reallybigtoad Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 Hi All, I've been out of the hobby for about 10 years and looking at setting up another reef tank - mostly Fish, LPS and Softy to start. Tank size will be something in the 120 to 180 range. My current favorite is a 48" x 30" x 24" or maybe a 60" x 30" 24" - still looking at the space available in the house. The only pieces of equipment I have left are a Deltec AP851 skimmer and an RODI unit which will probably need all new filter cartridges since it's been sitting so long. I'm looking for equipment recommendations. here's what I'm thinking so far: Skimmer - use the existing Deltec - is this too over-sized for the tank? My previous tank was heavily stocked and I don't anticipate that changing this time around. Lighting - LED / T5 - I like a bit of shimmer. I was thinking maybe some Kessil's and T5 retro to fill in. Sump - 40G breeder w/ refugium - my skimmer is an external model that will be fed of the return pump so it can sit outside the sump. Return pump suggestions - it needs to be very quiet as the tank is in the living room with the TV and all equipment needs to be in the stand. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. RBT 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wantanewtank Posted October 24, 2016 Share Posted October 24, 2016 for your return pump I'm hearing good things about the Vectra M1 (2000 GPH) from Ecotech Marine. There is another model also available. I agree with the Kessil T5 lighting. My new 33 gal cube has the Kessil 160 and I love the shimmer. I was out of the hoby for 10 years while my son was young and I can't believe how much this hoby has advanced. I've learned so much in the last few years. What are you planning for flow? Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reallybigtoad Posted October 24, 2016 Author Share Posted October 24, 2016 For flow: I'd like the tank to be viewed from 3 sides so I'd like to avoid having pumps on the side panes. Not sure how something like a MP40 would be on the back panel but I like the idea of no cords (or minimal cords) in the tank. this might move the sand around too much though. I was speaking with Oceans By Design about a custom eurobraced tank with a coast to coast overflow and was thinking I might be able to tuck a couple flow pumps underneath that - attached to the back wall but angled across the length of the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted October 25, 2016 Share Posted October 25, 2016 Looks like a good start to me. You can definitely have all your pumps on the back, that is not a problem. The key is playing with placement go get the flow you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chriscarper_21 Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 I'm selling my 180 tank stand hood and 65 gallon sump if interested it's 60x30x24 built by acrylic tank manufacturing. Upgrading to a 300 gallon cube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reallybigtoad Posted October 26, 2016 Author Share Posted October 26, 2016 PM sent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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