Skimmer question

[Mike_1]

Hello!

I am having a 75 gallon aquarium made and it’s going to have a 30G sump (30x12x17)

I’m new to sumps and am trying to figure out what return pump I should be looking at, as well as what kind of protein skimmer I should be using.


So far I’ve gotten two 150 W heaters and and inkbird as well as two SLW-30 wave makers (for the DT), but it’s not clear to me what I should get for a skimmer and return pump.

Mostly looking for mid-range items.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

For me I like the sicce sdc pump and the bubble magus curve skimmer

 

[TX_REEF]

Congrats on the new tank!

reef octupus skimmers are tried and true: https://amzn.to/4aLKMGo

For return pump, check out reefbreeder nautilus pumps, great value for the $: https://shop.reefbreeders.com/products/nautilus

 

[Mike_1]

Thanks! Trying to get ahead of things so when it gets here I have everything. Looking at two ai primes for light as well but haven’t purchased them yet

 

[TX_REEF]

Thanks! Trying to get ahead of things so when it gets here I have everything. Looking at two ai primes for light as well but haven’t purchased them yet

AI primes are great fixtures. I'd also give a look to the kessil AP9x or reefi. I have a reefi still in box i need to set up for a test, and I use the Kessil AP9x on both my frag and display tanks. Check out my tank thread if interested. Lighting in my opinion is a very important decision; if you aren't going bargain basement options, take your time and decide carefully. "Puck" fixtures like ai primes and reefi are great for coverage, but I prefer the spotlight type kessil fixtures because of the shimmer, and because Kessil is a specialized lighting developer, and there is evidence that Kessil fixtures promote superior color development in corals.

Kessil: https://amzn.to/3yUBk64
Reefi: https://www.reefi-lab.com/product-category/lighting/

 

[PharmrJohn]

My question would be, with your stand, is there a way to get it outta there without draining the tank? I've had leaks in the past that were not fixable. It is a HUGE undertaking to drain, empty and lift a DT out of the way.

For me I like the sicce sdc pump and the bubble magus curve skimmer

Agreed with Syncra. No experience with said skimmer here. I'm leaning towards Reef Octopus. I'm in the same boat you are with collecting stuff. I'd recommend you save up a bit longer and don't sacrifice quality for speed of set up. And BTW, excellent thinking with doubling up on heaters with an Inkbird.

 

[Mike_1]

My question would be, with your stand, is there a way to get it outta there without draining the tank? I've had leaks in the past that were not fixable. It is a HUGE undertaking to drain, empty and lift a DT out of the way.



Agreed with Syncra. No experience with said skimmer here. I'm leaning towards Reef Octopus. I'm in the same boat you are with collecting stuff. I'd recommend you save up a bit longer and don't sacrifice quality for speed of set up. And BTW, excellent thinking with doubling up on heaters with an Inkbird.

What do you mean getting out of there without draining the tank?

I think I’m going to grab the magus 5 today for the skimmer and that will leave just lights left.

 

[Mike_1]

As a follow-up, does it make sense to do 2 ai prime hd 16 and a hydra 32 or just two hydras?

 

[mizukage]

AI primes are great fixtures. I'd also give a look to the kessil AP9x or reefi. I have a reefi still in box i need to set up for a test, and I use the Kessil AP9x on both my frag and display tanks. Check out my tank thread if interested. Lighting in my opinion is a very important decision; if you aren't going bargain basement options, take your time and decide carefully. "Puck" fixtures like ai primes and reefi are great for coverage, but I prefer the spotlight type kessil fixtures because of the shimmer, and because Kessil is a specialized lighting developer, and there is evidence that Kessil fixtures promote superior color development in corals.

Kessil: https://amzn.to/3yUBk64
Reefi: https://www.reefi-lab.com/product-category/lighting/

Do you think it’s possible and would you advise some type of kessil and reefi combo? I’m leaning towards the reefis for multiple reasons and have been wondering if I could throw a kessil in there for some shimmer. This is for a 4 foot 150 gallon.

 

[TX_REEF]

Do you think it’s possible and would you advise some type of kessil and reefi combo? I’m leaning towards the reefis for multiple reasons and have been wondering if I could throw a kessil in there for some shimmer. This is for a 4 foot 150 gallon.

Definitely - if you just want the shimmer, I recommend you supplement with kessil A80s. If you want more PAR from the kessils, go for the a360s.