New Reef System - 30gal

[chrishet]

I've had a very basic 20gal reef running for about 5 years now with average-poor success. My wife bought me a 30gal Oceanic Cube for fathers day and I want to build this one 'right'. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions on my plan below...I wasn't planning on a sump, should I? and any comments on the vendor selections would also be appreciated.

Filter - Fluval 204 (already own)
Skimmer - CPR BakPak (already own)
Chiller - Pacific Coast CL-280 or Arctica Titanium 1/10 HP Chiller
Chiller Pump - Mag Drive
Dosing Pump
Coralife 96watt Power Compact Hood (already own)
Moonlight - Lunar Blue

Thanks!

 

[ricky1414]

I would ditch the fluval, you have the CPR Bakpak. It's not neccessary. Does your tank temp get high with your lights? If not, you may only need to have the chiler run on the hottest of days. But it def. is a good item to have, wish I had one. Might need to up the ante on the lights, if you want to keep some more light dependent corals, that is. Post some pics when you can. I am absolutely enamored with cube tanks. :wink:

 

[ricky1414]

Oh, if you want a seamless operation with the chiller, I would say a sump is a must.

 

[chrishet]

Thanks ricky, My 20gal tank gets way too hot now which is why I am getting the chiller for my new setup. I have several computers in my office and these don't help the air temp any. I was thinking about running the chiller directly from the tank, would this be a problem?

 

[ricky1414]

Only if the tank level drops enough to break the siphon to the chiller, you could possibly damage the chiller and burn out the return pump. But, I think it could be done.