My setup, so far...

[alexkharden]

I'm in the process of breaking into the saltwater aquarium world. The tank I'm getting is a 190 gallon from GC, and I will have a 50-75 gallon sump aquarium (looking for a used one). My hope is to eventually have fish, invertebrates, and coral in the DT.

Here are the things I'm looking at buying, and I would REALLY like some input on my selections. Please tell me if anything won't work with my system or tank size, if any of the components won't work together, or if anything I've chosen is subpar or better accomplished with something else.



- Neptune Systems Apex Controller Combo with Standard Grade pH Probe
- Neptune Systems AquaController Apex PM2 Conductivity, Temperature, I/O
- Neptune Systems AquaController Apex Temperature Probe
- Neptune Systems Apex Lab Grade Salinity/Conductivity Probe
- Koolermax AR-122 6-stage RO+DI Aquarium Reef RO system 80 to 120 GPD
- Coral Vue Technology AC20290 Octopus Needle Wheel Skimmer, 8-Inch, 250-Gallon
- Coral Vue Technology ACV20510 Bubble Blaster Hy-5000 Aquarium Pump
- (2) - Finnex Deluxe Titanium Heating Tube, 500-Watt

Anyway, there's my list so far. I know I still need to figure out lighting, which I haven't even started on yet, and I need to figure out some kind of powerhead solution for circulation, which I gave up trying to figure out for the time being.

How am I looking, what have I forgotten? Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Bogue Chitto]

You are off to a good start, just don't get in a hurry. Things work better slow for reef tanks.

 

[alexkharden]

Thank you, yes I'm beginning to see that. Weeks for cycling. Weeks for curing. Etc... I still have to build the room everything will be in and the display wall, but I can't even do that yet because I don't have the tank. I've wanted a reef for so long is driving me crazy that now that I'm ready to do it, I'm still not ready to do it. Thank you for replying!

Any recommendations on my original post?

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Alex, I'm not familiar with most of the equipment you are getting, but you should go ahead and set up your tank and then start adding the equipment as you need it.

 

[scubadan206]

You can probably skip the salinity/conductivity probe. They tend to get out of calibration quickly and often.
Some people use them well, but they are not reliable IMO.