New SPS build input please!

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Thawman

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Hello all!

I currently run a 100 gallon mostly LPS with some softies and SPS.

I am in the process of setting up a 40 gallon SPS dedicated tank and hoping for some input.

Both systems have/will have auto water change instead of weekly.

Already have:
Custom built tank: 30" x 17" x 20" (LxWxH) with center overflow (4" x 8") roughly 40 gallons
Lighting: 2 x Hydra 32
Skimmer: Bubble magus Curve 5

Need:
ATO: Tunze 5017
Powerhead: ??
Return pump: Sicce Syncra SDC 3.0 seems an appropriate option
Controller/testing: Neptune (familiar with it as I use this on my 100 gallon) OR Hydros

Any and all input is appreciated.

Good powerhead option? 1 or 2 or more?
Is the Sicce a good option for a return?
Suggestions or dedicated sites (tried google) on aquascapping as Im not artistic when it comes to this.
Dosing options specific to SPS for both health and color? ie. Phytoplanton was suggested (I run aquaforest on the 100 gallon, but there are some of their products not available in Canada).

Any other product or equipement I may have overlooked?

Lastly, what are some SPS suggestions? Ones that contrast nicely. There are only a few I really want.

Strawberry shortcake, Bonsai and an Undata.

Thank you for reading!!
 
Get the new Tunze 3154 osmo 3. I run them on all systems.

Powerheads? How much do you want to spend? Jebao ow-40 is what I run on my 50' 30×24×16 and are economical.
I prefer Tunze and run them on my 170.

2 Kamoer dosing pumps for 2 part.

I run sicci returns on 2 systems.

Phytoplankton I use esv dried take a look.

Skimmer Tunze 941dc. I run 2. 1 on my 50 and 1 on my 35. I run 9430dc on my 170.

I always have a green slimer in my systems as a control coral. They make good firt corals.

You got lighting covered. The 16hds are what got me off halides and I'm now 100% leds.

I would recommend minimum of 50% live rock. Tank breakdowns at lfs are a good way to find decent rock if you can't have it delivered.

Scapes have very individual looks depending on what the goal is.

Here is my 50 with 1 jebao ow-40, my 15g with a jebao ow-10, and my old 18" nano cube running a jebao ow-25.
Here are some pics for reference.
50 is 1 year old
15 is 4 months old
18" nano cube is 10 months from pic 3 to 4.
20250714_144901.jpg
20250713_134727.jpg
20220126_162523.jpg
20220926_094455.jpg
 
Hello all!

ATO: All of them will work, might want to go with a ATO that works with your controller APEX or Hydros

Powerhead: So many options, Its really about how much do you want to spend, 2 of them makes adjustments easier. I like ecotech, AI, tunze, maxspect, jebao. Gyres might be nice on that set up.

Return pump: Sicce works but they use proprietary plugs making integrating a DC battery back up difficult. I ended up returning the SDC i purchased and getting a Jebao. For the price you might want to pick something that will allow you to use a DC battery back up.
Ecotech, Jeboa, etc.

My LiPo4 battery lasts 2 days running just my return pump, do I need it last that long, no but I never have to worry about getting home right away.

Controller/testing: Neptune or Hydros are great, it's up to you if you want to learn a new system.

Doser? I like the redsea, but Apex, kamoer, etc. all work
 
Get the new Tunze 3154 osmo 3. I run them on all systems.

Powerheads? How much do you want to spend? Jebao ow-40 is what I run on my 50' 30×24×16 and are economical.
I prefer Tunze and run them on my 170.

2 Kamoer dosing pumps for 2 part.

I run sicci returns on 2 systems.

Phytoplankton I use esv dried take a look.

Skimmer Tunze 941dc. I run 2. 1 on my 50 and 1 on my 35. I run 9430dc on my 170.

I always have a green slimer in my systems as a control coral. They make good firt corals.

You got lighting covered. The 16hds are what got me off halides and I'm now 100% leds.

I would recommend minimum of 50% live rock. Tank breakdowns at lfs are a good way to find decent rock if you can't have it delivered.

