and stand), so I can make it tall enough and well enough circulated, I think. What do you guys think?
Now one area where I really don't know much is reactors. Like I understand that they have different types of media in them that water is forced through to treat it, but I don't know if there are any general rules to what kind you want for what system, if I need everything from a GFO to a carbon to a phosphate to a calcium reactor, or if that would be overkill, etc. I don't have a problem installing a few (I seem to have naturally bad luck when it comes to my hobbies, plus I would imagine it would create a more stable system with less parameter swings and maintenance requirements). So if anyone could give me a quick run-down on reactors that would be great!
For water movement, I was thinking a Mag 7 with a Tee with a return to the fuge to give the water extra time in there, and to slow down the flow as well. Along with maybe two Koralia 750s (no way I could afford MPs, I'd love to but it's just not realistic), and two 450s? That would give me 2600gph, which is like a 35x turnover rate per hour, plus the sump, which I would try to get around 350gph with a valve on the return to the fuge? What do you guys think about that?
Also, just because I can't seem to make a post on RC without SOME kind of fish stocking list being involved (that's the whole point of this after all lol), I have a VERY rough draft that I'd just like a quick opinion on. Obviously I'll do more research into my list, but I figured I'd just through it up here.
Red Mandarin (x2)
Two pairs of smaller fairy/flasher wrasse
One smaller Tang or Butterfly
Flame Angel (I know about their tendancy to pick at corals but I think they prefer softies, and my tank won't have any. Plus I'll try to keep it well fed enough that it won't bother)
Blenny/Goby of some sort
Fish X, either a mid-sized wrasse or some undecided fish yet (with a length of around 5-7" max)
With my stocking lists I tend to overstock, but I have no problem with extra water changes and maintenance to keep the tank running.
The Velvet Sea
New member
Considering you want to keep SPS but are on a budget, the main things I would not skimp on are the skimmer and lighting.
Regarding reactors, depending on the rest of your setup and maintenance schedule, there are usually acceptable alternatives to having reactors. Calcium reactors can be eliminated through other dosing whether it be kalk top off or 2 part dosing. GFO might not be needed if you have a healthy fuge, careful feedings and diligent maintenance. Carbon could easily be put in a filter sock in a high flow area of the sump instead of a reactor. In most of these examples a reactor will probably perform better, but is not mandatory.
Regarding reactors, depending on the rest of your setup and maintenance schedule, there are usually acceptable alternatives to having reactors. Calcium reactors can be eliminated through other dosing whether it be kalk top off or 2 part dosing. GFO might not be needed if you have a healthy fuge, careful feedings and diligent maintenance. Carbon could easily be put in a filter sock in a high flow area of the sump instead of a reactor. In most of these examples a reactor will probably perform better, but is not mandatory.
Would you say the price of entry level reactors ($60-140 depending on regular media or calcium) is worth it? Basically I'd be buying the peace of mind and less-required maintenance, and the ability to keep my tank's parameters extremely stable by constant dosing with the reactors instead of relying on me or someone else to regularly. If I were to consider buying them, which would you buy first, i.e. the most important?
The Velvet Sea
New member
Calcium reactors have a significant start up cost well beyond $60-140. You have to take into account the reactor, CO2 cylinder & regulator, pH controller and all of that cost for a calcium reactor. A GFO reactor would be my first move since keeping phosphates down in a well lit aquarium for SPS is crucial, and within the $60-140 range. If it were me, I'd start with 2 part dosing by hand as needed with carbon in a filter sock and GFO in a reactor.
I can't comment on pod farming for mandarin raising though.
I can't comment on pod farming for mandarin raising though.
I'm sorry I should've been clearer about the setup. It'll be a 75 DT with a 55 SUMP. So I figure I'll be able to get a 20g refugium at least in there, and I've read a ton up on starting pod farms. I'm a huge armchair reefer (that kinda sounds bad huh lol), I probably spend three hours on RC a day, reading forums and threads and articles and what not. While it'd be awesome and the plan to ween them to frozen, I'm not counting on that.
So TVS, you're suggesting that I dose, install a GFO reactor, and finally put a filter sock with carbon somewhere, in that order of importance? I know some people have to change filter socks almost constantly, would I have to as well?
What about this shopping list?
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+8067+4175&pcatid=4175
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...actors/deluxe-brs-gfo-and-carbon-reactor.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...alf-gallon-bulk-gfo-pellets-ferric-oxide.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/3-pounds-1-gallon-bulk-lignite-aquarium-carbon-1.html
Also I could grab a two part reactor for $60 that would allow me to house both carbon and the GFO in it. Worth it?
So TVS, you're suggesting that I dose, install a GFO reactor, and finally put a filter sock with carbon somewhere, in that order of importance? I know some people have to change filter socks almost constantly, would I have to as well?
What about this shopping list?
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+8067+4175&pcatid=4175
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...actors/deluxe-brs-gfo-and-carbon-reactor.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...alf-gallon-bulk-gfo-pellets-ferric-oxide.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/3-pounds-1-gallon-bulk-lignite-aquarium-carbon-1.html
Also I could grab a two part reactor for $60 that would allow me to house both carbon and the GFO in it. Worth it?
