Shopping list for 150-200G tank

S

sunfun

Price per Number Total Price Shipping Total Cost Site
150 gal tank $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00
175 lbs Live rock $4.00 175 $700.00 $175.00 875.00
Pumps
Main Pumps - Quite ones 2200 series $22.00 3 $66.00 $10.00 76.00 www.drfostersmith.com
Circulation pumps - Maxi-Jet Model 900 $15.99 1 $15.99 $5.00 20.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Maxi-Jet Upgrade Kit $15.00 1 $15.00 $5.00 20.00 www.drfostersmith.com
Sure Grip 100 Magnet $34.99 1 $34.99 $5.00 39.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Controlling
AquaController III Pro Base Unit $499.99 1 $499.99 $10.00 509.99 www.drfostersmith.com
AquaController III Pro Temp Probe $59.99 1 $59.99 $1.00 60.99 www.drfostersmith.com
pH Probe $49.99 1 $49.99 $1.00 50.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Temp Probe $59.99 1 $59.99 $1.00 60.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Conductivty Probe $124.95 1 $124.95 $1.00 125.95 www.drfostersmith.com
ORP Probe $54.95 1 $54.95 $1.00 55.95 www.drfostersmith.com
Misc
Coralife Protein skimmer 125 $179.99 1 $179.99 $10.00 189.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Electronic Co2 Regulator (with 8 digit LCD Counter) $289.99 1 $289.99 $25.00 314.99 http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm
Coralife Calcium Reactor $139.99 1 $139.99 $10.00 149.99 www.marinedepot.com
Kalkwasser Stirrer Model 1000 $218.99 1 $218.99 $10.00 228.99
Current USA 40 watt Gamma Ultraviolet Sterilizer (up to 200 gal.) $179.99 1 $179.99 $20.00 199.99

Ok guys here is the shopping list so far. Aside from tank, stand, hood and lighting, what am I forgetting? Also, if you see a pice of equipment that you think sucks, let me know so I can do some more research on it.
 
im assuming this is a reef, your probably going to need more flow. some way to get some random flow. dont forget fans and heaters for temp control. i second the better skimmer too.
 
From the equipment you are buying I'm assuming this is a mixed reef or SPS tank. I agree with the others and go with a better skimmer. Also you will want more flow. I've got over 4000+gal an hour turn over in my 75gal tank.

The controller can be had cheaper at reefgeek.com. They have a package with the temp, ph and orp probes plus DC8 for $749. The one from Drs. doesn't even include the DC8, they use the X10 modules.

What lights are you planning?
 
It will be a reef tank. I will prob go with a dual 250mh system and dual 110 VHOs. I did forget the sand! :) Thanks for the reminder. I'll go back to the drawing board on the skimmer.

Keep up the great input guys.
 
How about the Turboflotor 5000 Shorty skimmer??

Well, good news, the wife caught me in the act of updating the shopping list. (I was planning to bring up the idea over a nice dinner at some point in the future.) When she saw the list her comment was, "I see your conveniently not totalling it." At which point I stupidly said, "It does subtotal. It's at the bottom" (D'oh, how do women get us to give up these bits of info we are hiding?!?) So she of course asks me to scroll down, which I did. Reluctantly. A line at a time.

Well, when the $3,799 price tag rolled into view, I cringed figuring I'd immediately get shot down. Suprisingly and amazingly she asked "Does that include any of the thousands of dollars of fish your going to put in it?" Wait a minute??? Wha . . . who . . . where?!? No shoot down?? No maybe sometime in the future comment or even another discussion on how to put the twins thru college??????!!!!??????

She even asked if that included the lighting system. (It did.) Now I wish I'd included some of the REALLY expensive stuff I was looking at. Well, now that I've passed the biggest hurdle in this project, getting buy in from the better (probably more rational) half, it looks like I'm home free.

Well, cheers. Looks like I'm off to the races.
 
I would recommend getting:

a oversized quality skimmer (rated for 2 X the amount of your tank volume, ex: skimmer rated for 300 gallons on a 150 gallon). Skimmer quality is an area I would not slack on. Differ skimmer manufacturers have differ specs and footprints, pick one according to yours sumps footprint or build sump around skimmer footprint.

for flow, (just suggesting, not necessary) but for the price of Koralia 4 compared to getting MJ1200, with Magnet mounts, and Mod kit, I would go with Koralia because of the flow pattern is wider and not so focused. Also as far energy is concerned, Koralia 4 uses 8.5 watts compared to a MJ1200 using 20watts. 2 X Koralia 4 at 17watts. Unless you plan on using the MJ1200 on a Wavemaker device.

I do not see a need for a Calcium reactor, Kalk reactor, or a UV sterilizer when intinally setting up your tank. But depending on how fast you stock your tank you can always add these later. But I think you can wait on these if you need or want to. Just my opinion.

