Evo 13.5 QT budget upgrade help

Matt Miller · Feb 10, 2021

I'm finishing setup on my Evo and trying to figure out what I have to get now and what can wait.

A heater is really all I have atm, and filter floss on top of chamber 1. I'm in the process of having a media basket for 1 made.

Do I need a powerhead or will the dual return be enough with bb and a few rocks?

I'm looking for best/most helpful upgrades I can do for under $100

itsken37 · Feb 10, 2021

great pump for more flow
Do you have a protein skimmer?

HD_Reefer · Feb 10, 2021

ATO would be my next move.

Joeg · Feb 10, 2021

I'd vote for the ATO and a small powerhead.

Matt Miller · Feb 10, 2021

HD_Reefer said:
ATO would be my next move.

Ato was my first thought actually. Then I wondered if I will need more flow.

Spare time · Feb 10, 2021

Maybe a small powerhead. Jebaeo sine slw 10 could work (if you get anemones, the back is relatively open so some guard would be handy)

HD_Reefer · Feb 10, 2021

Matt Miller said:
Ato was my first thought actually. Then I wondered if I will need more flow.

I would worry about the ATO before flow, personally. The pump itself will keep the water moving enough to get started, but none of that matters if the water gets low and the parameters are out of whack.

Matt Miller · Feb 10, 2021

Spare time said:
Maybe a small powerhead. Jebaeo sine slw 10 could work (if you get anemones, the back is relatively open so some guard would be handy)

I do plan on anemones, and they will be in this tank first.

HD_Reefer said:
I would worry about the ATO before flow, personally. The pump itself will keep the water moving enough to get started, but none of that matters if the water gets low and the parameters are out of whack.

I do feel like my ato is my favorite part of my dt lol.