Need help with purchase

F

fernalfer

New member
I'm ready to buy my powerheads, return pump and heaters for my 120 Gallon 48" x24" x24" tank.

Any suggestions on a good powerhead that won't break the bank. I don't want bottom of the line but if possible would want to stay away from the pricey top of the line models. Also for return pump i'm having an issue with what size pump to get. I will be using PVC plumbing feeding my dual overflows (Durso) It will be in my last bay of my trigger systems 36" Ruby. Also Heaters do i need 2? And if so they both go in sump srea correct? What wattage do i get for a 120. Brands what be great so i can research your opinions, make a final choice and purchase.

Thanks in advance
 
Powerheads I would suggest 2 MP40s as I have the same tank. I'm not able to help you on the return pump, since I have only used 2 different brands. I used a Mag Drive 12 and within the last year started using the EcoTech Marine Vectra M1 which I really love.
 
A return pump anywhere from 900-1200GPH will work fine, depending on your plumbing setup. Mag 9 or Mag 12 are cheap and reliable. Eheim is great stuff too. I don't know much about all the new DC pumps.

For heaters I liked Eheim Jager, but I definitely recommend running them on some sort of temp controller like a Ranco, Apex, or Reefkeeper. 250w of heater would be good, you can do 2, 125ws or 1 big one. Your choice.

For powerheads, what kind of coral are you keeping? MP40's are really great, but expensive and a little noisy. If you want silent it's tough to beat a Tunze, really great and reliable pumps. Non-controllable pumps will be the cheapest.
 
The Jeboa RW series is a nice, budget friendly powerhead. I just added the RW20 to my 210g tank and I love it. I plan on ordering another one for the opposite end of the tank.

You won't need one that big, but you should check into them. My RW20 was $85 shipped.

Jeboa also sells a DC return pump that has variable speed control. I got mine on accident (they shipped it instead of a WP40) but it has been running non-stop for two years with zero problems. It's called a DC12000.

I also like the Eheim Jager. I have one in my 210 and it does a fine job of keeping the temp where I want it. Two is nice because you'd have a backup if the first one fails for some reason.
 
Here is what I use on my 120 gallon mixed reef tank:
· Two Ecotech MP-40 Wireless Pumps
· 70 Gallon Custom Sump (43"x18"x21"), Refugium/Frag Tank, Return Section.
o Two 7" Filter Sock Holders.
o AqualIlluminations Hydra 26 Refugium Light.
· 19 Gallon Top Off Reservoir with MaxiJet 400 Pump.
· Three BRS Dosing Pumps with 3.5 Gallon Calcium and Alkalinity Reservoirs, 1 gallon magnesium reservoir.
· Eheim 1262 Return Pump (900 GPH) 80 watts.
· 1" Sea Swirl.
· Two Eheim Jaeger TruTemp 300 Watt Heaters.
· Aqua Maxx CO-2 Protein Skimmer.
· Carbon Reactor feed from Return Pump.
· GFO Reactor fed from Return Pump.
· Three Aqua Illuminations Hydra 52, 135 Watt LED Light Fixtures.
o 52-3 Watt LED emitters: 16-cool white, 4-deep red, 4-green, 12-royal blue, 8-very deep blue, 4-violet, 4-400nm UV.
o Custom hanging kit with slides.
o Two 200mm Cooling Fans.
· Neptune Apex AquaController
o Neptune Base Unit
o Neptune Display
o Ecotech Wireless Expansion Module (WXM)
o AI Wireless Expansion Module (AXM)
o Neptune PM 2 Module
§ Conductivity Probe
§ Temperature Probe
§ Neptune I/O Breakout Box
§ Quadruple Float Switch ATO system
o Neptune Leak Detection Module
§ Two Leak Detection Probes
o Energy Bar 8 (x2)
o Energy Bar 4 (x1)
o Lab Grade pH Probe
o Lab Grade ORP Probe
o Temperature Probe
Surge Protector Power Strip
 
For power heads I use these...http://www.petmountain.com/product/...-hydor-koralia-circulation-and-wave-pump.html,

For the return pump I have the Sicce 5.0 and really like it, I use two Fluval E series 300 watt heaters because I already had them, I set them a few degrees higher than I want my temp to be, and control them with my Reefkeeper. They are set so only one comes on at my desired temp, and the other one is set as a backup about .3 degrees lower.
 