I would also suggest staying away from Coralife Skimmers and Calcium reactors, to be honest I would trust my DIY skills over their products.

Great choice for a controller. I thinking of upgrading to AC3 as well.
 
I agree. I would drop some money on a skimmer and also go with Koralias vs. MJ if you don't want to spend money on a vortec or tunzes. Definitely spend some money on your skimmer. I spent over $200 on several crappy skimmers before I ponied up and bought a good one. It will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

You also need to think about maintenance things like wheeled rubbermaid containers or whatever you plan on using for water changes, pumps and tubing for mixing salt water and water changes, and towels if you don't have a bunch of old towels you can use. Also, do you have an RO/DI system. I can't remember if that was on your list or not. If not it will pay for itself in time and sweat in under a year.
 
I do have an RO/DI unit for water changes, so it isn't on the list. I will look into both the Korilias and possibly a Tunze. As far as the Kalkwasser and Calc reactors are concerned, I figure, if I'm going to jump, JUMP HIGH! :p This is sort of a one time unlimited (within reason) budget shopping trip, so I need to pick up everything up front that I will need over the next 3 years.

I am actually considering getting several tanks in the 100-200g range so I can put different stuff in different tanks and run them all off a main sump. This is just a possibility and I am still working under the assumption of one tank. (In my wet dreams I am surrounded by tanks stacked 2 high . . . ) :D

For the skimmer, I don't have a sump built, or even a design yet, so I can pretty much do anything I want as far as equipment is concerned then build the sump around the equipment. I have had lost of ppl suggesting getting a better skimmer, but very few suggestions on actual brands. I looked into the Deltec, and I know I can't afford those. Any other ideas?

For water changes I plan on using 2 55G rubber maid newtrash cans with wheels.

For the pumps, I was looking at the MJs with the mod kit because they would make a diffuse stream with alternating currents similar to what the water currents on a reef are truly like.

I appreciate the suggestions. Keep them coming.
 
Price per Number Total Price Shipping Total Cost Site
150 gal tank $0.00 0.00
CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand 20 lb $34.99 12 $419.88 $50.00 469.88
175 lbs Live rock $4.00 175 $700.00 $175.00 875.00
Pumps
Main Pumps - Quite ones 2200 series $22.00 3 $66.00 $10.00 76.00 www.drfostersmith.com
Circulation pumps - Tunze Turbelle® Stream 2 Pump 6065 (New Generation with Titanium Alloy Shaft) $152.39 3 $457.17 $5.00 462.17 www.marinedepot.com
Controlling
AquaController III Pro Base Unit $499.99 1 $499.99 $10.00 509.99 www.drfostersmith.com
AquaController III Pro Temp Probe $59.99 1 $59.99 $1.00 60.99 www.drfostersmith.com
pH Probe $49.99 1 $49.99 $1.00 50.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Temp Probe $59.99 1 $59.99 $1.00 60.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Conductivty Probe $124.95 1 $124.95 $1.00 125.95 www.drfostersmith.com
ORP Probe $54.95 1 $54.95 $1.00 55.95 www.drfostersmith.com
Misc
Turboflotor 5000 Shorty $599.99 1 $599.99 $20.00 619.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Electronic Co2 Regulator (with 8 digit LCD Counter) $289.99 1 $289.99 $25.00 314.99 http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm
Coralife Calcium Reactor $139.99 1 $139.99 $10.00 149.99 www.marinedepot.com
Kalkwasser Stirrer Model 1000 $218.99 1 $218.99 $10.00 228.99
Current USA 40 watt Gamma Ultraviolet Sterilizer (up to 200 gal.) $179.99 1 $179.99 $20.00 199.99
Lighting
4ft Captive Sun Retrofit Lighting System - 2x250W MH Bulb + 2x110W VHO (Bulbs NOT Included) $369.20 1 $369.20 $20.00 389.20 www.marinedepot.com


Ok, pick it apart. What am I missing? What do I still need to look into further? What still isn't up to par?

Thanks,

A
 
If you're able to find some still, I'd recommend going with Pavestone Pulverized Limestone instead of the expensive stuff on the sand...

Little more work to get it rinsed out, but < $5 for a 40 pound bag is MUCH nicer on that dreaded sub-total...

I'd go a little bigger on the return pumps, probably at least QO 3000's... I had a single QO 6000 for the return on my 150, and the return was just about right IMHO...

Want the URL for the place I got my skimmer from? You saw the beast I got, and it was under $600... They make smaller versions... :wink:

IMHO Drop the UV... Other than a massively overstocked fish only tank that has a high turnover, they do more harm than good... This is a holy-war issue, just my opinion, but I think that money could go to better purposes elsewhere in your setup.

