25 Lagoon pump

[JoshStanley]

I’m setting up my first saltwater tank. I plan on going mixed reef with some fish. I was wondering if I should upgrade the pumps in the 25 lagoon and if so which are good options. I was also curious if it would be beneficial to add an additional bottle of dr Tim’s bacteria to the tank during the cycle process

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I have the same tank. Flow will depend a little on exactly what kinds of corals you want in your mixed reef, but I think most reefers upgrade the two stock pumps. Popular choices include the relatively inexpensive pumps from Jebao or the Innovative Marine MightyJet pumps. I have one MightyJet 538 gph pumps feeding both return nozzles with a "Y" fitting. I have been told that two MightJet 326 gph pumps will fit this tank, I may try that.

I'd also recommend you take a look at the Random Flow Generator (RFG) nozzles by Vivid Creative Aquatics. These are supposed to do a great job, I just ordered a set for my 25 lagoon, but haven't installed them yet. Check out this page, I have "option 1" but there's others:

Innovative Marine | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

You may also want/need dedicated circulation pumps besides just the return pump(s).

And extra bacteria really won't hurt unless you really overdose it, but adding extra isn't necessary. Just use the Dr. Tim's One and Only as directed, it should be fine.

 

[JoshStanley]

Thanks for the info! I already ordered two of these. Do you think they will work or should I send them back for the RFG?

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I have an AI Nero 5 in the tank as well

 

[Fish Fan]

Thanks for the info! I already ordered two of these. Do you think they will work or should I send them back for the RFG?

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Shop Now | Innovative Marine's Official Store | Free Shipping on all orders* | NUVO aquariums and saltwater reef supplies.

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I have an AI Nero 5 in the tank as well

Those SpinStream nozzles are alright, some like them and some don't. Some report that they are quite noisy, others say the noise goes away in time. I had one for a different tank, and I didn't like mine, I thought it was pretty noisy. I have only heard good things about the RFG from VCA, but I don't know for sure yet.

 

[Floyd-]

I have two spin streams and ran them for a while before switching back to the stock nozzles. They have great flow but get clogged easy and dont spin and they are noisy.

 

[Tahoe61]

I am using the Jebao dcw 1500 and Vivids RFG on my IM 25 lagoon. Both products work well.
I will be changing out the pump for a return pump with a higher gph rate secondary to the introduction of sps.

 

[JoshStanley]

Would you say I’m ready to add copepods to the tank at this time?