Sanity Check

[KurtHinSD]

I have spent the last four months researching a reef tank and I am about ready to start. I want a mixed reef tank with a focus on LPS. The Triton method makes a lot of sense to me so I plan to start there. My current hardware plan is:

120g 4' reef tank
2 AI TwentySix HD LED lights (I can add more later or add t5)
2 Maxspect XF250 power heads
Sicce Syncra SDC 9.0 return pump (On Sale and I like the 5 year Warranty)
Reef Octopus Classic 202-S Protein Skimmer
The usual ATO, heater, media reactors ect..

I plan to make my own sump, it just seems to be the only way to get what I want for a reasonable price. I am still batting around what dry rock to use. Fish are about worked out.

So am I crazy or missing something?

 

[JohnZena]

I have spent the last four months researching a reef tank and I am about ready to start. I want a mixed reef tank with a focus on LPS. The Triton method makes a lot of sense to me so I plan to start there. My current hardware plan is:

120g 4' reef tank
2 AI TwentySix HD LED lights (I can add more later or add t5)
2 Maxspect XF250 power heads
Sicce Syncra SDC 9.0 return pump (On Sale and I like the 5 year Warranty)
Reef Octopus Classic 202-S Protein Skimmer
The usual ATO, heater, media reactors ect..

I plan to make my own sump, it just seems to be the only way to get what I want for a reasonable price. I am still batting around what dry rock to use. Fish are about worked out.

So am I crazy or missing something?

Sand or bare bottom? RO system?

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[KurtHinSD]

Sand or bare bottom? RO system?

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CaribSea Special Grade, about 1 1/2 "

RO/DI from BRS or similar

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

I like BRS reefsaver dry rock. No nutrient issues and it has both small pores and larger hokes/voids that frag plugs fit in well.

If you want the triton method then go for it. I would just note that, personally, I think it makes more sense to do a mainstream method for your first system. It will be easier for you to get help and easier to understand issues vs wondering if it's because of the different method. Plus, doing water changes and testing the major parameters then leading how to adjust them is a great learning experience in terms of developing a sixth sense for how a reef tank reacts to changes or problems.

 

[JohnZena]

CaribSea Special Grade, about 1 1/2 "

RO/DI from BRS or similar

I bought the 50 gpd. It dripped and i had to buy a booster pump. I regret that decision. I should have at least bought a one hundred booster or not.

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[KurtHinSD]

I like BRS reefsaver dry rock. No nutrient issues and it has both small pores and larger hokes/voids that frag plugs fit in well.

If you want the triton method then go for it. I would just note that, personally, I think it makes more sense to do a mainstream method for your first system. It will be easier for you to get help and easier to understand issues vs wondering if it's because of the different method. Plus, doing water changes and testing the major parameters then leading how to adjust them is a great learning experience in terms of developing a sixth sense for how a reef tank reacts to changes or problems.

Thanks for the feedback. I am going to have to think about it a bit.

 

[JohnZena]

All I see are the incidentals
Good test kits
Refractometer
Salt
Buy your ICP test kit in advance so that when you are ready you can send your samples and n
ot have to wait for the kit.
I used fiji rock.....i should have bought tonga with it. I think the scape would have been better and it is much nore porous.

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[ssgss gogeta]

Another option for rock which is what I do. Is look around for people getting rid of live or dead rock. Will be very cheap this way. Cook it (doesn't mean cook means chemically clean it, I use chlorine) treat it with lanthium chloride to remove built up phosphate. And then start with what is now perfect dead rock. Which allows you to take time and build the scape you want with rods and everything without worrying about too much die off. It works out a lot cheaper if your into that sort of thing.


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[ssgss gogeta]

I would never buy a premade sump. That's just me. Your on the right train of thought though. Figure out what equipment you want and build your sump around that. So you know how big each section needs to be. Only advice on that is allow a little extra room for any upgrade you may way so if you do buy a bigger skimmer or want to put in a reactor or whatever new piece of equipment comes out you have the option to


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[Maggie321]

I understand that a lot of people make their own sump.

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[JohnZena]

I understand that a lot of people make their own sump.

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Without a doubt. I made mine out of a scratched up 55gallon tank.

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