Now that I've got it put together, I'm REALLY liking the lumenbright reflectors with Icecap ballasts... I'm sure you'll have an opportunity soon to see it and see if that's something you'd wanna do on your tank... :)

As always, just my opinion, and it's worth every penny that you paid for it... :wink:
 
Oh, and if you're budgeting, don't forget a few grand at Home Depot for all KINDS of things you hadn't even THOUGHT of! Plumbing, material to build a stand and canopy 'cause you don't like the ones your tank came with, etc. etc. etc...

(Okay, so maybe a couple grand is a bit much, but, ya' know what I mean...)

Add a few MJ1200's too, having a few of those on hand is just too handy... Mixing saltwater up, moving water change in/out, etc...

If you don't already have one, a refractometer... (NOT a cheap hydrometer!)

Quality test kits (And cheap ones for your cycle) - Ammonia/Nitrite for the cycle, then quality (Salifert, IMHO) Nitrate, Calcium, Alkalinity at the very least, others will be added as you go...

Titanium ground probe

Cooling fans (And/or a chiller)

ATO switches and pumps (Aqua lifters is what I personally use)

Something nice to surprise your wife with... That ALWAYS helps! :wink:
 
If you could post the URL for your skimmer, that would be great. Your skimmer is probably as tall as my girls are!! :D I was thinking about going with 2 Quiet ones 2200s and put one return in each corner. If the tank that I get is only drilled for one, I could always drill another bulkhead for the second one. I figured that would offer some redundancy in the event that 1 of them goes out.

You thoughts??

Thanks,

A
 
@sunfun wrote:
For the skimmer said:
For the skimmer, I'd look into a ATi Bubble Master or an Octo Recirc. You can get those for pretty cheap and they are very good skimmers. Plus they are good on the electric consumption.
Click to expand...
 
Here's the place I got my skimmer from... Mine's the MSX300:

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog/Protein-Skimmers-MSX-Skimmers/c22_48/index.html

On the pumps, I'm all about going redundant, I'm going with a pair of Quiet One 4000's for my new setup...

I'd just be concerned that the 2200's would have enough oomph...

Most bigger tanks, the bottom pane would be tempered, so you couldn't drill another hole in there, what's there when you get it is what's gonna be there...

(You could drill the back instead of the bottom, but I'd really look for one that's already drilled where and how many you're wanting it to have)
 
I'm cracking up over here because nobody mentioned salt! I don't think you'd get very far without it, unless you plan to stock your tank with mollies! :wink:
 
I would agree on dropping the UV sterilizer and use that money to buy a good calcium reactor, those coralife ones suck. They are well none for springing leaks. I also think a better skimmer is in order, MSX or some of the nicer Octos are pretty cheap but work very well. As far as lighting goes I would look into getting a lumenarc or lumenbright reflector, they make a big difference, just ask anyone who has swapped out their old reflectors for either of those.
 
Decided to scrap the UV strilizer and go with the MSX 300 for a skimmer so the shopping list now looks like this. Still need to fina a better calc reactor. I'll prob replace the sand before I'm done too.

Any more ideas?? You guys are doing great.

Price per Number Total Price Shipping Total Cost Site
150 gal tank $0.00 0.00
CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand 20 lb $34.99 12 $419.88 $50.00 469.88
175 lbs Live rock $4.00 175 $700.00 $175.00 875.00
Pumps
Main Pumps - Quite ones 2200 series $22.00 3 $66.00 $10.00 76.00 www.drfostersmith.com
Circulation pumps - Tunze Turbelle® Stream 2 Pump 6065 (New Generation with Titanium Alloy Shaft) $152.39 3 $457.17 $5.00 462.17 www.marinedepot.com
Controlling
AquaController III Pro Base Unit $499.99 1 $499.99 $10.00 509.99 www.drfostersmith.com
AquaController III Pro Temp Probe $59.99 1 $59.99 $1.00 60.99 www.drfostersmith.com
pH Probe $49.99 1 $49.99 $1.00 50.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Temp Probe $59.99 1 $59.99 $1.00 60.99 www.drfostersmith.com
Conductivty Probe $124.95 1 $124.95 $1.00 125.95 www.drfostersmith.com
ORP Probe $54.95 1 $54.95 $1.00 55.95 www.drfostersmith.com
Misc
MSX 300 $459.99 1 $459.99 $20.00 479.99 http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog/Protein-Skimmers-MSX-Skimmers/c22_48/p147/MSX300/product_info.html
Electronic Co2 Regulator (with 8 digit LCD Counter) $289.99 1 $289.99 $25.00 314.99 http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm
Coralife Calcium Reactor $139.99 1 $139.99 $10.00 149.99 www.marinedepot.com
Kalkwasser Stirrer Model 1000 $218.99 1$218.99 $10.00 228.99
1 $0.00 0.00
Lighting
4ft Captive Sun Retrofit Lighting System - 2x250W MH Bulb + 2x110W VHO (Bulbs NOT Included) $369.20 1 $369.20 $20.00 389.20 www.marinedepot.com
 
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