So we've been out of the saltwater aquarium hobby for nearly 20 years. The hobby has come a long way and now that things are stable for us we are going to get back into the hobby. We are planning to stock some coral, fish, cleaning crew, and hopefully a clam. More to follow in the livestock discussion below.
In the mean time I'm starting this build thread. I saw a great example with links to the various pieces of hardware and I'm going to trying and mimic that thread.
TANK & SUMP:
I initially was thinking a RedSea Reefer XL 425 or 525 for the "all in one" package of tank, stand, and sump. As we continued to research I was intrigued by the roller filter systems and the prospect of not having to clean our filter socks every couple of days. I started looking into it and stumbled upon the Trigger System Platinum Line so my focus changed from an "all in one" tank package to "just" a tank/stand.
Researching tank/stands had me coming back to Innovative Marine after every other search I did. There are some other companies out there...and I even looked at some of the custom builders (which were nice) but I just kept coming back to IM.
Once I had my mind made up we needed to decide on a 100 or 170 gallon tank. I asked around the forums and even sent an e-mail to IM asking for some clarification. I was called back within a little while of sending my e-mail by Paul at IM. He answered my questions and gave me some advice. That kind of service/support had me convinced that IM was going to be the tank we ordered. The place we planned to put the tank could easily handle the 170 but in the end the weight of the tank (600lbs for the EXT 170 vs 225lbs for the EXT 100) finally led us to order the EXT 100 which is supposed to ship Mid - July.
Aquarium: Innovative Marine EXT 100 (Direct from IM shipping Mid July 2021)
--Updated Delivery date now End of Aug
Sump: Trigger Systems Platinum 39 (Bulk Reef Supply arrived 5/20/21)
HARDWARE:
Lighting: 2 x Kessil AP9X ???
UV: Pentair 25W (Purchased)
Return Pump: Vectra M2 (Purchased)
Circulation: 2 x VorTech MP40wQD's (Purchased)
Protein Skimmer: Reef Octopus Elite 150-INT (Purchased)
Heater: True Temp 300W with JBJ Controller (Purchased)
LIVESTOCK WISHLIST (Long Term):
Fish:
2 x clownfish
Watchman Goby (pistol shrimp "pair)
Not "Fish":
Cleaner Shrimp
Pistol Shrimp
Clean Up Crew (We always loved watching snails/hermits)
A clam of some sort
Pulsing Xenia (on separate rock on bottom to keep it under control)
GSP (on separate rock on bottom to keep it under control)
In the mean time I'm starting this build thread. I saw a great example with links to the various pieces of hardware and I'm going to trying and mimic that thread.
TANK & SUMP:
I initially was thinking a RedSea Reefer XL 425 or 525 for the "all in one" package of tank, stand, and sump. As we continued to research I was intrigued by the roller filter systems and the prospect of not having to clean our filter socks every couple of days. I started looking into it and stumbled upon the Trigger System Platinum Line so my focus changed from an "all in one" tank package to "just" a tank/stand.
Researching tank/stands had me coming back to Innovative Marine after every other search I did. There are some other companies out there...and I even looked at some of the custom builders (which were nice) but I just kept coming back to IM.
Once I had my mind made up we needed to decide on a 100 or 170 gallon tank. I asked around the forums and even sent an e-mail to IM asking for some clarification. I was called back within a little while of sending my e-mail by Paul at IM. He answered my questions and gave me some advice. That kind of service/support had me convinced that IM was going to be the tank we ordered. The place we planned to put the tank could easily handle the 170 but in the end the weight of the tank (600lbs for the EXT 170 vs 225lbs for the EXT 100) finally led us to order the EXT 100 which is supposed to ship Mid - July.
Aquarium: Innovative Marine EXT 100 (Direct from IM shipping Mid July 2021)
--Updated Delivery date now End of Aug
Sump: Trigger Systems Platinum 39 (Bulk Reef Supply arrived 5/20/21)
HARDWARE:
Lighting: 2 x Kessil AP9X ???
UV: Pentair 25W (Purchased)
Return Pump: Vectra M2 (Purchased)
Circulation: 2 x VorTech MP40wQD's (Purchased)
Protein Skimmer: Reef Octopus Elite 150-INT (Purchased)
Heater: True Temp 300W with JBJ Controller (Purchased)
LIVESTOCK WISHLIST (Long Term):
Fish:
2 x clownfish
Watchman Goby (pistol shrimp "pair)
Not "Fish":
Cleaner Shrimp
Pistol Shrimp
Clean Up Crew (We always loved watching snails/hermits)
A clam of some sort
Pulsing Xenia (on separate rock on bottom to keep it under control)
GSP (on separate rock on bottom to keep it under control)
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