richnbowl
Active Member
I was recently given a 190 gallon, 60"x30"X25" aquarium. It was a commercial tank for the kitchens at a hotel in Miami Beach. Maybe not the best display tank as the glass is 11/16†thick but for the cost of dinner for friends that helped me move it, it is worth it. The tank will be a mixed reef with fish. It currently has two overflows and I believe 1 inch drains and returns, still have to measure them, and I am going to use 3 vortex MP40’s, of which I need to purchase 1 more, for flow. I do however need everything else. I am trying to save money if I can but I do not want to skimp on good equipment. I am going to have a Neptune Apex running the system and build the stand and canopy myself, hopefully I will do a good job, as it will be a first time build for these items. I will also be using dead rock, trying to see if I can pick out the rock from Marco Rocks as they are located close to me.
First, I was looking at placing a Tsunami Sump to start, 48â€x20â€x18â€. It is hard to find info about them but the link will show you the look. I am not sure about the size of the compartments but I did inquire about the compartment size. I do like the fact that it has the filter sock compartment, especially the way it was setup, a skimmer compartment and a refugium. The price is ok too. If you know of a possible better one I would love to hear your input.
Next the protein skimmer I was looking at was a Reef Octopus Elite-200INT Internal Protein Skimmer. It just came out recently and it appears the build is of good quality however; this is the first year it is out. I would love a vertex or bubble king but those are way expensive for everything else I need to purchase. I was also looking on ebay for a good used one with no good results.
I was thinking about placing an Eheim compact plus pump 5000 as a return pump, for which it will be hard plumbed. I think the return is 1 inch, but like I said earlier I need to measure it. Also the lights are driving me crazy. I would like an LED system to not heat the water so much. I don’t know if I should build it myself with 3-watt LEDs or multichip LEDs or if I should just buy like a radion or an onyx from rapid LED.
I want to thank you guys in advance, I just keep looking at more and more info and it is getting a little over whelming. I am at a point I am not 100% on what I should purchase. Your input will help me greatly.
First, I was looking at placing a Tsunami Sump to start, 48â€x20â€x18â€. It is hard to find info about them but the link will show you the look. I am not sure about the size of the compartments but I did inquire about the compartment size. I do like the fact that it has the filter sock compartment, especially the way it was setup, a skimmer compartment and a refugium. The price is ok too. If you know of a possible better one I would love to hear your input.
Next the protein skimmer I was looking at was a Reef Octopus Elite-200INT Internal Protein Skimmer. It just came out recently and it appears the build is of good quality however; this is the first year it is out. I would love a vertex or bubble king but those are way expensive for everything else I need to purchase. I was also looking on ebay for a good used one with no good results.
I was thinking about placing an Eheim compact plus pump 5000 as a return pump, for which it will be hard plumbed. I think the return is 1 inch, but like I said earlier I need to measure it. Also the lights are driving me crazy. I would like an LED system to not heat the water so much. I don’t know if I should build it myself with 3-watt LEDs or multichip LEDs or if I should just buy like a radion or an onyx from rapid LED.
I want to thank you guys in advance, I just keep looking at more and more info and it is getting a little over whelming. I am at a point I am not 100% on what I should purchase. Your input will help me greatly.
