NEW BUILD! JBJ40 Rimless - Help!!

[Tdunk]

Hi All,

I recently picked up a new JBJ 40 Rimless tank and I’m really excited to get it up and running! I had a saltwater tank about 10 years ago, but never took the plunge into keeping corals. This time around, I’m aiming to do it right and create a successful reef setup.

Back then, I had my fair share of ups and downs, so I’m approaching this build with a more thoughtful and informed mindset. I’d love some guidance from those more experienced in the hobby to make sure I’m on the right track.

Here’s what I’ve already purchased for the build :

• Lighting: NICREW HyperReef 200 Gen 2 w/ remote
• Skimmer: Tunze Comline DOC 9004 DC
• RO/DI Unit: BRS 4-Stage Value Plus 75GPD
• Heater: 300W HiTauing

And here are a few questions I could really use some help with:

• What should I use in place of the stock filter socks for better filtration?
• Would it be worth upgrading the return pumps, and if so, what do you recommend?
• What’s a reliable and easy-to-maintain auto top-off system?
• Is there anything I’m overlooking that would be crucial for a successful reef setup?

I truly appreciate any advice, tips, or recommendations. I’ll be sure to share pictures once everything is up and running!

Thanks again!

 

[bubbgee]

• What should I use in place of the stock filter socks for better filtration?
  -- would like to use a nano filter roller that fits that spot. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nanomat-fleece-roller-filter-red-sea.html
  Another alternative is using a filter cup which I use for carbon, filter pads or zeovit media. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/high-flow-flexible-filter-media-cup-4-inch-coral-red.html
• Would it be worth upgrading the return pumps, and if so, what do you recommend?
  -- Sicce, MightyJet or Vectra rated for your tank
• What’s a reliable and easy-to-maintain auto top-off system?
  -- Used different ones. There are cheap ones in Amazon which worked for the most part. The Tunze autotop off is the gold standard here.
• Is there anything I’m overlooking that would be crucial for a successful reef setup?
  -- Hanna Nitrate and Phosphate test kits with reagents. Salifert test kit for Alk, Cal and Mag. Ammonia test kit for the cycle. Hydrometer for salinity. Testing is key for success in this hobby especially if you're new.

 

[Amstar]

so I have two JBJ 30's tanks so very similar. I am running the following on them:
1) maxi-jet pumps for the return pumps
2) the Tunze DC9004 skimmer
3) Aqua duetto ATO
4) I have an RO/DI filter for top off and water changes
5) I have two Aquamaxx FRS-1 media reactors in the back chamber - one with carbon one will Seachem matrix
6) I have my heater on an ink-bird
7) hygger mini wavermaker/pump for additional waterflow
8) trip-lite power strip with each outlet power switch -- then use Kasa wifi smart plugs to control things (skimmer, pumps, etc)
9) lighting I have two noo-pysche mini lights
10) in one of my chambers I have to skimmer - other chamber I have a media basket/rack that I have more Seachem, chemo pure blue in -- then I use some pinky filter pad that I change out ever few days

 

[Tdunk]

• What should I use in place of the stock filter socks for better filtration?
  -- would like to use a nano filter roller that fits that spot. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nanomat-fleece-roller-filter-red-sea.html
  Another alternative is using a filter cup which I use for carbon, filter pads or zeovit media. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/high-flow-flexible-filter-media-cup-4-inch-coral-red.html
• Would it be worth upgrading the return pumps, and if so, what do you recommend?
  -- Sicce, MightyJet or Vectra rated for your tank
• What’s a reliable and easy-to-maintain auto top-off system?
  -- Used different ones. There are cheap ones in Amazon which worked for the most part. The Tunze autotop off is the gold standard here.
• Is there anything I’m overlooking that would be crucial for a successful reef setup?
  -- Hanna Nitrate and Phosphate test kits with reagents. Salifert test kit for Alk, Cal and Mag. Ammonia test kit for the cycle. Hydrometer for salinity. Testing is key for success in this hobby especially if you're new.

Thank you so much for your feedback! I will look into all the recommendations. I'm definitely going to go with the Tunze autotop. Looks great.

 

[Tdunk]

so I have two JBJ 30's tanks so very similar. I am running the following on them:
1) maxi-jet pumps for the return pumps
2) the Tunze DC9004 skimmer
3) Aqua duetto ATO
4) I have an RO/DI filter for top off and water changes
5) I have two Aquamaxx FRS-1 media reactors in the back chamber - one with carbon one will Seachem matrix
6) I have my heater on an ink-bird
7) hygger mini wavermaker/pump for additional waterflow
8) trip-lite power strip with each outlet power switch -- then use Kasa wifi smart plugs to control things (skimmer, pumps, etc)
9) lighting I have two noo-pysche mini lights
10) in one of my chambers I have to skimmer - other chamber I have a media basket/rack that I have more Seachem, chemo pure blue in -- then I use some pinky filter pad that I change out ever few days

This is so incredibly helpful!! Thank you so much for taking the time to list it all out for me. I will look into everything you have here. Your tank is beautiful btw! Goals!

 

[Tdunk]

so I have two JBJ 30's tanks so very similar. I am running the following on them:
1) maxi-jet pumps for the return pumps
2) the Tunze DC9004 skimmer
3) Aqua duetto ATO
4) I have an RO/DI filter for top off and water changes
5) I have two Aquamaxx FRS-1 media reactors in the back chamber - one with carbon one will Seachem matrix
6) I have my heater on an ink-bird
7) hygger mini wavermaker/pump for additional waterflow
8) trip-lite power strip with each outlet power switch -- then use Kasa wifi smart plugs to control things (skimmer, pumps, etc)
9) lighting I have two noo-pysche mini lights
10) in one of my chambers I have to skimmer - other chamber I have a media basket/rack that I have more Seachem, chemo pure blue in -- then I use some pinky filter pad that I change out ever few days

Can I ask what specific maxi-jet pumps you have? Did you buy one and split it or 2? Also, I noticed they are a lot cheaper than some of the other options. Is there a reason for this? Thanks again for your insight!

 

[Amstar]

The maxi jets are mainly used as a wave makers and pumps for for smaller reactors - I think I went a 900’and a 1200 (need to check and see if it’s a 900 and a 1200 or two 1200’s) and I have each running in their own line and not one running into a split

Also for my returns off of the maxi jets I use innovative marine spinstreams to add more random flow in the tank

Then the hygger wave maker you can have it do different flows as well

 

[Tdunk]

The maxi jets are mainly used as a wave makers and pumps for for smaller reactors - I think I went a 900’and a 1200 (need to check and see if it’s a 900 and a 1200 or two 1200’s) and I have each running in their own line and not one running into a split

Also for my returns off of the maxi jets I use innovative marine spinstreams to add more random flow in the tank

Then the hygger wave maker you can have it do different flows as well

Okay, so I will need a total of 4 pumps right? 2 for the small reactors and then 2 for the return? I'll do all 4 maxi jet 1200's if so.

And then I will get a wave maker as well separate from that.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Amstar]

Okay, so I will need a total of 4 pumps right? 2 for the small reactors and then 2 for the return? I'll do all 4 maxi jet 1200's if so.

And then I will get a wave maker as well separate from that.

Thanks again for your help!

Depends on the reactor you get - some of them come with their own internal pumps