Starting a 120gal
- Thread starter DDRR
- Start date
Jacob D
New member
How distracting the Tunze is, is pretty subjective. The new Tunze powerheads are more compact than the old ones, they come with magnet mounts now, and they can be positioned at any angle due to the spherical design. That said, I think the 6065 is too small for your tank. I would recommend at minimum the 6105. Not only is it more flow but it's controllable so down the road you can add a controller and another powerhead to create some chaotic flow.
The only advantage of the Vortech is that the motor is outside the tank, and contributes virtually no heat into the water, but because of that you hear them running. If noise bothers you then you will most likely want the Tunze. The Vortech is also not quite plug and play. I know (personally) two reefers who have been around for years who have had the pumps go bad on them, only to be told by EcoTech that they installed them improperly.
Tunze has world class support, I have experienced it first hand and cannot recommend them enough. I'm not impressed by the Vortech, otherwise that's where I would have put my money.
If you can't swing a 6105 (and another one eventually) then I would look at the Hydor Koralia's and a controller. IMO your powerheads should provide at least 10x the total tank volume in flow, 20x is a lot better, 30-40x is where you want to be (even for a softy tank). My tank has around 30x turnover with the return pump included... I would like a little more. (link)
Regarding the skimmer, the 9010, 9015, 9020 have been around for ever. The best thing to do is go to the Tunze forum and post how heavy you intend to stock your tank and what kind of corals you intend to keep. Roger Vitko (Tunze USA) will most likely chime in to let you know if one of those skimmers will work or not. I have the newer Tunze Master DOC 9420. It's a nice skimmer but there have been some technical issues with the pumps. The good news is that Tunze has been working with me and several others to get the problem fixed.
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jthao
Super Saiyan
I think it really just comes down to how much money you wanna spend.
here's my opinion on what you should get, if you willing spend some $$:
lighting: 2x lumenmax elite 250w with helios/radiums and galxy ballsts; if you don't have a hood, then go with maristar fixture or something along that line
skimmer: bubble king mini 160, best skimmers ever made (in my opinion)
return pump: red dragon, or cheaper route: eheim
powerheads: vortech or tunze (none other will be the same)
If you get these items, you're probably not going to "upgrade" anymore as long as you still keep the 120g. if you get anything else, you'll always want to upgrade to these items.
here's my opinion on what you should get, if you willing spend some $$:
lighting: 2x lumenmax elite 250w with helios/radiums and galxy ballsts; if you don't have a hood, then go with maristar fixture or something along that line
skimmer: bubble king mini 160, best skimmers ever made (in my opinion)
return pump: red dragon, or cheaper route: eheim
powerheads: vortech or tunze (none other will be the same)
If you get these items, you're probably not going to "upgrade" anymore as long as you still keep the 120g. if you get anything else, you'll always want to upgrade to these items.
HMG-Reefer
New member
I have 2 modified MJ900's and I think they work good. I even made an adapter so I can mount it to the Koralia mounts.
HMG-Reefer
New member
Very strong indeed. I started with the 1200 and it was kicking up sand like mad, then I stepped down to the 900.
HMG-Reefer
New member
I can post some when I get home tonight.
DDRR
Member
Some Progress
Some Progress
Well here is what I've completed so far. Canopy is primed, still have work to do on the sump, the Tunze 9410 skimmer and the Quite one return pumps came in last week, need to pickup the stand this week, and the Koralia power heads should be in this week. When I break down the current 55 gal setup I will have some equipment for sale like a 28gal Sump, Corallife skimmer, Overflow box, Seio prop powerheads, and Koralia nano powerheads if anyone is interested.
Some Progress
Well here is what I've completed so far. Canopy is primed, still have work to do on the sump, the Tunze 9410 skimmer and the Quite one return pumps came in last week, need to pickup the stand this week, and the Koralia power heads should be in this week. When I break down the current 55 gal setup I will have some equipment for sale like a 28gal Sump, Corallife skimmer, Overflow box, Seio prop powerheads, and Koralia nano powerheads if anyone is interested.
DDRR
Member
Finally finished the Stand, Canopy, and Sump. This week I need to pick up some more sand and a few plumbing parts. I plan on getting everything ready this coming weekend and hopefully do the transfer the following week. I might be listing a few coral and fish along with the equipment from my existing setup at that time.
DDRR
Member
120 finally up and running
120 finally up and running
Last weekend did the transfer from the 55gal to the 120gal and everything is doing great so far. I have a 36"x10"x18" glass sump with dividers, 65 gal coral life skimmer, 3- Seio 530 prop powerheads, 2- Nano Koralia powerheads, 1- Odyssy return pump, and a 20 gal glass tank I do not need anymore, so let me know if your in need of these items.
120 finally up and running
Last weekend did the transfer from the 55gal to the 120gal and everything is doing great so far. I have a 36"x10"x18" glass sump with dividers, 65 gal coral life skimmer, 3- Seio 530 prop powerheads, 2- Nano Koralia powerheads, 1- Odyssy return pump, and a 20 gal glass tank I do not need anymore, so let me know if your in need of these items.
DDRR
Member
Equipment from 55 gal setup
Equipment from 55 gal setup
Heres the equipment I have left from the old tank
Glass sump 36"X10"X18"
Glass tank 30"X12.5"X12.5"
Coral Life Skimmer 65 gal with Rio Hyper Flow pump
Odyssy return pump rated at 700gph
2- Nano Koralias
Overflow Box U tube style
I posted on Modesto Craigslist with pics
Equipment from 55 gal setup
Heres the equipment I have left from the old tank
Glass sump 36"X10"X18"
Glass tank 30"X12.5"X12.5"
Coral Life Skimmer 65 gal with Rio Hyper Flow pump
Odyssy return pump rated at 700gph
2- Nano Koralias
Overflow Box U tube style
I posted on Modesto Craigslist with pics
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