i am currently working on building a 120g reef system, but this is my first "big tank" build and i am looking for some advice for the equipment i need. I am planning on having a simple but nice LPS set-up and maybe some SPS down the road with some tangs, chromis, wrasse and other common reef fishes. My tank is a standard 120 and i am planning to use a 40g breeder as my sump. The lighting system i got with the tank is a 750w (2 double ended halides, 4 compacts). My main question is concerning the return pump, how many gph should i be looking for, what is enough and too much, and what brand? I don't know the exact head height right now but it will be 3-4 ft. Then again i am confused with skimmers. I have talked to a lot of people and they suggested ASM, the guy i bought the tank from said he ran a G-3 for his reef and the guy at the lfs said a G-1X would be plenty. Any suggestions on this? thanks.
help on building 120g reef tank
- Thread starter tiller25
- Start date
WinnipegDragon
Canuckian
Depending on how many overflows and what size, I'd recommend an Eheim 1260 or 1262. Ocean Runner makes nice pumps too.
An ASM G-1X would be undersized. The G3 would be good. I like Euro-Reef, but if money is no object consider one of the really great brands like the Royal Exclusiv or Deltec.
An ASM G-1X would be undersized. The G3 would be good. I like Euro-Reef, but if money is no object consider one of the really great brands like the Royal Exclusiv or Deltec.
SirToppemHat
Member
I have a mag 12 with 2 overflows; one goes to the ASM G2 recirc. the other overflow goes to a fuge. Everything is healthy, all params are in check, water is crystal clear.
I've got an all glass 120 dual overflows. I use an eheim 1262. I've got a gate valve on it, but I run it wide open. Works great! I am running an h&s a150 recirculating skimmer fed by one of the overflows and it rocks!! If you do decide to look at the deltecs and bubble kings, make sure you look at h&s also.
SirToppemHat
Member
I'm using a small fuge compartment (in my sump) with sand, rumble and chaeto to export nutrients and nitrates. I'm not sure if it helps with phosphates but all my algae & cyno cleared up after the first 3-4 months.
I also chose to wait to add this later.
I think it would be a good idea to add a phos reactor if you are able to, i was caught up in so many other projects designing my stand and sump etc.. I couldn't wait any longer to add water to it.
Go Canes!
I also chose to wait to add this later.
I think it would be a good idea to add a phos reactor if you are able to, i was caught up in so many other projects designing my stand and sump etc.. I couldn't wait any longer to add water to it.
Go Canes!