Scapes have very individual looks depending on what the goal is.

Here is my 50 with 1 jebao ow-40, my 15g with a jebao ow-10, and my old 18" nano cube running a jebao ow-25.
Here are some pics for reference.
50 is 1 year old
15 is 4 months old
18" nano cube is 10 months from pic 3 to 4.
20250714_144901.jpg
20250713_134727.jpg
20220126_162523.jpg
20220926_094455.jpg
Thanks for the reply!!

Ill look into the Tunze 3154, didnt realize there was a new one. My 100 gallon is about 6 years old now and havent had to change my ATO system yet.

Ill look into the Jebao powerheads as well. Currently run MP40s on the 100 gallon. Not too concerned about price as Ill just slowly piece it together if its more pricey.

Dont know much about Kamoer dosing pumps, Ill have to do some reading!

Like the idea of the green slimer as a trial piece.

Thanks again for the info and the pics of your tanks!!
 
Hello all!

ATO: All of them will work, might want to go with a ATO that works with your controller APEX or Hydros

Powerhead: So many options, Its really about how much do you want to spend, 2 of them makes adjustments easier. I like ecotech, AI, tunze, maxspect, jebao. Gyres might be nice on that set up.

Return pump: Sicce works but they use proprietary plugs making integrating a DC battery back up difficult. I ended up returning the SDC i purchased and getting a Jebao. For the price you might want to pick something that will allow you to use a DC battery back up.
Ecotech, Jeboa, etc.

My LiPo4 battery lasts 2 days running just my return pump, do I need it last that long, no but I never have to worry about getting home right away.

Controller/testing: Neptune or Hydros are great, it's up to you if you want to learn a new system.

Doser? I like the redsea, but Apex, kamoer, etc. all work
Thanks for the reply, appreciate the input!

Definitely given me some things to think about. I like the idea of a battery backup for short outages. But having said that we had a wicked storm a few years back that knocked out power for 3 days so I picked up a generator specifically for the tank.

Im not too worried about cost, but very interested in reliability!! And love to hear peoples experience with products Ive never used.

Thanks again!!
 
Thanks for the reply!!

Ill look into the Tunze 3154, didnt realize there was a new one. My 100 gallon is about 6 years old now and havent had to change my ATO system yet.

Ill look into the Jebao powerheads as well. Currently run MP40s on the 100 gallon. Not too concerned about price as Ill just slowly piece it together if its more pricey.

Dont know much about Kamoer dosing pumps, Ill have to do some reading!

Like the idea of the green slimer as a trial piece.

Thanks again for the info and the pics of your tanks!!
I run a jebao dmp 20 on my rs170. They are copies of the mp.
Another idea: you could run a sea sweep with a Tunze 6095or 6105.
Nothing else needed for flow.
I run 2 on my 170 and need nothing else with the 2 Tunze 6255.
Take a look at my 1 year old ext 170.
20250607_115411.jpg
 
Thanks for the reply!!

Ill look into the Tunze 3154, didnt realize there was a new one. My 100 gallon is about 6 years old now and havent had to change my ATO system yet.

Ill look into the Jebao powerheads as well. Currently run MP40s on the 100 gallon. Not too concerned about price as Ill just slowly piece it together if its more pricey.

Dont know much about Kamoer dosing pumps, Ill have to do some reading!

Like the idea of the green slimer as a trial piece.

Thanks again for the info and the pics of your tanks!!
I run a jebao dmp 20 on my rs170. They are copies of the mp.
Another idea: you could run a sea sweep with a Tunze 6095or 6105.
Nothing else needed for flow.
I run 2 on my 170 and need nothing else with the 2 Tunze 6255.
Take a look at my 1 year old ext 170.
20250607_115411.jpg
Looks great!!

Ill read up on the pumps and sea sweep, seems like a neat idea!

Thank you kindly!
 
Here are the kamoers on my 15.
I run them on the 15,35, and 50.
Carx on my main.
20250529_073048.jpg
Those look small and compact! I like that for such a small setup like Im doing!

Thanks!
 
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