Returning to the Hobby

Its been way to long since I have been in the hobby. Looking to get back in it again. This time for good I hope. I just recently purchased my first house. Building my Basement so it can hold a large tank. What has changed in the last 10ish years?
 
Biggest thing I can say is to make sure the tank has a Bean Animal style overflow. Anything less is not good enough.
 
I have the Red Sea Max E 170 yes it's smaller than what you want but love this tank. Red Sea customer services is awesome by the way.

My Red Sea came with the AI Hydra 26 Light, I think Red Sea makes there own lights now. Max will come with lights and Reefer don't that is basically the difference between the two models.

Bean Style Overflow I think is basically an emergency drain and main drain, the Red Sea I think uses this style..

The Red Sea Max plumbing kit uses this style one drain higher than other.

Example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJQMSmFjc-Y

If it was me I would go with this one:

https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/red...ite-139-gallon-glass-aquarium-set-r42252.aspx

So you can add your own lighting, pumps, etc to it if that is what you prefer or go with the peninsula. I can't comment on the new Red Sea ReefLed but I heard great reviews on it.

or this one everything included but dont get skimmer add one that is better

https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/red-sea-reefer-deluxe-peninsula-650-white-175-gallon-system.aspx
 
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I have the Red Sea Max E 170 yes it's smaller than what you want but love this tank. Red Sea customer services is awesome by the way.

My Red Sea came with the AI Hydra 26 Light, I think Red Sea makes there own lights now. Max will come with lights and Reefer don't that is basically the difference between the two models.

Bean Style Overflow I think is basically an emergency drain and main drain, the Red Sea I think uses this style..

The Red Sea Max plumbing kit uses this style one drain higher than other.

Example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJQMSmFjc-Y

If it was me I would go with this one:

https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/red...ite-139-gallon-glass-aquarium-set-r42252.aspx

So you can add your own lighting, pumps, etc to it if that is what you prefer or go with the peninsula. I can't comment on the new Red Sea ReefLed but I heard great reviews on it.

or this one everything included but dont get skimmer add one that is better

https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/red-sea-reefer-deluxe-peninsula-650-white-175-gallon-system.aspx

Tom,

Thanks for the tips my friend. When I ran my 125 before life got in the way I was using MH and T5. Those still a thing? What is everyone using for lights these days?
 
Mostly everyone going LED's now, I am sure people still use MH and T5 but I think that is basically obsolete now.
 
The game has changed I remember LED was never a thing. Whats a good LED setup these days? I have a basement I need to setup a tank :).
 
I am sure your going to get a lot of different answers.

Of course depends if you want Apex or GHL Control -- Aquarium Controllers. If you go GHL way they have Mitras and I think those lights only way to control it through GHL. Apex you control AI and Ecotech Radions(With Module). Red Sea does also like I said make lights RedSea REEFLED and heard great reviews on them. I am not sure if you can control the RedSea lights through the controller on either Apex or GHL. If that is important to you than you need to get Apex ready or GHL compatible lights, no big deal though because most have there own app/controller.

For a big tank your going to need a lot of them. That is why I would go with Reefer Deluxe which includes everything, you can add there skimmer as well if you want.

When choosing lighting to me depends on what you like and what you keeping. Example Kessils to me have the best shimmer effect. However, I don't like the shimmer effect. Cost has to be a factor as well you will be better off with the package. Ecotech and Red Sea had a partnership and I am guessing no longer as why they made the REEFLED. I am sure they will go to Apex compatibile when they get more popular but perhaps not.
 
As for LED's, I'm running Maxspect Ethereals, but I wouldn't recommend them for a larger tank, simply because you need 1 light for every 24" of tank. :/
 
T5 and MH are still going strong.. They are typically regarded as the "best" light you can provide assuming you can deal with the heat and don't mind the added cost of energy..

LEDs have come a long way though and even the high priced fixtures will pay for themselves over time due to the lower electricity cost and not needing to replace bulbs routinely..


Here is some info on the types of overflows (drain systems really)..
"Be an animal" drain is the best/most failsafe/quietest.. If you can fit/do it then its most certainly worth it in the long run..
https://blog.marinedepot.com/education-center/charts-diagrams/durso-herbie-bean-animal-overflow
 
What about those WaterBox systems that are coming up?

I do love the shimmer and the clouds / Thunderstorm looks. Also is APEX or any other controller like Reef Lite something needed to start out with.
 
Also is APEX or any other controller like Reef Lite something needed to start out with.

Absolutely not needed.. One can certainly run a system without a "Reef controller"..
You need to ask yourself what you want/need to control (if anything)..

Many LED lights already have their own built in controller so real no need there..
If not a simple/cheap wall timer can turn lights on and off..

Heater controllers that will monitor temps and turn heaters on/off (built in heater controls are prone to failure so an external controller is recommended for them).. But you can get an inkbird blue for $30 or so..

There is really little need in constantly measuring salinty or pH..

I would bet that most people just buy controllers for a "because I can cool factor" more than anything.. Sure they have some use and can help in certain situations but its very hard to justify the cost of some/most of them to me..

Heck pick up an Amazon Echo and an Echo plug and turn stuff on/off with your voice if you want "cool".. ;)
Or they have $30 4 x wifi controlled outlet power strips out there than can get you some control too..
 
How long does it take to cure rock? I have my old rock from ten years ago sitting in a tote. I assume it would take a few months of just curing.
 
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