Setting up

[Emmanuel.dam]

I want too setup a 4x2x2 aquarium that will consist of live rock, coral, and fish.
Can anyone answer what I'll need and the best way too go? E.g. Canister or sump, cheapest way of doing it?

Thanks Emmanuel

 

[woodnaquanut]

That's a pretty big subject for the forum. Do you have access to books? If not, there are a few How To guides on YouTube. Also the online retailer, Bulk Reef Supply, has a 'How to get started' video series.

 

[aandfsoccr04]

I have a 120 as well. You're going to want to get a 40 breeder to use as the sump. You'll put your skimmer down there as well as probably make a fuge and have a place for your return pump and heaters.

You'll need powerheads. I use two tunze 6105s but you could get buy with something cheaper depending on your budget.

You're going to need some kind of lighting. LEDs is all the rage right now and you could research it if you want to go that route. DIY, ai sol, and radions are the big ones. I went with metal halides and use radiums driven on an M80 magnetic ballast.

I like the reef octopus skimmers for the best bang for your buck. A SRO 2000 would probably suit your needs depending on bio load.

Maybe a few reactors for carbon and GFO. You'll need heaters, I like eheim jager heaters.

an RO/DI is highly recommended. Bulk reef supply and buckeye field supply are highly recommended. 75 GPD should be adequate.

And last but certainly not least, don't forget to set up a 20-30 gallon quarantine tank for all new inhabitants.

Good luck :thumbsup:

 

[DustyReefer]

I agree with the DIY leds as for best lighting at the right price. Your going to definitely get your moneys worth. One thing I wouldn't cheap out on it the skimmer, as stated the Reef Octopus skimmers are definitely VERY good. I'm running the 200 model on my 90, and it works amazing. As far as say powerheads Iv'e always used korallias but they seem to have gone up in price a bit, might want to look into a cheaper alternative if you want. One of the best ways Iv'e seen to save money is to go with dry/base rock. It's usually around I'd say $2/lb which really makes a difference over your live rock prices.