Equipment help

[lilredwuck]

I am setting up 2 seperate 48x24x10 frag systems with 60 gallon sumps 48x18x18. I am trying to decide on the return pump, which I am thinking the jebao 4000 or 5000. These will obviously not run full power. The stand itself is 36” tall. I will have a single 1” drain in the center. A straight pipe with a T on top. I am also looking at wavemakers for them. I am thinking the jebao sow 8. The tallness throws me in this situation or would the 4’s be enough? Thoughts and opinions welcome. Also, what wattage would I be looking for heaters. The house is cool and it’s in the basement. I was thinking around 300 watt ehiem heaters on an ink bird. The lights will be 2 radion xr 30s. Thoughts and concerns. Also what would be a good skimmer. Mostly coral

 

[griss]

I currently have no experience with DC return pumps so, I won’t comment on that subject.

For water movement, my experience with Jebao powerheads is no matter what you do, at some point they will start losing power. So, I’d go as large are practical (physical size) for your tanks and dial them down/up as needed.

For heaters, I prefer to run multiple in my tanks to add redundancy in the event one fail. So, (2) 50 gallon frag tanks + (2) 60 gallon sumps = 220 gallons total. But, what we need to know if the average temperature in your basement and your target tank temp.

Regarding skimmers, many successfully run tanks without them. I personally run one. I’m happy with my OLD eShopps s-120. Been running it for years. Reef octopus are also great skimmers.

 

[lilredwuck]

I plan on using ink birds to control the heaters. The basement is probably 70 degrees. Target would be 76-78 degrees. The room is about 15x15 and will house both frag tanks. The 10” depth on the tank is what is throwing me for a loop. Sow 4 I don’t know if it won’t be enough. I plan on only running about 5 times turnover through the sump. I have a aquavitro division 500 skimmer left over but I know that is too big. Plus I would like the equipment to match in both tanks. Just trying to figure out what exactly to order since there is a $400 min order on the site I am on.

 

[griss]

Yeah, 10” depth could be a challenge but, with today’s adjustable powerheads I think you’ll be okay.

You’re only trying to raise the tank 6-8 degrees. So, if each tank has its own sump you’re talking 110 gallons each system. Here’s an article about heater size.

Most skimmers on the market today are pretty much the same IMO. Go with what you like and can afford.

Just curious, what site are you looking at with a $400 minimum order?

 

[griss]

Oh look, Premium has a sale on Aquaready skimmers.

 

[lilredwuck]

Reefh20.com

 

[griss]

Reefh20.com

Interesting, never heard of them. Have you purchased from them before? How’d it go?

 

[griss]

Wait, you’re from KC? I went to college (a billion years ago) at William Jewell. Go Chiefs!!!

 

[lilredwuck]

Yes a lot of it is free shipping for the light stuff. Otherwise you need to fill a pallet. Go chiefs