Getting back into the hobby after a 3 year hiatus

[RicGio]

Hi Guys,
I'm not new to the hobby, I've been reef keeping on and off for 25 years. I'm in the "on again" phase after a 3 year lull. I have a 90 Gal in wall that I'll be starting up and "modernizing". I plan to keep LPS and softies and my goal is K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid). I want to do some research before I attempt this because I've been out of the loop for awhile.

Before I start, I'm looking for advice below:

1)LED lighting. I still have the (4) T5 setup I used for years, but I'm looking for LESS upkeep and want to go LED. I'm looking into the Orbit marine pro.
2) Protein skimmer I still have an Octopus Needlewheel. I was fairly happy with it but what's the rage these days?
3) Deep sand bed 'Fuge Circa 2012 DSB refugiums with Cheatomorpha (SP?) were all the rage. Are people still using them?
4) Tank recirc Circa 2012 I was using this electrical rotating valve "gizmo" that directed the flow sequentially into 4 ports. It fried. What is everyone using to simulate current/wave action these days?
5)Display sand bed I had a very shallow sand bed 1/2" at the most. Some liked bare bottom for ease in cleaning. What's the consensus now?

Thanks all, I've got A LOT of reading to do...

 

[JUNBUG361]

Welcome back into the hobby, so much has evolved in this hobby.
Kessil- ai hydra hds & other chinesse brand leds
reef octopus skimmers- quantom skimmers- simplicity skimmers- eshopp skimmers & other brands
mud & sand are still being use in the fuge/sump
circulation jaboa- tunze- korillia
im probly missing more, others will chime in. Research is a plus

 

[RicGio]

Thanks!

 

[ca1ore]

my goal is K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid).

Hah, good luck with that (see my sig).

I reefed from 1988 to 2009, took a 4 year break, and restarted in 2013. Some things have changed, but it's not all that much different, not really. Sure, the equipment is better but beware cheap knock-offs.

LED is a lot better, and now 'threatening' MH as the best choice. Skimmers are no better (despite desperate marketing claims) other than perhaps power draw. DSB is not new and chaeto refugiums are still popular. Better tech for in-tank circulation. No consensus on sand versus BB.

 

[GoNoles]

I'm right there with you, yet on a much smaller scale (40B display/20L sump). I plan on running a bean animal with an AC return pump. Lots are making move to DC pumps where you can change the flow. Hopefully others will chime in on that because I am interested in learning more on them before I pull the trigger on new AC pump!