Equipment Input

Martymcfly

New member
I am planning to start my first mixed reef tank and I have a few questions regarding equipment for the tank. The tank is a 40 gallon breeder that I just picked up and plan to drill. I plan to start making purchases soon and spread them out over the next couple months. During these couple months I plan to continue researching and reading as much as I can about reef keeping. So without being too longwinded I would greatly appreciate any input on the following equipment that I am considering buying.

Sump:
Eshopps RS 100 3rd Gen or Trigger Systems Saphire 26 gallon

Skimmer:
Eshopps Premier S120 or Bubble Magus Curve 5

Lighting:
Pair of Kessil A160WE or a Single Radion XR30W Gen. 4

Overflow:
Synergy 16" Shadow (not sure if this would be too much for my size tank?)

I know these are just a couple of items that I will need however they are "big" ticket items so I am looking for any insight. Aside from these items I will be purchasing either a BRS 6 Stage or MaxCap 2:1 RO/DI unit. Any input is welcome and I greatly appreciate the advice.

Thanks
 
I'll subscribe and follow. I've been gone for 10 years now and am "thinking of getting back in". I can't decide about the size of tank and how to go about this time yet. I would really enjoy watching and reading others opinions. I will really take it slow. Still not sure if I should or not??????

:reading: :D
 
Looks good. I also have an Eshopps cone skimmer (Older S200) and sump (R-300 3rd gen.) on my tank and they work quite well. The new S series premier skimmers look nice and appear to take even less space and are easier to disassemble for cleaning.
 
I have the eshopps R 200 and haven't been happy with it. The acrylic is two thin and it warps. The lid is also warping and now doesn't fit properly. The design of this sump is unique but it has some areas that are extremely difficult to clean. I would not buy another one.
 
Looks good. What do you plan on using for flow/wave making?

Looking into VorTech but I'm not sure if I can get away with using just one MP10. I really like the various programing and the fact that there aren't any cords in the tank.

I have the eshopps R 200 and haven't been happy with it. The acrylic is two thin and it warps. The lid is also warping and now doesn't fit properly. The design of this sump is unique but it has some areas that are extremely difficult to clean. I would not buy another one.

I read a review somewhere that said the acrylic was too thin and was prone to warping. Thanks for sharing your experience with it. I guess I will either go with the trigger systems or continue looking to see if i can find any others.
 
I have a Trigger Systems Ruby sump and love it. But if the Saphire had been available I would have bought that one. Very nice sump!
 
Looking into VorTech but I'm not sure if I can get away with using just one MP10. I really like the various programing and the fact that there aren't any cords in the tank.

In term of flow, one is plenty. But, it's kind of directional. Two can create better randomness.
 
Why not just make your own sump? It will cost you less and you can make it exactly how you want petco $1/gal sale. Mine cost $50 to make. It will also be better made if you make your own.
 
Thanks for all the input thus far, I really appreciate it. I am hoping that someone can chime in regarding the two lighting options I am considering?
 
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