Equipment?

The · Jan 12, 2023

Never touched saltwater before, but have been wanting to set up a tank. I have an empty 60 gal cube that is 24 inches all around. In this post I'm really only looking for an equipment list on what i should buy, and what corals i should get when the tank cycles. I would prefer if the light was within a $300 range budget if possible, but i am willing to go higher if i absolutely have too.

MarineandReef Jaron · Jan 12, 2023

My advice is to purchase good basic equipment before you buy any bells and whistles. IMO The fundamentals are

Lighting
Water Movement
Temperature Control
Filtration

For lighting on a 60 cube, I would look for a 90w pendant light. There are many brands at different price points but this size is the size I would look at. Given your budget, I would look at a Zet Light UFO. These are in the right price range and they include the mount and have built-in WiFi control. They also have better support than the no-name Chinese lights that are available.
https://www.marineandreef.com/Zetlight_UFO_Z8_90W_LED_Reef_Aquarium_Light_p/rmg36125-90w.htm

For water movement, I would recommend 2 pumps. The water flow patterns from 2 pumps is always better than from 1. If I were on a budget I would just get a couple of hydor Koralias but if I had the money I would go Tunze. Tunze pumps are controllable and have a reputation for lasting far longer than anything else.

Hydor Koralia 3G 2450 gph Circulation Pump TWO PACK with SmartWave Pump Controller Package

The Hydor Koralia 3G Third Generation 2450 gph Circulation & Wave Pump is compact & energy efficient, and it recreates the natural and beneficial water motion of rivers and seas.

www.marineandreef.com

Tunze Turbelle Nanostream 6095 Pump

The Tunze Turbelle Nanostream 6095 Pump is relatively compact, high powered and energy efficient. This pump puts out 2500 gph while only using 5 to 21 watts.

www.marineandreef.com

For temperature control, you just need a simple heater. I like the Aqua EL because they are the only heater brand I know of with no moving parts so they will likely last alot longer than other heaters.

AquaEl 250W Platinum Aquarium Heater

The AquaEl 250W Platinum Aquarium Heater is an innovative glass heater. It's equipped with a high-precision electronic thermostat. The AquaEl 250W Platinum HeaterTemperatures can be set in the range between 68 and 94°F and are maintained with an accuracy of 0.8 °C (+/-0.4 °C).

www.marineandreef.com

For filtration, I would start with a good protein skimmer. With a good protein skimmer and regular water changes you can keep a great tank. I like the Tunze internal skimmers because they are less likely to flood your floor than the hang-on options and it sounds like you don't have a drilled tank.