Need opinions on equipment for 25 cube.

[mithryl]

I was recently given a 25 gallon cube and have been trying to figure out which equipment I would like for it but when researching, for every person that loves it there is someone else that hates it. The forums I have found are a couple years old and I'm sure things have changed so I am looking for updated opinions.
Skimmers: my lfs has both the hydor slim skim and eshopps nano, once again mixed reviews.
Lights: I have had suggestions of the Chinese black boxes, aquaillumination ai prime?, and sb lights.
Those are my biggest concerns at the moment as I need them first. I will also want to buy an ato, which I haven't looked into yet (I have a tunze on my 40b). I am also debating ordering live rock from Tampa Bay saltwater, I can get nice stuff here but I have always wanted to order from them.
Any opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[moondoggy4]

Welcome to Reef Central

I take it that you do not want a sump?

If not I would get some real good in tank cirualtion I would also get some good mechanical filtration.

The sump I would use the forum here in the DIY section and build the sump larger than the tank so if you ever want to put a sump in you can do it much easier than with a cube layout.

Aqua Maxx makes a nice in tank skimmer, but the others will probablly work ok it is a 25 gallon tank you could just do more water changes.

Also check out autotopoff.com Tunze are very good as well.

Ocean revive makes a nice budget friendly light Reef Breeders fans love their lights as well.

Compare prices from the sponsors here versus what the LFS are charging sometimes it is quite excessive.

BRS is having free shipping no minium for the little things huge for saving money.

 

[mithryl]

I wanted a sump to have more water volume but with the stand it has it would have been difficult, plus our lfs had an acrylic divider already built for the back of the tank so my fiance put that in, which isn't ideal but it works, plus it leaves the stand open for me to put a container for the ato. I ordered the hydor slim skim nano because Drs. Foster & Smith had it on sale for a really good price. I plan on ordering live rock from tampa bay saltwater. Alls I need is to decide on a light ( https://sbreeflights.com/sbox-reef-lights/9-sbox-extreme-wifi.html or http://www.aquaillumination.com/lighting/prime/ ) I have had recommendations for both companies and people seem to like both so idk yet which one Ill end up with. I also need to order my wavemaker and I think thats it...

 

[ksicard]

I would look into Tunze in tank skimmers, Tunze is a renowned brand that produces quality stuff. As for the ATO, I have to agree with moondoggy4 and once again will recommend a Tunze ATO. I've been using my Tunze ATO for 5 years now and it works day in and day out and has never malfunctioned on me so far.

For lighting I would probably select an AI prime for the job. They are at a great price point for what you are getting straight out of the box. The only additional item you would have to purchase other then the light itself is either a mounting arm or hanging kit for the fixture. It's programmable via your phone straight out of the box. If I were in your shoes I would probably purchase a prime.