Recommendations

[austin95]

Hi, could anyone recommend some equipment to me? I’m new to the hobby and going with 55 gal with HOB equipment

Skimmer-
Heater-
Power heads-
Return pump-

Thanks!

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

I would suggest you check out our budget reef aquarium Youtube series. We set up a 55 gallon on a budget in my office. This is what the tank looks like today.

 

[austin95]

I would suggest you check out our budget reef aquarium Youtube series. We set up a 55 gallon on a budget in my office. This is what the tank looks like today.

Can you send a link? If you go step by step I’d LOVE THAT. Im a very visual learner so that’ll be awesome

 

[56longroof]

Sicce return pump. Tunze powerheads. Reef Octopus skimmer and Finnex titanium heater. Those are my preferences to date.

 

[exnisstech]

You say hob equipment but mention a return pump. Will the tank have a sump? If so the only hob equipment needed would be a overflow.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

Can you send a link? If you go step by step I’d LOVE THAT. Im a very visual learner so that’ll be awesome

We go through picking out gear step by step in the video series. We use all internal gear vs hang on because I hate leaks. But as you can see it still works just fine.

 

[austin95]

You say hob equipment but mention a return pump. Will the tank have a sump? If so the only hob equipment needed would be a overflow.

I guess what I meant was a traditional filter system. I’m still new and understanding the terms. Unsure if I would need a skimmer in conjunction with a HOB filter system or what - haha

 

[austin95]

Can you send a link? If you go step by step I’d LOVE THAT. Im a very visual learner so that’ll be awesome

We go through picking out gear step by step in the video series. We use all internal gear vs hang on because I hate leaks. But as you can see it still works just fine.

Can you send a link to your video series? I can’t seem to find it on YouTube - thanks!

 

[exnisstech]

This is budget gear that I use or have used. I see no need to buy top shelf until you get a little deeper into the hobby and decide its working. You can always upgrade later if you want.

You may not need a skimmer. I run 5 tanks but only run 1 skimmer. Its something that could always be added later if you feel you need one.
For hob filters I like aquaclear 110s. I would probably run 2 on a 55g, one for filtration and the other could be used for media like carbon/ GAC and could even even serve as a small refugium or just extra filtration.
I run a 110 on a 40g breeder and used part of an old hob overflow to turn it into a surface skimmer. It actually works pretty well.

The link should play here.



For heat I like titanium heaters on inkbird controllers. I'm not brand specific but have good luck with brs and finnex.

For powerheads I like jebao or hyger. They work and are affordable.

You didn't mention lighting but it is probably the most expensive purchase of the system but is only important if you decide to keep coral and what type.

EDIT: You should be able to view the series @MarineandReef Jaron posted by clicking the link he pasted here.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

Can you send a link to your video series? I can’t seem to find it on YouTube - thanks!

Here it is.

 

[austin95]

Can you send a link to your video series? I can’t seem to find it on YouTube - thanks!

Here it is.

The series is amazing! Thanks !

 

[TiffT27]

L

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

The series is amazing! Thanks !

Thanks we should ahve more to come. Eventually we want to do an upgrade video where we add some high end gear but it is great to see what you can do with the basics.