Suggested Equipment for New Tank

[Jmetteer]

I am getting ready to setup a new 65 gallon setup with sump. I currenTly have a 46bf that I will be transferring from. My question is, what equipment is recommended for the best experience. I have a tendency to over feed, so keeping that in mind. I currently have an anemone, Duncan, and a few zoas. All small.


Currently Have
New 65 Gallon Setup
Eshopps R200 w/ refuge and light (thinking about doing the algae barn starter kit)
Eshopps x120 skimmer
2-ai prime hd
MP10 Power head


I have been reading up on gfo, carbon etc etc. my goal is to not have the Cyano, slate, hair algae etc etc break outs

Equipment I'm looking at to help achieve the above
Jebao DCT6000 RP
BRS carbon & gfo reactors (singles for better flow control)
Tunze ATO
Dosing pump w/ tanks

Thoughts and suggestions. I know there are differences of opinions on gfo and carbon. I just want to have the best experience and a nice reef tank. I do keep up on weekly water changes. There is no exchange for good husbandry.

 

[zooman72]

What are the dimensions of the 65g aquarium? I think a "standard" 65g is 36" long x 18" wide x 25" high, and if that is the case, then a pair of AI Primes would be pushing it for that depth of water (depending on coral being kept of course, and may be good for lower-light species). The skimmer and sump will be good, but you may prefer another MP10 for flow - if not, then maybe an IceCap Gyre 3K?

I don't like the Jebao returns, but others love them, so I won't say any more about that (I would use a Sicce Syncra 2.0 for example). The ATO will be good (I like the new IceCap ATO, which uses dual optical sensor instead of an optical and float, and it is a lot less $$$ - I love mine in my IM 20g). I think the BRS reactors are a pain-in-the-a** when it comes down to media replacement, but others may not be all that much easier (I use IM's sump model, which is very easy to service, but they are definitely lower quality). Dosing pumps and vessels are only "needed" if keeping certain corals IMO, and dependent on water change scheduling, so what are your species plans?

 

[Jmetteer]

Thank you for the suggestions, I will look into the sicce pump and the ice cap ATO. What is the noise on the sicce compared to Jebao?

To be quite honest, I have just gotten into corals in the last month, I’ve had my existing tank up for a year. I really dig the toadstools, certain acans, hammers, Duncan’s, and some of the mushrooms.

I really don’t know a ton about corals yet, I imagine it’ll end up evolving into higher end corals.

Any input is appreciated!

 

[Jmetteer]

And I forgot to mention, you are correct on my tank size. What lighting would you recommend?

 

[zooman72]

Again, it depends on what you plan on keeping.

If it is a bunch of lower light corals, then by all means try the Primes and see how the corals respond in color and growth. If it is a mixed reef, the Primes may not be enough, and you might consider a pair of AI Hydra 26's for example (or add 2 more Primes?), or a pair of Radion XR15's, or a Maxspect Razor X (27"/ 150W), or any number of equivalent fixtures from Kessil, ReefBreeders, etc.

If it is a high-light environment for an SPS-heavy aquarium, then the pair of AI Hydra 26's may still be enough, or you may have to go to a pair of Radion XR30's, a 36"/ 200W Razor X, or equivalent.