Hey guys,
Well after my much too long 2 year hiatus from this hobby, I'm back! I'm coming back bigger and better than ever and I can't freaking wait! I snagged a full set up off of craigslist for a good deal and I'm in the planning stage and figuring out which equipment, I'll end up using. Here's what I have so far.
- 45 cube DT 24 X 24 X 18
- 15 gallon sump
First time using a sump, I was wondering if you guys would keep this sponge in there or ditch it? It seems like it'll just collect nitrates and do more harm then good. That or I'd have to rinse it daily... I'll be running a filter sock, so not sure if I really need it. What do you think?
Pics of sump
- 10 gallon refugium
This will be hopefully by the skimmer return, but if not I'll just T off the overflow from the display and then overflow back into the sump. I plan on having two sections in here, one for chaeto and the other a DSB with various macros and mangroves.
Flow
- I have an mp10 es and the mag 7 as the return pump from the sump. I'm not too confident that that'll be enough flow though and plan on buying an mp40 and keeping it toned down as well(found a good deal on a 1st gen). I'm not sure if that will be too much as I've never used Vortech's before.
- SWC Xtreme 150 BMK Protein Skimmer
- Have an 8 bulb T5 fixture at the moment, but will be using a DIY LED fixture by July.
- Controller
I have two at the moment, a Reef Keeper Lite basic model. Just the temp probe, pc4 and head unit. I also have an Aquatronica Deluxe. This one's got tons of features, float switch, ph probe, temp probe, 8 outlet power supply, net capabilities, and more I'm forgetting. I'm not sure which I should go with, I've only ever used an AC Jr. What would you guys use if you had the choice? Is the Apex really that much better than the Aquatronica? Better enough to justify selling the one I already have for one?
- I plan on having a mixed reef, with a lot of LPS. Not quite sure what stocking plans are for fish. I have some ideas but this is my first tank bigger than 15g and kinda new to the fish game. I'm thinking this is not a total list rather all the fish I'm considering. Maybe a pair of clowns, a trained mandarin,
a jawfish, a pair or trio of Banggai Cardinals, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I love inverts so there will be plenty of them crawling around.
Please help me critique this as my knowledge is a little rusty:lolspin:
Thanks!
Well after my much too long 2 year hiatus from this hobby, I'm back! I'm coming back bigger and better than ever and I can't freaking wait! I snagged a full set up off of craigslist for a good deal and I'm in the planning stage and figuring out which equipment, I'll end up using. Here's what I have so far.
- 45 cube DT 24 X 24 X 18
- 15 gallon sump
First time using a sump, I was wondering if you guys would keep this sponge in there or ditch it? It seems like it'll just collect nitrates and do more harm then good. That or I'd have to rinse it daily... I'll be running a filter sock, so not sure if I really need it. What do you think?
Pics of sump
- 10 gallon refugium
This will be hopefully by the skimmer return, but if not I'll just T off the overflow from the display and then overflow back into the sump. I plan on having two sections in here, one for chaeto and the other a DSB with various macros and mangroves.
Flow
- I have an mp10 es and the mag 7 as the return pump from the sump. I'm not too confident that that'll be enough flow though and plan on buying an mp40 and keeping it toned down as well(found a good deal on a 1st gen). I'm not sure if that will be too much as I've never used Vortech's before.
- SWC Xtreme 150 BMK Protein Skimmer
- Have an 8 bulb T5 fixture at the moment, but will be using a DIY LED fixture by July.
- Controller
I have two at the moment, a Reef Keeper Lite basic model. Just the temp probe, pc4 and head unit. I also have an Aquatronica Deluxe. This one's got tons of features, float switch, ph probe, temp probe, 8 outlet power supply, net capabilities, and more I'm forgetting. I'm not sure which I should go with, I've only ever used an AC Jr. What would you guys use if you had the choice? Is the Apex really that much better than the Aquatronica? Better enough to justify selling the one I already have for one?
- I plan on having a mixed reef, with a lot of LPS. Not quite sure what stocking plans are for fish. I have some ideas but this is my first tank bigger than 15g and kinda new to the fish game. I'm thinking this is not a total list rather all the fish I'm considering. Maybe a pair of clowns, a trained mandarin,
a jawfish, a pair or trio of Banggai Cardinals, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I love inverts so there will be plenty of them crawling around.
Please help me critique this as my knowledge is a little rusty:lolspin:
Thanks!
