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

[Gizmoh]

Wow! What a tank, that's a beauty! And thanks bblinks for all the input. What do you think of the octopus skimmers? I was thinking of going that way with the ecotech pumps, little fish phosban reactor, and I am not sure if I am going to do calcium reactor or dosing yet. I was thinking of going with 10xT5 as I don't have a lot of clearance over the tank for the lights to sit above the tank, how far above the water level do most LEDs need to be?

O and I really need a good quite return internal or external any input there? My Mag is really loud

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by Gizmoh

Wow! What a tank, that's a beauty! And thanks bblinks for all the input. What do you think of the octopus skimmers?
I have never used an octopus skimmer so I can't really comment on it, I think bulkreefsupply sells them, maybe check out the reviews and go from there. I am still leaning towards either a vertex cone 250 or bbk mini 200 or supermarin 200 depend on your funds.
I was thinking of going that way with the ecotech pumps,
Personally I like the ecotech's design and functionality but that's where it ends. Compare to my Tunzes they are just so abnoxiously loud I just can't take it. I went with a herbie overflow just so I can keep the decibel level to a mininum(my tank is in my basement where we hang out the most)
little fish phosban reactor,
I have used 2 little fishes reactor but if you want a quality reactor, vertex is the way to go. very similar designs, both with screw on top that I like but tlf doesn't have the best built quailty. I also have 3 nextreef reactor which are pretty good except for the thumb screws. I just hate it.

and I am not sure if I am going to do calcium reactor or dosing yet.
This is really personal perferences. Larger system like mine, a calcium reactor is so much easier IMO then dosing, I dosed in my 210 but after a while I got sick of mixing and filling the jugs of chemicals. My theory is the simple and lazy approach, the easier the task means more chances for me to do it. I use Vertex rx6 duo and I love it.
I was thinking of going with 10xT5 as I don't have a lot of clearance over the tank for the lights to sit above the tank, how far above the water level do most LEDs need to be?
I like T5's so 10 X T5 will be enough to grow anything at 20" but LED's are just so cool. As for clarence on LED's there is nothing set in stone, it all depends on wether or not you mind the spot light effect. You can always use lens to focus or spread.
O and I really need a good quite return internal or external any input there? My Mag is really loud
Ehiem 1262 or Tunze silence pro(expensive but worth it)

[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!

[Gizmoh]

Oh and do you use a Kalk reactor with your ATO?

[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!!!

[fishytime]

Originally Posted by Bblinks

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.

the theory behind two different reactors with two different pumps (or one pump with a manifold) is both carbon and GFO have optimal flow rates where the product works best....for GFO its about 200-400 gph and for carbon its 400-600 gph



as for equipment and such....get the best you can afford.....the higher priced items may not perform any differently then less expensive units, but the build quality and components are usually better.....

[Bblinks]

[quote=fishytime;717211]the theory behind two different reactors with two different pumps (or one pump with a manifold) is both carbon and GFO have optimal flow rates where the product works best....for GFO its about 200-400 gph and for carbon its 400-600 gph[quote]


Flow rate is also a good point, I think carbon will work better if the water passes through without any tumbling but rowaphos will bind together if its not getting enough flow. But for the most part even with 2 different pumps running 2 different reactor, not many of us are gonna know what the exact flow rate is. ultimately the choice is yours. It is just easier for me.

[Gizmoh]

Lol oh there will be pictures bblinks but I haven't quite started yet, going to get everything set and then I may do a build thread. So for equipment this is what I got picked out. Tank is 48x30x20 (125g).

Lights: 10x54w ati powermodule (I have heard this has been discontinued)
Skimmer: Vertex cone 250 or equivalent octopus I am still torn on this one.
Reactors: 2 vertex universal and one vertex calc
Powerheads: Ecotech or tunze
Return: Tunze Silence Pro
ATO: Tunze osomlator
Heaters: ?
Chiller: ? (room can get get very warm in summer) what would people recommend
Sump with separate refugium
And I like the looks of your controller system blinks can I get some info on that instead of the Neptune? (I like the touch screen)

Am I missing anything!?

Thanks again for everyone's input!