Hello all,
I'm in the planning phases of designing a reef tank. I'd like some advice on the design of the build out.
While doing my research, I came across the sc aquarium "plug and play" 50 gallon starfire system. http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-50gpnpb.htm
I have some questions about the quality of the tank and of the build. I like the ease of a plug and play system, but I have some questions/concerns about sacrificing ease for the best component products out there.
1. I've seen some mixed reviews on the skimmer that comes with it: SCA-301. Would the eshopps x-120 be better,
or is there a better skimmer that you would reccomend? http://www.eshopps.com/products/proteinskimmer/midlevelline/x120/
2. I'd like to start with LPS, but shift over to SPS once I get more experience. I've been eyeing the EcoTech Marine Radion XR30w G4 LED. Is this overkill over a 50 gallon cube? If not, is it worth getting the pro version versus this version?
3. The SC aquarium tank comes with a PH2500 utility return pump. My impression is that this is not the quietest of pumps--and I'd like quiet. Would using a eheim 1260 work, and if so, would it be better/quieter? https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-1260-universal-pump.html
4. The tank comes with a durso standpipe. I assume that a herbie would be significantly quieter. Does anyone know if SC will plumb a herbie drain?
I know I will have more questions, but 4 seems like a good place to start!
THANKS!
I'm in the planning phases of designing a reef tank. I'd like some advice on the design of the build out.
While doing my research, I came across the sc aquarium "plug and play" 50 gallon starfire system. http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-50gpnpb.htm
I have some questions about the quality of the tank and of the build. I like the ease of a plug and play system, but I have some questions/concerns about sacrificing ease for the best component products out there.
1. I've seen some mixed reviews on the skimmer that comes with it: SCA-301. Would the eshopps x-120 be better,
or is there a better skimmer that you would reccomend? http://www.eshopps.com/products/proteinskimmer/midlevelline/x120/
2. I'd like to start with LPS, but shift over to SPS once I get more experience. I've been eyeing the EcoTech Marine Radion XR30w G4 LED. Is this overkill over a 50 gallon cube? If not, is it worth getting the pro version versus this version?
3. The SC aquarium tank comes with a PH2500 utility return pump. My impression is that this is not the quietest of pumps--and I'd like quiet. Would using a eheim 1260 work, and if so, would it be better/quieter? https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-1260-universal-pump.html
4. The tank comes with a durso standpipe. I assume that a herbie would be significantly quieter. Does anyone know if SC will plumb a herbie drain?
I know I will have more questions, but 4 seems like a good place to start!
THANKS!
