How big do you go?

[Jedi1199]

One of the first things that we need to decide when either starting a new tank or, upgrading to a new larger tank is equipment choices. When upgrading, we often feel that the equipment that worked fine before is now undersized.

Some things are better to go bigger in my opinion. I have always gone for the next larger size for my tanks when it comes to filtration. However, other items, like wavemakers and such can be so powerful that they become detrimental to the overall health of the system.

What do YOU do? More smaller units, fewer larger ones? Let's see how people do their equipment!!

 

[Spieg]

In many cases I go a size up from what is reccommended. But in other cases (heaters, wave makers, return pumps, etc...) I prefer to use more/smaller components for redundancey in case one fails.

 

[4FordFamily]

I overskim big time (sometimes double since I stock heavily). Wavemakers I overdo but turn them down. Return pumps I like more than necessary but the ability to dial them back (I have 2 abyzz on my 500G which are at 65% capacity and really only use one at a time). I usually have heaters rated considerably higher than my requirements as well.

The general idea is to work equipment less and theoretically increase its' usable life in my aquariums.

 

[tbrown]

+1 to the above. Skimmers I typically feel bigger is better and then turn adjust to the wet/dry skimmate desired. Return pumps I like overkill and divert some back to the sump to adjust the flow in the tank. Powerheads are one thing I'd rather have multiple smaller ones than oversized because I like my sand to mostly stay put. In a longer tank like yours I'd suggest multiple smaller ones anyway to help get more of that "randomness".

 

[Rmckoy]

I really can’t choose one answer .
My lights are sufficient for my needs but could be considered not enough for the length of tank .

skimmer ( It’s rated for a little larger but it can be upgraded with the addition of another Beckett

wave makers , pumps .
I feel I am significantly over powered but I have most pumps only running at around 60-80%

 

[vetteguy53081]

I use one much larger than needed. Less work for the unit and more room for skim and one I can grow into as I will be yet going into a super large(r) tank.

 

[Rmckoy]

I use one much larger than needed. Less work for the unit and more room for skim and one I can grow into as I will be yet going into a super large(r) tank.

Another upgrade coming ?