What should I add to my new setup?

razord · 12/10/2018, 04:35 AM

So I’m upgrading my basic 55g setup with a HOB skimmer to a Waterbox 170 in a few weeks. I have new lights, a pump and skimmer. What else should I consider adding?

I’ve been in the hobby for years but this is the first time I’m owning s proper setup with a sump, etc. so much of this is new to me.

RobZilla04 · 12/10/2018, 06:27 AM

If you have a sump, use an in water skimmer and not a HOB. The in water skimmers will perform much more efficiently and will likely not be undersized in the long run.

mcgyvr · 12/10/2018, 07:09 AM

ATO system?

razord · 12/10/2018, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobZilla04

If you have a sump, use an in water skimmer and not a HOB. The in water skimmers will perform much more efficiently and will likely not be undersized in the long run.

Yes, sorry if that wasn’t clear. I did buy a new sump for the new setup. Just describing current setup so you knew.

razord · 12/10/2018, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

ATO system?

Thanks! So this sump has the reservoir for it. What else do I need to buy for it to get where it needs to be? (Sorry for my ignorance).

mcgyvr · 12/10/2018, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razord

Thanks! So this sump has the reservoir for it. What else do I need to buy for it to get where it needs to be? (Sorry for my ignorance).

I haven't looked into what this waterbox is but an ATO system is typically composed of the following..
1-A reservoir for freshwater
2-A sensor/controller system to detect the water level
3-A pump to pump water from reservoir to return pump section..

Examples of ATO systems here..
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/auto-...f-systems.html

manateemark · 12/10/2018, 11:34 AM

I don't know what you meant by a pump, but hopefully you meant return pump. You will probably also need/want a heater depending on your houses temperature and climate. Possibly a grow light for Chaetomorpha. You'll need some filter socks too. Possibly some moon lights if your regular lights don't already have them. You might also want to look into dosing phytoplankton if you're planning on going full SPS. Really it's going to depend on the style of tank you are wanting to do. Possibly a calcium reactor too if you're doing full SPS.

12/10/2018, 04:35 AM	#1
razord Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 111	What should I add to my new setup? So I’m upgrading my basic 55g setup with a HOB skimmer to a Waterbox 170 in a few weeks. I have new lights, a pump and skimmer. What else should I consider adding? I’ve been in the hobby for years but this is the first time I’m owning s proper setup with a sump, etc. so much of this is new to me.

12/10/2018, 06:27 AM	#2
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	If you have a sump, use an in water skimmer and not a HOB. The in water skimmers will perform much more efficiently and will likely not be undersized in the long run. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

12/10/2018, 07:09 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	ATO system? __________________ Who me?

12/10/2018, 11:34 AM	#7
manateemark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 52	I don't know what you meant by a pump, but hopefully you meant return pump. You will probably also need/want a heater depending on your houses temperature and climate. Possibly a grow light for Chaetomorpha. You'll need some filter socks too. Possibly some moon lights if your regular lights don't already have them. You might also want to look into dosing phytoplankton if you're planning on going full SPS. Really it's going to depend on the style of tank you are wanting to do. Possibly a calcium reactor too if you're doing full SPS.