Starting new tank. need help selecting gear.

[bigdaddy234]

Hey guys, im about to startup a new 55g. few questions

- How big should my sump be?

- who makes a good overflow?

- what would be a suitable return pump?

- what skimmer?

- do i need a calcium reactor?

- UV sterilizer?

- powerheads for circulation, how many? what kind?

- Filter box?

I plan to take very good care of the tank ( frequent water changes and testing, additives etc etc). With good maintenence is a UV sterilizer/calcium reactor required?

I plan to keep 3-4 smaller fish and a few soft corals but mostly SPS. i was thinking (2) 150 Watt 14k MH's...what do you think?

I have very little knowledge about the hobby and if it sounds like I'm a noob its because i am

Does anyone have any links to good build and setup articles?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[wantacookie]

-as big as you can fit. what kind of stand you have?

-lifereef makes a good hang on back, if you want to drill glassholes.com worked for me

-depends on what kind of flow you want out of the return, and on how much your overflown will drain.

-the biggest you can fit in your sump. octopus extremes are popular for the budget conscious. whats your budget?

-depends on if you feel like doing manual dosing or not.

-if it were me, i would hold off on the uv to see if you need it. will you quarantine?

-koralias are cheap, a couple k3's would move some water in there. or you can go vortech mp40, which has much more control.

-maybe to run carbon or phosphate media in... i would ditch any kind of wheels or pads.

 

[bigdaddy234]

where does the carbon filter go ? in your sump?

 

[Henry Bowman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15502976#post15502976 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bigdaddy234
where does the carbon filter go ? in your sump?

Yup !