The 75 gal RR build!

Hi all,

I'm soon to obtain a new 75 fal RR tank. Jumping back in! Woot! I want to keep cost down as much as possible, so I'm thinking of using a large rubber container for my sump. But what's a good protein skimmer any of you recommend? Also, we want to go with LED lights. I'm thinking of making my own, or buying one off of reef builders for $300. I've also found there are screw in LED reef lights, anyone familiar with these? I know I'd most likely need two LED fixtures. I should add that we plan on having around 4 fish. 2 false percula, 1 six line wrasse, a flame angel...maybe and a yellow watchman or purple firefish. We are focusing on it being manly all corals. Are there any new energy efficient heaters on the market? And can I use any rubber storage container? Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Thank you all and when I get the tank home, I will post pics and start a new youtube page.

 

I have a 75g and am looking at the reefbreeders fixtures too- I will probably be getting 2 of the Bridgelux controllable.

For the heater, I don't believe they are inherently inefficient to begin with, but I'd just recommend you put it in a place that has good flow. That way the heated water flows away from it.

For the sump, I would go with a smaller tank, rather than a plastic container. I have a 20g long sump- bought the tank off of Craigslist for $20 and bought plexiglass baffles from lowes for $17. I believe that the extra few bucks would be worthwhile for you in the long run. I think I even heard that Petco is doing their $1/ gallon sale right now.

If you want to keep costs down and don't mind used equipment, I would look on Craigslist for all your stuff. Thats what I did and found great barely used stuff for cheap (relative term )

 

Yep buck/gallon is on through 10/20 (at least that's what the guy told me when I was there last week).

There are some cool new heaters around that have digital thermometers and aren't glass. The name eludes me at the moment, I'll look around and see if I can find it. Of course, the best solution would be to use an external temp. controller of some sort and a titanium heater or two....

 

For a budget conscious skimmer, I would get an Eshopps PSK-XXX. I have a PSK-100 (in-sump model) in my 55 w/ 30 gal sump and love it! The only mod I did to it was drill a hole in the bottom of the collection cup with a fitting and hose so I can easily empty it. Other than that it works great right out of the box.