New Tank, all the toys looking for everyone's input!

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by Gizmoh

Thanks again bblinks, I am liking the looks of the vertex equipment, as I have never used a media reactor before, can I run carbon and a phosphate absorbing media in the same reactor? Like the looks of the tunze silence pro, prob going that route, any input on if it better as an internal or external? I like the looks of the vertex calc reactor as well, are you happy with all the parts as a whole? And just curious as to why you recommend a skimmer for up to 300 gallons for a 125, just bigger is better? Or is it higher quality then there smaller ones? All and all I love the input and I almost have the equipment list done I think! Thanks again to all!

I use carbon and rowaphos together without any problems. I think the only reason people like to use them in different reactor is cause carbon is exhausted faster then phosphate removing media. So to save on rowaphos or what ever media you use, it is better to run them in different reactors. I change both of mine once a month so it's always fresh. I know it cost a bit more but it works for me. I do 4 cups of carbon and 2 cups of rowaphos.

I am glad you are gonna go with tunze pro pump, I am a big fan of large turn over rate. I have a reeflo pump for my return but its very important that you try to match your flow rate to your skimmer so it can pick up as much crap as it can and not miss any.

I love my Vertex reactor. like I said I am not the laziest person but between the kids, work, and other activities I just like to keep things simple and the reactor for me is just that. Set it and forget it. Man I sound like that informerical about the rotassary.

If ask anyone about skimmer rating you will get an different answer every time. IME always take half of what the manufacture recommanded size for most skimmers. Usually the rating is on a lightly stocked tank but if you have or planning to have a semi heavy stocked tank like most of us do you will need a skimmer that's rated for more.

I do use kalk stirrer from Avast marine for top off.

Glad to hear everything is coming along,

WE NEED PICTURES!!!