New Set-Up Review - Part 2

[mgosson]

Almost finished with my wish list.
The last bit of details I need help with is…

1 -What brand and GPH flow rate powerheads do you recommend and how many do I need for a 54 corner tank?
2 - Return pump for the sump and required flow rates. I did some research on the Iwaki but I really have no clue of flow rate that is acceptable for a 54 tank. Also, the Mag-Drive #4 180 gph appears to be ok?
3 – Specific heaters to place in the sump and recommended output. I do concur with the statement, 2 heaters are better than one.
4- Substrate: I’m partial to sand but really have no clue. Live sand, Aragonite or other..

The tank will be primarily, FOWLR and few anenomones. To start with at least.

Please bear in mind. I don’t mind spending extra cabbage on better hardware. I hate doing things twice.

Thanks.
M Gosson

 

[OrionGirl]

1. Maxijets have been very reliable for me. I like to have one every 2 ft at least. You want your total tank turnoever to be 10 times an hour minimum, in combination with the movement from the sump.

2. As above--is that 180 gph at the appropriate head from your sump? If not--realize that pushing the water up from the sump will slow it significantly, and you may want to go a bit larger.

3. I've been happy with the titanium heaters. Remote unit, making them easy to adjust and monitor, one was accurate out of the box, the other required some tuning, but that was very easy to do.

4. Sand--a bunch of play sand and a live sand activator kit is the way to go, IMO.

What lighting do you have? Anenomes are among the most challenging animals keep, and should NOT be added to a new setup.

 

[mgosson]

The mag-drive states 500 gph, I'll have a 5' rise from the sump and according to specs on the pump I should realize a 180 gph.

Many here have stated to use “Play Sand” as a substrate (sounds okay to me). I guess I need to source out an activator, any suggestions?

Lighting: one choice is the “Coralife” 30” 65 watt 10,000 & 65 watt actinic blue compact fluorescents. This equates to 2.5 watts per gallon. Yes, I understand Anenomes should NOT be added to new tank. Point noted.
The tank is 54 corner and with such an odd shape I’m somewhat limited to the overall length of the lighting and overheads are not an option.

BTW, what’s your take on sumps? I was particularly intrigued by the Oceanic glass sump with an Aqua C EV-120 protein skimmer.

M Gosson

 

[OrionGirl]

I love my sumps. Make it easy to do water changes, keep equipment out of the main tank, great for topoff. But, I have drilled tanks, and just use a 55 as my sump.

That lighting won't be enough for anenomes, even with heavy feeding.

IPSF has good activator kits, and many speak highly of GARF's grunge.