The Velvet Sea
New member
Yes, if I was in a budget crunch and trying to keep SPS, I would dose 2 part daily by hand, run a GFO reactor and run carbon passively in a filter sock.
Regarding filter socks. There are two general ways that they are used. Most people use them for mechanical filtration on the drains from the main display tank into the sump. Those filter socks should be changed out and cleaned at the very least once per week, and preferably more often than that. Filter socks for mechanical filtration on drains usually have a plastic ring like this.
People also use filter socks to hold media like activated carbon which is what I am suggesting. When used for media, you don't put the sock on the drain, you just put carbon in the sock and close it, then put it in a high flow area of the sump where water will flow around it and through it to some extent. You don't need to clean the filter sock as often as in the first example because you aren't flowing as much water through the sock and aren't trying to use the sock as mechanical filtration. Socks used for media should not have a plastic ring, but instead should have a draw string to close them like this.
I do not like the BRS dual reactor, even though it is a good value, because carbon and GFO have different optimal flow rates, but that is better than running carbon in a filter sock. My order of preference:
1) 2 independent reactors, 1 for carbon, 1 for GFO
2) a Dual reactor running both carbon and GFO
3) a reactor for GFO, and carbon in a filter sock in the sump
Regarding the reef builder on your shopping list: I've never used a powdered alk & cal supplement like that but I know someone that swears by the similar Tropic Marin Bio-Calcium product. I stick with 2 part liquid supplements like Kent Tech CB, ESV B Ionic and Randy's 2 part recipe.
Regarding filter socks. There are two general ways that they are used. Most people use them for mechanical filtration on the drains from the main display tank into the sump. Those filter socks should be changed out and cleaned at the very least once per week, and preferably more often than that. Filter socks for mechanical filtration on drains usually have a plastic ring like this.
People also use filter socks to hold media like activated carbon which is what I am suggesting. When used for media, you don't put the sock on the drain, you just put carbon in the sock and close it, then put it in a high flow area of the sump where water will flow around it and through it to some extent. You don't need to clean the filter sock as often as in the first example because you aren't flowing as much water through the sock and aren't trying to use the sock as mechanical filtration. Socks used for media should not have a plastic ring, but instead should have a draw string to close them like this.
I do not like the BRS dual reactor, even though it is a good value, because carbon and GFO have different optimal flow rates, but that is better than running carbon in a filter sock. My order of preference:
1) 2 independent reactors, 1 for carbon, 1 for GFO
2) a Dual reactor running both carbon and GFO
3) a reactor for GFO, and carbon in a filter sock in the sump
Regarding the reef builder on your shopping list: I've never used a powdered alk & cal supplement like that but I know someone that swears by the similar Tropic Marin Bio-Calcium product. I stick with 2 part liquid supplements like Kent Tech CB, ESV B Ionic and Randy's 2 part recipe.
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Sounds good. I'll probably just run two reactors and dose, the peace of mind will be worth the extra few $ IMO. Random question, but what kind of flow would I want for them? I know you said earlier that carbon and GFO should be run at different flow rates, just wondering what those are? Also I was just reading another build thread where the OP just hooked lines from his return pump into the reactors. Until I saw that I was just planning on using two separate pumps for the reactors, but that seems like a much cleaner approach. Thoughts?
TRIGGERMAN NYC
New member
Sounds like you are off to a good start the bigger the sump the better. Mandarins are a pain to keep alive and do require large amounts of pods so as recommended I agree it's not a good starter fish. The fact you are planning on a canopy I would say go w/ 6 T5's retro fitted into it instead of halides. Less heat especially when enclosed into a canopy,you don't want to have heat issues. Then you would need to buy a chiller they are definitely NOT cheap even used. A few small fans will do the trick. I would also suggest having the entire back section of your canopy open for ventilation.
As far as a skimmer there is so many to choose from man just just something that is made by a decent company and rated for atleast 200-250 gallons.
Power heads are no big deal just get a few koralias or something similar they will do the trick.
Good luck man
As far as a skimmer there is so many to choose from man just just something that is made by a decent company and rated for atleast 200-250 gallons.
Power heads are no big deal just get a few koralias or something similar they will do the trick.
Good luck man
Vipete1985
New member
if u want to start a pod population for ur mandarins ur best bet is a HOB refiugium because a sump fuge by the time they make it up to ur display u figure one outta ten is gonna make the treacorus ride through ur mag drive return or whatever return pump u get....another good way to seed ur display is to do the old switcharro with some live rock and ur sump pull a piece up from the sump to display n dump a piece down to ur sump from ur display but that way is a slow process n it willl take a good year to really seed the tank with ample amount of pod population for 1 let alone two mandarins....i was stubborn n thickheaded wanting mandarins only to kill three so far n im going to give it a rest because its just not worth killling these beautfiul fish because of my greeedyness to want one.....my tanks beeen running for a year n i constantly add reefpods once every other month n i have a sump fuge
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