Upgrading tips and opinions

[CocoReef]

I am planning on upgrading from a 20 gallon high to a 120 gallon aquarium. I am currently looking at the 48" MEGA Matrix and am open to any opinions or changes to my plans as this will be my first tank of this size.

Equipment Plan:
Mega Matrix:
OVERFLOW
Internal
SUMP
TideLine Sump 30"x16"
( Is low iron glass worth it?)

LIGHTING
Kessil APX9

FLOW
2x Nero 5 Wave Pumps

ROCK
20 lbs Real Reef Small Rock
40 lbs Real Reef Medium Rock
45 lbs Real Reef Large Rock
15 lbs Real Reef Branch Rock

SAND
100 lbs Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand

SKIMMER
Reef Octo Classic 150 SSS

RETURN
eFLux Loop Return Pump 1900 gph

MEDIA REACTOR
SpectraPure Dual Reactor
Running activated carbon, gfo, and biopellets

TEMPERATURE
Ink Bird Dual Digital Controller
200w Eheim Heater
100x Eheim Heater

AUTO TOP OFF
Tunze Osmolator 3155
10 Gallon TideLine ATO Container

I am open to any changes or opinions, this is just a rough start. If there are areas that have cheaper options I would prefer to save money where I can without compromising reliability.

 

[ZoWhat]

My advice is to research research research every single decision.

 

[PeterC99]

How long have you had the 20g and what did you keep in it?

BTW - Welcome to R2R!

 

[CocoReef]

How long have you had the 20g and what did you keep in it?

BTW - Welcome to R2R!

Thanks! I've had my 20 gallon for a little over a year. I won't be upgrading for at least another year most likely longer. I just want to start a plan and get an idea on costs. I currently have 2 darwins, a pajama cardinal, a spotted goby (I'm worried about the tank being too small once it grows but my sister added it while I was gone), and an azure damselfish which she also added.

 

[CocoReef]

My advice is to research research research every single decision.

Yeah, my main concerns now are if 3 AI Hydra 32's are better than the one APX9 and if adding UV sterilization is worth it. Ive seen a lot of mixed opinions.

 

[PeterC99]

Thanks! I've had my 20 gallon for a little over a year. I won't be upgrading for at least another year most likely longer. I just want to start a plan and get an idea on costs. I currently have 2 darwins, a pajama cardinal, a spotted goby (I'm worried about the tank being too small once it grows but my sister added it while I was gone), and an azure damselfish which she also added.

Knowing your experience really helps level-set responding to your original questions!

Your plan looks very solid. I would recommend a chaeto Refugium to control nutrients instead of gfo, etc. Also would recommend a larger ATO. I have a 90g and get a lot of evaporation.

Good luck!

 

[CocoReef]

Knowing your experience really helps level-set responding to your original questions!

Your plan looks very solid. I would recommend a chaeto Refugium to control nutrients instead of gfo, etc. Also would recommend a larger ATO. I have a 90g and get a lot of evaporation.

Good luck!

Would I be able to set up the chaeto in a compartment of my sump? My main concern is fitting it under the display, which is the main reason the ATO and sump are so small. I would prefer a 40 gallon sump if I had the space but I needed room for the ATO.