Equipment for 38 gallon reef. Checklist inside.

[matthewh133]

Hey everyone, I'm about to begin my first saltwater aquarium. I have a list of equipment that I would love you guys to check over and make sure it's compatible and matches my 148 litre, 3ft wide tank. I will be running a 70ish litre sump below the tank in my cabinet.

I am planning to set up a reef tank, mainly LPS/Softies and about 3-5 fish.

Here is the equipment I have chosen so far, but have no bought. I would love some feedback!

Pump: Lifegard Aquatics Quiet One Aquarium Pump 3000 ($105)

Pumps & Power Heads - Lifegard Aquatics Quiet One - Lifegard Quiet One 3000 - Guppy’s Aquarium Products Online - Lifegard Aquatics Quiet One Aquarium Pump 3000

Powerhead: Hydor Koralia K2

Hydor Koralia K2

Lighting: Supreme Aqua T5 AQUARIUM LIGHT 6x39W H/O 910 Long Individual Reflectors

Florescent Light Fittings And Accessories - T5 Florescent Light Fittings Supreme Aqua - T5 AQUARIUM LIGHT 6x39W H/O 910 Long Individual Reflectors - Guppy’s Aquarium Products Online - AQUARIUM LIGHT 4x39W T5 950 Long Fish Tank Light

Overflow: Kit from Glass-Holes (700GPH)

http://glass-holes.com/700-gph-Overflow-complete-kit-gh700kit.htm

I have yet to choose a skimmer and would love any suggestions you have. I'm looking to spend around $150-200. I have been offered a used AquaC EV180 for a decent price. Thoughts on that skimmer for my tank?

Thanks so much for any assistance guys, I can't wait to get this up and running!

 

[carey]

Looks like a good list! I happen to like my AquaC remora skimmer alot, though it's a HOB version.

Do you have all the little goodies that you'll need?

Water test kit, preferably a liquid kit
Refractometer for salinity ( $30 on ebay)
a ro/di water source, whether its a unit for your self or access to one at the lfs
Powerheads

the lighting fixture looks to be a good one btw, you should have no issue keeping what you want.

 

[matthewh133]

Thanks Carey! I don't have those little things no, but they are last on my list for now. I'll get them when I have the equipment I need to keep water in the tank The thing I am most confused about now is the constructing of a sump (baffles/refug area), and the piping needed to connect all this to and from the tank (I'm not very good with handy work lol).

I have looked at some power heads. I thought maybe the Koralia K2 and maybe a Koralia Nano to go with it? I read it was best to get two power heads.

As for RO/DI, I decided I'll only be using RO-DI water to save myself the headaches, so I'll have to do some looking around and see who supplies it locally!

I also may have the opportunity to jump on either a brand new Red Sea Berlin Classic (w/ pump) for $150, or XL version for $200. Also, I have been offered a used AquaC180 for a decent price, which I am also considering. Any thoughts on these two at all?

 

[carey]

I wish I could help on the sump, since i'm mechanically challenged i just bought a premade one.

there are quite a few threads on here where people have made their own sumps though, heck, you can even start a new thread in hardware if ya want.

Make sure we get pictures when youre up an set up!

Good call on the ro/di, better tio start out right than to save a few bucks.

 

[matthewh133]

It seems we're both mechanically challenged lol. If I can find a pre-built one I will snag it for sure.

I will most definitely get pictures once I get it up and running! I'm hoping to create a journal to keep track and hopefully use it for something other newbies can read and learn from as I am also building this tank as a newbie. I can't wait Just a few more equipment choices to go and a little more investigation into this sump.

Thanks for your assistance!

If anyone else can chime in regards to my two power head choices and skimmer choices that would be excellent!