Equipment Suggestions

[BGrand]

New to the saltwater/reef aquarium world. In fact, this is my first thread on R2R. I have been stalking you all for a few weeks now. Started a few months ago with a 5-gallon glass portrait with two clowns and some cleanup crew members. I am now addicted.

Anyway I am starting a new 54 corner (already purchased and yes I know the space in the cabinet is tight). I have an EShopps RS-75 sump. Here are the thoughts for the skimmer and pump. Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions. Please let me know why!!

Skimmer:
EShopps X-120 (LFS suggestion) and seems like a solid choice due to space limitations.

Pump:
Sicce Multi 2500 (LFS suggestion).
Reef Octopus Varios 2 (My favorite)

Thanks for the help!

 

[JasonK84]

I've had good luck with eshoppes products and have heard nothing but good things about sicce pumps.

 

[BGrand]

I've had good luck with eshoppes products and have heard nothing but good things about sicce pumps.

Thanks Jason and Jason's blenny!

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Welcome aboard!!

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I would agree on the skimmer, but would lean toward the varios 4 or 6 for the return. Only because I've had great luck with Reef Octopus products in the past.

 

[BGrand]

I would agree on the skimmer, but would lean toward the varios 4 or 6 for the return. Only because I've had great luck with Reef Octopus products in the past.

Thanks for the welcome. I'm concerned the varios 4 or 6 won't fit in the return of the EShopps RS-75 sump (return compartment is 3.5"x9.5"). That's why I liked the varios 2 (4.9"x3"x4.15"). I really like Reef Octopus' controller for the varios pump. Your thoughts??

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I like to have a lot of turnover in my tank and I'd be worried about the Varios 2 being enough. With head loss you may be just under 10x's an hour. You're right that the 4 and 6 will not fit, but you don't want to be running your return at 100% either if you can avoid it.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

+1 for the Eshopps skimmer

The Hydor controllable pumps are pretty nice too, and I believe they're less than the Varios pumps.

 

[BGrand]

I like to have a lot of turnover in my tank and I'd be worried about the Varios 2 being enough. With head loss you may be just under 10x's an hour. You're right that the 4 and 6 will not fit, but you don't want to be running your return at 100% either if you can avoid it.

Thanks again. If it matters the tank is reef ready and the distance from the pump to the pump to the tank is about 4' with 1-2 90 degree angles. The varios 2 is rated at 792 GPH. Please help me with the math. I'm a bootcamp at this.

 

[BGrand]

+1 for the Eshopps skimmer

The Hydor controllable pumps are pretty nice too, and I believe they're less than the Varios pumps.

Thanks. I'll do some research on the Hydors.

 

[cracker]

Welcome BGrand to R2R. Sounds like you have good plans so far . Have fun !
Speaking of the 90 degree fittings , got room for 2 45's? This will cause less restriction for the water to flow thru.

 

[BGrand]

Welcome BGrand to R2R. Sounds kike you have good plans so far . Have fun !
Speaking of the 90 degree fittings , got room for 2 45's? This will cause less restriction for the water to flow thru.

That makes perfect sense. I am actually having my LFS build it in their shop before delivery. I trust them a lot as they are well known in the area. I am sure they will, but will confirm once the purchase of the sump and skimmer are done.

 

[Captain Quint]

Welcome aboard BGrand.

 

[Captain Quint]

That makes perfect sense. I am actually having my LFS build it in their shop before delivery. I trust them a lot as they are well known in the area. I am sure they will, but will confirm once the purchase of the sump and skimmer are done.

The pump seems to be hindering a bit with limited space in the return section of the sump it can be tough. I've been checking on sizes as others here have been doing.

If your LFS is doing the build you could ask if there is just a small space in the stand for an external pump. Just trying to help brainstorm which is tough for my old brain at times. lol

 

[BGrand]

Welcome aboard BGrand.

Thank you Captain

 

[Captain Quint]

Thank you Captain

No worries. That's part of the reason we are here. :)

 

[BGrand]

The pump seems to be hindering a bit with limited space in the return section of the sump it can be tough. I've been checking on sizes as others here have been doing.

If your LFS is doing the build you could ask if there is just a small space in the stand for an external pump. Just trying to help brainstorm which is tough for my old brain at times. lol

I will. I asked them the other day if there would be room outside the sump for a Bioreactor and they want to wait and see what the space looks like once the sump, skimmer, heater and pump are in. I would love to add a Marine Pure plate too. Just like most of the people on this site, lots of dreams and not enough space! LOL

 

[Captain Quint]

I will. I asked them the other day if there would be room outside the sump for a Bioreactor and they want to wait and see what the space looks like once the sump, skimmer, heater and pump are in. I would love to add a Marine Pure plate too. Just like most of the people on this site, lots of dreams and not enough space! LOL

Sounds good. An external return is very easy. I just not want to throw much at you right off the bat. It would only take 5 or 10 minutes to do.

You've been doing your homework. ;)

 

[BGrand]

Yes a bunch of homework on equipment. Big believer in doing it right the first time. Also with two kids in college don’t want to keep spending money on the same part.

 

[cracker]

All good points Captain ! B , make sure the LFs & yourself are on the same page .