Don't know your budget, but as mentioned in a previous reply, Sicce has some nice quiet return pumps. I'd rank them a little higher than middle of the road. Of course I could list all of the high end equipment from my setup or my dream tank, but I actually read your post. So many powerhead so and heaters to choose/debate between, I'll abstain on that suggestion.
 
well i have some researching to do and appreciate all of your suggestions. Is it really a big deal not buying a programmable powerhead? What is so hard about buying some cheap timers at home depot and saving $150 on a power head that will move the same water?
 
fernalfer said:
well i have some researching to do and appreciate all of your suggestions. Is it really a big deal not buying a programmable powerhead? What is so hard about buying some cheap timers at home depot and saving $150 on a power head that will move the same water?
Click to expand...

Nope, I've seen stunning tanks that use nothing more than a few $30 powerheads. Koralias are great for the money for this purpose. But don't put AC powerheads on short timers like a poor man's programmable, it usually results in them breaking and running backwards. However, if you have the money the fancy programmable Tunze's and Vortech's are pretty incredible. The first time you put an MP40 in nutrient transport mode on a tank is a sight to behold.
 
I'm retired and can't afford the Ecotech's. I run two Jebao wp25's and I couldn't be happier. I started with Koralias but they both broke down. I like the controller and night setting. the newer RW series will give you even more control. the price for two is half the price of one Vortech.
 
3dees said:
I'm retired and can't afford the Ecotech's. I run two Jebao wp25's and I couldn't be happier. I started with Koralias but they both broke down. I like the controller and night setting. the newer RW series will give you even more control. the price for two is half the price of one Vortech.
Click to expand...

So do i need to powerheads? 1 on each side of tank or just 1?
 
I would recommend converting to a herbie instead of 2 dursos. the dursos will be louder than most any pump you get.
 
I purchased a pair of Jebao RW8's with the dual controller for my 90 gal and they were perfect. I just moved them to a 125 and all I did was ramp them up a bit. I've had Tunze's before and they were great just a little to pricey this time around. The Jebao's are going on 9 months with no issues.
 
Bono said:
I purchased a pair of Jebao RW8's with the dual controller for my 90 gal and they were perfect. I just moved them to a 125 and all I did was ramp them up a bit. I've had Tunze's before and they were great just a little to pricey this time around. The Jebao's are going on 9 months with no issues.
Click to expand...


Ok so the recommendation is 2 powerheads for my 120 on opposite sides of the tank. I was looking at the Jebao RW 15's or is that to much flow for the 120? Also someone mentioned above converting from a durso setup to a herbie. I'm just confused on if one overflow is just strictly the drain and the other overflow is strictly the return. And if so on the return side i have a 3/4 inch hole and an 1 inch hole. Does one get plugged and use the other for return? Or dow i have 2 returns of different sizes. A little confused here.
 
Herbies use both holes, a drain 3/4" & an Emergency drain 1".
The return has to come over the top.

MOST IMPOTRANT suggestion so far -- a controller for the heater(s).
Ranco is well liked & reliable.
 
Vinny Kreyling said:
Herbies use both holes, a drain 3/4" & an Emergency drain 1".
The return has to come over the top.

MOST IMPOTRANT suggestion so far -- a controller for the heater(s).
Ranco is well liked & reliable.
Click to expand...

So your saying i have 4 drains (2 in one overflow and 2 in the other) And 2 returns but over the back? Or one return over the back?
 
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