Setting up 120 gallon, few questions

Bakedpwn · Oct 17, 2016

Hi there, Ive been into reef for about a year now and have a 40b setup going well. About to purchase a tank from a local here that is selling it. Its only 2 months old and bought from lfs(confirmed). It appears to be a 120 48x24x24 Aqueon with the dual "mega" in the left and right center.
I have heard good and bad things about these overflows but i could care less i think. I havent had a drilled tank so it will be better either way.
So with this tank i want to make sure i have good flow all around, it seemed to be the hardest thing for me on the 40b to get right.
So im trying to plan out my equipment and not sure if most ppl have success with one or 2 powerheads and where they place them?
i understand rockwork is involved too but any tips help.
Was going to get a danner mag 7 or 9 for pump but always was pointed to ehiem 1260 also.

chefjpaul · Oct 17, 2016

I always start a new tank with dimensions that I haven't had with a good ol Google search.

120 reef build - start there, see the success and learn from their mistakes.

As far as equipment you asked, I'd go with at leat 2 powerheads, like mp40'2 or gyres.

I like low flow through sump, but try with larger than needed return pump so you can run reactors etc... off a manifold.

Starwar · Oct 18, 2016

Your going to want two power heads. I found that only having one causes all the detritus to settle under the power head as it moves around. Placement is to be determined based on your rock layout.
As for the mag 9, i use it to power my protein skimmer and its a nice quiet pump, very solid. As the other comment said, going a little bigger will allow for you to run a manifold down the line. I like low flow in the sump as well.

jeffrey holloway · Oct 18, 2016

I spent two year studying and learning as much as possible about equipment before I started purchasing. Glad I did. As time went by, equipment changed and new stuff came out. Online forums are the best place to go for info.
I found the best vendors to buy from and when the best sales are on. Can safely say my only bad purchase was buying a protein skimmer way to big for my system and had to down grade. 150g, trigger 39 emerald sump, APEX Gold, 2 Tunze 6095, 2 Tunze 6055, & a Gyre150 for different flow patterns. Reef Octopus Various 6 for RTN. 160lbs Pukani Rock, Three BRS reactors, a BRS 150g a day RODI system. Kessil AP700 & 2 160s with 6 T5s for lighting. Everything bought on sale over a 8 month period, I did a lot of shopping around. I Won't even buy fish corals unless they are on sale. lol!