some suggestions on equipment

rosko23

Active member
Ok guys, I am starting my first large tank. I currently have an 8 gal which was my first reef tank. I ordered a 48x30x22 rimless (137 gal) from ReefSavvy and I will be building the stand for it. I am going to make the stand a little larger and I will probably be ordering a custom sump from NanoSea creations. I am thinking of getting a 40 gallon one made. Is this big enough? I will be probably get I need a little help on what I need to get. I have my lights, 2 Ecotech Radions. Going to be ordering 2 mp40w's. I will also probably get the Apex system not sure if I will go with Jr or full system. As for skimmers since I am going custom on the sump, which one do you guys suggest. I don't want to break the bank and go Deltech, but don't mind paying a little extra. I will also be looking into an ATO system. Suggestions? BRS Ro/Di unit is also on my list.
Carbon Reactor? Anything else I overlooked?

thanks
 
The bigger sump you have the better. Although you have to go by the room you have at times. Go with what you feel will be comfortable enough for you to work down there with. Also plan on size of sump according to equipment you plan on adding and what not. Trust me, you don't want to be cramped with equipment down there as it'll only make it harder for you to work. I am not sure on the Radions as I have no experience with LEDs. But you might want a third one if I have read correctly in the past. I'm sure Ted could give a little more info on this as he played with them. If you have the budget I would just go with the whole Apex system. Why go small when you can go big, huh? :lol: Skimmer wise you have to look at the room you have again. Without exact measures you can't really say much. All skimmers have their own footprint so you will have to look into size. GL with your build and I hope this helps. Also looking forward to seeing a build thread on this baby!
 
I know the LEDs are made for a 24x24 foot print, but they should be ok on this tank. Thanks for your suggestions, I am going to go as big as I can, but any suggestion as to brand of skimmer you would suggest? Reef octopus? Bubble Magnus?
 
What comes first, your sump or your skimmer? As Cubbies said, your sump will dictate your skimmer options. Personally, I would pick out the skimmer and then design the sump around it. 40G is fine for a 137G, but if you have the room, goas big as you can. Reef Octopus is a good skimmer brand to look at. It's not ridiculously overprice. I'd look to get an oversized one with a 200-250gph rating. Regarding the APEX, I would highly recommend the net module. I've seen DanSreef's and it's very slick. Otherwise it sounds like your equipment list is on target with some good choices already made.
 
I'm getting the skimmer then planning the sump around it. Going for as big as I can fit. Since I am going to have my stand built, I should be able to get a pretty decent size sump. 40 gal was an estimate. And I will look at that apex system. Thanks
 
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