Getting back into this. Recommendations on equipment

[Goofyguy]

Hello -
Been lurking on the site for awhile. Been looking at used equipment.
Found what I felt was a great deal about an hour from me (previous post).
Ive decided to go new and take my time setting up rather than have to rush with transfer of used tank. Possible good deal turns into a nightmare. Thank you for those that responded and led me this direction.

Ive decided on the

Fusion Pro 2 | 25 AIO Lagoon Aquarium w/ APS Pedestal​

Comes with:

• Built-in Acrylic Overflow Wall
• Integrated Emergency Overflow
• (1) - Removable 200 Micron Filter Sock
• (1) - Desktop CustomCaddy Media Basket w/ PurityPack Filter Media (1 – Mechanical Fiberball, 1- Premium 0.8 ROX Carbon Pack, 1 – High Capacity Coarse GFO Pack)
• (1) - Desktop MightyJet 15W/24V 326 GPH DC Return Pump w/ Controller
• Includes: Flexible hose, Return Elbows and Dual Directional Flow Nozzles

Question is regarding what to upgrade, needs vs nice to have, or do I run it as is for now?

Lighting I'm leaning towards the

Ecotech Radion XR15 G6 Blue​

Protein Skimmer
AquaReady

Bullet-2 Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer​

​

Filter - Not quite sure if this will fit where the filter sock goes
Red Sea

NanoMat Fleece Roller Filter​

Marco Purple Rock formation from Reef Scaping Designs - Beautiful but $$$ in my opinion

Sand - Needing 27 lbs for 1.5 inches
CaribSea

40 lbs Special Grade Arag-Alive! Reef Sand​

RODI

Aquatic Life RO Buddie 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis Deionization Water Filter System RO/DI Filtration Units for Aquarium​

ATO - Needed?
Heater - I live in Florida - seems most folks listing used equipment haven't had a heater. Would I need one here?

Test Kits
Hanna Instruments

HIREEF2 Professional Reef Test Kit​

 

[Llyod276]

Hi buddy!
Add a booster pump, same company to that list. Those rodi systems are high pressure, and most water systems run at half the pressure you're RO MEMBRANE needs.
Purple rock is cool. But you'll have a heck of a time trying to find coraline on it, if that matters to you... as you could easily just check your plastic things for growth.

 

[Goofyguy]

Hi buddy!
Add a booster pump, same company to that list. Those rodi systems are high pressure, and most water systems run at half the pressure you're RO MEMBRANE needs.
Purple rock is cool. But you'll have a heck of a time trying to find coraline on it, if that matters to you... as you could easily just check your plastic things for growth.

Im not sure what you mean by "coraline"
What is the booster pump for?
I was planning on having the RODI separated from the tank only for water changes etc.
Thanks,

James

 

[Llyod276]

Coraline algea.
Booster pump increases the pressure from 40 (normal household pressure) to 80psi which is the recommended pressure for optimal production of rodi.

 

[BryanM]

If its warm enough not to need a heater (I would still have one, you want the temp to stay as consistent as you can), then I'd say an ATO is almost mandatory.

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome back James!

 

[Hairyteeth]

Welcome back, yes to heater, h3ll yes to ATO! And maybe skip the protein skimmer, but that’s your choice
Let’s get wet again!!!!

 

[Goofyguy]

Thanks for all your replies!

James

 

[Jasonak]

Lighting I'm leaning towards the

Ecotech Radion XR15 G6 Blue​

As a person who has 6 XR15 over there tank as I would say check out Reefi uno. I just picked up a couple and yes there user interface does blow, but the lights are crazy powerful and have 3 year warranty. Once you figure out the initial setup its easy to do as any other light.


I also run reefbreeders and viparspectars over my tank both of which are great lights. Vipars are very cheap but 100 percent do the job. Reefbreeders are very good light also.

If you are dead set on XR15 Ill make you a deal on some :)

 

[Goofyguy]

As a person who has 6 XR15 over there tank as I would say check out Reefi uno. I just picked up a couple and yes there user interface does blow, but the lights are crazy powerful and have 3 year warranty. Once you figure out the initial setup its easy to do as any other light.


I also run reefbreeders and viparspectars over my tank both of which are great lights. Vipars are very cheap but 100 percent do the job. Reefbreeders are very good light also.

If you are dead set on XR15 Ill make you a deal on some :)

I really have no experience with any lighting - just been reading reviews and youtube videos of peoples tank with similar setups. No experience either way.

 

[Jasonak]

I really have no experience with any lighting - just been reading reviews and youtube videos of peoples tank with similar setups. No experience either way.

Ive ran Radions for well over 10 years,, since I switched from halides. There a good light no doubt. But theres better options at way better prices nowadays. Actually there to many options lol itll make your head spin lol

 

[Jasonak]

I really have no experience with any lighting - just been reading reviews and youtube videos of peoples tank with similar setups. No experience either way.

Actually I should ask are you going to grow SPS coral is that what your shooting for what are you planning on stocking your tank with ?

 

[Goofyguy]

Actually I should ask are you going to grow SPS coral is that what your shooting for what are you planning on stocking your tank with ?

Being my 1st tank since dabbling with it 25 years ago (no corals)..I will probably stick with the easier ones for now - which they have stated as the softies and LPS. However if I did want to try some SPS I didn't want to then have to upgrade the lighting. Just do want to limit myself with initial purchase.

 

[rcpiv93]

I have had a handful of nano tanks in the past. I currently run a 32g biocube. I have never used a protein skimmer on these setups, and I have never needed one. My current system is nothing but filter floss, purigen, chemi-pure blue, and a bag of matrix for biological filtration. Even with feeding three times per day, I struggle to keep my nitrates above 5ppm and my phosphate above .02.

 

[Goofyguy]

Thanks

 

[KrisReef]

The rockscape you are thinking of spending loads of money on, getting ocean harvested live rock would improve your results, imo.

https://www.tankstop.com/live-rock/
Tell Eric KrisReef sent you.