Some Thoughts on My Setup

[mermaid62]

I everyone! Brand new on here but have been "watching" from afar. It has been so helpful, so I decided to join -- just have to figure out how it all works.

Anyways, I have just set up a 55gal. reef tank from an aquarium that I was given. Previously I had a 29 gal. I don't have anywhere to put a sump, so I have done the following;
- 2 70 aquaclear hob filters
- octopus nano skimmer
- 2 ai prime leds and 1 rapid led par38
- 2 hydor 240 power heads and 1 500 -- is this enough for my tank with the 2 ac filters (300gph for each)?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[Highgrade]

What type of livestock/corals are you planning to go with? Keep in mind with Hob filters as your water level gets lower it creates a splashing affect which causes major salt creep. You may want to go with a Smart AutoAqua Mirco ATO to keep your salinity in check and keep the salt creep down.

 

[ahiggins]

I have a similar issue with flow in my 40. I would think that the filter flow would work as a power head. The power heads that you noted, I don't think it would be enough. But with the filters acting as a power head may be. Do you have any pictures of how they powerheads are placed?

 

[Highgrade]

The filters would create a downward flow along with breaking the surface of the water to oxygenation. As for additional flow what type of substrate are you going with (BB,fine,coarse) or have currently? You might want to consider this when it comes down to additional flow.

 

[helen ann]

Seems like you have plenty of help;)

So let me say ...

 

[mermaid62]

What type of livestock/corals are you planning to go with? Keep in mind with Hob filters as your water level gets lower it creates a splashing affect which causes major salt creep. You may want to go with a Smart AutoAqua Mirco ATO to keep your salinity in check and keep the salt creep down.

Thank you for replying. I have softies, lps, zoas and mushrooms along with 2 clowns, 2 anemones, 2 feather dusters and many snails. I was just doing some research on atos.

 

[mermaid62]

The filters would create a downward flow along with breaking the surface of the water to oxygenation. As for additional flow what type of substrate are you going with (BB,fine,coarse) or have currently? You might want to consider this when it comes down to additional flow.

I have fairly course substrate, about 3/4 in. thick.

 

[mermaid62]

Seems like you have plenty of help;)

So let me say ...

Thank you! Love your pic.

 

[mermaid62]

I have a similar issue with flow in my 40. I would think that the filter flow would work as a power head. The power heads that you noted, I don't think it would be enough. But with the filters acting as a power head may be. Do you have any pictures of how they powerheads are placed?

Sorry, I haven't figured out how to doo that yet. I have the 500 on the back at the top, between the 2 filters, and the other 2 are on the sides about 1/2 way down, one pointing up and the other down.

 

[MaiReef]

I would second the ATO system, but other than that it looks like you have it.

 

[Highgrade]

Maxspect Gyre is on sale currently. That should solve any flow issues and is controllable. Also less clutter with one unit rather than multiple powerheads.

 

[ahiggins]

Maxspect Gyre is on sale currently. That should solve any flow issues and is controllable. Also less clutter with one unit rather than multiple powerheads.

What!? For how much!

 

[Highgrade]

What!? For how much!

Marine Depot has them for 20% off right now.

 

[ahiggins]

Marine Depot has them for 20% off right now.

aww man...Im supposed to be SAVING money >.<

 

[Highgrade]

aww man...Im supposed to be SAVING money >.<

I hear that but if you need to buy anything aquarium related now is the time. You usually wont find better deals any other time of the year.

 

[dragon99]

Sounds like plenty of flow for your current livestock. If you wanted to start keeping SPS, you'd probably want to upgrade.
ATO would be a great upgrade and will keep salinity stable which is always helpful.

A HOB refugium might be something to think about. It could replace one of your Aquaclear's and give you some added benefits.

 

[mermaid62]

Sounds like plenty of flow for your current livestock. If you wanted to start keeping SPS, you'd probably want to upgrade.
ATO would be a great upgrade and will keep salinity stable which is always helpful.

A HOB refugium might be something to think about. It could replace one of your Aquaclear's and give you some added benefits.

I just ordered the ATO. I have taken out the inserts from my filters and have added ferric oxide, chemipure elite and extra carbon and some filter pads.

 

[helen ann]

I just ordered the ATO. I have taken out the inserts from my filters and have added ferric oxide, chemipure elite and extra carbon and some filter pads.

You will love having an ATO!

 

[jsiker]

Welcome to R2R. Everyone has a lot of things covered, but I'd recommend a quarantine tank if you haven't set up one yet. I didn't start off with one an dam now waiting until Dec 29th to put any fish back in the DT. Lost a few of my favorite fish along the way. Don't be me. Quarantine from the beginning and you'll be MUCH happier in the end.