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Help with setting up tank

2K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  bettababy 
#1 ·
What is the best equipment to buy for a 280 gal reef tank its a new tank with no hole so possibilties are endless 6x3x2 please help
 
#2 ·
For something of that size you will for sure want to work with a sump system, there is no other filtration unit available that's going to handle what you're after here. In your sump you will want to include a good protein skimmer like the Nautilis or the EuroReef, a good uv sterilizer, heater. You would also do well to run a refugium. Another good investment due to the size of the tank would be a calcium reactor. This will help to keep your calcium stable without having to add the chemicals all the time, and long term is much cheaper. Don't forget the power heads, either. Good circulation is going to be important and you'll probably spend a few days just rearranging these to meet your desired needs.
Lighting, do some research for the needs of the animals you're interested in keeping. Take shape and depth of the tank into account when making your choices. Depending on the lighting you choose, if its something like Metal Halilde, you will also want to invest in a chiller.

Oh, and don't forget to invest in a refractometer. The accuracy level of hydrometers is not usually very good, and with something of that size you want accuracy wherever possible. That would be a lot of investment to lose over a $40 - $50 tool vs the $10 - $15 for a hydrometer that fails you.
 
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