Am I Missing Anything?

Hello, I'm looking to start getting the supplies for changing my 70g Discus/Angelfish Freshwater tank into a reef. I know it will take a bit for me to save up but that won't stop me. I was always more of a nano guy but lately I'm starting to get a real interest in large reef tanks. I just need to know am I missing anything equipment wise. I've chosen some brands but others, I'm still looking. Currently I have the following written down:

Reef Octopus Diablo 8 Protein Skimmer
30g Custom Made sump
2 200 Watt Heaters
2 Hydor Koralia Evolution 1500 gph Powerheads
Lighting (Still Unknown)

I've already started getting a bit of money to put towards this. I'm trying to go the cheapest, Best route. The protein skimmer is rated for about 120-180 gallons but I heard the bigger rate, the better in a realistic sense. As for the lighting, I'm looking more into LEDs rather then Metal Halides. I was looking into the Maxspect Razor R420R, Seems a reasonable price since LEDs tend to be expensive. I have an AI Sol on my nano but it would cost me around 2000 to put 4 of them on the 70g.

I'm also going to build an auto top-off system. This is just the main equipment I'm writing down, I'm not writing down items such as Test kits, Just the expensive things.

So If I'm missing anything just tell me or if you have any advice. I'm new here by the way Thanks

 

Welcome to 3reef. In terms of lighting, if you want to go with something reasonably priced, then I suggest T5.....I know that LED's are very popular but still pretty pricey. Sounds like you have a good, solid start. You are going to love it!

 

Thanks a lot for replying! I'll keep the T5s in mind since their very cheap. Yeah I'm going to love this I've already fallen in love with my nano.

*EDIT*

By the way, thanks for the warm reception by everyone, i think i'm going to like this forum.

 

Bond, James bond,

Oh sorry, James,

Do they have any local websites for selling used stuff in your area, like 'CraigsList'?
Or maybe something like it?

It's a great way to get good used equipment for a fraction of the cost.

Around these parts, (I'm presently in Milwaukee- it's known as a drinking town with a working problem!) it's almost St. Patricks Day1

Welcome to 3Reef!

 

Haha, yeah they have sites such as adverts.ie but there is never anything good on them. Fish keeping isn't really as big here as it is over where you are so there would be no chance of getting something good on them I could ask the LFS for some second hand equipment though

 

Just to be clear, would a 30g sump be big enough?

 

30g su!mp, for a 75g? Should be

Around here, many of us try and stay away from many lfs'!

If you have the time and some skills, you can actually build alot of it too!

 

Yeah thanks I've leanred to stay away from the LFS unless neccesary like getting second hand equipment.

 

Go with two mp10w es powerheads. I have koralias and one of them just broke after a week of use, and is a common problem. I now own one mp10w es and will be ordering a second one to pair wirelessly to it. My koralias had dead spots, one mp10 does not have any from what I've tested so far. I'll also be ordering their radion lights which can also sync to the powerheads.

 

Your list looks good.You will need a decent return pump for the sump.Be sure to choose this pump wisely.It is best to spend the extra money and get an energy efficient one as these pumps are one of the least efficient pieces of equipment we run (except if you are running MH's lol) and are going to run 24 hours a day.
I have used Koralia's for years and still have three originals that I purchased when they first came out. As long as they are maintained properly they last a long time for the money.They are not perfect and there are issues but Hydor has sent me numerous free parts and has corrected some of the issues with the new 1500 you are looking at.(I just ordered one) IMO there are much more important things to upgrade if you are on a budget.Eheim makes superb pumps that are efficient and last a long time.As far as lighting.Led's have a little (not much anymore) higher upfront costs but they will save you money after you consider bulb changes and electricity savings.If you are looking at the Razor you may want to check out Reefbreeders.(sponsor here)Good luck.